What Are the Best GoPro Alternatives in 2023? [We Found 12 Options]

When you think of compact action cameras that can be used virtually anywhere, it’s the GoPro brand that usually springs to mind.

Synonymous with epic Instagram posts and daredevil, adrenaline-fueled videos that fly around social media, you could almost believe that without a GoPro, you’re going nowhere.

GoPro’s best offering at the moment is the GoPro Hero 10 Black, which retails at a cool $449. It offers a 5.3K resolution at 60 FPS, a 23MP camera, is waterproof up to 33 feet (without the need for an additional case), and has a whole host of other features.

The truth is, there are many great alternatives out there if you’re prepared to look beyond the brand name. Compact action cameras with tons of features and much more affordable price tags are just waiting to be tried and tested by adventurers like you.

They may not all be able to stand against the Hero 10 in terms of features, but for most casual travelers, the differences between them will be negligible — but the price difference won’t be!

Things To Consider With an Action Camera

Video Resolution

Almost as soon as you start shopping around, you’ll be inundated by jargon like the term “video resolution.” In this instance, we’re not talking about the promises you make to yourself on New Year’s Eve, but the number of pixels on the display. The higher the resolution, the more detailed and clear the image will be.

A resolution of 1080p used to be the standard resolution for most cameras and devices, but if you’re considering an action camera, you’ll want to look for higher numbers. The best, and what you probably want, is a camera that films in 4K or 5K.

The other set of numbers you need to consider is the frame rate. This is the frequency at which the consecutive image (frames) are being displayed and is measured in frames per second or FPS. The standard rate used is normally 30 FPS, which gives you smooth transitions while still being kind to your storage space. Other common options are 60, 120, and 240 FPS.

In general, 30 to 60 FPS will suit most users. If you want to film in high definition or slow motion, you’ll want a camera that has more or higher FPS.

Waterproofing

If you’re looking to buy an action camera, chances are you won’t be using it while you’re sitting still! Active sports usually involve the great outdoors in all guises, meaning that you’ll need a camera that can cope with water, weather, and a host of other environmental factors.

Weatherproof camera housings should be resilient enough to protect your camera from a heavy shower, but if you’re planning on actually taking pictures underwater, you must look for a camera that is waterproof, or that is compatible with a waterproof case.

If you’re planning on filming extreme sports footage, you should probably look for a camera that offers shockproofing to protect it from drops, as well as freeze-proofing to protect your camera from the ill effects of extreme temperatures.

Battery Life

Because these little cameras are designed to be worked hard, they usually only offer between 1 to 3 hours of continuous use before they need to be charged again. If you shoot in high-resolution or are continually using your Wi-Fi connection, you may find the battery drains even quicker.

The key to taking an action camera out with you for the day is to make sure it’s fully charged before you leave. And, use it only for the important shots. Your phone will be good enough for selfies on the bus.

You may also want to consider buying extra batteries for your new camera.

Display

Being able to see what your camera sees is vital to getting the best shot. Long gone are the days of having to squint through the viewfinder — today it’s all about a color LCD screen that looks like miniature TV, right in front of your eyes.

Many action cameras offer touchscreens that allow you to change your field of view (FOV), add filters, edit footage, and even upload to the internet just by running through an easy-to-use menu.

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi connectivity means that you can use your camera to upload pictures automatically to your cell phone, tablet, or social media platform.

Most action cameras with Wi-Fi will also need you to install an app on your phone or tablet in the first place, then you are free to point, shoot, and post as often as you want to.

Field of View or FOV

Field of view is the physical area that your camera can capture at any given moment. Most action cameras offer a far wider FOV than the naked eye can take in and interpret, which is why you often spot things on a photograph that you missed in real life.

You can choose between wide, medium, and narrow for your images, but keep in mind that while wide-angled lenses can offer epic-looking images, they can sometimes look distorted, too.

Image Stabilization

With all those extreme sports you’ll be undertaking, you won’t have time to worry about keeping the camera steady. That’s where image stabilization comes in.

The ability to keep photos shake-free and mostly never blurry is a common feature on most small cameras — regardless of price.

Decent video stabilization is a little more tricky to deal with. A good quality camera will offer you gyro image stabilization that works electronically through software or optical image stabilization that physically moves the lens to counteract any motion.

Accessories

Many fans of the active lifestyle like to use their action cams while they’re (literally) on the move. That’s why accessories like helmet mounts, handlebar mounts, and even wrist mounts are so popular.

With technology that’s lightweight enough to be taken anywhere with you, yet clever enough to capture every second of your journey, mounts are one of the most important accessories you’ll ever need.

Straps and additional housings may also be useful, depending on what you’re hoping to shoot. Before you commit to a specific action camera, check that any accessories you may need in the future are not only affordable but are also easily available.

The 12 Best GoPro Alternatives

If you don’t want to spend a fortune on an action camera at this time or are simply looking for alternatives to the ever-present GoPro brand, here are some other great action cameras you should consider:

1. Alternative to GoPro and Other Big Name Brands

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AKASO V50 Pro Native 4K/30 FPS 20MP WiFi Action Camera

Max Resolution: 4K/30 FPS – 1080p/120 FPS

Battery Life: Up to 90 minutes

Weight: 2.88 ounces

The AKASO V50 will let you capture images and video like a pro! With the 4k/30 FPS allowing for excellent image quality, you’ll be able to capture every detail of your own intrepid outdoor adventures on this small, but impressive, action camera.

The durable waterproof case means you can dive as deep as 30 meters and still capture awesome footage. The built-in Diving Mode will even filter the red light underwater, giving you realistically-colored images.

The ability to choose your FOV will mean you never miss a shot as you can pick from Super Wide, Wide, Medium, or Narrow to suit your needs.

As impressive on dry land as it is in the water, the built-in 2-inch IPS touch screen makes setting up, previewing, and shooting with this little camera a piece of cake.

The EIS system also delivers steady and smooth videos, even when shooting fast-moving objects. You can capture the sound of the action, too, as the camera supports the use of an external microphone, which you can purchase separately.

You can also keep connected with this chat-happy kit. The built-in 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi can seamlessly connect to your smartphone, meaning you can share your pictures and videos the minute you shoot them.

What We Like

• Intuitive menu to change settings

What We Don’t Like

• Not great shooting in low light

2. The Premium Alternative

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DJI Osmo Action 3

Max Resolution: 4K/120 FPS

Battery Life: Up to 160 minutes (1080p/30fps)

Weight: 3.87 ounces

From the brand that develops some of the best drones in the industry, the DJI Osmo Action certainly gives GoPro a run for its money. Dual screens allow you to effortlessly film your surroundings or yourself, while intuitive UI allows you to navigate through the different modes and settings with ease and offers crystal clear playback and preview.

This little camera benefits from an impressive 4K/60 FPS and 1080p/240 FPS, so you can film in up to 8X super-smooth slow motion. There are several photo and video modes, including photo time-lapse, photo burst, slow motion, and 2.7K/30 FPS video time-lapse, meaning you can create awesome stills and videos using just this tiny action camera.

The lens has 3 aspherical layers to reduce glare and distortion, and with a fixed aperture of 2.8, this action camera captures beautifully clear and bright images.

No matter how energetic the activity is, you don’t need to worry about shaky footage with DJI’s RockSteady stabilization. Voice activation is another handy feature for when you’re not in reach of the camera or you don’t have a free hand.

Like GoPro, the Osmo Action camera body is waterproof without its waterproof housing (up to 16 meters), and when you add the housing, this extends to depths of up to 60 meters.

What We Like

• Can be mounted horizontally or vertically

What We Don’t Like

• No HDMI port

3. For Those Who Want the Whole Package

Dragon Touch 4K Action Camera

Max Resolution: 4K/30 FPS, 2.7K/60 FPS, 1080p/60 FPS

Battery Life: Up to 90 minutes

Weight: 5.3 ounces

This compact action camera is waterproof up to 98 feet (30 meters), making it a fantastic option for anyone looking to capture excellent images while snorkeling, diving, surfing, or just splashing about in the water.

The 170-degree, wide-angle fisheye lens means you won’t miss a thing, or you can use the 1.0 to 4.0X zoom range to capture all the action closer up. Combine that with the time-lapse, loop recording, and slow-motion functions and you’ll be making supercool videos in no time.

The 1050mAh lithium-ion battery can be recharged in around 2 to 3 hours and will give you up to 90 minutes of video fun at any one time. There’s also a handy remote control for when you can’t access the camera easily.

This little beauty will let you share your epic productions almost immediately, as the built-in Wi-Fi can connect and share your videos or photos straight to Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

The HDMI output lets you watch the spoils of your hard work directly on your laptop or TV. Perfect for cycling, golfing, running, or even just out on the road, you can attach this action camera to anything, making it easy to capture epic, first-person images, and videos.

This particular camera also comes with waterproof housing, a remote control, 2 batteries, and several mounts and tethers.

What We Like

• Has a remote control wristband

What We Don’t Like

• Not true 4K quality

4. Best For Underwater Adventures

AKASO EK7000 Action Camera

Max Resolution: 4K/30 FPS, 1080p/60 FPS

Battery Life: Up to 90 minutes

Weight: 2 ounces

Offering great image quality, the AKASO EK7000 Action Camera has plenty of the bells and whistles you would expect from much more expensive action cameras. With a 30-foot range on the built-in Wi-Fi, you can shoot with this camera and upload your footage and photos within seconds using the AKASO GO app. Remotely activate the camera with the app, or use the handy wrist remote that is ideal for filming on land.

The nifty little camera records at 4K/30 FPS or 1080p/60 FPS for slow-motion footage. Various shooting modes enable you to loop record, take a burst photo, or set up a time-lapse shot with ease, and the 170-degree wide angle is perfect for those epic adventures.

Small but perfectly formed, this clever little camera offers a wealth of features, including multi-record and capture modes with burst, slow-motion, and time-lapse functions.

Perfect for snorkeling or diving, the underwater casing allows you to film at depths of up to 98 feet, and the camera also performs well in extreme weather.

The rechargeable 1050mAh, lithium-ion batteries allow for around 90 minutes of usage on a single charge. Film fantastic footage for longer with this impressive alternative to the more expensive brands such as GoPro.

What We Like

• Wireless control using the AKASO Go app

What We Don’t Like

• Not the best audio quality

5. The Budget-friendly 4K Challenger

AKASO Brave Underwater Waterproof Camera And Camcorder

Max Resolution: 4K/24 FPS – 1080p/60 FPS

Battery Life: 1080p – 90 minutes, 4K – 60 minutes

Weight: 5.6 ounces

This upgraded version of the AKASO Brave Series is an impressive little camera that allows you to take incredible photos, as well as ultra HD videos, wherever your adventures take you.

The view angle function with anti-shaking means you can adjust the view angle between 170, 140, 110, and 70 degrees, while the smart gyroscope will keep the image completely shake-free.

Take this camera into the big blue with you as the waterproof casing is good up to 100 feet deep, and the 2 inch IPS screen still allows you to preview the video on the action camera, wherever you are. Perfect for sports lovers and nature fans alike, you can capture a whole world of action both in and out of the water.

Can’t wait to share your snaps? No problem. The built-in Wi-Fi can connect to your cell phone or tablet using the AKASO DV app. Review, edit, and even share your videos online instantly. Alternatively, you can use the USB port to transfer files to your laptop or TV.

The free accessories that come with it are a major selling point for this particular model. This underwater camera comes with 2 rechargeable 1050mAh batteries, a remote control wristband, and a 19-piece accessory kit.

What We Like

• Comes with a 19-piece accessory kit

What We Don’t Like

• Audio quality isn’t the best

6. Best for Recording Yourself in the Action

Insta360 ONE RS Twin Edition Action Camera

Max Resolution: 5.7K/30FPS (360-degree capture), 4K/60 FPS (wide angle)

Battery Life: Up to 85 minutes at 5.3K/30fps

Weight: 5.74 ounces

With the Insta360 R Twin Edition, you can switch between 360-degree filming in 5.7K and wide-angle 4K (perfect for capturing all the action), simply by swapping out the lens. This little camera comes with loads of exciting features, such as hyperlapse and starlapse modes and super slow motion up to 200 FPS.

The voice control means you can start and stop filming hands-free and the clever powerful tracking system will lock on to the subject and keep them in the center of the frame throughout.

Compact and lightweight, the Insta360 R Twin Edition allows anyone to capture spectacular footage on a tiny device that’s primed for action photography and video. The FlowState Stabilization gives gimbal-like smooth footage, even when shooting in low light.

Whether you’re taking to the slopes, the water, or the road, this is an excellent camera available for those who like to live a life full of adventure. When in its mounting bracket, the camera is waterproof to 16 feet (5 meters) or you can opt for the dive case to use in deeper or rougher waters.

What We Like

• Captures 360-degree footage and photos

What We Don’t Like

• 360-degree files take a lot of storage space

7. Another Budget Kit and Caboodle

WOLFANG GA100 Action Camera

Max Resolution: 4K/30 FPS – 720p/120 FPS

Battery Life: Up to 90 minutes

Weight: 1.52 ounces

If you like to share your adventures with your friends, this budget-friendly kit is perfect for uploading your photos and video to your phone or social media with Wi-Fi and the LIVE DV app.

If you’re planning on heading underwater, the camera housing is waterproof up to 130 feet, and the case is designed to withstand a breadth of extreme environments and conditions, both in and out of the water.

Fully mountable, you can wear this camera on your helmet as you race around on your bike, catch the waves, or go deep water diving, among other adrenaline-fueled outdoor activities. For hands-free filming on land, you can use the wrist remote to start and stop your recording.

The 2-inch LCD display is just right for watching and reviewing your video or photo playback. The various filters and settings are easy to operate and will make your footage look awesome.

Offering a lot more for your buck than just the camera alone, the WOLFANG action camera comes complete with 2 rechargeable 1050mAh batteries and a charger, a remote control, a waterproof case, and several mounts.

What We Like

• Has a wireless wrist remote

What We Don’t Like

• The footage is not great in low light

8. A Traditional Style Camcorder With a Difference

KETKAR 4K Underwater Camcorder

Max Resolution: 4K/30 FPS, 1080p/120 FPS

Battery Life: 90-150 minutes

Weight: 1.65 pounds

Offering mesmerizing, 4K images and steady, smooth video, you can take your POV action to new heights with this awesome underwater camcorder. This little baby can take awesome videos up to 16.4 feet, making it perfect for snorkeling and water babies of all abilities.

This nifty little camera offers great quality 56MP stills. The 18X digital zoom allows you to capture your subjects from afar, and  There’s face and motion detection for crystal-clear focus, even underwater.

The image stabilization system is very good and will prevent shakes and wobbles, no matter how excited you may be, and the 3.0 IPS HD screen rotates 270 degrees for easy vlogging or selfies.

Superior design makes for truly awesome video capabilities, and this little camcorder is durable enough to take virtually anywhere. On its own, the camera is waterproof without requiring any additional housing, so is great for taking on your travels.

Outside of the swimming pool or ocean, this camera can be used as a webcam with the included USB cable and can also record while being charged, saving you time.

Whatever you’re doing, this camera is hardy enough to capture it all beautifully.

What We Like

• Doesn’t require any waterproof housing

What We Don’t Like

• Not as compact as a GoPro-style action camera

9. Best for Fun Photos and Vibrant Videos

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Kodak PIXPRO WPZ2 Digital Camera

Max Resolution: 480p/120 FPS and 1080p/30 FPS

Battery Life: 70 minutes

Weight: 6.21 ounces

This fun and funky little number offers plenty to play with for a reasonable price. Kodak’s advanced BSI CMOS sensor with 16 million image pixels gives you more speed, quality, and clarity than a traditional CCD sensor, meaning more fun footage for your buck.

Waterproof up to 49 feet or 15 meters, shockproof to 6.5 feet or 2 meters, and dustproof, you can take this action cam anywhere.

You’ll never miss a moment of the action either, as you can switch between 1080p full-HD video or full-res images in 6 FPS at the push of a button. You can also capture footage in 120 FPS in 460p for super slow motion.

Compact enough to fit in your pocket, this durable and ultra-versatile action cam has various scene modes to help with shooting and built-in wireless connectivity.

The digital stabilization (EIS) automatically adjusts to compensate for any unintentional camera movements to reduce blurry shots and video when the action gets too intense, and the 2.7-inch 230K LCD screen allows you to playback the pictures and videos you take.

Not the cheapest of the bunch, but a good choice if you like the bright, bold retro feel of Kodak cameras, and very good for those who like to shoot on the move. It’s also worth noting that the extreme durability of this camera comes at the cost of it being heavier than most of its counterparts on this list.

What We Like

• Extremely shockproof

What We Don’t Like

• Can’t be mounted on anything for hands-free use

10. Best for Future Action Camera Fans

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PROGRACE Kids Underwater Action Cam

Max Resolution: 1080p/30FPS

Battery Life: Up to 120 minutes

Weight: 1.76 ounces

Available in 5 bright colors, this kiddie-sized action cam is the perfect piece of kit for any budding photographer or filmmaker. Durable, versatile, and waterproof, your little ones can take this anywhere with them on their next adventure.

Complete with 2 separate mounts, you can attach this camera to your little one’s helmet, bike, skateboard, and much more to capture awesome images on the go. It is also waterproof up to 98 feet when used with its waterproof housing.

The 1.7-inch color LCD screen means you and the kids can add fun photo effects, frames, and filters, as well as be able to download photos and videos using the micro USB cable included.

Fitted with a rechargeable lithium-ion polymer battery, you and the kids will be able to enjoy continuous photo-taking and recording time of up to 2.5 hours.

The action cam has a micro memory card slot that will record 240 minutes of 640 x 480 video or 278,400 photos with a 32GB micro memory card (sold separately).

Perfect for children aged between 4 and 9 years, this is an excellent way to introduce your youngest adventurers to the joy of action photography.

What We Like

• Comes with fun games, photo effects, frames, and filters

What We Don’t Like

• Only waterproof to 6 feet in its waterproof casing

11. The Extremely Affordable Action Camera

HLS Waterproof Action Camera

Max Resolution: 4K/30 FPS, 720p/120 FPS

Battery Life: Up to 90 minutes

The HLS Waterproof Action Camera is a great value piece of equipment that can travel anywhere with you. The rugged waterproof housing allows you to film amazing underwater scenery up to 40 meters and is perfect for those who live life to the max on the surf, the slopes, or the streets.

The 20MP image resolution and 170-degree wide-angle lens make for brighter, more immersive pictures and video that capture every detail.

You can easily mount this little beauty to your helmet, bike handles, or wherever you need to get epic images and video on your travels.

The camera provides crisp images and 4K video at 30 FPS, and the detachable battery allows for up to 90 minutes of filming in 1080p.

With easy-to-use settings, this cheap and cheerful action camera is a great way to experiment with photography on the go and underwater, without worrying about having to purchase expensive camera gear.

If you want to try a bit of action photography without spending a fortune on an expensive kit, this little camera won’t last forever, but it will provide you with many hours of fun along the way.

What We Like

• Supercheap price

What We Don’t Like

• The instructions could be more detailed

12. For Those Who Want New Age Retro

Polaroid Underwater Camera

Max Resolution: 4K/15 fps, 1080p/30 fps

Weight: 12.6 ounces

This cute and funky, teeny tiny camera from the cool kids at Kodak is an action camera with some unique qualities.

Supporting micro SD cards up to 32 GB, you will be ready to capture all of your most exciting moments in full HD video or 18MP high-resolution images. Being weatherproof, shockproof, freezeproof, and dustproof, you can carry this with you everywhere to ensure you never miss a moment.

This camera states that it is waterproof, but doesn’t detail the depths it can film to, so it’s recommended only really for shallow submersions or splashes. With a display screen on the back and the front, you can film all the action and use it for selfies.

Shoot 4K footage at 15 FPS or for faster action, choose 30 FPS in 1080p. Connect the camera to Wi-Fi and you can upload your photos and footage straight to social media rather than waiting to get home to share your adventures with friends and family.

Final Thoughts

Whether you drop a fortune on an investment action camera like a Sony or a GoPro or opt for something a little cheaper such as the YI or Akaso, these teeny tiny cameras really are fantastic fun.

The final decisions will, of course, rest on the quality you’re looking for and the money you want to spend. If a GoPro floats your boat, then go for it — why not? But, if you want to try something different, there’s a wealth of choices to choose from that offer quality at an affordable price.

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Do you prefer traveling with the best of the best products and gear? We’ve published several other articles to help you out:

• The Best Travel Cameras – Compact, DSLR, and Mirrorless Camera Guide
• The Best Camera Bags for Travel
• The Best Noise-Canceling Headphones To Buy for Travel
• The Best Travel Adapters and Converters You Can Buy
• All Our Best Travel Product Reviews – In One Place