Since the launch of the GoPro, adventurers have been strapping action cameras to their bikes, helmets, and pretty much anywhere else to get the best action shots possible. Since GoPros are an expensive investment, it's not easy for everyone to get their hands on a decent action camera.

Thankfully the market has opened up and has become much more competitive, making way for some solid, yet in some cases, much more affordable alternatives.

There are tons of uses for action cameras, like deep-sea diving, mountain biking, and even capturing the thrills of a rollercoaster or water slide. There's no better way to share your adventures than the first-hand footage an action camera provides.

Here are the action cameras and GoPros available today.

Our Favorite Action Cameras and GoPros in 2023

With a brand-new image sensor, the GoPro HERO11 Black makes upgrading your GoPro HERO worthwhile. In addition, for YouTubers and content creators, there's 10-bit capture, an 8:7 ratio, and a Horizon Lock feature for video capture.

For beginners, Easy mode on the GoPro HERO11 Black is a helpful starting point. As an advanced user, however, you can still make use of the camera's ease of use like the different preset modes.

The GoPro HERO11 Black is worth the upgrade over the HERO10 if you value some of its new features. However, if you can forgo these, you can save some money by opting for the HERO10 or HERO9.

The GoPro HERO10 Black is a huge upgrade from the GoPro HERO9 Black in almost every way possible, with tons of new features that add to both the overall quality of the action camera and some ease of use improvements too.

The most noticeable upgrade is the smoothness and speed that comes from the new powerful GP2 processor, boasting twice the performance capabilities compared to its predecessor. With tons of features designed to ensure that you never fail to capture those perfect moments, and even more modes to make sure they look incredible.

To sweeten the deal, the GoPro HERO10 Black includes a dual battery option for longer-lasting power, time-lapse to capture scenery in ways like no other, and it's waterproof. This means you can snap your underwater adventures up to 10 meters, show your friends and family breathtaking landscapes, and feel comfortable with the knowledge that you own one of the best action cameras available.

Whatever you plan to use an action camera for, the Insta360 ONE R Twin Edition will have you covered. It comes packed full of features to ensure that every video and photo is perfect every time, even with a 5.7K resolution.

The Insta360 ONE R Twin Edition features an invisible selfie stick mode that lets you capture 360 aerial videos and photos; it removes the selfie stick, creating a much more natural look, without the camera or stick in the shot. This is perfect for professionals or vloggers who want to capture a seamless shot.

The image and video quality produced by the Insta360 ONE R Twin Edition is incredible. With a 4K wide-angle lens, 5.7K super-resolution, and Flowstate stabilization, you can expect only the smoothest, sharpest videos possible, no matter what you are doing.

While the AKASO Brave 7 might not include a mountain of features that other action camera giants such as GoPro do, it is a great affordable alternative for those who simply want to capture the moment without the need for all the bells and whistles. Still, you're able to capture 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, and take 20MP photos.

Although the AKASO Brave 7 is more affordable than others, doesn't mean there aren't features designed to make capturing the perfect moment easy. Both the remote control and voice control make capturing any shot or video a piece of cake.

If you're a novice to photography but enjoy the action, the lack of modes and settings that many of the top action cameras include can actually be a blessing. It makes the AKASO Brave 7 a more appealing option for those simply looking to capture amazing shots, without needing to play around with tons of features and settings.

Over the years GoPro has made a name for themselves thanks to both the quality of their action cameras and the incredible features and modes they pack into their action cameras, and the GoPro HERO9 Black is no exception.

One of the best features of the GoPro HERO9 Black is the HindSight feature which captures up to 30 seconds of footage before you have even started recording, making sure even if you are late pressing the shutter, you never miss a moment.

With 5K video and 20MP photos, the GoPro HERO9 Black captures every little detail, ensuring that your adventures look as incredible as you remember them. And if that wasn't enough, this action camera makes taking shots a breeze, since it features a front and rear display, video stabilization, and touchscreen controls.

Although the GoPro HERO8 has now been replaced with newer models, it is a great option for those looking for a more affordable way to purchase a GoPro without the prices of the latest models. Thankfully, missing out on the latest features doesn't mean missing out on quality, the GoPro HERO8 still features 4K video at 60 frames per second.

GoPro's HyperSmooth 2.0 video stabilization allows users to capture super-smooth videos. It also works with all of the available resolutions and frame rates, so you don't have to sacrifice quality.

Searching for a budget-friendly action camera is no longer an issue. Since the GoPro HERO8 is waterproof up to 33 feet, you can enjoy snapping your adventures below and above ground, making it affordable and versatile.

The GoPro MAX improves on the traditional GoPro with an amazing 360-degree camera and six microphones designed to give you a fuller sound and video recording experience. The GoPro MAX isn't the strongest action cam out there and it's not trying to, instead, it aims to be the most immersive 360-degree action cam around.

With voice commands available to use, such as "GoPro, start recording", getting started couldn't be easier. Simply say one of the 12 voice commands available and let your GoPro do the rest for you in 1080p.

If you're looking for an action camera that's suitable for vloggers or even novices, the GoPro Max is a great choice. It's reasonably affordable, offers plenty of useful features, like 270-degree distortion-free panoramic photos and live broadcasting, and includes a carry case to protect it while in transit.

At first glance, the DJI Action 2 might not seem like anything special, but its impressive software and magnetic attachments are what make it stand out from the other action cameras on the market. With both a magnetic lanyard and magnetic headband you can quickly attach your DJI Action 2 with ease, making capturing POV videos easier than ever.

With the built-in stabilization algorithm, you know your footage will look amazing. The DJI Action 2 is waterproof out of the box, but can also be pushed from 10 meters to 60 meters with the use of a waterproof protective case, making it ideal for those looking to capture action footage underwater.

Whether you're go-karting, scuba diving, or mountain climbing, the DJI Action 2 can capture 4K resolutions at 120fps, along with an ultra-wide 155-degree field of view. This means you'll be able to capture every moment, regardless of what kind of adventure you are on.

While action cameras are undoubtedly cool gadgets, Ray-Ban has managed to up the action camera game with its spy-like Ray-Ban Stories Wayfarers. With a range of stylish colors, you can look like the next James Bond (Aston Martin and Martini not included) and effortlessly record 1414x1414px videos or 2592x1944px images.

Although you might worry about privacy when it comes to these stylish glasses, thankfully the built-in light makes it easy for others to see when you are recording. They also have built-in microphones that do an excellent job of picking up surrounding audio.

The Ray-Ban Stories Wayfarer is a noble attempt to bring smart glasses and action cameras into the same market. But sadly at the moment, they feel more like an expensive prototype that costs a fair amount of your hard-earned cash. Not only do they require a Meta account to use, but they also have a very limited battery life and lack features you would hope to see in premium smart glasses. But, their cool design and unique perspective when recording earns them a spot on the best action camera list.

Choosing the Right Action Camera for the Ultimate Footage

Action cameras aren't just your standard DSLRs; they have to be durable, versatile, and easy to use for a range of users.

Whether you're capturing underwater shots or crouching down on the side of a mountain to bank those breathtaking memories, an action camera is your reliable go-to for photos and videos.

Depending on what adventurous situation you're in depends on what action camera is right for you. The Insta360 ONE R Twin Edition, for instance, features a modular design so you can easily switch lenses and modes on the fly.

If you prefer to stick with a GoPro, then the GoPro HERO10 Black is a solid choice. It's more affordable than the HERO11, but still provides plenty of useful features and is more energy-efficient.

But, if you're happy to spend a bit more, the GoPro HERO11 Black is the ultimate action camera. It's versatile and has a whole host of new functions that make it worth upgrading to.