2024 Action Camera Roundup: The 5 Best Models Tested & Ranked
From mountain bike POVs to cinematic 360° shots, today’s action cameras pack pro-level punch in pocket-sized bodies. We tested the latest flagships and a budget favorite across image quality, stabilization, battery life, ruggedness and ease of use. Below is our definitive ranking, complete with quick pros/cons and sample imagery.
#1 Insta360 ONE RS 1-Inch 360 Edition — Best Overall Image Quality
Leica-branded dual 1-inch sensors deliver rich detail even at dusk.
The dual 1-inch CMOS sensors co-engineered with Leica give this camera unmatched dynamic range and low-light performance. While capped at 6K 360 video, footage looks cleaner than higher-resolution rivals, and 21 MP stills stitch seamlessly for virtual-tour work.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Class-leading low-light and HDR quality | Bulkier than typical 360 cams |
| FlowState + 360 Horizon Lock = rock-solid footage | Premium price tag |
| Modular ONE RS Core can swap to 4K Boost lens | 6K resolution max (no 8K) |
#2 Insta360 X4 — Highest Resolution & Battery Life
Removable lens guards and 8K capture make the X4 trail-proof.
The X4 jumps to razor-sharp 8K 360 video and stretches runtime to 135 minutes. FlowState stabilization and 360° Horizon Lock match the ONE RS, while the new 2.5-inch Gorilla Glass screen is easier to frame in bright sun.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 8K/30 fps 360 video | 4K/60 fps single-lens | Smaller sensor than ONE RS (less dynamic range) |
| Longest battery life in our roundup | AI editing relies heavily on mobile app |
| Cold-resistant body waterproof to 33 ft without case | Lens guards add minor glare |
#3 DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro — Best for Vloggers & Divers
Dual OLED touchscreens simplify framing on land or 59 ft below.
DJI’s 1/1.3-inch sensor offers a nice balance of clarity and low-light punch, while 360° HorizonSteady keeps barrel rolls silky. Real-time dive depth and altitude overlays cater to scuba and mountaineering crowds, and the four-hour battery (in 1080p/24 fps) annihilates range-anxiety.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Longest single-charge runtime at lower frame rates | DJI Mimo app side-load required on Android |
| Front & back OLED touchscreens | 4K max resolution (no 5K/8K) |
| Direct mic input without cage | Accessories ecosystem smaller than GoPro/Insta360 |
#4 GoPro HERO13 Black — King of POV Versatility
New mounting fingers flip for vertical or horizontal shots in seconds.
The HERO13 improves battery endurance with the Enduro pack and pushes buttery 5.3K/60 footage stabilized by HyperSmooth 6.0. Support for interchangeable HB-Series lenses (including anamorphic and ND) unlocks looks no other cam touches, and automatic cloud uploads keep post-production painless.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| HB-Series lens ecosystem = unmatched creative flexibility | Still no built-in 360 mode |
| HyperSmooth 6.0 keeps MTB drops jitter-free | 5.3K resolution trails Insta360’s 8K |
| Auto highlight videos in the cloud | Peak battery life trails both Instas & DJI |
#5 AKASO Brave 7 LE — Best Budget Pick
A front selfie screen and loads of free mounts at a fraction of the price.
Costing hundreds less than the leaders, the Brave 7 LE still shoots sharp 4K/30 and 20 MP photos. Electronic Image Stabilization 2.0 is respectable, and the IPX7 body means drizzle is no drama. It also ships with two batteries, remote, and a full accessory kit, making it a great starter cam.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ultra-affordable bundle with mounts & batteries | 30 fps limit at 4K |
| Dual screens for easy vlogging | Stabilization not as smooth as others |
| Waterproof to 131 ft with included housing | No RAW photo or Log video profiles |
Ratings Recap
Insta360 ONE RS 1-Inch 360 Edition: 9.5/10
Insta360 X4: 9.2/10
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro: 9.0/10
GoPro HERO13 Black: 8.6/10
AKASO Brave 7 LE: 7.8/10
Whichever camera you choose, every model here can capture your adventures in stunning detail. Match the sensor, shooting modes and ecosystem to your needs, then hit record!