Best Action Cameras 2025: For Professionals, Casual Users, and Adventurers Alike

Naila Syifa

Updated February 2025

Looking for the best action camera to keep up with your passion in 2025? Whether you're conquering new adventures, experimenting with creative shots, or just documenting everyday moments, there’s a perfect action cam for you. From pro-level gear to budget-friendly picks, we’ve rounded up the top options to match your needs.

#1 Best for Professionals: GoPro Hero 13

GoPro Hero 13

GoPro has long been the go-to choice for professional filmmakers, and its latest Hero 13 model is no exception. This rugged, pocketable power camera offers exceptional 5.3K/60 or 4K/120 video resolution, with impressive Burst Slo-Mo that can go as high as 400 fps at 720p.

While the 1/1.9" CMOS is not as impressive for low light as its competitor, the GoPro Hero 13 presents a unique 8:7 aspect ratio with a full-frame 156° field of view. This is best for professional filmmakers who want to adapt their footage to various aspect ratios during post-production, be it vertical for social media or traditional widescreen for cinema and TV.

Two more features that make the GoPro Hero 13 an appealing choice for professionals are Timecode Sync, which allows for seamless multi-camera editing, and 10-bit HLG HDR for enhanced dynamic range and color grading flexibility.

What truly makes the Hero 13 stand out for pro users, however, is its versatile lens options. The HB-Series Lenses, sold separately, expand the camera's ability to suit various purposes.

The Macro Lens Mod gives 4x closer focus, the Ultra Lens Mod gives 177° FOV, the Anamorphic Lens Mod gives a 21:9 cinematic aspect ratio with lens flares, while the ND Filters create pro-quality motion blur.

GoPro Hero 13

Best for Professionals

✓ 5.3K Video + 27 MP Photo
✓ 10-bit HLG HDR
✓ Combine with HB-Series Lenses
✓ 1900mAh Battery

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#2 Best for Creativity: Insta360 X4

Insta360 X4

For creative minds who know no limit, the Insta360 X4 may be your true calling. With a dual lens that captures a full 360° field of view, this action camera offers endless possibilities for unique, immersive, and experimental content.

You can take 360° videos and photos up to 8K/30 fps and 72 MP resolution, then reframe or crop it to convey various angles or to suit different social media platforms. A standard video capture is also possible up to 4K/60 fps with the single-lens mode.

Reframing 360° footage may sound like a lot of work during post-production, but the Insta360 X4 comes with a suite of AI-powered editing tools that make the process intuitive and efficient.

Deep Track 3.0 can do the reframing by tracking the subject, or you can use AI to fully edit and reframe the footage. There are also numerous Shot Lab templates to quickly create visually stunning creative videos with just a few taps.

If you're planning to get the X4, we also recommend getting the Invisible Selfie Stick. It allows you to capture 360-degree videos and photos without the stick showing up in the frame, as if someone else is holding the camera for you. The 3-meter-long Extended Invisible Selfie Stick even lets you capture drone-like aerial footage, making the X4 a truly creative powerhouse for content creators.

Insta360 X4

Best for Creativity

✓ Reframeable 8K 360 Footage
✓ FlowState Stabilization with 360° Horizon Lock
✓ AI Editing on Insta360 App
✓ Waterproof to 33ft (10m)

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#3 Best for Adventures: DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro

DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro

A waterproof action camera is ordinary, but what about a dive-ready action camera? DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro can be taken underwater up to 20 meters out of the box, or you can buy the waterproof case for a deeper, longer dive up to 60 meters.

Not only the outside hardware but the internal software is dive-ready too! There is a built-in color temperature sensor for more accurate underwater color, or you can apply Vivid Underwater color grading in the DJI Mimo app. Furthermore, it comes with a built-in depth gauge that lets you monitor your dive depth in real-time on the screen.

What about adventures on land? It is not disappointing either. The rugged body can stand extreme temperatures from -20° to 45°C, while the rear OLED screen can reach 1000 nits of peak brightness for visible framing under direct sunlight.

The same pressure gauge that measures water depth also measures altitude, helping you keep track of your elevation during land-based adventures.

The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro is equipped with RockSteady 3.0 and HorizonSteady stabilization to deliver smooth, shake-free footage even during high-intensity activities. And if you want to capture your adventure at night, the large 1/1.3" sensor and 4nm chip work together to deliver stunning low-light images.

DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro

Best for Adventures

✓ 4K Video + 40 MP Photo
✓ 1/1.3” CMOS for Low-Light
✓ 10-bit D-Log M and 10-bit HLG
✓ Air Pressure and Water Pressure Gauge

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#4 Best for Portability: Insta360 GO 3S

Insta360 GO 3S

Imagine an action camera as small as your thumb but as capable as a full-sized model? That's exactly what the Insta360 GO 3S offers. Despite measuring just 25.6 x 54.4 x 24.8 mm and weighing just 39 grams, the GO 3S can deliver up to 4K/30 fps videos, 12 MP photos, and 200 fps slow-motion videos.

Its ultra-compact design makes the GO 3S very discreet and versatile for hands-free filming during any activity. You can attach it to your clothing using the Magnet Pendant, clip on your pet's collar using the Easy Clip, or mount it anywhere using the Pivot Stand. These three accessories are included in the box.

The Insta360 GO 3S offers some unique video modes. FreeFrame Video mode lets you export the footage in any aspect ratio. Interval Video mode captures a series of footage at set intervals and turns them into ready-to-share video with the AI-powered Auto Editing feature on the Insta360 app. There are also Pre-Recording, Loop Recording, Timelapse, and TimeShift video modes.

What's more? This tiny camera supports voice control, gesture control, and remote control with the 63.5 mm-wide Action Pod, which also houses a 2.2" flip touchscreen and additional battery capacity. It is also waterproof to 10 meters and can withstand freezing temperatures down to -20°C.

Unfortunately, the Insta360 GO 3S doesn't support external microphones and only relies on its two built-in microphones, but what more could you ask from a camera this size?

Insta360 GO 3S

Best for Portability

✓ 4K Video + 12 MP Photo
✓ Compact, Lightweight, Magnetic
✓ FreeFrame & Interval Video Mode
✓ 2.2" Touchscreen on Action Pod

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#5 Best for Budget: Akaso EK7000 Pro

Akaso EK7000 Pro

The Akaso EK7000 Pro offers great value for budget-conscious buyers. Priced below US$100, this action camera comes with most accessories you would have to buy separately with other brands, making it a complete package right out of the box.

These include a waterproof case for diving up to 40 meters, a bicycle stand, helmet mounts, seven other mounts, a protective backdoor, and even a wrist-wearable remote control that allows you to take photos and videos from a distance.

The Akaso EK7000 Pro delivers decent 4K video and 20 MP photo resolution, with built-in Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) for smooth footage and 5x zoom capabilities. Timelapse Video, Loop Recording, and Burst Photos are supported, and the camera can even be used as a dashcam.

There is a 2" touchscreen where you can preview your footage and adjust the camera settings. The Akaso EK7000 Pro features a built-in microphone but is compatible with external microphones via the camera's USB port for improved audio recording.

Akaso EK7000 Pro

Best for Budget

✓ 4K Video + 20 MP Photo
✓ Electronic Image Stabilization
✓ 2” IPS Touchscreen
✓ Waterproof Case and Mounts Included

Buy on Amazon

Compare Actions Cameras

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the action camera market in 2025 offers a diverse range of options to suit various needs and budgets. From the professional-grade GoPro Hero 13 to the creativity-unleashing Insta360 X4, the adventure-ready DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro, the compact Insta360 GO 3S, and the budget-friendly Akaso EK7000 Pro, there is an action camera to meet the demands of every type of user.

If you like to read more on Action Cameras, check out our other relevant guides here:

GoPro Hero 13 vs Insta360 X4

GoPro Hero 13 vs DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro

Insta360 X4 vs DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro

Insta360 X4 vs Insta360 GO 3S

GoPro Hero (2024) vs Insta360 GO 3S

Author

Naila Syifa

Naila has spent over 1,800 hours researching, exploring, and writing about the latest trends in technology, consumer electronics, and smart home gadgets.