The finest GoPro substitutes are competitive with the popular brand in terms of technology, concepts, and value, and may even surpass it.

(Image credit: Digitalcameraworld)

Although GoPro is a well-known brand, there are currently more intriguing, more reasonably priced, or just all around superior alternatives to the well-known action cameras that have become household names. Not all brands produce cameras as small, robust, waterproof, and capable of taking excellent still images and films as GoPro does. There are now several competitors in the ring.

This is a guide to the best alternatives based on value (there are undoubtedly less expensive solutions), quality (we already believe GoPro has lost ground to competitors in this space), and some interesting alternatives that might work better for you. Have you given the additional advantages of a gimbal camera for stability any thought? or a camera that rotates 360 degrees? Though the finest 360-degree camera also doubles as an action camera is listed here, we have a comprehensive guide to the top 360-degree cameras.

All of the cameras on this list are models that my colleagues and I have tested, and we believe are well worth the money they are asking. I’ll explain why. When compared to the GoPro’s asking price, you can save a ton of money here and/or get a lot more capability (and maybe create content that stands out from the crowd).

THE QUICK LIST

• BEST GOPRO ALTERNATIVE OVERALL: DJI Osmo Action 4
• BEST BUDGET GOPRO ALTERNATIVE: Akaso Brave 7 LE
• BEST-VALUE COMPACT GOPRO ALTERNATIVE: DJI Action 2
• BEST 360-DEGREE GOPRO ALTERNATIVE: Insta360 X4
• BEST GIMBAL CAMERA GOPRO ALTERNATIVE: DJI Pocket 3

Best GoPro alternatives in 2024

Why you can trust Trusty Picked
 Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.

(Image credit: Pocket-lint)

1. DJI Osmo Action 4

BEST GOPRO ALTERNATIVE OVERALL

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight: 145g

Waterproof: 18m no case, 60m with case

4K video: up to 120fps

1080: up to 240fps

720: up to 240fps

Stills resolution: 10MP

Battery life: 1-3hrs estimate

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

The Osmo Action 4 offers the best value for most adventurers in terms of both price and quality. Better video can be obtained since DJI invested in integrating its action camera with the largest image sensor available, instead of competing with GoPro’s 5K model. I don’t see anything wrong with this because it’s generally preferable to export stable 4K video to your editing program.

The camera can withstand a lot, including temperature fluctuations in addition to bumps and bruises, and stabilized 4K footage looks fantastic. Although it isn’t inexpensive, the only reason it is a “GoPro alternative” is because DJI won’t force you to subscribe after a year and GoPro is a more well-known brand in this market. This is the superior camera.

When DJI initially moved away from the Action 2, I was a little disappointed to see that the modular design of the Action 2 seemed to be going out of style. However, the Action 2 has not only stayed available but has also received an update in storage, making it a practical choice for a body-worn camera. Here, ultimate quality in a GoPro-sized package is more important, and DJI is now the company to beat. The EIS from the prior generation is still very good; both HorizonBalancing and RockSteady generate fluid videos from intense action. 4K is usually the best resolution for action, especially when it comes to 120 frames per second.

I, like with many others, find it pleasing that Action 4’s isn’t entwined with subscription software; I don’t enjoy having to keep paying for devices I’ve already purchased, and subscriptions are irksome. DJI continues to provide firmware upgrades on a regular basis and offers an excellent quality app with remote control, download and even editing capabilities on the go if desired.

(Image credit: Fstoppers)

2. Akaso Brave 7 LE

BEST BUDGET GOPRO ALTERNATIVE

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight: 555g

Waterproof: 1m (housings available)

4K video: 30fps

1080: 60fps

720: 120fps

Stills resolution: 20MP

Battery life: 2-3 hours (est.)

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

Budget action cameras from Akaso are still really impressive; the Brave 7 LE in particular has a ton of amazing features that are perfect for vloggers on a tight budget. It features a 6-axis stabilization mechanism that is quite good for a camera at this pricing point and records 4K footage.

Although it’s unfortunate that the 4K resolution doesn’t support 60 frames per second for fast-paced action, 30 frames per second is plenty for many vlogging needs. To be honest, I find it works for me most of the time, and I’m willing to give up some resolution when I do something more fun! I’m glad that 2.7K60 frames per second is an option instead of having to go all the way down to 1080P.

It is useful for vlogging because of the front-facing screen, but it is a little camera, so getting used to it may take some time. Remember that it has very little waterproofing without housing before you submerge it in the sea! In general, however, vloggers looking for a less expensive GoPro substitute might consider the Akaso Brave 7 LE.

(Image credit: Techradar)

3. DJI Action 2

BEST-VALUE COMPACT GOPRO ALTERNATIVE

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight: 61g

Waterproof: 40m (with case)

4K video: 25fps

1080: 60fps

720: No

Stills resolution: 16MP

Battery life: Up to 90 minutes

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

Leading drone manufacturer DJI made GoPro rethink its strategy by giving its Osmo Action, the company’s first action camera, a front screen. Action 2 was a bit of a different animal when it finally arrived in 2021, although it took some time to arrive. The Action 2, which is far more than just an Osmo Action upgrade, reinvents what a GoPro-style camera may look like. It starts with a small 39x39mm square camera and lets you attach additional units for more connectivity, longer battery life, and a vlogging screen using a magnetic clip.

If it’s not clear from the above, I think this is a pretty great design concept (though I don’t do a lot of underwater stuff). If anyone recalls, the flattened GoPro Session is what this device’s main cuboid body resembles, only with a touchscreen.

However, it is modular; when the battery booster is magnetically attached, the device has an output more akin to that of a conventional GoPro camera and is about the same size. Along with a bigger 1 / 1.7″ sensor, the picture stabilization options are as excellent and include a horizon leveller.

The option to wear just the camera part—which is attached to a T-shirt, for example, using a magnetic clip—is the key to this design’s flexibility. It records to internal memory (thanks to DJI’s new, greatly appreciated memory option upgrade).

Although the size of the main camera unit limits control somewhat, the front touch-screen attachment perfectly complements it, making vlogging easier. While it’s not exactly a GoPro Hero camera substitute, it’s a compelling alternative, especially at its current price, and is worth considering if you’re interested in other body-worn options like the Insta360 Go 3. Read the full review to get a better understanding of the bundles.

(Image credit: Uk.pcmag)

4. Insta360 X4

BEST 360-DEGREE GOPRO ALTERNATIVE

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight: 203g / 0.45 pounds

Dimensions: 46 x 124 x 38mm (4.88 inches tall)

Stills resolution: 72MP (11904x5952px)

Video resolution: 8K30fps / 5.7K60 / 4K100fps

Memory: MicroSD

Battery life: 75 min at 8K / 135 min at 5.7K

Waterproof: Yes 10m (dive case for 50m)

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

When considering the true intent of action cameras, you want a tough camera that can capture activity with ease. Remember to set fire to it. 360-degree cameras are able to record everything that happens around them, but because their lenses are oriented in two different directions, they are rather vulnerable.

With the X4, Insta360 has addressed this issue by providing detachable lens shields that allow you to protect the lenses when necessary. In addition, the case is exceptionally durable, waterproof to 10 meters, and incredibly comforting to grip. The design appears to have been improved over several generations (I say this with a hint of jealousy as someone who paid cash for an X3, but received a lengthy review for the X4)!

For most action camera tasks, shooting in 4K60 frames per second with only one lens is more than sufficient if you require a “regular” action camera.

The capacity to record the entire 8K vision—an outward sphere of the view from the camera—and then reframe it is, however, the true benefit of 360 degrees. Insta360’s software is truly exceptional, and the reasonably high resolution of 8K is very helpful in this situation. Not only does it have a fantastic phone app for iOS and Android, but it also has an Insta360 Studio for Mac and PC, as well as plugins for Premiere and Final Cut Pro, so you can create material for social media practically instantly, or more carefully afterward. Compared to GoPro’s offering, the AI subject tracking is superior and saves hours of manual keyframing.

Moreover, Insta360 offers a variety of add-ons, such as the almost necessary selfie sticks (3 meters / 10 feet long) and one that lets you swing the camera at a high frame rate and combine with an app feature to produce a ‘bullet time’ effect. Additional improvements, such as the capability to link external microphones, maintain the X4 far ahead of the competition. With this camera, you should be able to tell some incredible visual stories (albeit for a little bit more money than you would have planned on spending), but it could need some extra consideration.

(Image credit: Appleinsider)

5. DJI Pocket 3

BEST GIMBAL CAMERA GOPRO ALTERNATIVE

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight: 179g

Waterproof: No

4K video: 60fps / 120fps

2.7K: 60fps

1080: 60fps

720: No

Stills resolution: 3840 x 2160MP

Battery life: About two hours (est.)

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

The Pocket 3, an incredible upgrade from the already excellent Pocket 2, is a great option if your main goal is to record action shots for vlogs and walk-and-talk videos. Its larger 1-inch image sensor eliminates worries about low light performance, and its larger screen makes composition easier.

Despite the fact that the 1-inch sensor already outperforms GoPro, I included it on this list because it fills a similar vlogging niche. The GoPro Hero 12 Black can also record audio using AirPods, but this feature is only available as a part of the fantastic Creator Combo bundle, which also includes a DJI Mic 2, which wirelessly captures sound in up to 32 bits for both a separate track and the movie. A wide-angle lens attachment, a wrist strap, a tripod mount, a dead-cat windshield for the microphone, and a high-quality case are all included.

This is a powerful small camera for bloggers since it has class-leading video stabilization in addition to intelligent subject tracking features that are supported by a faster CPU and are rarely misled. However, the price has increased somewhat due to the upgrades made to the audio and video.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST GOPRO ALTERNATIVE

What makes the best GoPro alternative?

In addition to pricing and camera features, we took into account model weight and size when compiling our list of the top GoPro substitutes.

Weight and dimensions: GoPros are naturally light, compact, and inconspicuous. This allows them to be mounted in a variety of ways for you to enjoy while adventuring and prevents them from getting in the way of your activities. Therefore, we have remained with extremely portable models.

Cost: GoPro is a leader in the production of cameras designed for active lives, but initially, their products can be somewhat pricey. When you remove the GoPro branding, the models selected in this guide should cost less than an equivalent GoPro camera, giving you greater value for your money.

Camera features: The fact that a GoPro substitute still has respectable camera specifications is its most crucial attribute. To make sure any options are adequate, we examined stabilization methods, resolution, video features, and battery life.

What is the difference between a GoPro and an action camera?

Overall, the only thing separating GoPros from some of the best action cameras is their brand name. GoPro has established a reputation for being a dependable company that produces high-quality gear and offers top-notch photography and video. While several of the more recent entrants into the action camera market produce equally good goods, they haven’t yet established their brands to the same extent as GoPro.

HOW WE TEST CAMERAS

Our review team puts action cameras to the test in real-world scenarios to see how well they function, such as the best GoPro substitutes. We experiment with every setting for photos and videos to get a sense of the kind of images the camera can capture. We also evaluate the user interface and the value of any networking functions, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS. Go over our testing and evaluation process in more detail at Digital Camera World.