The BEST GoPro Alternatives: Do They Beat The Real Thing?

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OUR PICK FOR THE BEST GOPRO ALTERNATIVE

OUR PICK FOR THE BEST GOPRO ALTERNATIVE

OCLU Action Camera

• Price > $199
• Weight > 101g / 0.22 lb (with battery & metal door)
• Size > 61.5 mm / 2.4 inches

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BEST ULTRA BUDGET GOPRO ALTERNATIVE

BEST ULTRA BUDGET GOPRO ALTERNATIVE

Akaso Brave 7

• Price > $139
• Weight > 3.8 ounces (108 g)
• Size > 1.26 x 2.44 x 1.61 inches (3 x 6 x 4 cm)

CHECK ON AMAZON

GOOD OVERALL GOPRO ALTERNATIVE

GOOD OVERALL GOPRO ALTERNATIVE

DJI Osmo Action 5

• Price > $389
• Weight > 80 g (0.08 kg)
• Size > 1.4 x 2.6 x 1.7 inches (3.5 x 6.6 x 4.3 cm)

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BEST PREMIUM GOPRO ALTERNATIVE

BEST PREMIUM GOPRO ALTERNATIVE

Sony FDR X3000

• Price > $489.99
• Weight > 4.1 ounces (116 g)
• Size > 1.16 x 1.85 x 3.27 inches (2.9 x 4.7 x 8.3 cm)

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BEST 360 GOPRO ALTERNATIVE

BEST 360 GOPRO ALTERNATIVE

Insta360 X5

• Price > $549.99
• Weight > 8 ounces (228 g)
• Size > 1.5 x 1.81 x 4.9 inches (3.8 x 4.6 x 12.4 cm)

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GOPRO ALTERNATIVE HONORABLE MENTION

GOPRO ALTERNATIVE HONORABLE MENTION

SJCAM SJ8PRO 4K60fps Action Camera

• Price > $239
• Weight > 1.52 pounds
• Size > 2.46 x 1.61 x 1.13 inches (6.25 x 4.1 x 2.88 cm)

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GOPRO ALTERNATIVE HONORABLE MENTION

GOPRO ALTERNATIVE HONORABLE MENTION

Insta360 Ace Pro 2

• Price > $399.99
• Weight > 4.13 ounces (117.01 g)
• Size > 2.83 x 2.05 x 1.5 inches (7.1 x 5.2 x 3.8 cm)

CHECK ON AMAZON

Can’t Beat The Real Thing?

Let’s be honest here, whilst some alternatives are great products, sometimes you really cannot beat the real thing. Just like with Coca Cola, the original GoPro is still the best and if you can stretch to it and find the extra bucks, may be a sound investment. A proper GoPro will serve you well for miles and miles and years and years of adventuring. If your budget stretches, then why opt for a GoPro knock off when you can have the real deal, innit?!

Don’t worry too much though the Go Pro rivals we have reviewed in this post still pack a helluva punch…

Without further ado, let’s dive in and look at the best non-Go Pro action cameras on the great global free market today.

#1 OCLU Action Camera: Our Pick For The Best GoPro Alternative

Specs:

• Price: $199
• Weight: 101 g (0.22 lb)
• Waterproof Depth: 10m (33ft)
• 4K Videos: Yes, up to 60fps
• 1080: Yes, up to 240fps
• Still Resolution: 12 MP
• Battery Life: Up to 1 hour and 15 minutes of continuous recording

Meet the OCLU action camera. This cleverly designed action cam has been turning heads for the last few years – at a cost that won’t totally upend your gear budget. This may well be my favorite new camera I have tested this year. Why? Its versatile design, waterproof housing, and accessory options cater to an array of activities, with GPS tracking adding an extra layer of functionality for adventurers.

Featuring Live Cut functionality, the OCLU camera enables on-the-go editing, ensuring users capture only the best shots. Seamless integration with smartphones enhances usability and allows easy acces to settings. While the smooth image stabilization at 1080P @ 30 / 60 FPS ensures high-quality footage, even without shooting in 4k. Still, though, the camera captures 4k footage at 30 FPS. Not back for a knock off Go Pro!

The shape of the camera took us a little getting used to, but it should be noted that it is indeed small, fits right in your hand and hardly weighs a thing. Our team felt this was the best “Go Pro knock off” because rather than trying to replicate the GoPro exactly, the OCLUAction Camera has a completely different profile. Resolution and image quality wise the team were super impressed by what this little powerhouse was able to produce.

#2 Akaso Brave 7: Best Ultra Budget GoPro Alternative

Specs:

• Price: $139
• Weight: 108 g
• Waterproof Depth: 10m (33ft)
• 4K Videos: Yes, up to 30fps
• 1080: Yes, up to 60fps
• Still Resolution: 20 MP
• Battery Life: Up to 90 minutes of continuous recording

The Akaso Brave 7 LE offers impressive features at a fraction of the cost compared a GoPro. Priced around $139, it boasts 4k recording, a remote control, dual-screen recording, and extra batteries. If you’re looking for an action camera that’s really cheap, then the Akaso Brave 4 LE is the best ultra-budget alternative out there!

With recording capabilities up to 30 fps at 4k resolution and 120 fps at 720p, the Akaso Brave 7 LE delivers a commendable performance. While its built-in electronic image stabilizer enhances video smoothness it’s not quite up to GoPro standards. Its hardware includes a touchscreen, USB, and HDMI ports, with waterproofing up to 30m with the included case, making it versatile for various outdoor activities.

The team were impressed by the power of the Brave 7 LE especially as it comes with accessories which are an extra purchase with the already pricy GoPro. Equipped with a basic remote control and Wi-Fi connectivity for smartphone integration, the Brave 7 LE is convenient to use. They also felt that, for the money, the quality produced by the Brave 7 LE was super impressive.

#3 DJI Osmo Action 5: Good Overall GoPro Alternative

Specs:

• Price: $389
• Weight: 80 g (0.08 kg)
• Waterproof Depth: 10m (33ft)
• 4K Videos: Yes, up to 30fps
• 1080: Yes, up to 120fps
• Still Resolution: 15 MP
• Battery Life: Up to 1 hour and 5 minutes of continuous recording

Thanks to its rugged construction, excellent image quality and impressive battery life, the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro is one of the strongest GoPro alternatives out there. Better still, you don’t need to shove it inside a bulky case every time you go near the water. It’s waterproof down to 20 metres straight out of the box, or 60 metres with DJI’s optional waterproof case.

Video performance is excellent. The Osmo Action 5 Pro shoots up to 4K at 120fps, while 1080p can be pushed to 240fps for slow-motion footage. Its 1/1.3-inch sensor also offers up to 13.5 stops of dynamic range, helping it deal with tricky situations where bright skies and deep shadows would otherwise make a mess of your footage. DJI’s RockSteady 3.0 stabilisation does a great job of smoothing things out when you’re hiking, cycling or generally bouncing around somewhere you probably shouldn’t be holding an expensive camera.

There are plenty of useful extras too. Voice control lets you start and stop recording or take a photo without touching the camera, while Wi-Fi 6 makes transferring footage to your phone considerably less painful. You also get front and rear OLED touchscreens, 47GB of usable built-in storage and subject tracking that can automatically keep you centred in the frame.

Build quality is exactly what we’d expect from a serious action camera. It’s compact, feels tough enough to take some punishment and weighs just 146g. Battery life is another big win: DJI claims up to four hours under ideal conditions, although you’ll obviously get less when hammering 4K, using the screens and keeping wireless features switched on.

The Osmo Action 5 Pro isn’t perfect. DJI’s Mimo app isn’t our favourite bit of software, and if you already own a recent GoPro there may not be enough here to justify switching systems. But if you’re buying fresh and want a rugged, waterproof action camera with excellent stabilisation and genuinely useful battery life, the Action 5 Pro makes a very convincing case for skipping GoPro altogether.

If you are still not convinced and want to see how the brand new GoPro Hero11 Black compares, well then I don’t blame you.

 #4 Sony FDR X3000: Best Premium GoPro Alternative

Specs:

• Price: $489.99
• Weight: 4.1 ounces (116 g)
• Waterproof Depth: 60m (197ft) with included housing
• 4K Videos: Yes, up to 30fps
• 1080: Yes, up to 120fps
• Still Resolution: 8.3 MP
• Battery Life: Up to 1 hour and 5 minutes of continuous recording

The Sony FDR X3000 earns its place as the best premium action camera with its high-quality video recording capabilities, the super useful Live View Remote and its excellent built-in image stabilization. While it comes at a higher price point, its performance justifies the investment for those seeking superior video quality and additional features.

Recording in 4k is, of course, an option and the FDR X3000 does it so very well. The superior CMOS sensor provides still images of great quality, though it does somewhat fall down on the MP side of things. Uniquely, the Sony FDR X3000 comes with a separate Live View Remote accessory, which is meant to be mounted on a nearby surface like a bike handle or a wrist. By doing so, you’ll be able to view the live video without actually stopping the recording.

Due to its bullet shape, the Sony FDR X3000 may not fit in the same places that smaller cubical action cameras could, but it remains versatile with a built-in tripod mount compatible with GoPro accessories. The body itself is only splashproof and an external case is required for underwater use. The Sony FDR X3000 does also suffer from a poor battery, though the photographers on our team swear by this action cam.

#5 Insta360 X5: Best 360 GoPro Alternative

Specs:

• Weight: 8 ounces (228 g)
• Waterproof Depth: 10m (33ft)
• 4K Videos: Yes, up to 30fps
• 1080: Yes, up to 120fps
• Still Resolution: 15 MP
• Battery Life: Up to 1 hour of continuous recording

If a standard action camera feels a little too, well, standard, the Insta360 X5 offers something genuinely different. Instead of worrying about where the camera is pointing, its twin lenses capture everything around you in 360 degrees. You can then choose your angle afterwards, which is incredibly useful when you’re skiing, cycling, hiking or doing anything else where concentrating on framing a shot isn’t exactly your top priority.

The X5 records 360-degree video at up to 8K/30fps, with 5.7K available at up to 60fps and 4K at up to 120fps. Its dual 1/1.28-inch sensors are also paired with Insta360’s PureVideo processing to improve low-light footage. FlowState Stabilization and 360° Horizon Lock help keep everything smooth and level even when you decidedly aren’t.

One of the cleverest tricks is Insta360’s Invisible Selfie Stick effect. Used with a compatible stick, the software essentially removes it from the finished footage, producing those floating-camera and faux-drone shots that have become something of an Insta360 trademark. You can also use the X5 as a conventional action camera in Single-Lens Mode, shooting flat 4K footage at up to 60fps.

It’s properly adventure-ready too. The X5 is waterproof to 15 metres without additional housing and down to 60 metres with the optional Invisible Dive Case. More importantly, the exposed outer lenses are replaceable. That’s a big deal on a 360 camera, where scratched lenses can otherwise turn an expensive piece of kit into a very expensive paperweight. Battery life reaches around 135 minutes at 5.7K/30fps under Insta360’s test conditions, although 8K recording will drain it considerably faster.

There are downsides. At 200g, it’s noticeably heavier than many conventional action cameras, and 360 footage generally requires more editing afterwards. Those enormous video files will also chew through storage pretty damn quickly.

But that’s the trade-off. The Insta360 X5 isn’t simply trying to make a slightly better GoPro. It lets you shoot first and decide on the composition later, opening up angles and perspectives that a conventional action camera simply can’t capture. For travellers specifically looking for a 360-degree GoPro alternative, this is the one we’d choose.

#6 SJCAM SJ8PRO 4K60fps Action Camera: GoPro Alternative Honorable Mention

Specs:

• Weight: 1.52 pounds
• Waterproof Depth: 131ft
• 4K Videos: Yes, up to 60 fps
• 1080p Video: Yes
• Still Resolution: 24 MP
• Battery Life: Up to 110 minutes of continuous recording

The SJCAM SJ8 PRO presents a budget-friendly alternative to the GoPro. It does this by offering a more stripped-down version of the famous action cam that still manages to feature true 4K video, a responsive touchscreen, and solid overall performance for the price. The SJ8 PRO records 4K up to 60fps, shoots 24 MP stills, and includes built-in Gyro electronic image stabilization. It performs reasonably well, although it still can’t match the smoothness of more advanced mechanical stabilizers.

Constructed with a lightweight build at just 74 g, the SJ8 PRO offers acceptable durability, though prolonged recording may warm the camera and slightly impact battery life. Most of the camera’s settings and controls are accessed through the rear touchscreen, which is responsive but, like many action cams, suffers from glare in bright outdoor conditions.

The SJCAM SJ8 PRO is not waterproof on its own and requires the included housing (waterproof to 30m / 98 ft) for underwater use or extreme weather. The housing, along with several other accessories, comes in the box, which adds solid value to the package. Battery life sits at around 110 minutes of continuous recording, depending on the resolution used.

The team weren’t blown away by this camera in many ways, but when told the price, they changed their minds. For the money, the SJCAM SJ8 PRO is a surprisingly capable action cam.

#7 Insta360 Ace Pro 2: GoPro Alternative Honorable Mention

Specs:

• Weight: 4.13 ounces (117.01 g)
• Waterproof Depth: 9.14m (30ft) without housing
• 4K Videos: Yes, up to 30fps (via HDMI output only, not internal recording)
• 1080: Yes, up to 60fps
• Still Resolution: 15 MP
• Battery Life: Up to 60 minutes of continuous recording

The Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is a seriously capable action camera and one of the more interesting GoPro alternatives for travellers who care about image quality. Its headline feature is 8K video at up to 30fps, backed up by a large 1/1.3-inch sensor and a Leica-developed lens. In reality, though, we think its excellent 4K footage and low-light performance are bigger reasons to buy it than the ability to plaster “8K” across the box.

The Ace Pro 2 shoots 4K at up to 120fps and uses Insta360’s FlowState Stabilization and 360° Horizon Lock to keep footage smooth when things get bumpy. Its PureVideo mode is particularly useful after dark, using AI-powered processing to clean up low-light footage. That’s a meaningful advantage for travellers who aren’t exclusively filming sunny ski slopes and tropical beaches.

Another feature we really like is the 2.5-inch flip-up touchscreen. Being able to see yourself properly makes the Ace Pro 2 particularly appealing for solo travellers, vloggers and anybody attempting to talk to a camera without accidentally chopping half their head off. It’s waterproof to 12 metres without a case, has a removable lens guard and supports fast charging, while Insta360 claims up to 180 minutes of battery life under ideal conditions.

There are compromises. At around 180g, the Ace Pro 2 isn’t particularly light for an action camera, and 8K recording sounds more transformative than it really is for most travellers. The flip screen is brilliant for framing shots but also adds another moving component to a camera that’s inevitably going to get knocked around.

Still, the Ace Pro 2 earns our honorable mention because it does something a little different. If low-light footage, vlogging and that flip screen matter more to you than having the smallest possible camera, this is one of the strongest GoPro alternatives on the market.

Buying an action camera is a slightly different experience than buying a regular DSLR. Though certain features are still taken into consideration – like sensor quality, size, weight, etc – more emphasis is put on other aspects.

With an action camera, the most important features are related to video quality, durability, and battery life. Essentially, a good action camera will shoot better, longer, and in more unfavorable conditions. Other features, like where you can mount the camera and built-in WiFi are nice added bonuses and, depending on your shooting style, may actually be vital.

Below I’ve created a list of things that one should consider when buying an action camera. Take them into consideration when choosing the right camera for you.

Video Resolution

These days, the video quality that action cameras offer runs the gamut from basic to professional-level videography. Add in many new technological developments like image stabilization and adjustable field of view and you can find some really crazy cameras out there.

The highest current video recording resolution is 4k. Several action cameras have the ability to shoot 4k and, though they shoot with fewer megapixels, these videos are still gorgeous to look at. If 4k is not possible, then nearly every action camera shoots at least 1080p (HD Quality), speaking for the ones in this article at least. Think about whether or not 4k is necessary in the first place as well – if your videos are just put on a 1080p screen, then 4k is worthless.

Frame rate (FPS) is something else that one should consider when buying the best possible GoPro alternative. 30 fps is the standard for most cameras these days and is used most frequently. 25 fps, once the industry standard for cinematography, creates a lovely “motion picture” look. If one intends to catch some very intense action scenes or even slow-motion videos, then they’ll have to crank up the fps – 60 fps, 120 fps, and 240 fps are all becoming common features and will create smoother slow-motion videos as the fps increase.

Construction/Durability

Action cameras are supposed to be built to last; how well they’re built and how much of a beating they can take is imperative. Of equal importance are their size, shape, and weight as well – being able to mount the camera on your body or whatever object, for that matter, and not feel encumbered can make or break your shooting experience.

Most action cameras these days are built fairly well and can be beaten up a lot. How well they hold up under duress really comes down to building quality. Even many lower quality Go Pro clones offer decent housing.

Of special note is the waterproof depth of an action camera, that is, how far it can be submerged before the sealing is compromised. 30 feet is generally the shallowest depth for action cameras though an increasing amount can go upwards of 150 feet. If you’re a deep-water diver, these numbers will mean more to you.

The size and weight of an action camera are pretty straightforward. The smaller and lighter it is, the more useful it is. Be careful when buying as many are built from less reliable materials and are, thus, more prone to breaking.

Action cameras come in two shapes as well – cubical and bullet. Cubes are the most common variety and are most often very useful. Bullet shapes may suit other people more though and often bullet shape cameras come with more tech and features due to their increased size.

Ergonomics/Connectivity

For many, the biggest complaint that they have with action cameras is that they’re a little hard to use due to their limited surface area and controls. Many modern actions camera developers have alleviated these problems, somewhat, thanks to some pretty intuitive technologies.

Touch screens are becoming increasingly common and are usually quite useful. These eliminate the need to have and use manual controls on the camera. Of increasing occurrence are voice controls, which, though in their fledgling years and not totally effective yet, are still an inspiring step in the right direction.

WiFi connectivity is practically mandatory in action cameras these days. With the ability to connect your action camera to a phone or electronic device, you can share photos wirelessly and even take remote photos. Even though most if not every action camera has some sort of WiFi feature included, not everyone performs well. Keep an eye out for wireless efficiency when looking for a good action cam as well.

Battery Life

All of those 4k and slow-motion videos mean jack if you’re camera runs out of battery after only a few moments. Nothing is more frustrating than filming some amazing, action-packed scene, only to have your action camera die right at the best part. How long the battery lasts for your GoPro alternative is thus one of the most important aspects that you need to consider.

Most action cameras last anywhere between 1 and 3 hours if recording continuously. Most manufacturers will withhold official battery lives for whatever business reasons as well so judging an action camera based on official numbers can be tricky. The best thing is to just listen to reviews and see what the consensus is.

Certain activities, like filming in higher resolutions, higher fps, and using WiFi, can drain a battery faster. For this reason, higher-end cameras with more advanced technology will need better batteries to run longer. Some lower-end cameras with less energy-consuming tech may last a greater amount of time.

Many action cameras have batteries that can be changed on the fly. Investing in several spare batteries is probably your best bet when it comes to extending shooting times. If an action camera’s batteries are not interchangeable, then you can send them to a third party for replacement. Prices for this service vary but are usually reasonable.

FOV/Image Stabilization

Most action cameras have a field of view (FOV) of between 140 and 170 degrees – this is equivalent to 17mm and 20mm on a full-frame camera. Some only provide one setting for the field of view while others are able to switch between multiple angles. Note that these angles are very wide (so that they can capture lots) and that a fisheye effect is often a symptom. Most post-production software has the ability to fix fish eyeing though.

Image stabilization is a relatively new form of technology that is being incorporated into action cameras. Image stabilization or IS essentially compensates for a shaky camera and makes footage more smooth. This is done either mechanically or electronically. Note that incorporating IS technology into cameras usually jacks the price up.

For more on IS in action cameras, check out Action Cam Guide’s informative article.

Accessories

For extreme videographers and athletes, an action camera is only as good as its accessories. You can’t carry that camera all the time, especially if your hands are full with the task at hand, so being able to mount the camera quickly and effectively is key to a good shooting experience.

Depending on your intended activity – i.e surfing, traveling with a drone, mountain biking – you’ll need to consider the size, weight, and shape of the camera, and if the proper mount is available. Each brand produces its own mounts and accessories so be sure to check their catalogs. Some cameras may even be compatible with GoPro’s own extensive line thus poaching the competition. Several other third parties produce mounts and accessories as well that may be compatible with your action camera.

Some action cameras will require separate housing for submersion. Even if a camera is rated for, say, 33 feet, it can still be comprised at lesser depths in rare occurrences. Having extra protection against water can be a good idea. Most GoPro’s are now at least rated as waterproof without casing for shallower depth, but many knock off GoPros still require housing.

Value

At the end of the day, it’s all about what you’re willing to spend on a GoPro alternative. Thankfully, action cameras come in many shapes and sizes these days and at many different price points. You can, with research, find the perfect action camera for you at the price you want to pay. The thing about choosing an off brand Go Pro is that sometimes you just don’t actually need all the bells and whistles of the OG, so why pay for them!?

Still have some questions? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

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So there you have them – the best GoPro alternatives you can find online! We’ve covered nearly every basis from more budget-friendly selections to upgrades to even a 360 camera. As you can see, it’s not just GoPro rip offs, but legitimate action camera alternatives with different features and functionalities.

If you can take anything away from this guide it’s that, whilst GoPros are still good cameras, you don’t have to settle for them to take great adventure videos! Consider your options wisely and then invest in the perfect GoPro alternative for you.