10 Best Action Cameras 2025 in the United States

The Insta360 X5 is a powerful 360° action camera that excels with its high-resolution 8K video at 30 frames per second, capturing incredibly detailed and immersive footage. Its dual large sensors and advanced AI chips enable strong performance even in low light, making it suitable for shooting in challenging conditions. A standout feature is the invisible selfie stick effect, which allows for unique third-person views without the stick showing up in shots—ideal for creative filming.

This camera offers excellent image stabilization with FlowState technology and a 360° horizon lock, ensuring videos stay smooth and level during fast or rough action. It is built tough with replaceable, scratch-resistant lenses and is waterproof up to 49 feet without extra housing, making it perfect for underwater adventures and rugged environments. Audio quality benefits from a new wind guard system that reduces wind noise, supporting clear sound during outdoor use.

Battery life is solid, providing about 3.5 hours of recording on a single charge with fast charging support to minimize downtime. The 2.5-inch touchscreen is user-friendly, and although it connects via USB, it relies on microSD cards for storage (sold separately). The included 114cm invisible selfie stick and lens cap add value, but a memory card needs to be purchased separately. While the camera is slightly heavier than some other action cameras, which might be noticeable during extended use or certain mounts, its interface and AI editing tools help simplify working with large 8K files, though beginners may face a slight learning curve. This camera suits adventurers, vloggers, and creative users who desire stunning 360° footage with advanced features like invisible selfie sticks and strong low-light performance, along with ruggedness, waterproofing, and smooth stabilization.

The DJI Osmo Nano Standard Combo is a compact and lightweight action camera designed for users looking to capture vibrant 4K videos with ease. Its standout feature is the 1/1.3" sensor, which lets in plenty of light to deliver sharp, colorful footage even in low-light situations. You can shoot at 4K resolution with up to 60 frames per second, perfect for smooth, high-quality videos of fast action or everyday adventures. The camera offers a wide 143° field of view, which helps capture immersive perspectives, making it great for vlogging, sports, and pet POV videos. Battery life is solid, providing up to 200 minutes of recording with quick charging, so you won’t have to worry about frequent recharging on the go. The Osmo Nano is also built for durability, featuring waterproofing up to 10 meters, making it suitable for underwater use and outdoor activities.

It comes with multiple mounting accessories like a magnetic hat clip and lanyard, which add to its versatility for hands-free filming. Connectivity is smooth with fast content transfer, though users should note that the DJI Mimo app is no longer available on Google Play, requiring download from DJI’s website for remote control and live view. Storage is well covered with a sizable 128GB included microSD card, allowing plenty of video capture without needing immediate offloading. While it supports direct dual microphone connections for clear audio, the camera's small screen (2 inches) might feel limited for some when framing shots. Also, it uses 2 C batteries, which is a bit unusual for rechargeable cameras and could mean carrying spares.

For those seeking a pocket-friendly, high-quality 4K action camera with good battery life and waterproof features, the Osmo Nano represents a strong choice, especially suited to vloggers and casual sports enthusiasts.

The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro is designed for those seeking a reliable action camera for sports and vlogging. With a robust 1/1.3” sensor, it excels in low-light conditions, making it suitable for night-time adventures like biking in urban settings. The ability to capture stunning 4K video at 120fps ensures high-quality footage, while the innovative 360° HorizonSteady feature provides excellent stabilization for shaky scenarios, such as extreme sports or active vlogging.

One of the standout features is its dual OLED touchscreens, which enhance usability and make it easier to frame shots accurately. The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 4 hours, ideal for capturing extended events without the need to recharge frequently.

There are some drawbacks to consider. The activation requirement through the DJI Mimo App may pose challenges, especially since the app is not available on Google Play. Users need to scan a QR code on the camera to obtain the app, which could be inconvenient. Additionally, while the audio quality is enhanced via the DJI Microphone Connection, it may require additional accessories for the best experience, which could complicate usage for beginners. With various connectivity options, including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, the camera allows for easy sharing of content. Although it comes with standard accessories suitable for casual use, those looking for advanced features may find it necessary to invest in upgrades.