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 Insta360 X3 Get-Set Kit is a versatile action camera that excels at capturing high-quality 360-degree footage and photos. With dual 1/2" 48MP sensors, it offers impressive 5.7K 360 Active HDR video and 72MP photos, ensuring detailed and vibrant images even in low light. The 4K single-lens mode provides a versatile shooting option for wide-angle footage, enhancing first-person views with a 170° field of view in 2.7K MaxView mode.

One of its standout features is the FlowState Stabilization and 360 Horizon Lock, which together deliver exceptionally smooth and stable videos, even in dynamic conditions. The Invisible Selfie Stick functionality allows for creative third-person perspectives without any obtrusive equipment in the shot. The 2.29-inch touchscreen makes navigating settings and reviewing footage straightforward and user-friendly.

Additionally, the camera is highly durable and waterproof, making it suitable for a variety of adventurous activities. Connectivity via Bluetooth enhances ease of use and sharing options. However, the battery life can be a limitation during extended use, and users might need extra batteries for longer shooting sessions. The camera's weight of 2.02 pounds might also be a consideration for those looking for ultra-lightweight options. The Insta360 X3 is ideal for users who need high-resolution 360-degree capture with robust stabilization and are willing to manage its battery and weight for its advanced features.

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.