GoPro Action Cameras are literally the talk of the town because of their amazing features and performance.
Then why do people look for GoPro Alternatives?
Because there are dozens of other brands that can deliver the same amount of performance even at a much lower price. These action cameras let you capture videos at high-resolution quality, with decent stabilization and support hours of battery backup.
That being said, are they really worth it? Should you really invest in a cheaper alternative or save some for the best in the lead?
Whether you want to mount a camera on your helmet or take it to the Sahara, here’s our best pick for cheap GoPro alternatives in 2022.
Table of Contents
How to choose the Best GoPro Alternative?
First things first, how do you pick the best action camera?
There are many cheaper alternatives in the market, but if you want decent quality video, then there is always some narrow field to point out. Some manufacturers mention it on the box, while others just hide the features.
That said, there are many differentiators you can check as well. For example, you can look at the performance it offers, how much video quality it supports, does it have image stabilization, how good are the mounting equipment, and more.
Here are some common differentiators you can point out in each unit.
- Price
Although GoPro has an action camera for every type of budget, but these options are relatively expensive upon launch. Also, there’s a higher chance your budget might fit a product that is already 2-3 years old. So, in this guide, the models we’ve chosen are equivalent to GoPro main leads, but lower in price.
- Features
The most important part of the camera. This covers a lot of things like image stabilization, resolution, video quality, motion control, battery life, and other mounting accessories.
- Size and Weight
The main feature why people prefer GoPro is because they are small, light, and unobtrusive by nature. You can easily mount them with a lot of accessories, and they work well in extreme conditions. The products we’ve compiled in this list are lightweight, versatile, and enable you to fit the camera easily in your pocket.
10 Best GoPro Alternatives
1. DJI Action 2
You might already know DJI for its amazing lineup of gimbals. Their next competitive series of products is to compete with GoPro cameras and DJI Action 2 is here to take the lead.
This steller camera packs a powerful punch of innovation and plenty of adjustment options to take your off-road trips to the next level. As a perfect GoPro alternative, DJI Action 2 wow’s with its ingenious magnetic mounting system, plenty of modular settings, a stable image stabilization feature, and an impressive ultra-wide 155’ FOV.
The extra mounting is there to support accessories for your every tour. You can pair it with an extra battery pack, a front-facing screen, and other accessories supported by the model. If that’s not a dealbreaker, there are plenty of other features that can make you fall in love with this action camera.
Technical Specifications
| Video | [email protected] to [email protected] |
| Stills | 12MP |
| Waterproof | 10m without the case and 60m with the case |
| Weight | 64g |
| Battery | 580 mAh |
Pros
- Tiny package, impressive performance
- Standout modular build
- Plenty of accessories options
- Great for off-road touring
Cons
- Small battery
Why we like it: You can pair the extra modular, like the screen to improve the battery life and other features.
2. DJI Osmo Action
Another great lineup in the Osmo action series, that offers all the great features of GoPro Hero 9, but with a lower price tag. Its RockSteady stabilization feature provides extremely smooth image and video quality whether you’re surfacing the horizon or taking deep dives into the water.
The camera is suitable for all types of adventure, as it allows you to capture stunning video quality of up to 4K at 60p and produce 12MP stills. It is also extremely lightweight and comes with a front-facing screen so you can get control of all the settings you want.
Technical Specifications
| Weight | 134 g |
| Waterproof | 11 m |
| Stills | 12 MP |
| Video | [email protected], 1080/240fps, 720/240fps |
| Battery Life | 2-3 hrs |
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- High-quality video and stills
- Front-facing screen
- Plenty of software features
Cons
- Average battery life
Why we like it: Best GoPro rival in the market with amazing 4K footage, front-facing screen, and RockStable image stabilization technology.
3. Insta360 One RS
One of the best GoPro alternatives with a strong feature list and remarkable design that delivers on all fronts.
If you think that GoPro offers the most flexibility, Insta360 One takes it to the next level by offering an interchangeable, interlocking modular design that is both fun and effective to use.
And that’s not all, it features a flexible design that includes interchangeable lenses and a flipped screen so you can shoot excellent videos on the go. The pricing also puts this action camera on par with the Hero10, so you’re after a budget option in our list.
Technical Specifications
| Video Resolution | 4K, 2160@ 60fps |
| Max Resolution | 48MP |
| Battery | 1445 mAh |
| Weight | 125.3g |
| Waterproof | IPX8 |
| Screen size | 2.3 inches |
Pros
- Amazing modular design
- Good battery life
- Stable video and still quality
- Plenty of flexible options
Cons
- Premium pricing
Why we like it: One of the best GoPro Hero10 alternatives with a premium price that offers the same performance and flexibility.
4. AKASO EK7000
A perfect replica of GoPro with a fraction of its price, one of the best and highest-rated action cameras on the market. The Akaso EK7000 is a camera across the board, from shooting impressive 4K footage to making your videos stabilized to sporting a touchscreen that gives you a mix of options to support all the settings.
And that’s not all, Akaso takes this to the next level by introducing a Wireless wrist remote control feature that works with controlling different gestures. You can easily command the camera to do different tasks without touching the screen.
Akaso EK7000 also comes with 2 rechargeable batteries in the pack that each gives you a recording time of 90 minutes. The camera supports up to 4K videos at 30fps and 1080p at 120fps. Also, there are plenty of accessories that can transform the camera for indoor and outdoor activities.
Technical Specifications
| Video | 4K@ 30fps, 1080p @120fps |
| Waterproof | 98Ft |
| Battery | 1050 mAh |
| Wifi | Built-in up to 10m/30ft range |
| Weight | 12 ounces |
| Stills | 16MP |
Pros
- Wifi and Remote control feature
- Waterproof up to 98Ft
- Multi-function settings
- Great timelapse options
Cons
- Average display
Why we like it: One of the best, affordable GoPro alternatives with features that can really spark your indoor and outdoor activities.
5. DJI Pocket 2 Creator Combo
If your main objective is to use an action camera for vlogging, then DJI Pocket 2 is your best lead. Although not the best in terms of affordability, if you calculate the gimbal and the camera price, then it’s an excellent creator combo pack.
Including a mini control stick, tripod mount, wireless microphone, case, wrist strap, wide-angle lens, windshield, and a mic-input jack in the box. An incredible 1/1.7inch sensor to capture stunning 4K videos at 60fps and stills at 64MP. Consisting of 4 microphones that offer surround sound recording and tons of glamour effects to make your vlogs interesting.
The pocket-size model, weighing only 117g with a battery backup of 140 minutes - The DJI Pocket 2 turns on in a second so you can capture videos and photos in an instant.
Technical Specifications
| Video | [email protected] |
| Stills | 65MP |
| Sensor | 1/1.7” CMOS |
| Weight | 117 g |
| Battery | Rated 140mints of backup |
Pros
- Better stabilization, image quality, and audio
- No crashing or freezing
- Stunning video performance
- Packed with gimbal and extra microphone
Cons
- Small screen
- Costs a bit high
Why we like it: A complete package for vloggers who want to capture stunning stills and excellent, stabilized videos on the go.
6. AKASO Brave 7
Another great option from Akaso that looks uncannily like a GoPro, and is now more affordable than the other models. The Brave 7 delivers an experience that pushes the boundaries of how the action camera works. For starters, you’ll get a stable 4K30fps video, 20MP stills, IPX8 waterproof, front/back screen, and 2 hours of recording 4K video backup.
Plus, it supports a wide range of accessories that include a variety of practical mounts and battery packs. Although the company has recently launched the newer version, the Akaso Brave 8 as well, we think this model competes well with the Hero9, which is still a hot sale considering Hero10 is in the market as well.
Technical Specifications
| Video Resolution | [email protected], to [email protected] |
| Stills | 20MP |
| Weight | 75g |
| Waterproof | IPX8 |
| Battery | 1350 mAh |
Pros
- [email protected] recording at budget
- Decent battery life with plenty of mounts
- Included accessories
Cons
- Stabilization is average
Why we like it: A good GoPro alternative that competes with the Hero9, delivers raw performance on the field and has an attractive price tag.
7. Insta360 GO 2
360-degree cameras are the real talk of the town. While GoPro isn’t exactly a 360 camera, if you’re looking for one, then Insta360 GO can be your next run-of-the-mile camera. And don’t get surprised by its small size, inside the package, it packs some powerful punch of performance that can help you capture videos at stunning quality.
This tiny pod can also be mounted on almost anywhere, thanks to clip style gripper and magnetic plate mount.
One of the best things about Insta360 GO 2 is its charging mechanism. Now, you can unfold the camera and turn it into an ingenious tripod, while also charging.
The only downside we could find is the lack of 4K resolution and no preview screen. Apart from that, it’s a tiny, lightweight package that can help you grab some amazing 360-degree videos.
Technical Specification
| Video Capture | [email protected] |
| Internal Storage | 32GB |
| Waterproof | 4m |
| Battery | 30mins, 150mins with case |
| Weight | 0.9 ounces |
Pros
- Small form factor
- Ingenious charging case
- Stable video quality
- Super-portable
Cons
- Short battery life
- Sub-4K video quality
Why we like it: A remarkable 360-degree camera with a rechargeable case and horizon lock. Perfect for scenery and timelapse videos.
8. Akaso Brave 7 LE
A lightweight edition of the Akaso Brave 7, the 7 LE is a budget action camera that offers the same amount of performance for vloggers, looking to keep the costs down.
It shows impressive 6-axis stabilized 4K videos with quality, which you can’t find in this budget. The front-facing screen lets you play around with all the options while the base mount lets you connect all Akaso accessories with the camera.
The only difference between the Akaso Brave 7 and Brave 7 LE is the waterproofing, battery, and some video quality options. Apart from this, it is a perfect, lightweight vlogging camera for the masses.
Technical specifications
| Video Resolution | [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] |
| Stills | 20MP |
| Waterproof | 1m |
| Weight | 555g |
| Battery | 2.25-3 hours |
Pros
- Effective 6-axis stabilisation
- Affordable price
- Decent videos and stills
- Handy front-facing screen
Cons
- Average battery life
- Minimal waterproofing
Why we like it: A budget-friendly option for vloggers who wants to record 4K videos with stabilization.
9. Dragon Touch 4K Action Camera
A budget camera with killer performance, exceptional battery life, and state-of-the-art video quality - All of this you can find in the Dragon Touch 4K.
At a price that is 4x times lower than your standard GoPro, you’ll get skeptical [email protected] video performance with 16MP stills and a zoom range of 1.0X to 4.0X. Plus, Dragon Touch 4K is the first camera on our list that features 100FT waterproof technology.
Just put the camera in the casing and go underneath the ocean,
What’s more? You’ll also get Wireless remote control, free mounting accessories, 2 rechargeable 1050 mAh batteries, an adjustable view angle, and a 2-inch touch screen.
Technical Specification
| Video Resolution | [email protected] |
| Stills | 16MP |
| Waterproof | 100Ft (with case, included) |
| Battery | 2×1050 mAh, rated 90 minutes |
| Weight | 5.3 ounces |
Pros
- Ultra-HD 4K videos
- Remote and WiFi control
- 4x Zoom
- 2-inch screen
Cons
- Audio quality is average
Why we like it: Affordable, lightweight, compact, and versatile - A perfect GoPro alternative at cheap.
10. INSTA360 ONE R
Another great contender on our list, powered with a refined Leica lens that captures 4K/60fps.
Both the image quality and low light performance are impressive, thanks to the wide-angle lens and the aforementioned 1-inch sensor.
The innovative design, rear touchscreen display, and matching components make this unit perfect to use for both indoor and outdoor activities. Overall, it’s a complete package that can transform your standard video journey into an epic one.
Technical Specifications
| Video Resolution | [email protected] |
| Stills | 19MP |
| Sensor | 1-inch |
| Battery | 1190 |
Pros
- Huge Sensor
- Modular Build
- Excellent optics
Cons
- Limited module
Why we like it: Stellar performance, affordable price, and innovative design make it an ideal purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best overall GoPro Alternative?
We absolutely loved DJI Action 2 and Akaso EK7000 and would recommend them to our readers who are looking for both performance and exceptional video quality.
Who is GoPro biggest competition?
Akaso, followed by DJI is one of the biggest GoPro competitors. Both companies offer a series of action cameras with upgraded models and mounting accessories.
What is the best 360 GoPro alternative?
Insta360 Go 2 ranks as the best GoPro alternative for 360-degree video footage. It features an innovative design, remarkable battery case, and the performance is just great.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it - The best GoPro alternatives you can buy. Over the course of this content, we’ve covered 10 different action cameras that are each budget-friendly and come with some really nice features.
In case your mind is still convinced at a GoPro, we’ve also provided a dedicated guide on the Best GoPro cameras. Consider your options wisely, read the technical specifications and get yourself a new adventure camera.