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Best Budget Action Cameras: Capture Life's Adventures Without Breaking the Bank

Written by Dale RichardsonUpdated: July 2, 2024

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You know, life's a grand adventure, isn't it? Full of moments you just want to grab onto and never let go. Now, what if I told you there's a way to do just that, without emptying your wallet? Intriguing, right? Welcome, my friends, to the world of budget action cameras. These handy little gadgets are the unsung heroes of the photography world, letting you capture all the action without costing an arm and a leg. So, buckle up and let's dive into the best budget action cameras. Ready to find your perfect match?

Here is a glance at the best Budget Action Cameras before we review them in depth further down:

The Current Best Budget Action Cameras In 2024

1. Apexcam Action Camera

Overall rating (4.1)

Scored based on 8330 reviews

Value for money (5)

Easy to use (4.9)

Image stabilization (4.8)

Remote Control (4.1)

Picture quality (3.9)

Battery life (3.7)

Consideration Points:

Video quality: This action camera offers 4K video resolution, giving you crisp, cinema-like footage. Perfect for capturing the thrill of the moment in stunning detail.

Image stabilization: The camera comes with built-in image stabilization, but it's not as advanced as some of the pricier models. Still, it does a decent job of smoothing out bumps and shakes.

Durability: Made with a rugged design and waterproofing capabilities, this camera is built to withstand your most daring adventures. You can take it along for a swim, mountain biking, or even skydiving!

User-friendliness: With an intuitive interface and easy-to-navigate menu, even a tech novice would find this camera a breeze to use. It's all about simplicity and convenience here.

Battery life: The battery life could be a bit of a letdown. With just over an hour of recording time, you might find yourself reaching for a charger more often than you'd like.

Product Summary:

This Action Camera is a fantastic choice for adventurers on a budget. Offering 4K video quality, it captures your experiences in stunning detail. The built-in image stabilization smooths out your footage, although it might not perform as well as some of the pricier models.

The camera is designed to be tough, with a rugged exterior and waterproof capabilities, making it the perfect companion for any adventure. Plus, with its user-friendly interface, you'll spend less time fiddling with settings and more time capturing your exploits.

However, the battery life might be a sticking point for some. With just over an hour of recording time, it may not last for longer adventures. But for the price point, it still offers a solid package of features that will suit any budget-conscious adventurer.

Read all user reviews on Amazon

"Choice of resolutions"

"What an amazing little camera, attached to my chest with a harness, quality is exceptional, I use 2.7k setting, keeps the battery life longer without compromising quality. The waterproof case is brilliant, the charging case for both batteries is a great touch too"

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 September 2023

"Nice starter camera……"

"Ideal starter camera to get a feel for things."

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 22 August 2023

"Amazing bit of kit"

"I was very skeptical of ordering this purely to film my dog on walks. The product overview simply does not do it justice a spare battery and charger port separate from the device itself. An automated wrist band to trigger video captage. And a robust little portable storage case for all the accessories. The video imaging is excellent with lots of settings to adjust to your desired view. Very economic pricewise and a waterproof casing which I have not yet trialled. All in all, a fraction of the price of a go-pro... but delivers nonetheless"

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 1 August 2023

Where to buy Apexcam Action Camera?

2. GOOKAM 4K 20MP Sport Action Camera

Overall rating (4.3)

Scored based on 2768 reviews

Sheerness (4.6)

Easy to use (4.5)

Value for money (4.5)

Picture quality (4.4)

Remote Control (4.2)

Battery life (4.1)

Consideration Points:

Video quality: Offering 4K video resolution and 20MP photo quality, this camera doesn't pull any punches when it comes to delivering high-quality footage. Ready to record your adventures in stunning detail? This might be the camera for you.

Image stabilization: With its advanced Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS), the GOOKAM action camera ensures smooth and stable footage. Perfect for when you're mountain biking, or even just taking a leisurely stroll.

Durability: Waterproof up to 40m with its sturdy case, this camera is built for action. Whether you're diving into the deep blue or braving a storm, the GOOKAM's got your back.

User-friendliness: Equipped with a 2-inch high-definition screen and a simple user interface, this camera is a dream to navigate. Even if you're not a tech whizz, you'll have no problem operating it.

Battery life: The GOOKAM comes with two 1050mAh batteries, each supporting up to 90 minutes of recording. That's a lot of adventure time before you need to think about charging!

Product Summary:

The GOOKAM 4K 20MP Sport Action Camera is a real powerhouse in the world of budget action cameras. Offering stunning 4K video quality and 20MP photos, you'll be capturing your adventures in vivid, eye-catching detail. The advanced EIS feature promises smooth, stable footage, perfect for those high-action moments.

Built tough, it's waterproof up to 40m with its case, making it your ideal companion for everything from a casual snorkel to a deep dive. And with its 2-inch HD screen and simple interface, operating it is a breeze, even for those new to action cameras.

One of the standout features of the GOOKAM is its impressive battery life. With two 1050mAh batteries included, you'll have up to 180 minutes of recording time. That's plenty of time to capture your exploits without worrying about running out of juice.

All in all, the GOOKAM 4K 20MP Sport Action Camera delivers top-notch features at a price that won't leave your wallet feeling empty. A worthy contender in the budget action camera category, wouldn't you say?

Read all user reviews on Amazon

"5.0 out of 5 stars Great value for money"

"Brilliant action camera for under £100. The video quality is good. The remote is a good feature, but would be better if it had an indicator to tell you what the camera is doing, as if the camera is out of sight(ie on your helmet), there's no way of knowing. Other than that, son is pleased with his present"

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 December 2022

"Great value for money"

"Brilliant action camera for under £100. The video quality is good. The remote is a good feature, but would be better if it had an indicator to tell you what the camera is doing, as if the camera is out of sight(ie on your helmet), there's no way of knowing. Other than that, son is pleased with his present"

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 December 2022

"Brillant camara son loves it"

"Brillant son loves it"

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 27 December 2022

Where to buy GOOKAM 4K 20MP Sport Action Camera?

3. AKASO Brave 7 Camera

Overall rating (4.5)

Scored based on 1776 reviews

Easy to use (4.9)

Remote Control (4.6)

Touch Screen (4.6)

Image stabilization (4.5)

Picture quality (4.5)

Battery life (4.3)

Consideration Points:

Video Quality: The AKASO Brave 7 boasts 4K/30fps and 20MP photos that'll make your jaw drop. It's like you're seeing your adventures again for the first time, innit? Crisp, clear, and detailed – that's what you're getting with this camera.

Image Stabilization: This little gem comes with 6-axis Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS), ensuring smooth and steady videos even when you're on the move. Now, ain't that something? Say goodbye to shaky footage and hello to professional-looking videos.

Durability: The AKASO Brave 7 is built to last, mate. It's waterproof up to 1 meter without a case and up to 30 meters with the included case. That's perfect for snorkelling, swimming, or simply enjoying a rainy day out.

User-friendliness: With its dual colour screens and intuitive interface, the AKASO Brave 7 is as user-friendly as they come. Want to take a selfie? No problem! The front screen makes it easy as pie. Plus, the built-in Wi-Fi and HDMI port make sharing your adventures a breeze.

Easy to Use: The Brave 7 includes a wireless remote control that you can wear on your wrist, and voice control for hands-free operation. Can it get any easier than this? I doubt it!

Product Summary:

Meet the AKASO Brave 7, a budget action camera that's packed with features normally found in pricier models. With 4K video recording and 20MP photos, this camera captures your adventures in stunning detail. You'll feel like you're right back in the action every time you watch your videos.

The Brave 7's dual colour screens and intuitive interface make it incredibly user-friendly. Whether you're taking a selfie or setting up a shot, you'll find it easy to get the perfect angle. And with the built-in Wi-Fi and HDMI port, you can easily share your videos and photos with the world.

To top it all off, the Brave 7 comes with a wireless wrist remote and voice control, making it one of the easiest action cameras to use on the market.

In conclusion, the AKASO Brave 7 offers a stunning array of features at a budget-friendly price. It's a great choice for anyone looking to capture high-quality footage of their adventures. So, are you ready to brave the world with the AKASO Brave 7?

Read all user reviews on Amazon

"Great go pro alternative"

"Good value for money and great features"

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 26 September 2023

"Good to go"

"Excellent for cyclists. After sales service for query first class"

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 25 September 2023

"Great bang for back action camera"

"Bought this camera for a family trip to a Caribbean island where we did a whole bunch of action based activities such as snorkelling, sailing, zip lines, cliff diving, caving and hiking through the jungle. The Brave 7 stood up well in all of these tasks, capturing not only great videos but also enough of the ambient sound to help us remember what the atmosphere of each location was like. My 10 year daughter also used it for some 'youtuber' style selfie videos where she like to 'present' - the external microphone (purchased separately) proved really useful for this. Battery life of a single battery proved adequate, but definitely take both (included) for long day trips. Sure there are other more expensive action camera brands with specialist features and a heftier price tag, but this camera was great for an average active family's occasional use to record great memories."

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 24 September 2023

Where to buy AKASO Brave 7 Camera?

4. Vemont Full HD 2.0 Inch Action Camera

Overall rating (3.9)

Scored based on 2273 reviews

Sound quality (4.5)

Easy to use (4.3)

Water resistance (4)

Battery life (3.6)

Picture quality (3.5)

Image stabilization (2.7)

Consideration Points:

Video quality: This camera offers Full HD 1080p video resolution and 12MP photo resolution. Although it might not match up to the 4K resolution of some other models, it still delivers decent quality for the price. You're not going for Oscar-winning cinematography here, are you?

Image stabilization: Unfortunately, the Vemont Action Camera doesn't come with built-in image stabilization. It might give you a bit of a shaky footage during high action sequences, but then again, sometimes that's part of the fun, right?

Durability: This camera is made to take a beating. With a rugged design and a waterproof case that allows you to dive up to 30m deep, it's a great companion for all your rough-and-tumble adventures.

User-friendliness: The Vemont Action Camera features a 2-inch screen and a straightforward interface, making it easy to use. Even if you're new to action cameras, you'll be up and running in no time.

Battery life: The camera comes with a 900mAh rechargeable battery that gives you up to 90 minutes of recording time. Plenty of time to capture those epic moments, wouldn't you say?

Product Summary:

The Vemont Full HD 2.0 Inch Action Camera is a solid choice if you're looking for a budget-friendly action camera. While it might not offer the 4K video resolution of some models, its Full HD 1080p video and 12MP photo resolution still provide decent quality for most purposes.

Although it lacks built-in image stabilization, this little camera makes up for it with its durability and user-friendly design. The waterproof case allows you to take the camera up to 30m underwater, making it a great option for water sports and other outdoor activities.

The Vemont Action Camera's 2-inch screen and straightforward interface make it easy to navigate, even for beginners. And with a 900mAh rechargeable battery offering up to 90 minutes of recording time, you'll have plenty of time to capture all the action.

In conclusion, the Vemont Full HD 2.0 Inch Action Camera is a great budget-friendly option for those looking to document their adventures. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive models, it offers good value for money. Ready to give it a shot?

Read all user reviews on Amazon

"Excellent"

"Would definitely buy from again"

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 13 September 2023

"Amazing camera will buy again"

"I was really wary of buying this but I thought for this price why not try it. I was so surprised at the quality and the durability of the camera and the case that came with it. Exceptional camera for an incredible price. I’ve broken mine now so will need to buy another one for my next holiday. I think I either got the camera wet or left in the SIM card for too long but oh well, I’ll get another one as for that price you can’t go wrong. Thoroughly recommend."

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 10 September 2023

"Good for the price"

"Good camera for when I'm out riding. The video isn't very clear but it picks up what I need."

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 30 May 2023

Where to buy Vemont Full HD 2.0 Inch Action Camera?

5. ACTMAN 4K 20MP Action Camera

Overall rating (4)

Scored based on 109 reviews

Remote Control (4.3)

Camera quality (4.3)

Easy to use (4.2)

Value for money (4.1)

Picture quality (4)

Image stabilization (4)

Consideration Points:

Video quality: This camera offers 4K video resolution and 20MP photo resolution, making it a top contender when it comes to capturing your adventures in high-quality detail. Ready to make your memories look like a blockbuster? This might just be your ticket.

Image stabilization: The ACTMAN boasts a built-in Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) feature. This ensures that your videos remain smooth and stable, even when things get a little bumpy.

Durability: With its durable design and waterproof case, this camera is more than capable of withstanding the elements. Ready to dive up to 131ft deep? No worries, the ACTMAN has got you covered.

User-friendliness: The camera features a 2-inch high-definition screen and an intuitive user interface, making it a breeze to use. You'll be navigating through the settings like a pro in no time.

Product Summary:

The ACTMAN 4K 20MP Action Camera is a true powerhouse in the budget action camera market. Offering impressive 4K video resolution and 20MP photo resolution, it's all about capturing your adventures in brilliant detail. The camera's built-in EIS ensures your footage stays smooth and stable, no matter how fast the action.

Built to withstand the elements, this camera comes with a rugged, waterproof case that allows you to dive up to 131ft deep. So whether you're hitting the ski slopes or exploring coral reefs, the Crosstour is up to the task.

In conclusion, the ACTMAN  4K 20MP Action Camera delivers an impressive range of features at a wallet-friendly price, making it a top pick for budget-conscious adventurers. Go on, give it a whirl!

Read all user reviews on Amazon

"5.0 out of 5 stars Better than a lot of the cheaper action cams on here"

"Little things make a difference, in this case, surviving 7 hours in the pouring rain while I rode to warwickshire was that little thing. I've had 11 of these cams of various makes and models, this is the only one that hasn't died so far."

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 3 October 2022

"Better than a lot of the cheaper action cams on here"

"Little things make a difference, in this case, surviving 7 hours in the pouring rain while I rode to warwickshire was that little thing. I've had 11 of these cams of various makes and models, this is the only one that hasn't died so far."

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 3 October 2022

"5.0 out of 5 stars The product was exactly what I wanted and for the price is excellent"

"The Camera is easy to use and compact also with the attachments it can be used in many different ways"

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 26 August 2022

Where to buy ACTMAN 4K 20MP Action Camera?

Why are budget action cameras better than their alternatives?

Now, you might be wondering, why should you even consider a budget action camera over a high-end model? Well, let me tell you, there are quite a few compelling reasons to go the budget route. For starters, not everyone has a wad of cash to spend on a top-of-the-line camera, right? And let's be honest, do you really need all those fancy bells and whistles if you're just capturing some weekend adventures with your mates?

Budget action cameras have come a long way in recent years, with many offering similar performance and features to their more expensive counterparts. In fact, some budget models can even outperform the big names in certain situations! Plus, let's not forget that action cameras are meant to be taken on wild adventures, so wouldn't you feel better knowing that you didn't spend a fortune on a device that could potentially get lost or damaged?

Consideration points when buying a budget action camera:

When you're in the market for a budget action camera, there are a few key factors to consider, so let's dive right in, shall we?

  1. Video quality: One of the most important aspects is, of course, video quality. Look for a camera that offers at least 1080p resolution, but if you can find one with 4K capabilities within your budget, even better!
  2. Image stabilization: No one likes shaky footage, right? Make sure your budget action camera offers some form of image stabilization to help you capture smooth and steady videos.
  3. Durability: As I mentioned earlier, action cameras are meant for adventure, so ensure that the camera you choose is robust, weatherproof, and preferably waterproof.
  4. Ease of use: Let's be honest, when you're in the thick of the action, you don't want to fiddle with complicated settings. A budget action camera with a user-friendly interface is a must.
  5. User-friendliness: Lastly, consider how easy the camera is to use. A simple interface and accessible controls are essential, especially if you're just starting out in the world of action cameras.

So there you have it, folks! Keep these factors in mind, and you'll be well on your way to finding the perfect budget action camera for your next adrenaline-pumping escapade. Happy filming!

The current best budget action cameras in 2023

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