Expert travel storyteller Jordan Adkins, founder of InspiredByMaps.com, brings a decade of adventures across 101 countries and 450+ UNESCO sites into rich, off-the-beaten-path narratives, melding ecological expertise with genuine, seasoned travel insights. His full bio can be found here.
There’s no hiding the fact that purchasing a GoPro will make a dent in your budget. This is why you should consider purchasing an action camera.
You will be able to document your adventures just the same as a GoPro without having to go broke. If you’re into vlogging, you will be pleased to know that you can use some of the models mentioned. In addition to this, you can use them for dry activities such as hiking in Bolivia and camping in Norway.
As well as, you can use them for water sports such as kayaking in Caye Caulker and swimming with sea lions in Peru. To be honest, we have used them diving all over the world, so the limits are really limitless…
Nonetheless, picking the right model for your needs can be difficult and challenging as there are numerous models on the market. This is why we’ve chosen the best models that will meet your high expectations and last for many years.
Important Features To Consider When Buying The Best Alternative GoPro Camera
Destination – It is the place where you will use your device, and here you have two main models: the underwater video camera and the video camera for non-aquatic sports. You must know that all models are insured to withstand humidity, but only those that are approved for diving allow you to use them without worrying under water.
An important factor if you are planning on diving in Easter Island which is milder than humid Tahiti or the Galapagos! You must know that all models are insured to withstand humidity, but only those that are approved for diving allow you to use them without worry under water.
Resolution – HD Ready, Full HD or Ultra HD. It is noticed that the common factor is High Definition, so you have to make sure that when you find a camera at a good price, it allows you to shoot at least the HD Ready TV quality, with values of 720 x 1080p.
This is the minimal native resolution and will allow you to take pictures with enough clarity to see the details. The best resolution used for the best sports camera will be Ultra HD.
In stores, you can find products with 3840 × 2160 or 8.3 megapixels and an additional version of it, the 4K, with 4096 × 2304p and 9.4 megapixels. Perfect for capturing everything from Graffiti art in Medellin to the romantic sights of Sydney!
Dimensions and weight – It can be mounted on various devices (stick, tripod, bracket, etc.). As is natural, it is important that the products are as small as possible and weigh a maximum of 150-200g. We advise you to always choose the smallest and easiest option because it gives you freedom of movement. It fixes itself safely without the risk of jumping from its support at high speeds or in case of mechanical shock.
Trips like Contiki Europe or Bali adventure tours can get a bit, well, wild – so you want to make sure your GoPro alternative is safe at all times…
Campark ACT74 Action Camera
This 4K sports camera has numerous capabilities at such an affordable price. You will be able to capture videos in 4K at 30fps.
Therefore, you will be able to capture anything you wish at incredible clear resolution. The camera is waterproof which means that you can use it for whatever activity you wish including skiing, snorkeling, and diving. In addition to this, it has a wide-angle 170-degrees lens which will allow you to capture every single detail at all times. Since it’s one of the best, you will be able to capture in time lapse, loop recording, and slow motion.
What stands out about this product is the fact that it has built-in Wi-Fi. In order to share what you’ve captured, you will need to connect to your phone and share via any social media you wish. If not, the 32GB Micro SD card will allow you to store a large number of photos and videos right on the camera. The dual rechargeable lithium batteries will last up to 180 minutes.
Thus, giving you plenty of time for long adventure periods. What we enjoy about this product is the fact that you will receive numerous mounting kit accessories at no extra price.
| Pros | Cons |
| Designed with a wide-angle lens | Some people reported distorted sounds |
| Fully waterproof up to 98 feet | The charging cable is prone to damage |
| The battery lasts up to 180 minutes | Customer service could be better |
| Wi-Fi compatible | |
| 32GB Micro SD card is included |
Dragon Touch 4K Action Camera
The reason why this is one of the best alternatives to GoPro is that it has a wireless remote-control wristband. This means that you will find it easy to frame shots and record videos as all you will need to do is to press a button on the wristband. Just like the other high-quality models, you will enjoy the fact it’s waterproof up to 98 feet.
The case that comes with will protect the camera from scratches and bumps. You will also receive 2 rechargeable 1050mAh batteries and each one can record up to 90 minutes.
The 2” display will allow you to preview the images easily before sharing it through the built-in Wi-Fi. By considering this model you don’t have to worry about purchasing accessories as all you will need are included inside of the package at no extra price.
You will also enjoy the fact that it has multi-functional properties which mean that you can use this action camera when driving. Simply, turn on loop recording and you will be able to drive safely.
| Pros | Cons |
| Designed with built-in Wi-Fi connection | Video quality could be improved |
| Fully waterproof up to 98 feet | Instructions are difficult to be followed |
| Numerous accessories included | Limited warranty period |
| Designed with 4x magnification | |
| Created with 170-degrees wide angle |
Crosstour Action Camera
The 1080P full HD resolution will allow you to capture images in 1080P full HD resolution. Due to the fact that it has a 170-degrees wide-angle lens, you will be able to shoot wider scenes, thus, capturing more memories.
As it has multiple capacities, you will be able to use this GoPro alternative as a dash cam. Record videos with sound and take photos. After all, in case something happens, the footage recorded will be the best evidence. Regardless, you will be pleased to know that it’s fully waterproof up to 98 feet.
You can connect to the device via Wi-Fi through your phone so you can share the images captured on social media. If not, you can download the app where you can record, delete, and view files. In order to ensure maximum convenience, you will enjoy the fact that it comes with two batteries at no extra price.
Therefore, you will have the ability to use the camera for more than 2 hours continuously. The 2” LCD screen is easy to view even under direct sunlight.
| Pros | Cons |
| The batteries are high capacity | Picture quality could be improved |
| You can control it through the app | Product isn’t quality checked before being sent to the customer |
| Numerous accessories included | Limited warranty period |
| Designed with a wide-angle lens | |
| You can use it as a dash cam |
DBPOWER EX5000 Action Camera
If you love outdoor activities, this is one of the best GoPro alternatives. This camera is conveniently sized which means that you can travel with it in your back pocket.
You will be able to take pictures in 1080P full HD resolution which means that you will be able to enjoy clear photos at all times. What stands out about this product is the fact that you have the ability to zoom up to 4 times. Thus, you don’t have to be close to the action in case it’s dangerous.
Equally important, this model has been designed with the smart Anti-shake technology which will improve image stabilization. Therefore, even if you’re using it whilst skiing, racing or skating, all of your images will be captured blur-free. If you put the included case onto the camera, you will be able to take it when diving and swimming as it’s fully waterproof up to 90 ft.
We also like the fact that you can record in time-lapse so you can capture the life of something evolving.
| Pros | Cons |
| It has a large LCD display | The audio quality could be improved |
| It comes with 2 rechargeable 900mAh batteries | Some customers reported problems with the charging port |
| Numerous accessories included | Some people would have preferred the camera to be bulkier |
| On a full charge, it can record for 90 minutes | |
| The waterproof case is included |
APEMAN Action Camera 4K
If you’re tired of bad resolution and bad quality photos, you should consider this model as it’s one of the best alternatives to GoPro. This camera is described to have one of the best optional resolutions which means that your photos will be clear and crisp.
The images are so clear that you can even make a short documentary. It has 170-degrees wide angle and Sony Sensor feature which means that you will be able to capture wide shots and videos. If you wish, you can even take advantage of the self-timer.
The electronic image stabilization and anti-shaking stabilization means that even if the camera is moving or shaking whilst capturing images, the photos will not turn out blurry. The built-in Wi-Fi will allow you to edit videos and pictures with ease. All that you will need is your phone. As well as, you will also have the ability to share your memories on social media.
By charging it for 3 hours maximum, you will be able to enjoy both batteries for up to 120 minutes.
| Pros | Cons |
| The two batteries are included | The material feels cheap |
| You will have the ability to loop record | The camera itself isn’t waterproof |
| Numerous accessories included | It has problems recognizing memory cards |
| Designed with HDMI output | |
| Created with image stabilization |
AKASO EK7000 Underwater Camera
If you enjoy sharing with friends and loved ones the images that you’re capturing, you will be able to do this with this camera.
It has been designed with a wide-angle lens which means that you can capture more than ever before. All of the mounting accessories are included inside off the package at no extra price. This includes a mount to your handlebar, helmet, or tripod. In addition to this, it also comes with 2 batteries which means that you don’t have to make further investment.
You will be able to replay or view the shots that you’ve captured on the large LCD screen. As it’s one of the best, there’s no need to share or delete your images as you can use a micro SD card up to 32GB. What stands out about this product is the fact that it comes with a wireless 2.4G remote control.
If you’re in the middle of doing something, all you will need to do is to press the buttons on the remote and the camera will begin recording. Therefore, you can keep your hands free.
| Pros | Cons |
| Each battery can record up to 1.5 hours | Some customers reported glitches |
| It comes with a wireless remote control | Product isn’t quality checked before being sent to the customer |
| Numerous accessories included | Batteries find it difficult to hold a charge |
| Designed with Wi-Fi capabilities | |
| Waterproof up to 100 feet |
VanTop Action Camera
This alternative camera to GoPro has the ability to capture photos in 4K which means that each image will have an incredible resolution. If you’re into movie making, you will enjoy the fact that the camera comes with a smart remote control that will allow you to use your hands.
Therefore, you will feel free to do activities such as kayaking and surfing. All you will need to do is to press a button and begin your adventure. When you’re finished with it, the carry case has foam padding which means that you can carry the camera wherever you go.
You can share your photos and videos through Wi-Fi by connecting to your phone or you can use it by the app. It has the waterproof ability of up to 100 feet which means that you can use it for skydiving, surfing, and diving.
| Pros | Cons |
| It comes with a padded carry case | Quality of mounting accessories could be improved |
| It comes with a wireless remote control | The locking system for the carry case is mediocre |
| Numerous accessories included | The app is difficult to be understood by beginners |
| You can make time-lapse images | |
| Designed with 170-degrees wide angle |