GoPro was once the only trusted name in action cameras but that has changed with time. Many other companies have jumped onto the action camera bandwagon, churning out the best alternatives to GoPro. Boasting some great features, like 4K video resolution and built-in stabilization, you’ll find that the best GoPro alternative will not burn a hole in your wallet.
Another good thing about these GoPro substitutes is that they are compatible with the best GoPro accessories, although most of them come with a host of their own accessories. With the wide range of GoPro knock-offs that are available today, choosing the right one can be quite confusing. We’ve picked out what we think are the 13 best alternatives to GoPro to help make things simpler for you.
Yi 4k+
13
One of the best alternatives to GoPro in the budget segment is the Yi 4K+. This affordable action camera mimics the best in the high range segment with its 4K resolution at 60fps frame rate. It boasts of being one of the first action cameras to be able to record such impressive video quality. This is possible with the built-in Sony IMX3777 image sensor that not only helps you capture 12MP pictures but films high-quality full HD footage.
What really stands out on the Yi 4K + is the great batter life. The 1200mAh high capacity can give you up to 70 minutes of 4K/60fps video recording which is far better than the GoPro HERO4. Other features that are equally impressive are the RAW image capture, Voice Control, and EIS 4K/30fps. An accompanying app adds to the overall quality of using this camera.
Another stand out feature of this GoPro alternative is the large touchscreen at the back. However, the downside to this large screen is that it doesn’t do too well in bright light. While there are quite a few accessories available for this camera, you’ll have to buy them separately which will obviously add to the overall cost.
What We Love About It
- What’s not to love about a camera that is almost on par with the best in the market but for half the price!
Pros
- Impressive 4K video recording
- Superb image stabilization
- Large touchscreen
- Affordable pricing
- Long battery life
Cons
- No extra accessories supplied with the camera
Victure AC900
12
It’s often said that ‘the best things in life come in small packages’ and this saying holds true for the Victure AC900. This powerful action camera punches quite high above its size with some excellent features. It’s a professional-quality camera with great packaging too. If you’re looking for the best GoPro alternative this camera is as good as any.
It has great built-in stabilization and works well in 4K mode, plus it comes with built-in timelapse and slow motion. The camera supports 4K, 2.7K, 1080P, and 720P videos. It also has a 20MP photo resolution. Another standout feature of the camera is the 2-inch full HD touch screen which makes it super easy to use.
Almost all action cameras are incomplete without accessories and more often than not, they’re sold separately. The fact that this one comes with a kit of accessories, pushes it up a few notches in our rankings of the best alternatives to GoPro. It also comes with a waterproof case that allows you to dive to a depth of about 30 meters. The Victure is compatible with both Android and iOS systems and can be easily connected to your phone via the Wifi app.
What We Love About It
- The accessories that come with the camera are quite impressive, as is the affordable pricing.
Pros
- Affordable and user friendly
- EIS stabilization
- Touchscreen makes it super easy to use
- Comes with a host of accessories and features
Cons
- Memory cards have to be formatted to FAT32 which can be a bit annoying
- Audio quality isn’t all that great
TomTom Bandit
11
TomTom’s Bandit Action Camera wears the distinction of being the first camera ever to come with a built-in media server. This makes it so much easier to edit footage without having to download it. It’s also pretty simple to create and share videos because of the companion app which is one of the best in the segment. Just by shaking your smartphone, you can share videos in a matter of minutes.
The controls and connectivity of the TomTom outshine most of the best alternatives to GoPro. With the touch of a single button you can start or stop recording. The remote is also a bonus especially when the camera is mounted on your head. Navigating the in-camera menus and changing settings is also pretty simple.
When it comes to video, the quality is very similar to GoPro HERO4. However, the 4K could so with some improvement as it shoots only at 15fps. The battery life far outshines the GoPro and most other action cameras. You can record for three times longer than the GoPro.
What We Love About It
- The ease of use and durability of this camera is quite impressive
Pros
- Great battery life
- Very hardy
- Easy to use
- Built-in media server
- Great companion app
Cons
- When the camera is mounted on a helmet it’s difficult to know if it’s recording as the recording status is on the top of the camera.
Sony FDR-X3000R
10
Sony has always been a name that has stood out in cameras and electronics and the Sony FDR-X3000R definitely lives up to Sony’s great reputation. While the camera is slightly larger than many of the action cameras, it’s pretty simple to mount on your helmet or handlebar. Like most Sony products, the FDR-X3000R is not light on the wallet but its excellent features make it one of the best alternatives to GoPro in the premium section.
What really stands out is the excellent built-in image stabilization and top-notch video quality. You can expect some great visuals with this camera minus the shake and judder that is so common with most action cameras. It’s quite evident that this camera is more geared towards excellent video footage than still images.
Another unique feature of the Sony FDR X30000R is the separate Live View Remote accessory. You can mount this on a nearby surface to enable you to view the live video without having to stop the recording. For better connectivity, you can also use Sony’s PlayMemories mobile app which is compatible with Android and iOS. Waterproof Housing that is dustproof, shockproof, and waterproof to 60m is supplied with the camera.
What We Love About It
- Excellent built-in image stabilization and top-notch video quality
Pros
- Impressive image stabilization
- Live View Remote
- Top-notch video quality
- Excellent underwater housing
Cons
- Heavy on the wallet
- Apart from the waterproof housing no other accessories included
- Still images are not that great
Original SJCAM SJ4000 Air 4K Wi-Fi Action Camera 16MP Waterproof DV Camcorder
9
Another good inexpensive GoPro alternative is the Original SJCAM SJ4000 Air. This upgraded version provides 4K at 30fps and has a 16MP image resolution. It comes in a waterproof case with a camera backdoor that can be interchanged with the waterproof backdoor for better audio quality. The waterproof case has a double lock mechanism for extra security and can be used down to 30m without a problem.
You’ll find a few accessories in the box including a spare battery and multiple mounts and attachments. The built-in wifi wireless module is a handy tool that allows you to quickly share videos and photos. Another great thing about this best GoPro alternative is that it is compatible with almost all GoPro mounting accessories. A standout feature of this camera is the ability to loop record.
What We Love About It
- The camera’s ability to loop record
Pros
- Affordable GoPro alternative
- Comes with a few accessories including a waterproof case
- An extra battery is included
Cons
- No image stabilization
- Doesn’t boot with 64GB sd card but can be booted without the card
APEMAN A77 Action Camera 4K
8
If you’re looking for one of the best alternatives to GoPro that will not make a dent in your wallet, the APEMAN A77 Action Camera is a great option. It packs in quite a few impressive features such as photos with 16MP in loop recording, videos with 4K, and an advanced sensor to capture those exciting moments.
The camera is waterproof up to 30m and also comes in a waterproof housing. Added to this it also has a wireless wrist remote control that gives you the convenience of recording difficult angles. Another convenience is the built-in wifi and HDMI output which allows easy sharing between your devices. With impressive footage, a battery that lasts for up to 3 hours, and an affordable price tag what more could you ask for in a camera!
What We Love About It
- We were quite taken with the number of accessories that come in the box and the battery life
Pros
- Impressive video footage
- Affordable
- Waterproof to 30m
- Good battery life
- Wireless wrist remote control
Cons
- The audio quality is not that great
Dragon Touch 4K Action Camera
7
Sometimes it can be pretty confusing trying to decide on the best alternatives to GoPro as there are so many out there. The Dragon Touch 4K is another great affordable knockoff to GoPro like so many others on our list. Featuring a zoom range, professional 4K/30fps, 1080P/60fps video, and 16MP photo resolution, you can be certain that you’ll get a good deal with this GoPro alternative.
You can dive below 30m with this waterproof camera or capture some great inaccessible footage with the help of the wireless wrist remote control. The remote however, is not waterproof. Versatility is another standout feature of this compact camera that has multiple functions such as image rotation, driving mode, and loop recording, to name a few.
What We Love About It
- It’s a great versatile camera with lots of functions.
Pros
- Remote control
- Waterproof up to 30m with a waterproof case
- Built-in WiFi Control
- Multi-functions
- Free mounting accessories
Cons
- Does not have a front facing mode so can be a little difficult to take pictures
Olympus TG-Tracker with 1.5-Inch LCD
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The robust design and a wide host of features make the Olympus TG-Tracker one of the best alternatives to GoPro. This bullet-shaped action camera is much lighter than most of the other cameras with a similar shape and can easily fit into your pocket. A great thing about the Olympus TG-Tracker is that it’s waterproof to 30 meters so you won’t need a separate housing, but just a small waterproof cover for the lens.
Using this camera is pretty easy with the multiple buttons that are on the camera body. The 1.5″ LCD screen tilts out but cannot be rotated. Another added bonus is the front LED headlight that makes shooting easy in poor light.
You can expect some excellent video quality from the Olympus TG-Tracker with 4K, 240fps at 720p, and Electronic 5-Axis Image Stabilization. The ultra-bright F2.0 high-speed lens captures fast action with some amazing results. Combined with five built-in action track sensors you can be sure that you’re going to capture much more than mere images and footage.
What We Love About It
- The built-in action sensors that record a large array of metrics from GPS tracking to barometric pressure are pretty impressive
Pros
- Fully waterproof without the need for housing
- Great performance
- Easy to use
- Five built-in action track sensors
Cons
- The app is not that great
- Not as compact as the GoPro
Polaroid Cube+
5
An aspiring action camera user will definitely love the tiny Polaroid Cube + that comes at a throwaway price. Standing at 1.4″ and weighing just 49 grams, it’s surprising how much this tiny camera can do. It may not be as good as the other action cameras rated here at 1080p at 30 or 60fps but it is still one of the best alternatives to GoPro for a beginner.
Although you may not be too thrilled with the recording capabilities of the Polaroid, at 1080p at 30/60 fps, it still gives some great video footage. What stands out is the sturdy construction of the camera. This camera is weatherproof, splashproof, and shockproof so it’s pretty hardy like any other action camera. With only one button for everything and no live view screen, you may feel like you’ve stepped back in time. However, as we stated at the beginning, it’s one of the best for a beginner.
What We Love About It
- It has a pretty sturdy construction despite its tiny size
Pros
- Easy to turn on and off
- Video quality is quite good despite the limitations
- Affordable
- Sturdy construction
Cons
- Average audio
- Will need a number of accessories
Garmin VIRB 360
4
True to its name, the rugged, waterproof, Garmin VIRB 360 captures the full 360-degree footage and images, both horizontally and vertically. With the built-in sensors, you get G-Metrix data overlays in 360 degrees augmented reality. It will also auto-stitch your 4K footage in-camera. However, if it’s a higher resolution you’re looking at, then you can opt to record video in unstitched 5.7K resolution at 30fps. You also have the option of choosing between different recording modes.
Added to this, with the Garmin you can skip the lengthy editing process with 1-click video stabilization up to 40K resolution and live stream any of your adventures. With the aid of the VIRB Mobile app, sharing becomes extremely easy. Three modes of 4K spherical stabilization ensure that you get the best out of your recording every time. A standout feature of the Garmin is the voice control option that gives you the freedom to start or stop recording on the go.
What We Love About It
- We love that you can capture a full 360 degree footage
Pros
- Voice control
- Easy to livestream video footage
- Spherical stabilization ensures smooth video
- Built-in sensors provide G-Metrix data overlays
- Waterproof up to 10 meters
Cons
- Battery life could be better
AKASO Brave 4
3
Akaso is renowned for making some of the best alternatives to GoPro at an affordable price and the AKASO Brave 4 does not disappoint. This upgraded series of the EK7000 features 4K/24fps video resolution and 20MP photos. A great feature of this camera is that you can adjust the view angle according to your needs. With the built-in gyroscope you can be sure of smooth videos.
It’s easy to share and edit videos with the free app and WiFi signal with a 10m range and also easy to operate with the 2″ IPS screen. If you’re going diving, the waterproof case ensures that your camera is safe up to 30m below. A remote wristband and numerous accessories including 2 batteries are supplied with the camera.
What We Love About It
- The 19 piece accessory kit is definitely a good selling point
Pros
- Lots of accessories
- Remote control wristband
- Great video quality
- Adjustable view angle
- Built-in smart gyroscope for image stabilization
Cons
- Sound recording could be better
Campark X20 Action Camera
2
If you’re on the lookout for a cheap entry-level GoPro alternative, the Campark X20 won’t disappoint. This upgraded version features ultra HD video in 4K/30fps video resolution, 20MP photos plus a 170degree wide-angle lens. It also has a built-in gyroscope for better image stabilization.
You can quickly switch between modes with the 2″ intuitive IPS touch screen or share your special moments in real-time via the app. This waterproof camera also allows you to dive down to 40m when the camera is in its waterproof case. Besides this, the camera also comes with a water-resistant remote control wristband and professional accessories kit.
What We Love About It
- The touchscreen makes it much easier to to switch modes and review your footage
Pros
- Comes with quite a few mounting accessories and a spare battery
- Image stabilization
- Built-in wifi
- Wrist Remote control
- Good video quality
- Touch screen for easy navigation
Cons
- No internal memory so a micro SD card is essential
- The battery life is not that great
Akaso EK7000 Pro
1
Akaso’s EK7000 Pro is an upgraded version of EK7000 and is one of the best alternatives to GoPro in the affordable segment. The ultra 2 inch IPS touch screen is extremely clear and helps in easy changing of settings or switching modes. Integrated Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) ensures that you’ll have smooth and steady videos all the time.
If this isn’t enough, the Pro action camera also features ultra HD 4K 25fps with 16MP images. You can also adjust the view angle of the camera and also capture the best images while you’re in action with the wireless remote control. An upgraded waterproof case gives you the liberty to dive down to 40 meters, while the built-in wifi makes sharing images so much easier. It can also be used as a professional dashcam.
What We Love About It
- For the price you pay, the camera is definitely one of the best alternatives to Go Pro. You have almost all the features at a fraction of the price.
Pros
- Good value for money
- Lots of included accessories
- 2 batteries in the charger
- Multiple functions
- Waterproof down to 40m
- Remote wireless control
Cons
- Filming indicator is difficult to see underwater
- Every time you change batteries the date tends to go back to the default date
