Nowadays, an action camera is a must-have gadget for adventurous people who love to travel a lot. Action-cam reserves multiple purposes i.e. it is compact can be mounted anywhere quickly, extreme temperatures friendly, and water and dust proof.
GoPro is the first name that comes to mind when talking about action and sports cameras because the company is renowned for producing such type of cameras. GoPro cameras are known for their best performance, extreme portability, and distinctive styles. Therefore, the company takes advantage of their name and popularity, and the prices of their cameras are relatively higher than other action cameras in the market.
Apple is one such popular brand which charges a lot for its products. Same is the case with GoPro; they charge for their name and the trust they have gained over the past years. But this does not make their cameras the only considerable choice in the world of action cameras.
In this guide, I have compiled a list of best GoPro alternatives that are quite close to GoPro concerning capabilities and performance. Moreover, these cameras are relatively cheaper.
Contents
- Things to Consider While Buying a GoPro Alternative Action-Camera
- Video Quality
- Weight and Size
- Mounting Options
- Battery Life
- Other Accessories
- Support
- Our Pick of Top 10 Best GoPro Alternatives Action-Camera
- 1. Drift Stealth 2 Sports Action Camera
- 2. Contour ROAM3 Waterproof Action Camera
- 3. Polaroid Cube+ Action Camera with WiFi
- 4. Xiaoyi Yi Action Camera with WiFi
- 5. HTC Re Waterproof Digital Camera
- 6. Mobius Action Camera Mini Sports Cam
- 7. SJCAM SJ5000 Wide-Angle Sports Action Camera
- 8. Sony HDR-AS50 Full HD Action Cam
- 9. Rollei Actioncam 420 WiFi Camcorder
- 10. Garmin Virb Elite Action Camera
- The Pro Review from TechReviewPro
Things to Consider While Buying a GoPro Alternative Action-Camera
The action cameras just like all other gadgets are advancing with the growing technology regarding their hardware and specifications. Therefore, it is necessary to stay up-to-date with the latest innovations and improvements in the tech world if you want to buy one.
Accordingly, there are few important things mentioned below that must be taken care of while buying an action-cam. That does not mean you have to fulfill all the requirements; just take care of these points, and you would not be disappointed.
Video Quality
Video resolution and quality is the first and most important thing you should take care of while buying yourself an action camera. Right now, 4K (or Ultra High Definition) is the highest video quality offered by such cameras, trailed by 1080p and 720p video qualities respectively. But generally, the Ultra HD video quality cameras are way more expensive than simple HD cameras.
In the end, it all depends on which resolution you prefer but also consider that if you have a 4K viewing screen or not. If you do not have 4K supported screen, then buying a camera with 4K video resolution is pointless.
Weight and Size
Action cameras are mostly mounted on the head or a helmet, therefore, goes for a compact and lighter one that can be worn easily. Moreover, heavy cameras are more likely to be broken easily when dropped.
Mounting Options
You also have to know your camera usage well before buying it. So must know that whether you want to mount it on your helmet or fix it in front of your racing bike. There are many GoPro alternatives action cameras available in the market with the variety of mounting options.
Battery Life
Action cameras have to work all day long. Therefore, you need a compact camera that has a huge battery life too so that it may cover your adventurous journey without dying in the halfway. Anyhow, if the camera you are buying matches your budget and specific requirements but does not have a healthy battery life, then you can keep spare batteries with you. The batteries also come with solar chargers these days.
Other Accessories
Sometimes, it is necessary for you to have an extra pair of batteries, a tripod stand, a flashlight for night videography and multiple convertible cables. Make sure that the action camera you are buying supports these kinds of add-on accessories that are readily available in the market.
Support
Most of the companies ship their products with the manufacturing warranty. They also provide customer support and on-call guidance. Make sure the delicate gadget you are buying has some company warranty and a proper customer support service.
To cut short, consider the things mentioned above, read some reviews and suggestion online then make the purchase.
Our Pick of Top 10 Best GoPro Alternatives Action-Camera
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Stealth 2 Sports Action Camera by Drift | Action Shot Camera Includes Universal Clip for use as POV... | 332 Reviews | $259.99 | Check it on Amazon |
|
Contour ROAM3 Waterproof HD Video Camera (Black) | 299 Reviews | Check it on Amazon | |
|
Polaroid Cube+ 1440p Mini Lifestyle Action Camera with Wi-Fi & Image Stabilization (Black) | 480 Reviews | Check it on Amazon | |
|
Xiaoyi Yi Action Camera with Wi-Fi, White - International Version | 206 Reviews | Check it on Amazon | |
|
HTC RE 16.0MP Waterproof Digital Camera (White) | 310 Reviews | $64.99 $49.96 | Check it on Amazon |
|
Spytec Mini HD Lightweight Mobius Sports Action Dash Camera 1080p 30 fps HD Video Recorder with Loop... | 417 Reviews | Check it on Amazon | |
|
Sony HDRAS50/B Full HD Action Cam (Black) | 146 Reviews | $179.99 | Check it on Amazon |
1. Drift Stealth 2 Sports Action Camera
- An extreme dual functioning camera that records at full HD 1080p 30FPS and lasts up to 3 hours of recording time. This action shot camera that is 40% percent lighter and is half the size of a normal digital camera.
- A 137 degrees lens view provides the most accurate and the sharpest image capturing and this drift camera is perfectly suited as a dash camera, and as a sports action camera.
- Weather resistant, this little camera is engineered with the most bold and durable materials and will hold its own as an extreme camera mounted as a bike camera or as a helmet camera.
- Includes a full 12 month manufacturer's warranty. Drift Stealth 2 Sports Action Camera is enabled for Wi-Fi streaming
- The 3hr battery life, rotatable lens and aerodynamic design make the Drift Stealth 2 a unique POV camera.
This light-weight and small size sports action camera by Drift is a compelling option in GoPro alternatives because of its incredible mounting features and light weight. Its most noticeable feature is a 137-degree lens camera that can take amazingly sharp images and is a perfect drift camera for sports and action-filled adventures. Just like most of other normal cameras, it is not waterproof. Now have a look at its other features:
Video Quality
Although this nifty little device characterizes its light-weight as its most compelling feature, it does not lack a good video quality. It can record videos up to 1080p resolution at 30 frames per second and flaunts a bitrate of 18Mbps. That is a decent quality for action cameras, certainly not the best out there, but not a deal breaker either. You can take 3 megapixels single shots, or 3 burst shots per seconds and even pull it out for time lapse photos ranging from .5- to .60- time intervals.
Weight & Size
Drift Stealth 2 is a real prize when it comes to compactness and lightness. At only 97g, you will fall in love with its incredible portability and the astounding ease it brings to your action photography. Its 80x42x27mm size makes it a friendly camera to go about on your next adventure. If you’re looking for a lightweight, compact camera that can take decent photos and run for a long duration, this is a pretty great solution to your needs.
Battery Life
The battery life on this little bad boy is pretty long lasting, but where it can leave you hanging dry is that it is built-in and you can not remove it to replace with an extra. Many action cameras have a removable battery for the obvious reasons of allowing additional backup at times of dire needs. In my opinion, it could have been a lot better with a removable battery. But still, 3 hours battery time is quite decent for action cameras. In fact, it is one of the best GoPro alternatives in the market, and it is hailed for its long battery life.
Accessories and Support
Drift Stealth 2 Sports Action Camera comes with a one-year warranty so you can have some peace of mind on your adventures, for a year at least. It comes with a universal clip that can be used to a helmet or other POV positions. See all specs and features.
| Video Quality | 1080p |
| Camera | |
| Battery Life | 3 hours |
| Weight | 97g |
| Price | $89 |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Price: $89
2. Contour ROAM3 Waterproof Action Camera
- 1080p, 960p, 720p HD Video Capture With Built-In Mic
- 170° Ultra-Wide Angle Lens with 270-Degree Rotation
- Camera Waterproof to 30'
- Single Shot and Interval Photo Modes
- Built-In Laser for Shot Alignment
This agile little beast is one of the best GoPro alternatives action cameras out there and it perfect for swimmers as well as other action sportspeople. The design this camera offers is incredibly sexy and will earn you extra style points every time. Let’s have a closer look at what is under the hood of this bad boy:
Video Quality
Recording at 1080p resolution at 30 frames per second and 720p at 60fps, its video quality is just as good as top tier action cameras out there. A 270-degree rotating lens makes Contour ROAM3 an ultimate capture of your most actionable moments. With this incredible rotating lens, never miss out on any detail, and flaunt your actions in front of your friends freely. Its 5MP camera makes sure the quality of the video is superb and includes all the necessary features like single shot, interval photos, and a built-in mic takes care of the sound.
Weight & Size
Weighing 386g, it is considerably heavier than some of the other GoPro alternatives options I have featured, but it makes up for its weight in extra features as being waterproof (up to 30ft.) without a case. If you spend most of your action time under water, a little extra weight isn’t a deal breaker at all.
Battery Life
Contour ROAM3 Waterproof Action Camera also has a built-in battery without support for removability. The battery does provide a prolonged 3.5 hours backup, which is on par with industry standards.
Accessories and Support
If you are into action sports like skiing, swimming, biking, and surfboarding, this action camera will fulfill all your needs. It provides mounting options for all these sports. It comes with two choices, a ‘Camera Only’ and a ‘Starter Bundle’ options, as you might have guessed, the former only gives you the camera and the latter come with a charging kit and a flex strap mount along with the camera. See specs and features.
| Video Quality | 1080p, 720p |
| Camera | 5MP |
| Battery Life | 3.5 hours |
| Weight | 386g |
| Price | $89 for Camera Only, $133.15 for Starter Bundle |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Price: $89 for “Camera Only” option and $133.15 for “Starter Bundle.”
3. Polaroid Cube+ Action Camera with WiFi
- World’s Funnest, Cutest Lifestyle Action Camera in Light & Tiny Cubic Package
- NEW! Wi-Fi + FREE App; Shoot, View, Save, Print & Share with Your Mobile Device
- 8MP still images; Selectable 1440p / 1080p / 720p Video Rate; Full Image & Video Stabilization
- Built-In Rechargeable Battery for up to 107 Minutes of Continuous Recording Per Charge
- 124° Wide-Angle Lens; Magnetic/Clip Mounting Options; Includes MicroSD Card & Polaroid Bumper Case
A camera giant like Polaroid has to have someone running in the action cameras game, and their Cube+ action camera is a worthy alternative to GoPro. Polaroid Cube+ action camera has a sleek and sexy cube like design that makes it very pleasing to look at. But do not be fooled by its appearance for it packs high performance under the hood as well. Let’s have a look at its features:
Video Quality
With an 8MP camera with a 124-degree wide angle lens, Polaroid Cube+ action camera records at 1440p with slow and fast motion capturing capability. This makes for a widely diverse, high-quality, incredible looking action camera that is sure to catch everyone’s attention. It is waterproof up to 30ft without a case making it a very reliable and high-quality video camera.
Weight & Size
At only 59g, it is one of the most lightweight GoPro alternatives action cameras out there. The design is aesthetically pleasing, and the size is super-compact, making it a stylishly portable action camera perfect for your next underwater or sky-high adventure.
Battery Life
The battery life of Polaroid Cube+ action camera is not impressive. With only an hour’s worth of backup, it lacks other options. If battery life is your primary concern, you might be happier with other options. It has the capability to record while charging, so if you take a power bank with you, problem solved!
Accessories and Support
Polaroid Cube+ action camera with WiFi has microUSB port and comes with a bunch of accessories like HDMI cable, helmet mount, handlebar mount, and of course, a USB cable. See all specs and features.
| Video Quality | 1440p |
| Camera | 8MP |
| Battery Life | 1 hour |
| Weight | 59g |
| Price | $99.99 |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Price: Originally $149.99 after a 33% discount, $99.99
4. Xiaoyi Yi Action Camera with WiFi
- Hottest Xiaomi release Technology
- Sony Exmor R BSI CMOS 16 Million Pixel Sensor inside
- Support wireless connection mobile phone, WiFi Connectivity (Up to 100 Metres), easily transfer video and photos to your smartphone
- Support Micro SD Card(up to 64GB, need to buy separately) Recommend to use Glass 10 for better experience
- Support Android Only
Xiaoyi Yi Action Camera is one of the best GoPro alternatives action camera out there. It focuses on keeping the price affordable, yet giving the best value for money by offering premium quality. Let’s take a look at its specs:
Video Quality
Xiaoyi Yi action camera has a whopping 16MP Sony camera with 155-degree wide lens and records 1080p videos at 120 fps. Arguably one of the best GoPro alternatives considering video quality options available at a modest $76.99.
Weight & Size
At 113g, it is heavier than quite a few other GoPro alternatives option but nonetheless is quite portable. It has a decent compact design suitable for most sports and action activities.
Battery Life
A 1,010 mAh battery offers a near 2 hours battery life. The nice thing here is that the battery is removable so you can keep a charged extra battery with you for dire needs.
Accessories and Support
Xiaoyi Yi Action Camera does not come with any mounts out of the box, so you will have to purchase them separately. Read more about its specifications and features.
| Video Quality | 1080p |
| Camera | 16MP |
| Battery Life | 1010mAh, 2 hours |
| Weight | 113g |
| Price | $76.99 |
| Warranty |
Price: $76.99
5. HTC Re Waterproof Digital Camera
- Ultra-Wide Angle Lens No need for a viewfinder. 146 degree ultra-wide view captures everything.
- Grip Sensor No fumbling with the on/off switch. An automatic sensor detects your grip for instant-on use.
- One-Button Control Tap for photos, press for videos. Seamless control eliminates the need for a photo/video mode switch.
- Ergonomic Design Subtle size and form-fitting grip fits your hand naturally for distraction-free use.
HTC Re is a peculiarly shaped action camera which looks pretty sleek, but then again, I’ll let you decide if you are happy with its design or not. It is, however, equipped with all necessary action camera features. You can consider it one of the best GoPro alternatives.
Video Quality
A 16MP camera that can take 1080p and 720p HD videos with slow-mo options and a 146 degrees viewing angle. HTC Re houses a pretty decent camera for such a small size.
Weight & Size
HTC Reweighs a mere 66g and as you can see in the image looks like it can fit between your fingers while you ride your bike.
Battery Life
Equipped with an 820 mAh battery, it can give you around 1.5 hours of battery life.
Accessories and Support
HTC Re comes with a USB cable and a lanyard. You can purchase the rest of the accessories like mounts etc. separately. See specs and features.
| Video Quality | 1080p, 720p |
| Camera | 16MP |
| Battery Life | 820mAh, 1.5 hours |
| Weight | 66g |
| Price | $118 |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Price: $118
6. Mobius Action Camera Mini Sports Cam
A really cool design, compact size, and super light action camera, Mobius is one of the best GoPro alternatives and most portable action camera out there. Following is a detailed account of its specs and features:
Video Quality
The video quality of Mobius mini sports cam is not the best out there. With a 3.5MP camera, it takes a blow against the other GoPro alternatives. It records 1080p videos at 30 frames per second and 720p at 60fps. It offers Time-lapse mode also.
Weight & Size
At a mere 8.5g, this is the lightest GoPro alternatives action camera I have reviewed today. Carrying it around you won’t even feel it. Its feather-like weight and compact size make it a marvelous outside companion.
Battery Life
Mobius mini sports action cam also has an 820 mAh battery, which can give you around 1.5 hours of battery life.
Accessories and Support
When it comes to out of the box accessories, Mobius mini sports action cam spares no expense in trying to please its customers. It comes with various mounts like car windshield mount, bike handlebar mount, helmet mount, and Velcro. It also comes with an attachment sleeve, a mini tripod, a car adapter, and apparently, a USB cable. See detailed specs and reviews.
| Video Quality | 1080p, 720p |
| Camera | 3.5MP |
| Battery Life | 820mAh, 1.5 hours |
| Weight | 8.5g |
| Price | $74.94 |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Price: $74.94
7. SJCAM SJ5000 Wide-Angle Sports Action Camera
No products found.
Video Quality
SJCAM SJ5000 wide-angle sports action camera is a distinguished alternative to GoPro which houses a lot of cool features. One of them is a 2-inch HD display that lets you view all your recordings and photos. It has a 14MP CMOS camera and a 170-degree wide lens, topped with a 4X zoom to give it top-notch video quality. It records at 1080p and offers all the essential features like time-lapse, burst mode, etc.
Weight & Size
SJCAM SJ500 wide-angle sports action camera has a very compact size and looks kind of sturdy. Although it is heavier than some of the GoPro alternatives action cam models I have reviewed, it isn’t that heavy to make it a deal breaker.
Battery Life
You will have to compromise on a modest 900mAh battery on this one. It still gives you around 70 minutes of video recording. But the good thing about this GoPro alternative action camera is that the battery is removable, so you can always keep a spare.
Accessories and Support
SJCAM SJ500 wide-angle sports action camera makes its customers awfully happy with its extended range of accessories that come with the box. These include waterproof case, bicycle stand, helmet base, mounts, tripod adapter and a few more to make it a complete outdoor adventure filming package. Read detailed reviews and specifications.
| Video Quality | 1080p |
| Camera | 14MP CMOS |
| Battery Life | 900mAh, 70 minutes |
| Weight | |
| Price | $115.99 |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Price: $129.00
Buy Here (Amazon)
8. Sony HDR-AS50 Full HD Action Cam
- Full HD with XAVC-S, 11.1MP, Exmor R sensor
- Optical Steady Shot, ZEISS Lens
- Wi-Fi/NFC/Bluetooth, Multi camera control, 60m waterproof housing
- Height: 1.9" Width: 1" Length: 3.3" Weight (Approximate): 2.05 oz
- Minimum focus distance - approximately 30 cm
Video Quality
Sony HDR-AS50 full HD action cam has an excellent video quality owing to its image stabilization feature called SteadyShot. It even records at 4K but only for time-lapses and photos. If you are looking for GoPro alternatives with 4K video recording, you might want to check out Sony’s higher end 4K action cams. This one here records video at 1080p and has a lens viewing angle of 170 degrees, pretty much same as the other GoPro alternatives I have reviewed.
Weight & Size
Weighing 83g, it bolsters a reasonable weight and size – neither too heavy to carry nor too light to get misplaced.
Battery Life
With 150 minutes in record time, this battery is one of the best among various best GoPro alternatives action cameras that I have seen.
Accessories and Support
It does not come with a universal tripod mount or any other mount for that matter. You will have to pay extra for accessories. Read more about its features and specifications.
| Video Quality | 1080p for Video, 4K for photos |
| Camera | 11.1MP, Exmor R sensor |
| Battery Life | 150 minutes |
| Weight | 83g |
| Price | $200 |
| Warranty |
Price: $198.00
9. Rollei Actioncam 420 WiFi Camcorder
No products found.
The Rollei Actioncam 420 beats other GoPro alternatives action cameras when it comes to extra ease as it comes with a remote that you can wear on your wrist. So, you can take care of all actions with the remote on your wrist.
The camera LCD lets you view and control everything happening to it. The built-in Wi-Fi covers the range of more than 15m, and you can control the camera remotely with the iOS and Android applications that the company offers. The company claims that the camera is waterproof up to 40 meters when merged in the water with the shipped waterproof case, but the wrist remote is only water resistant not water proof.
Video Quality
The action-cam allows you to shoot videos in 4K (3840 x 2160 Pixel/10 fps), 2K (1920 x 1440 Pixel/30 fps) and Full HD (1920 x 1080 Pixel, 60/50/30/25 fps) video modes with its sharp 12MP camera. You can tilt the camera to 180-degree for the more customized experience. The camera also features a time-lapse mode.
Weight & Size
It weighs about 65g, and its dimensions are 3.2 x 1.12 x 3.0 inches. This makes it a little lighter than the average action camera weight of 2.70 ounces.
Battery Life
The installed battery is 1180 mAh, and it has a battery life of 2 hours when it is new and not much used.
Accessories and Support
The whole Rollei Actioncam 400 package contains a camera, wrist remote, basic mount, waterproof case, tripod adapter, safety pads and a USB cable.
| Video Quality | 4K, 2K, 1080p |
| Camera | 12MP |
| Battery Life | 1180mAH, 2 hours |
| Weight | 65g |
| Price | $295 |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Price: $295
10. Garmin Virb Elite Action Camera
No products found.
Video Quality
This oddly-shaped little beast offers an incredible 16MP CMOS camera recording at 1080p and a viewing angle of 146 degrees. This should be more than enough for all your action captures. It even has a small 1.4-inch screen to let you preview your videos and photos.
Weight & Size
The size of this action camera is compact but more vertical than other GoPro alternatives action cameras I have reviewed. Although the weight is considerably higher than other models (172.3g), it is a small price to pay for the extraordinary battery and other features it offers.
Battery Life
This one offers a whopping 2,000 mAh battery giving 3 hours of video recording, which is more than any other GoPro alternatives action cameras I have reviewed. If you are looking for a top-notch action camera, that is lightweight, has excellent recording quality, and a great battery life, this one is a no-brainer.
Accessories and Support
It comes with a microUSB cable, mount brackets, curved sticky mount for helmets, a flap mount, and a Garmin sticker to let you show your brand loyalty.
| Video Quality | 1080p |
| Camera | 16MP CMOS |
| Battery Life | 2000mAh, 3 hours |
| Weight | 172.3g |
| Price | $199 |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Price: $199
The Pro Review from TechReviewPro
This was our guide to best GoPro alternatives action camera you can consider buying in 2017. At the end of the day, it all depends on which action camera you prefer and whether that camera suits you and addresses your budget and needs perfectly or not.
But before you jump to buy your favorite action-cam, there are few things you must consider like the video and image quality, device portability and durability, mounting options, battery life, additional accessories and product support.
So, shop your favorite action-cam now and start shooting!
