You can get a capable action camera for under $100 if you choose carefully. Expect good daylight footage and plenty of accessories.
Every camera here was listed at or below $100 on Amazon when we checked. Prices change often, so confirm the current price before you buy.
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Quick Picks
- Best overall: AKASO EK7000
- Best with zoom: AKASO Brave 4
- Best touch screen: AKASO EK7000 Pro
- Best value features: Dragon Touch Vision 3
- Best 4K60 budget: TIMNUT 4K60 Touchscreen Action Camera
- Best clip-on POV: Sixmou i3 Thumb Action Camera
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Video | Standout feature | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AKASO EK7000 | Best overall | 4K30 | Waterproof case to 131 ft | View |
| AKASO Brave 4 | Best with zoom | 4K30 | 5x zoom, EIS | View |
| AKASO EK7000 Pro | Best touch screen | 4K30 | 2″ touch screen | View |
| Dragon Touch Vision 3 | Best value features | 4K30 | 4x zoom, remote | View |
| TIMNUT 4K60 Touchscreen Action Camera | Best 4K60 budget | 4K60 | 8x digital zoom | View |
| Sixmou i3 Thumb Action Camera | Best clip-on POV | 4K, 35.7 g | Thumb-size | View |
Detailed Reviews
1The AKASO EK7000 is the best-selling budget action camera on Amazon. It records 4K30 video and 20MP photos, has electronic stabilization and comes with a waterproof case rated to 131 feet.
It is our go-to pick for kids, beginners and anyone who wants a cheap camera they will not worry about.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Very affordable
- Case rated to 131 ft
- Lots of mounts
Watch out for
- Basic image quality
- Needs case for water
Key Specs
- Video: 4K30
- Photo: 20MP
- Case: waterproof to 131 ft
2The AKASO Brave 4 records 4K30 video and 20MP photos, with electronic stabilization, an adjustable view angle and 5x digital zoom.
It adds more control than the EK7000 at a budget price.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Adjustable FOV
- Digital zoom
- Budget
Watch out for
- Digital zoom loses detail
- Needs case for water
Key Specs
- Video: 4K30
- Zoom: 5x digital
- Stabilization: EIS
3The EK7000 Pro upgrades the classic EK7000 with a 2-inch touch screen while keeping 4K30 video and a waterproof case rated to 131 feet.
It is a budget camera that is easier to set up on the go.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Touch screen
- Case to 131 ft
- Budget
Watch out for
- Basic low light
- Case needed in water
Key Specs
- Video: 4K30
- Screen: 2 in touch
- Case: to 131 ft
4Dragon Touch’s Vision 3 records 4K30 video and 20MP photos with 1x to 4x zoom, a remote and a waterproof case.
It is a budget camera with more features than most at its level.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- 4K30
- 4x zoom
- Remote
Watch out for
- Digital zoom
- Case needed in water
Key Specs
- Video: 4K30
- Zoom: 1-4x
- Photo: 20MP
5TIMNUT’s budget camera records 4K60 video with 48MP photos, a large touchscreen and 8x digital zoom, with a waterproof case to 131 feet.
It is a low-cost option if you want zoom on a budget action camera.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- 4K60
- 8x digital zoom
- Large touchscreen
Watch out for
- Digital zoom only
- Lesser-known brand
Key Specs
- Video: 4K60
- Zoom: 8x digital
- Case: to 131 ft
6The Sixmou i3 is a thumb-size 4K camera that weighs about 1.25 ounces, with a spring clip for hands-free recording.
It clips to a shirt, hat or bag strap and is a cheap, discreet POV option.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Tiny and light
- Clip mount
- Budget
Watch out for
- Small sensor
- Short battery life
Key Specs
- Weight: 35.7 g
- Video: 4K
- Mount: spring clip
How We Chose
We compared sensors, video modes, stabilization, waterproofing, battery options and mounting ecosystems across dozens of cameras, then read verified owner feedback to find reliability and usability issues that spec sheets miss. We did not receive free products, and we do not claim hands-on testing. TOR Scores combine published specs, verified owner feedback and overall value.
What You Get at Each Price Level
Price brackets change often, but the pattern is consistent:
- Entry-level: 4K at 30 fps, basic stabilization, a waterproof case and many accessories. Fine for casual use in good light.
- Mid-range: better sensors, waterproof bodies without a case, stronger stabilization and front screens for vlogging.
- Flagship: larger sensors, 4K at 120 fps, 10-bit color, the best stabilization and the most reliable apps.
If you film often in low light, at speed or for paid work, spending more makes a visible difference. For occasional trips, an entry-level camera covers the basics.
How to Choose an Action Camera
An action camera is a small, rugged camera built to be mounted on helmets, handlebars, chests and boards. The best one for you depends on what you film and how you will edit.
- Sensor size: larger sensors (1/1.3 inch and up) handle low light, sunsets and shade much better than small budget sensors.
- Stabilization: modern electronic stabilization (HyperSmooth, RockSteady, FlowState) makes bumpy footage watchable. Budget cameras use simpler EIS.
- Resolution and frame rate: 4K at 60 fps is plenty for most people; 4K at 120 fps lets you slow down fast action.
- Waterproofing: many flagship cameras are waterproof without a case to about 10 meters or more; budget models often need the included housing.
- Battery: cold weather drains batteries fast, so look for spare batteries or extended-battery bundles.
- Mounts and ecosystem: GoPro-style mounts are the most common; magnetic quick-release mounts save time.
- App and editing: a good phone app makes it easy to trim, reframe and share.
Related guides: best action camera under 150, best action camera under 200, best action camera under 50, best action camera for the money. See every pick in our Action Cameras category.
Common Action Camera Mistakes
- Using a slow memory card. Recording stops or files corrupt. Use a card the maker recommends.
- Forgetting a lens guard. Scratches are permanent and ruin footage.
- Mounting too loosely. Vibration causes jello and lost cameras. Tighten and tether mounts.
- Recording everything at maximum settings. 8K or 5.3K fills cards and drains batteries quickly; choose 4K for most clips.
- Ignoring audio. Wind noise ruins many clips; use wind reduction or a mic accessory.
- Not updating firmware. Updates often improve stabilization and battery life.
Accessories Worth Buying
- Spare batteries and a charger: the most useful upgrade for long days.
- Fast microSD cards: buy two so you can swap when one fills up.
- Lens guards or protectors: cheap insurance against scratches.
- Chest and helmet mounts: for natural POV shots.
- Floating handle: essential near water.
- Mini tripod or selfie stick: for vlogging and time-lapses.
Sources and further reading: Leave No Trace: the 7 Principles (respect wildlife and other visitors when filming), National Park Service: the Ten Essentials and NHTSA: bicycle safety. Product specs come from brand listings on Amazon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are action cameras waterproof?
Many flagship models are waterproof without a case to around 10 meters or more. Budget cameras usually need the included housing. Check the rated depth before swimming or diving.
How long do action camera batteries last?
Typically 1 to 2 hours of recording, less at high resolution, high frame rates or in cold weather. Carry spares for long days.
Do I need a gimbal with an action camera?
Usually not. Modern electronic stabilization is very good. A gimbal still helps for very smooth walking shots or with older cameras.
Which action cameras are best in low light?
Cameras with larger sensors, such as 1/1.3-inch or bigger, and bright apertures do best. Budget cameras with small sensors struggle at dusk and indoors.
What memory card do I need?
A fast microSD card rated V30 or higher is a safe choice for 4K. High-end cameras recording 8K or high bitrates may need faster cards; check the maker’s list.
Final Verdict
Under $100, the AKASO EK7000 remains the safest budget pick, with the Brave 4 adding zoom and more control.
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