Best Budget Action Cameras: Which Cheap GoPro Rivals Are Actually Worth It?
The best budget action cameras in late 2026 aren’t the cheapest ones. For most people, the sweet spot is a discounted, previous-generation model from a major brand, such as the DJI Osmo Action 4 or the entry-level GoPro Hero, which regularly sell for under £200 in UK sales. Sub-£100 cameras from brands like Akaso can work for casual use, but they cut corners on stabilisation, low-light quality and waterproofing.
Below, we explain what you actually get at each price point, which models are worth shortlisting, and the specs that matter more than the numbers on the box. Prices are approximate UK ranges at the time of writing and change constantly, so always check before you buy.
What “budget” means for an action camera in 2026
Flagship action cameras now cost around £330 or more. DJI’s Osmo Action 6, for example, launched at about £329 for the standard combo. Budget options fall into three rough tiers:
- Under £100: lesser-known brands such as Akaso. Fine for occasional fun, with clear compromises.
- £100 to £200: the best value zone. Better budget-brand models, plus big-brand cameras when they’re on offer.
- £200 to £300: last year’s flagships at reduced prices. Often the smartest buy if you’ll use the camera a lot.
The best budget action cameras worth shortlisting
This shortlist is based on published reviews and current UK retail listings, not our own lab testing. Use it as a starting point for your own research.
| Camera | Typical UK price | Best for | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Akaso EK7000 Pro | Roughly £50 to £80 | Kids, first-timers, very tight budgets | Weak stabilisation, poor low light, needs a case to go underwater |
| Akaso Brave 7 / Brave 7 LE | Roughly £100 to £150 | Casual vlogging on a budget | Basic image quality, average audio and app |
| Akaso Brave 8 Lite | Roughly £150 to £190 | Small, light, beginner-friendly | Flimsy build, weak stabilisation |
| GoPro Hero (2024) | Roughly £170 to £200 | Simple, tiny GoPro for holidays | 4K at 30fps only, no front screen, 5m waterproofing |
| DJI Osmo Action 4 | Roughly £165 to £290 depending on deals | Best all-rounder for the money | Older model, battery life only middling |
| Insta360 Ace Pro (first generation) | Roughly £200 to £300 | Creators who want a flip screen | Bulkier, replaced by the Ace Pro 2 |
| DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro | Roughly £250 to £330 | Near-flagship quality at a discount | Stretches the definition of “budget” |
Akaso EK7000 Pro: the cheapest that’s still usable
The EK7000 Pro has been around for years and is often found well under £100, sometimes in the £60s on offer. It records 4K, comes with a waterproof case rated to 40m and a bundle of mounts. Reviewers consistently flag the stabilisation as its weak point, and footage falls apart in dim light. For a child’s first camera or the odd beach day, it’s fine. For anything you care about, save up.
Akaso Brave 7 and Brave 8 Lite: the better budget brands
The Brave 7 range adds a front-facing screen, a remote and splash resistance without a case (with a housing for proper underwater use). The Brave 8 Lite is smaller and lighter, but TechRadar’s review found weak stabilisation, poor low-light performance and flimsy port doors. These are reasonable for daytime, dry-weather fun. They aren’t a like-for-like GoPro replacement.
GoPro Hero (2024): the budget GoPro
GoPro’s cheapest current model is a small, simple 86g camera that records 4K at 30fps and 2.7K at 60fps, with HyperSmooth stabilisation and a rear touchscreen. It has been seen at around £169 in UK sales, against an earlier price of about £199. There’s no front screen, waterproofing is only to 5m, and you get far fewer settings than a Hero 13 Black. If you want a GoPro mainly for holidays and you value simplicity, it’s a solid choice.
DJI Osmo Action 4: the one we’d point most people to
The Action 4 is the camera that makes most cheap rivals hard to justify. It uses a larger 1/1.3-inch sensor than typical budget cameras, which helps in low light, plus front and rear screens, magnetic mounts, 10-bit colour with a flat D-Log M profile and waterproofing to 18m without a case. UK sale prices have dropped as low as roughly £165 to £190, although it often sits higher outside sales. Reviews note battery life is only average.
Stretch picks: Insta360 Ace Pro and DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro
If you can stretch past £200, the first-generation Insta360 Ace Pro has a flip-up screen that’s handy for vlogging, and is now listed well below its launch price as the Ace Pro 2 has taken over. The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro launched at about £329 and has regularly dropped into the £250 to £270 range since the Action 6 arrived. Either will give noticeably better results than anything under £150.
What to look for in a cheap action camera
The specs on a budget camera box can be misleading. These are the things that actually decide whether your footage is usable:
- Stabilisation. This is the biggest difference between a cheap camera and a good one. Strong electronic stabilisation makes running, cycling and riding footage watchable. Weak stabilisation makes it nauseating.
- Sensor size. A larger sensor (such as 1/1.3-inch on recent DJI models) copes far better at dusk, indoors and under trees than the smaller sensors common in sub-£100 cameras.
- Real frame rates. “4K” on the box doesn’t always mean good 4K. Check whether you get 4K at 60fps, and whether the UK-friendly 25fps and 50fps options are available if you’ll edit footage alongside other cameras.
- Waterproofing without a case. A housing adds bulk, muffles audio and can mist up. Being waterproof straight out of the box is a big convenience.
- Battery life and charging. Look for spare batteries in the bundle and check whether the camera charges over USB-C.
- The app. Budget brands’ companion apps are often the weakest part of the experience, and reviews mention it repeatedly.
- Audio. Built-in microphones on action cameras are basic at best. If you’ll talk to camera, check whether an external mic can be connected.
Are cheap GoPro rivals actually worth it?
Sometimes. Here’s the honest version:
- Worth it if you’ll use the camera a few times a year, mostly in daylight, and the footage is just for you and your family.
- Worth it if the camera is likely to be lost, dropped or broken, such as a child’s camera or a mount in a risky spot.
- Not worth it if you’ll film a lot of fast movement, shoot in low light, or want footage good enough to share publicly.
- Not worth it if you’ll be underwater often. Housings are a hassle, and a camera with built-in waterproofing is a better long-term buy.
In many cases, a reduced big-brand camera costs only a little more than a top budget-brand model and is a significant step up. Wait for a sale, and look at the previous generation rather than the newest release.
When an action camera isn’t enough
Action cameras are brilliant for point-of-view shots, tight spaces and places you wouldn’t risk a bigger camera. On professional shoots they’re typically used as extra angles, not as the main camera. Their wide lenses, small sensors and basic audio make them a poor fit for interviews, promotional videos or anything that needs a polished, branded look.
If you’re filming for a business, a club or an event, our guide on whether to hire a videographer or film it yourself will help you decide. If you want to give it a go yourself with better kit, our camera kit hire lets you try professional equipment without buying it. And when you want it done properly, our guide to how professional sports videos are filmed shows what a full production adds. Check our pricing or get in touch to talk through your project.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best action camera under £200?
When it’s on offer, the DJI Osmo Action 4 is hard to beat under £200, thanks to its larger sensor and built-in waterproofing. The GoPro Hero (2024) is a simpler alternative at a similar price.
Are Akaso cameras any good?
They’re good value for casual, daytime use. Reviews consistently point to weaker stabilisation, low-light performance and apps than DJI or GoPro.
Is it worth buying an older GoPro or DJI action camera?
Often, yes. Previous-generation models from major brands are usually discounted after a new release and still outperform most budget-brand cameras. Buy from a reputable retailer so you get a proper warranty.
Do I need a memory card for an action camera?
Most do, and cards are often sold separately. Some newer models, such as the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro and Action 6, have built-in storage. Check the camera’s recommended card speed, especially for 4K.