Worthy Action Cameras under $100 in 2024

Record sport and travel videos with the budget action camera.

While GoPro might be the market leader, their price tag can be high especially for beginners. For such a case, there are budget action camera brands on the market like Akaso and Dragon Touch. Such action cameras under $100 are not only small and lightweight, but they can also be easily attached to helmets or other sports equipment. This means you can document your daring adventures, whether you're into extreme sports or simply exploring the great outdoors.

Look for the GoPro alternative with native 4k resolution, good battery life, Bluetooth capabilities, and waterproofing. You want an action camera that can produce sharp and clear videos and photos.

Also, when choosing an action camera under 100 dollars, keep an eye out for frame rate, app ecosystem, image stabilization, and audio quality. With these features, you'll be able to capture stunning footage without breaking the bank.

Video: Up to 4K/30fps | Stills: 20MP | Waterproof: Yes, 131ft | Battery: Up to 180 min

The AKASO V50X competes well with more expensive brands and supports a variety of resolutions. It is capable of recording true native 4K video at 30fps, which is pretty impressive for a budget action camera. The build quality is outstanding and the color science is good.

One of the standout features of this 4K video camera is its excellent battery life. You can record up to 180 minutes of 720p video or 90 minutes of 1080p video. This is great for those long adventures where you don't want to constantly worry about running out of power.

Another cool feature is the 2.4GHz wireless wrist remote control. This allows you to control your camera from a distance, which is a major improvement over traditional remote controls.

Video: Up to 4K/30fps | Stills: 20MP | Waterproof: Yes, 100ft | Battery: Up to 90 min

The Dragon Touch 4K Action Camera captures high-quality images and videos at 4K resolution and 30 frames per second for an acceptable price. The waterproof camera is versatile and can be used in various situations, including underwater shooting. Additionally, the camera comes with a built-in remote control, making it incredibly user-friendly.

In terms of usability, the Dragon Touch 4K has a 2-inch HD screen, making it easy to navigate and review your shots. The camera is powered by a rechargeable battery, ensuring that you won't run out of power during your adventures.

This action camera under $100 offers a driving mode, which can be handy for capturing footage while on the road. Additionally, the camera can connect to your smartphone, allowing for easy file sharing and remote control functionality.

Video: Up to 4K/30fps | Stills: 20MP | Waterproof: Yes, 131ft | Battery: Up to 90 min

One standout feature of the AKASO Brave 4 is the built-in WiFi, which makes it super convenient to transfer your videos and photos to your phone. It comes with a waterproof case that allows you to record videos and take photos underwater.

This YouTube video camera can also shoot slow-motion and loop videos, as well as burst and time-lapse modes. With a 2-inch touchscreen and a battery life of up to 90 minutes, it has some great functionality.

It also includes a range of mounts, which is handy for various activities. This cheap action camera is lightweight and small, making it easy to carry around for your adventures. Additionally, it's shockproof and can withstand different temperatures, which is always a plus.

Video: Up to 4K/30fps | Stills: 20MP | Waterproof: Yes, 98ft | Battery: Up to 90 min

The AKASO EK7000 is a great option if you're looking for an affordable action camera under $100. It has a wide field of view and improved image stabilization for clear videos in motion.

This camera for skateboarding features a 2-inch touch screen display and intuitive menu system that makes it easy to set, preview, and shoot video. It also supports a variety of different frame rates including 4K, 2.7K, 2K, and 1080p resolutions. It can also record slow-motion footage up to 120 frames per second, which is ideal for sports.

It also has a waterproof case for shooting in various conditions. The device is compatible with various mounting accessories so you can fix the camera to your helmet, bike, or scooter. It's perfect for many different activities, including scuba diving and surfing.

Video: Up to 4K/30fps | Stills: 40MP | Waterproof: Yes, 98ft | Battery: Up to 180 min

The SJCAM SJ4000 is a great option for those looking to capture great moments on the go. The action camera under $100 comes with a waterproof case, which makes it safe to use in water sports. It also has WiFi technology, which makes it easy to transfer photos and videos.

This vlogging camera has a 170 deg super wide-angle 6G fisheye lens which can capture fantastic moving images and videos. It also comes with features like loop recording, slow motion, driving mode and image flipping.

Another interesting feature of the SJCAM SJ4000 is the motion detection. This allows to detect any movement in front of the camera and then begin recording, saving you time if you need to get video evidence after a car accident or fight.

Video: Up to 4K/60fps | Stills: 24MP | Waterproof: Yes, 131ft | Battery: Up to 120 min

The Wolfang GA300 has a 2.2-inch touchscreen display that makes it easy to navigate through menus and capture both stills and videos. This camera for cycling offers features like slow-motion, time-lapse, and loop recording.

With its ability to record in up to 4K resolution and a six-axis image stabilization system, this camera is perfect for outdoor adventures. However, I must mention that its low-light performance is a bit lacking compared to more expensive action cameras.

The stills image quality of the GA300 is quite impressive for a budget camera. The JPEG files are sharp, colorful, and don't suffer from overexposure or grain. While its fisheye lens does create some distortion, it's not as noticeable as with other cheap action cameras.

Video: Up to 4K/30fps | Stills: 16MP | Waterproof: Yes, 130ft | Battery: Up to 45 min

The Apexcam Action Camera 4K can upscale videos to 4K resolution, which is quite impressive considering its affordable price tag. The video stabilization is also good, allowing for smoother footage, especially during active sports activities.

Another positive aspect of this travel camera is the good range of accessories that come with it. This includes a waterproof case that can withstand depths of up to 130 feet, making it ideal for water sports and vlogging.

In terms of usability, the camera is relatively easy to operate with its two-inch intuitive touchscreen and a convenient 2.4 G wireless remote. This makes it simple to control the camera and capture the shots you desire.

Video: Up to 4K/30fps | Stills: 20MP | Waterproof: Yes, 100ft | Battery: Up to 180 min

The HLS 4k Action Camera costs under 100 dollars, and with it you can capture incredibly detailed footage, especially when it comes to slow-motion shots.

From waterproof capabilities to a wide-angle lens for capturing more scenery, it offers versatility for various shooting situations. Additionally, the built-in Wi-Fi feature allows for easy sharing of your photos and videos.

In terms of main characteristics, this budget action camera is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around during your adventures. This cheapest 4K camera boasts a built-in smart gyroscope to minimize shake and produce smoother footage.

Video: Up to 4K/60fps | Stills: 24MP | Waterproof: Yes, 131ft | Battery: Up to 120 min

Unlike many other action cameras in this price range, the SJCAM SJ6 Pro can handle various conditions. It features a six-axis gyroscope optical stabilizer, which is fantastic for activities like running, mountain biking, and skiing. This means you can capture smooth and steady footage even in fast-paced situations.

Another great feature is the high-quality screen and loop recording support. The screen allows for easy framing of shots, while loop recording ensures you don't miss any important moments by automatically overwriting older footage when the memory is full.

One unique capability of this action camera under 100 dollars is its compatibility with drones for FPV (First Person View) recording. This allows you to capture aerial footage and take your videos to new heights, quite literally!

You want to look for an action camera under $100 that has high-quality video and photo capabilities. You don't want to sacrifice image quality just because you're on a budget. And when it comes to image quality, look for a camera for beginners with a good-sized sensor that can handle image noise.

Accessories. The budget action cam usually comes with a battery, charger, and USB cable. Some models also come with mounting accessories, a gimbal, a tripod, a remote control, and a spare battery. Many cameras in the list also include action camera protectors.

Native 4K video. Many cheaper models claim to have 4K capabilities, but don't be fooled. Some use a process called interpolation, which results in lower quality footage. So, make sure to double-check that the camera you choose can truly capture that crisp 4K goodness.

Camera resolution. Look for an action camera that offers at least 16 MP photo resolution.

Battery life. Action cameras include rechargeable batteries, each of which works between 45-180 minutes. Recording time depends on the video quality and functions used.

Built-in stabilization. If you plan to shoot a lot of sports footage, it's a good idea to look for an action camera that has built-in stabilization so that your videos look smooth even with camera shake. This feature can be helpful while shooting at night or in low-light conditions.

Connection. Most action cameras, similar to GoPros, come with built-in WiFi, so you can connect them to your smartphone for remote monitoring and control. Some even have apps that let you edit your video on the go or have other cool features.

Shooting modes. The best action cameras under $100 should have a variety of options, including time lapse, loop recording, and slow motion. Some options even have voice control, so you can control your camera hands-free without having to lift it.

Waterproofing. All cheap cameras in our list come with a waterproof case, which will allow you to take it underwater and shoot stunning videos while rafting or diving.