Best Action Cameras Under $100 – 12 Top Picks
Gone are the days when higher prices meant better quality. Now, dozens of action cameras under $100 could rival those in the $300 and up range. Instead of having to justify spending a few hundred dollars, you can save the cash and still find the perfect action camera for your adventures.
In this post, you’ll discover the top 12 action cameras under $100 and start to understand what to look for when buying an action camera. After all, if you aren’t looking for the right specs, you probably won’t be happy with your purchase. Use the guide below to help give you a more informed decision to buy your next action camera!
What Is An Action Camera?
Sure, a regular DSLR or mirrorless camera can take action shots, but an action camera serves a unique purpose.
Rather than viewing the action from afar, action cameras are capable of getting up close and personal. In most cases, providing unique POV perspectives that would be difficult (if not impossible) to capture with other cameras.
Action cameras are also far more versatile than your ‘typical’ camera. Action cameras are waterproof, compact, and shoot both photo or video, so you’re never limited!
Whether you’re going snorkeling on vacation, hitting the slopes on a ski day, or looking for a lightweight travel camera, action cameras are your answer.
Up to now, the typical action camera of choice by many has been the GoPro. After all, they’re the ones that really got the ball rolling for niche.
The problem with GoPro’s is that they’re pretty dang expensive.
Coming in at around $300, that’s a lot of money to drop on something you’re using as your adventure camera.
Luckily countless other brands have started creating action cameras of their own. This time, they don’t cost you nearly as much as a GoPro, but serve all the same purposes.
And in the instance of this article, all these action cameras are under $100!
What To Look For When Buying An Action Camera
Before you make your purchase, make sure you know what makes an action camera worthwhile. Luckily all of these aspects have been considered while putting together this list of 12 action cameras under $100.
– Video Capabilities
Now I don’t just mean the fact that it can shoot video. Instead, you should look at the quality and frame rate capabilities the camera has.
4K resolution has now become the norm among video cameras. You’d just be cheating yourself if your new action camera couldn’t shoot in this higher resolution too. Make sure the camera can shoot 4K in at least one frame rate.
The second aspect to consider is the frame rate. For regular video, 24 – 30 FPS (Frame Per Second) will work well.
But that won’t work for slow motion.
If you want the option to shoot slow-motion too, look for cameras that can shoot 60 – 120 FPS. This frame rate will capture all your activities in the smooth slow motion it deserves.
Ya baby!
Now some cheaper action cameras have a fixed frame rate. That means you can only shoot in one frame rate setting all the time. Ideally, you want a camera that can be switched between faster and slower frame rate options.
– Photo Capabilities
What’s the point of owning an action camera if you can’t shoot great videos AND photos?
Before you purchase an action camera, look into its photo specs, particularly around resolution and drive modes.
Most action camera’s these days can shoot photos between 12 – 20 MegaPixels.
Try to think of a MegaPixel as the total resolution of your picture. The more resolution you have (higher MP), the sharper and clearer your photos will look.
If you plan to use your action camera primarily for photos, choose one with higher MegaPixel capabilities.
Especially when you’re capturing sports, it’s easy to miss the shot. If you pressed the button too late, the photo wouldn’t show the coolest part of the action.
Luckily you don’t need to practice your trigger finger because you can rely on burst mode.
A great thing to look for in action cameras is a burst mode feature that shoots multiple photos at once. That means when you press the capture button, the camera will take a series of photos all at once. So no matter when the ‘best’ moment was, you’re guaranteed to capture it!
– Wifi Connectivity
Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to access your action camera photos directly from your phone? If your camera has wifi connectivity, you can do just that!
I’d highly recommend purchasing an action camera with wifi capabilities to view, download, and share your images from your phone. In some cases, you can even control the camera and its settings remotely!
Rather than reviewing your photos on the tiny LCD screen on your camera, your phone offers better viewing options on the go.
– Waterproofing
The whole point in having an action camera is to take it anywhere.
Land, sea, or space, your camera should be able to capture all of it.
Unfortunately, not all action cameras are made waterproof for reasons that are beyond me. That’s why it’s important to look into whether or not an action camera is indeed waterproof before you purchase.
Besides basic waterproofing, also be sure to check the depth rating. Depending on the seals of the camera or its waterproof case, it will only withstand certain depths.
If you just need a camera for your backyard pool, this isn’t such a big deal. However, if you’re snorkeling, you don’t want to dive just a little too far and ruin your camera.
When in doubt, choose a camera with the deepest waterproof rating possible! 20 – 30 meters (65ft – 98ft) is usually an ideal range.
– Lens Type
Most action cameras have an ultra-wide-angle lens so that you can capture all the action, no matter where it is.
Although this is perfect most of the time, it can be annoying when you want up-close shots.
With an ultra-wide-angle lens, you’ll start to notice distortion around parts of your photo. It can look as if the horizons being bent, and your subjects might look weirdly lanky.
To ensure you’re not stuck with this, look for an action camera with different lens types built-in. Although you can’t physically change the lens, you can change the perspective in-camera to eliminate any distortion.
Having this option is extremely valuable, so you can capture things exactly how you want.
– In-Camera Stabilization
In-camera stabilization works to reduce the shakiness your camera experiences when you hold it in your hands. With an internal stabilizer, it can naturally smooth any small bumps or rolls and make the footage feel less choppy.
In terms of photos, this means that your subjects will actually look sharp. Rather than having a bit of motion blur in your shot, stabilization will help keep everything tack sharp.
– Screen Options
Every action camera has a slightly different screen. They come in all different sizes, some have touch capabilities, and others have front screens for selfies!
Since the screen is one of the most important parts of the camera, you want to make sure it will work for you. In most cases, action camera screens are quite small. Don’t expect to find yourself some 10″ OLED display here; instead, focus on aspects like touch capabilities or selfie display.
Having a touch screen can make it easier to change between settings or view photos. However, you might sit in the camp of people who prefer using actual buttons instead. Depending on your preferences, look for the screen type that works for you.
In some higher-end cameras, there is even a screen on the front for selfie modes. That way, you can see how great you and your friends look before you press the capture button.
With that said, the selfie screen is like the cherry on top of your action camera sundae. Sure it’s great and nice to have, but it shouldn’t make or break your purchase.
Now enough about what to look for, let’s get into the best action cameras under $100!
Top 3 Action Cam Picks
Here are the best action cameras under $100 to consider from the list to help make your work easy.
– Campark X20 4K Action Camera (Best Value)
- Video Quality: 4K/30fps, 2K/30fps, 1080P/120fps, 720P/240fps 120fps 60fps 30fps
- Photo Quality: 20 MP
- Microphone: Built-In
- Battery: 2 x 1050mAh
- Waterproofing: Yes, up to 40m
- Lens Options: 170°
- Stabilization: YES
- Touch Screen: YES
– AKASO V50X 4K Action Camera (Editor’s Choice)
- Video Quality: 4K/30fps, 2.7K 30fps, 2K 60fps, 1080p, 720p
- Photo Quality: 12 MP
- Microphone: Built-In
- Battery: 2 x 1350mAh
- Waterproofing: Yes, up to 40m
- Lens Options: 170°, 140°, 110°, and 70°
- Stabilization: YES
- Touch Screen: YES
– Dragon Touch 4K Action Camera (Most Affordable)
- Video Quality: 4K/30fps, 2.7K/30fps, 1080P/60fps
- Photo Quality: 16 MP
- Microphone: Built-In
- Battery: 2 x 1050mAh
- Waterproofing: Yes, up to 30m
- Lens Options: 170°
- Stabilization: NO
- Touch Screen: NO
12 Best Action Cameras Under $100
Let’s go over a list of the best action cameras under $100 on the market right now. Keep in mind that none of these action cameras come with a microSD card. Those must be bought separately from the camera!
1. COOAU Native 4K Action Camera
If you want one of the best action cameras for under $100, the COOAU Action Camera is an absolute powerhouse. This camera shoots in native 4K at 60FPS, making it perfect for capturing stunning, high-resolution videos of any activity. With the advanced Sony sensor and 7 layers of optical glass, this camera effectively increases light transmittance and suppresses dispersion. It has an adjustable wide-angle lens that can be switched between a wide, medium, and narrow field of view. Best of all, the camera has built-in lens distortion correction, so what you don’t get any surprises when you review your photos!
Additionally, the COOAU Action Camera has wifi connectivity to control the camera or review photos from your phone easily. It comes with 2 microphones, 2 high capacity batteries, waterproof up to 40m, and can capture up to one minute long exposures.
It’s easy to see why it’s number one on this list with all these incredible features.
- Video Quality: 4K/60fps, 4K/30fps, 1080P/120fps, 1080P/60fps, 1080P/30fps, 720P / 240fps
- Photo Quality: 20 MP
- Microphone: Built-In + External
- Battery: 2 x 1350mAh
- Waterproofing: Yes, up to 40m
- Lens Options: Wide, Medium, Narrow
- Stabilization: YES
- Touch Screen: YES
2. AKASO V50X 4K Action Camera
Another great choice of action camera is the AKASO V50X Action Camera if you’re a video lover. It can record 4K/30fps, 2.7K/30fps, and 2K/60fps, which covers all your necessary frame rates in super high quality. It has a 2-inch touch screen display with an intuitive menu system that’s extremely beginner-friendly. As for lens options, this action camera’s field of view can be adjusted between 170°, 140°, 110°, and 70° with optional lens corrections. This is perfect for ultra-wide angles and more natural-looking perspectives.
The AKASO V50X also comes with a heap of different mounting kits right out of the box. With helmet, handlebar, and adhesive mounts, you’ll be ready for action from day one. This action camera also comes with two 1350mAh batteries, built-in wifi for tethered control to your phone, and a 40m waterproof rating.
- Video Quality: 4K/30fps, 2.7K 30fps, 2K 60fps, 1080p, 720p
- Photo Quality: 12 MP
- Microphone: Built-In
- Battery: 2 x 1350mAh
- Waterproofing: Yes, up to 40m
- Lens Options: 170°, 140°, 110°, and 70°
- Stabilization: YES
- Touch Screen: YES
3. Neewer G2 4K Action Camera
If you need a great action camera with an exceptional amount of gadgets and mounting accessories, you’ll love the Neewer G2 Action Camera. Coming with over three dozen mounting accessories, there’s nowhere this camera can’t go. It shoots high-quality video in 4K/25FPS, 2.7K/30FPS, 1080P/60FPS, 1080P/30fps options with 16MP photos captured from a high-res sensor. This camera has an impressive amount of shooting modes from time-lapse, continuous, loop recording, and more for endless creativity.
This camera doesn’t have optional lens sizes but utilizes an ultra-wide-angle lens for a 170° view. It comes with one 900mAh battery and has a 2-inch touch display. Additionally, you can share photos directly from the camera to your phone over wifi and it’s waterproof up to 30m.
- Video Quality: 4K/25FPS, 2.7K/30FPS, 1080P/60FPS, 1080P/30fps
- Photo Quality: 16 MP
- Microphone: Built-In
- Battery: 1 x 900mAh
- Waterproofing: Yes, up to 40m
- Lens Options: 170°
- Stabilization: NO
- Touch Screen: NO
4. VanTop Moment 4 4K Action Camera
With the VanTop Moment 4 4K Action Camera, you get the best of both worlds in photo and video. Not only does it capture great video in 4K/24fps, 2K/30fps, and 1080P/60FPS resolutions, but it also captures 20MP photos with its Sony TrueDepth sensor. Even though it lacks in slow motion capabilities, it’s still a great action camera to consider. It has an intuitive 2.4-inch touch screen making the camera very user-friendly and uses electronic image stabilization to make all your shots look professional. You can also adjust this lens between a 170° view and a 70° view for better creative control.
One of the best parts of this camera is it’s remote control capabilities from your phone. View, capture, and adjust camera settings while you’re away from the camera directly from your smart device. Finally, this camera is waterproof up to 30m, making it perfect for vacation or casual lake days!
- Video Quality: 4K/24fps, 2K/30fps, and 1080P/60fps
- Photo Quality: 20 MP
- Microphone: Built-In
- Battery: 2 x Lithium Polymer
- Waterproofing: Yes, up to 30m
- Lens Options: 170°, 70°
- Stabilization: YES
- Touch Screen: YES
5. APEMAN A80 4K Action Camera
The Apeman A80 Action Camera offers 4K 24fps, 2K/30fps, and 1080P/60fps with 20MP photos. With 60fps this camera just hits the cusp of basic slow-mo but won’t perform as well as 120fps cameras. Regardless, this camera packs a lot of value. It has an adjustable lens for four viewing angles of 170°, 140°, 110°, and 70°. It has built-in wifi and an HDMI output giving you more options than ever to save and view your photos. The camera runs on dual 1050mAh batteries giving it a reasonable amount of juice to work on.
This camera has a variety of great shooting modes such as time-lapse and shutter delay to sweeten the deal. It also comes with various mounting brackets to help you hit the ground running with your action camera.
- Video Quality: 4K 24fps, 2K/30fps, and 1080P/60fps
- Photo Quality: 20 MP
- Microphone: Built-In
- Battery: 2 x 1050mAh
- Waterproofing: Yes, up to 40m
- Lens Options: 170°, 140°, 110°, and 70°
- Stabilization: YES
- Touch Screen: NO
6. Campark X20 4K Action Camera
If slow motion is important to you, you’ll love the Campark X20 Action Camera. It shoots video in 4K/30fps, 2K/30fps, 1080P/120fps, 720P/240fps 120fps 60fps 30fps and captures 20MP photos. With so many frame rate options, this action camera is worth every penny. It boasts a 2-inch touch screen with built-in image stabilization to make even the roughest terrain look smooth. This camera has a wide-angle lens with a 170° field of view and can take up to 10 continuous photos at once! It comes with two 1050mAh batteries giving you ample battery life for any activity.
Like the other action cameras on this list, the Campark X20 comes with wifi and app control. That means you can view images and control the camera remotely, directly from your smartphone!
- Video Quality: 4K/30fps, 2K/30fps, 1080P/120fps, 720P/240fps 120fps 60fps 30fps
- Photo Quality: 20 MP
- Microphone: Built-In
- Battery: 2 x 1050mAh
- Waterproofing: Yes, up to 40m
- Lens Options: 170°
- Stabilization: YES
- Touch Screen: YES
7. AKASO Brave 4 4K Action Camera
The AKASO Brave 4 Action Camera shoots video in 4K/24fps, 2K/30fps, and 1080P/60fps while capturing 20MP images. It has adjustable lens angles for better versatility, ranging from 170°, 140°, 110°, and 70°. The camera comes with an app for your smartphone to allow easy access and control of the camera remotely. It even boasts an HDMI slot to make viewing and sharing images easier than before! With built-in image stabilization, a 4K sensor, a variety of shooting modes, and a 30m waterproof rating, you can’t go wrong with the Brave 4.
- Video Quality: 4K/24fps, 2K/30fps, and 1080P/60fps
- Photo Quality: 20 MP
- Microphone: Built-In
- Battery: 2 x 1050mAh
- Waterproofing: Yes, up to 30m
- Lens Options: 170°, 140°, 110°, and 70°
- Stabilization: YES
- Touch Screen: NO
8. Campark 4K Action Camera
Taking it a step down from the previous Campark camera on the list (#6), this Campark 4k Action Camera offers all the essentials. Shooting video in 4K 30fps/2.7K 30fps/1080P 60fps/1080P 30fps and capturing 20MP, it has just enough to capture what you need. It has built-in electronic stabilization to help smooth your video and comes with two microphones for crisper audio. You can take this camera in the water up to 40m, and has a variety of accessories. It also comes with remote control and wifi connectivity making it easy to access from your smartphone. As an extra bit of awesome, this camera also comes in three different colors (black, silver, and blue). Although it’s more barebones than other cameras on the list, you can’t go wrong for the price!
- Video Quality: 4K 30fps/2.7K 30fps/1080P 60fps/1080P 30fps
- Photo Quality: 20 MP
- Microphone: Built-In + External
- Battery: 2 x 1050mAh (charger not included)
- Waterproofing: Yes, up to 40m
- Lens Options: 170°
- Stabilization: YES
- Touch Screen: NO
Best Action Cameras Under $50
Looking to save a little more money? Here are some extra action cameras, now under $50!
9. BOIFUN 4K 20MP Action Camera
The BOIFUN 4K Action Camera may be one of the cheapest on the list, but it doesn’t hold back in specs. It shoots 4K, 2.7K, and 1080p in up to 30fps while capturing 20MP stills. It comes with an internal and external microphone so you can capture better audio on the go. Not to mention, it boasts a 6-axis anti-shake algorithm to fix vibrations in real-time. Like any quality action camera, it has wifi functionality and can be controlled wirelessly via the included wrist strap. Unlike any other camera on this list, the BOIFUN Action Camera has an adjustable ISO for a more professional feeling experience. To finish it all off, it comes with over 20 accessories and mounting options to help you make the most of the camera!
- Video Quality: 4K 30fps/2.7K 30fps/1080P 30fps
- Photo Quality: 20 MP
- Microphone: Built-In + External
- Battery: 2 x 1200mAh
- Waterproofing: Yes, up to 40m
- Lens Options: 170°
- Stabilization: YES
- Touch Screen: NO
10. VanTop Moment 3 4K Action Camera
As the younger sibling to the Moment 4, the VanTop Moment 3 Action Camera has all you need, for half the price. It can shoot 4K/30fps, 2.7K/30fps,1080P/60fps, and 720P/120fps while capturing 16MB photos. Thanks to its improved Sony sensor, it has superior focusing and processing speeds while shooting. It captures everything on an ultra-wide 170° lens and can be operated via remote control. It also has an app you can download to your smartphone to view and share images straight from the camera. Lastly, this camera is also waterproof, but up to 30m!
- Video Quality: 4K/30fps, 2.7K/30fps,1080P/60fps, and 720P/120fps
- Photo Quality: 16 MP
- Microphone: Built-In
- Battery: 2 x Lithium Polymer
- Waterproofing: Yes, up to 30m
- Lens Options: 170°
- Stabilization: NO
- Touch Screen: NO
11. Dragon Touch 4K Action Camera
The Dragon Touch Action Camera shoots professional 4K/30fps, 2.7K/30fps, 1080P/60fps while capturing 16MP stills. A unique feature about this camera, however, is that it has 1x – 4x optical zoom capabilities. That way, if you’re a little too far from the action, you can easily punch in. It can be wirelessly controlled with the included wrist strap, but images can be viewed via wifi to your smartphone. This camera has plenty of battery life with two rechargeable 1050mAh batteries making it great for any outing. You can also take it underwater using the waterproof case, but only up to 30m.
- Video Quality: 4K/30fps, 2.7K/30fps, 1080P/60fps
- Photo Quality: 16 MP
- Microphone: Built-In
- Battery: 2 x 1050mAh
- Waterproofing: Yes, up to 30m
- Lens Options: 170°
- Stabilization: NO
- Touch Screen: NO
12. AKASO EK7000 4K Action Camera
Last but not least, sits the AKASO EK7000 4K Action Camera. This camera shoots 4K/25fps and 2.7K/30fps for great regular motion videos. If you’re in the mood for photos, it can capture 12MP photos, which is still pretty decent for an action camera. It runs on two rechargeable 1050mAh batteries, which can be easily swapped when one dies. This camera also comes with a wrist strap for remote control and wifi or HDMI connectivity for easy viewing and sharing!
- Video Quality: 4K/25fps and 2.7K/30fps
- Photo Quality: 12 MP
- Microphone: Built-In
- Battery: 2 x 1050mAh
- Waterproofing: Yes, up to 30m
- Lens Options: 170°
- Stabilization: NO
- Touch Screen: NO
Conclusion
So that wraps up this list of best action cameras under $100. As you can see, there are a lot of great, affordable action cameras to choose from. What really separates the first camera from the last is the extra features, in-camera stabilization, and quality. If you want a camera that can capture great images on any adventure, this list is the perfect place to start. Now that you know all about the best action cameras under $100, where are you going to take yours?
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– Brendan 🙂
