After considering many rugged action cameras that have been popularised at the best GoPro alternative on the market, we’ve found that the Polaroid Cube 1080p HD Lifestyle Action Video Camera is the most reliable, popular, and easily carried action camera for most people. It has a wider shooting field capability, is brighter, bolder, and more flexible than comparable models. This is important because it is a great product for the price, performance, and design. When you compare the quality of this best GoPro alternative to the rest of the competition, you’ll understand why we chose this for its intelligent recording features and durable design. Being weatherproof and water-resistant, the Polaroid Cube is a stable lifestyle action video camera for most people. It sticks better than almost any other tough camera, especially suitable for advanced shooters in the industry.
The Polaroid Cube 1080p HD Lifestyle Action Video Camera is built to handle extreme weather conditions and will endure with you through thick and thin. It’s still capable of taking better shots than the competition, thanks to the 124-degree field coverage, 3MP CMOS sensor, and built-in microphone feature. If you need something professionally durable to go in smaller packages, this best GoPro alternative is the one for you. It comes with a massive data capacity, full HD visual clarity, and wide-angle field of view. Paired with its durable under-body magnet that sticks to any metal surface, you can use this integrated magnet to latch on to helmets, handlebars, skateboards, etc. The durable sealing of this best GoPro alternative doesn’t make you chase corners for the money, it’s pretty reasonable and adaptable to use. Some call this a cheap alternative to GoPro, while some call it a portable upgrade in terms of performance and design.
Tough enough to be used anywhere, the Olympus TG-Tracker 1.5-Inch LCD is a compact, rugged, and enduring action camera for challenging scenarios. From being dustproof, shockproof, freezeproof, and waterproof, this best GoPro alternative is built to last. The visual quality is better than what we’ve seen from other professionally rugged cameras, drawing attention for its highly intuitive and flexibly portable design features. There’s more to experience in this best GoPro alternative, thanks to the ultra HD 4K 30P video quality, 204-degrees extreme angle lens. More importantly, the electronic image stabilization and high-speed lens of the Olympus TG-Tracker calls for most exciting moments that you won’t get a chance to record on other camera models on the market. So if you buy this best GoPro alternative right away, you’ll want something extremely adventurous to suit its personality.
If you want something low-price but professional, the Lightdow LD4000 HD Sports Action Camera will definitely work for you. It has a major advantage over everything else in terms of price, and can capture excellent quality visuals with enhance image quality and better modification stability. Whether you’re snorkelling, snowboarding, cycling, skating, or cliff jumping, this best GoPro alternative will capture every little detail. It is both wearable as well as mountable. Has better vision clarity and capturing speeds than habitual. We like how this action camera performs for most people because it’s simple, durable, and encourages immersive self-capture capabilities for performance. It’s a great compact camera with features that are quite similar to a GoPro and its camera settings are more adaptable than the rest of the competition, which is exactly why you’ll need this affordable one right away.
Why do you need the best gopro alternative
The first camera that comes to mind when you hear the words “action camera” is GoPro. It’s designed to effectively mainstream action-recording in a manner never experienced before. However, GoPro is not everyone’s first choice and not everyone prefers the expensive GoPro cameras there are available on the market today. Don’t be disheartened, that doesn’t mean you can’t buy any other that’s as perfect and efficient as a GoPro. With the increasing popularity of GoPro cameras, a number of other best-performing brands have placed their bets on great action cameras that most people would love to buy as an alternative. The idea here is to make action cameras more interesting and scalable for all your outdoor action activities. That said, you can now buy the best GoPro alternatives for underwater photography, panoramic shootings, movement tracking, versatile angle shots, for low-light conditions, etc. Alternatives of GoPro are a lot cheaper for their design and performance. They pack in innovative features such as built-in stereo mic, live streaming, wide angle field of vision, durable body, etc. for long-term use. And most also come with user manuals for assembly as well as maintenance. You could use these cameras on helmets, wear them on your heads, wrist, clip them on your backpack, or latch them of metal surfaces. In the digital world, using an action camera for quality videos and photos is more compelling than roaming with a point and shoot camera that lacks the effectiveness in capturing challenging scenarios. These cameras are all kinds of durable starting from waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and weatherproof for lifelong and unbeatable performance.
Our best pick: Polaroid Cube 1080p HD Lifestyle Action Video Camera
Polaroid Cube 1080p HD Lifestyle Action Video Camera
Just when you thought rugged action cameras are either too bulky or complicated to handle, the Polaroid Cube 1080p HD Lifestyle Action Video Camera seizes the limelight. It’s an incredibly compact, versatile, and exciting action camera that’ll help you record all those thrilling adventures like they just happened! Packed in a small, but impressively durable body, this best GoPro alternative is a life-saver and your ultimate life companion for full HD videos and high-resolution images. Not too compact to get misplaced, the size and weight of this action camera is more than enough for portability and transportability. It offers plenty of high-quality and efficient features for challenging outdoor sports. It features a clever weatherproof and shockproof body that is capable of handling anything you throw at it. For the big picture, it’s a clear winner with its 124-degree wide angle lens. For sturdy and tight maneuverability, it features an integrated magnet that sticks through thick and thin to any metal surface. This means you can latch this best GoPro alternative under or on any metal surface and forget it even lives there until after you’ve shot your exciting movie! With the kind of shockproof and weatherproof cameras on the market, this one doesn’t make you beg for more stable features. It’s the ideal compact action camera that runs professionally and in a more disciplined fashion than a GoPro, and it doesn’t require any additional strapping or makeshift accessories for mounting.
The most striking feature and outcome of this action camera is that it looks creative to use in more challenging conditions. You will not find any single dull moment for as long as you have the Polaroid Cube 1080p HD Lifestyle Action Video Camera by your side. With its professional accessories and custom features, it’s both protective as much as fired up for performance.
Our upgraded pick: Olympus TG-Tracker 1.5-Inch LCD
Olympus TG-Tracker 1.5-Inch LCD
You will find some high-performing features on this best GoPro alternative, those that are simple enough to use and extremely effective. It mimics the style of more higher end models that offer easy operation and a whole upgraded variety of powerful features. The Olympus TG-Tracker 1.5-Inch LCD is rugged and compact to use. It comes in a very lightweight and user-friendly body with ergonomic design features that don’t disappoint, indefinitely. It is waterproof down to 30 meters, crushproof up to 220 lbf, and shockproof down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit. Plus, it is durably dustproof as well to take on challenging weather conditions. For immersive ultra HD video capabilities, nothing beats the performance and design of this best GoPro alternative. You can indulge in expert motion playback, 4K time lapse videos, or take incredibly crisp still shots with its interchangeable lithium ion battery. The battery is extra powerful and long-lasting for extended recording of time, so you don’t have to worry about experimenting with your camera for an unforgettable experience. The lens protection feature and swing-out feature of this best GoPro alternative is well-built and stable to shoot for prolonged periods of time. What’s more, its advanced functionality also includes remote control features that allow users to take complete control for monitoring via the smartphone. It mimics the style of a professional DSLR, but it simple to use like a point and shoot.
If you’re looking for something that offers the convenience of snapping wide sweeping landscapes while fast-motion videos, using the Olympus TG-Tracker 1.5-Inch LCD is a major time-saver and cost-effective option for the advanced user.
Being close second to our main pick, this best GoPro alternative is one of the most recommended and best rated models of the century. Based on what every reviewer has written about this action camera, if price is important to you, this beats everything.
Our affordable pick: Lightdow LD4000 HD Sports Action Camera
Lightdow LD4000 HD Sports Action Camera
You can’t compete with the Lightdow LD4000 HD Sports Action Camera for its price. It’s the most affordable, reasonably priced, and valuable GoPro alternative to use in the industry. If you want a camera that takes professional-cut graphics, this is your best option. If you want something more accessible and basic than the rest of the competition, this best GoPro alternative offers a much nicer body, stable usability, and durability like never experienced in a low-priced action camera before. It has features that include cycle recording, motion detection, screen rotation, and anti-shock full HD recording capabilities. Compared with other rather cheap models, this best GoPro alternative has enough controls and design features to keep advanced shooters satisfied. It has a more sophisticated design, 170-degree wide angle lens, and an additional car DVR mode for better performance. With this in mind, if anyone is looking for a fairly cheap and modified alternative than the GoPro, this works the best for them. It offers a practical deal with compatible accessories and stable camera settings. If you have a collection of high-end action cameras and just want another one that responds and shoots excellently without you having to shell our hundreds of dollars, the Lightdow LD4000 is your solid choice. It’s a more personal preference with better navigation and scalable features to look forward to.
Based on some of its impressive customer reviews, it makes the best GoPro alternative for the great price. So, if you want to take the road less traveled and opt for something similar to a GoPro, but comparatively cheaper, the Lightdow LD4000 HD Sports Action Camera is capable of incredible performance. You can take it with you for all your adventures, it’s compact and extremely lightweight to carry. Lastly, this camera outperforms others in terms of durable battery life and detailed functionality, something advanced users love!
Best pick for the money
Sony HDRAS50-B Full HD Action Camera
For the price you pay for the Sony HDRAS50-B Full HD Action Camera, it is a dedicated action camera. With live-view, full underwater durability, and advanced features, this best GoPro alternative is a class apart when it comes to stability and durability for both outdoor and indoor activities. It is an intelligent and highly intuitive camera that is ready to roll when you are. If you want something that runs with you, regardless of how extreme your adventure is, the SteadyShot intelligent image stabilization feature on this best GoPro alternative will help you reduce motion blurs, noise levels, and overall image degradation for vivid visual clarity. Thanks to the full camera control, you can experiment with different angles and preview all your camera settings via the LCD for a great video experience. Changing features, modifying video clarity even in low-light conditions is not a big deal for this best GoPro alternative. You can find your perfect style for all your shooting needs. That said, you have 6 intelligent shooting modes available for versatile shooting scenarios. So, you get the highest shooting range with the high-quality 4K resolution, plus you can transform images into professional time-lapse movies, as per your convenience. There are many more striking features of the Sony HDRAS50-B Full HD Action Camera including a rugged waterproof body, wide angle lens, zoom features, loop recording, built-in stereo mic, and much more!
Best gopro alternative for underwater photography
AKASO EK7000 WIFI Sports Action Camera Ultra HD
The AKASO EK7000 WIFI Sports Action Camera Ultra HD is a popular action camera, thanks to its professional features and incredible customer ratings. With over 1,500 positive reviews on Amazon, this best GoPro alternative offers the best ultra HD action camera and a durable battery life for consistent usability. This action camera is designed to resist extreme environments and underwater techniques for an unforgettable experience, plus it comes packed with many intelligent accessories for both indoor and outdoor use. The durable waterproof case with a 30 meter dive depth, a WiFi signal range up to 10 meters, and 90 minutes continuous recording time makes this best GoPro alternative a better controlled and integrated action camera for most people. It does a really good job of keeping your adventures well-recorded and crisp with very little adjustment input from you. It comes with an ergonomic remote control that works at a single press of a button. The expansion of this action camera is pretty impressive ranging from 12mp photo quality, 4K and 2.7K video quality, and wireless wrist action control for durability. You can even share, transfer, or download all your work in a matter of minutes with its built-in WiFi or HDMI connectivity.
Best portable gopro alternative
Drift Stealth 2 Sports Action Camera
The Drift Stealth 2 Sports Action Camera features a unique and highly flexible design that is made lightweight so you can carry it anywhere you want. It offers the best smallest and lightest usability ever to help you capture some of your most daring and unforgettable moments of your life. You can use this best GoPro alternative as a bike camera, skateboard camera, cliff jumping camera, or even as a simple dash camera, and it won’t disappoint in terms of stability and durability. Featuring a 137-degree field of view and an aerodynamic design, this best GoPro alternative is specially designed for the serious shooter in the industry. It has the ideal setup and performance, highly principled user experience, and an amazing 3 hours of recording time. The color-coded LCD screen and universal mounting options on this make it the most desirable POV that’s also the best GoPro alternative for most people. With clear video and image quality, the Drift Stealth 2 Sports Action Camera makes a good camera to start with, just in case you’re looking for something intelligent and basic. To change color, lighting conditions, and get the best possible visual clarity with intuitive features, this best GoPro alternative allows you to do more.
Best wireless gopro alternative
Veho Muvi K-Series K-2 NPNG Action Camera
If you’re focused on action cameras that offer better resilience than most comparable models on the market, the Veho Muvi K-Series K-2 NPNG Action Camera is your best bet. It has something other action cameras lack, that is being impressively supportive for diving or deep sea diving. With a startling 100 meter dive depth, this best GoPro alternative is the ideal action camera killer that provides real-time intuitive feedback and performance. With smart design features comfortably positioned for promise better usability, this action camera offers incredibly handsfree wireless camera capabilities that’ll last you a lifetime. With the enhanced and sleeker design, this waterproof sports camera is the best bang for your buck. It has the highest range of shooting resolution and an impressive battery life, it has many striking qualities to die for. It also offers other video related features including auto-video, G-sensor, and time-lapse video capabilities. With a removable LCD screen and a durable, waterproof carry case, and a helmet front mount, the Veho Muvi K-Series K-2 NPNG Action Camera has its own league for better visual illumination and reduced image degradation. When it comes to shooting for great footage and no loss in quality, this best GoPro alternative has a better competitive beat than most models on the market.
Best mini gopro alternative
Polaroid Cube Plus 1440p Mini Lifestyle Action Camera
Contrary to popular beliefs, the Polaroid Cube Plus 1440p Mini Lifestyle Action Camera is an action-ready, durable, and portable camera designed with a full WiFi range, full HD video recording capabilities, and image stabilization. The reason why it’s one of the best action cameras in the industry is because it’s a lightweight, incredibly portable, and ergonomic action camera for all kinds of adventures. The integrated magnet at the bottom of the camera sticks on any kind of surface, so there’s no need to tie, strap, or band this best GoPro alternative to anything else. All you need is a stable metal surface like a helmet, skateboard, bicycle handlebar, etc. and you get crisp and clear graphics, effortlessly. Speaking of its striking durability, the Polaroid Cube Plus is shock-proof, weatherproof, and splashproof. Plus, it’s better at handling anything you throw at it than most comparable mini lifestyle action cameras on the market. For data storage features, it supports Micro SD cards up to 128 GB. Compatible with a huge family of mounts and accessories, the Polaroid Cube Plus 1440p Mini Lifestyle Action Camera is the ideal choice for most people. Its ranks the highest in aspects including video quality, durable battery capacity, wide viewing angle, and WiFi range performance.
Best panoramic gopro alternative
AMKOV 360 Degree Panoramic Fish-Eye Digital Action Camera
If you’re looking for something specific, in this case a panoramic action camera that’s not a GoPro, the AMKOV 360 Degree Panoramic Fish-Eye Digital Action Camera is a solid choice. It is the best GoPro alternative for most people because of its highly intuitive, action-ready, and durable performance. It boasts of a 120 minutes non-WiFi battery life and a full 70 minutes WiFi battery life. With it, you’ll receive a durable shield, silicon suction, selfie stick, and bike mount for better performance and longevity. The most striking feature of this best GoPro alternative is its 360-degree omni-direction visual clarity. This fish-eye lens is responsive, accurate, and durable for outdoor use. Plus, it’s waterproof so swimming, diving and other water sport activities are also very possible with the AMKOV. Since this best GoPro alternative offers a WiFi function, users can control the camera by their Android or iOS phones comfortably. That said, it also features an optional 2.4G wrist remote control for better control and portability. Overall, we think this best GoPro alternative is a smart device that allows you to shoot in a wide range of angles and instantly send it across different channels. The 360-degree features is truly immersive and draws you toward what the AMKOV 360 Degree Panoramic Fish-Eye Digital Action Camera has to offer to most people.
Best quality gopro alternative
If you’re more inclined towards saving lots of money, while getting something upgraded and practiced like a GoPro, the Xiaoyi Yi Action Camera is your most reliable alternative. It comes with the same kind of quality, with more easy customizable features, and a durable body. We think this best GoPro alternative is the most worthwhile action camera in the industry, thanks to features like accessible WiFi functionality, built-in tripod mount screw hole, responsive sensor, and time-lapse and still picture capabilities. Coupled with such impressive and high-quality features is the camera’s USB 2.0 and Micro HDMI 2.0 port that best used for seamless file transfer, charging, and video output. Compared with other alternatives, this one is comparatively lightweight and portable to use for longer hours. And thanks to its ergonomic mount design features, it’s the ideal action camera to use for timed videos and time-lapse photos. If you spend a lot of time outdoors and want to relive daring moments, this best GoPro alternative is essential. What sets this action camera apart is its quick-to-respond features and high-quality components. With the capability to record videos at versatile ranges and easy to connect WiFi up to 100m away, the Xiaoyi Yi Action Camera is a convenient alternative for someone who wants easy going but professional features on the market.
Best versatile gopro alternative
Contour ROAM3 Waterproof HD Video Camera
From the very first impression, the waterproof and versatile build of the Contour ROAM3 Waterproof HD Video Camera gives you unlimited angles and flexibility to play with. Ready to use, right out of the box, this best GoPro alternative is everything you need to record your thrilling adventures. That said, it’s one of the best action cameras around if you’re willing to buy something high-end and professional. You can take this one out on dirt bike helmets, chest straps, for cliff jumping, go-karting, snorkeling, etc. and we’ve seen this best GoPro alternative perform excellently. It works well under normal to extreme conditions, plus with its rotating frame factor, it’s impressively flexible to use for long periods of time. It features a solid 1080p video capture resolution with a single optical zoom property. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something compatible to take for snorkeling, snowboarding, or other related adventures, this best GoPro alternative is ready for any Contour mount to give you infinite variety in angles. With the complicated of using any power button, all you have to do is slide the Instant On-Record switch to fit into its locking position and shoot instantly when you’re ready. Paired with other impressive features such as its quick photo mode, waterproof case, and built-in mic, the Contour ROAM3 Waterproof HD Video Camera is a specialty for action videographers in the industry.
Best durable gopro alternative
SJCAM SJ5000 WIFI Novatek 96655 14MP Wide-Angle Action Camera
The SJCAM SJ5000 WIFI Novatek 96655 14MP Wide-Angle Action Camera is a popular and very affordable pick on the list. It brings with it a 2-inch LCD screen and a 170-degree wide angle lens for professional usability and performance. It is extremely durable because it can be used extensively while bicycling, diving, swimming, and for other outdoor or indoor sports. With incredible low-light conditions, you can, as a package, a versatile bunch of accessories for ease of use and better flexibility. Based on its customer ratings, this best GoPro alternative is wonderfully clear and loud, shows superior quality in low-light conditions, and is fully compatible and interchangeable with other accessories. For portability, this best GoPro alternative offers features that are comparatively more resilient than habitual. It only takes minutes to setup, comes with a downloadable user manual for ease of use, and has excellent customer support just in case you are unable to access something. With a wide variety of recording options, impressive quality, and the ability to withstand all outdoor and indoor materials effortlessly. If you’re looking to replace your old action camera with something that not as upgraded as a GoPro, the SJCAM SJ5000 WIFI Novatek 96655 14MP Wide-Angle Action Camera is your most durable alternative.
Wrapping it up
It can be said that action cameras or better yet, GoPro alternatives are safer and more durable when used in challenging weather conditions. If you’re buying the best GoPro alternative for recording anything but challenging activities or sports, then you’re clearly doing it wrong. That said, the best GoPro alternative that’s really done something for the industry is the Polaroid Cube 1080p HD Lifestyle Action Video Camera. It is rugged, compact, and the most lightweight action camera we’ve tested. There’s no doubt that this camera boasts of features that are ideal for for the beginner, intermediate, and advanced user in the industry. We fully believe that the best way to capture any action is with the help of an action camera and, better still, if you want something budget-friendly, there’s always alternatives to the popular GoPro line of cameras. Buying any other weatherproof or instant camera does not make the cut when capturing a sport as challenging as say snowboarding or deep sea diving. They’re a big distraction and can mean real trouble for the long run. Which is why you need the best action camera, and if not a GoPro, then a best GoPro alternative would most certainly do the job. You have a lot to look forward to into the world of action cameras, and planning to buy one that suits your style and demands is the best possible way to invest in any gadget.
Jen Miller is a former electrical engineer and product specialist with more than 20 years of product design and testing experience. She has designed more than 200 products for Fortune 500 companies, in fields ranging from home appliances to sports gear and outdoor equipment. She founded Jen Reviews to share her knowledge and critical eye for what makes consumers tick, and adopts a strict no-BS approach to help the reader filter through the maze of products and marketing hype out there. She writes regularly and has been featured on Forbes, Fast Company, The Muse, The Huffington Post, Tiny Buddha and MindBodyGreen.