Get in on the action: we test the best action cameras to capture your adventures

The waterproof action camera market has exploded in recent years. Previously, if you wanted to film any of your triathlon training or racing, you were limited to a GoPro. The American manufacturer became synonymous with action sports since it came onto the scene in the early 2010s, and effectively had a monopoly over content capturing on the go.

Times have changed though and there are now a wealth of Asian challenger brands that have upped the ante, leaving GoPro playing catch up. Insta360 is responsible for the rise in, you guessed it, 360° cameras – a tool that captures all possible angles and peripheries and creates the wind angle videos popular on social media. Elsewhere, drone expert DJI has got in on the action (camera market) with its suite of handheld options, while Akaso has shown that capturing your content doesn’t have to be prohibitively expensive.

In terms of features to look out for, there are a handful of key considerations when buying something that will be used when swimming, cycling and running. Waterproof credentials are an obvious must for the former or at least the ability to buy an aftermarket case to house it in. Battery life is another biggy, particularly if you’re using a camera to record your ride from a safety standpoint with a dead camera pretty pointless if you’re involved in a close pass or, at worst, a road traffic incident. Most will require bundles and accessories to get the most out of them when running or riding, so the option to buy bike-specific kit like bike computer attachments, chest straps or bike helmet mounts, or selfie sticks, and hat and bag clips for jogging is a must.

Action camera frame rate

Discipline-specific requirements aside, a good modern action camera should be able to shoot 4K as a minimum, offer the ability to edit, create and share straight to social channels via a smartphone app, and have the ruggedness and durability to survive anything you throw at it (and that includes accidental drops and getting chucked in the bottom of a transition bag).

Finally, it’s important to note that the rules changed at IRONMAN events earlier this year have banned the use of cameras by athletes during events, with any athletes found using devices to capture photographs and video during the race being disqualified. British Triathlon has had similar rules since 2024, so it might be best to restrict action camera use to training and analysing form unless you want to run the risk of a DQ.

From a pocket-friendly purchase to an influencer-approved 360 camera, here are the best waterproof action cameras you can buy in 2026.

Best action cameras in 2026

1. DJI Osmo Action 6

It should be no surprise that gimbal and drone manufacturer DJI knows a thing or two about stabilisation, and it certainly shows with the sixth iteration of its popular DJI Osmo action camera.

Alongside its RockSteady shooting you get a new 1/1.1inch square sensor, 4-hour battery life and a variable f2.0-f4.0 aperture for creative shooting. Able to shoot 8K video, waterproof to 20m and resistant to temperatures from -20°C to 45°C, there aren’t many adventures on Earth that the Osmo Action 6 can’t capture.

It has a rugged, thermoplastic shell that has survived the odd drop during testing and a replaceable battery and lens, meaning you don’t have to buy a whole new camera if certain parts get damaged.

Read our full DJI Osmo Action 6 action camera review

2. Akaso Brave 7 LE

Chinese brand Akaso is proof that you don’t have to splash the cash if you want to record content as you embark on your swims, rides and runs. Its Akaso 360 is a direct rival to the Insta360 X range, but its Brave 7 LE is worth focusing on because of its sub-£130 price tag.

For a fraction of the price of other models, you get a dual screen set-up like the DJI Osmo Action range, 40m waterproofing (although the included waterproof case is required) and video resolutions up to 4K30fps. It also has image stabilisation, a 4x zoom and an accompanying smartphone app where you can edit your footage.

What’s more, you get an overwhelming number of accessories for no additional cost – including helmet mount, handlebar mount and a remote – making the Brave 7 LE even better value for money.

Read our full Akaso Brave 7 LE camera review

3. Insta360 X5

Insta360 has been the market leader in 360-degree content-making since its launch of the ONE X back in 2018, and the X5 is its latest, range-topping option. The specs alone make it pretty impressive – ability to shoot 8K30fps in 360 video (or 5.7K60fps if you don’t need incredibly high definition footage), 4K60fps in single-lens, almost three-hours of battery life – while the replaceable lenses and clearer audio make it a worthwhile upgrade on its predecessor, the X4.

The 360-aspect to the X5 is only one piece of the puzzle too, and the camera can function as a standard single lens design and be used in the same way as any standard action camera. The built-in screen provides a monitor when recording in selfie mode or acts as a viewfinder when using the rear camera, and is also where you can tweak settings and review footage to your heart’s content.

Read our full Insta360 X5 action camera review

4. Insta360 GO Ultra

The Insta360 Go Ultra is a bit like having two action cameras in one. The small, square pod is where the lens, microphone and SD card are housed, giving you everything you need to record a swim, ride or run in a mini, lightweight package. 

The magnetic pendant included in the box allows you to wear the camera for those POV shots without a chest harness, and its built-in image stabilisation keeps the footage smooth even when embarking on trail runs and bumpy gravel rides. The magnet on the pod also means you can mount it pretty much anywhere to capture self-shot stills or video without a tripod or lugging around a mount.

Read our full Insta360 GO Ultra action camera review

• 1 July 2026: We published our first buyers guide, including cameras from DJI, Insta360 and Akaso, including an ‘at a glance’ section and Schema and comparison tables.