Best cheap actioncams in 2025

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Beste goedkope actiecamera's in 2025

Do you want to make the coolest action shots while exercising? Then an action camera is the best option. However, the most popular action cameras, such as the GoPro Hero 13 or Insta360 X4, cost more than €300. Suppose you only use the action camera a few times, then that is a major investment. There are also other brands that develop action cameras that are much cheaper. Then the question is: are these action cameras actually good and which is the best? In this blog, we compare various budget action cameras with each other. We also highlight the differences between premium and budget action cameras.

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What is a cheap action camera?

Cheap action cameras are available for between €50 and €150. There are also cheaper versions available on Temu or AliExpress, but they're often of poor quality. That's why this article focuses on action cameras that are still of decent quality but don't cost too much. Prefer a more expensive action camera? Then check out our blog about the GoPro Hero 13 or GoPro Max 2. It's important to remember: you often get what you pay for. You'll definitely notice a difference with cheaper action cameras, but not everyone needs super-stable 8K video, for example.

What should you pay attention to when buying a cheap action camera?

Are you planning to buy a cheap action camera? In general, the resolution does not differ much from premium action cameras from, for example, GoPro or Insta360. The biggest difference is noticeable in fps (frames per second). Most premium action cameras can film up to 240 fps, while cheaper models can only film 120 fps.

In addition, you should look closely at the camera's functionalities, such as image stabilization. Do you want to make videos on your bike or skis? Then image stabilization is a must. Without image stabilization, you get jerky images.

To make a good comparison, we use the specifications of the GoPro Hero 13:

  • Resolution: 5.3K@60fps, 4K@120fps, 2.7K@240fps, 1080p@240fps
  • Maximum battery life: 150 min
  • Viewing angle: 149 degrees
  • Waterproof: up to 10 meters
  • FPS: 240/200/120/100/60/50/30/25/24 fps
  • Storage capacity expandable up to: 256 GB
  • Price: €449

Which cheap action camera is the best?

In this blog we compare 3 different action cameras from 3 different brands

  • WOLFANG GA420 Action Camera 4
  • Salora ACTIONCAM1250
  • Denver Action Camera 4K

Salora and Wolfang also have cheaper models that could fit into this list, but to give the best possible answer to the question: Are cheap action cameras good? we have chosen to highlight 3 different brands.

1. Best budget action camera under €150: WOLFANG GA420 Action Camera 4

  • Resolution:4K@60fps, 2.7K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, 720fps@120fps
  • Maximum battery life: 120 min
  • Viewing angle: 170 degrees
  • Waterproof: up to 10 meters
  • FPS: 120/60/30 fps
  • Storage capacity expandable up to: 128 GB
  • Price: €150

The biggest difference between the Wolfang action camera and the GoPro Hero 13 is the number of fps you can film. With the Wolfang you can film at 60 fps in 4K, while with the GoPro you can film at 120 fps. In general, the Wolfang GA420 performs slightly below the GoPro Hero 13 on all specifications: less storage, batteries with less capacity, lower resolution and so on. The Wolfang does have a number of useful functionalities, such as slow-motion and image stabilization. In general, this camera has everything you need for hobby use. Do you want to make a video every now and then, while mountain biking or skiing? Then this camera is sufficient.

Are you a professional? Then you better choose an action camera from GoPro, DJI or Insta360.

View all our action cam accessories

2. Best budget action camera under €100: Salora ACTIONCAM1250

  • Resolution:4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps
  • Maximum battery life: 90 min
  • Viewing angle: 170 degrees
  • Waterproof: up to 10 meters
  • FPS: 120/60/30 fps
  • Storage capacity expandable up to: 128 GB
  • Price: €99

When you go down another step in price, you get to the action cameras under € 100. You notice, the cheaper the action cameras become, the less functionalities there are. The Salora action camera films at 30 fps on 4K. In addition, the battery life is less compared to the Wolfang. The Salora action camera also has image stabilization. The image stabilization of the GoPro Hero 13 is a lot better, but the image stabilization is sufficient for hobby use. The camera does not have a slow motion function, because the camera cannot film with enough fps. If you only need a camera to film your sport, without many extra functionalities, the Salora ACTIONCAM1250 is a great option.

3. Best budget action camera under €50: Denver Action Camera 4K

  • Resolution:4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps
  • Maximum battery life: 30 min
  • Viewing angle: 140 degrees
  • Waterproof: up to 10 meters
  • FPS: 120/60/30 fps
  • Storage capacity expandable up to: 64 GB
  • Price: €49

Looking at cheap action cameras under €50, there are few functionalities left. This Denver action camera no longer has image stabilization and can only film up to 30 fps. It is stated that the camera has a slow motion function, but all this will do is play the image slower on the same frames. There are few sports activities where you can use this action camera well. This is because in most sports you will suffer a lot from vibrations in your image without image stabilization. The only active sport where this camera could be used is diving, because you do not suffer from vibrations here.

Conclusion

To the question: Are cheap action cameras good? The answer is: Yes. There are just a lot of catches. A cheap action camera can film well in principle, it just does this less sharply and with fewer frames per second than the premium models. If you want to capture action footage, we recommend that you take a good look at the possibility of image stabilization. Without image stabilization, your image will look very jerky and you might as well use your smartphone, so to speak.

So, are you someone who likes to make videos of your sports every now and then and wants to have this mainly for yourself or to show to friends and family? Then a cheaper action camera will suffice. Are you planning to share your footage on YouTube, Instagram or TikTok? Then a GoPro Hero 13 or an Insta Ace Pro 2 is a much better choice. It costs a bit more, but also gives more viewing pleasure.

To make recording with an action cam easier, we have various accessories such as tripods, lenses, mounts and battery chargers.

Check out our action camera accessories

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