There are several affordable GoPro alternatives available that offer similar features and performance at a fraction of the cost.
From waterproof capabilities to HD video recording, these cameras seem to have it all. However, many times they lack the quality and features of a GoPro.
In this article, you’ll find full reviews of the top 7 GoPro alternatives that cost around $100.
GoPro Alternatives and Competitors
GoPro is, undoubtedly, the king of action cameras! The way a GoPro can withstand even the extreme situations, this rugged cam is just awesome. You can lift it up on a selfie stick while going down a slide, mount it on your bike helmet while you’re out on a scenic adventure or even take it underwater to take beautiful shots of marine life.
However, GoPro cameras are not cheap. Starting at about $180 for the cheapest model, the price of these cameras may act as a hindrance for buying these cameras if you’re on a tight budget.
But you need not worry! We’ve done extensive research and have come up with a list of top 7 Cheap GoPro Alternatives under $100 available today.
As a filmmaker, I’ve analyzed 5 TOP GoPro Competitors. Here is my opinion!
Native 4K vs Non-Native 4K
You must consider this incredibly important aspect before purchasing an action camera: Is your camera Native 4k?
Almost all the action cameras available in the market today claim to feature 4K. However, the reality is that many of them are far from it! It’s just a misleading marketing gimmick. These ‘so-called’ 4K cameras rely on upscaling of footage from 1080p to 4k by the means of interpolation. So, you technically get a 4K output, but the quality difference is noticeable.
That said, I would like to enlighten you with the fact that most Native 4K action cams cost well above $100, or at least close to this figure. That’s why we’ve divided our list of GoPro alternatives into two parts:
- Native 4K Action Cameras (Costing just under $100 – starting price)
- Non-Native 4K Action Cameras (Costing around $40-80)
Now, if you’re really looking for great quality videos, then we recommend that you must go for the native 4K ones, as these cameras provide a considerably better looking footage even if you’re not shooting in 4K.
The Best Native 4K Action Cameras Under $100
Only a handful of native 4K action cameras come within the budget of $100. Here are some of those which we highly recommend.
AKASO V50X Native 4K
- UPGRADE SERIES OF AKASO V50: Featuring 4K/30fps, 2.7K 30fps and 2K 60fps video...
- INTUITIVE TOUCH SCREEN: With a touch screen and simple, streamlined capture modes,...
- ELECTRONIC IMAGE STABILIZATION: AKASO V50X action camera records smooth, steady video...
What we like: AKASO’s flagship V50X Native 4K action camera has some great features, like a 2-inch IPS touchscreen, adjustable viewing angle, WiFi and a gyroscope. The intuitive touchscreen makes it look quite like some of the newer GoPro models. It has a 12MP Sony sensor that not only produces a great footage in daylight, but also decent quality low light shots. We liked the picture quality and image stabilization. With adjustable viewing angle, you can capture footage from 70° to wide angle shots up to 170°. What’s more? You get some amazing accessories included in the package: a waterproof case, a remote control, a helmet mount and many more useful things.
What we don’t like: This camera works pretty well except for the fact that the battery life could be better when recording in 4k.
Exprotrek Action Camera
- 4K Ultra HD Action Camera: Professional 4K 60fps & 2.7K 60fps video with 20MP photos...
- 40 m waterproof camera: 4K action cam with IP68 waterproof housing, durable...
- Wireless wrist remote control: with a wrist 2.4G wireless remote control, control of...
What we like: Another great alternative to GoPro Hero series, Exportek comes with 2 rechargeable batteries, so no more worries about the recording time for this action camera. . We’re pretty impressed with its video quality and electronic image stabilization which makes the footage look very realistic. WiFi connectivity over 8 to 15 meters outdoors, you can connect to smart devices without wires. On the other hand, it is waterproof and you can make great shots at 40 m below the sea level.
What we don’t like: The camera is a bit pricey.
YI 4K Action and Sports Camera
- Superb Image Quality – Records 4K/30fps (100mbps), 2.7k/60fps, 1080p/120fps,...
- Long Battery Life – High capacity rechargeable lithium-ion battery records up to...
- Intuitive Touchscreen UI - Built-in 2.2” high responsive LCD touchscreen with 640 X...
What we like: Yi native 4K action and sports camera is a wonderful option that you can pick up for less than $100. With the ability to record 4K/30 fps and a 12MP lens for stills, it offers a superb image quality. You get some great features, which include a 2.2 inch scratch resistant LCD touchscreen made with Gorilla Glass, built-in bluetooth & WiFi support, and voice control for easy, hands-free operation. The camera is also highly durable and we like how well the EIS feature stabilizes the footage.
What we don’t like: Most action cameras in this range provide various additional accessories within the package. But this camera doesn’t provide any, which is why it’s a bit pricey for what you get.
Apexcam 4K
- 【Native 4K/60fps EIS Camera】:Apexcam X60Pro action cam features 4K/60fps video...
- 【Underwater 40m and External Mic】:Equipped with a rugged IP68 case, it is water...
- 【WIFI and 2.4G Remote Control】:Just download App (iSmart) on your phone or tablet...
What we like: The Apexcam 4K action camera features high build quality at a budget friendly price. You get 4k/60 fps recording capability for videos and an 8 MP camera for raw images. Equipped with a rugged IP68 case, it is water resistant to 40 meters(131 FT) this is a perfect choice for diving and snorkeling. We love how the camera looks: absolutely sleek and stylish! Its image quality is also something we’re highly impressed about. Even low light shots look amazing with this camera.
What we don’t like: With a maximum field of view limited to 170°, you can’t capture truly wide angle shots.
WOLFANG GA200
- Double Screen & Touch Screen: WOLFANG GA200 go pro camera adopts an advanced double...
- 4K Ultra HD Video & 24MP Photo: Features professional 4K 30fps & 2.7K 60fps video...
- 40M Waterproof Camera & Dive Mode: Included waterproof case protects GA200 underwater...
What we like: With the included waterproof housing, the camera can go underwater up to 40m (131 feet), that’s why it’s a perfect choice for anyone who goes diving and snorkeling. The camera has an advanced electronic EIS image stabilizer, which improves the stability and smoothness of the video. The package includes some incredibly useful things: bicycle & helmet mounting kits, a Remote Control and a Waterproof Case.
What we don’t like: Although everything seems great if you go by its specifications, in practical use you’ll notice that the resolution and sound quality of the resulting footage is not as great is it should be. However, that’s the best you can get at the extremely competitive price it comes for!
Please note that these action cameras can do a good job for their price (which is relatively low), but their quality is not necessarily as good as GoPros. If you are looking for 4k video quality read: 5 Best 4k Cameras Like GoPro You Can Get
The Best Non-Native 4K Action Cameras Under $100
If you don’t think that you necessarily need real 4K resolution for your footage, there are plenty of non-native 4K action cams in the market. In fact, the options are way too many! So, you may get confused as to which one is the best for you.
To make things easy for you, here’s the list of our two favorites.
Dragon Touch 4K Action Camera
- 4K Action Camera with 4X Zoom: Professional 4K/30FPS, 2.7K/30fps, 1080P/60FPS video...
- 100FT Waterproof Action Camera: Place your camera into the waterproof case and...
- Wireless Remote Control & Adjustable View Angle: Put the remote control on your wrist...
What we like: For those who want a cheap, entry-level action camera, this camera by Dragon Touch is your best bet! This camera provides an upscaled (not native) 4K resolution at 30 fps and a decent 1080p HD resolution at 60 fps. Plus, you also get some incredibly useful bundled accessories which include a remote control, a waterproof case and a variety of mounts. When you place it into the included waterproof case, you can dive down to 30 metres/100 feet depth with this camera.
What we don’t like: Bad news for those who own a Mac device: This action camera is not Mac compatible!
AKASO Brave 4 4K
- 4K30fps Video & 20MP Photo: Capture every detail of life’s most beautiful moments...
- 170° Adjustable View Angle and Image Stabilization: With four customizable viewing...
- Sport Camera with Wifi and HDMI: This action camera comes equipped with both Wi-Fi...
What we like: Brave 4 by AKASO stands out with one really useful feature that all new GoPros come with as well: Voice control. For those who feel that fiddling with a remote control or your action cam’s buttons is a hassle, controlling your camera with voice commands can be a sigh of relief! With the recording capability of upscaled 4k/24fps and 1080p HD/60fps, a 20MP sensor for photos, and a 170° wide angle support, you get stunning Full HD videos. The camera also features Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) for smooth, shake-free footage. With the provided waterproof case, you can dive down to 98 feet with this camera.
What we don’t like: A lot of users have expressed their disappointment with the quality of shots taken with this camera.
Which GoPro Alternative Do You Prefer?
In conclusion, the above-mentioned GoPro alternatives offer excellent features at an affordable price point. While they may not have all the bells and whistles of a high-end action camera, they are great for beginners and those on a budget. From compact designs to 4K video recording, these cameras have something to offer for everyone.
It is important to keep in mind that at such a low price point, there may be some limitations in terms of video quality and durability. However, if you’re looking for an inexpensive way to capture your adventures, these cheap GoPro alternatives are definitely worth considering.
Thanks for reading!
I hope this guide helped you learn about some of GoPro alternatives 🙂
Sharing is Caring ❤️
If you found this article useful, please share it on social media with your family and friends!