Action cameras, ranked by critic score

12 ranked by critic score · 2 more not yet ranked · 110 professional reviews

Rugged action cameras, judged on stabilization, image quality and battery life.

DJI Osmo Pocket 4Image: DJI
The critics' pick

DJI Osmo Pocket 4

90
Acclaimed
Average of 8 professional reviews
8 of 8 recommend it · broad agreement
Where the 8 reviews landedRange 80–95
Score printed by the outlet Estimated from the verdict

8 professional reviewers tested the DJI Osmo Pocket 4, and 8 recommend it. Most praised: picture quality and battery life.

The catch: The built-in mics are only passable and there is no IP rating.

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Read all 8 reviews →
  1. 1
    DJI Osmo Pocket 4Image: DJI
    DJI Osmo Pocket 4Top pick, narrowly8 reviews90
  2. 2
    DJI Osmo Action 5 ProImage: DJI
    DJI Osmo Action 5 ProBest for battery life9 reviews89
  3. 3
    Insta360 Luna UltraImage: Insta360
    Insta360 Luna UltraBest dual-lens vlogging gimbal4 reviews · early score89
  4. 4
    Insta360 X5Image: Insta360
    Insta360 X5Runner-up11 reviews88
  5. 5
    DJI Osmo Action 6Image: DJI
    DJI Osmo Action 6Best for action video with long battery life6 reviews88
  6. 6
    Insta360 X6Image: Insta360
    Insta360 X6Best 360 image quality5 reviews88
  7. 7
    DJI Osmo NanoImage: DJI
    DJI Osmo NanoBest for wearing8 reviews86
  8. 8
    Photo coming
    GoPro Mission 1 ProBest action video quality5 reviews86
  9. 9
    DJI Osmo 360Image: DJI
    DJI Osmo 360Best 360 for low light11 reviews85
  10. 10
    Insta360 Ace Pro 2Image: Insta360
    Insta360 Ace Pro 2Best for mountain biking9 reviews85
  11. 11
    GoPro Max 2Image: GoPro
    GoPro Max 2Best 360 for daylight15 reviews83
  12. 12
    GoPro Hero13 BlackImage: GoPro
    GoPro Hero13 BlackBest for stabilization13 reviews83
The short answer

The highest-rated action camera so far, by a narrow margin, is the DJI Osmo Pocket 4: critic score 90 out of 100 from 8 reviews, 8 of them positive. Most praised: picture quality and battery life.

Early reads · 2 not yet ranked

Not ranked, listed A to Z. We publish a critic score once at least 4 professional reviews of the exact model exist; with 2 or 3 we show a provisional average.

How we score →Only professional reviews, never shop or customer reviewsEvery score links to its sourceCommissions never change a score

Common questions

What is the best action camera?

Narrowly, the DJI Osmo Pocket 4, with a critic score of 90 from 8 professional reviews. Most praised: picture quality and battery life.

DJI Osmo Pocket 4 vs DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro: which is better?

Critics score the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 90 and the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro 89. We list the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro under “Best for battery life”. Its main drawback: low light is only fair, and the rear screen feels fragile.