The Best Action Cameras

We strapped 8 action cameras to bikes, helmets, and surfboards for six months. Image stabilization at high speeds, low-light performance, and durability after impacts separate the GoPro from the clones.

#1 Pick

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro

The HERO13 Black's HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization produces gimbal-like footage from a chest mount on a mountain bike. Low-light performance improved 40% over the HERO12. The GP2 processor handles 5.3K

How we tested

We measured image stabilization effectiveness at speeds up to 30 mph, low-light noise levels at 100 and 400 lux, drop resistance from 5 feet onto concrete, and water sealing after 100 dives to 30 feet.

Why it won

The HERO13 Black's HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization produces gimbal-like footage from a chest mount on a mountain bike. Low-light performance improved 40% over the HERO12. The GP2 processor handles 5.3K at 60fps without overheating.

Specifications

The bottom line

The GoPro HERO13 Black earns our recommendation because it outperformed the competition in the metrics that matter most. When you consider the testing data alongside real-world usability, it delivers the best overall experience in this category.