Best Action Camera under $100 – Our 10 Picks for Huge Value

Buying the best action camera under 100 dollars is not easy! Many of the options out there aren’t reliable, and many make sacrifices where they shouldn’t. Searching through the countless options is a huge time sink – and you still probably won’t find what you’re looking for.

This is where I can help you. When I first got into photography and videography, I didn’t have a massive budget. Top tier cameras were WAY out of my league and were simply out of reach at the time.

I’m the type of person that goes ham researching when I’m planning to buy something. I’m a shameless deal hunter who always wants to find the absolute best value for money. Many of the guides online are targeted at higher budgets and very few quality ones deal with lower-budget purchases.

This guide will go into 10 of the best action cameras under 100 that deliver enough – where it matters most. The trick with budget camera hunting is to find models that make the right compromises.

There are a couple of things that you need to do in preparation:

• Clearly define what you’re looking for in a camera
• List out the type of shots you want to get with your camera
• Think about the type of photographer you want to be – and the style you want to have

The more accurately you can answer these questions, the better value you’re going to get from your choice. Knowing exactly what you’re looking for in an action camera will help you focus on what’s important. You’ll be less likely to pay for features that are useless to you. This will give you the leeway to invest in what matters.

What is an Action Cam?

Did you hear of GoPro cameras right? These are the most widely known examples of action cameras. They are brilliant and resilient cameras, but they’re not the cheapest. Action cameras let you capture the fast and difficult-to-record moments – whether it’s out on a day surfing, or a hike in the rain – an action camera can get it all. The good news is that there’re loads of other options if you want action cameras under 100. We’ll take a look at the best of these options.

Let’s get into the guide!

Comparison of 10 Best Action Camera under 100 in 2023

Image	Product Name	Features	Price
	Akaso EK7000 Sports Action Camera	Resolution: 12MP photo and 4K video Waterproofing:100ft (30m) FPS: 25fps at 4K; 30fps at 2.7K View Angle: 170° Battery: 2x 1050mAh Rechargeable Remote Control: Yes – Wrist Unit for Control	Check Price
	Dragon Touch Vision 3 Action Camera	Resolution: 16MP photo and 4K video Waterproofing:100ft (30m) FPS: 30fps at 4K; 60fps at 1080p View Angle: 170° Battery: 2x 1050mAh Rechargeable Remote Control: No (has Wi-Fi sharing)	Check Price
	Akaso Brave 4 Action Camera	Resolution: 20MP photo and 4K video Waterproofing:100ft (30m) FPS: 30fps at 4K; 60fps at 1080p View Angle: 70° – 170° adjustable Battery: 2x 1050mAh Rechargeable Remote Control: No (Wi-Fi sharing available)	Check Price
	Akaso EK7000 Pro Action Camera	Resolution: 16MP photo and 4K video Waterproofing:131ft (40m) FPS: 25fps at 4K; 60fps at 1080p View Angle: 170° Battery: 2x 1050mAh Rechargeable Remote Control: Yes – Wireless control	Check Price
	VEMONT Action Camera	Resolution: 12MP photo and 1080P Full HD video Waterproofing:98ft (30m) FPS: 30fps View Angle: 140° Wide-Angle Battery: 1x 900mAh (Rechargeable)	Check Price

The 10 Best Action Camera under 100

Here we’ll look into each camera in more depth. Use the comparison table to jump to the model you’re interested in. We’ll look at what we liked and didn’t like about each model – and how they perform in real life.

1 AKASO EK7000 Sports Action Camera – Best 4k Action Camera Under 100

Check Price On Amazon!

With its ability to shoot in 4K at 25fps, and in 2.7K at 30fps – it’s a great choice for capturing sports action.

The footage will be sharp, clear, and look natural.

You’ll be able to remotely control the camera with a small and comfortable wrist unit. It’s one of the best action camera control units I’ve seen on a cheap model.

It’ll let you get into the action, while not having to step off the field to start every shot.

The two rechargeable batteries (1050mAh each) give you the extended life you’d expect from a higher-end action camera. You’ll have the extra flexibility to record for longer – and miss out on less.

Sharing is made really easy as Wi-Fi sharing lets you send your files across in just a couple of minutes.

This is great if you’re an on-the-go type of user. You can send your footage to your phone and seeing it played back on a bigger screen enhances the experience.

With waterproofing up to 100ft (around 30m) and 170° viewing angle, you can take this action camera anywhere you go. Whether you surfing, cutting waves on a jet ski, or exploring a cavern – the Akaso EK7000 will be there to capture your favorite moments.

2 Dragon Touch Vision 3 Action Camera – Best Affordable Action Camera

Check Price On Amazon!

High-resolution 16MP photos let you freeze your favorite moments in time, crisply and clearly.

A surprising feature at this price point is the ability to shoot at 60fps in 1080p. You also have the choice to shoot at 30fps in 4K (or 2.7K if you’re looking to save space).

The wide 170° viewing angle lets you capture the widest scene possible – giving you stunning detail and more of the scene.

You’ll be able to take this camera underwater with you. It’s water-resistant up to 100ft. This is more than enough to take on snorkeling trips and most water activities.

There is a 4x zoom that is manageably grainy at the far end. This gives you extra versatility as a video diary camera.

Overall, it’s one of the best low-cost action cameras that let you shoot in 4K with 16MP photos.

The build quality is good enough to make it a versatile choice for your next trip.

3 Akaso Brave 4 Action Camera – Cheap Action Cameras

Check Price On Amazon!

This is one of the best action cameras under 100 dollars if you’re looking for something with a high resolution and robust design.

You’ll get 20MP images and 4K video at 30fps. You’ll also be able to bump up the fps count to 60fps while shooting at 1080p.

This trade-off still gives you excellent quality footage with high clarity and tons of detail.

The viewing angle is adjustable between 70° and 170° – so if you don’t want the fisheye effect in your shots, just narrow down on the viewing angle.

You’ll be able to draw more attention to the subject this way, giving you alluring images and footage.

This model sports the same waterproofing as the previous cameras. You can rest easy knowing that your memories aren’t at risk.

There’s an HDMI port to allow you to connect to a TV back home. This is awesome for sharing your favorite moments with family and friends that couldn’t be with you at the time.

Wi-Fi sharing is handy, though it’s nothing special.

4 Akaso EK7000 Pro Action Camera – Best Low Cost Action Camera

Check Price On Amazon!

We reviewed the standard EK7000 earlier in the action camera reviews. We’re looking at the upgraded Pro version here.

This model is excellent if your budget is a little more flexible – though you’re still under 100.

You’ll get solid and reliable all-around performance from this action camera. It can shoot in 60fps if you want that buttery smooth feel to your footage.

This is very well suited to fast-paced action like surfing and adrenaline-pumping activities.

It’s one of the best low-cost action cameras offering waterproofing up to 40m. You’ll be able to take your camera on your dives and shoot crisp footage in 4K.

The batteries are the same 2x 1050mAh rechargeable units. You can expect enough battery life to get you through a couple of hours of intense shooting.

This camera is the first in this review of sports image stabilization. Combined with the 60fps – or the 4K video – you’ll get vibrant and smooth results from this action camera.

I can emphasize the value for money that this unit offers. You’re getting all this – and more, such as wireless control of the camera – for a seriously affordable price!

5 VEMONT Action Camera – (Editor’s choice Best Action Camera Under 100)

Check Price On Amazon!

To start with, VEMONT Action Camera is a top-rated sports camera that comes to meet all your needs. It comes with a 2x zoom wide-angle lens 1080P video up to 30 fps; it ensures that you can easily capture every moment.

It is pocket-sized and compact which allows you to carry it everywhere effortlessly. It can be used as a Car dashcam since it supports a loop recording function every time you switch on the camera. It has accessories that make it possible to use in different situations such as a helmet mount, bike mount, and others.

This camera has a large capacity battery of 900 mAh, which allows you to record more than 90 minutes. It is simple and easy to operate since it comes with a user manual that guides on how to use it effectively & it supports a micro SD card slot of up to 32GB to save more videos, audio files, and other data.

It also allows you to capture perfect images or videos by choosing your preferable image quality resolution since it supports 1080p/30fps, 960p/30fps, 720p/60fps, and other formats of pictures and videos.

It has a durable waterproof housing case which enables the camera to use in water for up 30m deep. It is designed with a filter lens that helps you take colorful photos and videos even under the water. It comes at a low-end price which makes it possible for everyone to purchase without straining their budget.

Read More: Best Action Camera Under $200

6 Piwoka Action Camera

Check Price On Amazon!

The camera is a durable and waterproof action camera that can be used by adults & kids. The camera has a high-quality video resolution of 1080 pixels with a 140-degree wide-angle lens, which helps capture the scenery of your adventures in all its glory.

The camera comes with a 900 mAh rechargeable battery with a continuous recording time of up to 90 mins without battery saver mode. If you like to shoot underwater, go for it. It is waterproof even 30 meters underwater. This sports underwater action camera supports a class 10 Micro SD memory card (Not included ), minimum supports 8 GB, and maximum supports 32 GB Micro SD memory card.

It has a 2 inches LCD display for a real-time view of what has been taken every moment quickly. It comes with a lot of accessories to install it almost anywhere. My favorite is the delay function, which is easy to set up and takes up very little memory space.

Included accessories can attach the sports action camera to bikes, helmets, skateboards, selfie sticks, and so on. You could get more fun from the sports you love.

7 TEC.BEAN 4x Zoom Action Camera

Check Price On Amazon!

This model offers you some pretty unique features for a camera at this price.

You’ll be able to shoot in slow motion. Make sure that the lighting is good as you won’t be able to shoot slow motion in 4K.

The time-lapse video feature gives you a unique chance to let your creativity run free a little. The quality is sharp and detailed – though it begins to fade as the good lighting does.

The 4x digital zoom adds to the versatility you get. Expect a decent amount of noise at the far end of the zoom.

The waterproofing goes above and beyond what you’d expect to see in a camera this affordable. This combined with the remote control wrist unit further adds to the versatility.

All this, and more, come together to bring you one of the best action cameras under 100 dollars.

8 Dragon Touch Vision 3 Pro Action Camera

Check Price On Amazon!

This is the pro version of the Dragon Touch Vision 3 camera we looked at a little earlier in this review.

It’s a solid pick for best action camera under 100. The IPS touch display comes in handy when you’re on the go. You’ll be able to easily zoom and switch between the various settings that the camera offers.

The 4x zoom is activated by pressing and holding the UP button. There is less grain than expected, though it gets pretty shaky at the deepest part of the zoom.

A unique feature is the driving mode. This can double as a dashcam. You’ll be able to shoot awesome time-lapses and slow-motion videos of your journey.

Downloading the supported app will give you remote control of the camera. There are plenty of supported actions that can enhance your creative abilities.

This model does everything that a GoPro can do. You may get slightly less consistent results, and the image stabilization isn’t as good as a GoPro – though, for the cost, it’s an excellent budget option.

9 Runme R3 Action Camera

Check Price On Amazon!

I highly recommend the R3 if you’re after cheap action cameras. You’re covering all the basics and necessities (battery life, 60fps, 4K, waterproofing up to 30m and a170° view) and getting a little extra on the top.

The price is fantastic considering the quality you’re getting. It comes with a USB charger and cable, so you’ll seldom have to worry if you forget the charger.

This camera makes it difficult to choose the far more expensive GoPro cameras. It’s a heavy hitter that can squeeze into almost any budget.

There isn’t an SD card included. Get yourself a decent-sized one, as the 60fps and 4K footage will quickly take up your storage space. This camera is compatible with up to a 64GB memory card.

You may have some issues connecting with certain android devices – so do your research if you’re relying on that compatibility.

Overall, it’s a classy camera that delivers where you’d expect it to. The images and videos are sharp, smooth, and stable.

It’s one of the better affordable action camera models that strike the right balance between price and performance.

10 COOAU 4K 20MP Wi-Fi Action Camera

Check Price On Amazon!

With the COOAU Action Camera, you’ll be able to record your adventures in full HD (1080p) at 30fps or Ultra HD (2048 x 1536) at 60 fps frames per second, and even slow-motion recordings are possible.

This camera is equipped with a built-in microphone for capturing audio along with video, plus an external mic port if you want better sound quality while recording voiceovers or interviews. The package includes two 1200mAh batteries. The camera can capture stunning 20MP photos and videos in glorious Ultra HD resolution (4096 x 3072 pixels) at up to 30fps.

It also features a Sony IMX377 image sensor, an Ambarella A12 chipset, and an Electronic Image Stabilization system that helps keep your footage smooth and steady even when you’re bouncing around on a mountain bike or skiing down a hill.

With its built-in Wi-Fi module, you can control the camera remotely using your smartphone or tablet, preview shots and videos, and share your experiences with friends and family without having to remove the camera from your mount. The included waterproof case allows you to take the camera to depths of up to 40 meters so that you can capture stunning underwater footage with ease.

11 CamPark ACT74 Action Camera

The CamPark ACT74 is a top pick for best affordable action camera.

It’s at the lower end of the price scale but still manages to deliver where it matters.

The battery life is lower than many of the other units here – though it doesn’t shoot at 60fps, so your battery isn’t as strained.

You’re still getting the same essential 30m waterproofing, along with remote control via wireless connectivity and Wi-Fi sharing.

If you’re on a really tight budget, you’ll find this camera to be a lifesaver. The fact that a camera at this price can shoot in 4K makes it hard to look over – it’s a serious contender.

The wide-angle lens offers you a great view of the scene, while still being sharp enough to capture detail in the peripherals of the shot.

Various mounts are included to let you attach the action camera to a helmet, bicycle, etc. This lets you taste the versatility of a GoPro, at a fraction of its cost.

12 CamPark X15 Action Camera

With 16MP photos, 4K video, and up to 120fps at 720p, the X15 is hard to ignore.

It offers crazy versatility when compared with other units at its price point.

You’ll be able to capture excellent quality images – and the footage is made so much smoother thanks to anti-shake technology.

The touch screen is intuitive and easy to navigate. You’ll find that you won’t struggle to get where you need to go as fast as possible.

Waterproofing up to 30m gives you the protection you need on your more daring adventures. This, along with the warranty gives you the peace of mind you need when getting creative.

It’s a solid choice for the best 4K action camera under 100 to record your journey. You’ll be able to relive your memories and let your friends and family feel like they were by your side the whole time.

13 CamPark X20 Action Camera

The 20MP ultra HD camera makes this one of the finest choices for best action camera under 100.

The photos you take will be really sharp and clear. The 4K video adds to the bargain and delivers huge value for the price.

The electronic image stabilization is super effective and will make an obvious difference in your shots. This improves the camera overall performance when shooting action shots and where fast movement is involved.

The double screen lets you easily keep track of the time, battery, and more. The main touchscreen is responsive and the menu is intuitive.

The audio quality is decent, but don’t expect to get much when the waterproof case is on.

If you need a smooth video at 1080p – with smooth stabilization – then you should seriously consider the X20. The waterproofing is excellent and the build feels strong and sturdy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here Are Some Things to Think About

It’s up to you to actually get out there and put the practice in. It’s obvious from this review that budget action cameras can deliver quality that can – at times – rival higher-end action cameras.

You need to find creative and interesting ways to use action cameras that give you unique results.

Simple gear can produce fantastic shots. It’ll take experience and practice, but with a little dedication, you’ll be able to get exquisite shots that turn heads.

If you’ve seen something you like, go ahead and choose one of our top picks for best action camera under 100. They’ve been carefully selected and are very capable of delivering high-quality performance – at a fraction of the cost of a high-end action camera!

Related Post:

1. Best Action Camera Under $200
2. How to Read Camera Lenses
3. What Cameras Do YouTubers Use and Why?
4. What is Camera RTSP Authentication