There is no doubt that GoPro was one of the first companies that put a spotlight on the action camera industry and brought these little beasts of cameras to the mainstream. However, many years have passed since then, and GoPro is no longer the only good option available in the market that you can buy.
Nowadays, with so many competitions and options available in the action camera market, GoPro may not be the best choice for your travel. To make your life easier, I have decided to compile a list of the very best GoPro alternatives you can buy that fit better with your travel style than the generic GoPro action camera.
Without further ado, let's take a look at the 8 best GoPro alternatives you should check out in 2021. Let's begin with our first new contender, the action cams from Insta360.
Quick Summary: The best GoPro alternative action cameras to buy for travel?
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Best GoPro Alternative
DJI Action 4
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Features
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Most Advanced
Insta360 Ace Pro
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Features
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Best 360 Camera
Insta360 One X4
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Features
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Best for Light Travelers
Insta360 Go 3S
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Features
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Most Versatile Camera
Insta360 One RS
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Features
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Best for Extreme Sports
Sony FDR-X3000
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Features
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Best For General Use
Sony DSC-RX0
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Features
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Cheapest
Akaso BRAVE 7 LE
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Features
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Check PriceLearn More |
1. DJI Action 4
DJI Action 4 is DJI's fourth foray into the action camera industry, and it returns with a significant video quality upgrade and retains its innovative way to mount the cameras without being intrusive with more cool accessories that will help elevate your storytelling even more.
DJI Action 4 utilizes magnets to allow you to quickly mount/dismount the action camera while using it as a wearable for everyday use. It comes with a 1/1.3-Inch sensor allowing it to shoot in low light while still retaining great details. Not even the GoPro can compete with the low-light capability of this camera.
The camera is packed with many great features. It can shoot in 4K/120 in 10-bit mode, allowing for great flexibility. It comes with 2 large touch screens, making it easier to operate, and is waterproof up to 18 meters without a case. Additionally, it has an AI feature that will automatically remove the selfie stick in your footage, among many other impressive capabilities!
It is one of the best GoPro alternatives out there and will really give the new GoPro a run for its money. If you are looking for a GoPro alternative, you can't go wrong with the DJI Action 4. For the latest price, please click the link below:
2. Insta360 Ace Pro
If you are looking for the most advanced action camera you can get, the Insta360 Ace Pro, new action camera from Insta360 is definitely worth checking out. The camera has a large 1/1.3 inch sensor that can shoot up to 4K/120 slow-mo video. It also has a magnetic mounting system, a great set of AI features, and many other features similar to the DJI Action 4.
What makes this camera stand out is its flippy screen which removes the need for an inferior front-facing screen as you can just flip the back screen to compose while you take selfies. The camera also has one of the best stabilization systems out there, even better than the GoPro, thanks to its bigger sensor allowing the camera to retain sharpness in low light.
They also co-engineered the lens and color science with Leica and the camera can produce some of the most true-to-life footage you can get from an action camera. If you are looking for the very best action camera you can get right now, the Insta360 Ace Pro is a great option for you. Hit the link below to check the price:
3. Insta360 One X4
Insta360 One X4 is one of my new favorite 360 cameras out there. In fact, the company Insta360 is starting to become one of my favorite camera producers in the market as they continue to innovate and come up with better-suited action cameras that are well-designed, packed with features, and produce excellent images, and one of those cameras is this Insta360 One X4.
The Insta360 One X4 is the fourth edition of their first foray into the 360/action camera market. It comes with a unique, easy-to-hold form factor, capable of capturing 8K 360° HDR videos/photos, top-of-the-class stabilization, and best of all, the invisible selfie stick that will allow you to capture a video of yourself doing awesome things without the visible selfie stick in your footage.
The Insta360 One X4 is clever enough to detect the selfie stick and automatically remove it from the footage, giving you a beautiful video that looks like it was captured by a drone flying around you. The camera offers new and unique ways to capture yourself that GoPro is unable to do. Plus, it has a new battery that can last up to 135 minutes of shooting, waterproof up to 10 meters, and a ton of new AI features to make your life much easier.
If you are a solo traveler and would like to capture yourself doing epic things on your travels or if you simply want to easily capture your surroundings without having to fiddle with your camera on site, then the Insta360 One X4 is the best travel camera for you. The price starts at 499.99 USD, and you can buy one at a discounted price using the link below.
4. Insta360 Go 3s
Insta360 Go 3S is another great action camera from Insta360 that comes in a much smaller form factor, weighing only 39 grams and offers several creative ways to capture your travel from all kinds of perspectives you never thought possible, thanks to its tiny form factor.
Don't let the size of the Insta360 Go 3S fool you; this tiny camera is mightier than it looks. The camera comes with stabilization, 4K resolution, waterproofing of up to 10 meters, and the capability of shooting hyperlapse and slow motion. Best of all, it comes with a magnet and several mounting accessories that will allow you to easily capture very interesting perspectives while still being discrete.
Among the accessories that come with the Insta360 Go 3S is the magnet necklace, a true game-changer, that allows you to mount your camera on your chest without having to wear a chest strap like with GoPro cameras. It also comes with a tiny clipper that allows you to clip the camera to your cap to give a first-person perspective, or you can attach it anywhere you want, from the bottom of a skateboard to the front of a car. The possibilities with this camera are endless!
Not to mention, it's an extremely well-designed action pod (camera case) that not only gives you extra juice for your camera but also acts as a remote control and screen, allowing you to shoot yourself from afar or while it is mounted. You can also flip out the screen for selfies and much more. I'm not gonna lie, their R&D team really hit it out of the park here.
The Insta360 Go 3S is a fun action camera that is tiny but capable, making it a great travel action cam that you can bring with you anywhere without having to carry a lot of other accessories. The price starts at $473 USD and you can hit the link below to buy one.
5. Insta360 One RS
For something more advanced and flexible, you can't ignore the awesome Insta360 One RS 360° action camera that has taken the action camera world by storm and is giving GoPro a run for its money.
The Insta360 One RS is an updated version of the highly popular modular action camera, the Insta360 One R, that will allow you to adapt to any type of adventure situation you might find yourself in with its swappable modular system. The modular system allows you to swap modules on the fly and helps you adapt to the situation by mixing and matching camera features in a way other cameras cannot do.
Want to vlog in a low-light environment? Swap in the one-inch sensor and capture videos in low light without any problems. Want to film yourself while you vlog? The 4K wide-angle camera module is great for that. Not sure which module to use? How about capturing everything with its dual-lens 360° module and picking out the frame later.
The action camera also comes with a great stabilization feature that will smooth out your footage, almost as if your camera is on a dedicated gimbal. Invisible sticks you can use to shoot yourself without seeing the selfie stick and it also comes with a cool slow-motion feature for when you are doing epic activities.
The new version is better than the previous version in every way, with improved battery life, HDR capability, enhanced stabilization, more microphones for better audio quality, an instant zoom feature, and much more.
If you are looking for an awesome action camera that will allow you to grow as an aspiring creator, the Insta360 One RS is definitely one of the best options out there.
6. Sony FDR-X3000
Sony FDR-X3000 is Sony's first foray into the action camera market. Sony has been making cameras for ages now, with their Sony Alpha cameras leading the mirrorless camera market. With their first action camera, they also share similar technologies with their bigger brothers, including a CMOS sensor, Optical SteadyShot, and more.
With the Sony FDR-X3000, you can expect excellent video capability, from 4K resolution to sharp and crispy image quality, thanks to its back-illuminated sensor and the Zeiss lens. The build quality is also top-notch, with dustproof, shockproof, and up to 60-meter waterproof capabilities with its underwater housing.
The best part is, if you already own many GoPro accessories and are looking to switch, the Sony FDR-X3000 is equipped with the same mount as GoPro, so all your accessories should still work when you make the switch.
As with all Sony products, the Sony FDR-X3000 is on the pricier side of things, with the camera and underwater housing priced at $399 USD. If you want a live-view screen, it's gonna be around $549.99 USD, which is quite expensive.
They are also known to have poor battery life, but you will get better quality videos than other action cams like GoPro, making it a great alternative to GoPro if you are looking for a way to capture higher-quality action videos.
7. Sony DSC-RX0
Sony DSC-RX0 is another great action/compact camera from Sony, which focuses more on producing professional-grade images and videos in a small, rugged form factor.
What sets the Sony RX0 apart from the Sony X3000 mentioned above is the fact that this camera is more of a hybrid between a high-quality compact camera and an action camera, rather than a full-fledged action cam.
The Sony RX0 comes with a 1-inch CMOS sensor, which is also used in their compact camera lineup, including the beloved Sony RX100 camera series. This series is known for being one of the best compact cameras available, ensuring that you will capture high-quality images and videos with the Sony RX0.
Despite its huge sensor, Sony was able to keep the body compact and small enough to be used as an action cam. It's durable, with shockproof and crushproof capabilities, and it can withstand around 10 meters underwater without an underwater case, which is pretty impressive.
With such a huge sensor, probably the biggest sensor you can get on an action cam, it does come with a price tag of $699 USD, which is the most expensive action camera on the list. However, if you are looking for an action cam that produces the highest quality videos and images, you can't go wrong with the Sony RX0.
8. Akaso BRAVE 7 LE
Now, if all of those prices are not within your budget range, you might like Akaso BRAVE 7 LE, an action camera with excellent capabilities within an ultra-budget range. It comes with 4K capability, dual-screen, an excellent stabilization feature, and is waterproof without a case. All of this is available at only 139 USD, making it the cheapest GoPro alternative on this list.
It is the cheapest action camera you can buy out there that does not sacrifice functionalities like the $50 GoPro knockoffs. This one stands on its own. It comes with accessories included and all the important features like timelapse and slow-mo that will make your travel footage amazing, all for only $139.
If you are looking to start shooting action footage during your travels and do not want to spend over $150 for an action camera, the Akaso BRAVE 7 LE is perfect for you. You can buy the action camera using the link below:
Want to take your photography game to the next level? Here are some resources to help you upgrade your work and photography gear:
Further Reading for Resources
Looking for more articles to help you with your travel, whether it be camera gears or clothing? Here is a collection of articles you might like:
- Ever wondered what a full-time travel blogger like myself carries in my camera bag? Check out: What's In My Camera Bag in 2025?
- For the best hybrid travel camera to buy, the Sony a7R V, with its 61-megapixel sensor and video capabilities, is hard to beat. Check out my review here: A Traveler's Review: The Sony a7R V Camera
- Looking for the very best travel full-frame camera to buy for your next trip? How about the Sony a7C, the smallest full-frame camera with an EVF in the world! Check out my review: A Traveler's Review: The Sony a7C Camera
- For APS-C camera owners out there, check out: What's In My Camera Bag? - A Gear Guide to the Sony APS-C Cameras.
- Looking to buy a new travel camera but not sure where to start? Check out our camera guide on 9 Best Travel Cameras To Buy.
- Bought a new camera and not sure what camera accessories to buy? Check out: 14 BEST Sony Camera Accessories You Should Buy.
- Looking for a good-looking and functional camera strap to buy? You are going to love the Langly Tactical, Premium Leather, and Paracord camera straps. Check out my review here: A Traveler's Review: Langly Camera Straps.
- Want to start a YouTube channel and looking to buy new cameras for travel vlogging? Check out: 8 Best Cameras For Travel Vlogging to Buy.
- Finding a great camera bag you can travel with is not as easy as it sounds. If you are looking for one, here are the 10 Best Camera Bags for Travel, Backpacking, and Hiking You Should Buy.
- Now, if you are looking for a camera sling/shoulder bag instead of a full-fledged camera backpack to travel with, here are the 11 Best Camera Sling/Shoulder Bags For Travel.
- Looking for the most versatile camera sling bag? Check out: A Traveler's Review: WANDRD Roam (Rogue) Sling.
- For a smaller setup, the Nomatic McKinnon Sling is a great camera bag to check out. Here is A Traveler's Review: Nomatic McKinnon Camera Sling 8L.
- If you are looking for gifts to buy for your photographer loved ones, check out: 12 Cool Gifts To Buy For Travel Photographers.
- Traveling light with camera gear is all about balancing between what you need and what you want. Here are the 8 Best Tips For Traveling Light With Camera Gear.
- After years of research, I finally found the most beautiful camera backpack of all! Check this out: A Traveler's Review: Langly Alpha Globetrotter Camera Backpack.
- If you are looking for a great camera accessory to help improve your travel photography skills, check out: 14 BEST Sony Camera Accessories You Should Buy.
- Are you looking for the best travel camera for your next trip? Why not consider the Sony a6500? Here's why the Sony a6500 is the best travel camera.
- If you want to carry just one lens when you travel, here is why the Sony 16-55mm F2.8 is the best travel lens to get for your Sony a6600 or a6500.
- This is the one lens I never knew I needed, but now that I have it, I can’t travel without it! A Traveler's Review: The Sony E 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 Lens.
- An ultra-wide lens is perfect for travel, and there is no better lens than the Sony 10-18mm F4 lens. Here is why: Traveler's Review: Sony 10-18mm F4 lens.
- Full-frame or APS-C Cameras? Here’s my take on which camera format to pick for travel: 5 Reasons Why I'm Sticking With a Sony APS-C Camera
- Wondering which Sony Mirrorless camera is right for you? The Best Sony Travel Cameras to Buy in 2025.
- Just bought a new Sony mirrorless camera? Check out: 15 Tips & Tricks For Your New Sony a7C, a7III, and More.
- Wondering which lenses to buy for your Sony cameras? Check out The Best Travel Lenses For Sony a7III, a7C, a7RIV, and More.
- Looking for a compact and lightweight travel telephoto lens for wildlife and landscapes? You are going to love this lens. Here is A Traveler's Review of the Tamron 70-300mm F4.5-6.3 lens.
- If you are looking for a review of the first Sony 24-70mm F2.8 GM lens and want to see if it is worth buying now, check out: A Traveler's Review of the Sony 24-70mm F2.8 GM Lens.
- The king of travel lenses has arrived. The Sony 24-70mm F2.8 GM II lens is hands down the best travel all-purpose zoom lens I have ever owned. Here's why: A Traveler's Review: Sony 24-70mm F2.8 GM II Lens.
- Sony 70-200mm F2.8 GM II OSS lens is, hands down, the best telephoto lens to get for your Sony cameras, but with an extremely high price tag. Here is a complete traveler's review of the lens: A Traveler's Review: Sony 70-200mm F2.8 GM II OSS Lens.
- Looking for a lightweight and affordable landscape/architecture travel lens that is also extremely capable? Here is A Traveler's Review of the Sigma 16-28mm F2.8 DG DN Lens.
- Looking for the best travel portrait lens to buy for your next trip? You can't beat the Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG DN lens. Here is A Traveler's Review of the Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens.
- Picking a camera body is one thing. Picking the lenses is a whole different game. Here is the ultimate guide to the best travel lenses for the Sony a6500.
- Looking for the best street and travel photography lens? Here is why the Sigma 56mm F1.4 is the Best Travel Photography Lens for Sony APS-C.
- Looking for a great drone to travel with? Why the DJI Mavic Mini is the Best Drone for Travelers.
- The best travel drone just got even better. Here is A Traveler's Review of The DJI Mini 2 and why it is the best travel drone to buy.
- Already have a Mavic Mini or looking to buy one? Here are 25 Tips and Tricks for New DJI Mavic Mini Owners.
- For more travel drone options, be sure to check out the 8 Best Drones For Travel To Buy In 2025.
- Looking for the best travel wireless earbuds or headphones? Here are the 7 Best Travel Wireless Earbuds & Headphones to Buy.
- You can't travel without a backpack, and if you are looking for one, check out my guide on the best Herschel Supply backpacks for travelers.
- If you like hiking and going on adventures for weeks on end, you are going to need a bigger backpack. Here is Why the Osprey Atmos AG is the Best Hiking Backpack To Buy.
- If you are into making travel videos, here is my ultimate advanced filmmaking gear guide.
- Planning to go on your first-ever hiking trip? Here is How to Pack for Hiking and Camping.
- Technical hiking gear doesn't have to be ugly. Here is a guide to hiking gear that actually looks good on you.
- If you are a light-weight traveler and are looking for powerful gear to go with your setup, check out the extremely light-weight photography gear guide.
- Looking for gift ideas for your traveler friends or family members? Here are 16 Best Gifts to Buy for Travelers/Backpackers.
- Or, if you are into gadgets, here is a quick guide on 10 tech gadgets you should buy this year.
- If you are a blogger as well and are looking for free travel images to spice up your content, check out the 9 Best Websites to Find Free Travel Images.
- Want to know the secrets of how to travel the world cheaply? Check out: 16 Best Tips on How to Travel the World Cheaply.
- Looking for an Airbnb alternative for a better and more authentic stay in a place you are visiting? Here are the 8 Best Airbnb Alternatives to Use.
- Looking to plan your first backpacking trip around the world? Check out: How To Plan A Backpacking Trip.
- For more resources like this, visit my Resources page.
- Want to learn how I was able to take so many good pictures of myself while I travel solo? Check out: How To Take Great Pictures of Yourself.
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