Best Action Cameras to Buy Under $100 (2025)
Looking for a GoPro‑style camera on a tight budget? Below $100 you can still film travel, cycling, snorkelling, or vlog clips—if you pick wisely and set expectations. The truth in 2025: these cameras advertise “4K” and EIS stabilization, but sensors, bit‑rates, and gyro quality are modest. Follow our recommended settings, stick to good light, and you’ll get solid footage for the price.
This guide lists real, currently sold models that stay near or under $100, with accessories that add big value without blowing the budget.
Quick Picks (TL;DR)
- Best overall under $100: AKASO EK7000 — proven value, loads of accessories, simple to use.
- Best around $70–$90: AKASO Brave 4 — sharper 1080p60 than most, useful dual screens on Pro bundle variants.
- Best ultra‑cheap (~$50): Dragon Touch Vision 3 — shockingly usable in daylight for the price.
- Best for simple vlogging: SJCAM SJ4000 / SJ4000 Air — long‑running model with decent color in good light.
- Best kit bundle value: Campark ACT74/ACT74A — rich accessory bundle and usable EIS for biking/day trips.
- Best dual‑screen under $100 (often on sale): Surfola SF530 — front/rear screens at a budget price; check promos.
- Best mini “thumb” cam around ~$100 (watch pricing): SJCAM C100 Plus — tiny wearable form factor; pricing fluctuates near $100.
Tip: Don’t expect GoPro‑level stabilization or low‑light quality at this price. Keep the camera steady or mount it to a solid surface.
The Best Sub‑$100 Action Cameras in 2025
AKASO EK7000
Why it’s great: A budget classic that keeps getting small improvements. Native 4K/30 claims aside, the 1080p60footage is the sweet spot for clarity + manageable files. Strong accessory pack, waterproof case, and a basic 2.4G remote make it a dependable starter.
Best for: First action cam, biking, beach trips, dash‑style mounting.
Use these settings: 1080p60; EIS off for fast action; medium FOV; lock ISO to Auto and exposure to 0; white balance Daylight outdoors.
Good to know: Battery life is modest—carry both cells; audio is best with the case off and a wind muff.
AKASO Brave 4 (and Brave 4 Pro bundles)
Why it’s great: Often found between $70–$99 new, the Brave 4 ups build quality and feature set vs ultra‑cheap models. 1080p60 looks cleaner, EIS is respectable for walking/biking, and some Pro bundles add dual screens for framing yourself.
Best for: Vloggers who want slightly nicer stabilization and usability without crossing $100.
Use these settings: 1080p60; EIS on for walking; Sharpness: Low/Med; Color Normal.
Good to know: “4K30” is soft; the value here is 1080p60 + accessories.
Dragon Touch Vision 3
Why it’s great: One of the few brand‑site cameras that routinely sells around $50 with a full accessory kit. Daylight video looks better than you’d expect; menus are simple and the waterproof case is included.
Best for: Families, students, and casual travellers who want the lowest price with acceptable results.
Use these settings: 2.7K30 or 1080p60; EIS on for walking; sharpness Low/Medium; WB Auto.
Good to know: Night footage is noisy; stabilisation is basic—avoid running handheld.
SJCAM SJ4000 / SJ4000 Air
Why it’s great: A long‑running budget model with simple operation and widely available mounts. Color is decent in good light and the app is straightforward. Some kits include a spare battery.
Best for: Fixed‑mount uses (helmet, handlebar, tripod), sunny days, and poolside clips.
Use these settings: 1080p60; EIS on for walking only; WB Sunny outdoors; metering center‑weighted.
Good to know: Watch listings—specs vary by “Air/Plus/Pro” suffix. Stick to trusted sellers.
Campark ACT74 / ACT74A
Why it’s great: A popular budget choice with a generous accessory bundle (frame, case, remotes, mounts). EIS is usable for bike paths and boardwalks; menu offers enough control to avoid over‑sharpened “video look.”
Best for: Beginner cyclists, snorkelling, and travel diaries where price matters most.
Use these settings: 1080p60; EIS on for gentle motion; sharpness Low; color Normal.
Good to know: Claimed 4K looks soft—prioritize 1080p60.
Surfola SF530 (Dual Screen)
Why it’s great: Brings front+rear screens to the budget tier, handy for selfie framing. Typically lands under $100during promos, with EIS that’s usable for walk‑and‑talks.
Best for: Vloggers who want to see themselves while shooting, on a tight budget.
Use these settings: 1080p60; EIS on; Sharpness Low; Wind Reduction if available.
Good to know: Watch for “open‑box” listings—prefer new units from official storefronts.
SJCAM C100 Plus (Mini Thumb Cam)
Why it’s great: A tiny wearable camera that clips or magnets to mounts—great for POV or hands‑free travel snippets. Pricing floats near $80–$110 depending on bundles; watch for sales to keep it under $100.
Best for: Minimal setups, chest‑mount POV, and creators who value size over ultimate quality.
Use these settings: 1080p30 or 2.7K30; EIS on for walking; bump EV −0.3 in bright sun to preserve highlights.
Good to know: Small sensors = avoid dusk/night; treat 4K claims cautiously.
Comparison Table (At a Glance)
| Model | Max Claim | Best Real‑World Mode | Stabilization | Screens | Waterproof | Typical Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AKASO EK7000 | 4K30 | 1080p60 | EIS basic | Rear | 30m (with case) | ~$60–$90 |
| AKASO Brave 4 | 4K30 | 1080p60 | EIS better than most | Rear (Pro: Dual) | 30m (with case) | ~$70–$99 |
| Dragon Touch Vision 3 | 4K30 | 1080p60 / 2.7K30 | EIS basic | Rear | 30m (with case) | ~$45–$70 |
| SJCAM SJ4000 / Air | 4K30 (varies) | 1080p60 | EIS basic | Rear | 30m (with case) | ~$50–$80 |
| Campark ACT74 / ACT74A | 4K30 | 1080p60 | EIS basic | Rear | 30–40m (case) | ~$55–$80 |
| Surfola SF530 | 4K30 | 1080p60 | EIS usable | Dual | 40m (case) | ~$70–$99 (promo) |
| SJCAM C100 Plus | 4K30 | 1080p30 / 2.7K30 | EIS basic | Front (status) | 5m body / 30m case | ~$80–$110 (watch sales) |
Prices fluctuate by region/promos. Always check what’s included in the kit (two batteries, remote, charger type).
What You Can (and Can’t) Expect Under $100
You get: 1080p60 that looks good in daylight, waterproof cases, lots of mounts, and app control.
You don’t get: Strong low‑light, gimbal‑like stabilisation, high bit‑rates, or accurate “5K/4K120” claims. Treat EIS as basic smoothing, not miracle gyro.
Pro Tips: Make Cheap Cams Look Expensive
- Stabilize physically: Chest/helmet mount > hand‑held. Or use a mini tripod as a grip.
- Shoot in good light: Early morning / late afternoon. Avoid dim rooms and night streets.
- Prefer 1080p60: Smoother motion + cleaner detail vs soft “4K.”
- Control sharpness: If menu allows, set Low and sharpen slightly in editing.
- Lock exposure: If your model supports AE‑lock, use it to stop brightness pulsing.
- Carry spare batteries & a fast card: At least U3 / V30 microSD; slower cards cause dropped frames.
- De‑noise in post: A light noise‑reduction pass makes cheap sensors look cleaner.
Accessories Under $30 That Matter
- Chest or chin mount (steadier POV than head strap).
- Mini tripod/hand grip for walk‑and‑talk vlogs.
- Wind muffs (deadcats) to tame breeze when the camera is out of the waterproof case.
- Extra batteries + USB dual charger—cheap cells are fine if reviews are decent.
- Floaty case for water shots.
Final Thoughts
Sub‑$100 action cams have real limits—but for sunny adventures, bike paths, the beach, or backup angles, the AKASO EK7000, Dragon Touch Vision 3, SJCAM SJ4000, and Campark ACT74/ACT74A offer real, buyable value. Keep expectations realistic, stick to the recommended settings, and put your money into mounts and spare batteries—that’s where budget footage starts to look pro.
