Best Budget Action Cameras for Travel Vlogging in 2025

Ever wish you could just wear your camera like a necklace or stick it anywhere? The Insta360 Go 3 makes that possible. This thing is adorably tiny – the camera module weighs only 35 grams (about as much as a few coins). Don’t let its size fool you: the Go 3 is a powerful little POV camera that’s fantastic for travel vloggers who want unique angles. It shoots up to 2.7K video (1440p up to 50fps, 1080p up to 120fps), which is shy of 4K but still delivers crisp footage for social media and YouTube. 

The genius of the Go 3 is its magnetic mounting system – you can snap it onto a pendant around your neck, stick it to metal surfaces, clip it to your cap, you name it. It comes with an “Action Pod,” a case that acts as a charger, flip-out viewfinder screen, and remote control all in one. Essentially, the Go 3 can function like a tiny DJI Osmo Pocket – you have a small handheld cam with a flip screen when you dock it, or you can pop out the thumb-sized camera for ultra-light, go-anywhere shooting. 

This flexibility means you can vlog hands-free while biking or get shots that are impossible with a regular camera (ever mounted a camera on a swinging hotel room key? You can now!). The Go 3 also features Insta360’s excellent FlowState stabilization and even horizon leveling, so your footage stays smooth and level despite the camera’s minuscule size. It’s waterproof to 16 ft (5 m) on its own, so it can handle a dunk in the pool or a sudden rain shower.

Of course, physics is physics – a tiny camera has some drawbacks. The video resolution maxes at 2.7K and no true 4K, so if you’re a pixel peeper or plan to project your travel films on a big 4K TV, this isn’t the cam for that. The Go 3’s image sensor is smaller than those in full-size cams, meaning low-light video and overall image quality, while good for its class, won’t match the likes of DJI Action 4 or Akaso Brave 8. Also, battery life is limited by the tiny form factor. The camera itself lasts about ~45 minutes of continuous shooting. 

The good news: docking it in the Action Pod charges it back up, yielding about 170 minutes (nearly 3 hours) total with the case. Still, you’ll probably be capturing short clips rather than hour-long recordings with this. Another consideration: the Action Pod is not waterproof (only splash-resistant), so you can’t take the whole rig underwater – just the Go 3 camera by itself. And at around $380 for the 64GB model, the Go 3 isn’t cheap; you’re partly paying for the clever design. Think of it as an ultra-portable creative tool rather than a traditional action cam.

Best for: Vloggers and creators who want a truly wearable, versatile camera to capture angles and moments that bigger cameras can’t. The Insta360 Go 3 is perfect for travelogues where you might want to seamlessly go from filming yourself to filming a first-person perspective – e.g. walking through a market hands-free or doing a hyperlapse of a city tour. It’s also great as a B-cam to complement a bigger camera: use the Go 3 for creative cutaway shots, time-lapses, or any scenario where a big camera would be obtrusive. If you primarily film talk-to-camera pieces and standard shots, the Go 3 might be overkill (or rather “underkill” in size). But if you love the idea of a camera that’s as much a gadgety toy as it is a tool – one that sparks creativity – this tiny titan is worth a look. Just be ready to explain to curious onlookers that no, it’s not an AirPods case, it’s my camera.

So your budget is really tight – we’re talking dinner-for-one tight – but you still want to record your journey? Enter the Apexcam M80. This camera often sells for an eye-popping $40–$50, making it one of the most affordable 4K action cams on the market. Don’t get us wrong, at that price you’re not getting Hero-quality footage, but the M80 can surprise you with how much it offers for so little. It shoots 4K video (3840×2160) at 30fps and 1080p up to 60fps. It also snaps 16MP photos. 

The camera comes with a full kit: a waterproof case (rated to 131 ft/40 m) two rechargeable batteries (so you have backup power out of the box), a 2.4G wrist remote, and a suite of mounts and accessories. Basically, you get the whole action cam starter pack. The M80 has a 170° wide-angle lens to capture those sweeping vistas. It even has WiFi connectivity, so you can transfer footage to your phone and control the camera via an app – neat features at this rock-bottom price point. 

For daylight activities, the M80 records respectable footage. Colors are decent and details are okay when there’s plenty of light. If you’re vlogging on a sunny beach or hiking in bright daylight, your viewers will get a good sense of the scene. Durability is on point too: slap it in the included case and it’s ready for underwater or mud-running abuse. Many buyers use these ultra-budget cams in risky situations (strapped to a bike, on a helmet, etc.) where they wouldn’t dare put an expensive camera – and the M80 fulfills that role nicely.

Now, temper your expectations: at this price, some specs are “inflated” and performance has limits. The “4K” footage, while real resolution, doesn’t have the clarity or smoothness of higher-end 4K cams – the bitrates are lower, and dynamic range is limited. In low light, the quality drops significantly (expect grain and focus struggles at night). Image stabilization is rudimentary or absent – Apexcam advertises EIS on some models, but user feedback suggests the stabilization is minimal. So you’ll want to keep the camera steady or mounted; intense motion will result in jello and shakes. 

The internal microphone works but audio is tinny – consider using a separate audio recorder or just overlay music on your travel montage. The build is all plastic and not as refined; it may not survive too many hard crashes outside of its case. Also, the UI might remind you of electronics from the early 2010s – it’s simple and gets the job done, but nothing fancy. Essentially, the M80 is fantastic for the price, but be aware it’s more like the “fast food” of action cams: it’s cheap, it’s there when you need it, but it’s not gourmet.

Best for: Those who need a basic action camera on a shoestring budget. If you’re backpacking on $10 a day or you want a camera for occasional use (like a once-in-a-lifetime hike) but can’t justify spending more, the Apexcam M80 is a solid pick. It’s also good for scenarios where you want to set it and forget it, or even use multiple cheap cams to capture different angles (like a multi-cam shoot without multi-thousand-dollar investment). For aspiring vloggers, the M80 can serve as a practice cam to learn the ropes of filming and editing before you potentially upgrade down the road. Just manage your expectations – think of it as the training wheels of action cams. It won’t outperform the big boys, but it can definitely document your journey in a pinch. And hey, if it gets lost or stolen, you’re only out the cost of a fancy dinner. Budget travel, meet budget camera – a match made in vlog heaven (or at least on a student budget).

Never heard of Wolfang? Don’t worry – this relatively new brand has been making waves (and making GoPro nervous) in the budget action cam scene. The Wolfang GA200 is a feature-packed budget contender, typically priced under $100 (around $90). It offers 4K video (30fps) and a whopping 24MP still photos, matching or exceeding the paper specs of more established competitors. 

Impressively, the GA200 also sports dual color screens (a front selfie screen and rear screen), much like the Campark V40 and Akaso Brave 7 LE. That’s a huge boon for vlogging at this price point – you can frame yourself easily on the front display. The camera includes advanced EIS (Wolfang calls it “6.0 EIS”), which does a solid job at steadying footage for walking and general shooting. With the waterproof case (included), it’s rated to 40 m depth, and while the camera itself isn’t natively waterproof, in the housing it’s ready for scuba adventures. Wolfang even bundles two 1050mAh batteries and a charger, alongside the usual array of mounts, so you’re well-equipped out of the box. 

User feedback on the GA200 often highlights its surprisingly good video and image quality for the price – colors are vibrant and details are crisp in good lighting. It seems Wolfang tuned this camera to impress those upgrading from really cheap cams. Essentially, it’s aiming to be the best sub-$100 action camera, and it makes a compelling case.

However, being a newer player, Wolfang’s support and app ecosystem aren’t as proven. The GA200 uses the common iSmart DV app (or a variant of it) for WiFi connectivity, which is serviceable but can sometimes be finicky. Low-light performance is average (similar to others in this range). The audio quality is passable but not remarkable – it doesn’t include an external mic, so you rely on built-in mics. 

Also, 4K is limited to 30fps here as well, and while it boasts a 2.7K at 60fps mode, many users might just stick to 1080p60 or 4K30 for simplicity. As with other budget cams, if you push it to extremes – fast action, very dim scenes – you’ll find its limits. On the upside, for “normal” travel scenarios (city walks, nature hikes, beach days), it holds up admirably. Wolfang is basically doing what Akaso and Apeman did a few years back: offering a lot of bang for buck and building a fanbase through value. Competition is a win for us consumers, and GA200 is proof.

Best for: Bargain hunters who want the latest budget-tech in action cams. The Wolfang GA200 is a great pick if you like having cutting-edge budget features – think of it as the underdog that’s trying to punch above its weight. It’s well-suited for travel vloggers who desire a front-screen cam with good stabilization and don’t want to spend triple digits. If you’ve used older budget cams and are looking for an upgrade, GA200 will feel like a noticeable step up in quality. It’s also a fine choice for first-time action cam users who want a lot of features to experiment with (slow-motion, high-res photos, etc.) without investing in a premium brand. In short, Wolfang GA200 shows how far sub-$100 cameras have come in 2025 – and it ensures that even budget-conscious travelers can film their story in crisp 4K. Don’t sleep on the underwolf… er, underdog.

Even the best camera can benefit from some add-ons. The good news is that many budget action cams come with basic accessories. Still, here are a few affordable extras that can make a big difference when vlogging on the go:

• Spare Batteries & Charger: If your camera didn’t include an extra battery (or even if it did), grab a couple of spares. Filming all day while sightseeing can chew through batteries quickly. Models like the Brave 8 and Wolfang GA200 include dual chargers for convenience – use them! Keeping 2–3 batteries on rotation ensures you never miss a shot due to a dead cam. Pro tip: charge up each night at your hostel or hotel, so you start every day with full power.
• High-Speed MicroSD Card: Use a reputable, fast microSD (U3/V30 or higher) to ensure your 4K footage writes smoothly. A 64GB or 128GB card is a sweet spot for a day’s worth of clips. Always have a spare card in case one fills up or malfunctions (or you suddenly morph into a filming machine at that epic location).
• Portable Tripod / Selfie Stick: For stable shots, time-lapses, or talking pieces, a mini tripod (like a Gorillapod or folding tripod) is clutch. Many travel vloggers carry a compact selfie stick that doubles as a tripod – great for both walking commentary and setting the camera down for a wide shot. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough for your camera’s weight (most of these budget cams are light anyway).
• External Microphone or Adapter: If your camera supports an external mic (Campark V40’s included mic, or for Osmo Action 4 via DJI Mic or adapter), use it for better audio. Clear audio can elevate your vlog quality immensely. For cams without mic input, consider a small external audio recorder (like a lavalier mic with a recorder) and sync in post – only if you’re willing to do a bit more work in editing, though.
• Mounts & Straps: Think about your activities and get mounts accordingly. Head strap or chest mount for hiking and biking footage, a clamp mount for attaching to hostel bunk beds or balcony railings, a suction cup for car dash shots, etc. Luckily, the budget cam world often uses the GoPro-compatible mount system, and many of these cameras ship with a variety of mounts. If something specific isn’t included (say, a dedicated chest harness), third-party kits are inexpensive. Also, a wrist remote (usually included with Apexcam, Campark, etc.) can be very helpful to start/stop recording when the camera is mounted out of reach.
• Protective Case or Pouch: With all this gear, it’s nice to have a small carrying case to organize your camera and accessories in your backpack. There are neat cases that fit the camera, batteries, and a few mounts. Or even a simple pouch can keep the camera from getting scratched by keys or tangled in cables.

Investing in a few of these low-cost accessories can greatly enhance your shooting experience. After all, the goal is to capture your travels smoothly and conveniently. Now that you have the cameras and gear rundown, how do you decide which setup suits you best? Let’s conclude with some friendly advice to help you choose.

Choosing the right budget action camera in 2025 is a bit like picking a travel buddy – it depends on your style, needs, and where you’re headed. The great news is you have options (and very good ones at that) without having to spend GoPro-level money. Here’s a quick recap to help you decide:

• If you want all-around reliability and quality: Akaso Brave 8 is hard to beat for the price. It’s the jack-of-all-trades with 4K60, dual screens, and loads of accessories. You get a polished experience that’s very close to the big names, at a friendlier price. Great for general travel vlogging in varied conditions.
• If you crave top-tier video and have a bit more to spend: DJI Osmo Action 4 will deliver gorgeous footage and rock-steady shots of your adventures. It’s a premium alternative that’s still more affordable than the latest GoPro. If image quality and stabilization are your top priorities (and you might dabble in more extreme activities or low-light filming), this is your guy. Think of it as an investment in capturing memories in the best possible light.
• If you’re a creative spirit who values portability: Insta360 Go 3 is like the fun, quirky travel companion that fits in your pocket (literally). It’s ideal for those who want to experiment with POV angles and don’t mind the resolution trade-off. For city explorers, minimalist packers, or anyone who says “I wish I could just clip a camera on and forget about it,” the Go 3 is a game-changer.
• If every dollar counts but you still need vlogging features: Wolfang GA200 is a fantastic choices. It proves you can get 4K, a front screen, and good stabilization on a tight budget. If you want the newest specs and a slight edge in image quality for under $100, Wolfang GA200 is very promising. Perfect for budget backpackers, students documenting a semester abroad, or as starter cameras.
• If you just need something cheap and functional: Apexcam M80 is the ultra-budget champion. It’s there to get the job done with minimal fuss. Use it in daylight, keep it steady, and it will record your story – simple as that. It’s not fancy, but neither is the price of admission. This is for the traveler who says, “I want to film, but I also want to afford lunch.” Fair enough!

At the end of the day, all the models we covered are small and travel-friendly, so you can always carry one in your daypack ready to capture that spontaneous street performance or breathtaking vista. They say travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer – and with a budget action cam, you won’t be financially poorer either!

Before you click “add to cart,” consider your use cases: Are you mostly vlogging yourself talking and walking? Prioritize a front screen and audio. Doing a lot of sports or bumpy rides? Stabilization and frame rates matter. Snorkeling or skiing? Think waterproof and maybe go for that Osmo Action’s extra depth. On a really long trip with scarce charging? Battery life and spare battery kits help.

Whichever camera you choose, remember to have fun with it. Travel vlogging isn’t just about the camera specs – it’s about telling a story. And now you’ve got a solid, budget-friendly tool to help tell yours.

So pack your bags, charge your batteries, and set off on your adventure. With one of these budget action cams by your side, you’ll be ready to capture the magic without worrying about the price tag. Here’s to epic travels and vlogs that inspire others to hit the road – all while keeping a little extra cash in your pocket for the next journey. 

Happy filming and bon voyage!

Featured image by Daniel Vergeles.