Whether you’re a vlogger, gamer, or simply like to share your experiences with the world, getting your hands on the best action camera for live streaming around can make all the difference.
From entry-level budget pieces to high-end professional-grade gadgets, figuring out which action camera suits your style of live streaming can be a real gamechanger.
Gone are the days of relying on your laptop’s low-grade webcam to get your face out into the world. Today you can expect 4K Ultra HD as standard, enhanced sound recordings and devices that are more equipped to deal with fast sharing.
So what are the best action cameras for live streaming? Well, let’s find out:
Key features to look out for in an action camera for live streaming
Video quality: Possibly the most essential feature for any live streamer is video quality. Whether you’re creating standout content or teaming up over Twitch, you want your footage to look sharp and steady.
Fortunately, most action camera’s come with 4K Ultra HD as standard, and some are even sporting 5K. Throw in a whole range of innovative image stabilisation, and you can produce the smoothest footage out there.
Shooting modes: Timelapse, slow motion, photo burst, you name it, the best action cameras around have all these features and more. Live streaming may be all about “the moment,” but adding a bit of flair to your shooting technique will set you apart from the rest.
Ease of use: You might be a foodie content creator, a gamer or a commentator. But whatever your specialism, you want a piece of kit that not only is intuitive to use but can easily be mounted wherever you are streaming from. Look out for action cameras that come with a range of handy accessories and mounts to help you set up the perfect shot.
Battery life: Now, you might like to live stream from your bedroom or office, so plugging in your camera isn’t going to be an issue. But for anyone who wants to shoot on the go, having an action camera with a decent battery life is going to make your filming experience more worthwhile. Most batteries can range up to 90 minutes before conking out, but it’s worth bearing in mind if you plan on streaming for longer.
Storage limit: Any action camera that offers less than a 32GB SD capacity is not worth the cash, especially if you plan on making the most of the 4K.
Sharing: The whole point of live streaming is to engage with your viewers or your friends instantly, so making sure you have a device that can A) cope with your streaming demands and B) offers quick sharing will ensure you get the best streaming experience.
GoPro HERO8 Black
The best action camera for live streaming on this list.
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Vloggers, pro filmmakers and aspiring content creators are going wild for the GoPro Hero 8 Black. Not only is it perfect for live HD streaming, but it is bursting with a range of features that will take your footage from amateur to award-winning in no time.
Everything from its pocketable shape to its quick loading accessories makes the GoPro Hero 8 stand out. Supported by the revolutionary HyperSmooth stabilisation across all video modes, you’ll never have shaky footage again.
Pros:
- Professional 4K Ultra HD at 60fps
- Voice control feature
- HyperSmooth stabilisation across all shooting modes
- Innovative mounting system
- Serious detail even in low lighting
- Touchscreen
- Livestream in glorious HD
Cons:
- Awkward to charge
- No HDMI out port
- No protective case included
- Not budget-friendly
AKASO EK7000 4K Sports Action Camera
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If you want to capture your world in crisp, vibrant resolution, then take a look at the Akanso EK7000. Sporting glorious 4K Ultra HD at 25fps and 2.7K at 30fps, as well as shooting incredible 12MP photos, your live streaming game is about to hit the roof.
What’s more, this action camera can be controlled directly from the intelligent wireless wrist remote. At the push of a button, you can set up your next shot and get recording instantly. With the built-in WiFi and HDMI output, you can edit, share or stream within minutes.
Designed to withstand extreme environments, from earth to sea, this action camera is perfect for the adrenaline junkies, the surfers, the BMXers and more.
Pros:
- Vibrant, crisp footage – 4K Ultra HD
- Wireless wrist remote control
- Easy edit, share and stream function
- Built-in WiFi and HDMI
- Long battery life thanks to 2 x 1050mAh batteries and USB Dual Charger
- Rugged and durable design can withstand 30m underwater
- A good range of accessories included
Cons:
- Sensitive buttons
- Wrist remote control is splashproof, not waterproof
- Slow navigation and function
AKASO EK7000 Pro 4K Action Camera with Touch Screen
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First things first. This latest offering from Akaso is not much different from the EK7000 listed above. The critical difference is that this updated version comes with a touchscreen which allows you to easily switch shooting modes, change your settings and preview and playback footage.
You get the same crisp detail and unparalleled clarity, whether you are filming in or out of the water. Combined with a broad range of shooting angels from super wide to narrow, you won’t struggle to create high-quality content with this innovative gadget.
Pros:
- Shoot in a wide range of resolutions, including 4K at 25fps
- Intuitive touchscreen
- Built-in Electronic Image Stabilisation for smooth, steady footage
- Waterproof camera up to 30 metres
- Adjustable view angle
Cons:
- Image stabilisation only works at 1080p and below
- Irritating red light while recording
LeadEdge Action Camera 4K
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Budget-friendly and highly capable, this compact device ticks a lot of boxes. If you want super sharp live streaming video quality, all while a range of features to play around with then, this may well be the action camera for you.
The tech supporting the EIS anti-shaking and stabilization function is pretty extraordinary. It works by using a 3-axis gyroscope and a 3-axis accelerometer which corrects for movement even when you are going full pelt down a rally track.
Pros:
- Super stable footage due to clever EIS tech
- Shoot in various resolutions, including 4K at 30fps
- Dual microphone – external mic delivers clearest recorded sound possible
- Built-in WiFi
- Good range of mounting accessories and more
- Budget-friendly
Cons:
- Wrist remote control is not waterproof
- Battery life could be improved
AKASO Brave 7 LE Action Camera
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There’s a reason why this all-weather action camera keeps topping the bestseller lists. First off, the Akaso Brave 7 LE has been designed with the vlogging experience at its heart.
But more than that, this action camera has all the live streaming features you could possibly want. From a convenient dual display where you can switch up your framing and monitor views between back and front to shooting in dazzling 4K Ultra HD, there’s a lot to like.
Pros:
- Shoot in glorious 4K Ultra HD at 30fps
- 2-inch touchscreen for easy framing
- Rugged and durable design to withstand extreme conditions
- Electronic Image Stabilisation (EIS) for smooth and fluent footage
- Various shooting modes, including time-lapse, burst photo and fast motion
- A good range of accessories included
- Good battery life
Cons:
- The battery hatch is difficult to open
KitVision 4K Action Camera Adventure Pack with Action Camera
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KitVision’s latest action camera package has become one of the most sought after kits on the market. Packed full with a range of desirable accessories such as a floating pole and hardcore waterproof casing, your live streaming experience is about to go up a notch.
Shooting in high resolution 4K, you can capture all of your adventures from the palm of your hand. KitVision claims to make “cameras and accessories made for life’s adventures,” and as far as we can see, they’re not wrong!
Pros:
- Capture your adventure’s in sharp and vivid 4K
- Record in depths of up to 30m underwater
- 140-degree wide-angle lens
- High-resolution LCD display
- Excellent accessories package
- Stable and easy sharing
- Includes 32GB SD
Cons:
- Entry-level kit
- Hard terrain can produce shaky footage
GoPro Hero 7 Silver – 4K HD Digital Action Camera
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GoPro has done it again. The Hero 7 Silver is one of those clever gadgets that not only screams professional quality but embraces all the things that make live streaming so special. Whether you want to shoot solely in 4K, create breathtaking time-lapse videos or have a camera that can keep up with all the action around you, this piece of kit is well worth a look.
What’s more, you can switch up your shooting style and use the Hero 7 purely as a webcam or mount on onto your bars, ramps, helmet or more.
Pros:
- Highly versatile shooting
- Can be used as a webcam
- Voice control feature
- Good range of accessories
- Durable and waterproof design
- Intuitive navigation
- Built-in WiFi for easy sharing
Cons:
- Internal battery only – not replaceable
- Fewer video functions than later models
- Short charging cable
Apexcam 4K Action Camera
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Sharp, clear footage mixed with stable and good sound can be the making and breaking of any live stream. Fortunately, that’s where the Apexcam 4K Action Camera comes in. With its wide range of shooting options, versatile recording modes and external microphone, you get all the perks that the pros enjoy for a fraction of the price.
Whether you want to plunge into the water, surf, ski, dive, or stream from your sofa, this versatile piece of kit may just be what you’re looking for.
Pros:
- Perfect for vlogging and live streaming
- Waterproof up to 40m
- 170°Wide-Angle for a broader scope of detail
- Easy recording with wrist remote control
- A good range of accessories included
- Built-in WiFi and USB port
- Intuitive navigation and controls
Cons:
- Basic manual instructions
- Wrist remote control not waterproof
AKASO V50 X Action Camera
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Another top seller from Akaso comes with the remarkable V50 X. Featuring impeccable 4K at 30fps, 2.7K at 30fps, 1080P at 90fps and 720P at 120fps, you can cover every possible shooting scenario. The innovative Sony Sensor ensures you get the smoothest and most stable footage, whether you’re live streaming, vlogging, or want to capture memorable moments.
You also get a good range of accessories, including two rechargeable 1350mAh batteries to give you all the juice you need on the road. Then there are the exceptional shooting modes to choose from, including time-lapse and the remarkable diving mode feature. What more could you want?
Pros:
- Multiple video resolutions to choose from, including 4K 30fps and 1080P 90fps
- Built-in Sony Sensor for better stability and smooth footage
- Touch screen and remote control
- Good range of shooting options, including time-lapse and optional view angle
- A good range of accessories included
- Good battery life and USB cable
Cons:
- Jarring playback
- Footage suffers in low lighting
GOOKAM 4K 20MP Sport Action Camera
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If you want a decent entry-level action camera for live streaming, then the Gookam is well worth a look. You can shoot all your adventures in high resolution 4K and then quickly share all of your moments via the intuitive Live DV app or live stream via USB. Simple.
The Gookam have cleverly included an external microphone so you can pick up all the depth of sound as if your audience is right there with you. With the excellent range of accessories included, from mounts to two rechargeable batteries, you can shoot all day without having to worry about running out of juice!
Pros:
- Budget-friendly entry-level kit
- Various video resolutions to choose from, including 4K at 30fps
- Built-in WiFi and smart Live DV App
- USB port
- External microphone for crisp, directional sound
- Good range of accessories included such as remote control
Cons:
- Colour quality could be improved
- Struggles in low lighting
- Battery cover is hard to remove
Streaming Action Cameras Takeaway
Now that you’ve got a taste of the best action cameras for live streaming, have any made your must-have list?
Whether you want to shoot in the midst of all the action or have an at-home setup that produces professional-grade footage, there’s an action camera out there just waiting to be snapped up by you! Which one will it be?