Last year I published a Best (And Cheaper) GoPro HERO 5/6 Alternative Guide which was wildly popular with travelers, so this year I've decided to create a new Best (And Cheaper) Guide for the GoPro HERO8 & HERO7 Alternatives (aka: best alternatives to the new GoPro HERO models). In today's Travel Buyer Guide, I've compared and reviewed the Best GoPro HERO8, HERO7 Black, and HERO7 Silver Alternatives on the market – focusing on camera models that are less expensive than the GoPros. These cameras will allow you to get the features and quality of GoPro without the name brand price tag.
Everyone loves GoPro cameras but not all of us can afford their hefty price tag. Even travelers who could swing the price of a GoPro often opt for less expensive GoPro alternatives for a few reasons:
- 1) Less risk when taking them underwater or capturing extreme shots! I'm more willing to risk a $100 action camera than a $500 GoPro Max or $400 HERO8.
- 2) Theft. I'm already carrying a laptop, drone, mirrorless camera, and a bunch of other expensive equipment. I don't necessarily need one more expensive camera in my bag for the amount of times I'll use it.
- 3) Priorities. Less expensive gear leaves more money in my bank account for EXPERIENCES! And isn't that what traveling is all about?
- 4) Value for the money. GoPro has a strong brand name and big community behind their products, but the reality is that lesser-known brands have come out with some AMAZING action cameras! You don't really need to spend the money on a GoPro to get the features you're looking for in an action camera – as you'll see in this post.
GoPro HER08 Black vs HERO7 Black vs HERO7 Silver
I like to start these Best (And Cheaper) Guides by comparing the camera models we're seeking alternatives for. This gives us a starting point for the rest of the article to compare the alternative cameras against.
The GoPro HERO8 is currently only offered in Black, and the HERO7 is currently offered in Black and Silver, although you can still find some older HERO7 White models available. I'll compare their differences below.
📷 GoPro HERO8 Black Reviewed – Features & Specs
- HyperSmooth 2.0: HERO8 Black has three levels of stabilization – On, High and Boost. Get the...
- Streamlined Design: The re-imagined shape is more pocketable, and folding fingers at the base let...
- Expandable Mods: Vloggers, pro filmmakers and aspiring creators can do more than ever imagined with...
- Live Streaming in 1080p: Share while you’re there. Live stream in 1080p on social media, get...
- TimeWarp 2.0: Capture super-stabilized time lapse videos while moving through an activity....
The new GoPro HERO8 Black model offers a few upgrades from its predecessor including 1080P live streaming, improved HDR photos, 100Mbps Bit Rate videos at 4k, and HyperSmooth 2.0. Aside from tech specs, the HERO8 models introduced Mod Add-ons to improve your external light and sound capabilities like the Media Mod which has a 3.5MM mic (coming soon), Display Mod which is a flip-up screen for vlogging, and Light Mod which is add-on LED Lighting. Other than that, the HERO8 should look pretty familiar. Below I'll break down the HERO8's tech specs which we'll use to compare against the other models in this list.
- Size: 66.3mm Width x 48.6mm Height x 28.4mm Depth
- Weight: 126 grams
- Color Options: Black
- Photo Camera: 12MP photos, Photo Timer, Exposure Control
- Video Camera: 4K60 / 1080P240 resolution with up to 60 FPS, 60 Wide, up to 16:9 aspect ratio, 100Mbps Bit Rate (4K)
- Video Features: Live Streaming, Video Stabilization, Time Warp Video, 8x Slow Motion, Face, Smile + Scene Detection, Time Lapse, Looping, Night Lapse Photo
- Audio: Triple Mic, 3.5mm Audio Mic Input w/ Adapter (sold separately), RAW Audio (.wav format), Wind Noise Reduction, Stereo Audio
- Battery: Removable 1220mAH lithium-ion
- Waterproof: Waterproof to 33ft (10m)
- Screen: Color Touch Screen + Status Screen
- Voice Control: Voice Control With Wake on Voice
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi + Bluetooth®, GPS Enabled, USB-C Port. Option to purchase Mod w/ HDMI output
- Apps: Connects to GoPro App, Auto Upload to the Cloud With GoPro Plus Subscription, Smart Remote Compatible
- Included In Box: HERO8 Black Camera, Rechargeable Battery, Curved Adhesive Mount, Mounting Buckle, USB-C Cable, Thumb Screw, 32GB SD Card
📷 GoPro HERO7 Black Reviewed – Features & Specs
- HyperSmooth: Get gimbal‑like stabilization—without the gimbal. HERO7 Black corrects for camera...
- TimeWarp: Capture super stabilized time lapse videos while you move about a scene. Increase the...
- Live streaming in 720p: Share while you’re there. Live stream in 720p on social, get HyperSmooth...
- Rugged + Waterproof: Share experiences you can’t capture with your phone. HERO7 Black is rugged,...
- SuperPhoto: Get brilliant photos automatically. With SuperPhoto, HERO7 Black intelligently applies...
The slightly older GoPro HERO7 Black model is still an impressive camera when it comes to features, which may look very similar to what you read above on the HERO8.
- Size: 62.3mm Width x 44.9mm Height x 33mm Depth
- Weight: 116g
- Color Options: Black
- Photo Camera: 12MP photos, Photo Timer, Exposure Control
- Video Camera: 4K60 resolution with up to 60 FPS, 60 Wide, up to 16:9 aspect ratio, 78 Mb/s (4K)
- Video Features: Live Streaming, Video Stabilization, Time Warp Video, 8x Slow Motion, Face, Smile + Scene Detection, Time Lapse, Looping, Night Lapse Photo
- Audio: Triple Mic, 3.5mm Audio Mic Input w/ Adapter (sold separately), RAW Audio (.wav format), Wind Noise Reduction, Stereo Audio
- Battery: Removable 1220mAH lithium-ion
- Waterproof: Waterproof to 33ft (10m)
- Screen: Color Touch Screen + Status Screen
- Voice Control: Voice Control With Wake on Voice
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, GPS Enabled, HDMI Video Out, USB-C Port
- Apps: Connects to GoPro App, Auto Upload to the Cloud With GoPro Plus Subscription, Smart Remote Compatible
- Included In Box: HERO7 Camera, 1 Battery, Mounting Frame, Adhesive Mounts, Mounting Buckle, USB-C Cable, Thumb Screw
📷 GoPro HERO7 Silver Reviewed – Features & Specs
- 4K30 Video: Get stunning 4K video that's as amazing as the moment itself; you can also shoot time...
- Rugged plus Waterproof: Share experiences you can't capture with your phone; HERO7 Silver is tough,...
- Intuitive: Touchscreen with a touch screen and simple, streamlined capture modes, it's easy to jump...
- Voice Control: Stay in the moment; control your HERO7 Silver hands free with voice commands like...
- 10MP photos with WDR HERO7 Silver takes beautiful, vibrant 10MP photos even in challenging shots...
Next let's take a look at the GoPro HERO7 Silver. I'll note the differences between the Black model next to each spec.
- Size: 62.3mm Width x 44.9mm Height x 28.3mm Depth (4.7mm thinner than the Black)
- Weight: 94.4g (21.6 grams lighter than the Black)
- Color Options: Silver
- Photo Camera: 10MP photos, Photo Timer, Exposure Control (Lower resolution than Black w/ fewer Burst Mode options. No option for RAW photo capture.)
- Video Camera: 4K30 resolution with up to 60 FPS, 30 Wide, up to 16:9 aspect ratio (Doesn't offer 4k60 like Black, also less wide video.)
- Video Features: 2x Slow Motion (8x Slow Motion on Black. Doesn't offer Live Streaming, Video Stabilization, Time Warp Video, 8x Slow Motion, Face, Smile + Scene Detection, Time Lapse, Looping, or Night Lapse Photo like the Black.)
- Audio: Double Mics, 3.5mm Audio Mic Input w/ Adapter (sold separately),RAW Audio (.wav format), Wind Noise Reduction, Stereo Audio
- Battery: Built-in 1220 mAh lithium-ion battery (Non-removable like Black.)
- Waterproof: Waterproof to 33ft (10m) (Same as Black.)
- Screen: Color Touch Screen (No Status Screen like on Black.)
- Voice Control: Voice Control (No Wake on Voice Feature like on Black.)
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, GPS Enabled, USB-C Port (No HDMI Video Out like on Black.)
- Apps: Connects to GoPro App, Auto Upload to the Cloud With GoPro Plus Subscription, Smart Remote Compatible
- Included In Box: HERO7 Silver w/ non-removable battery, Mounting Frame, Adhesive Mounts, Mounting Buckle, USB-C Cable, Thumb Screw
💯 Top Rated Less Expensive GoPro HERO8 & HERO7 Alternatives
I know that you didn't come here to compare GoPro models, but it's important to start by breaking down the various GoPro models in order to compare them to alternatives below. So without making you wait any longer, let me introduce to you your best GoPro HERO8, & HERO7 Alternatives.
#1) AKASO V50 Elite
AKASO is my go-to for cheap and reliable camera equipment for travel. Their V50 Elite, which is an upgrade from the previous V50 model, is my top pick for a GoPro HERO8 / HERO7 alternative. The three cameras are almost identical to look at, and you’re unlikely to notice a difference in performance, either. The V50 Elite comes with a waterproof case, a wireless remote, and 2 rechargeable Lithium Polymer batteries.
- 4K Ultra HD action camera. Native 4K 30fps with 60fps capabilities. Sharp 20MP stills.
- Wireless remote control sports camera. The V50 Elite also offers hands-free operation with voice control capabilities.
- 2-inch touch screen. The IPS display gives great creative control, allowing you to change settings, preview footage, and control shooting.
- Built-in Wi-Fi. 2.4GHz Wi-Fi combines with the AKASO DV app for downloading and sharing your content on the go.
- 40M underwater camera. Dive as deep as 40 meters (131 feet) to discover a new underwater world. The robust case protects the camera from water damage, dust, and scratches.
- UPGRADED SERIES OF AKASO V50: Records 4K/60fps, 4K/30fps, 2.7K/60fps, 2.7K/30fps, 1080P/120fps,...
- VOICE CONTROL: You can control your AKASO V50 Elite action camera hands free with voice commands...
- SUPERB IMAGE STABLIZATION: Built-in Advanced Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS), your V50 Elite...
- OPTIONAL VIEW ANGLE: You can adjust the view angle of this action camera according to your needs...
- WATERPROOF CAMERA UP TO 131FT: Equipped the improved waterproof case, this underwater camera can...
🆚 AKASO V50 Elite vs GoPro HERO8 / GoPro HERO7
How does the AKASO V50 Elite compare to the GoPro HERO8 / HERO7?
- The V50 Elite outperforms even the HERO8 / HERO7 in megapixels, but the three are pretty evenly matched in video mode. Some may notice the lack of stabilization at 60fps in the AKASO model, though.
- All three cameras have 2-inch color touchscreens with plenty of functionality packed in. All three also have voice control, while the AKASO model adds extra flexibility with its remote.
- They both also have Wi-Fi and can be used with an app. The HERO8 / HERO7 also offer Bluetooth and are enabled with GPS, as well as live streaming.
- The V50 Elite can be submerged up to 40 meters, while the HERO8 / HERO7 can only withstand 10 meters of water. However, the GoPros don't require a case, which makes underwater control easier.
- The V50 Elite comes standard with two batteries and the HERO8 / HERO7 only come with one.
- AKASO is generous with its accessories, and with the clear exception of a microSD card, the V50 Elite comes with everything you need to get started. GoPro isn’t quite as generous with accessories, but do include a 32GB SD Card with the HERO8, but not with the HERO7.
💭 What do users think of the AKASO V50 Elite versus the GoPro HERO8 / HERO7?
Many users like how many features the V50 Elite packs into its compact body and some also comment on how impressive the build quality is for such a reasonably priced action camera. Customers generally think that it’s tricky to tell the difference between footage from a GoPro and the V50 Elite, but they also expressed frustration at the dullness of the screen when used in direct sunlight or underwater.
🔎 About AKASO the company
AKASO is a Chinese brand that started in 2013. Their main products are drones and they also offer a series of ancillary equipment for their drones including action cameras like the V50 series.
#2) YI 4K+ Action Camera
YI is a solid imaging company with a long line of action cams in its five-year history. The YI 4K+ model was a firm favorite of mine and the launch of the 4K+ with higher frame rates and a newly-added touch screen has ensured that I remain a fan of the brand. YI’s slim styling looks great even when it’s encased in waterproof housings, and it’s able to withstand harsh temperatures and depths of up to 40 meters.
- 4K Ultra HD action camera. 4K 60fps capabilities give great slo-mo functionality, with stabilization up to 30fps. The12MP stills are pretty crisp and the f/2.8 aperture gives great depth.
- Remote control sports camera. A firmware update added voice control to this camera so you can shoot and record hands-free.
- 2.2-inch touch screen. YI claim that its responsive retina touch screen is the most intuitive user interface ever seen on an action camera.
- Long-lasting battery. The Ambarella CPU gives low power consumption so you can shoot for longer.
Built-in Wi-Fi. 5GHz Wi-Fi delivers great download speed and gives the option of live streaming your adventures. - 40M underwater camera. Like AKASO’s V50 Elite, YI’s 4K+ model can withstand depths of 40 meters (131 feet) with the included waterproof casing strapped on.
- Capture fast moving action in 4K resolution at 60 frames per second (FPS) and take stunning 12MP...
- Electronic image stabilization to deliver spectacularly smooth and steady videos in up to 4K/30Fps...
- Packed with features including voice control (voice command), raw image, and USB Type-C.
- Updating the firmware to the latest version to ensure the best performance of your camera.
- Included YI waterproof case keeps your YI 4K+ waterproof up to 130 feet underwater, withstands...
🆚 YI 4K+ Action Camera vs GoPro HERO8 / HERO7
How does the YI 4K+ Action Camera compare to the GoPro HERO8 / HERO7?
- The YI 4K+ tops the HERO8 and HERO7 in megapixels, but GoPro’s SuperPhoto mode has the edge for me. Video output is fairly even on paper, but GoPro’s stabilization is far superior in my opinion.
- All three cameras have sizable color touchscreens with plenty of functionality packed in. They’re also evenly matched on voice control, so they can be used hands-free.
- They all also have Wi-Fi and offer live streaming on various social media platforms.
- The YI 4K+ measures up to the V50 Elite, in that it can be submerged up to 40 meters. Again, it needs a case while the HERO8 and HERO7 do not.
- YI and GoPro both supply a single battery with their cameras. The 4K+ battery is impressive, though: it lasts up to two hours and you can shoot at 4K/60fps for up to 70 minutes.
💭 What do users think of the YI 4K+ versus the GoPro HERO8 / HERO7?
YI’s customers are generally satisfied with the quality and clarity of the imaging on offer. Because it’s been around for a while, the 4K+ has gone through a series of enhancements including firmware updates that have provided sought-after functionality like voice control. Some users express frustration during setup, and the 4K+ can have some trouble recognizing hardware. But once you’re all set up, you’ve got a great budget-friendly alternative to GoPro.
🔎 About YI the company
YI is a Chinese brand that was launched in 2014. YI promises to help its customers see everything and they’re staying true to their word by offering a wide range of security cameras and dashcams in addition to its action camera range.
#3) Campark ACT74
If you’re looking for an ultra-cheap action camera without foregoing 4K, the Campark ACT74 is my recommendation. The spec is impressive for the price tag, and there are plenty of accessories packed into the box including two batteries and waterproof casing, which makes this compact camera even more of a bargain at less than $40.
- 4K Ultra HD action camera. The ACT74 offers 4K recording at 30fps whereas the HERO7 White only offers up to 1080p recording.
- Crisp photos. 16MP images deliver plenty of detail.
- Two rechargeable batteries. Two 900mAh batteries are included in the box.
- Built-in Wi-Fi. Connect to the app to share your images and videos on social media. HDMI output is also included.
- 30M underwater camera. The ACT74 is waterproof up to 30 meters (98 feet) which falls slightly behind the other options on this list. Still, that’s 20 meters more than GoPro is offering.
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🆚 Campark ACT74 vs GoPro HERO8 / GoPro HERO7
How does the Campark ACT74 compare to the GoPro HERO8 / HERO7?
- 4K capability is impressive for a $40 camera, but quality falls certainly falls short compared to GoPro’s range. Anti-shake is visibly missing, which makes the ACT74 unsuitable for high-octane action sports.
- Imaging lacks color balance and saturation, and professionals and serious hobbyists will notice the lack of quality compared to the HERO7 range.
- There’s no screen on the ACT74 which is the key drawback. There’s also no voice control or remote control, but a decent level of control is still possible via the app.
- There are more accessories included in the Campark box than there are with any of the HERO7 or Fusion models. You’ll need to buy a MicroSD card, but other than that you’ll be good to go.
- Campark supplies two lithium batteries which can handle shoots of up to 90 minutes each, so this budget model has the staying power to handle most shooting requirements.
💭 What do users think of the Campark ACT74 versus the GoPro HERO8 / HERO7?
This budget camera has an army of fans and they collectively rave about the level of quality on offer for the price. Setup is easy and the build quality is reliable enough for action shots and underwater shoots. Some users complain of a lack of professional imaging, but that’s unsurprising considering the entry-level price point.
🔎 About Campark the company
Campark was founded back in 2008 by avid photographers who wanted to create an affordable action camera for sports. Based in Hong Kong, Campark sells a wide range of budget-friendly cameras and accessories.
#4) Honorable Mention – DJI Osmo Action
The DJI Osmo Action also deserves an honorable mention in this list. It’s not as much of a bargain as the other options I’ve picked out, but it’s a solid alternative to GoPro’s HERO8 / HERO7 range. We featured this camera in our Best (And Cheaper) DJI Osmo Action Alternatives article.
🏆 Which is the best cheaper GoPro HERO8 / HERO7 alternative?
Ultimately, the camera that you choose will come down to the features that you value and the way in which you intend to use it. Overall, I would recommend AKASO’s V50 Elite for its premium features and wide range of accessories. However, if you’re looking to buy your first 4K action camera and don’t want to invest a lot of money, you can’t go wrong with Campark’s ACT74. Or, for a mid-range option with great features and slimline good looks, YI’s 4K+ always delivers.
Wrap up
I hope you found this post about less expensive GoPro HERO8 and HERO7 alternatives useful, and that you now feel armed with all the information you need to make a good buying decision. If you have anything to add to my information, or you think I’ve missed an option from my list that my reader need to know about, please leave a comment below.
If you liked this post, why not share it with the GoPro lovers in your life? You may just be able to help them save a few dollars on their next action camera purchase.
Happy Travels!
Last update on 2024-05-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API