For many years, when people said “action camera,” the first brand that came to mind was GoPro. It ruled the world of action cameras for a long time.
Check out: The Ultimate Action Camera Review for 2024
But now, in 2025, things have changed. A new king has arrived—and it’s not GoPro.
In this blog, we’ll talk about the best action camera this year: the Insta360 X5. It does almost everything GoPro can do—and even better. We’ll also look at the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro, which is also a strong competitor. And of course, we won’t forget the latest GoPro Hero 13—still around, but mostly for those who already bought tons of GoPro accessories and don’t want to switch.
Let’s dive in!
Insta360 X5: The New King of Action Cameras
Key Features of Insta360 X5
The Insta360 X5 is a powerful 360-degree action camera with the following features:
- Dual 1/1.28-inch sensors – gives clear and detailed photos and videos, even in low light.
- 8K video recording – records super high-quality video at 30 frames per second.
- PureVideo mode – a new feature for recording in the dark, reducing noise and improving quality.
- Replaceable lenses – you can change the lens depending on your shot.
- Waterproof (IP68) – can go underwater up to 49 feet without any extra case.
- Quick Release Mount support – makes it easy to attach or remove the camera from different mounts.
Why Insta360 X5 is the Best in 2025
Here’s why many people are calling the Insta360 X5 the best action camera of 2025:
- Super sharp video – the large sensors and advanced image processing make every video look clean and crisp.
- Great in low light – PureVideo mode helps when recording at night or indoors.
- More durable – waterproof, tough, and has replaceable parts.
- Easy to use – the quick release mount saves time and effort when switching mounts or setups.
This camera is not just a toy. It’s like the Swiss army knife of action cameras.
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro: A Strong Challenger
Key Features of DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro
DJI’s latest action camera also comes with impressive specs:
- 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor – great video and photo quality.
- 4K video at 120fps – smooth, slow-motion videos at ultra-clear resolution.
- SuperNight mode – improves night shots and low-light videos.
- Dual OLED touchscreens – front and back screens make it easy to frame your shots and control the camera.
- Waterproof up to 20 meters – no extra case needed.
- Battery life up to 4 hours – lasts longer than most action cameras.
Why DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro is Worth It
Here’s why people are also choosing DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro:
- Long battery life – no need to keep charging all the time.
- Strong night video performance – thanks to SuperNight mode.
- Easy control – dual screens make vlogging or selfies simple.
- Tough design – waterproof and built to survive extreme activities.
This camera is like the quiet kid in class—doesn’t show off too much, but when it works, it works really well.
GoPro Hero 13 Black: The Former King
GoPro Hero 13 Black Specs
GoPro’s latest model still packs a punch:
- 5.3K video recording – still good, but not the best anymore.
- Modular lens system – you can swap lenses for different effects.
- HyperSmooth stabilization – keeps your video steady even when you move a lot.
- Waterproof up to 10 meters – great for casual underwater shots.
- 1.5 hours of battery life – not great compared to its new rivals.
Why GoPro is Falling Behind
GoPro isn’t a bad camera—it just isn’t the best anymore. Here’s why:
- Short battery life – less than half compared to DJI’s 4-hour battery.
- Lower video resolution – Insta360’s 8K makes GoPro’s 5.3K look old.
- Fewer new features – feels like they just polished last year’s model.
In short, GoPro is now like an old celebrity—still around, but mostly living off past fame. People still buy it, sure—but mostly those who already own GoPro accessories and don’t want to switch.
Which One is Worth Buying?
So which one should you buy in 2025?
Insta360 X5 is clearly the most powerful and future-ready camera today. From 8K video, night mode, lens swapping, to durability—this camera is perfect for both pros and beginners.
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro is not far behind. It’s cheaper than Insta360 X5, and still packs features you’ll love—especially long battery life and better low-light videos.
GoPro Hero 13 Black is... fine. If you’ve already bought 15 different GoPro accessories and don’t want to start over, go ahead. Otherwise, the newer options are better for almost everything.
If you're looking for the absolute best action camera in 2025, GoPro’s days as king are over. Long live the new rulers: Insta360 X5 and DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro.
