BEST GOPRO FOR KIDS (+ 5 AFFORDABLE ALTERNATIVES)

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If you’re looking for the best GoPro for kids then you’re in the right place!
With the insane amount of options available, choosing the best camera can be confusing.
To help you decide, this post will walk you through everything you need to know to make sure you get your hands on the best action camera for kids!

This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. For full information, please see our disclaimer here.

INTRODUCTION

Action cameras enable kids to unleash their best creative side – giving you a fascinating sneak peek into how they view the world whilst they’re at it!

GoPros in particular have become a favourite travel accessory amongst kids for innumerable great reasons. From capturing adventures to snapping all the happy moments, they’re truly handy, whilst also keeping the young ones busy!

But do you really need to fork out all that cash for a GoPro or are there other, more affordable alternatives that will ignite that early, creative spark?

Read on to find out more about the best action cameras for kids!

Short on time and want to skip ahead?
Click here to compare the best GoPros for kids
Click here to check out the best GoPro alternatives for kids

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST ACTION CAMERA FOR KIDS

A great option would be a cam that’s durable, doesn’t break easily, is compact, and isn’t too heavy to carry around.

Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all action camera for kids. That would be too easy!

However, there are some factors that everyone must consider before landing on the perfect action camera for kids.

The Age Factor

What appeals to children depends on their age and their changing preferences. While a VTech Kidizoom Action Camera makes a lot of sense for a very young toddler, a teenager might turn their nose up at this easy to use, chunky option.

For a teenager, you may feel a GoPro is a worthy investment. You might also consider a Crosstour or even a DJI OSMO Action Camera, which, like the GoPros, are more advanced, slick and grown-up.

The Purpose Factor

“What will they use it for?” is definitely an important question to ask yourself.

Are you hoping for your child to develop this as a long-lasting hobby or is this more of an ‘only on holiday’ scenario?

Your answer to this should help guide your decision on which action camera to buy your kids.

If you see it as more of a long-term commitment, investing in a tech accessory that offers more versatility and produces top-quality images would make financial sense. If it’s a passing fad or something that will only be used on occasion, you could look at the more affordable action cameras available on the market. 

The Budget Factor

Whilst you obviously need to set a budget, don’t let the buck come in the way of your kid’s dreams and their future. Who knows, they may turn out to be the next Steve McCurry!

This comprehensive buying guide will give you a sound understanding of the options available so you can avoid shopper’s remorse.

WHAT FEATURES ARE YOU LOOKING FOR IN A KIDS ACTION CAMERA?

Every camera is built with a purpose and you need to find one that aligns with yours.

The features available vary across brands & models but there are certain key components that should not be compromised on!

Here’s a checklist that will help you get closer to picking the dream cam:

Battery Life

Your camera battery life dictates how long you can spend shooting. This will vary from model to model, but if you are looking for maximum convenience, always ensure your battery lasts as long as possible.

Investing in a model with rechargeable batteries is worth every penny.

Image & Video Quality

Quality matters when it comes to photography & videography. Always consider how sharp an image looks.

Memory

A memory captured is a memory retained forever. To ensure all your kids’ memories are stored forever, make sure you check whether the camera comes with a pre-installed memory card and whether you can buy additional storage if necessary. Ease of upload onto a computer or social media is also something to consider so you can free up space easily if you need it.

Wide Angle Lens

GoPros in particular are built to take wide-angle shots and this is great for kids as it means they can finally capture those wonderful landscapes and the wild oceans without you having to invest in an additional expensive wide-angle lens.

Connectivity

You might want to get an understanding of whether or not the camera has GPS and Wi-Fi installed to make it easy for your kids to connect to social media. This feature is used for live streaming, tagging location, etc.

Timelapse & Burst Mode

If you’d like to make a super-fast video of your journey from point A to point B, or you’d like to get the perfect rollercoaster shot, timelapse and burst mode will be your best friends.

Make sure your action camera has these features to get those perfect shots that make for great walks down the memory lane at a later date!

Touch Screen

It’s great to have the built-in touch display so you can check immediately what is captured. This also gives you a chance to reshoot if you don’t like what you see.

Waterproofing

Whilst GoPro cameras are waterproof, the depth at which you can dive with each model differs.

Similarly, most GoPro alternatives are either waterproof or come with a waterproof case, but you’ll need to check beforehand how far down into the ocean you can take it.

Which option you choose completely depends on how deep you wish to go.

WHY IS A GOPRO SO EXPENSIVE?

The name GoPro is synonymous with quality action cameras. Any product that has worked so hard to build up such unwavering trust in the market can afford to have a premium price tag attached.

That said, a GoPro can justify its price because of the mind-blowing, rock-solid experience it offers. It’s an advanced technology, unmatched in the market, with an insanely good image, audio, and video quality.

They say if it’s an adventurous moment worth remembering, record it with the GoPro. Whilst there’s no doubting that it is an investment, you can make sure it’s a calculated one.

Keep reading for our handy comparison chart which can help you choose the best GoPro for kids.

BEST GOPRO FOR KIDS: COMPARISON TABLE

Our top picks would include the GoPro Hero 9, GoPro Hero 8 and GoPro Hero 7!

Whilst all of these make for incredible action cameras, we’re listing the differences below for you to review.

Options	GoPro Hero 9	GoPro Hero 8	GoPro Hero 7
Photo	12MP + SuperPhoto with HDR	12MP + SuperPhoto with HDR	12MP + SuperPhoto with HDR
Video	5K30	4K60	4K60
100Mbps Bit Rate	5K / 4K / 2.7K	4K / 2.7K
Video Stabilization	HyperSmooth 3.0	HyperSmooth 2.0	HyperSmooth
Horizon Leveling	In-Camera	With the GoPro App	—
Digital Lenses / FOV	SuperView, Wide, Linear, Linear + Horizon-Leveling, Narrow	SuperView, Wide, Linear, Narrow	Superview, Wide, Linear
Front Screen	1.4″ Color LCD with Live Preview and Status	Status-only Screen	Status-only Screen
LiveBurst	Y	Y	–
Live Streaming	1080p	1080p	720p
Dimensions	71.8 W x 50.8 H x 33.6 D (mm)	66.3 W x 48.6 H x 28.4 D (mm)	62.3 W x 44.9 H x 33 D (mm)
Weight (Camera + Battery)	158g	126g	116g
Battery	Removable 1720mAh Lithium-Ion Rechargeable	Removable 1220mAh Lithium-Ion Rechargeable	Removable 1220mAh Lithium-Ion Rechargeable
CHECK PRICE	CHECK PRICE	CHECK PRICE	CHECK PRICE

WHICH GOPRO SHOULD I BUY FOR MY KIDS

In my opinion, GoPros suit older children better than toddlers or younger kids.

My children are a little way off their teenage years yet, but if I were to pick a GoPro for my kids, it would be the GoPro Hero 9 Black.

Even though it would stretch my budget, the footage it captures is absolutely breathtaking and this camera is, like mentioned, an investment.

I’d like to think that if I bought something like this, my kids would enjoy it for years to come.

If you’re confident that your kid is not going to lose the GoPro, the Hero 9 Black is a great option.

Durability was a feature high up on my list as kids can be quite heavy-handed, but this camera can sustain some serious damage.

It’s also waterproof, so if your kid mistakenly forgets it in their pocket before going for a swim, there will be no repercussions.

With the GoPro Hero 9, the possibilities are as limitless as your imagination.

It’s clearly the best GoPro on the market with its 5k video footage and in-built horizon leveling.

And that’s in addition to its other great features such as the fact it can respond to voice commands, has the ability to record time-lapses, has wireless capabilities, and has HyperSmooth 3.0 – the best video stabilisation technology out of any of the other cameras I’ve mentioned in this article.

It really is the best travel buddy.

GoPro also have the advantage of having a HUGE selection of accessories to ensure you never miss a beat when capturing your adventurous escapades.

In terms of useability, there’s not much to choose from between the different GoPro models listed. If you can use one GoPro, you can pretty much figure out how to use them all.

And it’s for that reason that I think if you’re prepared to spend that amount of money for a trusted brand, you may as well go for the latest model, no?

As the leader in the action camera market, GoPro are the go-to brand.

If it’s brand assurance you’re after, then you can’t really go wrong with a GoPro. You know you’ll end up with nothing less than a quality product.

Click here to find out more about the GoPro Hero 9 on Amazon

BEST ACTION CAMERA FOR KIDS: ALTERNATIVES TO THE GOPRO

We completely understand that when on a tight budget, it may be difficult to justify dropping so much cash on all those features for an undeveloped skill set.

That doesn’t mean there aren’t some amazing alternatives to the GoPro out there.

Say hello to some seriously sassy action cameras below! 

ALTERNATIVES TO THE GOPRO: KIDS ACTION CAMERA COMPARISON TABLE

		VTech Kidizoom Action Camera	Akamate Action Camera	DJI OSMO ACTION CAMERA	ProGrace Kids Action Camera	Dragon Touch 4k Action Camera
	Battery life	Rechargeable (2.5 hours continuous recording time)	Rechargeable (90 minutes continuous recording time)	Rechargeable (max 130 minutes continuous recording time)	Rechargeable (1.5 hours continuous recording)	2 x included rechargeable batteries each lasting 90 minutes
	Image quality	HD (no further info given)	5MP	12MP	5MP	12MP
	Video quality	HD (no further info given)	HD 1080p@/30pfs video	4K60 and 1080p240	1080p/30fps	Up to 4K(30fps)
	Memory	SD card not included	32GB SD card included	No SD card included	No SD card included	No SD card included
	Connectivity	Via cables (included)	Via cables (included)	Wifi / Bluetooth	Via cables (included)	WiFi
	Features	stop motion, slow motion, fast motion, reverse videos, time-lapse, visual effects, games	5 photo frames, 3 games	slow motion, custom exposure setting, timelapse, timed shooting mode, custom mode, QS Button, SnapShot, Voice Control, RockSteady image stabilisation technology	40 photo frames, Built in game	Wireless remote control, dual screen, Timelapse,  Slow motion,  Loop recording, Burst photo, Auto-Timer, EIS Anti-Shake image stabilisation
	Waterproof	1.8m with case	Up to 30m with case	Up to 11m	Up to 30m	Up to 30m with case
	Accessories	Includes mounts to attach the camera to bicycles, scooters, skateboards and more	Comes with 2 mounting kits which allows the camera to be attached to skateboards, bike, helmets and more. Durable neck strap and carry bag included.	None included but can be purchased separately.	Helmet, bike and flat mount included	3 x camera mounts, 2 x clips, waterproof camera case
	CHECK PRICE	CHECK PRICE	CHECK PRICE	CHECK PRICE	CHECK PRICE	CHECK PRICE

VTech Kidizoom Action Camera

A popular choice for a beginner’s action camera, the VTech Kidizoon Action Camera is a great first camera for younger kids.

With such an attractive price tag – less than £50 – it doesn’t produce any masterpieces. However, it’s fun to use and has the potential to make kids fall in love with photography – an important factor to consider in the shaping years of your child’s life.

The VTech Kidizoom Action Camera comes with lots of accessories including a waterproof case, floating mount and bicycle mount meaning kids can get stuck in creating their images straight away without having to spend their pocket money on any extras. It also offers a variety of cool features such as time lapse, stop motion, a voice recorder, games, and photo editors, which give it a fun twist. 

Summary of Features

• 2.5 hours recording time
• 1.8 metre underwater case included
• Floating Mount
• Mount for bicycle, scooter etc
• Colour LCD screen
• Effects include stop motion, slow motion, fast motion and reverse video
• 3 games including one augmented reality game
• Expandable memory
• Recharable battery

Click here to check out the VTech Kidizoom Action Camera on Amazon.

Akamate Action Camera

Another great starter camera to consider is the Akamate Action Camera.

Price wise, the Akamate Action Camera comes in at a little higher than the aforementioned VTech Kiddizoom, but it’s still very affordable and the enhanced features are enough to justify the slight rise in price.

Like the VTech Kidizoom, the Akamate Action Camera comes with expandable memory and rechargeable batteries meaning your little ones can click away to their heart’s content.

The Akamate allows young photographers to record up to 300 minutes of video footage and up to click up to 20,000 5MP photographs. Not only that, but when placed in the included waterproof case, the Akamate Action Camera is waterproof up to a depth of 100 feet! It also comes with 3 basic but fun games and 5 frame effects to play around with.

What makes the Akamate even better value for money is the included accessories. It comes with a waterproof case, two mountning kits (allowing the camera to be attached to bicycles, skateboards, bike helmets and more), a double neck strap and a carry bag.

Three games plus fancy features and cool accessories? The Akamate Action Camera is definitely a strong contender for the best GoPro alternative on the market for younger kids!

Summary of Features

• 5MP photographs
• HD 1080p@/30pfs video
• 90 minutes continuous shooting time
• 2″ colour screen
• Recharable batteries
• Expandable memory
• 5 different photo frame effects
• 3 fun games
• 100ft (8m) underwater case
• 2 mounting kits
• Neck strap and carry bag

Click here to check out the Akamate Action Camera on Amazon.

DJI OSMO Action Camera

The DJI OSMO Action Camera checks a lot of boxes on my list for older kids.

The dual-screen double display is also a noteworthy feature, meaning you can shoot either yourself in action or your world from behind a lens at just the touch of a button. You can even use both screens at the same time!

I absolutely love the dual-screen double display, meaning you can shoot either yourself in action or alternatively capture your world from behind a lens at just the touch of a button. You can even use both screens at the same time! The high quality front color screen and the fact that the camera can be controlled via voice commands or an app, as well as being waterproof and durable are also big plus points.

Another noteworthy selling point is the image stabilization, RockSteady, which promises stable, shake-free footage – surely a must-have for any serious action cam user.

The DJI OSMO Action Camera comes with a removable lens cover, 2 camera mounts, a case, charger, and removable battery. It has the advantage of being compatible with GoPro accessories so you can be just as creative with how you use the OSMO Action Camera as you can with the GoPro.

With its slick, grown-up aesthetic, it’s more suited to the teens rather than the toddlers. The DJI OSMO Action Camera is clearly a more advanced action camera than any of the other GoPro alternatives I’ve mentioned so far and, as you’d perhaps expect, this is reflected in the price.

Nevertheless, this is a seriously powerful action camera and it’s definitely a strong option to consider for older kids. The DJI OSMO Action Camera makes for a great alternative to GoPro and many users feel it to be a better choice than the GoPro Hero 7.

Summary of Features

• Double Display
• RockSteady image stablisation
• HDR video (4k)
• Optical zoom (0.01x)
• Waterproof to 11m
• Effects include slow motion, custom exposure setting, timelapse, timed shooting mode, custom mode, QS Button, SnapShot and Voice Control
• Wireless image transfer

Click here to check out the DJI Osmo Action Camera on Amazon.

ProGrace Kids Action Camera

The ProGrace Kids Action Camera is another popular choice worthy of consideration as a GoPro alternative.

It’s durable, easy to use, light to carry around, and also great value for money.

Designed especially with kids in mind, it’s easy to use and comes with a massive 40 photo frames and 7 fun filters! There’s also a game on there for good measure.

Kids also really rate the included waterproof case, flat mount, helmet mount, and bike mount which offer great opportunities for capturing adventure footage without having to fork out for extra accessories.

The Prograce Action Camera offers a decent battery life, some great features (such as time lapse shooting, continuous shootings, 4 x zoom, and face recognition), and is an all-around great value beginner action camera.

Whilst it’s not going to capture the same great quality footage as a GoPro would, it’s another fantastic option to consider if you’re wanting to give your kids a leg up into the world of action photography.

Summary of Features

• 1.77″ screen
• HD 1080P/30fps videos and 5MP photos
• 1.5 hours continous recording time
• 40 photo frames
• Built in game
• 4 x digital zoom
• Burst shooting, time-lapse photo, face recognition, manual brightness adjustment
• Waterproof up to 100 ft
• Comes with 3 x mount accessories (other accessories also available to buy)

Click here to check out the ProGrace Kids Action Camera on Amazon.

Dragon Touch 4k Action Camera

The Dragon Touch 4k Action Camera is the last GoPro alternative action camera for kids on my list. Although not as popular or well known as some of the others, this is a great entry-level option for older kids.

Most of the other beginner action cameras look like they were built for younger kids in mind – think chunky designs and bright colours – but what if you’re an older kid or a teen wanting to dip your toes into the world of action photography for the first time?

If that sounds like you or your kid, then the Dragon Touch 4k Action Camera might just be the camera you’re looking for!

Its sleek black design is similar in vibe to the GoPro or the DJI OSMO Action Camera but without the expensive price tag. Whilst you’d be correct in thinking that it doesn’t offer the same capacity for creative control and amazing action footage as its aforementioned competitors, it’s a brilliant, super stylish starter cam for older kids and teens.

The Dragon Touch 4k Action Camera is also waterproof up to around 100ft (30m). It comes with two rechargeable batteries that last longer than an average GoPro camera would, which obviously makes for a great plus point. Oh, and it comes with a huge selection of accessories so you can start experimenting with your action footage straight away.

Summary of Features

• 4k/30fps video and 20MP image
• Various accessories included (waterproof case, helmet mount, bike mount, 5 x other mounts, 1 x bandages, 5 x tethers, 2 x clip)
• Waterproof to 98.4 ft
• Colour correction diving mode
• Remote control allows you to control the camera wirelessly from a distance
• Image stabilisation
• Time lapse and loop recording features
• Built in WIFI

Click here to check out the Dragon Touch 4k Action Camera on Amazon

SO WHICH IS THE BEST GOPRO ALTERNATIVE FOR KIDS?

Like I mentioned earlier, there is no one-size-fits-all when talking about the best kids’ action camera.

My kids are very young toddlers and therefore, my top pick is the Akamate Action Camera. It’s durable, easy to use, and comes with a wealth of fab accessories. It’s great value for a starter action cam.

However, if you have older children, or a more advanced photographer in your midst, then you’ll probably want to consider one of the other options that are a little more advanced.

My opinion?

The DJI OSMO Action camera would, hands down, be my top pick in this instance, but if you’re on a tighter budget, the Dragon Touch 4k Action Camera is a good alternative.

We hope this guide helps point you in the desired direction of the best action camera for kids and makes your decision a little easier, but do reach out if you need some guidance!

TOP 3 MUST HAVE CAMERA ACCESSORIES

Whether you invest in a GoPro or one of the other action cameras on offer, accessories can really make or break the experience.

Some of the cameras above actually come with their own accessories which is great news for your bank balance! But if not, it’s worth investing in some basic tools to help your kids get the most out of their new gadget.

Here are my 3 must-have camera accessories.

• Durable case: Protection is key, especially with young ones! If you choose the GoPro, this case desgined for GoPros will help you increase the longevity of your action camera! Some of the other action cameras mentioned here actually come with their own case so check the listing to see what’s included.
• Tripod: A versatile tripod is a useful addition to any action camera kit.
• SD Memory Card: Many of the camera mentioned do not come with a SD card included. If you need to buy one separately, or if you simply want more storage (recommended!) then you can’t go far wrong with this one.

BEST ACTION CAMERA FOR KIDS: FINAL WORDS

I remember the camera my parents bought for me as a child. I would take it to every trip, every family gathering, every birthday party: it really helped me capture my favourite moment of the day. And for that, I still thank them! 

To continue the tradition, I bought my eldest an action camera. And trust me, I don’t regret it.

He may be young, but you can tell how much fun he gets from snapping away and looking back at his creations.

He may not be the best photographer or videographer in the world, and his composition may need a little (*cough* a lot) of work, but surely that’s not the point at his age. Feeding his creativity and letting him have fun with photography are the priorities – and you never know – maybe in a few years’ time he may graduate to the infamous GoPro.

If you’re second-guessing the buying decision, we’re cheerleading for the yes!

Harness your child’s creativity and let them give you an insight into their world.

Which action camera for kids best suits your lifestyle and needs? Let us know in the comments!