Tested: The Best Motorcycle Helmet Cameras For Capturing First-Person Footage (2024)

Whether you’re looking to capture footage of your most spirited riding sessions or merely want an additional form of insurance when commuting, modern action cameras are the way to go. With the days of GoPro being your only option being long in the rear-view mirror, there are now dozens of available compact and rugged cam models to choose from — the latest and greatest of which we’ll be highlighting in this buyer’s guide and hands-on review of the best motorcycle helmet and action cameras.

Selection & Testing

There’s no shortage of options when purchasing an action camera. Well aware of this reality, we set out to sift through today’s seemingly endless sea of options in order to hone in on the absolute best the motorcycling camera space has to offer. We started by first scouring the market in order to review the available offerings, from helmet cameras to moto dash cameras to regular action cameras. From there, we scrutinized specs such as video quality, stabilization technology, available modes, materials and durability, and mounting options, in order to then generate a shortlist of candidates that we suspected of being one of the best that money can buy.

In order to get a true sense of each camera’s performance and user experience, we managed to track down each and every camera on our shortlist in order to put it tot the test. This allowed each camera to take a turn in a rotation, enabling us to get hands-on and familiar with each model, and giving us a better sense of how they compared and contrasted. Utilizing each camera clued us into the overall video quality and stabilization every model offered, while also getting us acquainted with the accompanying app — the latter of which plays a monumental role in the overall user experience of any motorcycle camera as well as its overall convenience (or lack thereof).

This hands-on experience ultimately afforded us the information needed to narrow our shortlist of original candidates down to a final list of what we considered to be the best motorcycling action and helmet cameras on the market — though several models that were barely edged out can be found in our honorable mentions section below. Additionally, because several of the cameras we tested were loaners that we were expected to return, we weren’t able to test the waterproofing or crash or impact resistance of any of these cameras, though we were able to glean some sense of overall durability simply from handling each motorcycle camera and reviewing its material selection, as well as hearing firsthand experiences from others that have used these same models.

INNOVV H5

Best Multi-Power Source Pick: Armed with a Sony 4K image sensor, the INNOVV H5 is a versatile action and motorcycle helmet camera system that offers pretty stellar value, with 4k (at 30FPS) video recording capabilities and a sub-$300 price tag. It also has the ability to capture 20-megapixel stills, too. Utilizing a low-profile housing, the INNOVV H5 comes with a power cord that allows it to receive power from a bike’s USB port, though the camera also ships with an included 2,400mAh battery pack that can be replace the hard-wired system and afford around 7 hours of recording time. With the ability to accommodate MicroSD cards of up to 512GB, it can also record several hours of footage at a time — though it is crucial to note that the camera doesn’t ship with any MicroSD card, an they must be purchased separately.

The Good

While INNOVV markets the H5 as a dedicated helmet camera, the thing is just as conducive to being used as a co*ckpit, tail, or dash cam. This general level of versatility is definitely one of this model’s biggest selling points. What’s more, before evening testing INNOVV’s H5, I thought the dual power source setup was pretty cool, though during testing, several of the motorcycle cameras I used had their battery die on me mid-ride, making me appreciate the H5’s ability to be plugged into the bike that much more. I also appreciate that running the non-wireless power setup cuts the camera’s size and weight just about in half — though even with its battery it still weighs in at less than 5oz in total. Using this camera also makes it abundantly clear that it was engineered specifically for riding.

Supplementary Strengths

Using the camera is simple, though the startup process is a bit involved, requiring users to turn on the camera, open an app, press a button on the cam, and then connect their phone’s wifi to the H5 — at which time the smartphone acts as a display monitor and allows one to control the device. Moving on, the camera’s built-in Anti-Shake by EIS feature definitely helps to smooth things out, though ultimately it’s not as effective as the stabilization tech found on the GoPro, DJI, or Insta360 models on this list. And, while it’s far from being full-on waterproof, the H5’s IP65 rating means that it’ll have no problem to standing up to rain for brief periods. On top of the wireless battery pack, the camera also ships with a handful of included mounts, which made it particularly easy for me to change my filming view/setup from my helmet to my tank to the side of my hand-guards.

The Not So Good

As the least expensive action camera on this list, it probably won’t come as a surprise to hear that INNOVV’s H5 does have a for downsides to it. For starters, its video quality just isn’t on par with its more high-end counterparts, and the same goes for its audio, as I noticed quite a bit of wind noise in the footage I captured using the H5. Additionally, while still fairly compact, the thing is definitely on the larger side for a helmet camera (at least with its wireless battery attached), and while it isn’t an issue when running it as a dash cam, I really didn’t like having a cable tethering my head to the bike when using it as a helmet camera. And, though I didn’t actually get a chance to test its overall durability, the H5 does have a somewhat plasticky feel to it that just feels cheaper than the cameras from GoPro, Sony, and DJI. Lastly, while the app never failed or crashed, the process of turning it on and simply pressing record requires quite a few more steps compared to most of the other models I tested — save for the Sony and Sena models.

Verdict: The INNOVV H5 is a versatile, value-laden helmet and dash cam that boasts 4K resolution and a dual power source setup that allows it to run off of a wireless battery or draw power from the motorcycle itself.

Video Quality: 4K @ 30FPS
Photo Quality: 20MP
Field Of View: N/A
Display: None
Water Resistance: IP65
Weight: 4.98oz
Dimensions: 4.30” x 1.25” x 2.16” (W/ Battery Pack)
Battery: 2,400mAh

DJI Osmo Action 4

Best Upgrade Pick: Since its inception in 2006, DJI has carved out a reputation for producing some of the world’s best drones, though alongside the outfit’s slew of available amateur and professional-grade quadcopters, it’s also increasingly become a major contender in the world of action cameras — as evidenced by its latest fourth-generation model, the DJI Osmo Action 4. Clearly taking aim squarely at GoPro’s cams, the Osmo Action 4 features a 1/1.3” CMOS sensor that allows it to capture 4K video (at up to 120FPS) and 10-megapixel stills. And, despite measuring just 2.77” x 1.74” x 1.29”, DJI’s gen-4 Osmo Action also boasts a 1.40” front-facing display and a rear 2.25” display, both of which are of the touchscreen variety. Water resistant down to 59’ — or a whopping 197’ when equipped with its included case — the Osmo Action 4 is also tough-as-nails, with a material selection and overall level of build quality that allow it to stand up to all but the nastiest drops and bumps.

The Good

Connecting to this action camera’s smartphone app couldn’t be easier, and the entire thing makes uploading, saving, and sharing footage pretty effortless. In fact, I’d go as far as to say DJI’s Osmo Action 4’s app is almost certainly the most simple unintuitive and intuitive out of every one that I tested. Though I didn’t personally use this feature during the time I spent testing it, I still thought it was pretty cool that the Osmo Action 4 can also serve as a webcam. The oversized record button on the top right side of the camera also makes it ridiculously easy to start recording, even when wearing thick riding gloves, plus the button is still just as accessible and easy to use, even when the Osmo 4 Action is wearing its protective case. And, while it’s by no means unique to just this model, I found this camera’s time-lapse mode to be particularly fun to experiment with. The Osmo Action 4’s MotoGP-style horizon lock is another noteworthy amenity, as it’s able to remain balanced and in place, even as the bike is leaning over and rapidly changing direction in the corners. This may sound like a small detail, but it really does elevate one’s overall riding footage.

Supplementary Strengths

Alongside simplifying and streamlining the ability to adjust settings or modes or control the camera itself, the dual touchscreen displays also make it super easy to preview your shot, even once the camera is mounted. What’s more, not only is this action camera comparable to GoPro’s latest models, but it’s also compatible with all of the GoPro mounts I used while filming. Using its highest settings, the footage that I captured on this camera was the second best out of every camera I tested — only trailing behind the GoPro HERO11 Black Mini — with crisp and clear footage coupled with pretty limited wind noise. The thing’s impressive recording capabilities don’t end there, however, as it also boasts pretty stellar digital image stabilization, and, thanks to its ability to capture video at 120FPS, it also offers pretty phenomenal slow-motion recording. It also wasn’t until I was reviewing footage from my commute home at night that I realized just how stellar the Osmo Action 4’s nighttime and low light filming capabilities are, blowing practically every other camera out of the water thanks to its 10-bit D-Log color recording — a fact that speaks volumes considering that both Insta360 and GoPro offer pretty decent night-filming capabilities themselves.

The Not So Good

As much as I genuinely loved using this action camera, I did have a few minor complaints that I stumbled upon during testing. While the app does make uploading footage a breeze, the same can’t be said for the app’s built-in editing software, which I found to be a little difficult to use. More importantly, as an action camera that appears to be taking aim squarely at GoPro, it’s a little disappointing that the Osmo Action 4’s video resolution is capped at 4K. Its 10-megapixel still capabilities also leave something to be desired — though it’s hard to deduct too many points for this area, as photo still capabilities are seldom a high priority when purchasing a modern action or motorcycle helmet camera. And, while it’s admittedly a very minor gripe, I was surprised to discover that I couldn’t read the camera’s rear display with my helmet’s polarized visor dropped down. Additionally, though I’ve heard others complain about the fact that the Osmo Action 4 has to be activated through a smartphone, I didn’t find this process to be at all difficult or taxing.

Verdict: Armed with front and rear touchscreen displays, the DJI Osmo Action 4 is a cutting-edge action camera that offers riders crisp and clear 4K recording capabilities in an ultra-rugged and ultra-user-friendly package, making it a great choice for first-time action cam buyers.

Video Quality: 4K @ 120FPS
Photo Quality: 10MP
Field Of View: 155°
Display: 2.25” Rear & 1.4” Front
Water Resistance: 59’ (or 197’ w/ Case)
Weight: 5.09oz
Dimensions: 2.77” x 1.74” x 1.29”
Battery: 1,170mAh

GoPro HERO11 Black Mini

Best Overall Pick: What Xerox is to copiers and Kleenex is to tissue, GoPro is to action cameras, being practically synonymous with the space thanks to being an early and highly-innovative pioneer in it. And thanks to ever-more-advanced models like the GoPro HERO11 Black Mini, the company remains the undisputed leader in its space — and for good reason. The brand’s HERO11 Black Mini offers much of the performance and capabilities as GoPro’s flagship action cam, albeit in a more compact — yet no less rugged — package that utilizes the same sensor, processor, and tech. Featuring a best-in-class 157-degree field of view, GoPro’s latest Mini model boasts ultra-crisp 5.3K resolution (at 60FPS) and the ability to capture 24.7-megapixel stills.

The Good

GoPro’s HERO11 Black Mini features so many strengths and highlights that it’s legimtayley hard to even know where to begin when singing this thing’s praises. First off, with best-in-class 5.3K resolution and stabilization, its video quality is truly second to none. Its ability to capture clear audio while hugely eliminating wind noise is just as impressive. The action camera’s 1,500-mAh “Enduro” battery pack also affords a generous amount of recording time, plus it can be swapped out on the fly for a fresh battery so you can keep your ride going. It also meant that I only had to charge it a few times a week for capturing my commutes to and from the office. In typical GoPro fashion, the camera not only works flawlessly, but it’s also rugged as all hell. Moving on to the app, the GoPro Quik smartphone application is super intuitive and easy to use. Everything from uploading to editing is just remarkably straightforward, even if, like me, you possess very little experience using photography and videography hardware.

Supplementary Strengths

It just so happens that the first action and helmet cameras that I tested were Sena 50C and INNOVV H5 — both of which require that you turn on the camera, open an app, and takes several additional steps in order to begin recording — each and every time. And while this honestly isn’t a huge deal as it only takes a minute or so each time, it nonetheless made me massively appreciate GoPro’s setup, which simply requires you to press the physical record button on the top of the camera to get rolling — even if the camera is disconnected from the app. In fact, it doesn’t even need to be turned on first, you just hit the record button, and that’s it. Thanks to how long GoPro has been making action cameras, the company sells this model with an unparalleled slew of mounts and accessories, many of which are motorcycle-specific, from helmet mounts to suction mounts to handlebar mounts, just to name a few. And, with both bottom and rear-facing mounting options, there are not only endless mounting options, but this design also allows it to fit into some super tight spaces.

The Not So Good

Though its lack of a display does make GoPro’s HERO11 Black Mini all-around more durable, it also makes it a bit less user-friendly compared to its screen-equipped counterparts. Having said that, pairing the HERO11 Black Mini with your smartphone is wildly easy, allowing the phone to essentially serve as its display, thereby largely mitigating the need for an onboard screen. Additionally, the lack of a screen also allows GoPro to sell it at an extremely competitive price point, considering all that you get for your $300. No matter how thoroughly I scrutinized this action camera, its lack of a screen was just about the only gripe I had with it, as the thing really does perform phenomenally across the board — and it puts just about every other camera on this list to shame in one way or another. It’s also worth pointing out that GoPro offers a very similar action camera model that does come with a screen for only a little bit more.

Verdict: The GoPro HERO11 Black Mini is our choice for the best-overall action camera, with an ultra-simple user interface, outstanding resolution, stellar stabilization, and ample durability. So long as you don’t mind using your phone as a display, this is the obvious “just get this” pick for any rider.

Video Quality: 5.3K @ 60FPS
Photo Quality: 24.7MP
Field Of View: 157°
Display: None
Water Resistance: 33’
Weight: 4.66oz
Dimensions: 2.06” x 2.01” x 1.49”
Battery: 1,500mAh

Insta360 GO 3

Best Mini Pick: Though most action camera don’t see enormous changes between different generations, Insta360’s third-gen GO model is a different story. Touted as the world’s smallest and lightest action camera, the Insta60 GO 3 consists of a main housing (known as an “Action Pod”) that contains a removable thumb-sized item that comprises the actual camera. Weighing only 1.25oz and spanning just 1.00” x 2.14” x 0.91”, the camera features its own onboard battery, though it can also receive four full recharges from the Action Pod — which acts similarly to the charging case on true wireless headphones. Tipping the scales at under 3.5oz, the Action Pod also comes loaded with a flip-up 2.20” touchscreen, plus is armed with 16’ of water resistance.

The Good

Above and beyond the tiny, world-record-setting size of the GO 3, there’s a slew of additional factors that earn this action camera a rightfully-deserved spot on this list. The app is easy to use and makes uploading a breeze, plus its editing software is super intuitive and novice-friendly. It also features by far the coolest list of build-in effects options. And, despite being very easy to navigate and control, Insta360 has still opted to bestow the GO 3 with voice-control compatibility. Though I first wrote this off as a novelty, it quickly became one of my favorite features on this model, as it allowed me to control recording and playback, even with the camera mounted and my gloves and helmet on.

Supplementary Strengths

Insta360 has also managed to cram quite a bit of impressive tech into this super-small action camera. Alongside surprisingly crisp slow motion recording, it also benefits from Insta360’s proprietary FlowState stabilization and 360 Horizon Lock — both of which come as standard. Just like with the GoPro and DJI models above, this feature allows the camera to keep its view stable and locked, even as the bike leans, tilts, and moves around. Because it’s so small, there’s also an unparalleled selection of mounting options that simply wouldn’t work with larger action or helmet cameras — an area furthered by the vast array of available bundles and accessories that Insta360 sells for the GO 3. It’s also worth mentioning that the actual camera itself boasts tiny embedded magnets, allowing for even more mounting options. This brings us to the GO 3’s next strength, which is its extreme versatility, as it’s not only highly conducive to motorcycling, but it also lends itself to just about any other regular or action sport, and is even presumably great for capturing footage on vacation, vlogging, etc.

The Not So Good

Considering the decidedly diminutive size of the GO 3, you probably won’t be shocked to learn that a few major concessions had to be taken in order to deliver an action camera of this size. For starters, its video resolution is limited to 2.7K — which is nothing to scoff at, but still trails substantially behind its 4K-capable counterparts. Second, unlike every other model I tested that features a MicroSD card slot, Insta360’s GO 3 features onboard memory — offered in 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB sizes. And, while the Action Pod can recharge the actual camera several times over, I still wish that at least said Action Pod featured a swappable battery. What’s more, while I didn’t subject it to any drop or crush tests, I still feel pretty confident in saying that the GO 3 — or at least the tiny camera element — doesn’t seem particularly durable or hardwearing, at least compared to pretty much every other action or helmet camera on this list.

Verdict: The Insta360 GO 3 is a cutting-edge action camera that more than makes up for its limited video resolution with its wealth of user-friendly features and by the fact that it’s the smallest and lightest action camera on the planet.

Video Quality: 2.7K @ 30FPS
Photo Quality: 6.6MP
Field Of View: 134°
Display: 2.20”
Water Resistance: 16’
Weight: 3.40oz Charging Case / 1.25oz Camera
Dimensions: 2.50” x 1.87” x 1.16” Charging Case / 1.00” x 2.14” x 0.91” Camera
Battery: 1,270mAh Charging Case / 310mAh Camera

Sena 50C

Best Combo Pick: The Sena 50C is a cutting-edge motorcycle gadget that sees a 4K action cam combined with a state-of-the-art Mesh comms system. On the video side, the 50C boasts resolution of up to 4K (at 30FPS), plus can capture 12-megapixel stills. IP65-rated, it also has a 120-degree field-of-view, and a generously-sized 1,450-mAh battery. The actual comm system features both Bluetooth and Mesh tech, along with a roughly 1-mile range and the ability to connect with up to two-dozen other riders. At around 4oz, the amount of weight it adds to your helmet is fairly negligible too, even when worn for extended periods. The 50C can also be clipped onto a helmet, or slid into a square slot that attaches to the outside of a lid using 3M adhesive.

The Good

Thanks to an audio setup that comes courtesy of Harmon Kardon, the sound quality offered by Sena’s 50C is crystal clear. The call quality is also equally stellar. In fact, it wasn’t until I mentioned that I was riding that people on the other end of the call even knew I was speaking to them through a comm system in my helmet — and in several cases I was on the freeway. From Sena’s top-of-the-line 50 Series, the 50C also not only sports voice command compatibility, but it also features an onboard voice-activated digital assistant. I found this to be a bit of a game-changer as it allowed me to perform tasks while in the saddle, riding at speed — without having to look down or take my hands off the bars. Additionally, one of the other biggest and most obvious highlights of the 50C is the fact that it not only leaves your handlebar clean and uncluttered, but it also allows you to run a single device for practically everything, whether you’re looking to record video, make calls, receive turn-by-turn directions, or listen to music, the 50C has you covered.

Supplementary Strengths

Unlike most other models that see action or helmet cameras protrude far out from the wearer’s lid, Sena’s 50C has a fairly low-profile, aerodynamic design. What’s more, unlike many comm systems that sometimes look cheap on high-end brain buckets, this action camera and comm combo boasts a decidedly premium appearance — which makes sense considering it’s a premium product through and through. And, at nearly $550, the 50C does at first seem fairly expensive, but when you actually consider that you’re getting a cutting-edge Mesh comm unit and a state-of-the-art 4K action camera, it’s actually a pretty fair price — and one that I’d even argue affords pretty solid bang-for-your-buck, especially once you factor in what it would cost to buy two comparable action cam and comm devices separately.

The Not So Good

While I’d argue the 50C is easily one of the best action cameras on the market, I did stumble across a few issues when testing it. First off, as a dedicated helmet camera, your only real mounting option is attaching it to your lid — unlike pretty much every other action or helmet camera on this list. I also found its image stabilization to be lacking compared to the models from DJI, Insta360, and GoPro, plus its nighttime and lowlight recording capabilities left a lot to be desired. My biggest gripe with the 50C, however, was unquestionably the app that the device pairs with. Not only does booting up and beginning recording require several fairly involved steps, but on numerous occasions during my testing, the app failed to connect, or wouldn’t let me upload footage without crashing. It also took the longest of any action camera I tested to upload footage to my phone. Fortunately, this action cam and comm system’s handful of shortcomings are massively outweighed by its many strengths, making this a model you should definitely consider when shopping for an action cam.

Verdict: The Sena 50C is a cutting-edge all-in-one riding gadget that crams an advanced Mesh and Bluetooth comm system and a 4K action camera into a single, compact and lightweight package. With great battery life, voice control capabilities, and sound by Harmon Kardon, this is definitely a model to consider — especially if you don’t already own a decent comm system.

Video Quality: 4K @ 30FPS
Photo Quality: 12MP
Field Of View: 120°
Display: None
Water Resistance: IP65
Weight: 4.17oz
Dimensions: 3.70” x 2.30” x 1.20”
Battery: 1,450mAh

Sony RX0 II

Best Premium Pick: Also known as the DSC-RX0 II, the Sony RX0 II is less an action camera, and more a super-rugged, compact, and high-end piece of videography and photography kit that also happens to make for an excellent action cam. Not only does it feature a super rugged housing, but it can also capture 4K video (at 30FPS) and 15.3-megapixel stills. Measuring 2.375” x 1.625” 1.438” and weighing just 4.58oz, the second-generation RX0 boasts a 1.50” flip-up display, a swappable 700-mAh battery, and a 1.0” BSI CMOS sensor paired with a Zeiss Tessar T lens.

The Good

A monumental part of what makes the RX0 II so special is the fact that it crams the huge range of adjustable parameters, settings, and modes found in Sony’s regular cameras, in a markedly more compact and hardwearing package. And, despite the highly-technical nature of the RX0 II and its bevy of features and modes, the thing still boasts some impressive levels of durability, being both water resistant down to 33’ and drop tested at 6.5’. It’s also by far the best still photography camera of any model on this list — and by a pretty huge margin in my opinion. As far as wind noise goes, the RX0 II wasn’t the best, but was also far from the worst. Additionally, though it does come at a more exorbitant MSRP, the RX0 II benefits from the usual quality that’s long made Sony a force to be reckoned with in the photography and videography worlds.

Supplementary Strengths

I was initially bothered by the lack of available mounts for the RX0 II, though this Sony model’s standard 1/4-20 UNC threading actually made it pretty easy to find plenty of potential mounting options and solutions for this camera. With a capacity of only 700mAh, the battery pack on the RX0 II is also fairly small, though it recharges quickly, and the battery is swappable on the fly. So, while I did run through batteries fairly quickly, I just brought several along and it remedied this issue (though it does require that you purchase additional cells). Whether it’s capturing footage of your riding or taking stills in your day-to-day life, the RX0 II’s immense versatility is another definite selling point on this Sony cam.

The Not So Good

Because it wasn’t designed to go toe-to-toe with action cameras from the likes of GoPro and DJI, Sony’s RX0 II does possess a few downsides — at least when being judged as an action and helmet camera. At just 84°, its field of view is somewhat limited, and despite capturing video in 4K, I still found its overall resolution to be lacking compared to GoPro and DJI’s above models — though this is partially due to its mediocre stabilization. And, while it offers a ton of different modes and adjustable parameters, navigating the camera’s menus and modes can be a little tricky, as the user interface is a little complicated, and the display is only 1.50” in size. Also, unless you’re an experienced photographer, there’s a good chance many of the RX0 II’s features and functions may be lost on you — as this was definitely the case with me. What’s more, rather than having its own dedicated app, Sony’s gen-two RX0 pairs with what’s called the Imaging Edge Mobile app. While I had no problem figuring out how to use it after only a few minutes, it’s still markedly less unintuitive than the dedicated apps that pair with Insta360, DJI, and GoPro’s action cameras.

Verdict: Sony’s RX0 II is a high-end, rugged, do-it-all camera that makes for an excellent option for photography enthusiasts and those seeking an unparelled range of settings and modes — so long as you don’t mind swinging the steep price.

Video Quality: 4K @ 30FPS
Photo Quality: 15.3MP
Field Of View: 84°
Display: 1.50”
Water Resistance: 33’
Weight: 4.58oz
Dimensions: 2.375” x 1.625” 1.438”
Battery: 700mAh

Motorcycle Helmet & Action Cameras Comparison Chart

What To Consider When Shopping

The reality is that motorcycle helmet cams are really just a sub-genre of action cameras. As such, the areas one should consider when buying an action camera are pretty much identical to those of moto helmet cams. Below, we’ll briefly be breaking down the most crucial areas to take into account when buying a new motorcycle helmet camera.

Video Quality: Motorcycle helmet cameras can significantly vary in terms of the video quality that they’re able to capture. This includes reviewing both the camera’s capture rate (or frames per second) as well as its overall video quality (such as 1080 or 4K). This ultimately correlates to a helmet camera’s performance, which makes it vital to look into when shopping for one.

Still Photography: Most action cameras are primarily used to record video, however, that doesn’t mean they can’t be utilized as still photography cameras as well. If this is a function you’d like to use, then you’re going to want to review each action camera’s still photography specs — such as image quality and its number of megapixels.

Durability: One of the biggest areas that separate action cameras from their regular counterparts is the immense durability that they possess. This ultimately allows action cameras to be dropped without breaking or cracking. The vast majority of the leading helmet cameras are also fully crushproof.

Waterproofing: Another important area to review is an action camera’s level of water resistance. The vast majority of Helmut cameras offer robust weatherproofing, if not being full-on waterproof. Additionally, there are also helmet cameras that can be placed into waterproof housings that allow them to film deep underwater without letting in a drop.

Size: For an action camera to b conducive to use as a moto helmet cam, it needs to be small and compact enough to be comfortably worn on a helmet’s crown or chin-bar. This makes it important to look into the size and shape of each camera — looking into both the size of the standalone camera unit itself, as well as its size once set inside a protective housing or shell.

Battery Life & Recording Time: Another important area to take into account when buying a helmet camera is the type and size of battery being used. This area will determine each camera’s recording time. What’s more, it’s also important to look into whether or not a helmet camera’s battery is removable, as the ability to swap out dead batteries for a fresh unit allows for markedly longer filming times.

Display: Over the last few years, it’s become increasingly common to see action and moto helmet cameras that come equipped with built-in full-color displays that allow their user to playback footage and review photos on the spot.

App & Smartphone Connectivity: A huge part of any modern action camera’s overall user experience is the smartphone app that pairs with each model. Not only do these apps almost always let you review a live camera feed, but they can also typically be used to control the camera itself and change settings or preferences, plus are commonly used to actually upload your footage or save it to your smartphone. As a result, this is a wildly important area to review when shopping, as a faulty app can legitimately make the difference between a great action camera experience and a mediocre one.

Special Features: Though their primary job is to capture first-person-style footage, some helmet and action cameras come loaded with additional features or functions. This includes the ability to record a time lapse, special effects, and live on-demand editing capabilities. There are also some units that have additional integrated systems or features such as a Bluetooth comm system.

Available Accessories: Practically every action camera on the market is offered with a wide array of accessories and add-ons — including helmet mounts. These items can greatly increase an action camera’s versatility. Additionally, quite a few of the best action cameras currently on the market are offered with bundled accessory packs that typically include a variety of essential add-ons.

The Legality Of Action Camera Use

Considering the widespread use and popularity of action cameras, it may come as a bit of a surprise to learn that the use of these devices falls into something of a grey area in terms of legality. While we’re not personally privy to any state or federal laws that directly prohibit or ban the use of action cameras specifically, there are some relevant regulations that one should know about before slapping one onto the helmet.

The Department Of Transportation has a particular regulation — “Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards Section 571.218 – Standard No. 218” to be specific — that states that it is illegal to modify the structure or shape of a motorcycle helmet. Additionally, this regulation also stipulates that riders aren’t permitted to mount rigid items or devices on the interior or exterior of a helmet. This technically makes it illegal to ride on the street with an action camera mounted to the outside of your helmet, though, not unlike jaywalking, these rules are very seldom enforced.

Honorable Mentions

Though its video quality no doubt leaves a lot to be desired, the Polaroid Go Cam is still a fully-functional action camera that’s more than capable of recording your daily rides or sessions at the track or canyons. And while it’s performance capabilities might not be all that noteworthy, its price certainly is, as the Polaroid’s Go Cam can be picked up for just $40 — making it one of the cheapest available options on the market, as well as what’s probably the closest thing there is to a disposable action camera.

With electronic image stabilization, built-in wifi, a rear LCD display, 4k resolution, a sleek bullet-shaped housing with an IPX7 rating, and a generously-sized 3,000-mAh battery affording up to 7 hours of life, the Drift Ghost XL Pro is already an impressive action camera from a specs and performance standpoints, though ultimately what earns it an honorable mention on this list is its $250 price tag, which unequivocally gives it some of the best bang-for-your-buck of any action camera currently on the market.

As the latest and greatest flagship model from the undisputed pioneer and leader of the action camera space, it should come as no surprise to see the GoPro HERO12 Black receive an honorable mention slot on this list Ample battery life, 33’ of waterproofing, the ability to capture 27MP stills, an ultra-wide 156° FOV, HyperSmooth 6.0 video stabilization with 360° Horizon Lock, and 5.3K video resolution are just a few of the HERO12 Black’s laundry list of highlights.

IP68-rated and waterproof to 33’, the MOHOC Camera is the world’s first military-optimized helmet camera, and while it wasn’t designed for motorcycling, its ultra-low-profile form and tough-as-nails durability actually make it a solid choice for riders, especially those off-roading. Due to its expensive price point ($549) and limited (1080p) video resolution, the MOHOC Cam has been given an honorable mention here.

Though it once seemed like they would be the next big thing, 360° action cameras have hugely fallen off in popularity. Having said that, 360° models are nonetheless often the best option for specific applications. And when it comes to today’s best 360° action cams, it’s hard to outdo the Nikon KeyMission, though the Garmin VIRB 360 is a close second. Sadly both of these cameras are no longer in production, though they can easily be found on the second-hand market — and even though a few online retailers.