Buying adviceGoPro vs DJI vs Insta360 in 2026: which action camera should I actually buy?

Hi all,

My old GoPro finally gave up and I'm trying to work out what to replace it with. Every comparison I can find seems to be from 2025, and I don't think the line-ups are the same anymore. From what I can piece together:

• GoPro apparently skipped the HERO14 and launched something called the MISSION 1 at a way higher price?
• DJI has an Osmo Action 6, but I can't find it on DJI's US store.
• Insta360 is still selling the Ace Pro 2, and I keep seeing people mention an Ace Pro 3.

What I'll actually use it for: travel and hiking mostly, a couple of snow trips a year, one snorkelling holiday, and some talking-to-camera clips for a family YouTube channel (nothing serious).

Budget: I'd like to stay around $400, but I'll stretch if it's genuinely worth it. I don't want to pay $600 just for the name on the front.

So which one would you buy, and why? And is the Ace Pro 3 worth waiting for?

Thanks!

For what you describe I'd get the Insta360 Ace Pro 2. It's the cheapest of the three current flagships at $369.99 and it ticks most of your list, the flip screen alone is worth it for the talking to camera bits. There are a few cases where one of the others makes more sense though.

hikingwiththeholts said:

GoPro apparently skipped the HERO14 and launched something called the MISSION 1 at a way higher price?

Yep, there's no HERO14. MISSION 1 was announced back in April and went on sale end of May, $599.99 list. It's been $499.99 on and off on their site lately so don't pay full whack if you do go that way. The HERO13 is still about too, it just isn't the top one any more.

Thanks both! @ellie_v what are the few cases? A lot of people seem to rate DJI so I'm curious when you'd go that way instead.

DJI if you're diving rather than snorkelling, want to shoot all day without a charger, or want the lightest thing. The Action 6 is 20m without a case, 240 min battery, 149g, and it has a variable f/2 to f/4 aperture which neither of the others have. Its not on DJI's US store tho, B&H had it for $436. MISSION 1 only if you want the best image in snow and money isnt an issue, bigger sensor but $230 more, heavier and no flip screen. For a one off snorkel trip the Ace is heaps.

Ace Pro 3 is a rumour. Buy the camera that exists.

Whichever you buy, for the talking-to-camera stuff a cheap wireless mic will do more for the YouTube channel than any of the spec differences above. Built-in mics are fine for ambience, not for voice.

Snorkelling is a one-off for now, no plans to dive. Sounds like the Ace Pro 2 is the sensible pick for us then, I'll keep an eye out for a deal before our trip. Good tip on the mic too, thanks everyone.