Want to get some cool immersive footage? You’re in the right place. This is our ultimate roundup of the best helmet cameras in the market today.
Whether you’re a skydiver, motorbike rider, or canoeist living life on the edge, the right helmet camera can capture the action so you can share it with the world.
In this review, you’ll learn about some of the best action cameras available this year, all packed with phenomenal features that will meet your specific needs.
From image quality and mounting versatility to advanced stabilization and durability, we’ve picked the best options to help you capture unforgettable footage from your adrenaline-fueled pursuits.
So, buckle up and get ready to take off on your journey of immersive filmmaking.
What is the Best Helmet Camera in 2024?
GoPro Hero 11 (Best Helmet Camera Overall)
Credit: Marc Bergreen
Pros
Exceptional image and video quality
Versatile mounting options
Robust build and durability
We’re starting our list strong. The GoPro Hero 11 is the gold standard for action cameras, offering top-tier overall performance.
Its durable and waterproof design makes it an ideal companion for adventure seekers.
Released in 2022, this powerhouse sports a photo resolution of 27 megapixels and can even shoot 4k videos.
What makes this a great action camera is the bigger battery capacity.
The 1720mAh lithium-ion Enduro batteries increase operation time significantly and improve charging times by up to 13%.
That’s quite the game-changer.
You can also mod any GoPro to take external power when going on longer rides.
The mod consists of getting a battery door with a charging hole and connecting it to a power bank or USB power source from your motorcycle battery.
This and its relatively cheaper price point than the New GoPro Hero 12 [Amazon | B&H] makes it a perfect chin-mounted helmet camera.
Read our in-depth review of the Hero 11 here.
Insta360 ONE RS Twin Edition (Best 360 Helmet Camera)
Pros
Immersive 360-degree capture
Modular design
Excellent image stabilization
Cons
Steeper learning curve
Limited low-light performance
If you’re looking to capture more than what’s in front of you, nothing beats a good 360 camera.
And the Insta360 ONE RS Twin Edition is our top pick for the job.
Capture every angle of your action with its cutting-edge 360-degree lens and easily switch between 360-degree and traditional modes to suit your needs.
Insta360 also sports the proprietary FlowState Stabilization and ActiveTrack technologies to create effortlessly stunning videos.
Mounting this on your helmet lets you capture everything around you, which makes it impossible to miss the action.
Just bear in mind that the Insta360 ONE RS Twin Edition doesn’t come with a helmet mount – you’ll need to grab the kit separately.
DJI Osmo Action 4 Standard Combo (Best Helmet Camera for Sports)
Pros
Outstanding image stabilization
Impressive low-light performance
Durable and water-resistant build
Cons
Bulkier compared to some options
Slightly higher price point
If you’re a sports enthusiast looking for more high-quality performance, the DJI Osmo Action 4 is a top choice.
It has an advanced stabilization system for that buttery smooth footage, no matter the activity.
It captures stunning slow-motion shots with its high frame rate capabilities.
The closest competitor to the DJI Osmo is the GoPro Hero 12.
While GoPro has a slight edge when it comes to image quality, DJI offers more bang for its buck, as many users have reported.
For the price, it offers more features and even has better waterproofing compared to the Hero 12.
The longer battery life and the durable construction make this an excellent pick for capturing sports.
INNOVV H5 (Best Motorcycle Helmet Camera)
Pros
Designed specifically for motorcyclists
Clear audio recording
Compact and lightweight
Cons
Limited field of view compared to some options
Battery life might be shorter for long rides
The INNOVV H5 is one of the best motorcycle helmet cameras on the market today.
Its sleek design and secure mounting system ensure stable and reliable performance.
The camera features a SONY 4K image sensor and can record 4K footage at 30 fps, as well as 2.7K and 1080p at 60 fps.
It has a 2,400 mAh battery, which the company claims can last up to 5 hours of operation.
The durable and aerodynamic design is specifically built to withstand the rigors of motorcycle riding.
SJCAM SJ10Pro (Best Budget Helmet Camera)
Pros
Excellent value for money
4K video recording
Touchscreen interface
Cons
Image stabilization might not be as good as premium models
Build quality might not be as robust as higher-end options
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option that still packs a considerable punch, SJCAM might have the solution for you.
The SJCAM SJ10Pro is affordable without compromising on performance.
It shoots true 4k and 2k at 60fps. It also shoots 1080p for up to 120 fps!
Not only that, the SJ10Pro also features 6-axis gyro stabilization and a 170° ultra-wide-angle lens.
For the price, it’s hard to beat SJCAM’s offering.
Insta 360 Go 3 (Best Mini Helmet Camera)
Pros
Ultra-compact and lightweight
Magnetic mounting system
Waterproof and durable design
Cons
Limited battery life
Image quality might not be as sharp as larger cameras
Looking for something unobtrusive?
This teeny tiny camera can offer amazing POV footage because of its tiny form factory.
The magnetic mounting system allows it to be attached to practically any magnetic surface.
It sports Insta360’s signature FlowState and Horizon Lock, making this quite the capable camera.
Pair this with the Insta360 Go 3 Action Pod and you can drastically extend its battery life.
Perfect for capturing helmet cam footage on the go!
For a less expensive option, go for the older Insta360 Go 2 [Amazon].
Fire Cam MINI1080 (Best Mini Helmet Camera for Professional Use)
Pros
Exceptional image quality
Long battery life
Robust build and durability
Cons
Higher price point compared to other mini cameras
Larger size compared to some mini cameras
The Fire Cam MINI1080 is a professional-grade mini helmet cam that delivers exceptional performance.
If you’re looking for a high-performance, pro-grade option, this is the one to get.
This mini helmet-mounted camera is designed to withstand extremes – specifically high temperatures.
It also sports a rugged design made to withstand the rigors that come with the job.
This makes it an ideal POV camera for firefighters, law enforcement, and security personnel.
The camera comes with a tactical flashlight, making it effective in various conditions.
Techalogic DC-1 (Best Dual Lens Helmet Camera)
Pros
Simultaneous front and rear recording
Wide field of view
Durable and weatherproof construction
Cons
Larger size and weight compared to single-lens cameras
Higher price point due to dual-lens technology
The twin-lens design of the Techalogic DC-1 is its most defining feature.
It can capture everything in front and behind you by recording simultaneously.
Perfect for cyclists, motorcyclists, and others with a love for the great outdoors.
It provides sharp and clear videos that let you cover all your bases, especially when riding.
It also has advanced features such as loop recording and emergency recording, making it a great choice for use as a motorcycle helmet camera.
Drift Ghost XL (Best Budget Motorcycle Camera)
Pros
Affordable price point
Compact and lightweight design
Easy-to-use interface
Cons
Image quality might not match premium models
Battery life might be shorter for longer rides
The Drift Ghost XL is a budget camera solution that’s well in range for most motorcycle riders.
Priced competitively, it offers a good balance between features and performance.
The Drift Ghost XL films sharp videos of your rides from nose to tail using its wide-angle lens.
It’s easy to mount and operate, making it ideal for beginners.
Whether for casual rides or long cross-country ones, this is perfect for capturing unforgettable memories along the way.
What to Consider When Buying a Helmet Camera
With the amount of camera choices available, finding the right one for your needs might be a head-scratching task.
Here are some factors to keep in mind lest you be overwhelmed.
Your use case determines the kind of camera you will need.
Start by checking whether you need high picture quality, long battery life, or some other special feature such as stabilization or slow motion.
Next, narrow it down to the cameras that suit your budget. This will allow you to focus on the options that you’re more likely to get.
Finally, pay attention to the finer details. If comfort is a priority, make sure to consider the camera’s dimensions and weight.
Additionally, verify helmet and mounting compatibility, and ensure the camera meets any relevant regulations.
Read reviews and compare features to find the perfect camera for your adventures.
How to Attach a Helmet Camera
Attaching a helmet camera is relatively easy in most cases.
Most of the cameras have mounting brackets that attach to your helmet.
Some have adhesive mounts, magnetic options, or chin straps to secure the cameras in place.
Ensure that it’s centered and attached firmly to your helmet to avoid vibrating or blurry footage.
Consider adding some extra strapping or safety tethers to the mount so that it doesn’t drop off while you’re on the go.
For optimum recording, make sure to test the mounting before each new adventure.
Helmet Cam vs Dash Cam: Which Is Better for Motorcycles?
Helmet cams provide first-person footage, capturing the experience of your ride and possibly providing evidence in case of an accident.
On the other hand, dashcams are fixed cameras that record the road ahead, monitor traffic, and, in case of accidents, document incidents.
For a motorcyclist, a helmet cam is generally more beneficial since it gives a direct view of what’s happening around a rider and their interactions with other road users.
Dedicated helmet cameras like the Innov K5 [Amazon] are specifically designed to withstand the conditions of motorcycle riding – something that a dash cam is not designed to do.
Is It Legal to Attach a Camera to a Motorcycle Helmet?
The legality of having a camera attached to a motorcycle helmet varies from one jurisdiction to another.
Some places have absolutely no restrictions, while others have certain regulations on placement and possible recording limitations.
It’s imperative to familiarize yourself with local laws to make sure you don’t violate them.
Also, be careful about privacy and make sure that you gain appropriate permission to record any person/s and easily recognizable landmarks.
FAQs About Helmet Cameras
Do I really need 4K video on my helmet cam footage?
If you want the highest quality footage and plan to edit or share it, 4K is a great option.
However, for casual use, 1080p might be sufficient.
What is the best GoPro for a helmet?
The GoPro Hero 11 Black is a popular choice for helmet cameras, offering excellent image quality, versatility, and durability.
What is the best military helmet camera?
The Fire Cam MINI1080 is often considered a top choice for military use due to its durability, image quality, and long battery life.
What is the best helmet camera with Bluetooth?
Many modern helmet cameras, including the Insta360 ONE RS and DJI Osmo Action 4, offer Bluetooth connectivity for pairing with your smartphone or other devices.
What is the smallest helmet camera?
The Insta 360 Go 3 is one of the smallest helmet cameras available, making it ideal for discreet recording.
Is a Contour helmet camera any good?
Contour helmet cameras used to be popular, but their market share has declined.
While they can still provide decent footage, newer models from other brands may offer better features and performance.
Is the Lethal Company helmet camera worth buying?
The Lethal Company helmet camera is primarily known for its rugged design and durability.
If you prioritize these factors, it might be a suitable option for you.
Can you put a camera in a football helmet?
While it’s technically possible to put a camera in a football helmet, it’s important to consider safety regulations and the potential for injury.
Some leagues may have restrictions or prohibitions on helmet cameras.
