TL;DR: If you are looking for the best cheap action cameras under £100 UK, the safest buys are proven entry-level models such as the SJCAM SJ4000 range and the AKASO EK7000. Based on our testing and day-to-day experience with budget action cameras for UK buyers, these models offer the best balance of price, reliability, accessories and ease of use for holidays, cycling, family days out and beginner filming.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, it is possible to buy a capable action camera for under £100 in the UK, but you need realistic expectations around image stabilisation, low-light performance and app quality.
• The best-value options for most beginners are simple, proven models such as the SJCAM SJ4000 series, especially if you want a first camera for holidays, cycling, family days out or a helmet cam.
• At this price point, you should prioritise reliability, battery availability, waterproof housing, spare parts and UK after-sales support over headline “4K” claims on the box.
• Buying from a UK stockist can make returns, consumer rights and warranty support much easier than ordering from overseas marketplaces.
• If you want a wider comparison across price brackets, see our Best Action Camera UK 2024: Ultimate Buyer’s Guide.

If you want the best cheap action cameras under £100 in the UK, the short answer is yes: there are several worthwhile options, but the best buys tend to be dependable beginner models rather than flashy no-name cameras making big “4K” promises. For most UK shoppers, we recommend sticking to proven entry-level choices with clear specs, easy accessory support and straightforward returns.

Not everyone needs a £300-plus GoPro to film a family bike ride in the Peak District, a paddleboarding session in Cornwall or a child’s first go on the ski slopes. Instead, many buyers simply want an affordable camera that works well enough for holidays, cycling, car use or general outdoor recording.

That is where budget models earn their place. A well-chosen action camera under 100 pounds can cover the basics brilliantly: waterproof use with a housing, casual holiday clips, secondary camera angles, beginner vlogging and everyday recording where you would rather not risk an expensive flagship camera.

At SJCamAct, we work closely with SJCAM products and the UK buyer journey, so this guide is based on practical ecommerce insight and hands-on product knowledge rather than copied spec sheets. In addition, we have focused on what matters most in real-world use: value, support, usability and who each camera suits best. If you are still weighing up budget versus premium, our pillar buying guide gives the broader picture across the UK market.

What are the best cheap action cameras under £100 in the UK?

Based on our testing and product-category experience, the best cheap action cameras under £100 in the UK are usually simple models from established budget ranges. In practice, that means cameras such as the SJCAM SJ4000 Air, SJ4000 Dual Screen, SJ4000 WiFi and selected alternatives such as the AKASO EK7000.

However, “best” depends on how you plan to use it. For example:

• If you want the simplest low-cost option, choose a basic SJ4000 model.
• If you want easier framing for selfies or travel clips, choose a dual-screen model.
• If remote control matters for helmet or car mounting, choose a WiFi version.
• If accessory bundles matter most, mainstream alternatives such as AKASO may appeal.

Therefore, the smartest approach is not just looking for the cheapest listing. Instead, compare reliability, batteries, housing quality and whether support is actually available in the UK.

Can you get a good action camera for under £100?

Yes, but there is an important caveat: “good” at this price means good value for basic filming rather than premium-grade video performance. Under £100, you can absolutely find cameras that record sharp and enjoyable footage in decent daylight. However, you should not expect flagship-level stabilisation, class-leading dynamic range, excellent microphones or flawless mobile apps.

For most UK shoppers, the biggest mistake is buying purely on resolution claims. A budget 4K action camera listing may sound impressive; however, sensor quality, bitrate, lens sharpness and software processing matter just as much. In real use, a reliable Full HD or entry-level 4K action cam with decent accessories is often better value than a no-name model promising “Ultra HD” but delivering muddy footage and poor battery life.

There is also a practical reason why cheap action cameras remain popular. According to Statista market insights covering UK consumer electronics demand, cost-conscious buyers continue comparing features more closely before purchasing. As a result, lower-cost content-creation devices still appeal strongly to beginners and occasional users.

From our experience at SJCamAct, under-£100 buyers usually fall into three groups:

• first-time users who want to see whether an action camera fits their lifestyle;
• parents buying for older children or teenagers;
• enthusiasts wanting a backup or secondary-angle camera.

For these buyers, “good enough and dependable” is often more valuable than chasing premium specs. So if that sounds like you, a carefully chosen action camera under 100 pounds can be a very sensible buy.

The 5 best cheap action cameras under £100 in the UK