Akaso V50X

Should you buy the Akaso V50X?

The Akaso V50X is the budget action camera we point people toward when $100 is the ceiling. It records native 4K30, has electronic stabilization and a 2-inch touchscreen, and comes with two batteries, a remote and a waterproof case rated to 40 m. It ranks seventh among our ten action cameras and is the best of the three Akaso models we cover. Buy it for a kid, a helmet mount or a backup camera, not as a replacement for a DJI or GoPro.

Where it earns its score

• Reliability of 91 and Satisfaction of 90. A simple camera that owners report working as promised.
• Value of 85. Two batteries, a remote and a dive case in the box for $99.99.
• Touchscreen. Easier to navigate than the button-only Akaso EK7000.
• Deep waterproofing with the case. About 40 m, deeper than any bare-body rating in the category.

What to know first

• Quality of 65 and Features of 60. Image quality, low-light performance and stabilization are well below the DJI and GoPro cameras.
• 4K is capped at 30 fps. Higher frame rates require dropping to 1080p.
• Not waterproof without the case. Every DJI, GoPro and Insta360 camera we rank is sealed bare.
• Warranty is the weakest factor at 55. Standard coverage from a budget brand.

Questions buyers ask