Cameras & Drones
Akaso Brave 8 Review: A Genuinely Cheap Way to Try Action Cameras
- Brand:
- Akaso
- Ages:
- 13+ years
- Updated:
- 2026-08-06
The verdict
The Brave 8 is honest about what it is: a genuinely cheap way to try action camera shooting without GoPro or DJI pricing, and it does that job fine — just go in accepting real, visible gaps in image quality and stabilization versus the category leaders.
Pros
- Aggressively priced compared to GoPro or DJI, making it a low-risk way to find out if you'll actually use an action camera
- Dual front-and-rear screens are unusual to find at this price point
- Waterproof to real depths when used with the included housing
- Electronic image stabilization is usable for casual walking or biking clips
Cons
- Image quality, dynamic range, and stabilization clearly and consistently trail GoPro, DJI, and Insta360 in side-by-side comparisons — this is a budget compromise, not a flagship rival
- App and firmware polish lag noticeably behind the major brands, with more reported bugs and rougher update cadence
- Audio quality is a known, consistent weak point across Akaso's action camera line
- Mount and accessory ecosystem is much smaller than GoPro's, limiting third-party options
This review is based on Akaso's published specifications for the Brave 8 and the consistent pattern of reviewer and owner feedback, evaluated honestly against the GoPro and DJI action cameras it's priced to compete with.
What the lower price actually buys you
For a fraction of a GoPro or DJI Osmo Action's price, you get a genuinely usable 4K camera with dual screens, real waterproofing with the included housing, and basic electronic stabilization — enough to shoot usable clips for casual biking, snorkeling, or family trips without a big investment.
Where the budget compromises show
Side by side with a GoPro or DJI camera, the gaps are real and consistent across reviews: softer detail, weaker dynamic range in tricky light, less refined stabilization in fast motion, and noticeably weaker built-in audio. The app and firmware also show their budget positioning with rougher polish and a smaller mount ecosystem.
Who it's for
Best for buyers who want to try action camera shooting without committing to GoPro or DJI pricing, or as a rugged backup/loaner camera. Skip it if image quality and stabilization are priorities — that's exactly where the price gap to GoPro and DJI shows up most.
Frequently asked
- Is the Akaso Brave 8 as good as a GoPro?
- No, not in image quality, dynamic range, or stabilization — those areas consistently trail GoPro and DJI in side-by-side comparisons. Its real appeal is a much lower price for someone testing the category.
- Is the Brave 8 waterproof?
- It's rated waterproof to real depths when used with its included waterproof housing, similar to how most budget action cameras in this price range handle water resistance.
- Does the Brave 8 have good audio?
- Built-in audio is a known, consistent weak point across Akaso's action camera line, so don't expect it to match dedicated microphones or pricier competitors.
- Is the Akaso Brave 8 worth buying?
- Yes, if your priority is a genuinely low price to try action camera shooting or as a rugged backup camera. It's not worth buying if you want image quality and stabilization competitive with GoPro or DJI — that gap is real and consistent.
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