The best body cameras serve two key purposes: business and fun. They're worn for the protection of law enforcement and security personnel in order to capture a record of incidents that can be used as evidence if necessary. And, they're worn by vloggers, YouTubers (and basically anyone else) to capture POV footage for videos.
In the same say that cyclists use helmet cameras, and motorists use dash cams, all sorts of people can find body cameras handy. I've assembled this list of eight body cameras to help you figure out which is right for you, with a mix of dedicated body cams and action cameras that can be used for this purpose.
You can see my test results for individual cameras throughout this guide, and scroll to the bottom for a detailed breakdown of what to look for when choosing a body camera. So, let's take a closer look.
Adam, our Managing Editor, is a big fan of walking, which he does in notoriously crime-ridden East London, so has tested more than a few body cameras for his own safety. He's also a big fan of tech in general, having written on the subject for over two decades and had several books published in over ten languages.
The Quick List
With an adjustable camera angle, night vision, and GPS, this camera has a lot of funcationality for most users. Read more below…
This robust camera has passed stringent drop tests and is dust- and water-resistant. You also get night vision and a long charge. Read more below…
A tiny 4K camera can pop out of its GoPro-sized body and captures top-notch video for content creators. Go-anywhere, delivers really unusual perspectives. Read more below…
The simple trick this camera offers is the ability to reposition the lens if your clothing prevents it from shooting straight. Read more below…
Boblov's classic M5 is simple but effective, and boasts 2K resolution and up to 256GB storage, as well as a windshield adaptor. Read more below…
It’s officially an action cam, but its magnetic mount works through a T-shirt, enabling the Action 2 to double up as a bodycam. Read more below…
View the full list ⤵
It’s not exactly discreet, but this headgear camera gives a precise first-person eye-level view that vloggers will love. Read more below…
Best body cameras
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Best body camera for personal security
✅ You want flexibility: The re-positionable lens means you can do more with this device.
✅ You want to go all night: The battery will last a full shift, and then some.
❌ You have a Mac: When testing, we could not find a way to transfer files to a Mac.
❌ You want to attach to light clothing: I found the clip better suited to coats than T-shirts.
The Boblov M7 is a great body camera for a lot of users, though straight off the bat I'm going to say that Mac users should avoid it.
With that out of the way (and I'm a Mac person, so it pains me a little to recommend this to anyone), I still found this a great device because it isn't excessively priced, it uses more modern USB-C charging, it boasts GPS tracking, and – importantly – you can rotate the camera lens so that, if the device doesn't seem to be hanging optimally where you want to wear it, the lens can still point where you need it.
In fact, you can take that further, quickly rotating the camera forward and popping the device on the top of some furniture to gather evidence from somewhere other than your chest, if you like.
The relatively basic control system isn't too difficult to master, and the color screen is of good quality, good enough that it's possible to navigate through recordings and review video on the device if needs be.
Read more: my full review of the Boblov M7
Features ★★★★☆ | GPS tracking and night vision – but no stabilization or Mac support. | Row 0 - Cell 2 |
Design ★★★★★ | Rotatable lens makes it much more useable than rivals. | Row 1 - Cell 2 |
Performance ★★★★☆ | Good-quality video and audio, with consistent auto exposure. | Row 2 - Cell 2 |
Value ★★★★★ | Very reasonably priced, especially for the quality. | Row 3 - Cell 2 |
Best tough body camera
✅ You want a tough build: It meets military dust-proofing & shock specifications.
✅ You want an app: Trancehd are known for storage devices, and provide an app.
❌ You want to save money: This isn't the cheapest option.
❌ You need battery reliability: We've heard some mutter that the 12 hour battery life isn't reliable.
Though not the cheapest option in our roundup, this Transcend camera features a robust construction. It comes housed in a IP67-rated enclosure for outdoor use and conforms to rigorous US military drop-test standards for shock resistance (the MIL-STD 810G 516.6 transit drop test, to be exact.)
With built-in Wi-Fi, a 130° field of view and the ability to take snapshots while recording video, it ticks the necessary boxes. You also get Full HD video capture, a fixed-aperture 2.0mm lens, a built-in mic and battery life of up to 12 hours, plus useful 64GB internal memory to get you started out of the box.
If you're out at night, there are four IR LEDs for recording in low-light conditions. Operation is one-touch, although the loud activation bleep and recording light may not be ideal if what you’re looking for is a device for discreet filming.
While it felt important to draw this device to your attention, we're still waiting to test one of these devices at DCW and it's worth saying that we've seen a few customer comments suggesting the stated battery life is open to doubt. This might stem from the existence of a wi-fi feature which can have a huge impact on battery. I would expect the quoted time assumes the feature is turned off.
Features ★★★★☆ | Built-in Wi-Fi, 64GB memory, low-light recording – plenty. | Row 0 - Cell 2 |
Design ★★★★★ | Extra tough, with an IP67 rating and shock resistance. | Row 1 - Cell 2 |
Performance ★★★★☆ | Good FHD video, though some users report battery issues. | Row 2 - Cell 2 |
Value ★★★☆☆ | Much pricier than the M7, though you do get a hardier build. | Row 3 - Cell 2 |
Best body camera for POV
✅ You want top-quality video: This is right up there with the high-end 4K GoPros in terms of quality.
✅ Size matters: Given the quality, even in low light, the small size impresses.
❌ You want a police-style camera: While great for capturing action, the battery system isn't designed for long use.
❌ You're on a budget: With quality high, the price is also at the upper end.
The 'Go' series from Insta360 has always been designed with content creators in mind, so they're both amazingly compact boast stunning video quality. This new 'Ultra' is actually slightly bigger than its predecessor (in the Honourable mentions), because it has two main upgrades, a better camera and a MicroSD card in the camera itself for data security.
Where else would you put the card, you might think? In the past, video was recorded into the other part of the 'Go' system – the 'ActionPod'. Because the camera is so small, there is a camera housing the size of a normal GoPro (or other action camera), with a magnetic recess that the actual camera can pop into. The housing has most of the battery and a fold-up touchscreen, and is wirelessly connected to the waterproof camera.
Even when the camera is disconnected, the touch screen still works, like a clever remote control, which is very handy for a lot of action situations. When the camera is in its pod, it tops the camera's smaller battery up, just like Apple AirPods. (It also has Apple's FindMe system).
As a body camera, it is light enough to be worn atop of clothing like a T-shirt; you simply wear a magnetic pendant, included, and you can drop the camera onto your chest to record. It's discreet – not dissimilar to most microphones, and surprisingly effective. You get 4K video at up to 60fps and this latest version has a decent 1/1.28-inch sensor, which is OK in low light. Like any good action camera, there is a built-in 6-axis gyroscope that provides high-end image stabilization.
Sure, this isn't for the security market – even in the housing the battery won't go all night – but if you're capturing content this will definitely make your videos stand out.
Read more: My full review of the Insta360 Go Ultra with sample clips
Features ★★★★☆ | 4K, Find My, app syncing and EIS are all impressive – as is the quality of the app. | Row 0 - Cell 2 |
Design ★★★★★ | Small but appreciated design improvements abound in this generation, from external appearance to the adjustable pendant. | Row 1 - Cell 2 |
Performance ★★★★★ | Video performance is striking, as is that of the app and file management. | Row 2 - Cell 2 |
Value ★★★★☆ | An expensive option if you only need a body cam, but a potential alternative to a GoPro that solves a lot of issues. | Row 3 - Cell 2 |
Best adjustable body camera
✅ Size matters: The compact form factor is well suited to the front pocket.
✅ You think you need the monitor always: Not all compact cameras include the monitor, but this does.
❌ You want the smallest choice: Adding a screen still makes this more cumbersome than the Boblov C18.
❌ You want to go all night: For size, the battery has been compromised and there is a 4-hour limit.
One of the biggest issues with body cameras is that the lens points in the direction your clothing chooses. This device helps provide a solution in the form of rotating lens on a simple friction mount. This also affords the ability to re-direct the camera and place it discreetly in different places, like the top of a fridge.
Despite its small size, the camera also manages to cram in a color screen for menus and playback, though we’d recommend viewing via USB on a computer. We also liked the physical sliding switch to start video capture. Though they’ll draw power faster, there are four IR LEDs for night use and the option of a pocket clip (included) or screw mount.
Having previously tested other small Boblov devices – like their very light Boblov C18 – I can see how this tries to strike a balance between the convenience of a display and the portability of that camera. I'd recommend reading up on that too as I enjoyed that camera and the need for a monitor isn't always truly there when you're using the device – however it currently doesn't seem to be as widely available as the A22, so I'm sticking with that for my recommendation here.
Features ★★★★☆ | Packs a fair amount into a tiny body, shooting FHD. | Row 0 - Cell 2 |
Design ★★★★☆ | Rotating lens expands useability, and there are multiple mounting options. | Row 1 - Cell 2 |
Performance ★★★☆☆ | Footage is fine, but power drain can be a real problem. | Row 2 - Cell 2 |
Value ★★★★★ | One of the most affordable on my list – brilliant value. | Row 3 - Cell 2 |
Best high res body camera
✅ You're working with people: The visual simplicity of the design very much says "evidence is being recorded!"
✅ You need to record long shifts day-or-night: The battery is able to cope with long periods in light or night modes.
❌ You want the smallest choice: While it has a good clip, it's still happier with study clothing.
This is essentially the "classic" Boblov form factor, and you'll see it sold as an M5 or an M5 Pro depending on the specifications – built-in GPS and the memory supplied memory card are variations.
When I tested the camera, it produced impressive results, and came with a selection of clips, from the straightforward which worked with my jacket pocket, to a sucker cup for use as a dash-cam like device.
Build quality is sturdy – though I didn't test it to the full extent, you can apparently drop it 2m – the height of a tall person – while the weight seemed reasonable given the battery life definitely supported a full shift. It's nice, too, to have the monitor display built-in.
Given it is in the tier of products that rely on simple button inputs – no joysticks or arrow-like controllers – usability is acceptable, especially the simple shutter. The night lighting is powerful enough to get the job done too.
Read more: Boblov M5 review
Features ★★★★★ | Comes with lots of mounts, and "Pro" version adds GPS. | Row 0 - Cell 2 |
Design ★★★★☆ | Sturdy and hardy, with decent controls. | Row 1 - Cell 2 |
Performance ★★★★☆ | I got pretty good footage out of it – no big complaints. | Row 2 - Cell 2 |
Value ★★★★☆ | Pricier than some, cheaper than others. | Row 3 - Cell 2 |
Best action cam and body camera hybrid
✅ You're like flexibility: DJI's design is clever and flexible, especially if you get all the accessories.
✅ You want good image stabilization: Like other action cameras, the camera has digital image stabilization.
❌ You want the newest tech: DJI seem to have ceded the 'smallest action camera' race to Insta360 for a while now, concentrating on their 'traditional' best action camera.
❌ You're easily confused: If you go all in on the Action 2 accessories, the multiple devices can be challenging to manage.
The DJI Action 2 is not built as a body cam but, thanks to its compact design and magnetic mount, but it still makes a good body-worn camera if you're looking to capture POV content. It's an older action camera, with DJI having since released models all the way up to the Osmo Action 5 Pro, However, the Action 2 has a unique modular design and small body that makes it the best body cam in the series.
I've kept this in the guide even though the Insta360 Go 3S might seem the obviously better option – it's newer and smaller – because DJI have also relatively recently made a minor improvement to this product line (by improving the built-in storage to 128GB), so it clearly has life in it.
If you need to capture video for a limited period and don’t want to wear more than a T-shirt or tank top, then the camera module of the Action 2 can be secured in place to a magnetic grip on a lanyard beneath the fabric; it’s much more discreet than a body belt or head mount yet gets quality first-person footage.
Control-wise you can use the touchscreen, but its small size may send you running to the Mimo app, which DJI clearly prefers you to use. Unfortunately, if you're an Android user you're going to run into a headache here – the app is now only available for iOS, DJI having discontinued the Google Play version. If you're an Android phone user, this camera probably isn't the best choice.
Otherwise, the camera’s range of attachments also makes it a great choice for cyclists (in which case the classic helmet mount may be preferable).
Read more: DJI Action 2 review
Features ★★★★☆ | Magnetic mounting system works well, though partner app is only on iOS. | Row 0 - Cell 2 |
Design ★★★★☆ | Clever, flexible and modular – it's a shame DJI gave up on this format! | Row 1 - Cell 2 |
Performance ★★★★☆ | Great-looking video, though won't last as long as body cams. | Row 2 - Cell 2 |
Value ★★★★☆ | Significantly discounted compared to launch. | Row 3 - Cell 2 |
Best head-worn camera
✅ You want POV: The head mount gives a more natural angle than a chest mount.
✅ You want image stabilization: There is an element of action-camera-like digital image stabilization.
❌ You want it tough: This camera is pretty easily seen and knocked off the head by an aggressor.
❌ You need the best 4K imagery: The sharpness means you might be better off with an Insta360 Go 3S and the hat clip attachment.
The Ordro EP8 and its less-well specified sibling the EP6 offer, if not a unique perspective, then a rare means of capturing it that will appeal to some. Body-worn cameras are often clipped to a chest pocket (beneath the eyes), while an action camera with head strap can be excessively distracting. Instead this camera can be charged up and worn at exactly eye height thanks to the head band. It’s not invisible, but it’ll get the ideal first-person angle for certain vloggers – driving or cycling videos for example – and the head band can be worn over glasses.
The EP8 (as well as the EP7 it replaces) has a two-axis gimbal that serves to capture reasonably stable imagery. The app allows you to align your shot live, or you can just shoot ‘blind’ with the side buttons.
The 4K video is a little aggressively sharpened by the software, but nice and crisp for editing (or one-click sharing from the app). Sadly there's no night mode for bouncers, though there is IPX5 ingress protection for action fans. The cheaper EP6 lacks the powered gimbal, but might be a useful alternative if you’re pushed for cash.
Features ★★★★☆ | Provides an FPV perspective, with two-axis stabilization. | Row 0 - Cell 2 |
Design ★★★★☆ | Unique, and will certainly draw attention! | Row 1 - Cell 2 |
Performance ★★★★☆ | 4K video, though a little over-sharpened for my taste. | Row 2 - Cell 2 |
Value ★★★☆☆ | Undeniably expensive (non-stabilized EP6 is cheaper). | Row 3 - Cell 2 |
How to choose the best body camera
There is one simple answer – decide what you need it for. The answers will more or less come from that.
For example, if you're working in a difficult environment – on the door, or in a shop – and you are subject to career-threatening allegations or intimidation then you'll need a camera with a long battery life and a night mode. On this list, something like the Boblov M5.
If you're looking to capture video for YouTube or another platform while leaving your hands free, then it's more about quality than how long you're recording. That's where a device like the Insta360 Go 3S steps in.
For most people, the best body camera will be compact, unobtrusive, easily attached to clothing, and have a lens with a wide angle of view. You’ll also want something that’s robust and, ideally, can be worn out in all weathers and conditions.
Key features are a long recording time (made up of both a long battery life and good data storage capacity). This is more important if you work a long shift; creators are used to swapping batteries and memory cards. You'll also want decent camera resolution, and, if you're working in the wee small hours, you'll be looking for night vision functions such as infrared capture.
You also need to know how you want to transfer video. Some offer Wi-Fi links to phones (which may affect price and battery life). Others accept a removable microSD card, and/or USB connection to your PC. Unlike most cameras, a built-in screen for composing and reviewing images is not always provided – or needed!
Honourable mention
How we test body cameras
The way I've tested the body cameras on this list is exactly how you would expect – I've worn them, and used them to capture footage.
With cameras like body cameras, where the pristine quality of footage isn't necessarily the point, we don't subject them to the same battery of lab tests we use for mirrorless cameras and DSLRs. Instead, we wear them in real-world conditions and think critically about how useful they are for their stated purpose. This means looking beyond just image quality, at factors like durability, comfort, ease of use and battery life. If they offer additional functions like night vision, we test those out too. See more of how we test and review at Digital Camera World.
