Wired's latest action camera review names the GoPro Mission 1 Pro as its top pick, while simultaneously flagging a microSD card shortage that is driving up accessory prices. The review, updated in August 2026, also dropped the GoPro Hero 12 Black from its recommendations, according to Wired. The magazine noted that choosing the best action camera used to be simple, with GoPro the default advice, but there are competitors worth considering for users who do not need the more expensive Mission 1 Pro.
Why the GoPro Mission 1 Pro Took the Top Spot
Wired reported that its testers evaluated cameras by diving, climbing, surfing, and handing them to 14-year-olds on bikes to see which models survived ski slopes, beaches, and skate parks. The review notes that many competing cameras look alike and share similar features on paper, making the decision difficult.
Price vs. Stabilization: The $400 Question
According to Wired, readers often ask why they should spend $400 on a GoPro when a 4K camera costs $100. The answer, Wired said, comes down to software, primarily image stabilization. Action cameras are designed to be strapped to helmets or clipped to chests during skydiving, rock climbing, or scooter racing. Without stabilization, Wired argued, the resulting 4K footage is something even close friends will not sit through. The magazine suggested spending an additional $100 for an older GoPro or a DJI Osmo Action on sale.
MicroSD Shortage and Storage Costs
One of the most notable supply chain details in the review is the microSD shortage. Wired wrote that "a shortage has led to skyrocketing microSD card prices." The magazine recommends SanDisk's Extreme cards for speed and water resistance, with a 512-GB card priced around $110. For DJI's Action 6 camera, Wired recommends the Lexar Professional Silver Plus 512-GB card at $165. The gap between these two prices illustrates the current cost pressure on flash memory components.
| Accessory | Price | Purpose (per Wired) |
|---|---|---|
| SanDisk Extreme 512GB microSD | ~$110 | Fast, waterproof storage |
| Lexar Professional Silver Plus 512GB | $165 | Recommended for DJI Action 6 |
| GoPro Media Mod | $100 | Adds microphone jack for Hero 13 Black |
| Handlebar/seatpost/pole mount | $40 | Clamps to bikes, ski poles |
| Insta360 motorcycle accessory bundle | $60 | Secure mount for Ace Pro, X5 |
| Yallsame tripod mount (3-pack) | $12 | Adds quarter-inch tripod screw |
Mounts, Accessories, and Pricing
Wired noted that GoPro, Insta360, and DJI all provide helmet mounts and other attachment options. The review highlighted several accessories: the GoPro Media Mod ($100), which adds a microphone jack to the Hero 13 Black for higher-quality audio. The Mission 1 Pro includes external audio connectivity out of the box, according to Wired. A handlebar/seatpost/pole mount ($40) fits mountain bikes and ski poles. The Insta360 motorcycle accessory bundle ($60) is described as one of the most secure clamps tested, compatible with the Ace Pro and X5 models. Yallsame's three-pack of tripod mount adapters ($12) adds a standard quarter-inch tripod screw, which many cameras lack. Polarizer and ND filters are recommended for shooting around water or through glass, Wired said.
Related Camera Guides
The review also points to Wired's Best 360 Cameras guide, noting considerable overlap between 360-degree and action cameras. Many 360 models can shoot in a single-lens "action camera mode," which may make them a better option for some users, Wired reported. The magazine also referenced its guides to Best Travel Cameras, Best Mirrorless Cameras, and Best Instax Cameras.
For manufacturing and procurement executives, the Wired review offers a snapshot of how consumer electronics accessory pricing is being affected by component shortages. The microSD supply constraints, reflected in the $110-to-$165 range for 512-GB cards, are directly relevant to OEMs and suppliers that rely on flash memory. The review also details how mount makers such as GoPro, Insta360, and DJI are addressing user needs with specific products and clearly defined price points.
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