Action cameras are one of the best ways to get a unique and exciting video or photo perspective while doing a fast-moving activity. Over the years, the best action camera brands like GoPro, Insta360, and DJI have made incredible strides, fitting industry-leading video and photo specs into cameras that continue to get more portable. Regardless of an action camera’s size and abilities, it would be far less useful without an action camera body, helmet, and off-body mounts that help stabilize and secure the camera while providing a specific perspective.
What is an Action Camera Mount?
Action camera mounts allow the user to mount and attach an action camera to their body, sports or outdoor equipment, or other surfaces like car doors, plane wings, and more. Action camera mounts open up a world of opportunities and allow content creators to think outside of the box and create unique video or photo perspectives.
How to Choose the Right Camera Action Mount
It’s important to plan for specific action camera mounts when purchasing your action camera. You want one that will help you capture the content you want during the activities you’re planning. It can be easy to get overwhelmed by all the options — or simply buy every mount available — without taking the time to actually think if you’ll even use a certain camera mount in the first place. Some activities might be more suited for an action camera body mount, while an action camera head mount would be ideal. Don’t forget that body mounts can allow for fun and unique perspectives as well.
Before purchasing, think about the activities you’ll be using your action camera for, and the angles and perspectives you want to capture. This will help narrow down the best mounts for you and avoid spending on mounts you will never use.
With that said, here are some of the best action camera mounts you can buy. This should allow you to use your action camera in a plethora of ways. Whether you’re looking for helmet mounts, suction cup mounts, or even camera mounts you can attach to your pets, we’ve got you covered.
On-Body Action Camera Mounts
Helmet Mounts
Helmet mounts either strap over a helmet or have a curved adhesive base that the action camera screws into. These are great for activities like biking, skiing, snowboarding, or any activity that requires a helmet.
Helmet mounts are also great for a top-down, wide view that shows the entire scene. These shots tend to be more immersive but less natural looking, which many prefer for action footage.
Action Camera Head Mounts & Straps
An action camera head mount or strap is great for the same wide, top-down perspective as a helmet mount. However, this is for activities where you don’t use a helmet and want your camera to be strapped to your head (e.g. paddle boarding or hiking).
Chest Straps & Mounts
A chest mount might be one of the most useful and versatile mounts out there. They’re great for most activities and typically are very easy and comfortable to wear.
Most chest mount designs wrap around your torso and shoulders. This typically doesn’t restrict movement and allows for secure and stable footage since they’re mounted near the user’s center of gravity.
A chest mount might be a less dramatic, wide-angle view than the head or helmet mount offers. Although, many will prefer the more natural angle this chest mount provides.
Shoulder Mounts
Shoulder mounts are another great option for many activities. This allows the mount to sit on the left or right shoulder. This mount is very popular with cyclists, motorcyclists, hikers, and more.
This mount offers a great, natural, off-center perspective that some prefer over a chest mount, especially since the camera is higher. This can allow for a better view around and beside you.
Wrist Straps
Wrist straps are fantastic mounts that are typically worn during water activities like swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, or surfing. Many allow the camera to tilt, adjust, angle, and rotate the camera without taking the mount off your wrist.
Because you typically have your arms extended during these activities, this allows for a great front, “selfie” perspective. This is great whether you’re surfing a wave or snorkeling with hundreds of tropical fish. While they can be used for other activities (e.g. sky diving), the majority of wrist mount users buy them for the water.
Bite Mounts
Bite mounts are designed to be hands-free and easy to use. They’re especially great for water activities because most of them are designed to float or have a floatation attachment.
Bite mounts are unique to this list because they’re not strapped onto your body. You simply bite down on the gel mouthpiece and start your activity. This offers a hands-free front-facing point of view of all the action.
Off-Body Action Camera Mounts
Bike Mounts
Bike mounts are a great way to capture your adventures hands-free and from a variety of angles. Traditional handlebar mounts are a popular choice, but rear-facing cameras mounted to your seat post can also be a great way to capture your family and friends who bike with you. Another fun option is the third-person mount that makes you the star in your video, capturing the world as you explore.
Handlebar/Pole Mounts
Handlebar/pole mounts are one of the most popular off-body camera mounts on the market — and for good reason. They allow the user to securely attach their action camera to a bike’s front handlebar, ski or trekking pole, and more.
While simple in design, this mount provides lots of versatility, especially for the multi-season, outdoor enthusiast. It also allows for several different perspectives, making it one of the most useful mounts on this list.
Handle Grip Mount
Handle grip mounts are another popular, off-body action camera mount offering versatility.
Whether you’re holding it during an action sport, taking it for a swim, or walking and vlogging, the handle grip mount provides a variety of different uses and perspectives. Most handle grip mounts also include a wrist leash and can even float. This is great to use your action camera without a worry in the water.
Clip Mount
Clip mounts are large, durable clips that clamp onto a backpack, table, or other steady surfaces. They include features like magnetic bases and 360-degree swivel mounts for moving or stationary perspectives.
Clamp Mounts
Clamp mounts are great for stable, stationary shots. They’re incredibly strong, with a wide enough mouth to clamp onto railings, tables, equipment, or vehicles. These are perfect if you have multiple action cameras and need different angles of an event.
Suction Cup Mounts
Suction cup mounts have a heavy-duty, clamp-down suction cup on the bottom end. This mount is great for suctioning onto smooth surfaces like car doors or hoods, windows, and more.
There are varying sizes of suction cup mounts with specific limitations considering surface use and speed. Be cautious about mounting your camera on a specific surface that might test the mount’s limits. The one thing you don’t want is your camera popping off as you’re driving down the road.
Board Mounts
Board mounts are specifically designed for surfing and paddle boarding. There is a strong adhesive base and secondary backup base that keeps your mount safe and secure. These are great for low, onboard perspectives and typically come with a flotation device for your camera.
Do take extra precautions when mounting and applying board mounts to your board. Clean the mounting area of sand, dust, and dirt beforehand.
Neck Mounts and Pendants
Have you ever wanted to see a video from your chest’s perspective? Now there are neck mounts and pendant camera mounts that can allow you to do that!
While it only has limited perspectives, it’s one of the most entertaining action camera mounts you can buy. These mounts typically hang around your neck like a necklace and connect to a plastic top saddle, allowing your action camera to sit comfortably in optimal filming position.
Note that for your own safety, it is essential to avoid any foreign objects getting tangled around your neck while using this mount, as it can result in suffocation. Try and use it without any other accessories on your neck.
Conclusion
Action cameras are amazing tools for capturing adventures. Tough and resistant, these little wonders should never get in your way. A nice selection of on—and off-body action camera mounts will allow you to record the joy and excitement of travel and sports without worrying about getting the shot or losing your camera. Whether you’re looking for a versatile action camera body mount or something that provides a unique perspective, investing in action camera mounts will take your footage and content to the next level.
