Best motorcycle helmet cameras: use your head!

helmet Cams
helmet Cams
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Modern digital action cameras such as GoPros can be great tools for bikers, especially when used as motorcycle helmet cameras.

By mounting them on your helmet or bike, you can not only record dramatic footage of your rides, which you might want to share on social media or simply keep for yourself, but it’s also useful both to record possible incidents, in the same way as a dash cam, and to analyse and potentially improve your riding.

But there’s also now so many different types of action camera available, and at a dizzying range of prices, that it’s not easy to know what you should go for.

What to look for in motorcycle helmet cameras

There are different sizes, weights and attachment systems available which should be considered if you’re contemplating fixing to your helmet, chest or bike.

Picture quality can vary widely, too – you should always go for something with a resolution of at least 1080p, with 4K currently the best.

Battery life is also an issue, and considering how most bikers ride, at least 60 minutes should be desirable while storage limits, durability, accessories, easy functionality, and quality ratings are all important, too.

But what’s out there? What can you get for your money and what’s included? Here’s our pick of some of the best-rated, most compact and portable for you to consider.

The Best Motorcycle Helmet Cameras

Rrp: £479.99

Price: £399.00
Amazon Amazon Prime

Description

The arrival of the new HERO11 means great deals on the already brilliant HERO10 - pin-sharp 5.3K video resolution at 60fps, Hypersmooth image stabilisation and horizon lock combine to make shooting high-quality video a breeze. Its big buttons are easy to use with gloves and there are more mounting options than you could shake a stick at.

Want to know even more? Read our GoPro HERO10 review.

Price: £219.99
Amazon Amazon Prime

Description

If Drift's more basic Ghost X isn't enough for you, how about this top-of-the-range 4K version? Although similar outwardly to the more basic X, the 4K Plus is uprated in almost every way by recording in ultra-high definition 4K (4096 x 2160) at up to 25fps.

It also accepts MicroSD memory cards up to 128GB, has a full three hours of battery life not to mention continuous loop dashcam modes, tagging functions and much, much more. A quality piece of kit.

Pros

  • 4K imaging
  • Familiar, easy design
  • Lots of features

Cons

  • Still not quite a GoPro
Price: £279.80 (was £399)

www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk

Description

OK, it's not cheap, but this is a novel combo of Bluetooth-enabled comms with not only a built-in UHD camera but also WiFi smartphone connectivity and even a radio!

Of course, all those functions can make it a little confusing at first but the advantages are worth the effort and price – 4K/30fps high-def video, built-in audio, the ability to chat to your riding buddies via the intercom and to give an audio commentary to your footage, a function that allows you to easily review the video via WiFi and your phone and much, much more.

Pros

  • Vast array of features
  • Quality video with audio
  • Highly rated

Cons

  • Price a little steep

Rrp: £249.00

Price: £199.00
Amazon Amazon Prime

Description

Go back a few generations and you can get a pretty heft discount on GoPro motorcycle helmet cameras that will do everything you need and more.

It’s got class-leading, full-5K UHD definition, has an updated, full-colour, rear touchscreen for perfect framing and reviewing, has new, clever, built-in, fold-out ’fingers’ so there’s no longer a need for a separate cage mount and, at just 5cm x 6cm x 3.4cm, it’s still so tiny you can mount it almost anywhere.

Pros

  • 5K definition
  • Bigger touchscreen back
  • Clever design

Cons

  • Can't use touchscreen with gloves

Rrp: £325.00

Price: £289
Amazon

Description

Although it can't boast the 5K UHD video definition of the latest Hero 9, GoPro's Hero 6 remains a brilliant all-round action camera that's perfect for most bike users.

Its 4K video has twice the performance of the preceding Hero5, its casing is rugged and waterproof to 10m making it ideal for outdoor use, there’s a full-width, two-inch touchscreen rear display for perfect framing and it’s even more compact than the 9. Not cheap but certainly one of the best.

Pros

  • Quality brand
  • Great features
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Again, not cheap
Price: £449.00
Amazon Amazon Prime

Description

And finally... Insta360 helmet action cameras give a mind-blowing 360° perspective and can shoot in super hi-res 5.7K. Add to that a whole variety of purpose-built motorcycle mounts for helmets, handlebars or more and you've got what's already claimed by many to be the ultimate motorcycle action camera.

Yes, they require some tech savvy editing but they offer a truly unique perspective which automatically removes the ‘selfie stick’. Go on, you know you want one – even at this price!

Pros

  • Unique perspective
  • Amazing editing possibilities
  • Ultra hi-res

Cons

  • That price!

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