3 best YI action cameras in 2026 (3+ compared)

The types of users who should consider YI action cameras are as follows:

• Budget buyers: YI models can make sense when the price is low and basic 1080p or 4K recording is sufficient.
• Casual travelers: The compact size and wide lens suit occasional holiday, walking, and family footage when a waterproof housing is available.
• Cyclists and vehicle users: YI cameras work with many inexpensive action-camera mounts and can handle simple handlebar or dash-style recording.
• First-time action-camera users: An entry-level YI camera can be a low-cost way to learn mounting, framing, and editing before moving to a more advanced system.
• Existing YI owners: Users who already have compatible batteries, housings, and mounts can get more value from another YI body.

YI action cameras differ from modern premium rivals mainly through their low purchase price, straightforward hardware, and strong recording specifications for the generation in which they were released.

The YI 4K Plus was unusual among affordable cameras for offering 4K/60 recording, while the YI 4K paired a rear touchscreen with 4K/30 and electronic stabilization in supported modes. Both use removable batteries and compact bodies, but they lack the advanced horizon control, tall-sensor reframing, front displays, and polished audio systems found on newer cameras.

YI bodies are not natively waterproof, so water and impact protection depend on a separate case. This adds bulk, reduces audio quality, and makes access to the touchscreen or charging port less convenient.

The biggest present-day difference is support. Firmware development, official apps, batteries, and branded accessories are less dependable than they are for current GoPro or DJI products, so the complete new package should include the correct housing, battery, charger, and mounting frame.

The main series of YI action cameras are as follows:

• Original YI: The original YI is the entry-level model, recording up to 1080p/60 with a wide lens, removable battery, and app-based control. It was designed as a low-cost alternative for basic travel, cycling, vehicle, and fixed-angle footage, with simple high-speed recording available at reduced resolutions. It lacks a built-in rear screen, electronic stabilization, 4K capture, and native waterproofing, so framing depends on a phone and water use requires a separate housing.
• YI 4K: The YI 4K is the balanced model, adding a 2.19-inch rear touchscreen, 4K/30, 1080p slow motion, a larger removable battery, and electronic stabilization in supported lower-demand modes. It provides a much easier standalone shooting experience than the original YI and is suitable for travel, family footage, cycling, and general action recording. Its main limits are the lack of 4K/60, no native waterproofing, and stabilization that is less advanced than modern horizon-control systems.
• YI 4K Plus: The YI 4K Plus is the performance model and the most capable camera in the range, supporting 4K/60 and a recording bitrate of up to roughly 135 Mbps. It delivers smoother motion and retains more detail during sports or fast movement, while also providing a touchscreen, removable battery, USB-C connectivity, and electronic stabilization in compatible modes. The higher bitrate requires a faster memory card, demanding modes shorten runtime, and a separate housing is still needed for water or impact protection.

New YI action cameras cost about £40-£230, depending on the model and its recording capabilities.

The original YI sits around £40-£90 and is the basic 1080p option without a rear touchscreen or electronic stabilization. YI 4K and YI 4K Plus models generally occupy the £170-£230 range, adding touchscreen control, 4K recording, and stabilization in supported modes; the 4K Plus is the better choice when 4K/60 is required.

Allow additional budget for a new waterproof housing, compatible spare battery, charger, fast microSD card, and mounts. Compare the full package price with current budget cameras, particularly when native waterproofing, warranty support, or a maintained mobile app is important.

The main points to consider while choosing YI action cameras are as follows:

• Confirm the exact model: Identify whether it is the original YI, YI 4K, or YI 4K Plus and check the model number. Similar-looking models have very different recording limits.
• Compare complete recording modes: Check maximum resolution, frame rate, bitrate, slow motion, and the combinations that support electronic stabilization. The 4K Plus is required for 4K/60.
• Review stabilization limits: Confirm the resolutions and frame rates that support electronic stabilization, along with crop and low-light performance. The original YI does not provide modern stabilized recording.
• Compare battery and charging: Check rated runtime, battery type, removable-battery support, charging method, USB power behavior, and availability of compatible new spare batteries.
• Verify the waterproof housing: Use the housing made for the exact model and check its specified depth, button access, lens window, and compatibility with charging or audio. The camera body itself is not designed for immersion.
• Check memory-card requirements: Confirm supported capacity, UHS speed class, formatting method, and the card specification required for maximum bitrate. 4K/60 recording places the highest demand on the card.
• Confirm Wi-Fi and app support: Verify compatibility with the intended Android or iOS device, including live view, settings control, firmware installation, and file transfer.
• Review lens and low-light behavior: Compare field of view, distortion correction, aperture, minimum focus distance, and image noise after sunset or indoors. Older YI processing is strongest in good light.
• Confirm mounts and included accessories: Check that the new package includes the required housing or frame, tripod adapter, adhesive bases, cables, and charger. Generic GoPro-style mounts may still need a YI-specific case.
• Compare the complete new price: Add the housing, batteries, card, mounts, and charger to the camera price. Choose YI when the final package remains clearly cheaper than a supported modern alternative.