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Action cameras Methodology v1.0
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Products in this category are evaluated mathematically under Frontumo Action cameras Methodology v1.0 using verified laboratory benchmarks, technical specifications, and authentic consumer ratings with 0% commercial bias.
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Garmin VIRB Ultra 30 Review | 96 Data compared

Avg. price:~£380Video resolution:4KBattery life:135 minWaterproof depth:0 mElectronic image stabilization:yesMaximum 4K frame rate:30 fps

Garmin VIRB Ultra 30 Review: Compare 96 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Action cameras category and whether it is worth buying.

6.2

Overall score

Score
6.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the action camera's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best action cameras on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

80%

6.0

Technical score

20%

7.0

User score

â–²Better than 57% of action-cameras
6.0

Technical score

Technical score
6.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Action cameras category across these key areas: Video, Photo, Display & Design, Connectivity & Audio, Battery, Ruggedness & Storage.
When it matters
When you want to compare action cameras based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

30%

6.0

Video

22%

5.6

Photo

14%

5.0

Ruggedness & Storage

13%

6.6

Battery

11%

7.3

Connectivity & Audio

10%

6.2

Display & Design

â–²Better than 62% of action-cameras
7.0

User score

User score
7.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the action camera.
When it matters
When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

7.4

User ratings

30%

6.2

Number of reviews

Based on 372 buyer reviews from online shops.
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
â–¼Worse than 81% of action-cameras
  • garmin-virb-ultra-30
  • garmin-virb-ultra-30
  • garmin-virb-ultra-30
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garmin-virb-ultra-30
garmin-virb-ultra-30

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of action camera Garmin VIRB Ultra 30

Technical score
Technical score
6.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Action cameras category across these key areas: Video, Photo, Display & Design, Connectivity & Audio, Battery, Ruggedness & Storage.
When it matters
When you want to compare action cameras based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

30%

6.0

Video

22%

5.6

Photo

14%

5.0

Ruggedness & Storage

13%

6.6

Battery

11%

7.3

Connectivity & Audio

10%

6.2

Display & Design

6.0
User score
User score
7.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the action camera.
When it matters
When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

7.4

User ratings

30%

6.2

Number of reviews

Based on 372 buyer reviews from online shops.
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
7.0
Popularity
Popularity
6.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the action camera.
When it matters
When you want to see which action cameras attract the most buyer attention and review activity.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Popularity:
Garmin VIRB Ultra 30 has a popularity score of 6.2 points, which is lower than 55.4% of action cameras.
6.2
Ratio quality/price
Value for money
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the action camera's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

60%

6.2

Overall score

40%

8.5

Price

6.9
Video resolution
4K
Video resolution
4K
This action camera records video at 4K, which is higher than that of 36.1% of action cameras.
Maximum 4K frame rate
30 fps
Maximum 4K frame rate
30 fps
This action camera has a maximum 4K frame rate of 30 fps, which is higher than that of 41.8% of action cameras and equal to that of 24.1% of action cameras.
Maximum 1080p frame rate
120 fps
Maximum 1080p frame rate
120 fps
This action camera has a maximum 1080p frame rate of 120 fps, which is higher than that of 60.3% of action cameras and equal to that of 20.5% of action cameras.
Video bitrate
60 Mbps
Video bitrate
60 Mbps
This action camera has a video bitrate of 60 Mbps, which is higher than that of 40.5% of action cameras and equal to that of 13.5% of action cameras.
Video codecs
H.264
Video codecs
H.264
This action camera supports the following video codecs: H.264. Its codec support is more advanced than that of 2.4% of action cameras.
Show more
Main camera megapixels
12 MP
Main camera megapixels
12 MP
This action camera has a main camera resolution of 12 MP, which is higher than that of 25.2% of action cameras and equal to that of 29.9% of action cameras.
Sensor size
1/2.3"
Sensor size
1/2.3"
This action camera has a sensor size of 1/2.3", which is larger than that of 18.3% of action cameras.
Main camera aperture
f/2.6 f
Main camera aperture
f/2.6
This action camera has a main camera aperture of f/2.6, which is wider than that of 52.1% of action cameras and equal to that of 3.1% of action cameras.
Photo resolution
12 MP
Photo resolution
12 MP
This action camera captures photos at 12 MP, which is higher than 24.3% of action cameras and equal to 35% of action cameras.
Field of view
?
Show more
Built-in display
yes
Built-in display
yes
This action camera has a display. This feature is present on 71.9% of action cameras.
Screen size
1.75 inch
Screen size
1.75 inch
This action camera has a 1.75 inch screen, which is smaller than the screens on 68% of action cameras.
Touchscreen
yes
Touchscreen
yes
This action camera includes a touchscreen. This feature is present on 57% of action cameras.
Secondary screen
no
Secondary screen
no
This action camera does not have a secondary screen. 8.7% of action cameras have a secondary screen.
Secondary screen resolution
N/A
Show more
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This action camera supports Wi-Fi connectivity. This feature is present on 92.5% of action cameras.
Wi-Fi version
?
Bluetooth version
4
Bluetooth version
4
This action camera supports Bluetooth version 4 which is newer than that supported by 47.8% of action cameras and equal to that of 17% of action cameras.
GPS
yes
GPS
yes
This action camera supports GPS. This feature is present on 13.3% of action cameras.
USB Type-C
no
USB Type-C
no
This action camera does not include USB Type-C. 42.2% of action cameras use USB-C.
Show more
Battery life
135 min
Battery life
135 min
This action camera runs for 135 min per charge, which is longer than the battery life of 76.2% of action cameras and equal to the battery life of 2.4% of action cameras.
Battery power
1,250 mAh
Battery power
1,250 mAh
This action camera has a battery capacity of 1,250 mAh, which is higher than that of 62.5% of action cameras.
Charging time
2 h
Charging time
2 h
This action camera charges in 2 h, which is shorter than the charging time of 41.5% of action cameras and equal to the charging time of 27% of action cameras.
Fast charging
no
Fast charging
no
This action camera does not support fast charging. 18.8% of action cameras support fast charging.
Wireless charging
no
Wireless charging
no
This action camera does not support wireless charging. 0.6% of action cameras support wireless charging.
Show more
Waterproof depth
Not waterproof m
Waterproof depth
Not waterproof m
This action camera is not rated for underwater use. 51.8% of cameras have a native waterproof depth rating.
With included housing; camera body is not waterproof
IP rating
?
Maximum operating temperature
45 °C
Maximum operating temperature
45 °C
This action camera has a maximum operating temperature of 45 °C, which is higher than that of 74.5% of action cameras and equal to that of 19.7% of action cameras.
Minimum operating temperature
-15 °C
Minimum operating temperature
-15 °C
This action camera has a minimum operating temperature of -15 °C, which is lower than that of 78% of action cameras.
-20 on external power.
External memory slot
yes
External memory slot
yes
This action camera includes an external memory slot. This feature is present on 95.2% of action cameras.
Show more

Garmin VIRB Ultra 30 vs the average action camera

246810TotalVideoPhotoDisplay & DesignConnectivity & AudioBatteryRuggedness & Storage
  • Has GPS
    GPS
    yes
    This action camera supports GPS, the average action camera does not. 13.8% of action cameras include GPS functionality.
  • 45 min longer battery life
    Battery life
    135 min
    This action camera has longer battery life than the average action camera (135 min vs 90 min). The average action camera offers 90 min of battery life.
    135 min vs 90 min
  • Built-in live streaming
    First-party live streaming
    yes
    This action camera supports built-in live streaming, the average action camera does not. 28.7% of action cameras support built-in live streaming.
  • 2 fps higher slow-motion frame rate
    Slow-motion video
    240 fps
    This action camera has a higher slow-motion frame rate than the average action camera (240 fps vs 120 fps). The average action camera reaches 120 fps for slow motion.
    300 fps claims are weaker than 240 fps support.
    240 fps vs 120 fps
  • 0.2 f wider main aperture
    Main camera aperture
    2.6 f
    This action camera has a lower main camera aperture than the average action camera (2.6 f vs 2.8 f). The average action camera main camera aperture is 2.8 f.
    2.6 f vs 2.8 f
  • 5 °C higher max operating temp
    Maximum operating temperature
    45 °C
    This action camera has a higher maximum operating temperature than the average action camera (45 °C vs 40 °C). The average action camera reaches a maximum operating temperature of 40 °C.
    45 °C vs 40 °C
  • Has HDMI output
    HDMI output
    yes
    This action camera supports HDMI output, the average action camera does not. 43.1% of action cameras support video-out features.
    Built-in Micro HDMI port.
  • 60 fps higher 1080p frame rate
    Maximum 1080p frame rate
    120 fps
    This action camera has a higher 1080p frame rate than the average action camera (120 fps vs 60 fps). The average action camera reaches 60 fps at 1080p.
    120 fps vs 60 fps
  • Built-in live streaming
    First-party live streaming
    yes
    This action camera supports built-in live streaming, the average action camera does not. 28.7% of action cameras support built-in live streaming.
  • 2 fps higher slow-motion frame rate
    Slow-motion video
    240 fps
    This action camera has a higher slow-motion frame rate than the average action camera (240 fps vs 120 fps). The average action camera reaches 120 fps for slow motion.
    300 fps claims are weaker than 240 fps support.
    240 fps vs 120 fps
  • 60 fps higher 1080p frame rate
    Maximum 1080p frame rate
    120 fps
    This action camera has a higher 1080p frame rate than the average action camera (120 fps vs 60 fps). The average action camera reaches 60 fps at 1080p.
    120 fps vs 60 fps
  • 0.2 f wider main aperture
    Main camera aperture
    2.6 f
    This action camera has a lower main camera aperture than the average action camera (2.6 f vs 2.8 f). The average action camera main camera aperture is 2.8 f.
    2.6 f vs 2.8 f
  • Has GPS
    GPS
    yes
    This action camera supports GPS, the average action camera does not. 13.8% of action cameras include GPS functionality.
  • Has HDMI output
    HDMI output
    yes
    This action camera supports HDMI output, the average action camera does not. 43.1% of action cameras support video-out features.
    Built-in Micro HDMI port.
  • Supports voice commands
    Voice commands
    yes
    This action camera supports voice commands, the average action camera does not. 30.5% of action cameras include voice command functionality.
  • 45 min longer battery life
    Battery life
    135 min
    This action camera has longer battery life than the average action camera (135 min vs 90 min). The average action camera offers 90 min of battery life.
    135 min vs 90 min
  • 50 mAh more battery capacity
    Battery life
    1,250 mAh min
    This action camera has a higher battery capacity than the average action camera (1250 mAh vs 1200 mAh). The average action camera has a battery capacity of 1200 mAh.
    1,250 mAh vs 1,200 mAh
  • 5 °C higher max operating temp
    Maximum operating temperature
    45 °C
    This action camera has a higher maximum operating temperature than the average action camera (45 °C vs 40 °C). The average action camera reaches a maximum operating temperature of 40 °C.
    45 °C vs 40 °C
  • Lower video resolution
    Video resolution
    4K
    This action camera records at 4K, a lower video resolution than the average action camera (5.3K).
    4K vs 5.3K
  • Older Bluetooth version
    Bluetooth version
    4.0
    This action camera uses an older Bluetooth version than the average action camera (4 vs 5.2). The average action camera uses Bluetooth 5.2.
    4.0 vs 5.2
  • 1 m shallower waterproof depth
    Waterproof depth
    0 m
    This action camera has a lower waterproof depth rating than the average action camera (0 m vs 1 m). The average action camera has a waterproof depth rating of 1 m.
    With included housing; camera body is not waterproof
    0 m vs 1 m
  • No webcam mode
    Webcam mode
    no
    This action camera does not support webcam mode, the average action camera does. 60.7% of action cameras support webcam mode.
  • 12.5% smaller screen size
    Screen size
    1.75 inch
    This action camera has a lower screen size than the average action camera (1.8 inch vs 2 inch). The average action camera has a screen size of 2 inch.
    1.75 inch vs 2 inch
  • 52% more expensive
    Garmin VIRB Ultra 30 is more expensive than the average action camera (£380 vs £250).
    £380 vs £250
  • 13.8% lower user score
    User score
    7.0/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the action camera.
    When it matters
    When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
    Score distribution
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Garmin VIRB Ultra 30
    the average action camera
    Garmin VIRB Ultra 30 has a lower user score than the average action camera (7.03 vs 8.000).
    7.03 vs 8
  • 2 older release date
    Release date
    2016
    This action camera is older than the average action camera (2016 vs 2018). The average action camera was released in 2018.
    Released in August 2016.
    2016 vs 2018
  • 52% more expensive
    Garmin VIRB Ultra 30 is more expensive than the average action camera (£380 vs £250).
    £380 vs £250
  • 13.8% lower user score
    User score
    7.0/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the action camera.
    When it matters
    When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
    Score distribution
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Garmin VIRB Ultra 30
    the average action camera
    Garmin VIRB Ultra 30 has a lower user score than the average action camera (7.03 vs 8.000).
    7.03 vs 8
  • Lower video resolution
    Video resolution
    4K
    This action camera records at 4K, a lower video resolution than the average action camera (5.3K).
    4K vs 5.3K
  • No webcam mode
    Webcam mode
    no
    This action camera does not support webcam mode, the average action camera does. 60.7% of action cameras support webcam mode.
  • 12.5% smaller screen size
    Screen size
    1.75 inch
    This action camera has a lower screen size than the average action camera (1.8 inch vs 2 inch). The average action camera has a screen size of 2 inch.
    1.75 inch vs 2 inch
  • 2 older release date
    Release date
    2016
    This action camera is older than the average action camera (2016 vs 2018). The average action camera was released in 2018.
    Released in August 2016.
    2016 vs 2018
  • Older Bluetooth version
    Bluetooth version
    4.0
    This action camera uses an older Bluetooth version than the average action camera (4 vs 5.2). The average action camera uses Bluetooth 5.2.
    4.0 vs 5.2
  • 1 m shallower waterproof depth
    Waterproof depth
    0 m
    This action camera has a lower waterproof depth rating than the average action camera (0 m vs 1 m). The average action camera has a waterproof depth rating of 1 m.
    With included housing; camera body is not waterproof
    0 m vs 1 m

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

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dcrainmaker.com
07/09/2016
Summary of the review
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wired.com
31/08/2016
Summary of the review
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zdnet.com
31/08/2016
Summary of the review
B
bikeradar.com
04/10/2016
Summary of the review
T
tomsguide.com
15/11/2016
Summary of the review
P
pocket-lint.com
04/04/2017
Summary of the review
C
cyclingweekly.com
20/10/2017
Summary of the review
E
engadget.com
31/08/2016
Summary of the review
D
dpreview.com
05/09/2016
Summary of the review
C
chip.de
25/10/2016
Summary of the review
C
computerbild.de
14/12/2016
Summary of the review
M
masculin.com
08/02/2018
Summary of the review
T
tuttobicitech.it
20/12/2019
Summary of the review

Third-party reviews

Based on 372 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: July 2026 · How we calculate this

What we like about Garmin VIRB Ultra 30

  • Excellent 4K video resolution and sharp, detailed image quality
  • G-Metrix data overlay metrics tracking speed, G-force, altitude, and GPS data
  • Intuitive and easy-to-use touchscreen interface that functions even through the waterproof case
  • Great ecosystem connectivity with other Garmin devices and smartphones
  • Good cross-compatibility with standard GoPro accessories and mounts
  • Hands-free convenience via responsive voice recognition commands
  • High-sensitivity microphone offering great audio quality even inside the protective housing

What we don't like about Garmin VIRB Ultra 30

  • Short overall battery life, which gets reduced further when using GPS or image stabilisation
  • Digital image stabilisation crops the field of view and is unavailable in 4K resolution
  • The camera unit itself is not natively waterproof without its external plastic housing
  • Initial high price point compared to similar competitors in the action camera market
  • Can feel heavy or bulky when mounted directly on a helmet
  • Slow initial GPS cold start fix with occasional positional drifting

Verdict

The Garmin Virb Ultra 30 is a high-performance 4K action camera capable of recording Ultra HD at 30fps, 1080p at 120fps for slow motion, and capturing 12MP stills. Key characteristics include its G-Metrix technology—utilizing a built-in GPS and sensors like an accelerometer, altimeter, and compass to overlay data gauges on footage—and support for Sensory TrulyHandsfree voice control. Main pros include a highly responsive 1.75-inch color touchscreen that works even through the included 40m waterproof housing, 3-axis electronic image stabilization (up to 1440p/60fps), and excellent high-sensitivity audio. However, notable cons include its lack of native waterproofing without the external case, limited battery life (often under 90 minutes with GPS and high-res settings active), and the fact that image stabilization is unavailable when recording in 4K resolution.

Compare Garmin VIRB Ultra 30 with other products in the Action cameras category

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