TL;DR: Deciding on the best bike camera comes down to how and where you ride. If your priority is capturing scenic, off-road rides, a dedicated action camera with 4K recording and image stabilisation, such as the Insta360 Go Ultra, makes for a great choice.
For everyday commuting and road cycling, bike cameras with built-in lights, particularly those with a 360-degree light, like SeeMe’s 360 Pro Light Set, offer the added benefit of increasing your visibility while recording your ride.
For those who want extra peace of mind while out cycling, Cycliq’s Ultimate Safety Bundle is another popular choice for the combination of smart incident detection, front and rear cameras and clear recording capabilities, which are detailed enough to pick up number plates.
Every year, more than 100 cyclists die on UK roads (according to Brake). Investing in a bike camera can help hold dangerous drivers to account and even deter bad behaviour.
In fact, more and more road users are making the call. Last year, the number of videos submitted to the police via the National Dash Cam Safety Portal hit a record high – with over 24,000 videos submitted in just the first six months of 2024 (based on figures from FleetNews).
But what should you look for in a cycling camera? Here’s all you need to know.
First things first, let’s take a look at the different types of cycling cameras available.
Action cameras like GoPros can be a great option for the right cyclist.
They’re versatile and can be used for much more than just your bike rides – making them appealing to adventure-lovers.
You can also get lots of different mounts for them – including for your helmet and for your bike itself.
However, as they’re not designed specifically as bike safety equipment, it’s important to check that any action cameras you’re considering will shoot at a high resolution and support loop recording (which chops the footage into shorter clips). We’ll cover the essentials in a bit!
The main drawback is that action cameras usually have a relatively short battery life. This may not be a problem for a short commute, but they might not be the ideal solution if you regularly cycle for over an hour.
Alternatively, you could invest in a specially-designed bike camera, which will function more similarly to a car dashcam.
Most of these will automatically record in a loop format and will overlay the date and time over your footage – which is handy if you need to submit it to the police.
Plus, some bike cameras even have sensors so that they can detect if you’ve been involved in an accident and protect any related footage.
Often, the quality of the footage won’t be quite as good as with an action camera. However, some specially-designed bike cameras can still record in HD and regardless, if you choose the right one, it should be more than enough for recording any incidents.
Bike cameras like this are available for both the front and rear of your bike. Ideally, you’ll want both so you’re covered from all angles!
If you want to kill two birds with one stone, you could choose a bike camera that’s integrated in a bike light.
This is typical for rear-facing cameras, which are commonly built into rear bike lights.
However, you can occasionally also find exceptional products that have both front-facing and rear-facing lights and cameras that work this way – like the SeeMe Pro 360.
This can be handy so you don’t have to clutter your handlebars with all sorts of gadgets – and you won’t have to remember to recharge both your bike light and camera either.
Rather, you’ll know that whenever your bike light is with you, your bike camera is too.
Lastly, you’ll find 360 cameras.
These are similar to action cameras but have a lens on both sides – meaning they can record everything that’s going on at the same time!
In this way, they can often catch incidents that another camera wouldn’t capture. But the footage does require some processing if you want to use it – unlike other options, you can’t just pull files off and send them to the police.
Similar to other action cameras, battery life can also be quite short with these. And they tend to be on the more expensive side.
However, for the right tech-savvy cyclist, they can be a great option!
Whatever type of bicycle camera you choose, you’ll need to look out for certain features to make sure it’s suitable for your needs.
Here are the essentials.
When it comes to picture quality, you’ll find that there’s a lot of jargon to wrap your head around.
If you’re after high-quality video, the two main things to look out for are resolution and frames per second (FPS).
Resolution is all about the clarity of the footage recorded.
Essentially, higher-resolution cameras will record with more pixels, which means the image will be sharper.
So, which resolution is best?
Well, we’ve found that even bike lights with HD cameras aren’t great at recording licence plate details clearly while cycling.
On the other hand, bike lights with UHD cameras are.
With that in mind, we believe a bike light with a UHD camera is essential from a safety point of view.
As a bonus, it’ll also offer a higher level of detail and clarity if you’re hoping to edit and share videos of your bicycle rides or stunts.
Just remember that higher-definition footage will use up more storage, so it can be worth checking that your UHD camera will team with a large-capacity SD card.
As well as resolution, you’ll also want to consider the FPS.
This tells you how many still images (frames) are displayed in a single second of video footage.
As you’d expect, the more frames (and therefore, the higher the FPS), the smoother and more realistic the movement will appear to whoever is watching.
The standard (and minimum) for TV is 24 FPS. That’s because the human eye is capable of analysing 24 images per second.
That said, the best for a bicycle camera will depend on what you want to do with the footage.
For most scenarios, 24 FPS is the ideal. However, there are instances where you might want more. For instance, if you want to record in slow motion, you’ll need at least 60 FPS.
Bike cameras can vary widely when it comes to size and weight.
Generally speaking, a small, lightweight camera is going to be the least obtrusive – especially if you’re hoping to mount your bike camera to your helmet.
Plus, don’t forget that smaller cameras will also be more portable.
That said, you’ll need to take durability into account. Plus, be aware that very lightweight cameras often come with shorter runtimes – which brings us onto…
Smaller, more lightweight cameras tend to come with a shorter battery life.
So, you’ll need to consider your priorities and find the right balance for you.
This may be an easy call if you use your bike for urban commuting, but can become more complex if you regularly take long bike rides.
Ultimately, you’ll need your bike camera to be able to last the duration of your rides – or, you’ll need a way to be able to charge it on the go, such as a power bank.
A bike camera that’s compatible with USB-C charging will give you versatility here, as the EU has approved legislation to make USB-C charging mandatory for smartphones, cameras and tablets by the end of 2024 – meaning you should be able to charge your bike camera using your phone charger.
Always check charging time too, to make sure you can get your battery back to full charge in the window you need.
Your bike camera will usually come with a mount, or a couple of mounting options.
So, always check what’s included with your chosen camera before buying – and budget for your preferred mounting option separately if it doesn’t come with your camera.
You’ll generally have two options: mounting your camera to your bike, or mounting it to yourself.
Bike-mounted cameras are usually forward-facing or rear-facing.
Forward-facing cameras are typically mounted to your bike’s handlebars or stem, providing an unobstructed view of what lies ahead.
Meanwhile, rear-facing cameras are usually mounted to your bike’s seatpost. This enables them to identify vehicles you can’t see and show how close a passing car gets to you.
One big advantage of a bike-mounted camera is that they’ll reliably pick up any action within their range – especially those with a wide angle lens of at least 120 degrees – so you won’t have to worry about pointing your head in the direction of an incident as you would with a helmet camera.
Plus, your camera won’t feel as cumbersome as it might if it was mounted on your person.
Like bike lights, bike cameras can attach to your bike in different ways. The most common include elasticated straps and fixed mounts with quick-release fittings.
The latter is often preferable as it means you can easily take your bike camera on and off your bike for charging, without having to re-set up your mount every time.
If you’d prefer to mount your camera to yourself, the most common way is to attach it to your helmet.
Some helmets will include a GoPro-style mount for this purpose, although you can also buy mounts as accessories if your helmet doesn’t have one included.
Attaching your camera to your helmet can provide a completely unrestricted view of the world around you – which is especially useful if you want to use a 360 camera.
But one big downside is, if you’re looking the wrong way, vital footage can be missed – a handlebar-mounted camera with wide-angle coverage is the best way to catch all action.
Plus, heavier cameras can get cumbersome. And it won’t be as easy to charge your camera up on the go for longer bike rides.
It’s also worth noting that helmet cameras will be more obvious to other road users. While this might help to deter bad behaviour, it could risk rubbing someone up the wrong way. So, it has pros and cons.
Alternatively, you can get chest mounts which are great for mountain biking and adventure capture – although they’re often not super comfortable for long rides.
Looping video is a really handy feature to have in a bike camera.
In fact, we’d say it’s an essential if you’re hoping to be able to capture unexpected moments – whether that’s an incident on the road or a cool trick you didn’t think you’d be able to master!
Basically, looping video means your camera will be able to record continuously as, when it starts to run out of memory space, it will overwrite your oldest clips.
In this way, you’ll never run out of storage space.
Plus, you’ll never need to manually delete your unneeded footage. Rather, if there’s any recorded footage you want to keep, you just have to save it before it’s overwritten!
Some bike cameras even have sensors that allow them to detect when an incident may have occurred. In this case, they can protect any related footage by locking the file and putting it in a different folder on the SD card.
Now you know what to look for in a bike camera, take a look at our pick of the best.
We’ve picked out our top 3 models in each category to give you plenty of excellent choices to consider.
The GoPro Hero is a compact, lightweight action camera that’s well-suited to cyclists looking to capture high-quality ride footage without adding unnecessary bulk to your setup. Despite being GoPro’s smallest 4K camera offering, it delivers crisp video with HyperSmooth stabilisation to reduce vibrations on rough roads and trails. Its rugged, waterproof design (up to 5m) also makes it a reliable choice for riding in all conditions, while compatibility with GoPro’s extensive range of mounts makes it easy to attach to handlebars, helmets or even chest harnesses.
Pros:
Cons:
Rough price: £200
Resolution: 4K, 1080P
Weight: 86g
Battery life: 1,255 mAh battery, around 1-2 hours of life on a continuous record
The Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is an action camera designed for riders who want maximum image quality and flexibility from a relatively compact setup. It features a 1/1.3” sensor and a Leica SUMMARIT lens capable of recording up to 8K at 30fps, alongside 4K at higher frame rates for smoother, more practical on-bike footage. Plus, the wide 157-degree field of view captures an expansive field of view that’s ideal for road cycling and trail riding, while FlowState stabilisation helps keep footage steady over rough terrain.
Pros:
Cons:
Rough price: £409
Resolution: 8K, 4K, 2.7K, 1440P, 1080P
Weight: 177.7g
Battery life: 1800mAh
The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro is a compact action camera built around a 1/1.3” sensor that records up to 4K at 120fps, delivering detailed, high-frame-rate footage ideal for fast-moving cycling. Unlike a couple of other options on the list, the DJI features SuperNight mode, which improves clarity in low-light conditions such as early morning or evening commutes. With up to around 4 hours of battery life depending on settings, dual OLED touchscreens for easy framing and a waterproof design to 20m without a case, it’s a camera that’s incredibly well-suited to road cycling, commuting and gravel riding – essentially anytime where durability and stable footage are key.
Pros:
Cons:
Rough price: £305
Resolution: 4K, 2.7K, 1080P
Weight: 146g
Battery life: 1770mAh (up to 4 hours of continuous use)
The Cyliq Fly12 Sport is a purpose-built front bike dashcam that combines a 4K action camera with the added bonus of a powerful 600-lumen front light. Designed mainly for road cycling, commuting, and training rides, it records wide-angle footage while improving visibility to other road users. The rugged, weather-resistant housing is built for year-round use (it’s UK winter-approved), and it mounts directly onto your handlebars for a stable, forward-facing view of the road.
Pros:
Cons:
Rough price: £319
Resolution: 4K playback
Weight: 148g
Battery life: 7 hours (camera-only mode) and 5 hours (organic mode)
If you’re after a budget solution that can enhance your safety on the roads, the Dash Cam Action might be the perfect fit. Designed specifically for cyclists and motorbike riders who want simple, continuous recording without an overly complex setup, it records in full HD 1080P with a 120-degree wide-angle lens. It also includes night vision and a built-in microphone, making it a no-frills, budget-friendly option for riders who want basic dashcam-style protection rather than cinematic footage.
Pros:
Cons:
Rough price: £100
Resolution: 1080P
Weight: 350g
Battery life: Up to 4 hours
The Vantrue Falcon 1 is a dual-camera dashcam also designed for cyclists and motorcyclists who want complete front and rear coverage on every ride. It records in 4K at the front and 1080p at the rear, using a Sony 8M STARVIS sensor to produce detailed footage in daylight and nighttime conditions. If you’re a road cyclist or a long-distance rider who wants continuous recording and comprehensive evidence capture from both directions, the Vantrue Falcon 1 might just be the device for you.
Pros:
Cons:
Rough price: £350
Resolution: 4K at the front and 1080p at the rear
Weight: Around 200g per unit
Battery life: Hardwired directly to an ignition
The SeeMe Pro 360 is an all-in-one bike lighting and camera system designed to improve both your visibility and visibility to others, as well as safety on the road. It’s unique in its design, as, unlike traditional bike lights it combines a 1,500-lumen LED directional main front beam, a 450-lumen rear beam and integrated 4K UHD cameras in both units. This allows you to illuminate the road while recording your journey from the front and rear simultaneously. Its patented 360-degree visibility design uses LED strips to ensure you’re visible from every angle, while built-in gyroscope stabilisation function, night colour vision technology and IPX6 weather resistance help deliver clear footage in a wide range of riding conditions.
Pros:
Cons:
Rough price: £389.99
Resolution: 4K 3840 x 2160 @30fps
Battery life: >2 hours
The Garmin Varia Vue also combines a bike light with a camera, making it an excellent choice for cyclists who prioritise safety, incident recording and a 4K front-facing camera. Automatic incident detection saves and protects video if a crash or sudden impact is detected, while the integrated headlight produces up to 600 lumens. Built-in Wi-Fi and compatibility with the Garmin Varia app make it easy to store recordings, and you can also control camera and headlight settings from the app.
Pros:
Cons:
Rough price: £459
Resolution: 4K
Weight: 200g
Battery life: 9 hours camera-only, 7 hours in day flash
The Cycliq Fly12 Sport (front) and Fly6 (rear) sit firmly in the premium category and are bike lights designed for riders who want a combined light, camera and safety system that performs across road, gravel and other mixed terrains. Cycliq also prioritises visibility and recording, making it ideal for longer and bikepacking adventures, as well as shorter road commutes where a camera might be useful. Both cameras feature loop recording, 6-axis electronic image stabilisation, automatic incident protection mode and GPS integration to make sure footage is saved if an accident occurs.
Pros:
Cons:
Rough price: £647
Resolution: 4K
Weight: Fly12 Sport (front) – 148g, Fly6 Pro (rear) – 151g
Battery life: Fly12 Sport (front) – 7 hours on camera-only mode, 5 hours on organic mode, Fly6 Pro (rear) – 7 hours
If you’re someone who wants complete freedom to capture every single angle of your ride, the Insta360 X4 might be the nifty device your cycling setup is missing. Equipped with dual lenses, it records immersive 8K 360-degree video. But it can also be switched to a single-lens mode with up to 4K recording. If you’re also someone who loves to relive your rides through stats, the Insta360 X4 can overlay your GPS, speed and power from your Garmin device or Apple Watch for data-rich videos.
Pros:
Cons:
Rough price: £319
Resolution: 8K, 5.7K, 4K (360-degree mode)
Weight: 203g
Battery life: 135 minutes in video mode at 5.7K30fps
If you prefer your bike camera mounted to your helmet as opposed to your handlebars, the Techalogic DC-1 Dual Lens Helmet Camera records both the front and rear of your ride in full HD 1080P. Designed mainly for commuters and road cyclists, it features seamless loop recording, Wi-Fi connectivity for easy playback and a great battery life that can be extended with a powerbank by around 7-7.5 hours.
Pros:
Cons:
Rough price: £190
Resolution: 1080P
Weight: 104g
Battery life: 1600mAh (up to 2.5 working hours for dual channel recording)
GoPro, of course, also offers a great 360-degree camera for cycling. If you’re someone who really wants to record top-quality or social media content while out on your bike, it records immersive 5.6K 360-degree video with its dual lenses – and you can shoot for YouTube and TikTok at the same time, thanks to the fact that you can grab any aspect ratio from any shot. GoPro’s Max HyperSmooth stabilisation and in-camera levelling also help keep your footage steady on rough roads, gravel tracks, and mountain bike trails.
Pros:
Cons:
Rough price: £350
Resolution: 6K, 3K (source), 5.6K, 3K (stitched) for 360-degree video
Weight: 154g
Battery life: 78 minutes when shooting in 5.6K 360-degree mode
The Hero 13 is the latest iteration in GoPro’s action camera lineup, offering an excellent all-rounder option for cyclists who want reliable, high-quality ride footage without changing their setup. It records up to 5.3K at 60fps, delivering sharp, detailed video that would work well for all types of cycling – especially considering it also features HB-series lenses that automatically put you in the right filming mode for the types of shots you want. Where the Hero 13 really comes into its own, however, is its rugged, waterproof build that can go as deep as 10m.
Pros:
Cons:
Rough price: £299.99
Resolution: 5.3K, 4K120, 2.7K120, 1080P240 video
Weight: 159g (camera with mounting fingers and battery), 125g (without battery)
Battery life: 2.5 hours of continuous 1080P30 recording, 1.5 hours at max settings
Waterproof: Up to 10m
Of course, we’ve already mentioned the DJI Osmo Action 5 camera in the action camera section – but it also happens to be the best when it comes to water resistance, too. It records in 4K/60fps with RockSteady and HorizonSteady stabilisation, making it ideal for road cycling, gravel riding and mountain biking, where smooth footage is essential. A key standout is its class-leading waterproof rating of up to 20m without a case (this is deeper than most action cameras), so it easily handles heavy rain and harsh weather far beyond everyday use.
Pros:
Cons:
Rough price: £305
Resolution: 4K, 2.7K, 1080P
Weight: 146g
Battery life: 1770mAh (up to 4 hours of continuous use)
Waterproof: Up to 20m
The SeeMe Pro 360 is mainly aimed at commuters, which is exactly why it’s built to withstand everyday UK riding conditions, with added benefits like GalaxyCore cameras and 360-degree visibility. It has an IPX6 waterproof rating, meaning that it can handle rain and powerful water jets – a feature that’s very important if you often find yourself wet-weather cycling. Alongside its water resistance, the SeeMe Pro 360 also features front and rear 4K UHD cameras and a patented 360-degree LED lighting design that ensures visibility from all angles.
Pros:
Cons:
Rough price: £389.99
Resolution: 4K 3840 x 2160 @30fps
Battery life: >2 hours
Waterproof: IPX6
Finally, if you want to get the most bang for your buck, take a look at our pick of the best budget bike cameras on the market…
The AKASO EK7000 is one of the most impressive (and popular) budget bike cameras on the market right now. It’s best suited to commuters and casual riders, as opposed to those who want top-quality, social media-ready footage. It includes a waterproof case, which can be used up to 39m and electronic image stabilisation for steady videos. While image quality at 20mp and low-light performance are more limited compared to premium cameras, it still provides footage in full HD or 4K recording.
Pros:
Cons:
Rough price: £66
Resolution: 4K
Weight: 560g
Battery life: Reviewers say the battery seems to last for just over 3 hours per battery
If you want to spend a little more than the entry-level budget, without stepping into premium territory, the Drift Ghost XL Action Camera is an excellent mid-range pick. It stands out for its phenomenal battery life of up to 9 hours with a built-in 3000mAh battery, which makes it a good option if you’re a commuter, ‘bikepacker’ or endurance rider who requires all-day recording and doesn’t want to carry bulky spare batteries with them. It also records in full 1080P and features a 330-degree rotatable lens to ensure nothing is missed.
Pros:
Cons:
Rough price: £145
Resolution: 1080P
Weight: 130g
Battery life: 9 hours of continuous use in HD 1080P
If you’re on the hunt for a basic bike camera that definitely won’t break the bank, head in the direction of the GoXtreme Pioneer. It offers up to 4K recording at 10fps, the option of Wi-Fi connectivity and a 140-degree wide-angle view. If you’re worried about getting a mount that actually fits the device, the GoXtreme cleverly comes with a selection of essential mounts and accessories right out of the box, making it super easy to get started without buying any additional equipment or mounts.
Pros:
Cons:
Rough price: £60
Resolution: 1080P, 4K
Weight: Unspecified
Battery life: 900mAh battery (unspecified on how many hours of battery it gives the user)
At the end of the day, there’s no one best bike camera.
Rather, the best for you will depend on what kind of riding you do, and what you plan to use the footage for.
If you’re looking for a cycling camera for urban commuting, accident prevention will likely be top of your list.
In this case, a specially designed bike light will often be the best option, as they tend to come with a longer battery life and features such as loop video as standard. Some – like the SeeMe Pro 360 – are even integrated within your bike light, meaning you only have to worry about one piece of kit on your daily commute.
In this way, you can be confident that your rides are being covered at every moment, in case the worst should occur.
On the other hand, if you mostly use your bike for trail riding, you might be more interested in adventure capture.
In this case, an action camera could be right up your street, giving you the option to capture and edit more dynamic footage that immortalises your adventures and tricks.
It’s all about finding the right balance!
According to Brake, cyclists make up around 6% of all road deaths in the UK.
This is a figure that’s disproportionately high – on average, 30 cyclists die for every billion miles travelled, compared with just two car drivers.
Meanwhile, Cycling Injury Legal cites that, although the rate of UK cycling accidents per mile travelled fell by 30% between 2014 and 2023, hospital admissions for cycling-related injuries have risen by 8%.
With this in mind, choosing a bike camera that’s built with cycling safety at its core can help to keep you safe on the roads and reduce your chances of becoming a statistic.
Bike lights with integrated cameras are a cut above the rest in this regard, providing you with double the benefits.
At SeeMe Cycle, we’ve developed what we believe to be the safest integrated bike light and camera on the market.
Some key features that help us to stand out from our competitors include:
In fact, a Danish study has shown just how central bike lights are to cycling safety, even during daylight hours.
According to We Love Cycling, the study demonstrated how cyclists using lights during the day were able to reduce the risk of colliding with a car by 19%.
Given Denmark’s vast network of cycle lanes, we can safely assume that this figure would be even higher were a similar study conducted in the UK.
As you can see, a bicycle camera can make a world of difference when it comes to getting dangerous drivers off the road.
And it can be a fantastic companion for your biking adventures too!
When you’re choosing the best bike camera for your needs, the most important consideration is how you plan to use it.
The best bike camera for cycling safety will be rather different from the best bike camera for adventure capture. So, start here and then prioritise your essential features, whether that’s a high FPS, loop recording, long battery life or lightweight design.
And don’t forget to factor in your budget too!
While a good bike camera could cost as little as £50, the most tech-heavy can cost over £400 – but you won’t necessarily need all the features that a more expensive camera can offer.
Again, finding the right balance is key.
At SeeMe Cycle, our 360 degree visibility bike light set includes an integrated HD camera so that you can relive your favourite rides as well as document any near misses and provide clear evidence to support your case.
In this way, you’ll be covered for every eventuality!
The best bike cameras for safety will be able to pick up moving number plates, while recording continuously to make sure they capture any unexpected incidents.
With that in mind, look for a bike camera that…
A front bike camera will capture any incidents that happen in front of you, while a rear bike camera will capture incidents that happen behind you. So, ideally, you’ll want both!
If, however, your budget can’t stretch to two, a rear-facing camera is probably preferable from a safety perspective. This is because a quarter of fatal cyclist accidents involve a vehicle hitting the rear of the bicycle (according to ROSPA).
Plus, a rear bike camera will show how close passing cars get to you and allow you to identify vehicles that you can’t see, which is especially important if you’re ever in a hit-and-run scenario
Bike camera batteries can last anywhere between 1.5 and 7 hours.
It all depends on what kind of camera you go for. Your camera’s picture quality and its size and weight are just a couple of factors that can lead to shorter battery life.
Your camera’s battery may also drain quicker on a hot day.
If you regularly enjoy long bike rides, it might be worth looking into a battery pack so that you can charge your bike camera while you ride.
Action cameras like GoPros are made for capturing dynamic footage of your adventures – whether that’s on a bike or elsewhere.
Meanwhile, bike-specific cameras are designed especially for cyclists, which means they tend to have more purpose-designed features – especially when it comes to safety.
For instance, they’ll mostly have loop recording as standard and may be integrated within a bike light.
Yes! Bike cameras are well worth the investment as they come with lots of benefits. These include:
They’re also available at a range of different price points, meaning there’s an option out there for everybody.
