How Durable Are GoPro Cameras Really? (GoPro HERO 4k Durability Test)

Have you ever wondered what it actually takes to kill a GoPro? Sure, they're waterproof and tougher than your typical camera, but how much abuse can they REALLY handle? Today, we're putting the new GoPro Hero 4K and a budget alternative, the Akaso Brave 4, through some extreme tests to find out!

Check out my full video HERE!

 

Why These Cameras?

• GoPro Hero 4K: A budget-friendly, beginner-oriented camera at about half the price of GoPro's flagship Hero 13 Black.

• Akaso Brave 4: A cheaper alternative at less than half the price of the Hero 4K, making it an ideal candidate for high-risk scenarios.

There's plenty of skepticism around budget action cams, but sometimes that's exactly why they're perfect for rougher adventures.

The Extreme Durability Tests

Drop Test (3 ft, 6 ft, 9 ft)

• 3 ft and 6 ft: Both cameras survived easily with minimal scuffs.

• 9 ft: GoPro suffered a cracked lens (replaceable), while the Akaso stayed unscathed. Surprisingly, Akaso wins the drop test.

Fire and Heat Test

• Both cameras survived flames and even a fire extinguisher blast. However, buttons jammed slightly due to residue.

Dryer Test

• Both cameras handled the spinning heat, though the Akaso’s case popped open but kept recording. Impressive durability!

Car Wash

• Amazingly, both cameras survived without any damage. (even with the cracked GoPro lens)

Screen Durability (Pressure Test)

• GoPro screen cracked under pressure but remained mostly functional.

• Akaso’s softer screen easily flexed and cracked internally, losing all rear visibility but keeping the front screen intact.

Knife & Scratch Test

• GoPro's tough exterior slightly resisted scratches, while Aasso’s softer plastic was much easier to scratch and cut.

Magnet Test

• No visible impact on either camera’s recording performance.

Torch Test

• Sustained heat severely damaged both screens, with the Akaso’s back melting significantly. Both continued to function briefly afterward.

Car Crush Test

• Grass surface: Minor damage to GoPro’s glass lens; Akaso unscathed.

• Concrete surface: GoPro survived two run-overs with structural warping. Aasso completely crushed without its case—though surprisingly, it still powered on!

Freeze Test

• Even after 15 hours frozen, the GoPro still functioned well, despite visible condensation inside.

Internal Moisture Test

• Adding a few drops of water directly into ports killed the GoPro’s functionality after about 5 minutes. A definite vulnerability for internal moisture.

Final Verdict

Both cameras performed impressively, but here’s the breakdown:

• Structural Rigidity: GoPro clearly superior (handled multiple run-overs).

• Drop Test & Basic Abuse: Akaso is surprisingly robust, especially with the protective case.

• Overall Durability vs. Price: GoPro is tougher when both are caseless, but the Akaso offers amazing value, particularly if you need multiple inexpensive cams for risky situations.

 

Which camera durability surprised you the most? Let me know in the comments—and tell me which cameras you’d like me to test next!