AKEEYO AKY-730PRO review: 4K bike camera for under 200 euros

The Japanese brand AKEEYO is not yet a big name in Germany, but that could change. The company originally comes from the world of dashcams for cars and ventured into the bike camera sector at the end of 2024 with the AKY-710Pro. The new AKEEYO AKY-730PRO comes with 4K resolution, EIS and a waterproof design. But is it worth buying? Our test reveals more.

Technical data of the AKEEYO AKY-730PRO

The product	AKY-730PRO
Sensor	Sony IMX678 (8 MP; 1/1.8 inch)
Resolution (maximum)	4K with 30 fps; 2K with 60 fps
Stabilization	Electronic
HDR/WDR	Yes (only in 2K/1080p)
Recording modes	Loop recording / emergency recording / parking monitoring / photo / pre-recording Pre-recording uses real-time cache with trigger lock
Operation	Touch screen; 1.14 inch
Connectivity	Bluetooth; Wi-Fi
Battery	3,500 mAh (up to 3.5h runtime in 4K/30)
The price	173.95 euros

AKEEYO AKY-730PRO test: Design and workmanship

The AKEEYO AKY-730PRO immediately makes it clear that the manufacturer comes from the automotive sector. The housing does not look like a classic action cam, but like a device that was actually developed for use on the handlebars. Compact, without unnecessary curves, with a pleasant matt finish that is well protected against fingerprints.

The workmanship feels solid, the gaps are even, nothing creaks or wobbles. The most noticeable difference to the 710 series is the 1.14-inch IPS touch display on the back. This may sound like a gimmick at first, but in everyday use it proves to be a real added value: you can start and stop recording, change the resolution or play back saved material directly on the device. Without having to go through the app.

A capacitive touchscreen would be a weak point, especially when wearing gloves in winter, but the display works well for most riding situations.
Mounting is flexible: handlebars, stem, seat post, helmet or the existing Garmin mount. AKEEYO includes a huge selection of different mounts. The anti-theft system prevents the camera from simply being pulled off, which is particularly relevant for city bikes.

One point of criticism: although the camera has IP66 protection against water and dust, it lacks an integrated light. Competitors such as Cycliq offer this combination, but sometimes charge twice the price. In addition, the brackets and mounting options of the AKEEYO AKY-730PRO feel a little cheap due to the plastic construction. In practice, however, all options work perfectly.

Another commendable feature is that a 64 gigabyte microSD card is included in the scope of delivery. So you can start recording straight away. What is missing, however, is a user manual. You have to download them manually from the manufacturer’s website. And this is absolutely necessary, as the cam’s functionality is not immediately obvious.

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Features of the AKEEYO AKY-730PRO

Technically, the AKEEYO AKY-730PRO is well equipped. The flagship model uses an 8-megapixel Sony IMX678 sensor with 1/1.8-inch, which allows up to 60 fps. However, 60 frames per second is the maximum available in 2K resolution. If you want to record in 4K, you are limited to 30 fps. Complemented by a built-in GPS, a 1.14-inch touch display, gyroscope-supported EIS image stabilization and a 3,500 mAh battery with IP66 waterproofing.

The electronic image stabilization ensures smooth footage, even on uneven roads, and the integrated GPS records the location and speed directly in the video file. Particularly practical: the GPS is not an optional accessory module, as is the case with the 710Pro, but is permanently installed. Routes, average speed, altitude profile – everything is recorded automatically and can be evaluated later in the app.

This is a serious upgrade for commuters who need evidence and for touring enthusiasts who want to document their rides. The wind noise reduction of the built-in microphones is another point that AKEEYO has actively worked on with the 730PRO. Anyone who has ever taken camera shots from a bike will know that without good wind protection management, the sound is usually just a backdrop of noise. Whether the solution is really convincing on long descents depends on the actual wind exposure.

The G-sensor automatically protects important clips from being overwritten by the loop recording in the event of a fall or impact. This works in the background without having to configure anything – which is exactly how it should be. The features are rounded off by Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to quickly transfer the recordings to your smartphone if required.

Battery life and operation

The battery was one of the biggest criticisms of its predecessors and the manufacturer has undoubtedly taken the feedback to heart: In terms of battery life, the AKEEYO AKY-730PRO ups the ante noticeably. The battery itself has now grown to 3,500 mAh and is said to last up to 3.5 hours of video in 4K at 30 fps and up to 6 hours in energy-saving mode.

For commuters who drive one or two hours a day, even the 710Pro is more than sufficient. But those who go on longer rides, 200 km tours or multi-day bikepacking trips will appreciate the improved runtime of the 730PRO. The power bank can stay in your pocket for much longer.

Charging takes place via a proprietary charging solution that is connected to the back of the bike camera. To do this, the (somewhat cumbersome) water protection cover simply has to be opened so that the charger can be connected.

Operating the AKEEYO AKY-730PRO via the touch display is intuitive and self-explanatory. Switching on, selecting the resolution and starting recording take just a few seconds. At least once you’ve got the hang of it – but more on that in a moment. If you need more settings, switch to the AKEEYO app, which connects via dual-band WLAN. Pairing works quickly and the app allows live previews, firmware updates and playback of saved clips directly on the smartphone.

AKEEYO AKY-730PRO in practical test

The practical test of the AKEEYO AKY-730PRO starts with a small annoyance. This is because the 4K bike camera doesn’t necessarily make it clear how to use it at all without reading the (not included) instructions. What do I mean? It is operated via a single button, which not only switches the cam on, but also starts recording.

However, the latter is only signaled by a small status LED, the meaning of which is not really obvious. However, the functions of the LED take up a whole two pages in the instructions:

• Press on/off for three seconds: LED flashes red – switch camera on
• Press on/off for one second: LED flashes red – recording starts or stops
• Press on/off for one second: LED lights up red continuously – recording finished

In addition, the LED can also light up red if a loop recording is in progress OR the camera has detected a problem. It is not obvious which flashing/lighting means what. And there is no other information about whether the 730PRO is recording or not. This should have been solved better.

Apart from this admittedly mixed operating concept, however, the AKEEYO AKY-730PRO is quite convincing. The 4K footage is sharp, the Sony IMX678 delivers a balanced exposure even in changing lighting conditions such as tunnel entrances, backlighting and evening drives.

The wide-angle lens captures the road and a good part of the surroundings without excessive distortion. The EIS stabilization delivers what it promises. The image remains as sharp as possible over cobblestones, through potholes and on unpaved forest paths, even if the solution cannot replace optical image stabilization.

The integrated GPS is pleasantly inconspicuous. You only notice it when you look at the recorded tour in the app and then the added value is immediately clear. Route guidance, speed profile, all in one package. What convinced me personally the most: The combination of long running time and robust weather protection takes any nervousness out of use. Whether it’s a drizzle, a puddle or a sudden shower – IP66 means that the camera simply keeps on running. What is missing is an integrated light. If you are out and about in the evening or at night, you will still need a separate light. This is not a serious flaw, but a missed feature that would have made the camera a real all-round companion.

The AKEEYO AKY-730PRO transfers recorded videos either via microSD card to the PC or via Wi-Fi to the smartphone, where the files can be further processed in the companion app. Only the audio quality of the recordings is not really convincing. Apart from the reliable wind noise suppression, the integrated microphones deliver a rather flat sound that records hardly any details. This is okay, but if you value good sound, you should use an external microphone.

• Read more: The best action cams: Our top 7 recommendations

AKEEYO AKY-730PRO Test: Conclusion

The AKEEYO AKY-730PRO is not a product for occasional riders who need an Instagram clip every now and then. It is serious equipment for people who are on the road every day or on long tours and want to combine image quality, safety recording and full daytime running time in a compact housing. The Sony IMX678 sensor, integrated GPS, 3,500 mAh battery and gyroscope-supported stabilization clearly set it apart from cheaper alternatives.

On the other hand, the 4K bike camera has a few flaws, particularly when it comes to operation and app connection, and is comparatively large. So you have to ask yourself the question: Why not simply fall back on a more compact, affordable action cam? In direct comparison, the AKEEYO AKY-730PRO offers the advantage of GPS connectivity and not only records the route, but also shows the current speed on the touch display, which sets it apart from classic action cams.