The best compact cameras for 2025: tried and tested pocket choices to take anywhere

Compact cameras took a major hit when smartphones came to prominence, but many years later they're making a comeback. And I'm all for it. Take the models that I've put together in this best compact cameras guide – they possess a wonderful mix of style, quality and camera phone-beating features. What's even more important – they offer focused creativity.I should know – I've personally tested the majority of the cameras in this list and TechRadar's previous faves over the last 15 years, and indeed many of today's best camera phones. There is still a compelling case for compact cameras – especially retro snappers like the Fujifilm X100VI; with its classic looks, clever hybrid viewfinder, sharp 40MP sensor and film simulations, it’s become the poster child for premium compacts in 2025.There are also other models that shine in different ways and I've included my nine favorite compact cameras for different use cases and budgets below – every recommendation is based on in-depth testing in the kind of real-world scenarios you’re likely to encounter. Whether you need a powerful optical zoom, genuinely small pocketable body or full-frame quality, you'll find the right pick below, with additional options which didn’t make the cut further below.Why you can trust my judgementEvery compact camera in this guide has been thoroughly tested by me or one of TechRadar's expert reviewers in real-world scenarios. Our dedicated team has decades of combined experience in both professional photography and technology journalism.We test all types of compact camera, ranging from affordable point-and-shoots to film cameras and premium models with flagship features. Photo quality is a key area of focus (and video where relevant), but we also look at the overall user experience and the value offered by each model.Why you can trust TechRadar☑️ 100s of cameras reviewed☑️ 15 years of product testing☑️ Over 16,000 products reviewed in total☑️ Nearly 200,000 hours testing techReal-world tests are the most revealing way to understand the best compact cameras' performance, quirks, and features. So, along with standardized tests for factors like ISO performance, we take every camera we test for a spin to see how it fares in real-world scenarios.We'll use it both handheld and on a tripod to get a sense of where its strengths lie, and test its startup speed. We also use a formatted UHS-1 card and shoot in both raw and JPEG (if available), testing its burst shooting and buffer performance.Here I am in Tokyo, the home of the Fujifilm X100VI which sits in top spot of this guide. I loved testing the stylish retro compact. (Image credit: Future)For autofocusing, we use the different autofocus modes on hand in single point, area, and continuous modes. Naturally, we take a look at how accurate and reliable its metering is, how well it handles noise, and how well it minimizes things like fringing and distortion. Its video shooting skills are tested as well by shooting some test footage at different frame-rates and resolutions.