HoverAir X1 Drone Review : The Ultimate Pocket-Sized Selfie Drone for Creators

What is the HoverAir X1?

The HoverAir X1 is a revolutionary self-flying selfie drone developed by Zero Zero Robotics. Unlike traditional drones that require skilled piloting, the HoverAir X1 is designed for hands-free, fully automated shooting. With just a press of a button, it takes off from your palm, captures cinematic footage, and lands back in your hand, no controller needed.

Weighing only 125g, this drone is ultra-light and portable, making it exempt from drone registration requirements in many countries. It fits easily in a pocket or small bag, which makes it a perfect travel companion for vloggers, influencers, athletes, and adventurers.

The HoverAir X1 is not about speed, range, or industrial drone applications, it’s all about convenience, portability, and creativity. Think of it as a flying camera assistant that’s always ready to capture your moments.

Standout Features

1. Compact & Ultra-Light Design

At just 125g and roughly the size of a smartphone, the HoverAir X1 is incredibly easy to carry. Its foldable arms and built-in propeller guards mean you can toss it in a backpack, purse, or even a cycling jersey pocket.

2. Preset Flight Modes for Effortless Filming

Forget manual controls, this drone has one-button flight modes, including:

• Hover – Stay fixed in place for steady shots.
• Follow – Tracks your movement smoothly.
• Orbit – Circles around you for cinematic perspectives.
• Zoom Out – Flies back to reveal the surroundings.
• Bird’s Eye – Captures a dramatic top-down view.
• Custom Mode – Set your own flight path.

3. High-Quality Camera

The HoverAir X1 shoots in:

• 2.7K at 30fps
• 1080p at 60fps
  It features hybrid stabilization (mechanical gimbal + EIS) to keep footage smooth even in movement. The camera delivers crisp colors and good detail for social media content.

4. Instant Palm Launch & Landing

No takeoff pads, no controller, just launch from your palm and catch it mid-air when it lands. This makes it perfect for quick, spontaneous shots.

5. No GPS? No Problem

The drone uses Visual Inertial Odometry (VIO) positioning to stay stable without GPS. This makes it usable indoors or in areas with weak satellite signals.

6. Decent Battery & Built-in Storage

• Flight time: 11-20 minutes (depending on activity and wind).
• Charging time: ~55 minutes via USB-C.
• Storage: 32GB internal (no SD card slot).

7. Safe & Beginner-Friendly

The propeller cage ensures safety during flight. Even if you accidentally touch it mid-air, the flexible guards prevent injury.

Is This Drone Right for You?

Who Should Buy It

• Travelers & Backpackers – Fits in a pocket, ideal for quick scenic shots.
• Cyclists, Runners, and Hikers – Captures outdoor activities without needing a second person to film.
• Content Creators & Influencers – Perfect for short-form videos, Instagram reels, TikToks, and YouTube shorts.
• Beginner Drone Users – No piloting skills needed; safe for kids and casual flyers.
• Indoor Event Filming – Works without GPS, great for parties, weddings, and conferences.

Who Should Skip It

• Professional Videographers – If you need 4K/60fps or RAW footage, this isn’t the right drone.
• Action Sports Enthusiasts – Max follow speed (~16 mph) isn’t enough for high-speed sports like motorcycling.
• Long-Distance Flyers – The range is short, designed for personal capture, not exploration.
• People in Windy Locations – It can handle light breezes but struggles in winds over 17 mph.

User Review Highlights

Positive Reviews

1. Ease of Use – Many users love the “zero learning curve.” Launching and landing from your palm is quick and hassle-free.
2. Portability – Reviewers praise its pocket-size design, perfect for travel and outdoor activities.
3. Fun Factor – Users call it “a flying selfie stick” that adds a new perspective to their videos.
4. Preset Modes – The Orbit and Zoom Out modes are favorites for creating cinematic shots without editing.

Best drone camera for cyclists, fits in my jersey pocket, deploys in seconds.
– Cycling Weekly

Critical Feedback

1. Limited Flight Time – 11-20 minutes is enough for quick clips but may require spare batteries for longer shoots.
2. No Obstacle Avoidance – It can’t detect and avoid trees or walls; caution is needed.
3. No 4K Video – Some users wish for higher resolution for professional use.
4. Wind Sensitivity – Performs best in calm conditions.
5. Fixed Storage – No SD card expansion means you must transfer files regularly.

“Wish it had obstacle sensors, it’s so easy to fly near trees accidentally.”
– Customer review on Amazon

Final Verdict

The HoverAir X1 is a game-changing personal camera drone for casual flyers and content creators. It’s fun, extremely portable, and beginner-friendly, offering cinematic shots at the push of a button.

If your priority is ease of use, portability, and quick deployment, this drone delivers exactly that. However, if you’re looking for professional-grade footage, long battery life, or advanced obstacle avoidance, you might be better off with a more advanced drone like the DJI Mini series.

FAQs