Review of the HoverAir X1: The Drone I Can’t Get Enough Of

I have had the opportunity to try out several DJI drones in the past, but I always found them to be quite cumbersome and difficult to use spontaneously. However, the HoverAir X1 from Zero Zero Robotics completely changed my perspective. This “selfie drone” is incredibly easy to use and has become an essential tool for both my work and play.

The HoverAir X1 has allowed me to capture incredible shots and videos effortlessly. Whether it’s a review photo, a 360-degree GIF, or an overhead shot, this drone has proven to be reliable in capturing the perfect moment. The best part is that all of these shots were made with just a touch of a button on the top of the drone – no controller required.

One of the standout features of the HoverAir X1 is its portability. When folded, it can easily fit inside a pocket, allowing me to take it with me everywhere I go. Its quick launch capability means that I can grab more interesting drone shots on the spur of the moment instead of relying solely on my iPhone. Plus, it automatically returns and lands in the palm of your hand.

While the HoverAir X1 has its limitations, such as being unable to keep up with extreme action and not suitable for use over water, I actually appreciate these shortcomings. It adds to the charm and simplicity of the drone.

One significant advantage of the HoverAir X1 is its weight. It weighs about half as much as DJI’s Mini drones, which means it is exempt from registration and licensing requirements in most countries. Its compact size allows it to be easily carried on long bike rides or trail runs in my thigh pocket.

The primary user interface for the HoverAir X1 is two buttons on the drone itself. One button turns the unit on, while the other cycles through five presets that lock the camera onto the user as the drone follows a predetermined flight path. These presets include hover, follow, orbit, zoom out, and bird’s eye view. There is also a customized flight pattern mode available.

The HoverAir app enables users to fine-tune each of the automatic flight modes, including adjusting altitude, distance, swapping between photo or video captures, and image quality. After some initial experimentation, I found that I rarely had to adjust these settings again.

In terms of ease of use, the HoverAir X1 wins hands down. In my own metric of “time to drone,” I can have the X1 ready to fly within 20 seconds – from unfolding it to launching it from my palm. No DJI drone can compare to this level of convenience.

However, it’s important to note that the HoverAir X1 cannot match DJI’s consumer drones in terms of features and capabilities. It has a maximum video resolution of 2.7K/30fps and becomes unstable in light winds above 10 knots. Additionally, it struggles to keep up with fast-paced activities and loses object tracking when there are rapid changes in elevation.

Despite these limitations, the X1’s computer vision tracking is excellent, which is the main selling point of this drone. Even when it loses its object lock, it will hover in place until it eventually lands, even over water or busy streets. However, it does not have a return-to-home feature for safe landings.

The X1’s protective cage, which encases the four rotors, serves to prevent collisions and protect the device. However, this drone lacks any obstacle avoidance technology. This is not typically a problem in most flight modes as long as you quickly survey the immediate area. However, it can be an issue when navigating narrow trails or sharp corners indoors.

The X1’s VIO system, or Visual Inertial Odometry, allows the drone to estimate its position in 3D space, indoors or outdoors. This system ensures that the drone can accurately return to its original starting point when using preset flight modes.

In terms of control, the X1 responds to hand gestures when the user is standing still. For example, waving an arm can send the drone left or right, while crossing arms overhead can command it to land. There is also a manual Wi-Fi-connected flight mode, where your phone serves as the controller. However, I found this mode to be less responsive and more difficult to control precisely.

The X1 has built-in storage of up to 32GB, which cannot be expanded with a microSD card. In my own usage, I have only used 8.8GB to store numerous videos and images at the maximum resolution. Transferring footage to a phone or laptop is quick and easy.

While the X1 may not be the most capable drone on paper, it excels at what most people actually need from a drone. It may not offer sweeping panoramas like DJI’s drones, but it is the perfect choice for capturing moments both indoors and outdoors, especially for social media purposes.

Although I do wish the X1 had the capability to handle more extreme activities, such as kitesurfing on windy days or capturing fast-paced cycling, I understand that these features would increase the price and add complexity. Nevertheless, the X1 fulfills 90 percent of my drone requirements without the need for GPS, obstacle avoidance sensors, or a physical controller.

The HoverAir X1 is priced at $429, but it often goes on sale, bringing the price down to around $350. I highly recommend opting for the bundle package, which includes a dual-battery quick charger and two extra batteries. Each battery lasts about 10 to 12 minutes before needing a recharge.

In conclusion, the HoverAir X1 from Zero Zero Robotics is a game-changer in terms of ease of use and portability. While it may not have all the advanced features of DJI drones, it excels at capturing moments quickly and effortlessly. It is the perfect drone for documenting activities both indoors and outdoors, especially for social media content. Its limitations are overshadowed by its simplicity and convenience, making it a great choice for beginners and casual drone users.



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