HoverAir X1 ProMax: Is It Worth It?

I backed the HoverAir X1 ProMax drone through an Indiegogo campaign and received my Ski Combo Package in November 2024. After using it for more than a year now, here’s my honest review of its performance, pros, and cons.

Camera and Image Quality

The HoverAir X1 ProMax features a 1/1.3-inch sensor, the same size as the one found in the DJI Mini 4 Pro. As a result, the image quality is almost on par with the Mini 4 Pro—though slightly behind in some cases. Thanks to a recent firmware update, it now supports 48MP DNG photo capture, which is a nice and welcome upgrade. However, it took almost a year for this feature to arrive, despite the campaign marketing suggesting it would be available right away.

The drone uses a 2-axis gimbal, but in real-world use, the difference compared to a 3-axis gimbal isn’t very noticeable.

Pros of the HoverAir X1 ProMax

• Compact size and quick deployment: One of the biggest advantages is its portability and rapid deployment. The folding mechanism is revolutionary and incredibly convenient, much better than manually unfolding four separate arms like traditional drones.
• Continuous firmware updates: Over the past year, HoverAir has delivered on promised features through regular updates, even if it took time.
• Safe for indoor use: Its 16mm wide-angle lens and fully enclosed propellers make it safe to fly indoors — ideal for interior shots. I have successfully shot some architecture and interior assignments with this drone.
• Decent customer support: Despite being a small company, the after-sales service was surprisingly good. I had to ship the drone back to Hong Kong from South Korea for repairs, which took about three weeks, but both the shipping and repair costs were covered under warranty.
• CoPilot mode: This feature lets you shoot cinematic videos solo with a beacon, which is great for outdoor activities.

Cons of the HoverAir X1 ProMax

• Short battery life: Expect around 12–15 minutes of flight per battery, so extra batteries are a must. The PowerCase is convenient and offers a fast charging speed, but it comes at $169.
• 8K video limitations: While it supports 8K recording, advanced options like LOG, 10-bit 4:2:2 (HLG) are only available in 4K.
• No 10-bit LOG recording: Likely due to sensor limitations, which makes the advertised specs feel a bit exaggerated.
• Weaker wind resistance: Compared to the Mini 4 Pro, it’s more vulnerable to wind due to its weight and design.
• Battery detachment on crashes: The battery can pop out on impact, making it hard to find the drone in bushes. A Velcro strap can help prevent this.
• Limited tracking capabilities: For now, it only tracks one human from whose palm it takes off. It can’t track vehicles or objects like DJI’s MasterShots feature.
• Short control range: It relies on Wi-Fi signals, which limits the range to around 100–200 meters, and obstacles reduce it drastically.
• HoverCare: HoverAir offers something similar to DJI’s Care Refresh, but their coverage is limited, and the cost is higher. But this is somewhat understandable given HoverAir’s size and economy of scale.
• Relatively high price for what it offers.

Personal Thoughts

The HoverAir X1 ProMax truly feels like what the company calls it: a “flying camera” or an action cam in the air. It’s perfect for recording your solo outdoor activities.

I was one of the four “hosts” featured in the promo video of National Geographic Magazine’s Best of the World 2026. I used the HoverAir X1 ProMax extensively to film myself. My editors and I were quite happy with the results.

I needed someone to document me when I am hiking or working on my Moon Bear project, but finding a camera operator who could hike with me to high and difficult terrains with all the gear on short notice was always a challenge. For my personal use, it fits the bill so well that I sold my Mini 4 Pro and kept this instead.

The HoverAir X1 ProMax does feel expensive considering its limitations, especially in range and battery life. But if portability and ease of use matter most to you, this drone might be worth it.

✅ Ideal for: Outdoor enthusiasts, vloggers, and solo creators who want a compact drone for quick cinematic shots.
❌ Not ideal for: Users who need long flight times, distance and advanced tracking.