HOVERAir X1 Pro vs. X1 ProMax: The Ultimate Pocket Drones for Outdoor Adventure

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In a world where capturing high-quality, cinematic content usually means lugging around heavy equipment and mastering complicated controls, HOVERAir changes the game. Their latest drones — the X1 Pro and X1 ProMax — offer a unique combination of power, intelligence, and portability, making them perfect for everything from mountain biking to snowboarding. For sports enthusiasts who love to capture action shots, the HoverAir Fly Capture Sports experience is unparalleled.

Whether you’re documenting your latest adventure or creating professional content on the go, this guide breaks down what makes HOVERAir drones stand out — and which model is right for you.

About HOVERAir: Built by Visionaries

HOVERAir is the flagship product line of Zero Zero Robotics, a company founded in 2014 by Stanford Ph.Ds MQ Wang and Tony Zhang. With a core focus on embedded AI, machine vision, and precise control systems, Zero Zero Robotics has reshaped how we think about flying cameras.

Their drones aren’t just smart — they’re designed around how humans move and interact. HOVERAir holds more than 140 patents, and the company has received global recognition for groundbreaking innovations like:

  • The first enclosed propeller design (safer and more portable)
  • Dual-rotor propulsion technology (used in the V-Coptr Falcon)

Headquartered in Hangzhou, China with offices across Beijing, Shenzhen, Xinchang, and San Francisco, Zero Zero Robotics is a global team of engineers, researchers, and inventors united by one mission: to make intelligent flying cameras effortless, safe, and available to all.

Why HOVERAir Is Different From Traditional Drones

What makes HOVERAir stand out from DJI, Autel, or Skydio? A few key things:

  • No controller required: These drones launch from your palm and follow you with intelligent tracking — zero piloting skill needed.
  • FAA-registration free: At under 250g, both models can legally fly in the U.S. without FAA registration.
  • Built for real-world action: Designed to withstand snow, wind, and tricky terrain thanks to its OmniTerrain and aerodynamic design.
  • Pocket-sized: Weighing just 192g and foldable, they go where you go — even in a snowboard jacket pocket.

Ideal for Outdoor Adventure

HOVERAir drones are more than content creators — they’re your personal aerial film crew. With tracking speeds up to 37 mph and cinematic modes at your fingertips, these drones excel in fast, unpredictable environments.

  • Snowboarding: The OmniTerrain system is snow-ready, and 4K/120fps or 8K capture lets you relive every powder slash in vivid detail.
  • Mountain Biking: Capable of tracking sharp turns and high-speed descents through wooded trails without crashing or veering off.
  • Trail Running & Hiking: Lightweight, easy to deploy, and capable of tracking uphill climbs or descents with cinematic elevation shifts.
  • Cliffside and beach filming: Strong wind resistance, obstacle avoidance, and intelligent positioning make these environments less risky.

X1 Pro vs. X1 ProMax: Specs Breakdown

FeatureX1 ProX1 ProMax
Weight191.5g192.5g
DimensionsFolded: 105×149×34 mm / Unfolded: 173×149×39 mmFolded: 105×149×34 mm / Unfolded: 173×149×39 mm
Camera Sensor1/2″ CMOS1/1.3″ CMOS
Dynamic Range12 stops14 stops
Lens17mm equivalent16mm equivalent
Field of View104°107°
Photo Resolution12 MP12MP/48MP
Video Resolution4K@60/50/30/25/24fps, 1080p@120/100/60/50/30/25/24fps8K@30/25/24fps, 4K@120/100/60/50/30/25/24fps, 1080p@120/100/60/50/30/25/24fps
Vertical Video2.7K@60/50/30/25/24fps, 1080p@60/50/30/25/24fps4K@30/25/24fps, 2.7K and 1080p with HDR available
Slow-Motion1080p@120/100fps4K@120/100fps, 1080p@120/100fps
Max Auto-Follow Speed26 mph26 mph
Instantaneous Tracking Speed60 km/h (37 mph)60 km/h (37 mph)
Max Flight Time16 minutes16 minutes
Max Video Bitrate100Mbps160Mbps
Max Takeoff Altitude5500 m5500 m
Wind ResistanceLevel 5 (10.7 m/s, 24mph)Level 5 (10.7 m/s, 24mph)
Battery1920 mAh Smart and Thermo Smart Battery1920 mAh Smart and Thermo Smart Battery
Smart Battery Temp RangeCharge: 5°C to 45°C / Operate: -5°C to 45°CCharge: 5°C to 45°C / Operate: -5°C to 45°C
Thermo Battery Temp Range-20°C to 45°C-20°C to 45°C
Transmission Range (Phone)Up to 500mUp to 500m
Transmission Range (Beacon)Up to 1 kmUp to 1 km
Internal Storage32 GB, SD card support to 1 TB64 GB, SD card support to 1 TB
Obstacle DetectionRear proximity sensorsRear + front vision-based sensors
AI ProcessingStandard SoC3.6x CPU, 3.6x GPU, 15x NPU performance
AudioMonoStereo
Color Depth8-bit10-bit HDR (HLG)
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Camera & Stabilization Performance

  • SmoothCapture 2.0: Combines two-axis gimbal with Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) and Horizon Leveling (HL)
  • Night Tracking: Supported with OmniTerrain features
  • Ski Mode: Stabilized cold-weather performance specifically for snow sports

Flight & Terrain Intelligence

  • OmniTerrain System: Snow, cliffs, water — drone adapts with sensor fusion tech
  • Auto Launch: Throw into air for instant stabilization and flight
  • Follow Speed: Up to 26 mph (burst 37 mph) — great for biking or skiing
  • Wind Resistance: Up to level 5 (24 mph)

Accessories

HOVERAir offers a thoughtfully designed ecosystem of accessories that elevate the X1 Pro and X1 ProMax experience, whether you’re an outdoor explorer or a serious content creator.

  • Beacon: A powerful controller with a 1.78” OLED screen that enables long-range tracking, voice command functionality, and precise control. Essential for those who want to fly further or control their drone without a smartphone.
  • Beacon Joysticks: Attach to the Beacon to convert it into a full manual controller. Ideal for experienced drone pilots who want the option to fly freestyle when automated modes aren’t enough.
  • PowerCase: Not just a case but a mobile charging station that offers up to 2.5 full recharges for your drone. It’s rugged, travel-ready, and critical for long outdoor sessions. Operates in temperatures as low as -20°C, supporting winter adventurers.
  • Thermo Smart Battery: Designed for cold-weather operation, this battery performs in temperatures as low as -20°C. It auto-activates cold-resistant mode to ensure safe and consistent flight performance.
  • Smart Battery: The standard battery works well in most conditions, providing reliable flight time with a quick recharge cycle.
  • Dual Charging Hub: Enables you to charge two batteries at once in around 60 minutes. A must-have for creators shooting all day.
  • Propeller Protectors & Spare Blades: Add an extra layer of safety and reliability, especially useful when flying in tighter areas or for new pilots.
  • Shoulder Bags and Carrying Cases: These cases are durable, lightweight, and custom-fit for your drone and accessories, perfect for on-the-go content creators.

These accessories aren’t just add-ons — they transform your HOVERAir drone into a complete mobile production system.

  • Beacon: A high-performance remote with a 1.78” OLED screen, real-time tracking, and voice command capabilities. Enables reliable transmission up to 1 km.
  • Beacon Joysticks: Snap-on modular analog joysticks that allow users to fly manually when needed, giving more flexibility for experienced pilots.
  • PowerCase: A compact battery hub that offers 2.5 full charges for the drone. With cold-weather support down to -20°C, it’s essential for extended adventures.
  • Thermo Smart Battery: Built for cold climates, it ensures optimal performance below freezing. Automatically enables a cold-resistant mode.
  • Dual Charging Hub: A fast-charging solution that powers up two batteries simultaneously in about 60 minutes, ideal for multi-session days.

Why We Love HOVERAir for the Outdoors

hoverair

There’s something special about the HOVERAir experience — it doesn’t just capture footage; it captures the feeling of being there. Whether you’re carving fresh snow, bombing down trails, climbing up a rugged path, or just enjoying golden hour at the summit, the X1 Pro and ProMax are the ultimate companions for outdoor adventurers.

We love how seamlessly they integrate into your journey. You don’t need to fiddle with joysticks or flight paths — just launch it from your hand, and it follows your every move. With cinematic slow-motion, wide-angle perspectives, and dynamic stabilization, you’re no longer just recording your trip — you’re telling a story.

These drones aren’t toys. They’re lightweight film crews engineered for the wild — from the backcountry to the beachfront. Whether you’re a solo traveler, weekend warrior, or seasoned content creator, HOVERAir lets you create effortlessly, so you can stay focused on the adventure.

Final Verdict

The HOVERAir X1 Pro and X1 ProMax are both incredible leaps in portable drone innovation, but if you’re looking for the ultimate in capability, the X1 ProMax clearly leads the way.

Choose the X1 Pro if you’re a casual content creator who wants beautiful 4K footage, a highly portable form factor, and intuitive flying with minimal setup. It’s a fantastic entry point into the HOVERAir ecosystem.

However, if you’re serious about content creation, or if you want future-proof video features like 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps slow motion, and 10-bit HDR recording — the X1 ProMax is the superior tool. With higher photo resolution, advanced AI tracking, stereo audio, more internal storage, and enhanced transmission performance, the ProMax elevates the drone experience into a truly professional tool.

Whether you’re soaring above snowy peaks or navigating forest trails, the ProMax is more than a drone — it’s your personal, intelligent aerial cinematographer.

HOVERAir Additional $15 Off Site wide
$15 OFF
HOVERAir Spring Sale Exclusive Code
FREE GIFT

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