Hello there! If you're in the market for a new camera gadget and are trying to decide between the X1, X1 PRO, and X1 PROMAX, you've come to the right place. Let's dive into a friendly comparison that will help you pick the perfect one for your needs.
Feature | X1 | X1 PRO | X1 PROMAX |
Positioning | Your versatile point-shoot-and fly device | Made for the action adventurer | For the ultimate photography experience |
Price | from $299/329€ | from $499/549€ | from $699/759€ |
Weight | 125 grams | 191.5 grams | 192.5 grams |
Dimensions (L x W x H) | Folded: 86x127x31 mm Unfolded: 145x127x30 mm |
Folded: 105x149x34 mm Unfolded: 173x149x39 mm |
Folded: 105x149x34 mm Unfolded: 173x149x39 mm |
Video Resolution | 2.7K(2704*1520)@30fps 1080P(1920×1080)@60fps 1080P(1920×1080)@30fps(HDR) Vertical Video: 1080p |
4K@60/50/30/25/24fps 1080p@120/100/60/50/30/25/24fps Vertical Video: 2.7K@60/50/30/25/24fps 1080p@60/50/30/25/24fps |
8K@30/25/24fps 4K@120/100/60/50/30/25/24fps 1080p@120/100/60/50/30/25/24fps Vertical Video (10-bit HLG) 4K@30/25/24fps 2.7K@60/50/30/25/24fps(HDR available) 1080p@60/50/30/25/24fps(HDR available) HDR (10-bit HLG) 4K@60/50/30/25/24fps 1080p@60/50/30/25/24fps |
Slow-Motion | 1080p@60fps | 1080p@120/100fps | 4K@120/100fps 1080p@120/100fps |
Photo Resolution | 12MP | 12MP | 12MP/48MP |
Battery | 1050 mAh | 1920 mAh Smart Battery 1920 mAh Thermo Smart Battery |
1920 mAh Smart Battery 1920 mAh Thermo Smart Battery |
FOV (Field of View) | 90° | 104° | 107° |
Video Stabilization | SmoothCapture 1.0 One-axis gimbal + EIS |
SmoothCapture 2.0 Two-axis gimbal + EIS |
SmoothCapture 2.0 Two-axis gimbal + EIS |
Active Collision Detection | - | Rear active collision detection Proximity sensors |
Vision-based rear active collision detection Vision and Proximity sensors |
OmniTerrain | - | Available | Available |
Max Auto-Follow Speed | 25 km/h(16mph) | 42 km/h(26mph) | 42 km/h(26mph) |
*Measured in a windless test environment, starting at an altitude of 0 meters and ascending vertically to a height of 1.5 meters above ground level during flight. | |||
Instantaneous Tracking Speed | - | 60 km/h(37mph) | 60 km/h(37mph) |
Max Flight Time | 11.5 minutes | 16 minutes | 16 minutes |
*Measured under test conditions. The test setup involved a 20-meter altitude, no wind, steady forward flight at 2 m/s, with 1080P@30fps recording (without interruptions), from a full battery to 0%. Results may vary depending on external conditions, usage, and firmware versions; actual performance may differ. | |||
Max Takeoff Altitude | 5000 m | 5500 m | 5500 m |
Wind Resistance | Level 4 (7.9m/s) | Level 5 (10.7 m/s) | Level 5 (10.7 m/s) |
Transmission Range | Phone/App: up to 50 m | Phone/App: up to 500 m* Beacon: up to 1 km |
Phone/App: up to 500 m* Beacon: up to 1 km |
*The maximum distance is measured in vast, open areas with minimal RF interference, such as mountains or coastal regions. In typical urban environments, the transmission distance is approximately 100 meters. Actual range may vary based on the environment and smartphone model. Refer to the table below for more details. | |||
Max Video Bitrate | 32 Mbps | 100 Mbps | 160 Mbps |
Internal Storage | 32 GB | 32 GB storage, supports MicroSD cards up to 1 TB | 64 GB storage, supports MicroSD cards up to 1 TB |
Companion Devices and Accessories | Charging Hub; 18W Power Adapter; Combo Case | Beacon + Joystick; Power Case; Thermo Smart Battery; 65W Power Adapter; ND filters; HandleBar Mount; Carry Bag; Combo Case | Beacon + Joystick; Power Case; Thermo Smart Battery; 65W Power Adapter; ND filters; HandleBar Mount; Carry Bag; Combo Case |
Usage Scenarios Comparison
The entire HOVERAir X1 series is beginner-friendly, supporting hands-free operation as well as palm takeoff and landing.
- X1 – Entry-level, perfect for first-time drone users. It’s the lightest in the series, ideal for casual selfies, travel, family or friends’ recordings, and light activities. Its shorter battery life makes it less suited for high-speed sports.
- X1 PRO – Suited for sports enthusiasts and travel vloggers. Offers higher image quality and faster speed than X1, making it great for users who want improved visuals or to capture faster-paced action.
- X1 PROMAX – X1 PROMAX Designed for professional users, advanced hobbyists, and sports enthusiasts seeking ultra-high-resolution footage and versatile shooting options across a wide range of scenarios.
Weight and Size
Let's start with the basics: weight and size. The X1 is the lightweight champion at just 125 grams, with dimensions that fold down to 86x127x31 mm and unfold to 145x127x30 mm. The X1 PRO and X1 PROMAX are a bit heftier at 191.5 grams and 192.5 grams respectively, but they're not much larger, folding to 105x149x34 mm and unfolding to 173x149x39 mm. Weighing less than 249 grams, all three models fall under the C0 category and don’t require FCC registration. If you're all about portability, the X1 might just be your best friend.
Video Resolution and Slow-Motion
Now, let's talk video quality. The X1 offers 2.7K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, and 1080p@30fps (HDR) resolutions. The X1 PRO and X1 PROMAX step it up with 4K@60/50/30/25/24fps and 1080p@120/100/60/50/30/25/24fps options, and they both support vertical video shooting. Plus, the X1 PROMAX throws in HDR, 10-bit H-Log and HLG mode for those who love their videos with a bit more color pop.
And here’s the best part: all of these resolutions and frame rates can be recorded while running intelligent flight paths, so you can capture cinematic shots without sacrificing image quality.
For slow-motion fans, the X1 gives you 1080p@60fps, while the X1 PRO and X1 PROMAX bump it up to 1080p@120/100fps, with the X1 PROMAX going all the way to 4K@120/100fps for those super smooth slow-mo moments.
Field of View
When it comes to what you can capture in one frame, the X1 offers a 90° field of view, the X1 PRO expands to 104°, and the X1 PROMAX gives you the widest view at 107°.
Video Stabilization and Collision Detection
Stability is key for smooth videos, and the X1 has SmoothCapture 1.0 with a one-axis gimbal and EIS. The X1 PRO and X1 PROMAX take it up a notch with SmoothCapture 2.0, featuring a two-axis gimbal and higher standard EIS for even steadier shots. As for avoiding bumps and bruises, the X1 PRO has rear active collision detection and proximity sensors, while the X1 PROMAX uses vision-based rear active collision detection along with vision and proximity sensors for an extra layer of safety.
OmniTerrain and Auto-Follow Speed
Ready to conquer any terrain? The X1 PRO and X1 PROMAX both offer OmniTerrain capabilities, letting you shoot with confidence in a variety of environments. When it comes to keeping up with fast action, the X1 can auto-follow at speeds up to 25 km/h, while the X1 PRO and X1 PROMAX can hit 42 km/h, perfect for capturing those high-speed moments.
Flight Time and Wind Resistance
The X1 PRO and X1 PROMAX are powered by a 1920 mAh smart battery, delivering up to 16 minutes of flight time or 32 flight paths—an upgrade from the X1’s 1050 mAh battery with 11.5 minutes or 20 paths. They’re also tougher against the elements, with Level 5 wind resistance (10.7 m/s), compared to the X1’s Level 4 rating (7.9 m/s).
Transmission Range and Video Bitrate
Need to control your drone from afar? The X1 PRO and X1 PROMAX offer a transmission range of up to 500 m via the app and up to 1 km with a beacon—far beyond the X1’s 50 m limit. They also record at a higher 160 Mbps video bitrate, delivering sharper, more detailed footage ideal for high-quality sharing and editing. That said, the X1 still has its advantages: its smaller video file sizes make instant social media sharing quick and effortless.
Internal Storage and Accessories
Storage space is important, and the X1 PRO and X1 PROMAX offer 32 GB (support 75-min footage) a and 64 GB (supports 150 minutes of continuous 4K30 HD recording) respectively, with support for MicroSD cards up to 1 TB, giving you plenty of room for all your videos. The X1 comes with 32 GB of storage.
As for accessories, the X1 PRO and X1 PROMAX come with a bunch of extras like a Beacon, JoyStick, power case, thermo smart battery, 65W power adapter, ND filters, handlebar mount, carry bag, and a combo case. The X1 comes with a charging hub, 18W power adapter, and combo case. Know more about how to use X1 with Beacon & JoyStick, https://hoverair.com/blogs/guide/how-to-get-started-with-beacon-on-hoverair-x1 X1 PRO &PROMAX with Beacon & JoyStick, https://hoverair.com/blogs/guide/guide-to-beacon-joystick-for-your-hoverair-x1-series
So which one is better for you?
- X1: Simplicity and portability for beginners.
- X1 PRO: Balanced performance and quality for hobbyists and content creators.
- X1 PROMAX: Top-tier features for professional, cinematic-level content.