HOVERAir X1 Self-Flying Camera, Pocket-Sized Drone HDR Video Capture, Palm Takeoff, Intelligent Flight Paths, Follow-Me Mode, Foldable Action Camera with Hands-Free Control Black (Combo) Combo Black

I like the idea of a drone for bird's eye photos and videos, but was always put off the time and effort required to set them up and get them into the air. This bit of gear is a game changer for me. I carry it around in my jacket pocket. When I want to take photos or video, it takes me about a minute at most to start it up and launch it, using only the buttons on the device itself. No controllers or flight apps necessary (although you can fly it freely using your phone and the mobile app). I used it on a recent road trip and was thoroughly happy with the results. It's not a capable as a comparatively priced drone from the competition -- we all know the one -- but its small and robust form factor, and its convenience of operation more than make up for it in my mind.

The media could not be loaded. Nice, easy to use and good video quality. My first-time using this kind of thing..

(I previously shared a 9 seconds demo video I took in Italy as part of the review but I have removed as I think they didn't like it, preventing this review to be published. Trying again without it now). Review: I was looking for something else in the photography section and came across the Hover X1. One of the best investments ever. It was on a reduced price when I got it and I went for the combo with the extra battery and charger. It's great if you want to take quick impressive shots of places you visit and are tired of the usual photos and videos from your phone. It's so simple to use. I love the fact that can be used indoors and if you drop it or if it hits a tree (it happened twice to me as I didn't proper consider the right distance from obstacles at the take off point), you just pick it up and continue. I was able to use it even in the iconic Trevi Fountain square in Roma, with a lot people around. It is actually a great way to socialize with people as they are curious to know what it is. And it's safe. Once I was in a park playing with it and a lady was so amazed that wanted me to take a video selfie with it, asking to send it to her. Someone even said that I should make some money (idea for all Hover X1 owners?) showing up in places where people are gathered, like outdoor parties, picnic or things like that: ask them if they want a memory video and/or photo of their day, instead of those boring bad made selfies 🤳 It's so convenient that you can carry on wherever you go. Right now, while writing this review I have it in my mini handbag, which got also a small powerbank: when I am done shooting, I would plug the Hover to it with a short USB C cable and keep going. I can also close the zip to minimize even more the handbag volume. I like all modes and I have experimented with the manual one, which is not bad. Of course, the main purpose is to use it as a selfie camera, but you may find it useful for other applications: for example you are in the crowd and want to take a shot of the stage and audience: just let the Hover fly, so nobody is interfering with the view. I haven't used it much to record my voice: sometimes it worked well, sometimes less, depending on the situation and background environment. I think the audio part should be improved: at least with my phone, I wasn't able to plug an external microphone as it seems like the voice is captured only from the phone embedded microphone. Also, I think that once the phone screen turns off and the screen is locked, it stops recording the audio. Lastly, only once, so far, I had an issue with a video recording made using the manual mode: playing back the video downloaded to my phone, after about 15 seconds, it would stop. After trying few times, I was able to view the remaining part only by manually skipping a short section of the video. In conclusion, I'm very satisfied with the device and I would encourage everyone to try it if you are curious about something unique.

A very impressive simple drone, my first. Best fun from a piece of tech that I've had in years. Batteries last about 8 minutes [ came with 2 and a twin charger] and I have since bought another spare. Well built, fits in a pocket when folded. Lots of instruction videos online. Great Value.

This is an amazing drone. You can use the programmed functions or use your phone and guide it that way. It is very light and folds into the case perfectly. Easy to use and works amazingly well. Very stable for as light as it is. The pictures are so clear it is as if it is not moving at all. I learned the hard way that it does not work over water. It told me not to do it but I tried it anyway. It ended up getting wet but I sent it in to the Hover people to see if it could be fixed. They said once it is in water they cannot fix it but they amazingly refunded $350 even though it was my fault and I was able to order another one for the same amount. More than fair. Excellent customer service as they kept checking with me to see if there was anything I needed. I couldn't believe they refunded that much money as I paid $500 for it. Excellent product as long as you don't fly it over water. Great customer service. And mostly, it's fun!