DJI Neo vs HOVERAir X1
The DJI Neo is the better pick for most shoppers: it flies about twice as long, reaches 6.2 miles of operating distance, and costs $295.00 at Best Buy as of November 3. The HOVERAir X1 is cheaper at $244.99 at PayMore Overland Park as of November 3 and weighs only 125 g, but its 9 to 10 minute flight time and 98 ft range limit it to close-in shots. Buy the Neo for range and flight time; buy the X1 for a light, simple selfie drone.
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DJI Neo
4.7Choose the DJI Neo if you want longer flights, real range for flying beyond arm's reach, and a well-reviewed drone with 1,300 ratings behind it.
Pros
- 18 minutes of flight time, roughly double the X1.
- 6.2 mi operating distance lets you fly well beyond line of sight range of the X1.
- Top speed up to 36 mph.
- 4.7 out of 5 from 1,300 ratings, a large and strong track record.
- Indoor and mini class, so it is easy to carry and fly in tight spaces.
Cons
- Costs $295.00 at Best Buy, about $50 more than the X1's best price.
- Price has swung from $209.99 to $249.95 in recent days, so timing matters.
What separates them
| DJI Neo | HOVERAir X1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price (new, as of November 3, 2026) | $295.00 at Best Buy | $244.99 at PayMore Overland Park |
| Flight time | 18 min | 9 to 10 min |
| Operating distance | 6.2 mi | 98 ft (30 m) transmission range |
| Weight | Not listed; Mini class | 125 g (0.28 lbs) |
| Max speed | Up to 36 mph | Not listed |
| Video and photo | Camera drone; specs not listed here | 2.7K at 30fps, 1080p at 60fps, 1080p HDR; 12MP photos |
| Storage | Not listed | 32GB internal |
| Ratings |
Price history
$249.95$209.99
- DJI Neo: lowest $209.99 on Oct 30 at PayMore Anaheim; $249.95 on Nov 2.
- HOVERAir X1: lowest $244.99 on Nov 3 at PayMore Overland Park.
Prices at every store
DJI Neo
- PayMore AnaheimCheck price at PayMore Anaheim
- BeachcameraCheck price at Beachcamera
- Best BuyCheck price at Best Buy
HOVERAir X1
- PayMore Overland ParkNew
In stock
$244.99Free shippingObserved at 10:43 AM - Tech For LessNew
In stock
$254.49Free shippingObserved at 10:42 AM - AmazonNew
Availability unknown
$299.00Free shippingObserved at 10:42 AM
Also available at
- WalmartCheck price at Walmart
Specs compared
| Spec | DJI Neo | HOVERAir X1 |
|---|---|---|
| Controller Type | Smartphone | 2.4 GHz, Smartphone |
| With Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Color | Gray | Black |
| Mini | Yes | — |
| Indoor | Yes | — |
| Maximum Speed | up to 36 mph | — |
| Operating Distance | 6.2 mi Operating Distance | — |
| Flying Time | 18 min flying time | — |
| Weight | — | 125 g (0.28 lbs) |
| Battery Capacity | — | 1050mAh |
| Flight Time | — | 9 to 10 minutes |
Questions and answers
- Which has the longer flight time?
- The DJI Neo, at 18 minutes versus 9 to 10 minutes for the HOVERAir X1. That is roughly double the air time per battery.
- Which is better for flying far away?
- The DJI Neo. Its 6.2 mi operating distance dwarfs the X1's 98 ft (30 m) transmission range, which keeps the X1 close to you.
- Is the HOVERAir X1 worth the lower price?
- At $244.99 at PayMore Overland Park as of November 3, it saves about $50 over the Neo's $295.00 at Best Buy. You give up flight time and range, but you get a 125 g body, 2.7K video, and 32GB of storage.
- Which is better for travel?
- The X1 is lighter at 125 g and has built-in storage, so it packs easily. The Neo flies far longer, which matters more if you want real aerial shots rather than quick selfies.
- Which has better reviews?
- The DJI Neo, at 4.7 out of 5 from 1,300 ratings. The X1 sits at 4.4 out of 5 from only 41 ratings, so its score is less settled.
- Which shoots better video?
- The X1 lists 2.7K at 30fps, 1080p at 60fps, and 1080p HDR at 32Mbps. The Neo's camera specs are not listed here, so compare sample footage before deciding on image quality.
