When the Jetson ONE was unveiled in October 2021, it instantly captured the world’s imagination. A compact personal aircraft that could fit in the back of an SUV, required no pilot’s license, and offered a truly futuristic flying experience — it seemed like science fiction brought to life.
Now, as deliveries begin in September 2025, Jetson’s pioneering design faces new challengers from China — and one of them is selling for less than half the price.
Jetson ONE: The Original Personal eVTOL Pioneer
Jetson ONE’s debut marked a turning point for personal electric aviation. With a starting price of $92,000, it appealed to entrepreneurs, athletes, and even YouTubers eager to experience flight like never before. Early production slots sold out almost immediately.
But as demand soared and supply remained limited, prices followed the classic laws of economics. Today, the Jetson ONE costs around $128,000, with Jetson announcing a further increase to $140,000 in the near future.
Despite the cost, its appeal hasn’t faded. The Jetson ONE’s minimalist design — featuring four coaxial rotors, a lightweight aluminum roll-cage cockpit, and dual battery packs without active cooling — makes it feel like a human-sized drone. It’s simple, elegant, and undeniably cool.
China’s Rapid Rise in the eVTOL Race
It didn’t take long for China’s booming drone industry to take notice. With hundreds of manufacturers already producing drones for agriculture, firefighting, and cargo transport, developing a Jetson-like aircraft was the next logical step.
China also holds key advantages:
- Local access to component suppliers — from motors to batteries and controllers.
- Decades of experience in flight-stabilization software and power management.
- A supportive regulatory framework, under Chapter O of CCAR-91, similar to the U.S. FAA’s Part 103, allowing ultralight aircraft under 116 kg to operate recreationally without certification or a pilot’s license.
With all these factors in play, it was only a matter of time before Jetson’s iconic design inspired local copies.
Jetson’s Edge: Experience and Evolution
To their credit, Jetson didn’t achieve success overnight. Their current aircraft design is the result of years of iteration and countless test flights. They also developed a flight simulator to train users — a rare move that underscores their commitment to safety and usability.
That experience gives Jetson a holistic understanding of its aircraft that few others can match. But with competition heating up, even Jetson may find it difficult to maintain its technological lead — especially when Chinese alternatives are priced aggressively.
Meet the Chinese Competitors
Several Chinese companies have already unveiled designs that bear striking resemblance to the Jetson ONE. Here are the most notable contenders:
1. YiVTOL S-Zero (Shenzhen Yingwu Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd.)
Developed in collaboration with Shenzhen University, the S-Zero is among the most advanced Chinese replicas.
Key Specs:
- Flight time: 30 minutes
- Payload: 90 kg
- Top speed: 70 km/h
- Total weight: 110 kg
- Features: AI interactive screen
- Price: $59,000
Reports suggest that at least one unit has already been delivered to a buyer in the Middle East — an impressive milestone.
2. Global UAV Passenger Drone
The Global UAV model features a slightly larger frame but comparable performance.
Key Specs:
- Dimensions: 3500 × 2400 × 1100 mm
- Wheelbase: 2100 mm
- Empty weight: 115 kg
- Endurance: 30 minutes
- Max payload: 85 kg
While pricing hasn’t been officially disclosed, early indications suggest it could undercut even the YiVTOL S-Zero.
3. Skytech UAV eVTOL
Another contender, the Skytech eVTOL, has surfaced in online demos and TikTok clips. Although details are limited, it shares the same four-rotor design philosophy and all-aluminum frame.
Design and Performance Comparison
| Feature | Jetson ONE | YiVTOL S-Zero | Global UAV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight time | 20 min | 30 min | 30 min |
| Payload | 95 kg | 90 kg | 85 kg |
| Weight | 115 kg | 110 kg | 115 kg |
| Propeller diameter | 0.9 m | >1 m | >1 m |
| Top speed | N/A | 70 km/h | N/A |
| Price (USD) | $140,000 (expected) | $59,000 | Unknown |
The Chinese models often use larger propellers, likely contributing to their slightly longer endurance. However, Jetson’s compact frame gives it superior maneuverability and agility.
Safety remains an open question — Jetson’s promotional flights typically hover just a few meters above ground, while Chinese demos show much higher altitudes without clear safety protocols.
Final Thoughts
The Jetson ONE remains the gold standard for personal electric flight — a beautifully engineered machine born from years of research and testing. But with Chinese competitors offering similar performance at a fraction of the price, the future of this market could change rapidly.
So what do you think?
Would you pay $140,000 for the original Jetson ONE, or take a chance on a $59,000 Chinese clone?
Jetson ONE Specs
- Dimensions: 2700 × 1600 × 1120 mm (8.86 × 5.25 × 3.67 ft)
- Empty weight: 115 kg (with batteries)
- Max payload: 95 kg
- Prop diameter: 0.9 m
- Flight time: 20 min
- Frame: All-aluminum space airframe
- Power: 88 kW high-performance electric brushless motors