eFoil Comparison: Fliteboard vs. Lift vs. Awake vs. Waydoo

The eFoil market has grown into four distinct design philosophies. Fliteboard and Lift anchor the premium end with large ecosystems and mature hardware. Awake brings a jet-driven identity and a modular battery platform shared with its electric surfboards. Waydoo focuses on accessibility, documentation, and rapid software updates.

This comparison focuses on what shapes real riding: propulsion, power delivery, battery strategy, stability, ease of setup, and long-term ownership.

Quick Comparison: 2026 eFoil Leaders

The 7 Factors That Matter Most

1) Propulsion: Propeller vs. Jet

Propellers feel direct and efficient at steady cruise.
Jet systems offer smooth power and an enclosed impeller many schools and families prefer.

• Fliteboard and Lift support both propeller and jet options
• Awake is jet-only
• Waydoo uses a propeller system

2) Battery Capacity vs. Battery Weight

Ride time depends on battery size, but weight affects portability and how the board behaves in transitions and turns.

Fliteboard Series 3 offers 2.1 kWh capacity at just 28 kg with up to 150 minutes of ride time. Lift5 provides 2.2 kWh at 35.6 kg for up to 120 minutes. Awake Vinga 3 has 1.9 kWh at 38-42 kg with 120 minutes of range. Waydoo Flyer ONE features 1.8 kWh at 32 kg for up to 90 minutes.

3) Power Is Not Speed

Throttle mapping, wing selection, and rider technique determine lift, stability, and carving feel far more than maximum speed.

All four brands offer 25-30 mph top speeds, but the feel of power delivery varies significantly:

• Fliteboard: Highly tunable with multiple power modes
• Lift: Smooth, progressive power curve
• Awake: Jet-driven smoothness with instant response
• Waydoo: Smart-assist modes for controlled learning

4) Wing Ecosystem

Wings influence lift characteristics, stall behavior, surf-style glide, and turning radius.

Brands with deeper catalogs provide better tuning for heavier riders, learners, or carving specialists.

• Fliteboard: Extensive wing catalog with options for every skill level
• Lift: Mature wing ecosystem from 10+ years of foil experience
• Awake: Focused wing selection optimized for jet propulsion
• Waydoo: Growing wing options with clear beginner recommendations

5) Setup Time and Tool-Free Design

Fast setup increases water time. Lift and Awake emphasize clean integration and minimal cabling.

Fliteboard offers many configuration options, and Waydoo aims for consumer-electronics simplicity.

6) Software and Ride Modes

Training modes, speed limits, telemetry, and diagnostics shape the learning curve and reduce early mistakes.

• Waydoo: Leading app features with smart-assist and firmware updates
• Fliteboard: Comprehensive ride modes and telemetry
• Lift: Refined modes with focus on reliability
• Awake: Performance-focused with clear power settings

7) Support and Parts Availability

Battery service, wing replacements, mast repairs, and dealer availability matter more after six months than on purchase day.

Brand-by-Brand Deep Dive

Fliteboard: The Configurator's Choice

View Fliteboard Series 3 Details →

Founded in 2016, Fliteboard approaches eFoiling with a high-end industrial design mindset. Their ecosystem is arguably the most modular in the industry, allowing riders to swap components as their skills evolve.

What Fliteboard Optimizes

• Modular Propulsion: Switch between propellers and jet drives on a single mast.
• Battery Versatility: A wide lineup ranging from lightweight "sport" packs to high-capacity endurance packs.
• Deep Wing Catalog: Extensive options for carving, surfing, and high-speed stability.

Ideal Rider: Those who want a highly tuned setup and plan to upgrade components to match their skill progression.

Watchpoints: The sheer number of configuration choices can be overwhelming for absolute beginners.

Technical Specifications

Lift Foils: The Refined Original

View Lift5 Details →

Lift has been building hydrofoils since 2010. Their deep roots in search and surf culture result in a product that feels exceptionally integrated and "natural" on the water.

What Lift Optimizes

• Clean Integration: Tool-free setup and a cable-free design make it one of the easiest boards to assemble.
• Proven Reliability: A massive global community and over a decade of testing in real-world conditions.
• Surf Heritage: Wings designed with a focus on glide and natural carving flight.

Ideal Rider: Riders who want a premium, "plug-and-play" experience with high-end materials and minimalist design.

Watchpoints: Published speed figures can be conservative; focus on battery capacity and wing choice for real performance.

Technical Specifications

Awake: The Performance Jet

View Awake Vinga 3 Details →

Evolving from high-performance electric surfboards, Awake brings a safe, jet-driven identity to the eFoil market. Their design language is distinctly Scandinavian—powerful and clean.

What Awake Optimizes

• Jet Propulsion: The standard for safety (no exposed blades) and smooth, linear power delivery.
• Cross-Compatibility: Use the same "Flex Battery" for both your Awake eFoil and Awake Rävik surfboard.
• High Power Density: Offers one of the most powerful motors in the eFoil category for instant lift.

Ideal Rider: Families (for safety) or surf enthusiasts who already own Awake products and value a unified ecosystem.

Watchpoints: Jet systems feel different at low speeds and require a slightly different starting technique than propellers.

Technical Specifications

Waydoo: The Practical Entry

View Waydoo Flyer ONE Details →

Waydoo has disrupted the market by bringing a consumer-electronics mindset to eFoiling. They focus on documentation, app-based features, and lower barriers to entry.

What Waydoo Optimizes

• Accessibility: The most competitive pricing for a full-featured eFoil system.
• Smart Features: Excellent app integration with smart-assist modes and straightforward firmware updates.
• Global Adoption: A massive user base and clear, easy-to-follow setup guides.

Ideal Rider: Beginners or casual riders looking for a fun weekend activity without a five-figure investment.

Watchpoints: Real-world ride time can vary significantly based on conditions compared to premium brands.

Technical Specifications

Simple Selection Guide

Most configurable platform: Fliteboard
Fastest setup and most integrated feel: Lift
Jet propulsion and shared batteries: Awake
Most accessible and beginner-friendly: Waydoo
Best value: Waydoo
Premium experience: Lift or Fliteboard

Final Thoughts

The "best" eFoil depends entirely on your priorities:

• Want maximum configurability? → Fliteboard
• Want refined, out-of-the-box experience? → Lift
• Prefer jet propulsion? → Awake
• New to eFoiling? → Waydoo

All four brands build quality products. The right choice comes down to your riding style, budget, and how much you value tunability versus simplicity.

Ready to compare specs side-by-side? Browse all eFoils →

Last updated: January 26, 2026