Long-term smokers often transition from using paper and pipes to using vaporizers. There are many reasons why an individual would choose to do this, including cleanliness, improved health, and convenience.
Portable vaporizers allow smokers to imbibe almost anywhere while remaining reasonably discrete. There are many types of portable vaporizers from which to choose, and picking the best one can certainly be a challenge.
Let us guide you through your shopping journey and help you find a portable vaporizer that meets both your needs and your budget!
Source: vaposhop.com
Buying Guide
There are a few key things to consider before investing in a portable vaporizer. Crucial factors include budgetary restrictions, preferred type of heating method, battery life, and whether your preferred vaporizer can handle liquids or dry herbs.
- Do You Need a Portable Vaporizer: A quality portable vaporizer can replace heftier, more complicated machinery or tools. For cigarette smokers, a portable vaporizer can become a slightly healthier alternative to reaching to smoking cigarettes.
- What Kind of Portable Vaporizer Is Right for You: Though most portable vaporizers tend to be compact, they do differ on many fronts. Chamber size, battery life, heating method, and material compatibility all vary from vape to vape.
- Benefits of Vaping: Vaporizers don’t produce smoke, tar, or ash, making them a healthier alternative to smoking. They don’t produce any foul odors, can be used nearly anywhere, and they allow nicotine users to control their daily intake.
- Possible Dangers of Vaping: Medical studies focusing on the long-term effects of vaping are ongoing, and information is still scarce. Until somewhat recently, vaping products and oils were not regulated by the FDA. Users should be cautious when purchasing vaping products and ensure that they are purchasing their items from reputable companies and manufacturers.
Buying Recommendations
Though there are hundreds if not thousands of portable vaporizer models from which to choose, we narrowed them down to a concise list of the best to help you make the best purchase possible.
Best Budget Portable Vaporizers
Check out our budget-friendly picks.
1. XVAPE X MAX VII PRO – Editor’s Pick
Material Compatibility: Dry Herb and Liquid/Concentrate
Heat Up Time: 45 – 75 seconds
Battery Life: 45 – 60 minutes
Our favorite budget portable vaporizer is hands-down the XVAPE X MAX VII PRO. Available in four attractive metallic finishes, this vape can handle a large amount of both dry herb and liquid or concentrate.
Though the heat up time is fairly lengthy at 45 – 75 seconds, the battery life is substantial, lasting approximately an hour at most. Overall, the sleek design, large chamber capacity, multiple material compatibility, and battery life make it an excellent option.
- Reasonably large chamber that can hold 0.5 grams of dry herb
- Longer-than-average battery life topping out at 60 minutes
- LED power indicator to ensure constant battery charge
- Automatic shut-off function saves power
- Could take more than a minute to reach desired temperature
2. VapCap M
Material Compatibility: Dry Herb
Heat Up Time: 5 – 10 seconds
Battery Life: No battery
The VapCap M by DynaVap is a futuristic-looking, battery-free portable vaporizer pen that could fit smartly into any pocket. At less than four inches in length and .7 ounces in weight, it is one of the most compact, lightweight options for vapers.
It also happens to be one of the most budget-friendly options, typically costing less than $100. The small size of this device allows it to reach optimum temperatures in 5 – 10 seconds, though the stainless steel construction is prone to heat transfer.
- Compact size – less than four inches long
- No batteries or charging necessary to use this vape
- It is ready to use in as little as 5 seconds
- Only holds up to 0.1 grams of dry herb
- It’s more complicated to use than other portable vaporizers
Best Premium Portable Vaporizers
Learn more about our premium picks.
1. MIGHTY by Storz & Bickel – Editor’s Pick
Material Compatibility: Dry Herb and Liquid/Concentrate
Heat Up Time: 120 seconds
Battery Life: 90 minutes
MIGHTY lives up to its name in many ways, starting with its chamber capacity. An astounding 1.4 grams of dry herb can fit into this handy device, which is only one of the reasons why it’s our favorite premium portable vaporizer.
The MIGHTY’s greatest flaw is balanced by another of its greatest features. While this vape can take a full two minutes to reach desired temp, it can also last for up to 90 minutes. With a user-friendly interface, easy cleaning, and plenty of optional accessories, it’s hard to beat Storz & Bickel’s MIGHTY portable vaporizer.
- Massive chamber for all-day usage
- 90-minute battery life. Can be plugged-in and used immediately
- Slim and lightweight. Pocket-friendly
- It can take up to two minutes to reach a set temperature
2. Firefly 2+
Material Compatibility: Dry Herb and Liquid/Concentrate
Heat Up Time: 3 seconds
Battery Life: 45 – 60 minutes
Capable of vaporizing both dry herb and liquid/concentrate, the Firefly 2+ is a beautiful machine. The internal convection process reaches optimal temperatures in as little as three seconds. And the battery life is great, allowing the vape to last a maximum of 60 minutes.
However, this model can feel a bit bulkier than others, and it has a relatively small chamber size, which are important things to consider, especially for those seeking the most compact portable vaporizer.
- Heats up in as little as three seconds
- It can last up to 60 minutes
- Multiple material compatibility for a wide range of use
- Bulkier than comparable portable vaporizers
- Chamber size could be larger
3. CRAFTY+ by Storz & Bickel
Material Compatibility: Dry Herb
Heat Up Time: 60 – 120 seconds
Battery Life: 60 minutes
Another offering by Storz & Bickel, the CRAFTY+, is an excellent option for those seeking a dry herb vape than could potentially last all day. Sadly, the CRAFTY+ doesn’t quite pull the same punch as the MIGHTY, but its price reflect the difference in features.
Still, this portable vaporizer is a dependable option that can last for a maximum of 60 minutes. The heat up time may be a deterrent for some, but the ease of use and dedicated smartphone app make this vape an attention-worthy choice.
- Long battery life
- Integrated smartphone app
- LED power indicator on bottom of vape
- Users will need to wait up to two minutes to use this vaporizer
- Primarily used only for dry herb
Best Conduction Portable Vaporizers
Looking for a vaporizer with the best conduction? Here’s what we recommend.
1. PAX 3 – Editor’s Pick
Material Compatibility: Dry Herb and Liquid/Concentrate
Heat Up Time: 22 seconds
Battery Life: 60 – 90 minutes
This conduction vaporizer has a definitive edge on other models. With a heat up time of 22 seconds and a maximum battery life of 90 minutes, the PAX 3 is brimming with features that influenced our decision to make it our favorite conduction portable vaporizer.
- Vibrates to alert users that it has reached optimal temperature
- Easy-to-use, one-button design
- Comes with a sleek 10-year limited warranty
- Could possibly last all day
- Unimpressive heat up time and chamber capacity
2. DAVINCI IQ
Material Compatibility: Dry Herb
Heat Up Time: 30 seconds
Battery Life: 90 minutes
The simplistic, intuitive design of the DAVINCI IQ gives it a modern feel while also keeping complex processes at a minimum. This app-enabled portable vaporizer employs ceramic to ensure a clean, pure vaping experience.
- Integrates with your smartphone for precise temperature control
- Ceramic mouthpiece and vapor chamber
- Unique light-up display using 51-light grid
- Extended battery life
- Only to be used with dry herb
- Moderate heat up time and chamber capacity
3. XVAPE X MAX STARRY 3.0
Material Compatibility: Dry Herb and Liquid/Concentrate
Heat Up Time: 25 seconds
Battery Life: 80 minutes
Those seeking a budget-friendly conduction vaporizer that’s small enough to travel anywhere may want to take a long, hard look at the XVAPE X MAX STARRY 3.0.
While the name is a mouthful, so is the vaping pleasure this device can provide. The OLED display screen on the side and the wide range of possible temperatures are enjoyable additional features.
- Easy on your wallet without sacrificing quality
- Satisfying battery life of 80 minutes
- Disappointing chamber size
Best Convection Portable Vaporizers
Read more about our choices for best convection.
1. Titanium Grasshopper – Editor’s Pick
Material Compatibility: Dry Herb
Heat Up Time: 5 seconds
Battery Life: 30 – 45 minutes
The Titanium Grasshopper is about as discreet as they come. Nearly identical to a high-quality ballpoint pen, this portable convection vaporizer has a blazingly fast heat up time of only 5 seconds.
Though its size limits its chamber size, and the batteries can be a pain to recharge and replace, this portable vape remains one of the most subtle models on the market.
- Subtle, pen-like design
- 5-second heat up time
- Disappointing battery life
2. G Pen Pro
Material Compatibility: Dry Herb
Heat Up Time: 30 seconds
Battery Life: 50 minutes
The budget-friendly option for anyone seeking a convection portable vape is the G Pen Pro. It’s an average choice with an slightly-above average performance, but the price-for-quality is stellar.
- Won’t break the bank
- Reasonably good heat up time and battery life
- Chamber size is pretty underwhelming
Final Thoughts
There’s a portable vaporizer for every lifestyle, every need, and every personal preference. Some vapers may have their out for the most compact model and design, while others may be geared toward high-powered, long-lasting models.
Now that you’re armed with this valuable information, you can make an informed call on which portable vaporizer is right for you. What are you waiting for!