Best Portable Vaporizers for True Vapers

With cannabis legal in some form in 33 states and one the agenda for legalization in many others, more people are curious about cannabis than ever. It is beginning to lose the stigma that was attached during the “Just Say No” years. A lot of that destigmatizing is due to the growing popularity of vaping cannabis. Once relegated to desktop vaporizers that were a bit difficult to transport, now cannabis vaping has gone mobile. Today, 38 states have some form of legalized marijuana, where 11 states have legalized recreational use and Texas, Florida, Ohio, West Virigina and others  have legalized medical marijuana program.

What Makes a Good Portable Vaporizer?

There are a plethora of portable vaporizers out there to choose from. If you prefer to smoke dry herb, there are best portable dry herb vaporizers that will do this. If you prefer wax or oil concentrates, there are vaporizers specifically for this function. There are a few vaporizers that will allow you to vape dry herb, wax, and oil concentrates. With all of these choices, we can’t blame you for being a bit overwhelmed if you’re new to cannabis vaping. That’s why we’ve done the hard work for you and compiled a list of the best portable vaporizers.

They are in no particular order, but we have included the one portable vaporizer you might want to avoid.

Planet of the Vapes ONE

This addition to the vaping market from Planet of the Vapes was designed with portability in mind. It fits in your pocket and heats up quickly, so you don’t have to wait when you get time in for a quick session. Add in the fact that it has available a water pipe adapter and a mini bubbler means this can double for your go-to home vape as well.

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Pros:

• The smoothness of Vapor On-demand pull
• Long Battery Life
• Retractable mouthpiece

Cons:

• Short battery life
• No swappable batteries

Takeaway:

The huge LED screen shows you the temperature, battery life, and session time at a glance. The LED screen can be flipped so that you can see the info no matter how you hold the vape. You’ll know that the vape is ready when it vibrates in your hand. The glass mouthpiece is extremely thick and durable, and the kirksite body with the rubberized coating will see you through the long haul.
As a hybrid convection/conduction vape, the One has outstanding vapor quality for its price range. The flavor is consistent and for cloud chasers, you can get some decent vapor production from this vape.

DaVinci IQ2

The DaVinci IQ2 is a step up from the original IQ. Like the ONE, it is highly portable and can easily be hidden in the palm of your hand. Some of the improvements over the previous IQ model include cooler vapor at higher temperature settings, an adjustable airflow, and the chamber has increased in size to 0.5 grams, but still has a dose pod of 0.2 grams for those who want to microdose. These upgrades, which also include a dose calculator to count the number of active compounds based on the potency of your strain, make the DaVinci IQ 2 the most advanced portable vaporizer available.

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Pros:

• Small and compact size
• Adjustable airflow
• Outstanding vapor quality
• Replaceable batteries
• Ergonomic

Cons:

• Slow to charge
• Price

Takeaway:

The DaVinci IQ2 is a step up from the original IQ. Like the ONE, it is highly portable and can easily be hidden in the palm of your hand. Some of the improvements over the previous IQ model include cooler vapor at higher temperature settings, an adjustable airflow, and the chamber has increased in size to 0.5 grams, but still has a dose pod of 0.2 grams for those who want to microdose. These upgrades, which also include a dose calculator to count the number of active compounds based on the potency of your strain, make the DaVinci IQ 2 the most advanced portable vaporizer available.

Flowermate V5S

Those just testing the waters in vaping cannabis might not want to go out and spend hundreds of dollars that many portable vape systems can cost. Flowermate has brought those just wanting to try it out a vape that is low-cost and easy to use. It is also easily maintained, as long as it is cleaned after every few sessions.

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Pros:

• Price
• Easy to use
• Great battery life

Cons:

• Below average vapor quality
• High draw resistance

Takeaway:

In keeping the vape easy to use, the Flowermate V5S eschews precise temperature controls and offers three temperature settings. The lowest setting will deliver the best flavor while the highest setting has no real singed taste. The built-in 18650 batteries allow for two hours of run time and can be charged using a USB charger. Heat time for the highest temperature setting is about 30 seconds.

Storz and Bickel Crafty

As the little brother of the Storz and Bickel Mighty, the Crafty offers the same performance in a smaller size. It utilizes the same heating element that is inside the Mighty. It is a hybrid heating system, combining both conduction and convection heating. The latest Crafty models come with a better battery, extending the life of the vaporizer to over 200 total hours of use.

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Pros:

• Unparalleled performance and vapor quality
• Free smartphone app for Android users
• Vibration indicates when it’s ready to vape
• Liquid pad included for vaporizing concentrates

Cons:

• Price
• Short battery lifespan, but you can vape while you recharge
• Short auto shut-off mechanism
• Mouthpiece exterior prone to getting dirty

Takeaway:

The Storz and Bickel Crafty offers a hybrid heating system that produces quality vapor and is easy to use. A single charge will give you 90+ minutes of continuous use. It is more portable than the Mighty, easily fitting in your pocket and weighing only 135 grams.

Boundless CF/CFX

The Boundless CFX is very similar to the Crafty but at a lower price. They are similarly designed and are similarly designed, with the CF being the smaller of the two. Although the CFX is bigger, it features an LED screen that allows you to pick an exact temperature. In both units, the batteries are not replaceable and will last for around 60 minutes of use. They both produce outstanding vapor quality, producing the best flavor of the cheaper vaporizers that are available.

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Pros:

• Lower price than the Volcano vaporizers
• Large heating chambers
• Smooth vapor with great taste and potency

Cons:

• Larger than other portables
• Small clouds
• On the CF, vapor can be harsh at higher temperatures
• High draw resistance on the CF

Takeaway:

The CF and the CFX offer an 80w hybrid convection/conduction heater. The CF offers 5 preset temperature settings while the CFX offers precise temperature control. Both offer an ultra-fast heat-up time, coming in at under 30 seconds to get vaping. Both also offer a high-capacity oven to keep you vaping for as long as your dry herbs last.

KandyPens Rubi

If you’re looking for a vaporizer similar in shape to a JUUL, the KandyPens Rubi has a similar design. The design ensures that there is no leakage and the user’s saliva cannot back up into the pod. This vape pen is intended for oils and it hones in on the particular cannabinoids by using various temperature settings. At only 4 inches long, this vape is discreet. For those hard-core vapers out there, the Rubi is made for direct to lung vaping.

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Pros:

• Low cost
• Lightweight
• Attractive design
• Refillable pods

Cons:

• Requires a light oil
• Low cartridge capacity
• 280mAh battery is insufficient

Takeaway:

The KandyPens Rubi not only allows for the vaping of cannabis-based oils but other oils as well. It can handle nicotine salts and other liquid oil extracts for those who enjoy aromatherapy. The design is such that replacing the pod is as easy as removing the mouthpiece and switching the pods out.

Firefly 2+

Those who were impressed with the original Firefly weren’t happy with the lack of temperature control, size, and battery life. The Firefly 2+ fixed these flaws, coming in at 30% smaller and 50% lighter than the original. There are now six different temperature settings controlled by the Firefly app. The battery life is much improved as well. What makes the Firefly 2+ stand out, however, is the fact that it allows for micro-dosing. While other units allow for it, the Firefly 2+ doesn’t cook your herb between hits.

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Pros:

• Pure vapor taste and quality
• Great for micro-dosing
• Quick and easy to clean
• All glass vapor path aside from plastic mouthpiece
• Quick heat time

Cons:

• Steep learning curve
• Cloud production is not impressive
• Gimmicky app for temperature control only available on Android

Takeaway:

One of the primary features of the Firefly 2+ is the convection heating system, which produces outstanding vapor quality. It is also easy to clean and maintain, showing that the designers put a lot of thought into the vape. It also features a fast heat time, allowing you to take the first draw in 20 seconds. The draw resistance is improved from the previous model but is still tight.

Healthy Rips Fury Edge

Healthy Rips entered the vaporizer market a few years ago with the Fury vaporizer. They promised food-grade air paths and they have delivered with the Fury Edge. It delivers primarily convection heating in a compact size. They have also implemented USB-C charging for faster charge time and less wear-and-tear than the mini USB. It comes with a plastic mouthpiece for on-the-go vaping as well as a glass mouthpiece for better flavor.

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Pros:

• Increased battery life
• Super-fast USB-C charging
• Quick heat time
• Tasty vapor
• Affordability

Cons:

• Scratch prone screen
• Less cloud production than the Fury 2

Takeaway:

The glass mouthpiece is one of the outstanding features of the Fury Edge. It is also uncommon for a vape to have one at this price range. The haptic feedback response lets the user know when its ready and the 2300mAh battery has a long life span. There is also an accessory attachment to allow you to attach a water pipe or a bubbler. It is even easy to switch out accessories in the middle of a session.

Vapir Oxygen Mini 4.0 – Skip This One

Vapir had a good vape with its NO2, but their Mini 4.0 leaves a lot to be desired. While it is the cheapest vaporizer to have a digital temperature control system, it’s not exactly “mini” in size. The design of the Mini 4.0 has an odd shape and is awkward to hold. It also has an incredibly low three-month warranty compared to the years offered by other manufacturers.

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Pros:

• Digital temperature display
• Excellent customer service

Cons:

• Bulky, awkward design
• Proprietary screens
• Battery is slow to charge
• Low battery life per charge

Takeaway:

An optional battery pack allows the Mini to become fully portable. A click of a button allows the user to set it to the desired temperature. A red indicator light will turn green as soon as the vape is ready to vape at the temperature desired.

Portable Vaporizer Buyer’s Guide

When it comes to vaporizers meant for cannabis, there are so many choices on the market. Those who have been vaping cannabis, either in dry herb form or in concentrate form probably already have a chosen vape. For those uninitiated, choosing the perfect cannabis vaporizer can seem like a huge chore. However, keeping a few things in mind when choosing your vape can make the process a lot less overwhelming.

Price

One of the biggest considerations should be your budget. If you’re willing to spend a few hundred dollars, there are some top-end vapes available. However, if you’re new to vaping, you might not want to drop that much money on a portable vaporizer. At least, not until you decide if you are going to continue vaping. There are some amazing lower-cost portable vaporizers mentioned above if you are just checking things out.

Features

When it comes to features, for the most part, the higher-priced vapes come with better features. For instance, some models will pair with your Android phone. Unfortunately, iPhone users are out of luck since the platform banned vaping apps. Different vaporizers will also offer different components that are made of different materials which can affect the taste of the vapor. Keeping in mind which features are important to you can help you make your choice.
Temperature Control
Temperature is important when it comes to vaping cannabis. Not only are the differing cannabinoids released at various temperatures, but too much heat can scorch your oil or your herbs. Most portable vapes only offer a few different temperature settings, but some allow for precision temperature control, though they will cost more.

Portability

We are discussing portable vaporizers, after all, so portability is a major factor. Some of the vapes mentioned above are a bit bulkier than others. Some will easily fit into a pocket while some others might need stashing in a bag. If discretion is a factor, portability is going to be a major consideration. Choose the vape that best suits your lifestyle and needs.

FAQ

Q: Does convection or conduction heating really matter?

A: Conduction heating means that your herb comes into direct contact with the heating element. This may be faster, but it can also burn off the beneficial cannabinoids. Convection heating heats the air around the material, allowing for a slower heat time, but more quality vapor. Some models offer a hybrid of the two.

Q: Are vaporizers hard to use?

A: It depends on the vaporizer. Depending on the features offered, some vaporizers can have a steep learning curve. Many portable vaporizers offer one-button firing and some even sense the lips and heat up then. If you’re not that technically savvy, a simpler portable vape is probably best for you. For those more technically inclined, a vape with an app and Bluetooth connection might be the right choice.

Q: Are cannabis vaporizers legal?

A: This is where things may get a little confusing. In some states where cannabis is still illegal, a cannabis vaporizer may be considered paraphernalia. You can even get busted if there is anything inside the vaporizer. However, in states where cannabis is legal, cannabis vaporizers are also completely legal to possess. It is best to research your state’s cannabis laws to determine the legality of cannabis vaporizers.

Q: What about the material of the heating element?

A: Here is another matter that comes down to personal choice. Most vaporizers have heating elements that are made from stable materials, so there are no worries about instability. Ceramic heating elements burn cleaner and maximize flavor. Aluminum heating elements offer better temperature control. The choice is up to you.

Q: What about the smell of marijuana?

A: Vaporizing can definitively reduce the smell of cannabis when compared to combustion. It won’t completely eliminate it, particularly for those with sensitive noses. The smell can become more apparent at higher temperatures as that is when the herbs will begin combusting. If you are concerned about the smell, vape at lower temperatures.

Q: Is vaporizing healthier?

A: There have been no long-term studies done as to whether vaping is healthier than smoking. Recent scares regarding black-market THC vape oil have brought up some concerns. It is important to remember, however, that if you are getting your THC oil from a reputable dispensary, it is unlikely to cause an issue. Combustion, on the other hand, releases a bunch of carcinogens that have not been detected in the vapor.

When it comes down to it, picking out a portable cannabis vaporizer is going to come down to your individual needs and preferences. The best recommendation is to read online reviews. YouTube offers a bunch of video reviews and how-to-use videos that can help you make a decision. These can be invaluable when it comes to researching portable vaporizers.