Finding the best vaporizer is a common quest for smokers ranging from novice users and seasoned weed pros because vaporizers offer a clean, discreet, and flavorful way of enjoying cannabis. In addition, the best vaporizers feature the latest technology-enhanced functions while maintaining the winning elements of original weed vaporizer models.

Market research trends suggest most consumers seek an affordable device that is easy to use. Vaporizers that combine superior functionality and a flavorful, smooth hit are in demand, and many of them provide satisfactory returns on investment. We have compiled this list of the top six vaporizers on the market to help you decide which features you need most.

Commonly preferred features by vapers include quick heating time, vapor quality, manufacturing quality, and convenience. It is also important to consider how often you vape, why you vape, and your preferred smoking materials. You may want to select vape specifically for use with dry flower only or opt for a vaporizer with versatility if you're going to vape both dry flower and concentrates.

Our picks for the best weed vaporizers are: 

1. Storz and Bickel Volcano Hybrid Onyx

2. The Trident

3. Dabber SWITCH Vaporizer

4. Mighty Vaporizer

5. Arizer XQ2 Vaporizer

6. PAX 3 Vaporizer - Basic Kit

1. The Volcano Hybrid

The Storz and Bickel Volcano Hybrid Onyx is beloved by many stoners for so many reasons. It heats up quickly (roughly under 1 minute), efficiently activating freshly ground flowers. The control display is easy to read and can be controlled by a touch button. It even gives you the option of using an Android app for remote control.

The Volcano Hybrid's price ($549) makes it one of the more expensive products, but the cost can be justified by Volcano's legacy of quality product development and performance. At first, this price may sound high, but the quality craftsmanship and durability make this a solid investment for those who regularly vape.

Some customers have reported their Volcano devices have lasted for a decade. But, of course, regular use will increase and expedite wear and tear on your Volcano Hybrid, so many factors will determine how long your device will last. 

Techy people will appreciate the newly designed app that offers total control over sessions. Volcano vaporizers have a positive reputation for flavor production. The new whip-style system enhances the flavor experience. It directly draws from the heating chamber, contributing to a quicker delivery rate. In addition, the fact that it uses convection heating instead of combustion should be appealing to many who seek optimal flavor.

The Volcano Hybrid has a temperature range between 104 °F and 446 °F, so you can adjust the temperature to their liking. Adjusting the temperature is important because each strain has an optimal temperature. 

What's Great About the Volcano Hybrid

The Volcano Hybrid vaporizer has a new dual-inhalation system that allows users to consume using a classic balloon bag or whip delivery system. The Hybrid's airflow is also more efficient than past models.

Pros:

• Quick heating time
• Durability
• Quality Workmanship

Cons:

• Expensive in comparison to other devices
• Some novices might find simpler vapes easier to use.

What Makes The Volcano Hybrid Different?

• A double helix heat exchanger means it is ready in roughly 40 seconds.
• Improved airflow over previous models.
• The app allows control of the vaporizer from a mobile phone.

2. The Trident  

The Trident has a futuristic appearance, and it deserves its nickname as the laser bong. It uses cutting-edge technology to deliver hearty vapor clouds. The Trident device includes water filtration, multiple power settings, and safety interlocks. It is fast charging, and a single charge can power up to over 280 single uses or draws. 

The power button reflects different colors for different temperature settings—pressing the button three times cycles through the temperature settings. Blue is the hottest temperature and is recommended for use with oil-infused blends. Green is a medium temperature setting, and red is the lowest temperature and optimal for ground flower. The lowest setting is recommended for flavor enhancement.

Using The Trident is convenient. Unlock the inner lock, attach the hose adapter, and attach it to the bottom chamber. Place a small amount of water in the reservoir, place some weed in the loading chamber, and use the flat end of the dual tool (it comes with The Trident) to pack the weed. You can choose between holding the button or double-tap the button for a continuous 9-second beam. Pull on the hose to fill the chamber while the laser fires. Continue to draw in vapor until the chamber is empty.

What is Great About The Trident

It includes water filtration, multiple power settings, and safety interlocks. This description might make the Trident seem overly complex and complicated to use, but it is a snap to use once you get used to the settings.

The Trident has great safety features. After nine seconds, the laser will shut off to prevent the device from overheating. The safety interlocking system is reliable and easy to use.

Pros:

• A powerhouse with advanced functions
• Smooth hits
• Sleek appearance

Cons:

• Expensive option for novice smokers or those on a tight budget
• Unique technology that offers optimum vapor clouds

What Makes The Trident Different?

Some describe The Trident as functional art. The design and function are distinct from many vaporizers on the market. The appearance, user-friendly control, and laser technology set this bong apart from the rest. 

The Trident warms the weed with a concentrated beam of light, but the heat is more gentle than other vapes. You should use the packing tool that comes with the Trident to pack your finely ground herb carefully. Make sure it is flat, so the flower evenly absorbs the laser's heat.

3. Dr. Dabber SWITCH Vaporizer

This stylish and functional model is perfect for the regular flower and concentrate user. The Dr. Dabber SWITCH can do everything from activating dry flower to handling solventless concentrates. It is essentially a dry flower vape with the functionality of a handheld eRig.

The SWITCH vaporizer's induction heating uses electromagnets to heat up coils, inside of which is a receptacle that holds the concentrates or extracts. There is minimal terpene degradation with induction heating. It has 25 temperature settings to handle different smoking materials.

What's Great About Dr. Dabber SWITCH

The Dr. Dabber Switch has a long-lasting battery. It is also versatile and can activate dry flower or heat concentrates.  

Pros:

• Dual compatibility with extracts and dry flower
• 25 temperature settings
• Long-lasting battery
• Made with premium materials

Cons:

• Higher price tag
• Using settings may be confusing for a novice

What Makes The Dr. Dabber SWITCH Different?

The clever design of the device means that the internal electronics are completely enclosed, so there are no worries about damaging mechanical circuits. In addition, the Dr. Dabber SWITCH also has a self-cleaning mode.

4. Mighty+ Vaporizer

Storz & Bickel's Mighty+ is a dry herb vaporizer with updates to the original model that include USB-C charging (it charges in 40 minutes) and quicker heat up time (under a minute). Storz & Bickel are known for their superior smoking devices, and the Mighty+ is just one of their many high-performing vaporizers.

The Mighty+ uses a hybrid conduction and convection heating method that evenly heats the flower thoroughly and consistently. Convection heating is most effective at bringing out the aroma and taste of smokable material.  

What is Great About the Mighty+

Its ceramic-coated heating chamber makes cleaning and maintenance easier. There is less or no resin stain than other vaporizers. 

 It is cordless, so it allows for some mobility, and this device fits nicely into a small bag if you want something portable yet powerful.

 Pros:

 Superior safety of the Mighty+ (UL Certification)

• Versatile
• Durable

 Cons:

• Expensive

What Makes the Mighty+ Different?

The Mighty+ is the first vaporizer to receive UL certification, which means it has met rigorous safety standards.

 The swivel mouthpiece makes it easier to position for taking hits.  

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5. Arizer XQ2 Vaporizer

The Arizer XQ2 is a desktop vaporizer that can be used with a balloon bag or a whip. It has stellar vapor quality and a more reasonable price tag than some other top vaporizers. In addition, its display is easy to read. 

 What's Great About the Arizer XQ2 Vaporizer

This vaporizer is designed solely for cannabis dry flower. It is a desktop device that creates massive clouds and delivers a clean taste, and it comes with a remote to make sessions convenient and relaxing. It has three modes: a whip, balloon system, and aromatherapy setting.

The device is easy to clean and maintain. These qualities make this device a good choice for those who only plan to vape flower. 

Pros:

• Remote control that does not rely on a smartphone.
• Excellent fan control for filling the balloon to preferred fullness
• Heats within 1-2 minutes for most temperatures.

Cons:

• No Bluetooth capability
• Slower heat-up time than other vape devices

What Makes the Arizer XQ2 Vaporizer Different?

It has an LED display with clear symbols. All of these features combine to create incredible performance and massive vapor clouds.

6. PAX 3 Vaporizer - Basic Kit

The award-winning Pax 3 Vaporizer is quite popular because it is compact, easy to use, and produces a large vapor cloud. It is small enough to fit in a pocket, and its metal body makes it sturdy and durable.

PAX is known for producing top-quality smoking devices, and they have perfected PAX features over the past few models. For this reason, they are confident in the quality of their product and offer a 10-year warranty with the PAX 3. 

What's Great About the PAX 3

The PAX 3 vaporizer uses conduction heating to create sizable vapor clouds. It quickly heats up in about 40 seconds.

For vaping on the go, this portable device offers powerful vapor production, and it fits in your hand discreetly.

Pros:

• On the more affordable end of the spectrum
• High tech features that are user-friendly
• 30-second heat-up time
• Lip sensing technology

Cons:

• Limited to dry flower use
• Limited iPhone app

What Makes The PAX 3 Different?

The PAX 3 offers Bluetooth technology with a simple integration for heating functions and a flavor savor setting that shuts off when not in use. In addition, it comes with two mouthpieces, so you can further customize your smoking experience.

The lip sensing technology can detect if you are going to take a long or short draw.

How to Choose a Vape

Choosing the best vape for you depends on what suits your smoking needs. Ease of use, design, price, and vapor cloud are all product features you should consider. Some people prefer a simpler model, while others like devices with state-of-the-art technology.

You also want to consider where, when, and how often you vape to select a vaporizer designed to support specific consumption activities. 

Types of Vapes

There are three main types of vaporizers: tabletop vaporizers, portable vaporizers, and vape pens. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Many tabletop devices use convection vaporization, so they warm the dry herb indirectly through a hot airflow.

Tabletop or Desktop

Tabletop or desktop vaporizers are the original vaporizers. They function as an oven to heat the raw flower and activate cannabinoids. They come in basic or advanced models. Tabletop vaporizers produce more flavor and powerful vapor clouds than portable vaporizers.

Whip-Style

The whip-style vaporizers use long tubes for vaporizing dry ground flower. These vaporizers are usually larger and good for social events that may involve sharing cannabis devices. A whip allows you to control the type of draw from your vaporizer.  

Balloon Bag

Balloon bag vaporizers come with special mouthpieces and connectors that allow you to use the balloons easily. This method requires filling a large balloon bag full of dry ground flower.

Hybrid

Hybrid desktop vaporizers offer a combination of whip-style and balloon bag style vaping. Usually, hybrids have a higher price point, but they are more versatile and often worth the additional cost.

Portable Compact Vape Pens

A vaporizer pen is a compact personal vaporizer that heats up cannabis oil or solid concentrates like crumble. It has two main parts: the battery and the cartridge. The battery is charged using a USB port.

Most compact portable vaporizers are roughly the size of a typical ink pen or marker, and they can be used for a while if maintained with proper care and storage when not in use. These rechargeable devices are designed for multiple uses—.5 cartridges can last up to 200-300 puffs or 6-7 seven months, depending on the frequency of use.

Many of these vape pens have an LED light that blinks when the charge is low. Some vapes will be rechargeable but may not have an on/off button and the capability of different heating temperatures. Others have the typical on/off button and the function to select one of several settings (usually low, medium, and high) that can be accessed by pressing this button to cycle through the heating levels.   

Although many are designed for regular use, some are made with stronger materials and reinforced designs that make them more durable than the less expensive models. 

Vape mods are one example of a popular portable vaporizer preferred by veteran vapers. They have high-capacity batteries compatible with 510 threaded tanks and can be single, double, or triple cells. Some vape mods have advanced chipsets that can read and monitor atomizer resistance, control power, and temperature.   

How to Use a Vape Pen

Most vape pens work similarly, and your brand product should come with clear directions. Many offer the ultimate in ease and convenience. They don't need recharging and are usually small enough to place in a pocket. When ready for a hit, you simply put it in your mouth and inhale. Some models will feature a light that turns on when you are inhaling, and it also may blink to indicate the cartridge is low on vape oil.

Some products in the vape pen category may feature a rechargeable battery. When the power is low, detach the vape cartridge from the device and affix it to the charging port. Many rechargeable vapes feature a button to control on and off status and temperature settings. A common method is clicking the on button 5 times to activate and clicking several times to activate the heat settings. Usually, the lights flash different colors to indicate different heat levels.

To enjoy your weed, inhale for a few seconds. A vape pen may feature a light indicator that turns on when the user inhales and blinks when the cartridge is running low on oil in the cartridge.

Benefits of Vaporizers

There are so many reasons to choose vaping. People love how vaping makes it so much easier to microdose. It is easier to track the number of inhalations taken within a specific time period. Doses can be more precise when vaping compared to smoking cannabis. Each vapor draw roughly contains the same amount of cannabinoids and terpenes.

Vapes also provide fast onset. Most medical cannabis physicians recommend taking one inhalation and assessing the effects before taking a hit as needed.

Vaping can be an affordable option. Even though top-of-the-line vaporizers can cost hundreds of dollars, plenty of lower-cost vaporizers have quality features and effective delivery. The more moderately-priced vapes are smart choices for those new to vaping. 

Vaping is much easier on the lungs than smoking weed. Vaping activates THC at a lower temperature than when smoked, so you get the desired effects without the irritation and damage caused by smoking.

Some Tips for Use and Care of Vaporizers

• When attaching a vape cartridge to the battery of a vape pen, twist in a cartridge firmly but not too tightly. If a cartridge or "cart" is too tight, it may block the airflow openings.
• Clean your vaporizer regularly for best use and to extend the life of the device. Remove resin and any build-up after each use to make ongoing maintenance easier.
• Make sure your device is completely charged before use.

FAQs

Are vaporizers healthier?

Vaporizers are slightly healthier than smoking which involves high temperatures to cause combustion or activation of the THC. However, Vaping does have health risks, and research is still conflicting on how severe or extreme the risks are.

Vaporizers reduce the inhalation of tar chemicals and contaminants. In addition, a vaporizer extracts the flavors and therapeutic compounds more effectively than smoking raw flower. 

Can I use vaporizers indoors?

You can use a vaporizer of any size or set up (portable, stationary, etc.) indoors at your home or in other private areas where others don't mind it. Some people notice a slight weed aroma after someone has vaped in a smaller, enclosed indoor space, but proper ventilation helps reduce or eliminate odors.

If you do vape inside, try to stand near an open window or door. A room deodorizer can also diffuse any skunky smell that may be lingering. The odor should go away in about 30 minutes.

However, if you're in a public space, you may not be allowed to vape indoors.

Are vaporizers expensive?

Vaporizers range in price, and they can be under $100 or cost several hundred dollars. The type of vaporizer also influences the price. Tabletop vaporizers are usually larger, have more features, and typically cost several hundred dollars. Vaporizer or "vape" pens and portable vaporizers are less expensive, making them a good choice for those new to vaping. As you get more experienced, you can spend more on equipment.

Are vapes smoother than bongs?

Vaporizers offer a different kind of smooth hit than bongs. Cold or cool bong water cools the water, making the smoke less irritating on the throat and lungs. This factor results in a smoother hit.