The cannabis market has flourished since recreational use became legal in Canada. Along with that comes an influx of products like vaporizers. The amount of information available might be overwhelming to someone who has never used a vaporizer.
What is the best portable vaporizer for oil or flower? Which one has the best battery life? Do more expensive ones work better?
To save you time, we’ve compiled the answers to those questions for you by creating an in-depth list of everything you need to know about dry herb vaporizers.
By analyzing 10 of the top devices rated by dry herb consumers, we’ve taken the guesswork out of choosing a vaporizer by narrowing the list down to the 5 best.
For background information, see our comparison table and buying advice.
Best portable vaporizers
- Best overall – Pax 3
- Best for oil cartridges – Yocan Uni Pro
- Best for flower and concentrates – Arizer Solo 2
- Best for budget (under $100) – Utillian 421
- Best for flower only – Zeus Arc
Our research
14
Research Sources
10
Products Evaluated
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Reviews Considered
8
Hours of Research
Best portable vaporizers comparison
| Pax 3 | Flowermate V5 Nano | Arizer Solo 2 | Yocan Evolve Plus XL | Davinci IQ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Overall | Hybrid Vaporizer | Flower & Concentrates | Budget Concentrates | Flower Only |
| Price | $240 | $140 | $215 | $55 | $295 |
| Heating System | Conduction | Convection & Conduction | Convection & Conduction | Quad quartz coil | Conduction |
| Warranty | 10-year | 1-year | 2-year | 14-day | 10- year |
| Temperature Settings | 360°F to 419°F | 104°F to 446°F | 122°F to 428°F | Single Temp. Setting | 250°F to 430°F |
| Free Shipping | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Total Reviews | 877 | 108 | 499 | 578 | 110 |
| Aggregate Rating | 4.8 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.7 | 4.5 |
Our pick for best overall – Pax 3
- Temperature Settings: 4 pre-programmed & an app for customization
- Warranty: 10-year manufacturers defect warranty.
- Heating System: Conduction
Pros
- Vibration feedback for perfect temp. settings
- 1 hour charging time
- Less than 20-second heat-up time
- 10-year warranty
- Flower and concentrate combustible
- Great customer service
Cons
- Potential overheating issues
- Concentrate compartment takes longer to heat
- Problems with charging dock
Portability & discreetness
When it comes to being discrete and using cannabis on the go, the Pax 3 is by far the most convenient portable vaporizer. This ultra-portable device makes using cannabis flower and concentrates simple.
Battery life
The Pax 3 has a 18650, 3500mAh battery, which makes charging simple. The charge time on this device is about an hour. The battery can last up to six hours, or 100 pulls.
Temperature & customization
The Pax 3 is a smart vaporizer with built-in motion sensors in the mouthpiece that keeps the oven hot when you’re vaping and automatically turns off when you are done. It comes with a smartphone app that allows you to update firmware on your vaporizer, customize heating settings, and protect your device with security features.
Customer support
Pax 3 is covered by a 10-year warranty. A 100% satisfaction guarantee is promised with every purchase. When it comes to customer support, you will find it easy to get in touch with Pax. If you ever have an issue with your device, give the company a call. Customer satisfaction is one of their top priorities.
Best for hybrid vaporizer – Flowermate V5 Nano
- Temperature Settings: Adjustable temperature settings 140 to 446° F
- Warranty: 1-year warranty
- Heating System: Conduction
Pros
- Removable batteries
- Heating takes less than 60 seconds
- Compact and reliable
Cons
- Filing the flower pod can be tedious
- The flavour can taste burnt on higher temp. settings
- The top plate is connected with plastic tabs
Portability & discreetness
The Flowermate Nano is tough in both looks and functionality. This vaporizer is ultra-discreet and highly portable. Under four inches in height with the detachable mouthpiece, it fits easily into your pocket or purse.
Battery life
While the detachable battery feature is rare for portable vaporizers, the battery life of the Flowermate Nano is less than spectacular. You can expect a full 50 minutes of vape time or 7-10 uses before you need to recharge.
Temperature & customization
In less than one minute, this vaporizer heats up to 390 degrees from cold. The digital temperature controls on the Flowermate Nano are easy to use. It also has a haptic feedback feature that vibrates when it’s reached your ideal temp, as well as when the device is powered on or off.
Customer support
Most Canadian vaporizer retailers will work with you if your device malfunctions before going to the manufacturer. The customer care from both third-party vendors and from Flowermate is excellent. Whether you are having a charging issue, or your device seems to be defective, Flowermate’s customer care aims to resolve the issue.
Best for flower and concentrates – Arizer Solo 2
- Temperature Settings: 122° F to 428° F
- Warranty: 2-year on workmanship/defects, 1-year on battery, and a lifetime warranty on the heating element
- Heating System: Convection and conduction
Pros
- Heats up in 23 seconds
- Open airflow for stronger pulls
- 3-hour battery life
Cons
- Over $200
- The battery power decreases over time
- Flower must be ground finely
Portability & discreetness
Canadian vaporizer company Arizer created the Solo II with a slimmer feel than the original. It fits comfortably in your hand, but it does not fit into a pocket well. Opt for a case, or a small bag if you want to use your device on the go.
Battery life
When it comes to battery life, the Arizer Solo II takes one of the top spots. It has a long battery life that lasts for just under 3 hours. Another bonus is that unlike other portable vaporizers, you do not have to wait for the device to be fully charged before you can use it.
Temperature & customization
Solo II has a digital display and easy to use buttons. You can customize your temperature settings and personalize your vaping experience without an app. You have total control over brightness, timer, auto-shutoff and notification settings.
Customer support
Arizer has a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of their products. The heating element has a lifetime warranty. If you have any issues with your device, contact Arizer.
Best for concentrates on a budget – Yocan Evolve Plus XL
- Temperature Settings: Single temp. setting
- Warranty: 14-day
- Heating System: Four quartz rod coil
Pros
- 1400mAH battery
- Budget-friendly concentrates vaporizer
- Adjustable airflow valve
Cons
- Cannabis concentrates only (no flower)
- Needs to stay in an upright position
- The cloud size is inconsistent
Portability & discreetness
The Youcan Evolve Plus XL is a little larger than typical cannabis concentrates vaporizer, but it is still a great size for discretion. If you are vaping in public and are concerned about cloud sizes, ensure that you use a small amount of concentrates.
Battery life
For what it is, the 1400mAH battery in the Youcan Evolve Plus is average. If you are a heavy cannabis user, you can expect to charge your device daily. If you use your pen once and a while, the charge can last up to a week.
Temperature & customization
There is zero flexibility. The most customization you get is a device that is on or off.
Customer support
The 14-day warranty may be a turn-off, but Youcan does have some of the best customer support. If your device is defective you can contact the site you purchased it off of, or Youcan directly. Most people who tried this vaporizer and had issues found that their problems were resolved efficiently.
Best for flower only – Davinci IQ
- Temperature Settings: 250°F to 430°F
- Warranty: 10-year
- Heating System: Conduction
Pros
- Automatically chooses the best temp for vaping
- Boost mode, Precision mode, and Smart path mode
- Replaceable battery – very uncommon
- 10-year warranty
Cons
- 6 hour charge time
- Premium cost – over $200
- Gets hot to hold when set at high temperatures
Portability & discreetness
The shell is made from brushed anodized aluminum. It has a small shop that fits perfectly into your hand. The loading dock makes filling the oven a breeze when you’re on the go.
Battery life
This vaporizer gets a full five stars when it comes to battery life. Most high-end portable vaporizers are sealed units with built-in batteries. Unfortunately, after a few hundred charges, the vaporizer dies- permanently. It has swappable batters that keep you vaping 24/7.
Temperature & customization
This device has smart-path temperature controls that automatically increases your vaping temperature throughout your session. Like the Pax 3, the Davinci IQ has an app that allows you to change and customize nearly everything about your vape.
Customer support
It comes with a 10-year limited warranty and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. While the warranty doesn’t cover neglect, batteries, or mouthpiece wear and tear, the customer support team at Davinci aims to please.
Bottom line
| Pax 3 | Flowermate V5 Nano | Arizer Solo 2 | Yocan Evolve Plus XL | Davinci IQ | |
| Discreetness | 4.9 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.7 | 4.5 |
| Battery Life | 4.8 | 4.3 | 4.8 | 4.3 | 5 |
| Tempurature & Customization | 4.9 | 4.5 | 4.2 | 4 | 4.8 |
| Customer Support | 5 | 4.8 | 4.7 | 4.5 | 4.7 |
| Cansumer Rating | 4.9 | 4.5 | 4.8 | 4.4 | 4.8 |
What to consider when looking for a portable vaporizer?
Portability & discreetness
If you plan on using your vaporizer won-the-go, discretion and portability are two important factors. Does the device fit into your pocket? Does it produce large vape clouds? Will you be using this device in heavily populated areas? The vaporizers that made this list are very discrete and highly portable.
Battery life
Depending on the vaporizer you choose, battery life may be an issue. Look for a product like the Davinci IQ that has replaceable batteries if charging is an issue. Most sealed units like the Pax 3 last for years.
If you plan on using your vaporizer regularly look for a device that has a short charging time (no more than 6 hours).
Temperature & customization
A lower temperature setting produces flavorful hits whereas a high-temperature vape hit produces strong effects. If you like variety when it comes to vaping your dry herb flower or concentrates, you want a device that has at least three different temperature settings.
Customer support
If your device stops charging, won’t turn on, or develops heating issues, you want a company that backs their products and supports their customers. Most well-known vaporizer brands are quick to repair or replace defective devices.
What dry herb vaporizer is right for you?
Consumes flower only
You tend to use dried flower and don’t use concentrates like wax.
Uses oil cartridges only
You enjoy concentrates like shatter and don’t vape flower often.
Uses both concentrates and flower
You enjoy consuming both flower and concentrates.
FAQs
Does a vaporizer smell when using it?
While vaping does not smell the same as a lit joint or bong, there is a faint smell. Vape clouds are not smoke, which means the vapour dissipates much faster and does not linger. Vaping dry herb is a much more discreet way of consumption when it comes to odour.
Is it hard to use a vaporizer?
Depending on the vaporizer you purchase, loading and emptying the chamber might be difficult for some users. For the most part, however, using a vaporizer is generally simple. Just remember that the heating chamber does become hot to the touch after use, so avoid cleaning it after a session.
Do pricier vaporizers work better than inexpensive ones?
When it comes to vape, some devices are better than others. Pricier devices like the Pax 3 are made from high-end materials that tend to be more heat resistant. Digital temperature controls can also enhance your vaping experience. A device that costs over $200 ma not work better than an inexpensive device, but the quality and durability are affected.
What to read next
Over to you
We’re interested to know – are you using a vaporizer for medical or recreational purposes? Did we miss a device that should be on the list? Let us know by leaving a comment below – we want to hear from you!
