2016 Ten Best Portable Vaporizers

by Natasha Hayes

Top 10 Portable Vaporizers

Let's face it. We live in a mobile society. The way we make phone calls, access the Internet, and, yes, even the way we vape is influenced by our busy lives. This is why vapers demand more today from portabe vaporizers. A rig has to be more than compact. It has to be durable, functional, and versatile.

It can be difficult to sort through the vast number of devices on the market. Thankfully, you don't have to. We've put together a list of the 10 Best Portable Vaporizers of 2016. In order to make our list, a vaporizer has to satisfy a few different criteria. It has to be small, of course, but it also has to be packed with features that are typically found in larger vaporizers. It has to be versatile in terms of what it can vape and temperature control options. Finally, it has to be durable enough to withstand the rigors of heavy use and an active vaper lifestyle. With those things in mind, here is our list.

10. Alfa Portable Vaporizer by GoBoof ($199.99) 

The Alfa Vaporizer by GoBoof combines a compact package with high-end, innovative features such as AutoPuff/AutoTime technology. Produced by GoBoof in Ireland, this vaporizer is the first smartvape. AutoPuff is a feature that can actually sense when a draw is taken, and it responds by increasing the temperature each time by three degrees. Anyone that vapes can tell you that losing some heat on an inhale can be frustrating. This feature keeps the temperature up to maintain a consistent flow of vapor from dry herbs and ensures that the entire load is vaporized. It is efficient and eliminates waste. The AutoTime feature can be set to effect temperature changes from 374F-428F over a twenty-minute period.

Priced at $199.99, the Alfa Vaporizer is quite a bargain when you consider its hard anodized heating chamber, 30-second warm-up time, and two-hour run time afforded by the Li-Ion rechargeable battery. It is just 3.74" tall, making it one of the smallest vaporizers on the market. It fits easily in the pocket and can even be used while charging.

9. Sutra S-Type Vaporizer by Sutra Vape ($169.99) 

The Sutra S-Type Premium Vaporizer comes from a brand with a strong reputation for precision. Based in Corona, California, many of the designers behind Sutra vaporizers are vapers themselves and know what makes a great rig. This small unit can vape dry herbs and also waxy oils or concentrates, and it features easy access to the heating chamber. Just remove the mouthpiece which is held in place magnetically, load the chamber with your material, and vape. The whole idea behind this vaporizer is to pack a lot of functionality into a user-friendly package.

The Sutra S-Type Premium Vaporizer has a ceramic core oven, and temperature adjustments can be made quickly to create just the right experience based on personal preference. A large capacity, dual-cell 7.4V 2600 mAh Li-Ion battery provides several hours of use, and the vaporizer can be used while charging. It is just five inches tall, plenty small enough to carry anywhere, and rigid enough to withstand heavy use. At just $169.99, this vaporizer is one of the better values on this list.

8. Wulf Vape LX Vaporizer by Wulf Mods ($140.00) 

A list like this would not be complete if it did not include at least one vaporizer from Wulf Mods. The Wulf Vape LX Vaporizer by Wulf Mods is one of the most affordable vaporizers to make our cut, priced at just $140. For everything it offers, that price is a legitimate steal. While slightly larger than some of the others on the list at a shade over five inches, it is still perfectly suited as an on-the-go unit that can be placed in a pocket.

You won't even have to worry about draining the battery by accident thanks to its automatic shut-off.

Dry herb vaporizers like this one really depend on efficient heating and temperature control. The Wulf Vape LX can be adjusted from 130F to over 400F and will satisfy a wide range of preferences. An OLED screen on the front displays the temperature and the plus and minus buttons simplify adjustments. The ceramic heating element is durable and delivers heat in the appropriate manner needed for perfect vapor. The battery is long-lasting and can be charged with a Micro USB Power Jack.

7. Ascent Vaporizer by Davinci Vape ($249.99)

The Ascent Vaporizer by Davinci Vape is one of the most expensive units on this list, priced at $249.99. In this case, however, you really do get a level of quality that is commensurate with what you pay. The reinforced seals and vapor paths alone make this a great value. It delivers vast vapor without sacrificing flavor. The Ascent vapes dry herbs and concentrates to perfection thanks to its glass vapor transport system. This method affords a cleaner, purer vape. The exterior of the unit is made of quality aluminum, making the vaporizer lightweight, and it is about the same size as a small mobile phone.

The battery life is approximately three hours and the unit can be used while recharging. Precision heating begins with the glass-coated ceramic bowl and continues with the ability to make easy temperature adjustments up to a maximum temperature of 430F. The OLED screen lets you monitor the temperature and alter it with the simple press of a button. This unit is protected by a 2-year limited warranty and backed by the reputation of this classy brand.

6. PAX 2 Vaporizer by Ploom ($279.99) 

When it comes to versatility and features, few portable vaporizers beat the PAX 2 Vaporizer by Ploom. At just 3.87" X 1.21" X 0.85", this compact unit for vaping dry herbs delivers big-time performance in a small package. It is also backed by a 10-year warranty for a level of protection that is unheard of in the industry today. Clearly, Ploom is confident in the quality of their vaporizers. The exterior of the rig is made from transverse brushed anodized aluminum which makes the PAX 2 lightweight and easy to carry.

The magnificent heating system in this vaporizer is complemented by an internal accelerometer.

Priced at $279.99, the PAX 2 heats up in as little as 45 seconds. The oven is very deep which permits better heat distribution and more even heating of plant material. This smart tech features let the vaporizer realize when you are taking a draw and when the unit is being held in an idle position, and it adjusts the temperature accordingly to conserve your dry herbs. The Li-Ion rechargeable battery can provide up to five vaping sessions on a full charge and can be charged in less than three hours. Cleaning the unit is easy and can be done in less than a minute, while one-touch operation makes it user-friendly and easily managed by beginners. There are even hidden games that can be accessed via the LCD indicator on the exterior.

5. Crafty Vaporizer by Storz & Bickel ($339.00) 

You wouldn't expect anything less than top-shelf, high-end performance from portable vaporizers produced by Storz & Bickel, and that is exactly what you'll get from the Crafty Vaporizer. Featuring one-button control and a powerful Lithium Ion battery, this compact dry herb vaporizer is like a portable Volcano that can be carried in your pocket. It is driven by the innovative convection heating that Storz & Bickel is known for, and the temperature can be adjusted from an intuitive app for your smartphone. Just scan the provided QR code and you're all set for Bluetooth-enabled remote control of The Crafty.

This is the smallest vaporizer made by the iconic German brand. It measures just 4.3" X 2.2" X 1.3" and weighs just 0.3 pounds. It has an automatic switch-off and a premium cooling unit that reduces the heat of the vapor as it reaches your mouth. The end result is a perfect, smooth vape that bursts with flavor. The unit retails for $339, but it could easily be the last portable vaporizer that you will ever purchase. All vaporizers from this brand come with a 3-year warranty.

4. Mighty Vaporizer by Storz & Bickel ($399.00) 

Storz & Bickel charts again with the Mighty Vaporizer, a slightly larger portable vaporizer than the Crafty. It measures 5.5" X 3.2" X 1.2" and weighs 0.5 pounds. Highly praised for its functionality, the Mighty uses the same method of convection heating for vaporizing dry herbs that was pioneered by inventor Markus Storz. The temperature range is 105F-410F for the utmost in customization. There is an LCD screen which displays the current temp and plus or minus buttons on either side for quick, precise adjustments.

The power is supplied by dual Li-Ion batteries that offer a generous run time, but another great feature is that the unit can be used with the power adapter when the batteries are completely drained. There is an automatic switch-off which prevents discharge when not in use. As with all products by this brand, the Mighty Vaporizer is backed with a 3-year warranty.

3. Exxus Mini Vaporizer by Exxus Vape ($124.99) 

Now we're getting into maximum portability and maximum power, a combination that the Exxus Mini Vaporizer by Exxus Vape pulls off with ease. Priced at just $124.99, the Exxus Mini is also one of the most economical portabe vaporizers on the market. Recognized as the smallest vaporizer of its kind, the Exxus Mini is a mere 4" X 1" and vapes dry herbs to perfection with its air heating and adjustable temperature range of 320F-410F. The anodized heating chamber helps heat to distribute evenly across a large surface so that dry herbs are never burned or bitter yet always produce immense vapor.

The USB port on the bottom of the vaporizer makes charging easy, and the battery boasts a two-hour run time. It will automatically shut off after five minutes of being idle to preserve battery life. In addition to all of the power it packs, the Exxus Mini just looks good, too. A digital OLED display allows for easy monitoring, and adjustments are quickly made with buttons on either side of the screen.

2. Loki Touch Vaporizer by Loki Vape ($159.99)

As the first touch-screen vaporizer, the Loki Touch Vaporizer by Loki Vape combines portability with modernization. Able to vape both dry herbs and oils, the Loki Touch takes functionality to the next level. It is 5" tall X 1.5" wide and comfortably fits in the palm. With a max temperature of 440F and the ability to vape at resistances of 0.45-0.65 Ohms, this unit produces giant clouds of vapor and flavor that explodes on the palette.

It is priced at a very reasonable $159.99. While economical, the high-end features here include special heat grooves that reduce the surface heat of the unit while vaping, a detachable bottom chamber for easy loading and cleaning, and a high-rate discharge Li-Ion battery that has a three-hour life and 45 minutes of continuous run time.

1. Exxus GO Concentrate Vaporizer by Exxus Vape ($99.99)

The top choice on our list proves that quality doesn't always equal expensive. The Exxus GO Concentrate Vaporizer by Exxus Vape sells for just $99.99, far below many of the vaporizers on this list. Even so, it is packed with premium components like a Triple Quartz XL Atomizer. The Quartz Tri-Coil can be swapped out and does a superb job of heating, dispersing the heat all around the chamber to create a smooth and even vape.

The 1100 mAh rechargeable Lithium Ion battery provides hours of use before needing a recharge, and recharging is convenient with the Micro USB port. All products sold by this California-based brand are designed for maximum safety and performance, and supported by Exxus Vape's reputation for integrity.