Puffco Pivot
The Puffco Pivot brings Puffco’s 3D chamber tech into a portable, affordable package. For $130, you get real-time temp control, four heat settings, and solid vapor quality—all while being able to toss it in your pocket. The airflow is smooth with almost no draw resistance, and the vapor quality is surprisingly good, especially considering its size. While it can overheat if you’re pushing it too hard with back-to-back sessions, the Pivot easily has the best size/performance ratio in the industry. If you’re after a small, portable, and high-performing dab pen, the Pivot is totally worth it.Read full review
FocusV Aeris
The FocusV Aeris is a premium concentrate vaporizer with an optional dry herb attachment. It is uniquely designed, featuring a soft silicone-wrapped body, a large 3D atomizer, and a ceramic mouthpiece that cools vapor and preserves the flavor profile exceptionally well. It also integrates with a smartphone app, offering extensive customization or temp levels and session durations. Despite a few drawbacks, such as a slightly clunky interface, the Aeris is a robust and efficient vaporizer that is recommended for those who prioritize vapor quality and are willing to invest in a durable, high-performing vaporizer.Read full review
Pufffco Plus
Puffco Plus, the sleek dab pen, retains its iconic design with an updated matte finish. It’s discreet, slim, and offers a coil-less ceramic bowl for pure flavor. Despite the old USB-A charger, its performance is top-notch. At $89, with 510 cart compatibility, it’s a standout choice for both new and seasoned users, delivering clean vapor in a modern package.Read full review
Terp Pen & Terp Pen XL
The Terp Pen XL is an upgraded version of the original Terp pen that was released in 2019. They essentially function in the same ways, as a draw-activated Honey Straw that can also be used as an eRig for smaller stemmed water pipes. For devices that are well below $100, these Terp Pens are a great device that makes it easy for anyone to vape concentrates on the go.Read full review
Loki
The Yocan Loki is a beginner-friendly Honey Straw, with an XTAL tip, variable voltage, a 650mAh battery, USB-C charging, and a Zinc + Aluminum Alloy body. There’s a lot of freedom of choice with the Loki; cold or hot dabs, three pre-set temperatures, and two use modes to choose from: on demand and session mode.Read full review
New Puffco Peak Pro
The New Peak Pro now includes the 3DXL chamber in the kit and it strengthens Puffcos lead in the Concentrate world. It provides an unparalleled experience that is appealing to total beginners and the most advanced pros. The best-in-the-industry 3DXL chamber keeps a precise temperature in the coil, and the extract tastes fresh throughout the entire session. You can use the preset heating profiles or use the app for deep customization, but either way, the new Peak Pro is as good as dabbing gets.Read full review
Dr.Dabber Switch 2
✓ Pros
- Induction heating is precise and robust
- Easy cleaning and maintenance
✗ Cons
- Price tag may be a barrier
The Dr Dabber Switch 2 is a high-end concentrate vaporizer packed with innovative, game-changing features. It uses advanced induction heating, an infrared temperature sensor, and a titanium chamber with a deep quartz bowl to deliver exceptional real-time temperature control and consistently great vapor quality. The kit also includes a hot knife and a smartphone app offers deep customization of everything from temperature settings to heating profiles that mimic traditional rig experiences. Dr. Dabber clearly pulled out all the stops with the Switch 2, making it a top-tier eRig for serious concentrate enthusiasts.Read full review
TUG 2.0
The TUG features a 360° Ceramic coil, a unique glass bubbler, four temperature levels, and haptic feedback. It has a deep ceramic heating element and an innovative carb cap with angled air intake holes that enhance airflow, especially when combined with the included terp pearls. The TUG 2.0 delivers impressive performance and flavor, outperforming other rigs, even at a higher price range. The TUG is easily the best eRig under $100.Read full review
Best Dry Pipes
Puffco Proxy
The Puffco Proxy looks like a traditional pipe but has a high-tech modular design with a Ceramic chamber and Puffco’s advanced 3D heating technology. It is compatible with Extracts right out of the box, and there is a dry herb attachment available separately. It is another groundbreaking device from Puffco, it delivers big on vapor quality, and it is approachable with zero learning curve. Worth it if you can afford it.Read full review
Tronian Omegatron
The Omegatron joins a fast-growing list of “vapor cup” style vaporizers. It is compatible with dabs as well as 510 carts, and it has an internal pump that extracts the vapor into a glass cup. You can then consume or “sip” it on demand, having full control over how much vapor you sip with every inhale. The Tronian is fun to use and has a wow factor, especially once the creamy clouds start flowing into the cup. It provides great value for the price.Read full review
Zenco Duo
The Zenco Duo is a “vapor cup” that allows users to “drink” their vapor. The device is wireless, charges via USB-C, and works with both dabs and cartridges. Drinking the vapor, provides a unique and enjoyable experience with smooth and flavorful output. Despite minor drawbacks like the plastic build and potential fit issues with taller cartridges, the Zenco Duo offers a distinct vaping experience.Read full review
Comparison Table
Comparison
New Puffco Peak Pro
|
Dr.Dabber Switch 2
|
Puffco Pivot
|
FocusV Aeris
|
Pufffco Plus
|
TUG 2.0
|
Puffco Proxy
|
Tronian Omegatron
|
Terp Pen & Terp Pen XL
|
Loki
|
Zenco Duo
|
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Score (1-5) |
- Current Review |
4.9 |
4.9 |
4.8 |
4.8 |
4.7 |
4.7 |
4.7 |
4.7 |
4.4 |
4.4 |
4.2 |
Brand | - | Puffco | Dr. Dabber | Pivot | FocusV | Puffco | Crossing | Puffco | Tronian | Boundless | Yocan | |
Retail Price |
$420.00 |
$420.00 |
$130.00 |
$199.00 |
$89.00 |
$110.00 |
$269.00 |
$149.00 |
$60.00 |
$39.99 |
$249.00 |
|
Release Date | June 2023 | October 2024 | October 2024 | February 2024 | November 2023 | July 2024 | June 2022 | July 2023 | October 2020 | April 2022 | July 2023 | |
Compatible With | - | Wax | Concentrates | Concentrates | Concentrates | Wax|510 Carts | Concentrates | Wax|Dry Herb | 510 Carts|Wax | Wax | Wax | 510 Carts|Wax |
Heating Method | - | Conduction | ||||||||||
Body Material | - | Metal | Aluminum | Aluminum | Stainless steel | Aluminum | Plastic | Glass | Plastic | Metal | Aluminum | |
Mouthpiece Material | - | Glass | Glass | Silicone | Metal | Glass | Glass | Glass | Stainless Steel | Glass | Glass | |
Heat Up Time | - | 10 Seconds | 10 Seconds | 5 Seconds | 5 Seconds | 10 Seconds | 5-10 | Instant | 5-10 | 2-5 | ||
Precise Temp Control | - | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
Temperature Range | - | 450-600°F | 250-650°F | 4 Levels | 365-600°F | 3 Levels | 4 Levels | 4 Levels | 4 Levels | 3 Levels | 3 Levels | 4 Levels |
Oven Capacity | - | 0.1gr | ||||||||||
Oven Material | - | Quartz | Ceramic | Ceramic | ||||||||
510 Thread | - | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
Coil Type | - | Ceramic Bowl | Quartz Bowl | 3D Ceramic | Ceramic Intelli-Core | Ceramic | Ceramic Bowl | Ceramic | Triple Helix | Dual Ceramic | XTAL Coil | |
Glass Compatible | - | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | |||||||
Battery Type | - | Internal | Internal | Internal | Replaceable | Internal | Internal | Internal | Internal | Internal | Internal | |
Battery Capacity | - | 520mAh | 3150mAh | 700mAh | 650mAh | mAh | ||||||
Sessions Per Charge | - | 6-9 | 12-15 | 9-12 | 6-9 | 6-9 | 6-9 | 4-6 | 12-15 | |||
Charge Time | - | 1-2 Hours | 2-3 Hours | 1-2 Hours | 1-2 Hours | 1-2 Hours | 1 Hour | 1-2 Hours | 1-2 Hours | |||
Charger Type | - | USB-C / Wireless | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C | Micro-USB | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C | Micro-USB | USB-C | Micro-USB |
Passthrough Charging | - | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | |||||
Display Type | - | LED | Light Strip | Light Strip | LED | LED | LED Indicators | LED Indicators | LED Indicators | LED Indicators | LED Indicators | |
Smartphone App | - | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
Firmware Updates | - | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | |||||
Session Mode | - | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
Adjustable Airflow | - | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | |
Warranty | - | 1 Year | 2 Years | 2 Years | 1 Year | 1 Year | 30 Days | 1 Year | 1 Year | 3 Years | 30 Days | 1 Year |
About this list
Hello! My name is Aaron Woods, also known as the VapeGuy. I have been using dab and concentrate vaporizers for over a decade and have been combustion-free since 2016. I have reviewed and tested hundreds of extract vaporizers on my website and YouTube channel based on their build quality, design, features, extraction efficiency, vapor quality, and longevity. You can learn more about me and my rating process here.
One of the most common questions I get from new users is- “which is the best Vaporizer for Concentrates?” And the answer to that really depends on one's specific needs.
Concentrate vaporizers come in all shapes and sizes, with or without water filtration, Pen-style, or desktop. The best for me doesn't necessarily mean the best for you, as we may prioritize different features.
The list above represents my top choices in each category and is regularly updated as new vapes are released. I also included coupon codes when available. Feel free to use them, and let me know if any are not working correctly.
Trusted Retailers: All stores listed are authorized dealers I've personally ordered from. Please note that as ‘VapeGuy', I may earn a fee from purchases made through my links. For more details, see my affiliate disclosure.
What are Concentrate Vaporizers?
Concentrate vaporizers are devices designed for vaporizing cannabis concentrates like wax, dabs, rosin, etc. They work by heating the concentrate to 400-600°F and extracting the active compounds as inhalable vapor.
Extract vaporizers are known for producing a potent vapor and delivering a more intense experience compared to dry herb vaporizers. These vaporizers come in various forms, including vape pens, dry pipes, and larger dab rigs with water filtration.
Vaporizing Concentrates is more efficient and less harmful than traditional smoking, as it produces fewer toxins and carcinogens (Source: PMC 2021 research paper).
Consider Portability
Concentrate vaporizers can be as small as a dab pen (that looks like an ordinary pen) or large enough that you need a small suitcase to carry them out of the house. Larger dab vaporizers will often have more power, have accurate temp control, often include a bubbler, and will ultimately provide better vapor quality.
Best “small form” concentrate vaporizers:
- Puffco Plus
- Utillian 5
- Yocan Orbit
- G-Pen Micro+
Best “large form” concentrate vaporizers:
- Puffco Peak Pro
- Dr. Dabber Switch
- Puffco Proxy
Temp control
Precise temperature control is a crucial feature when it comes to consistent results and vapor quality. Concentrate vaporizers use different methods of temperature control. Here are just a few of the types:
- Voltage/Temp presets– Typically, four preset levels that are set by the manufacturer and can't be modified.
- Precise control– allows adjustments of +/- 1°F (or °C) for maximal customization and flexibility.
Vaporizers with the best temp control:
- Puffco Peak Pro
- Puffco Proxy
- Utillian 8
Price/performance ratio
Like anything else, extract vaporizers get better as the price increases. But there are also plenty of great options for under $100 (listed below). While opting for cheap vapes (~$30-$50) is tempting, investing in a higher-quality unit can be more rewarding in the long run. They tend to last longer, perform better, and provide a more satisfying experience.
Best “entry-level” dab vaporizers:
- Puffco Plus
- Xmax Riggo
- Dr Dabber XS
Best “pro-level” dab vaporizers:
- Puffco Peak Pro
- Dr Dabber Boost
- G-pen Hyer
Usage Process
Concentrate vaporizers can be easy and straightforward to use or can have an involved usage process with multiple steps and learning curves. Opt-in for a unit that matches your level of experience and vaping style.
Most simple to use concentrate vaporizers:
- Tronian Gammatron
- Yocan Orbit
- Xmax Riggo
Vapor Quality
Concentrate vaporizers introduce you to a world of flavors and aromas that you may not have experienced before. Terpenes are the “flavor molecules” of plants, and they vaporize at low temperatures of approximately 350-400°F. Traditional dabbing setups burn them entirely, limiting the extracts' flavor potential.
However, vaporizing enables the controlled release of these flavor molecules, allowing you to experience the subtle nuances of each extract on an entirely new level.
Concentrate Vaporizers with the best vapor quality:
- Puffco Peak Pro
- Utillian 8
- Dr. Dabber Stella
Coil Types- Bowl vs. Rods
Concentrate vaporizers utilize different coil types, each with its unique characteristics. The two main types of heating elements are “coilless bowl” and “Rods coil.”
Bowl coils have a dish-like shape that is a smooth surface without exposed coils. The coil sits under the bowl and heats the dab indirectly. They provide even heating, are easy to clean, and are particularly suited for low-temperature dabs, generally delivering a pure flavor. However, they may not provide the intensity desired by some users, especially those who prefer a more potent experience.
Rod coils, on the other hand, use one or more rods, usually wrapped in heating wire, heating the dans by direct contact. These coils are known for their quick heating, offering a more intense, potent “Nail-like” experience, and are ideal for high-temperature dabbing.
Best “bowl style” dab vaporizers:
- Puffco Peak Pro
- Dr Dabber XS
- Yocan Orbit
Best “Rods coil” dab vaporizers:
- Utillian 5
- Tronian Gammatron
- Boundless Terp Pen
Maintenance & Safety Considerations
Concentrate vaporizers are powered by a (usually powerful Lithiom-ion) battery and heat up to extreme temperatures, so careful handling and maintenance are required. Here are some guidelines to keep you out of trouble:
- Store your vape properly and be aware of any visible damage or deformation of the batteries. Here are the EPA guidelines for storage & disposal of lithium-ion batteries.
- Vaporizers have the potential to produce more potent effects and get you “higher” than smoking (according to this paper published on JH Medicine in 2018), especially for “infrequent users.” So start slow and control your dosage.
- Clean your Dab Vaporizer frequently. Mop the coil with a swab at the end of each session, plus a “deep clean” with ISO alcohol once every 10-20 sessions.
Conclusion: Finding the best Concentrate Vaporizer of 2024
It can be challenging to choose the best concentrate vaporizer, as personal preference plays a significant role in the decision-making process. However, by prioritizing specific features, you can narrow down your options and make an informed choice.
Hopefully, the list above has given you an idea of what to look for. I'm thrilled to see the progress the industry has made in recent years. Quality dab vaporizers are becoming more affordable and better than ever before, making it an excellent time to invest in one.
I hope that the vaporizer you choose unlocks a whole new world of flavors and experiences, improving your enjoyment of your favorite extracts. Happy vaping!
How We Test Vaporizers
Our testing process
Our team of expert testers has been evaluating vaporizers since 2010, spanning over 2,000 devices, from portable to battery-free vaporizers and everything in between. Each vaporizer undergoes a comprehensive process, with testing to assess performance, vapor quality, battery life, and durability. We use specialized equipment like thermal cameras for heat distribution analysis and conduct full teardowns to inspect air paths and internal components, ensuring safety and build quality. By testing each device with the same herb or concentrate and at constant temperatures, we maintain consistent benchmarks across all reviews.
Why You Can Trust Us
Our reviews are fully independent, backed by affiliate revenue rather than brand sponsorships, allowing us to remain unbiased. With deep roots in the vaporizer community, we integrated user feedback and expert insights to reflect real-world usage in our evaluations. We share transparent, long-term testing results, including follow-ups on our YouTube channel, where you can see each device in action and in-depth reviews.