Table of contents
- Cut to the Chase – Which Should I Get?
- Quick Summary
- Strong vapor with different approaches
- Similar sessions overall
- Both blow balloons, but the Hybrid is better at it
- Both have whips, but I prefer the Hybrid
- Arizer XQ2 takes longer to heat up
- Same bowl sizes with large and small options
- Bubbler options and more
- Full controls: Remote vs Bluetooth controls
- The XQ2 is smaller and lighter
- Volcano is easier to clean
- Arizer XQ2 is more affordable
- What about the Volcano Classic?
- Pros and Cons
- Conclusion: Which Desktop Vaporizer is Right for You?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Desktop vaporizers are so different yet so alike in many ways. Unlimited power, large ovens, and precise controls are among the few features that many desktops share.
On top of your standard set of features, the Arizer XQ2 and Volcano Hybrid vaporizers are two of the only desktop vapes to offer both balloon and whip functions in a single device.
One offers affordable, high-quality vapor and a suite of features, while the other comes with top-tier performance and the pedigree of one of the leading names in the industry. Which one is for you? Only you can decide. Let’s get into it.
Cut to the Chase – Which Should I Get?
Get the Arizer XQ2 if you want effective vapor and great features on a budget. Its convection-heavy heater takes longer to heat up and its balloon and whip systems aren't as refined as the Hybrid, but it’s just as fun, potent, and effective when it gets going. It’s significantly cheaper and does the job well, plus it comes with a remote!
Read our full Arizer XQ2 Review.
Arizer XQ2 Vaporizer
$179.95 Regular price: $199.95
The Extreme XQ2 - extreme value with all the goodies.
- Strong, tasty vapor
- Ready in five minutes
- Hit from a whip or bag
- Programmable remote control
- Trippy lights tell you when to vape
Free US Shipping
Easy Returns
Expert Advice
Get the Volcano Hybrid if you want the best of the best. Its large price tag demands the greatest, and that’s what it offers. It’s quick to heat up, simple to use and get going, and delivers some of the best and most consistent sessions through a fantastic balloon and whip system.
Check out our full Volcano Hybrid Review.
Volcano Hybrid Vaporizer
$559.20 Regular price: $699.00
This is how you improve on a 20 year classic!
- Blow bags or use the whip
- Quick heat up
- Medical grade construction
- Smartphone app to customize
- Programmable features
- Digital temperature control
Use code S&B20 for 20% off!
Arizer XQ2 vs Volcano: Quick summary
Similarities
Both of these desktop dry herb vaporizers offer a balloon and whip delivery system. Blow a bag full of vapor and walk around or sit down with it, or take direct draws with hookah-style sessions through the whip. Both utilize precise temperature controls and a wide temperature spectrum and take up a fair bit of space.
Differences
The Volcano Hybrid is a faster vape that comes with no glass parts, which makes it a bit more durable. It also utilizes a hybrid mix of conduction and convection heat, while the XQ2 leans more convection. The XQ2 comes with more accessories, like extra glass attachments and even comes with a remote to control it from across the room.
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Technical Specifications |
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Price |
$199.95 |
$699 |
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Session Settings |
Precise Temperature Control 122°F – 500° F (50° C – 260° C) |
Precise Temperature Control |
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Oven Size |
.5g |
.5g |
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Heat Up Time |
5 minutes |
2 minutes |
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Whip or Balloon Functions |
Both |
Both |
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Warranty |
3-years |
3-years |
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Bottom line Get the Arizer XQ2 for great whip and balloon sessions on a budget. Get the Volcano Hybrid for a strong and effective, no-fuss experience with the best whip and balloon systems. |
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Strong vapor with different approaches
The Volcano Hybrid vaporizer stands out as one of the hardest-hitting desktops out there. It introduces a hybrid mix of conduction and convection heating to the Volcano lineup to produce potent clouds as soon as you take a hit from the whip or blow up a balloon. Vapor is thick and intense, and sessions are strong and fast. No stirring is required with this style so once it’s done, it’s done.
The XQ2 takes a more flavorful approach with a system that leans more convection. Vaporization only begins when you draw air through, either through the whip or bag blower, but adds a decent amount of conduction as the oven soaks up the heat. It’s pretty quick to heat up, but it’s recommended that you let the oven heat soak for a few minutes to prime itself before you dive. Flavors are strong without the soak, but the vapor is nonexistent for the first few minutes if it’s not warmed up.
XQ2 Pro tip: Attach the bowl to the heater and set it to the highest temperature. Let it sit for a minute or two, then lower it to your preferred temperature, add your herbs, and go to town.
If you want the easiest vapor, get the Volcano Hybrid. You don’t have to prime the oven or find the right draw speeds. It just works. If you don’t mind making little adjustments on the fly to hit the sweet spot, then save yourself a few hundred bucks and get the XQ2. It’s a great vape that can do what the Hybrid can if you’re patient enough.
Similar sessions overall
Once you dial it all in, the vapor and sessions are similar overall. The Volcano Hybrid hits hard right from the start, with a heavier, more sedative experience and thick, robust vapor. Its conduction element gets the bowl ready almost instantly, so you don’t have to wait or mess around with heat soaking—it’s strong from the first draw.
The Arizer XQ2 starts off a bit more relaxed. It eases into the session with cooler vapor at the beginning. Once it’s heat-soaked, though, the XQ2 ramps up the intesity with strong sessions.
Both blow balloons, but the Hybrid is better at it
The Volcano vaporizers have the best bag/balloon system, hands down. It fills up in just 35 seconds, its vapor is potent, and the easy valve system is top-notch. Vapor is only released when you press the valve in and inhale, so you can pass it around or walk around with it without losing a hit. It’s unmatched.
The Arizer XQ2 is similar but not as refined. It takes twice as long to fill up, around 75 seconds at the fastest speed, and it uses a silicone cap to contain the vapor, which lacks compared to the Volcano’s integrated push-and-hit system. If the Volcano bags weren't so easy and efficient, then I wouldn’t question XQ2’s. Once you use the Volcano bags, though, you’ll never want to use anything else.
Both have whips, but I prefer the Hybrid
The Volcano Hybird’s whip system also feels more refined. It swivels around a full 360 degrees seamlessly and doesn’t kink up.
The XQ2 works just fine. Again, compared to the Hybrid’s, it falls a little short. It doesn’t swivel as easily, and it’ll kink up the tube if it's plugged into the bowl too tightly. Herbs will also get stuck and caught up in the screen if you suck too hard on it. Is this a big deal? Not really. Compare it to the best system, and you’ll find some faults.
Arizer XQ2 takes longer to heat up
The Volcano Hybrid is the fastest, with a heat-up time of under two minutes. Once it’s ready, it’s ready. Just blow up a bag or hit the whip and take off. The Arizer XQ2 will reach temperature in around the same time but isn’t fully ready to vape until a few minutes later. You’ll want to let it prime itself and heat soak for the best results, which takes around five minutes total.
Same bowl sizes with large and small options
The Volcano Hybrid and Arizer XQ2 have similar bowl sizes. Both vapes hold up to half a gram of ground herbs and offer options for smaller loads.
The Volcano Hybrid has dosing capsules and a chamber reducer (sold separately) to shrink the bowl size if you like smaller sessions. The XQ2 comes with a connoisseur bowl that has two sides—one for big bowls and one for smaller ones—so you can easily switch things up without extra gear.
Bubbler options and more
Both vapes have options to connect to your favorite tabletop bubbler. The Volcano Hybrid makes things super easy with the Volcano Glass Adapter, which grants you access to our glass ecosystem. We offer dry stems, portable bubblers, and a universal water pipe adapter to truly make your sessions your own.
The Arizer XQ2 can also connect to a tabletop bubbler with a few extra accessories, like the Universal 3-in-1 Glass Whip Adapter or Arizer Glass Elbow Adapter, which you'll need to pick up separately.
Full controls: Remote vs Bluetooth controls
Both vapes offer full onboard controls to create your perfect session, with precise temperature controls and on & off buttons for the fan. The Arizer XQ2 comes with a handy remote control to control your vape. Set the temp, start and stop the session, adjust the fan speed, session timer, and and more from across the room. It also comes with three buttons that you can program to any temperature you want.
The Volcano Hybrid’s interface is a simple touchscreen with a heat on & off button, two precise temp control buttons, and a fan button. It doesn't come with a remote, but you can control it from the Android app or through the Web App for Apple users (Apple removed all vape apps a few years ago).
The XQ2 is smaller and lighter
Like most desktop vapes, the Volcano Hybrid and Arizer XQ2 take up a fair amount of space. The Volcano unit itself is more durable, with no exposed pieces or fragile glass parts but it's much heavier. The XQ2 is a bit lighter than Volcano but requires a number of glass components that need some care.
Another nice perk of the Volcano is that its plug is just a regular cord two prong cord—no bulky power. The XQ2 comes with a longer, three prong power cord and a bulky power brick.
Arizer XQ2 Dimensions:
Height: 6.78 in / 16.2cm
Diameter: 6.23 in / 16cm
Weight: 1lb 1.6oz / 500g
Volcano Hybrid Dimensions:
Height: 7.1 in / 18 cm
Width: 7.9 in / 20 cm
Weight: 6½ lbs / 2948g
Volcano is easier to clean
Cleaning is pretty straightforward with these two, but the Volcano Hybrid is a little bit easier— no glass pieces to worry about. The Volcano requires just a quick wipe-down of the base station, soaking of the filling chamber parts, and replacing the bags when needed.
The XQ2 is similar, but you’ll need to soak more pieces, such as the glass bowl, mouthpiece, and screens.
Arizer XQ2 is more affordable
The Volcano Hybrid is the most expensive vape we carry at $699 (on sale now for $559). It’s a hard buy to justify if you’re even remotely on a budget, especially when options like the Arizer XQ2 exist.
When you drop that kind of cash, you’re paying for strong, flavorful sessions that are easy to achieve every time you fire it up. It’s fast, consistent, and hard to mess up. It’s built like a tank and will last for years. TAll things you would expect for the price.
The Arizer XQ2 sits at a more modest $199 and does just about everything the Volcano Hybrid can. It blows bags, delivers sessions through a whip, and even has a remote control to power it from across the room. It hits just as hard, and the sessions taste great, but it’s a little bit clunkier, not quite as consistent, and its bag and whip systems are not as refined.
What about the Volcano Classic?
The Volcano Classic is the Hybrid’s full convection older brother. It only blows balloons and comes with a very straightforward set up. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Balloons only
- Full convection
- Single temperature dial - no screen
- Two switches - on and off switch + fan switch
It takes longer to heat up, around three minutes, but performs relatively the same. It doesn’t hit quite as hard as the Volcano Hybrid’s hybrid heater, but flavors and potency are still prominent.
If you’re itching for a Volcano but want to save a chunk of change, the Classic is a solid choice at $479 (On sale now for $383.20!). It’s just as effective and has proven itself time and time again since its original release back in 2001.
Check out our Volcano Classic vs Volcano Hybrid for an in-depth comparison.
Arizer XQ2 vs Volcano Hybrid: Pros and Cons
Arizer XQ2 Pros & Cons
| Pros 👍 | Cons 👎 |
| Strong and flavorful vapor | Longer heat-up time |
| Whip and Balloon Functions | Glass components require more care |
| Glass components offer pure flavor | Bit of a learning curve |
| Comes with a remote control | |
| More affordable |
Volcano Hybrid Pros & Cons
| Pros 👍 | Cons 👎 |
| Tasty vapor that packs a punch | Very expensive |
| Best-in-class Whip and Balloon Systems | Smartphone app not available for iOS |
| Quicker heat-up time | |
| Reliable performance | |
| No fragile glass pieces |
👉 Shop Volcano Hybrid Vaporizer
Conclusion: Which Desktop Vaporizer is Right for You?
Choose the Arizer XQ2 if you’re after great performance on a budget. It’s perfect for anyone who wants both balloon and whip options, adjustable fan speeds, and precise control at a fraction of the cost of the Volcano Hybrid. It may take a little bit of practice to master, but it’s a great companion when you do. It even comes with a remote!
Choose the Volcano Hybrid if you want the best of the best, and its massive price tag doesn’t faze you. It combines convection and conduction heat for dense, flavorful vapor through the best whip and balloon system out there. The whip swivels smoothly, the bags fill up in just 35 seconds, and its durability and simplicity make it a top pick for consistent, hard-hitting sessions.
FAQs: Arizer XQ2 vs. Volcano
Q: Which desktop vaporizer produces better vapor?
A: The Volcano Hybrid’s vapor is easier to produce and a bit more consistent, but they both create great vapor. There’s no definitive “best” when it comes to vapor. Whether the “best” for you is more flavor, potent effects, or thick clouds, both of these vapes can do it all.
Q: Which desktop vaporizer is better for group sessions?
A: Both vaporizers are great for group use with their balloon and whip functions, but the Volcano’s system is more accessible and easier to use. There are no fragile parts, and its balloon and whip systems are the best in the industry
Q: Which desktop vaporizer is more affordable?
A: The Arizer XQ2 is significantly more affordable at $239.95, while the Volcano costs $479.95. For users on a budget, the XQ2 is the clear choice.
