Table of contents
- Quick summary
- What is a portable vaporizer?
- What is a desktop vaporizer?
- Desktop vapes hit the hardest
- Portable vapes are best for travel
- Desktop vapes are best for at-home use
- Portable vapes are more discreet
- Both offer affordable and premium options
- Conclusion: Which one is best for you?
- Frequesntly Asked Questions
If you’re just getting started with dry herb vaporizers, you're probably wondering: should I get a desktop or portable? One offers untethered sessions that fire up at home or on the go, while one provides a dedicated vape station with unlimited power.
The best one for you depends solely on your personal preferences. If you enjoy an occasional session here and there or like to enhance your hikes with a puff or two, then go for a portable. If you’re a heavy user who only wants to be held back by the amount of herbs you have, then a desktop should be on your radar.
It can be as simple as that. If you want to dive into the nitty gritty, then follow along as we dissect these two vaping categories.
Quick Summary
Who’s a portable vaporizer for?
Portable dry herb vaporizers are a solid choice for just about anyone. They offer potent sessions and come in all shapes and sizes. Just load them up, select a temperature, and enjoy your herbs practically anywhere. They pack enough punch for most users, are easy to pass around if you want to share, and can be tucked away inside a pocket, bag, or drawer.
If you’re used to roll-your-owns and ready to ditch the smoke, portables are what you’ll want to look into. Take a hit and set it down, or pass it around the circle, just like old times. Sessions are more relaxed and encourage you to take your time, similar to the steady sips that you’re familiar with. Plus, you never have to roll again!
Who’s a desktop vaporizer for?
Consistent, heavy users and strictly at-home consumers should consider a desktop vaporizer. You’ll enjoy the strongest, most potent sessions and clouds, and you never have to charge it. Just plug it in, and you’re off. They plug directly into the wall, which means they're built to last for years and years (and years). Some folks are going on their 10th year with the Volcano Classic!
If you’ve been smoking from a glass bubbler, you'll also want a desktop vaporizer. Desktop vapes produce the strongest vapor and deliver fat, potent rips that you’re used to. Larger ovens, superior airflow, and nearly limitless power offer sessions that portables can’t. When the vape is heated up, just pack the bowl and rip it to your heart’s content. You’ll feel right at home.
What is a portable vaporizer?
A portable vaporizer is a battery-powered herbal consumption device with either removable or built-in batteries. In most cases, it’s small enough to fit inside your pants pocket or purse/backpack and only needs to be plugged in when it’s time to charge.
Not all dry herb vapes are battery-powered. Some, like DynaVap vaporizers, utilize an external heat source, like a torch lighter or induction heater, and don’t need to be plugged in or powered by batteries.
These vaporizers are best for people who want to enjoy their sessions anywhere, untethered from a power source. Hit the trails with a full bowl or blow clouds from room to room. Whether you’re an explorer of the world or an avid homebody, these vapes will go wherever you go.
| Pros 👍 | Cons 👎 |
| Take your sessions anywhere | Batteries can render your vape obsolete if they lose their charge |
| You’ll find the cheapest vapes here | Don’t hit as hard as desktop vapes |
| Very easy to pass around a group | |
| Faster heat ups | |
| Most can fit in your pocket | |
Bottom linePortable vapes are great for untethered sessions and deliver great vapor. However, they don’t hit as hard as desktop vaporizers and they're limited by their batteries. |
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What is a desktop vaporizer?
A desktop vaporizer plugs directly into a wall outlet. No batteries. Turn it on, set your temp, and it'll sit tight until you manually shut it off or unplug it. Most are fairly large and require a bit more space to work with. Once you set it up, it's not going anywhere.
These vapes come in a variety of bowl sizes, but the largest bowls are exclusive to desktop vapes. Their unlimited power also means you’ll find the biggest hits. They’re not held back by the limited power of batteries. If you’re looking to push your limits with a heavy hitter, desktops are a great option.
Desktop vaporizers are best for the at-home user who doesn’t care to travel with their vapor. They’re designed to “set it and forget” so that you can take a hit and come back to it later as you please. They’re great for powering parties, and some come with balloons or hookah-style whips to enjoy solo or with a group.
| Pros 👍 | Cons 👎 |
| Near limitless power | Stationary once you plug in |
| Deliver the strongest sessions | Take a little longer to heat up |
| Larger ovens | Can take up a lot of space |
| Stronger heaters | |
| Known to last for years | |
Bottom lineDesktop vaporizers deliver some of the strongest sessions and will perform as long as you need them. However, their plug-and-play designs tether you to one spot and can take much longer to heat up. |
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Desktop vapes hit the hardest
Desktop vaporizers are hailed for their virtually unlimited power and larger heating chambers. They can produce sessions that are stronger and more potent than anything a portable can. The only thing holding them back is you and and your stash of herbs.
Portable vapes usually have smaller heaters and ovens, and, while they can be plenty strong for most, they can easily be overwhelmed by massive tokers. You’ll never have this problem with high-performing desktops. They’re the ideal choice for heavy consumers.
Portable vapes are best for travel
Portable vaporizers are best for sessions on the move. Their small, compact designs fit easily in your pocket or purse and are great for quick adventures or extended trips. Hit the trails or head out to a friend’s house with a discreet and lightweight setup. No need for bulky accessories or power cords—just grab your vape and go.
Portable vapes run on batteries, so you’re not tied to a wall outlet while you enjoy your session. Pass it to a freind a across the room, then take it into the kitchen or dining room.
Most models come with either built-in or user-replaceable batteries. While the built-ins are sleek and easy to manage, you'll need to charge it. User-replaceable batteries add flexibility and extend a vape’s life with a quick and easy swap on the fly.
Desktop vapes are best for at-home use
If portability isn’t your priority, desktop vaporizers are the ultimate choice for home sessions. Plug it directly into an outlet and enjoy unlimited, uninterrupted sessions. Most can stay on indefinitely, so whether you’re taking a quick solo hit or hosting an extended session, you’ll always have a hit when you need it. These vapes usually come with a larger footprint, so you’ll want a dedicated station for them.
Desktop vapes work well in group settings, too. Blow up a balloon and pass it around as you walk around the house, or pull up a chair and ease into hookah-style sessions with the whip. You can pass a portable vape around, but eventually, you’ll need to pause to charge it or swap out the battery.
Portable vapes are more discreet
Sometimes, you'll want a session thats lowkey and discreet. Portable vapes come in all shapes and sizes, including small, discreet form factors. Our smallest options will fit inside any pocket or small purse and can even blend in with your pens and pencils.
In general, portable vapes aren't as visually loud and in your face as a full-sized desktop. You’ll find options with inconspicuous mouthpieces, button layouts, and minimal screens (or no screen at all).
Desktop vapes naturally stand out as focal points. They can be as large as kitchen appliances, require a wall outlet, and make noise if you're blowing up a balloon.
There’s a small subcategory of more discreet desktop vapes if you’re really into the desktop scene. Log vapes, like the EpicVape E-Nano, are small and robust and can be played off as an incense diffuser.
Both offer affordable and premium options
There’s a wide range of great portable and desktop options for every budget and every type of user. Portable vapes will offer the cheapest options available, while desktops can see the highest prices.
Portables vaporizers: low-end budget
POTV ONE: Great performance on a budget
The POTV ONE packs a punch without emptying your wallet. It’s great for light to medium users and super simple to use—just set your temp, and you’re good to go in 30 seconds. Grab one of our signature glass pieces, and you’ve got yourself a pocketable beast.
👉 Shop ONE - $79.95 (On Sale NOW!)
Starry V4: Slow and steady sessions
The XMAX Starry V4 is a great pick for light sippers on a budget. Slow and steady sessions are the way to go with this vape, and it even comes with an airflow slider for slight adjustments. Compact, sturdy, and easy to use, it’s perfect for chill sessions wherever you are.
👉 Shop XMAX Starry 4 - $79 (On Sale NOW!)
DynaVap M7: Battery-free vaping
The DynaVap M7 is for anyone who loves the idea of a battery-free vape and total control over their sessions. Heat it with a torch, wait for the click, and hit it! Short heat-ups equal lighter, tastier vapor, while longer heat-ups deliver potent rips. With a tiny pen shape, this vape is great for that traditional roll-your-own look and feel.
👉 Shop DynaVap M7 - $67.50 (On Sale NOW!)
Portables: Mid-range budget
Arizer Solo 2: Long-lasting performance
The Arizer Solo 2 is the perfect at-home portable vaporizer. It’s one of the longest-lasting portable vapes we carry, with up to three hours of runtime, and has delivered pristine, flavorful vapor for years. It’s a little large, but its longevity is unmatched.
👉 Shop Arizer Solo 2 - $119.95 (On Sale NOW!)
POTV Lobo: Top-tier vapor. Half the price
The POTV Lobo was designed to rival some of the top names in the industry without breaking the bank. It offers thick, potent vapor, a suite of onboard features, and access to our collection of POTV Glass Accessories. It’s a hard one to beat.
👉 Shop Lobo - $139.95 (On Sale NOW!)
Portables: High-end budget
Arizer Solo 3: The Pinnacle of Solo vaporization
The Arizer Solo 3 upgrades the Solo name with thicker vapor, larger bowls, and an integrated system to pair with your glass bubblers. Enjoy quicker sessions, dual On-demand and Session Modes, and USB-C passthrough charging.
👉 Shop Arizer Solo 3 - $275.95 (On Sale NOW!)
Tinymight 2: A contender for the top spot
This is the best On-demand, full convection portable you can buy. Sessions start within seconds of firing it up, and its robust heater keeps up with the heaviest draws. An adjustable oven, user-replaceable battery, and dual On-demand and Session Modes make this one of the most attractive portables we carry.
Mighty+ & Venty: Industry-leading performance
Storz & Bickel’s superstar duo lead the way with strong vapor and reliable performance. The Mighty+ delivers consistent sessions through a cloud of rich, flavorful vapor and a dead-simple control setup. Pick up the Mighty+ Glass Adapter for custom cooling options on the go or through your favorite tabletop bubbler.
👉 Shop Mighty+ - $319.20 (On Sale NOW!)
Heavy users will find the Venty an attractive choice for its wide open, adjustable airflow and quick 20-second heat-up. Like the Mighty+, its controls are simple, vapor is dense and punchy, and its high-performance heater delivers the very best of your dry herbs.
👉 Shop Venty - $381.65 (On Sale NOW!)
Desktop vaporizers: Low-end budget
Extreme Q & V-Tower: Affordable performance
The Extreme Q and V-Tower are affordable options that perform well above their price tags. Full convection ovens deliver rich flavors through a hookah-style whip, with simple controls to get you up and running in no time.
👉 Shop Arizer V-Tower - $99.95 (On Sale NOW!)
The Extreme Q takes it a little further with the addition of balloons, extra accessories, and even a remote control!
👉 Shop Arizer Extreme Q - $119.95 (On Sale NOW!)
Desktops: Mid-range
Arizer XQ2: An upgraded performer
The Arizer XQ2 desktop vaporizer bats right alongside big names like the Volcano Hybrid. Inhale vapor through either a hookah-style whip or pass around a balloon full of vapor. It comes with a suite of great accessories, including large and small bowl options and, of course, the sick remote!
👉 Shop Arizer XQ2 - $179.95 (On Sale NOW!)
EpicVape E-Nano: Discreet and artistic
As one of the most popular log vapes, the E-Nano disguises itself as an artistic aromatherapy device. Plug it into the wall and then place it on nearly any surface with its tiny footprint. Full convection heat delivers tasty vapor through an all-glass stem that adjusts to your preferred size. It’s great for microdosing!
👉 Shop EpicVape E-Nano - $188.95 (On Sale NOW!)
Desktops: High-end
Ditanium: Dual-use performance
The Ditanium desktop vaporizer is a powerhouse performer but seals the deal with dual-use dry herb and concentrate vaping. Hit it hard with dry herbs, and then easily switch to concentrate sessions with its built-in quartz nail. Get a little crazy and vaporize both your dry herbs and concentrates at once!
Volcano Classic / Volcano Hybrid: The gold standard
The Volcano name has been a staple in the industry for its reliable sessions and build quality, strong vapor, and signature balloon system. Pick up the full convection Volcano Classic for a no-fuss experience that delivers. Flip the switch, set the temperature dial, and fill a balloon when it’s ready.
👉 Shop Volcano Classic - $383.20 (On Sale NOW!)
The Volcano Hybrid packs in more features and stronger vapor with its hybrid heater and added hookah-style whip. Set a temperature down to a single degree, blow up and pass around a balloon, or relax into an easy-going whip session.
👉 Shop Volcano Hybrid - $559.20 (On Sale NOW!)
Conclusion: Which one is best for you?
Desktop versus portable will always be a question, but the answer lies with you. They serve different needs and deliver a variety of experiences that can enrich your routine.
Here’s a good starting point: If you want the freedom to take your sessions anywhere, then portable vapes are where you want to look. If your top priority is heavy sessions or longevity, then consider a desktop.
If you’re still unsure, then please reach out to us at hello@planetofthevapes.com. Our team of knowledgeable vape experts will point you in the right direction.
Desktop vs portable vaporizers: FAQs
Q: What type of vaporizer is best?
A: The best type is the one that serves you best. Portable vapes are best for untethered sessions you can take anywhere, while desktops are best for heavy use or long-term vaping at home.
Q: Which vaporizer is healthiest?
A: All dry herb vaporizers are healthy compared to smoking. Vapor is cleaner, gentler, and more potent than smoke, plus it doesn’t stink up the house! Take a look at the Benefits of Vaping vs. Smoking Dry Herbs for the full rundown.
Q: Do desktop vaporizers hit harder than portables?
A: Absolutely. Desktop vaporizers plug directly into the wall for nearly limitless power and utilize stronger heaters and larger ovens to deliver some of the hardest-hitting sessions you can find.
Q: Are desktop vaporizers worth it?
A: That depends! If you vape strictly at home or want the strongest, heaviest sessions, then absolutely. If you’re limited on space or want to enjoy a session out of the house, then maybe not.
