Why Vaporize Dry Herb?
Vaporizing heats herb just enough to release active compounds without burning it. You get smoother hits, better flavor, and your herb goes further. Simple as that. If you're new to vaporizing, check out our beginner's guide to vaping to learn the basics.
Budget vapes have come a long way. What cost $200 a few years ago now runs $50-100. You can get great results without draining your wallet. Browse all dry herb vaporizers to see the full range of options.
What We Look For
Here's what matters when picking a budget dry herb vape:
Heating Method
Convection (hot air) heats more evenly and tastes better than conduction (direct contact). Hybrid designs use both, and they work well.
Temperature Control
Single-degree precision lets you dial in exact temps for different herbs. At minimum, you want multiple presets.
Battery Capacity
Dry herb vapes eat through batteries. Aim for 1200mAh or higher for decent session counts. Anything under 1000mAh means constant charging.
Chamber Design
Ceramic chambers taste cleaner than metal. And you want enough room (0.3g+) so you're not reloading constantly.
Build Quality
Cheap doesn't have to mean flimsy. Good materials and solid construction keep your vape working longer.
Our Top Picks
Pulsar APX Pro - Best Overall
The Pulsar APX Pro punches above its weight. The OLED display gives you single-degree temperature control from 356°F to 428°F, and the hybrid convection/conduction heating extracts evenly with solid flavor.
But the real star is battery life. That 2100mAh cell gets you 18-30+ sessions per charge. That's wild for this price range. The isolated ceramic airpath also keeps vapor clean with no plastic taste.
Best for: People who want premium features without the premium price tag.
Yocan HIT 2 - Best Value Convection
True convection heating in a budget vape? Not common. The HIT 2 pulls it off with a 1800mAh battery and color LCD at just $55. Hot air flows through the herb evenly, so you get smooth, flavorful vapor.
The 200-480°F range covers whatever temp you prefer. Trade-off: it's bigger. Not pocket-friendly, but it performs well.
Best for: Anyone who wants convection heating without spending much.
Ooze Brink - Best Battery Life
The Brink runs all day on its 1800mAh battery. Digital temp control and a roomy ceramic chamber handle long sessions without issue. Plus, USB-C charging.
Comes in a few colors if that matters to you. It's on the larger side, which limits pocket carry. But for home use or tossing in a bag, the battery trade-off makes sense.
Best for: Heavy users who hate charging.
Yocan Vane 2 - Best Entry-Level
At $60, the Vane 2 is a solid starting point with real features. 1200mAh battery, color LCD, and a wide temp range. The basics are covered.
Conduction heating isn't as fancy as convection, but it works fine if you pack it right. The ceramic chamber keeps flavor pretty clean. Good choice for beginners testing the waters.
Best for: Beginners who want something decent without spending much.
Pulsar SYNDR - Best Under $30
The SYNDR shows you can vaporize for under $30. It's tiny at 4.25 inches, fits in any pocket. Four temp settings and USB-C charging, which you don't usually see at this price.
The 880mAh battery won't last all day, and conduction heating can toast unevenly. But if you want to try vaporizing without committing to much, this does the job.
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers or anyone just wanting to test vaporizing.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Heating | Battery | Temp Control | Price |
|---|
| Pulsar APX Pro | Hybrid | 2100mAh | 1-degree precise | $89.99 |
| Yocan HIT 2 | Convection | 1800mAh | Precise digital | $54.99 |
| Ooze Brink | Conduction | 1800mAh | Digital presets | $79.99 |
| Yocan Vane 2 | Conduction | 1200mAh | Precise digital | $59.99 |
| Pulsar SYNDR | Conduction | 880mAh | 4 presets | $29.99 |
Buying Guide
Understand Heating Methods
Convection: Hot air flows through the herb. More even extraction, better flavor. Takes a bit longer to heat up.
Conduction: The chamber walls get hot and heat the herb directly. Heats fast but you might need to stir for even results.
Hybrid: Both methods together. Usually the best performance overall.
Match Battery to Usage
Light users (1-2 sessions a day) can get by with 880mAh. Regular users, aim for 1200mAh+. Heavy users want 1800mAh or more.
Consider Chamber Size
Bigger chambers mean less reloading. But they also waste herb if you don't fill them. Pick a size that matches how much you actually use.
Don't Overspend
Budget vapes are legitimately good now. Premium devices have their perks, but the improvements don't always match the price jump.
Final Verdict
Most people should get the Pulsar APX Pro. At $90, it competes with vapes costing $150+. Hybrid heating, big battery, precise temp control. It just works well.
Budget pick: The Yocan Vane 2 at $60 gives beginners a real vaporizing experience without a big spend.
Ultra-budget pick: The Pulsar SYNDR at $30 proves you don't need expensive gear to get started.
Good dry herb vaping doesn't cost what it used to. These picks get the job done without hurting your wallet.
