Introduction
The Dr. Dabber XS takes a different approach to portable concentrates. Most e-rigs chase features or battery life. The XS chases size. Water filtration in something this compact is rare, and that's the whole point.
At 6.47 inches tall and under 10 ounces, this thing actually fits in a jacket pocket. Larger e-rigs like the Boost Evo? Not happening. The real question is whether shrinking everything down hurts the experience too much.
What We Tested
Our hands-on testing methodology
Unit Tested
Dr. Dabber XS (Black)
Testing Period
9 days with travel use
TCH Settings Tested
All 4 presets (475-625°F)
Spillproof Tested
Tilted, inverted, transported
Concentrates Used
Wax, budder, live resin
Portability Tested
Pocket carry, backpack, car
Design and Build
The XS earns its name. It's tiny. Drop it in a jacket pocket and forget about it. Toss it in a small bag without rearranging everything. The cylindrical shape wastes zero space.
Build quality is on par with other Dr. Dabber stuff. Solid construction, soft-touch finish that doesn't collect fingerprints. Feels premium. No creaks or flex when you handle it, which matters for something you'll throw in a bag constantly.
Spillproof Glass
Here's the standout feature. The spillproof glass attachment keeps water inside even when you tilt the device. Most e-rig glass dumps water the moment you angle it wrong.
This solves an annoying problem. Lots of users empty their water before packing up, which defeats the whole purpose of water filtration on the go. The XS lets you keep water in the chamber for true grab-and-go use.
The downside? Size. Keeping water contained means a smaller chamber than you'd get on larger devices. Filtration exists but doesn't match the Boost Evo or Switch².
Included Accessories
Dr. Dabber packed in some smart extras:
- Carb cap leash: Keeps the cap attached during sessions
- Filling funnel: Makes water filling easier without spills
- Iso-Snaps: Pre-soaked cleaning swabs for quick maintenance
- Loading tool: Standard dab tool for concentrate loading
These details show they understand how people actually use portable setups.
What's in the Box
- Dr. Dabber XS base unit
- Spillproof glass attachment
- Quartz eChamber atomizer
- Glass carb cap
- Carb cap leash
- Filling funnel
- USB-C charging cable
- Iso-Snaps cleaning swabs
- Loading tool
- User manual
Temperature Settings
The XS gives you four TCH (Temperature Control Heating) presets:
| Setting | Temperature | LED Color | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 475°F | Blue | Maximum flavor, light vapor |
| 2 | 525°F | Green | Balanced flavor and vapor |
| 3 | 575°F | Yellow | Standard dabbing |
| 4 | 625°F | Red | Maximum vapor, thick concentrates |
The range is narrower than the Boost Evo (500-750°F) or Switch² (250-650°F). If you like dabbing at super low or high temps, that might bug you. But 475-625°F covers what most people want.
Heat-up takes 9-12 seconds. Fast enough that you won't get impatient.
TCH Technology
TCH (Temperature Control Heating) is Dr. Dabber's heating system:
- Calibrated settings: Each temperature is tuned precisely, not estimated
- Maintained temperature: The system holds temp throughout your session
- Consistent results: Same setting equals same vapor quality
This beats simple voltage-based systems that drift during use. Once you dial in your preferred setting, you get the same experience every time.
Performance
Vapor Quality
The quartz eChamber atomizer produces clean flavor, especially at lower temps. Short vapor path from atomizer to mouthpiece helps preserve terpenes.
At 475°F (setting 1), flavor shines but vapor stays light. Settings 2-3 hit the sweet spot for most people. Setting 4 is about clouds, not taste.
Water Filtration
The spillproof glass filters vapor, but the small chamber limits how much cooling you get. Smoother than dry concentrate pens, not as cool as larger e-rigs.
For something this size? The filtration works well. Just don't expect Switch² smoothness.
Vapor Production
Cloud production is solid for such a compact device. You won't get desktop e-rig clouds, but higher temps deliver visible, satisfying vapor.
The small chamber means you should take moderate draws. Pull too hard and you overwhelm the water filtration.
Battery Life
The XS gets about 35 heating cycles per charge. That's lower than the Boost Evo's 60 cycles, but this device prioritizes size over stamina.
In real use:
- Light users: Full day of occasional sessions
- Moderate users: Half day to full day depending on frequency
- Heavy users: Might need a midday charge
The 30-60 minute charge time helps offset the smaller battery. Quick top-ups work fine during breaks. USB-C pass-through lets you use it while plugged in for unlimited sessions near an outlet.
Usability
Simple Operation
Button controls are basic:
| Action | Function |
|---|---|
| 5 clicks | Power on/off |
| 3 clicks | Cycle temperature |
| 2 clicks | Start heating session |
No apps. No complex menus. This simplicity fits the portable focus.
Portability Features
Several design choices make travel easier:
- Spillproof glass: Transport with water, no stress
- Carb cap leash: Won't lose the cap when you're out
- Compact dimensions: Fits pockets and small bags
- Quick charging: Top up during short breaks
The XS is built to leave the house. The details prove it.
Maintenance
Compact size makes cleaning simple:
After Each Session
- Q-tip the atomizer while it's still warm
- The Iso-Snaps make this even quicker
Weekly
- Clean the atomizer with isopropyl alcohol
- Rinse the glass attachment
- Wipe down the base unit
Atomizer Care
- Replace when flavor starts dropping off
- Don't overload or you'll get overflow
- Regular cleaning extends atomizer life
Who Should Buy the XS
Pocket-size hunters: If fitting in a jacket pocket matters, the XS is among the smallest water-filtered options out there.
Travelers: Spillproof glass means no water management headaches when you're moving around.
Discrete users: Small size and quick sessions work well when subtlety counts.
Second device buyers: Great travel companion alongside a bigger home setup.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
Battery life matters most: The Boost Evo delivers almost double the cycles at a similar price.
Temperature tweakers: Four presets might feel limiting if you want precise control.
Maximum smoothness: Bigger e-rigs offer better water cooling.
Budget shoppers: $160 is a lot for a compact device. Cheaper options exist with tradeoffs. Browse our best e-rigs guide for alternatives at various price points.
Comparison to Competitors
vs. Boost Evo
The Boost Evo is bigger but gets 60 cycles vs. 35 and provides more water filtration. Pick the XS for pocketability, Boost Evo for longer sessions and smoother hits.
vs. Puffco Plus
Both target compact concentrate use, but the XS has water filtration while the Plus is dry pen-style. The XS is larger but delivers smoother vapor.
vs. Budget Wax Pens
Sub-$100 devices typically skip water filtration and cut corners on build quality. The XS premium gets you noticeably smoother vapor and better durability.
Final Verdict
The Dr. Dabber XS shrinks e-rig features into a seriously compact form. Spillproof glass solves a real problem for people who want portable water filtration, and TCH temperature control keeps sessions consistent.
Battery life is the main tradeoff. 35 cycles works for day trips but not all-day heavy use. The $160 price makes sense given the build quality and spillproof design, though budget buyers have cheaper options if they can accept some compromises.
If you need water-filtered dabbing in the smallest possible package, the XS delivers. It won't replace a home setup, but as a portable companion or primary device for lighter users, it does exactly what it promises.
Related: Dr. Dabber XS Manual | Dr. Dabber Boost Evo Review