Introduction
The Dr. Dabber XS represents a different approach to portable concentrate consumption. While most e-rigs prioritize features or battery life, the XS focuses on being as compact as possible while retaining water filtration—a combination that is surprisingly rare.
At 6.47 inches tall and under 10 ounces, the XS is genuinely pocketable in a way that larger e-rigs like the Boost Evo simply are not. The question is whether the size reduction compromises performance to an unacceptable degree.
Design and Build
The XS earns its name. This is a remarkably compact device that disappears into jacket pockets and fits comfortably in small bags. The cylindrical design is efficient, with no wasted space in any dimension.
Build quality matches other Dr. Dabber products—solid construction with a soft-touch finish that resists fingerprints. The device feels premium despite its small size, with no creaking or flex when handling.
Spillproof Glass
The standout design feature is the spillproof glass attachment. Unlike traditional e-rig glass that can dump water when tilted, the XS glass uses a design that prevents spillage even when the device is horizontal.
This addresses a genuine pain point with portable e-rigs. Many users empty water before transport, reducing the device to a dry concentrate pen. The spillproof design means you can keep water in the chamber for grab-and-go convenience.
The trade-off is size—the spillproof design results in a smaller water chamber than you would find on larger devices. Filtration is present but not as thorough as the Boost Evo or Switch².
Included Accessories
Dr. Dabber includes thoughtful accessories:
- 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 additions show attention to the portable use case the XS targets.
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 offers 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 temperature range is narrower than the Boost Evo (500-750°F) or Switch² (250-650°F), which may limit users who prefer very low or very high temperatures. However, the 475-625°F range covers the most popular dabbing temperatures effectively.
Heat-up time is 9-12 seconds—fast enough for on-demand use without frustrating waits.
TCH Technology
TCH (Temperature Control Heating) is Dr. Dabber's approach to consistent heating:
- Calibrated settings: Each temperature is precisely tuned rather than approximated
- Maintained temperature: The system holds your set temperature throughout the session
- Consistent results: Sessions at the same setting produce similar vapor quality
This differs from simple voltage-based systems that may fluctuate during use. The practical benefit is predictable sessions—once you find your preferred setting, it delivers the same experience consistently.
Performance
Vapor Quality
The quartz eChamber atomizer delivers clean flavor, particularly at lower temperature settings. The direct vapor pathway minimizes the distance between atomizer and mouthpiece, preserving terpene profiles effectively.
At 475°F (setting 1), flavor is excellent with light vapor production. Most users will find settings 2-3 provide the best balance of flavor and visible vapor. Setting 4 prioritizes clouds over taste.
Water Filtration
The spillproof glass provides water filtration, though the small chamber limits cooling capacity. Vapor is smoother than dry concentrate pens but not as cooled as larger e-rigs.
For its size, the filtration is impressive. Users should not expect Switch² levels of smoothness, but the XS meaningfully improves on pen-style devices.
Vapor Production
Cloud production is respectable given the compact size. The XS will not produce the massive clouds of desktop e-rigs, but vapor is visible and satisfying at higher temperature settings.
The small chamber means draws should be moderate—aggressive pulls can overwhelm the water filtration.
Battery Life
The XS provides approximately 35 heating cycles per charge. This is modest compared to the Boost Evo's 60 cycles but reasonable for a device prioritizing compactness over capacity.
In practical terms:
- Light users: Full day of occasional sessions
- Moderate users: Half-day to full day depending on usage
- Heavy users: May need midday charging
The 30-60 minute charge time partially compensates for the smaller battery—quick top-ups are feasible during breaks. USB-C pass-through charging allows use while plugged in for unlimited sessions near power.
Usability
Simple Operation
The XS uses straightforward button controls:
| Action | Function |
|---|---|
| 5 clicks | Power on/off |
| 3 clicks | Cycle temperature |
| 2 clicks | Start heating session |
The simplicity suits the portable focus—no apps to manage or complex settings to remember.
Portability Features
Several design choices enhance portability:
- Spillproof glass: Transport with water without worry
- Carb cap leash: Prevents losing the cap on the go
- Compact dimensions: Fits in pockets and small bags
- Quick charging: Top up during short breaks
The XS is designed to leave home, and the thoughtful details show it.
Maintenance
The compact size makes cleaning straightforward:
After Each Session
- Q-tip the atomizer while warm
- The Iso-Snaps make this even easier
Weekly
- Clean the atomizer with isopropyl alcohol
- Rinse the glass attachment
- Wipe down the base unit
Atomizer Care
- Replace when flavor degrades
- Avoid overloading to prevent overflow
- Regular cleaning extends atomizer life
Who Should Buy the XS
Maximum portability seekers: If fitting in a pocket matters, the XS is among the smallest water-filtered options available.
Travelers: The spillproof glass eliminates water management hassles when moving around.
Discrete users: The compact size and quick sessions suit situations where subtlety matters.
Secondary device buyers: Great as a travel companion to a larger home setup.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
Battery life priorities: The Boost Evo offers nearly double the battery capacity at a similar price.
Temperature experimenters: The four presets may feel limiting for users who like precise control.
Maximum filtration: Larger e-rigs provide better water cooling for smoother vapor.
Budget shoppers: $160 is significant for a compact device—cheaper options exist with trade-offs.
Comparison to Competitors
vs. Boost Evo
The Boost Evo is larger but offers 60 vs. 35 cycles and more water filtration. Choose XS for pocketability, Boost Evo for sessions and smoothness.
vs. Puffco Plus
Both are compact concentrate devices, but the XS offers water filtration while the Plus is pen-style dry. The XS is larger but smoother.
vs. Budget Wax Pens
Devices under $100 sacrifice water filtration and build quality. The XS premium buys genuine improvements in vapor smoothness and durability.
Final Verdict
The Dr. Dabber XS successfully shrinks e-rig features into an ultra-compact form factor. The spillproof glass solves a real problem for portable users, and the TCH temperature control delivers consistent sessions.
The 35-cycle battery life is the main compromise for the compact size—acceptable for most outings but limiting for heavy all-day use. The $160 price is justified by build quality and the spillproof innovation, though budget-conscious users have cheaper (if less refined) options.
For users who need water-filtered dabbing in the smallest possible package, the XS is an excellent choice. It will not replace a home setup, but as a portable companion or primary device for light users, it delivers on its compact promise.
Related: Dr. Dabber XS Manual | Dr. Dabber Boost Evo Review