Prices tracked daily across 100+ shops. Last reviewed: March 2026.
Crafty+ vs. XMAX V4 Pro: Storz & Bickel against the budget champion
The XMAX V4 Pro costs about a third of the Crafty+ – and is still regularly mentioned in the same breath in community forums like r/vaporents. Rightly so? The Crafty+ from Storz & Bickel is a compact hybrid portable with German engineering for around 190 euros. The V4 Pro from XMAX (TopGreen) is a pure one Convection vaporizer for around 70 euros. Both devices are portable, both are suitable for on the go – but the approach couldn’t be more different.
Short version: The Crafty+ offers proven S&B quality with hybrid heating, app control and dosing capsule system. The V4 Pro delivers pure convection with a replaceable 18650 battery and fine temperature control – at a fraction of the price. Premium vs. value for money, hybrid vs. convection.
Current prices: Crafty+ from ~190 € and XMAX V4 Pro from ~70 €.
Storz & Bickel Crafty+ – The compact one from the market leader
The Crafty+ is the smaller sibling of the Mighty+ and comes from the Tuttlingen company that also builds the Volcano. Hybrid heating (conduction + convection), 60 seconds heating time, max temperature 210 °C. The 3200 mAh battery delivers approximately 4-6 sessions.
The dosing capsule system is one of the biggest advantages: prefill capsules, change them on the go, keep them clean. The Storz & Bickel web app allows precise temperature adjustment and firmware updates. The cooling system delivers pleasant, cool vapor even at higher temperatures.
The Crafty+ is the device for people who know what they want: proven quality, zero learning curve, dosing capsules for on the go. Ab ~190 € — Crafty+ price comparison
XMAX V4 Pro – on-demand convection for 70 Euro
The XMAX V4 Pro (convection) preserves terpenes noticeably better below 190 °C, heating material only when you inhale. The Crafty+ (hybrid) produces visible vapor from the first draw with any technique. Heat-up: Crafty+ 60s vs. XMAX V4 Pro 11s.
The V4 Pro from TopGreen (under the XMAX brand) is a pure convection vaporizer with glass air gap and replaceable 18650 battery. Heating time: 11 seconds. Temperature range: 100-220 °C in 1 degree increments. The OLED display shows the current temperature and battery status.
The replaceable 18650 battery is a game changer: for 5 euros you get a replacement battery that doubles the running time. No proprietary system, no planned obsolescence. The glass air gap delivers pure convection flavor that challenges the Crafty+ in blind tests.
The V4 Pro is the device for price-conscious vapers who value convection flavor and prefer flexible battery options. Ab ~70 € — V4 Pro price comparison
Comparison table
| Feature | Crafty+ | XMAX V4 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Storz & Bickel (DE) | TopGreen / XMAX (CN) |
| Heating principle | Hybrid (conduction + convection) | Pure convection |
| Heating time | 60 seconds | 11 seconds |
| Max. Temperature | 210 °C | 220 °C |
| Abattery | 3200 mAh (fixed) | 2550 mAh (18650, replaceable) |
| Sessions per charge | ~5 | ~6 (unlimited with removable battery) |
| Dosing capsules | Yes (set of 40 ~ €25) | No |
| App control | Yes (web app) | No (OLED display) |
| Hookah compatible | Oui | Да |
| Passthrough Charging | No | Not necessary (battery change) |
| Guarantee | 2 years | 1 years |
| Price (from) | ~190 € | ~70 € |
Steam quality
This is where things get exciting. The Crafty+ delivers consistent hybrid vapor – dense, aromatic clouds from the combination of contact and hot air heating. The patented cooling system makes the vapor comfortable even at 195°C. The quality is consistent: every session tastes equally good.
The V4 Pro surprises with pure convection flavor: The glass air gap delivers clean, aromatic vapor with clearer terpene notes, especially at lower temperatures (170-185 °C). Those who value flavor over cloud density often prefer the V4 Pro in blind tests. At higher temperatures, however, the Crafty+ comes away with denser clouds.
Suitability for everyday use
The Crafty+ is basically plug-and-play: prepare the capsules, insert them, select the app temperature, draw. The dosing capsules keep the chamber clean and cleaning is minimal. The fixed battery lasts 4-6 sessions, after which it must be charged (USB-C, approx. 90 minutes).
The V4 Pro requires manual loading (no capsule system), but offers unlimited running time thanks to removable batteries. If you carry two 18650 cells with you, you can vape all day without a charger. The display shows the exact temperature and the minute timer stops automatically. Cleaning by blowing through the glass chamber – effective, but less elegant than the S&B system.
F Who is which device?
| Crafty+ | XMAX V4 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Strengths | ✓ Proven S&B quality ✓ Dosing capsule system ✓ App control ✓ Patented cooling system ✓ 2 years warranty |
✓ ~120€ cheaper ✓ Pure convection flavor ✓ Replaceable 18650 battery ✓ 1 degree temperature steps ✓ Glass air range |
| Weaknesses | ✗ ~€190 (€2.7 more expensive) ✗ Fixed battery (not replaceable) ✗ Only ~5 sessions per charge ✗ Proprietary ecosystem |
✗ No dosing capsule system ✗ No app support ✗ Fewer accessories available ✗ Build Quality not S&B level |
Choose
Crafty+ if: You want tried-and-tested German quality, need dosing capsules for on the go and are prepared to pay ~€120 more for them. The Crafty+ is the safer investment with a manufacturer’s warranty and support.
Choose
V4 Pro if: You prefer convection flavor, value replaceable batteries and are looking for an excellent price-performance ratio. For 70 euros you get a vaporizer that competes with devices that cost three times as much.
frequently asked questions
Is the V4 Pro really as good as the Crafty+?
In terms of vapor taste: Yes, some even prefer the pure convection vapor of the V4 Pro. When it comes to build quality, accessory ecosystem and comfort, the Crafty+ is ahead. The V4 Pro is 90% of the Crafty+ for 30% of the price.
Can I use dosing capsules in the V4 Pro?
No, the V4 Pro does not have a dosing capsule system. The glass chamber is filled directly. There are third-party dosing screens, but no real capsule system like S&B.
Which one lasts longer?
The Crafty+ has the better build quality and S&B offers spare parts and repair service. The V4 Pro has the replaceable battery – the most common wearing part in vaporizers (the fixed battery in the Crafty+ wears out significantly after 1-2 years). In the long term, the V4 Pro can therefore remain usable for longer.
What’s better for beginners?
The Crafty+ is the safe choice: dosing capsules, app instructions, proven system. The V4 Pro has a bit more of a learning curve, but at €70 it’s a lower risk if you want to try vaporizers first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Daily Use and Practicality
In everyday use, heat-up time shapes your routine more than any spec sheet suggests. The XMAX V4 Pro reaches operating temperature in 11 seconds, while the Crafty+ needs 60 seconds. That difference adds up over weeks of daily sessions. Quick morning sessions before work favor the faster device; relaxed evening sessions make the gap irrelevant.
Consider your typical usage pattern. If you vaporize 3-5 times daily, a few seconds per session compound into meaningful time savings. If you have one session per evening, both devices serve equally well. The XMAX V4 Pro rewards impulsive, grab-and-go use. The Crafty+ rewards users who plan their sessions.
Build Quality and Materials
The Crafty+: German-engineered medical-grade polymer and aluminum. Every component is designed for thousands of sessions. Storz & Bickel devices are manufactured in Tuttlingen, Germany, with quality standards borrowed from the medical device industry.
The XMAX V4 Pro: Practical aluminum and polymer construction built for value. XMAX packs features that usually require double the price: OLED displays, USB-C charging, and swappable 18650 batteries. Build quality is solid for the price, though not matching premium brands in material refinement.
Battery Strategy in Detail
The Crafty+ packs 3200 mAh, the XMAX V4 Pro has 2550 mAh. The larger battery does not always mean longer runtime — heating method, chamber size, and usage pattern all affect real-world endurance. Both devices manage 5-8 full sessions on a charge under normal conditions.
The XMAX V4 Pro has a swappable battery — a clear advantage for heavy users and travelers. Spare cells cost under 10 euros. The Crafty+ has a fixed battery.
Water Pipe Compatibility
Both devices support water pipe use. Water filtration cools the vapor and makes higher temperatures more comfortable. WPA adapters (14mm and 18mm joints) are available for both the Crafty+ and XMAX V4 Pro. Combining a vaporizer with glass elevates the experience significantly.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Regular cleaning directly affects vapor flavor and device longevity. Both the Crafty+ and XMAX V4 Pro benefit from weekly isopropyl alcohol soaks of removable parts. Screens and seals are consumable items that should be replaced every few months for optimal performance. A basic cleaning kit consisting of isopropyl alcohol (90 percent or higher), cotton swabs, and pipe cleaners covers most devices.
A clean device delivers noticeably better flavor than a neglected one. Most flavor complaints in online forums trace back to insufficient cleaning rather than device limitations. Residue buildup narrows the vapor path, increases draw resistance, and adds a stale taste. Budget 10 minutes per week for maintenance and both devices will perform at their best for years. Deep cleaning every 2-4 weeks prevents hard-to-remove buildup and keeps the airflow unrestricted.
Long-Term Value and Durability
A vaporizer is a long-term investment. Beyond the purchase price, consider replacement parts, cleaning supplies, and eventual battery degradation. The Crafty+ has the longer warranty at 2 years versus 1 years for the XMAX V4 Pro.
The resale market for vaporizers is active. Well-maintained devices from reputable brands retain 50-70 percent of their original value after a year. Both the Crafty+ and XMAX V4 Pro hold their value well due to brand reputation and build quality. Buying a quality device upfront typically costs less than cycling through cheaper alternatives.
Community support also factors into long-term value. Devices with large user bases have better troubleshooting resources, aftermarket accessories, and replacement part availability. Both brands covered here have established communities that make ownership easier over the years.
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Who Should Buy Which?
- Users who want dosing capsules only have that option with the Crafty+.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Crafty+ better than the XMAX V4 Pro?
Which heats up faster: Crafty+ or XMAX V4 Pro?
Which has the better warranty?
Testing and comparing vaporizers at VapoChecker since 2020. 800+ devices, 274 shops, 51 countries.