XMAX V3 Pro vs V4 Pro: Which Budget Vaporizer Is Worth It?
Prices tracked daily across 100+ shops. Last reviewed: March 2026.
In short: The XMAX V3 Pro has been the go-to budget pick since 2022, rated 9/10 by VaporizerWizard and a fixture in every beginner guide. The V4 Pro arrived mid-2025 with pure convection heating, 3-level adjustable airflow, and an on-demand mode. But does the upgrade justify the price difference? We tested both side by side and compared vapor quality, battery life, daily usability, and value.
- The V4 Pro’s pure convection delivers noticeably cleaner flavor, especially below 190 °C. Its 3-level airflow slider is a standout feature at this price.
- The V3 Pro keeps its edge for on-the-go users: dosing capsule support, lower price (from €55), and a more forgiving draw technique.
- Both use swappable 18650 batteries, USB-C, and passthrough charging. The V4 Pro weighs just 107 g, making it one of the lightest convection portables available.
Who Makes These Devices?
XMAX is manufactured by TopGreen, a Shenzhen-based company producing vaporizers since 2009. The V3 Pro established their budget reputation from €55, while the V4 Pro introduced premium features like pure convection and adjustable airflow at sub-€100 pricing.
XMAX is a brand by TopGreen, a Shenzhen-based manufacturer that’s been producing vaporizers since 2009. They built their reputation on the budget end of the market, and the V3 Pro cemented that standing. Planet of the Vapes calls it “small, punchy, and affordable with great battery life,” which sums up why it shows up in nearly every beginner recommendation list.
The V4 Pro represents TopGreen’s push into higher-end territory. It keeps the same price-conscious DNA but adds features you’d normally find on devices costing twice as much: full convection, adjustable airflow, and dual operating modes.
How Do They Compare on Paper?
The spec table tells only part of the story, but it’s a good starting point. We track prices across 78 shops for the V3 Pro and 34 shops for the V4 Pro, updated daily.
| Feature | XMAX V3 Pro | XMAX V4 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Current best price | from €55 | from €68 |
| Heating | Hybrid (conduction + convection) | Pure convection |
| Temp range | 100–220 °C | 100–220 °C (1 °C steps) |
| Heat-up time | ~15 seconds | ~11 seconds |
| Battery | 18650, 2600 mAh, swappable | 18650, 2550 mAh, swappable |
| Operating modes | Session + on-demand | Session (4/6 min) + on-demand (30s) |
| Airflow | Fixed | 3-level adjustable slider |
| Charging | USB-C, passthrough | USB-C, passthrough |
| Dosing capsules | Yes (compatible) | No |
| Water pipe adapter | Via adapter (sold separately) | Glass mouthpiece = 14mm WPA (built-in) |
| Display | OLED | OLED |
| Weight | ~120 g | ~107 g |
| Air path | Standard | Fully isolated from electronics |
Which Heats Better: Hybrid or Pure Convection?
The V4 Pro’s pure convection preserves terpenes noticeably better below 190 °C, heating material only when you inhale. The V3 Pro’s hybrid system produces visible vapor from the first draw with any technique, making it more forgiving for beginners. The tradeoff: convection demands slower, firmer draws for optimal results.
This is the core difference, and it changes how each device feels in daily use. The V3 Pro’s hybrid system heats material through both contact heat (conduction) and hot air (convection) at the same time. You get visible vapor from the first draw, and slow, gentle pulls still produce decent clouds. It’s forgiving.
The V4 Pro takes a different approach. Hot air only passes through the material when you inhale, so nothing cooks between draws. What does that mean in practice? Less waste, more intense aroma, and terpene preservation that you can actually taste. The difference is most obvious below 190 °C, where the V3 Pro’s conduction element can mute delicate flavors.
There’s a tradeoff, though. The V4 Pro needs firmer, slower draws to get the best results. It’s not difficult once you get the hang of it, but the V3 Pro is more pick-up-and-go. If you’ve never used a vaporizer before, the V3 Pro won’t punish poor technique.
What About the V4 Pro’s Adjustable Airflow?
The V4 Pro’s 3-position airflow slider offers wide, medium, and restricted settings — a feature typically found on premium devices like the Tinymight 2 or Venty, not sub-€100 portables. The V3 Pro has fixed airflow, giving users less control over draw resistance and vapor density.
This is a feature the V3 Pro simply doesn’t have, and it’s a bigger deal than the spec sheet suggests. The V4 Pro has a physical slider above the USB-C port with three positions: wide open, medium, and restricted.
Why does this matter? Wide open airflow gives you bigger clouds with less resistance. Restricted airflow concentrates the vapor for denser, more flavorful hits. Medium sits in between. Most convection devices at this price point have fixed airflow, so the ability to dial in your draw resistance is unusual. It’s the kind of feature you’d expect on a Tinymight or Venty, not a sub-€100 device.
The V3 Pro has fixed airflow, which works fine but gives you less control over your experience. If draw customization matters to you, the V4 Pro has a clear advantage here.
How Long Does the Battery Last?
Both the V3 Pro (2600 mAh) and V4 Pro (2550 mAh) use swappable 18650 batteries, delivering 6–10 bowls per charge. A spare cell costs under €10 and doubles runtime instantly — a major advantage over sealed-battery alternatives like the Mighty+ at 235 g.
Both use swappable 18650 batteries: 2600 mAh in the V3 Pro, 2550 mAh in the V4 Pro. In practice, expect 6 to 10 bowls per charge depending on your temperature and draw style. That’s a full day for most people.
The real advantage here isn’t capacity, it’s swappability. A spare 18650 cell costs under €10 and doubles your runtime instantly. Both devices support passthrough charging too, so you can use them while plugged in. Compare that to sealed-battery devices like the Mighty+ (235 g, no battery swap), and the flexibility is obvious.
Do Dosing Capsules Make the V3 Pro Better for Portability?
The V3 Pro supports pre-loadable stainless steel dosing capsules for mess-free portable use — a feature the V4 Pro currently lacks (March 2026). However, the V4 Pro’s convection chamber stays cleaner by design since walls don’t heat directly, reducing maintenance between sessions.
If you use your vaporizer on the go, this could be the deciding factor. The V3 Pro works with dosing capsules: small stainless steel containers you pre-load at home and swap in seconds. Fill a few, toss them in a small case, and you’re set for the day without carrying loose herb.
The V4 Pro currently has no dosing capsule solution. Its convection chamber has a different geometry that doesn’t fit existing capsules. You’ll need to load the chamber directly each time, and brush it out every 3 to 5 sessions.
On the flip side, the V4 Pro’s convection chamber stays cleaner by design. Since the walls don’t heat directly, less residue sticks to them. So while you lose capsule convenience, maintenance is simpler between cleanings.
For micro-dosers and commuters, the V3 Pro’s capsule system is a genuine advantage. For home users who don’t mind loading a bowl, it’s less of a factor.
How’s the Build Quality at This Price?
Both devices use anodized aluminum shells with zirconia ceramic chambers, exceeding typical sub-€100 build quality. The V4 Pro adds a fully isolated air path (ceramic and glass only) and weighs just 107 g — 13 g lighter than the V3 Pro. Its glass mouthpiece doubles as a 14mm water pipe adapter.
Both use anodized aluminum shells with zirconia ceramic chambers. Build quality exceeds what you’d expect under €100. The V3 Pro feels solid for a device that’s been refined since 2022. But the V4 Pro’s construction has a few notable upgrades.
The V4 Pro’s air path is fully isolated from the electronics, meaning you only inhale through ceramic and glass. Its glass mouthpiece also doubles as a 14mm water pipe adapter right out of the box, so there’s no extra accessory to buy. The V3 Pro needs a separate WPA adapter (typically €10 to €15).
At 107 g, the V4 Pro is also lighter than the V3 Pro’s 120 g, which surprised us. Both are pocket-friendly, but the V4 Pro disappears into a jacket pocket more easily.
Which One Works Better with a Water Pipe?
The V4 Pro’s glass mouthpiece fits 14mm joints directly with no adapter needed. Combined with pure convection and water cooling, it delivers exceptionally smooth draws. The V3 Pro requires a separate WPA adapter (€10–15) and produces slightly more conduction taste through water.
Both are compatible, but the V4 Pro has the edge here. Its glass mouthpiece fits 14mm joints directly with no adapter needed. Pure convection plus water cooling produces exceptionally smooth draws with full flavor preservation.
The V3 Pro needs a separate adapter, and the hybrid heating means you’ll get slightly more conduction taste even through water. Still decent, but the V4 Pro through a small bubbler is in a different league. If water pipe use is a priority, the V4 Pro is the clear winner.
What Do the Prices Look Like Right Now?
We track both devices daily across hundreds of shops worldwide. The V3 Pro is currently available from €55 across 78 shops. The V4 Pro starts at €68 from 34 shops.
The price gap between these two has narrowed since the V4 Pro launched. Check our live price comparison for today’s best deals on the V3 Pro and V4 Pro.
What About the Accessory Ecosystem?
The V3 Pro has been on the market since 2022 and it shows. Glass stems, WPA adapters, third-party capsules, carrying cases: brands like 420VAPE and DynaBox make accessories specifically for it. You can customize the V3 Pro in ways the V4 Pro can’t match yet.
The V4 Pro’s aftermarket scene is still developing. The built-in WPA and adjustable airflow reduce the need for some accessories, but if you want a full ecosystem from day one, the V3 Pro has the edge.
Both devices have active user communities. Temperature tips, cleaning guides, and mods are easy to find on Reddit’s r/vaporents, FC forums, and dedicated vaporizer communities.
The Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
Choose the V3 Pro (from €55) for budget-friendly portable use with dosing capsules and forgiving hybrid heating. Choose the V4 Pro (from €68) for superior flavor, adjustable airflow, built-in WPA, and on-demand convection that punches well above its price class.
The V3 Pro is the right choice if you want to spend as little as possible, need dosing capsules for on-the-go use, or prefer a device that produces good vapor even with casual, light draws. It’s the safer pick for first-time vaporizer buyers.
The V4 Pro makes more sense if you care most about flavor, want adjustable airflow to fine-tune your draws, or plan to use a water pipe. The on-demand mode and isolated air path are features that punch well above this price class.
Both are outstanding for the money. The V3 Pro remains the budget king for a reason. But with the price gap narrowing, the V4 Pro’s convection upgrade is harder to ignore than it used to be.
Price History (30 Days)
Related: See the V3 Pro matched against the DynaVap M7: DynaVap M7 vs XMAX V3 Pro | Looking for more options? Full price comparison
FAQ
Is the V4 Pro a direct replacement for the V3 Pro?
Not exactly. XMAX sells both simultaneously. The V4 Pro is positioned as the premium convection option, while the V3 Pro continues as the affordable hybrid alternative. They target different priorities rather than replacing each other.
Can I use my V3 Pro batteries in the V4 Pro?
Yes. Both use standard 18650 cells. Any battery that fits the V3 Pro works in the V4 Pro and vice versa.
Which produces thicker clouds?
At the same temperature, the V3 Pro tends to produce slightly denser visible vapor because the hybrid system heats material from all sides. The V4 Pro delivers cleaner, more flavorful vapor with slightly less visible density. Through a water pipe, the difference is negligible.
Are there dosing capsules for the V4 Pro?
As of March 2026, there are no official dosing capsules for the V4 Pro. The convection chamber has a different geometry that doesn’t fit V3 Pro capsules. XMAX hasn’t announced plans for V4 Pro capsules yet.
Which is better for complete beginners?
The V3 Pro. Its hybrid heating produces good vapor even with slow, light draws. The V4 Pro’s convection works best with firmer, slower inhalation. It’s not hard to learn, but the V3 Pro is more forgiving from day one.
Does the V4 Pro have app control?
No. Neither the V3 Pro nor the V4 Pro has app connectivity. Both use simple OLED display and single-button controls for temperature adjustment.
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Testing and comparing vaporizers at VapoChecker since 2020. 800+ devices, 274 shops, 51 countries.
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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 V3 Pro needs 15 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 V3 Pro rewards users who plan their sessions.
Build Quality and Materials
The V3 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.
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 V3 Pro packs 2600 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.
Both have swappable 18650 batteries. Spare cells are cheap and extend both devices lifespan by years.
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 V3 Pro 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 V3 Pro 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. Both offer 1-year warranties.
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 V3 Pro 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 V3 Pro.