XMAX Starry V4 Review (2026): Best Budget Dry Herb Vaporizer?

XMAX Starry V4 Review (2026): Best Budget Dry Herb Vaporizer?

The XMAX Starry V4 is one of the most talked-about portable dry herb vaporizers in the budget category, blending feature-rich performance, replaceable batteries, and customizable sessions at an aggressive price point. In this review we’ll dive into everything you need to know before buying, including performance, build quality, battery life, vapor quality, and how it compares with other popular devices.

🔎 Quick Verdict

Best for: Beginners, casual users, on-the-go sessions
Heating: Conduction
Temp Range: 100 °C–240 °C (212 °F–464 °F)
Battery: Replaceable 18650 (≈2550-3200 mAh)
Charging: USB-C
Adjustable Airflow: Yes
Session Timers: 4 min, 6 min, 10 min
⭐ Overall: Great value budget vaporizer with good features and solid performance.

📦 What’s in the Box

Most packages include:

• XMAX Starry V4 vaporizer

• Replaceable 18650 battery (varies by seller)

• USB-C charging cable

• Dosing capsule (stainless steel)

• Mouthpiece accessories & o-rings

• Cleaning tools

• User manual

🧰 Build Quality & Design

The Starry V4 features a sleek, compact metal design with a magnetic zirconia mouthpiece, adjustable airflow slider, and OLED display that shows temperature, battery, and session time. The magnetic zirconia mouthpiece helps keep vapor pure and comfortable. The device fits comfortably in hand or pocket, though it’s slightly heavier than some micro vaporizers due to its robust battery system.

Pros

• Durable metal body

• Magnetic zirconia mouthpiece

• OLED display with temperature and timer

• Adjustable airflow

• Replaceable battery

Cons

• Slight weight compared to ultra-mini vapes

• Conduction heating not as flavourful as convection options

🔥 Heating & Temperature Control

The Starry V4 uses conduction heating, meaning the herbs make direct contact with the heated chamber. It heats up quickly (about 30 seconds) and offers precise temperature control between 100 °C and 240 °C (212 °F–464 °F), often in 1 °C increments, impressive for this price range.

Temperature Notes

• Lower temps (100–180 °C): Smoother vapor, more flavour

• Mid range (180–220 °C): Balanced flavour + vapor

• High temps (>220 °C): Denser vapor, less flavour

☁️ Vapor Quality & Performance

For a budget price point, the Starry V4 delivers solid performance:

• Smooth, consistent vapor suited for relaxed sessions

• Adjustable airflow lets you tailor draws from tighter/flavourful to cooler/airy

• Full temperature spectrum gives versatility for different herbs and styles

User Impressions
Many reviewers note that while the vapor isn’t as refined as high-end convection units, it competes well in its class, especially with the airflow control and zirconia mouthpiece helping cool and smooth hits.

🔋 Battery Life & Charging

The Starry V4’s replaceable 18650 battery is a major advantage for long sessions or travel, simply swap in a charged battery when needed. Typical runtimes are ~45–70 minutes of continuous use, depending on temperature settings and session length.

Charging

• USB-C port for faster, more convenient charging

• Can charge while using (passthrough) on some models

• Full charge generally takes around 90 minutes

🚀 Key Features At a Glance

Sources: multiple vaporizer review resources.

😃 Ease of Use & Maintenance

The Starry V4 is very beginner-friendly:

• Simple menu navigation with 3 buttons

• Clear OLED display shows all session info

• Adjustable airflow and temperature via buttons

• Easy cleaning: mouthpiece and dosing capsule simplify maintenance

⚖️ Comparisons: Starry V4 vs Starry V3

Improvements in the V4 include:

• USB-C charging

• Adjustable airflow slider

• More session timer options

• Improved battery door / chamber lid design

• More precise temp control and updated display

🧠 Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

• Excellent value for money

• Fast heat-up times

• Fully adjustable temperature

• Replaceable battery = extended sessions

• Adjustable airflow boosts control

• Simple, intuitive controls

• Dosing capsule for clean use

👎 Cons

• Conduction heating can be less flavourful than convection designs 

• Slightly heavier than ultra-compact vaporizers

• Not ideal for users seeking extremely large clouds

🧑🔧 Who This Is Best For

Perfect for:
✔ Beginners or first-time vaporizer users
✔ Budget-conscious buyers wanting features
✔ People who value ease of use + replaceable batteries
✔ On-the-go sessions and portability

Not ideal for:
✘ Users who prefer high-end flavour or maximum vapor density
✘ Enthusiasts seeking full convection performance

📌 Final Verdict

The XMAX Starry V4 stands out as one of the best budget dry herb vaporizers available. With adjustable airflow, a fast heat-up, full temp spectrum, replaceable batteries, and USB-C charging, it offers versatility rarely seen at this price. While the conduction heating means it won’t beat premium convection units in pure flavour, it offers excellent overall performance, ease of use, and value especially for beginners and casual users. 

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is the XMAX Starry V4 good for beginners?
Yes, it’s intuitive, easy to use, and affordable, making it an excellent first vaporizer. 

Can the Starry V4 handle concentrates?
Yes, with an included or optional concentrate pad, though it won’t perform like a dedicated wax pen. 

How long does the battery last?
About 45–70 minutes per charge, depending on temp and session length.