Price (USD)
RiO edgeCAT
$199
RiO
$150
RiO is typically around $49 lower.
Vaporizer Comparison
CAT vs RiO
Side-by-side specs, pricing context, and clear decision guidance.
CAT
End Game Labs $199
VS
RiO
Stache $150
Editorial Summary
CAT and RiO are both portable vaporizers, but they target different priorities. RiO is usually the lower-cost pick at $150, around $49 below CAT. Session style, airflow, and extraction behavior will matter more than raw spec sheet numbers here.
Specs Compared
22
Different Specs
20
Shared Specs
2
Overall Overlap
9%
Shared Traits
Portable
Head-to-Head Highlights
A quick snapshot of the specs people usually care about first.
Weight
CAT edgeCAT
200g
RiO
~522g
CAT is the lighter listed unit.
Heating Style
Close callCAT
Convection
RiO
Conduction
Heating style differs, which can impact flavor and extraction behavior.
Key Differences at a Glance
Top specs where these two devices diverge.
Price (USD)
CAT
$199
RiO
$150
Heating Type
CAT
Convection
RiO
Conduction
Temperature Range
CAT
Up to 230°C
RiO
N/A
Battery Type
CAT
Swappable 21700
RiO
N/A
Charging
CAT
USB-C
RiO
N/A
Weight
CAT
200g
RiO
~522g
Power Adjustment
CAT
Digital Control
RiO
Manual
Brand
CAT
End Game Labs
RiO
Stache
Choose CAT if...
- You want the lighter unit for carrying and travel.
- You prefer a convection heating profile.
- Your usage leans toward convection and ball vape sessions.
Choose RiO if...
- You want the lower listed entry price ($150 vs $199).
- You prefer a conduction heating profile.
- Your usage leans toward concentrates and conduction sessions.
Spec Comparison Table
Direct comparison of every spec from each device profile.
20 differ 2 shared
| Specification | CAT | RiO |
|---|---|---|
| Price (USD) | $199 | $150 |
| Device Type | Portable | Portable |
| Heating Type | Convection | Conduction |
| Heat Up Time | ~30 seconds | — |
| Temperature Range | Up to 230°C | N/A |
| Chamber Capacity | — | N/A |
| Battery Type | Swappable 21700 | N/A |
| Battery Capacity | 4000mAh | — |
| Battery Life | ~50 minutes | — |
| Charging | USB-C | N/A |
| Charge Time | ~2.5 hours | — |
| Dimensions | 104x60x33mm | — |
| Height | — | 14 inches |
| Weight | 200g | ~522g |
| Power Adjustment | Digital Control | Manual |
| Chamber Material | — | Glass |
| Concentrate Support | — | Yes |
| Brand | End Game Labs | Stache |
| Haptic Feedback | Yes | — |
| Joint Size | 14mm / 18mm | — |
| Session Style | Both | — |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
Comparison FAQs
What is the biggest difference between the CAT and the RiO?
The biggest practical difference is heating approach: CAT runs convection while RiO runs conduction. That changes flavor delivery, vapor density, and how the device responds to slow versus fast draws.
Which is cheaper, the CAT or the RiO?
RiO is the cheaper option at $150 compared with $199 for the CAT, about $49 less. Live retailer pricing can shift, so confirm before buying.
What's the difference in heating between the CAT and the RiO?
CAT uses convection heating, while the RiO uses conduction. Heating style influences flavor profile, vapor density, and how forgiving the device is to draw technique.
Which is lighter, the CAT or the RiO?
CAT is the lighter unit at 200g, around 322g less than the RiO at ~522g. The lighter device is easier to carry and pocket day-to-day.
Can I swap the batteries on the CAT or the RiO?
CAT uses swappable 21700, so you can carry spares for back-to-back days. The RiO has a built-in battery you can't swap on the go.
Can I set custom temperatures on the CAT or the RiO?
CAT controls heat with digital control, while the RiO uses manual. CAT gives you finer per-degree control.
Is the CAT or the RiO better for microdosing?
RiO is the better fit for microdosing in our database, typically thanks to a smaller chamber, finer temperature control, or both.
Need a different matchup?
Jump into the comparison hub to pick any two devices and open a canonical side-by-side page.