Price (USD)
Cipher NOVA edgeCipher NOVA
$120
IO Hornet
$260
Cipher NOVA is typically around $140 lower.
Vaporizer Comparison
Cipher NOVA vs IO Hornet
Side-by-side specs, pricing context, and clear decision guidance.
Cipher NOVA
Cipher $120
VS
IO Hornet
IO MFG $260
Editorial Summary
Cipher NOVA and IO Hornet are both electronic vaporizers, but they target different priorities. Cipher NOVA is usually the lower-cost pick at $120, around $140 below IO Hornet. Session style, airflow, and extraction behavior will matter more than raw spec sheet numbers here.
Specs Compared
27
Different Specs
26
Shared Specs
1
Overall Overlap
4%
Shared Traits
Electronic
Head-to-Head Highlights
A quick snapshot of the specs people usually care about first.
Heating Style
Close callCipher NOVA
Dual arc lighter (combustion, not vaporization)
IO Hornet
Convection as an injector, hybrid with conduction as a diffuser
Heating style differs, which can impact flavor and extraction behavior.
Key Differences at a Glance
Top specs where these two devices diverge.
Price (USD)
Cipher NOVA
$120
IO Hornet
$260
Device Type
Cipher NOVA
Portable
IO Hornet
Desktop
Heating Type
Cipher NOVA
Dual arc lighter (combustion, not vaporization)
IO Hornet
Convection as an injector, hybrid with conduction as a diffuser
Temperature Range
Cipher NOVA
Not applicable, the arc ignites the load
IO Hornet
271-338°C (520-640°F) recommended by IO MFG
Battery Type
Cipher NOVA
Internal
IO Hornet
None
Charging
Cipher NOVA
USB-C
IO Hornet
None
Power Adjustment
Cipher NOVA
None
IO Hornet
Set on a separate PID controller, included only in the Complete Kit
Chamber Material
Cipher NOVA
High temperature glazed ceramic pods
IO Hornet
316L stainless steel with a Bocote wood handle
Brand
Cipher NOVA
Cipher
IO Hornet
IO MFG
Release Date
Cipher NOVA
2022 (V3 revision 2026)
IO Hornet
2024
Choose Cipher NOVA if...
- You want the lower listed entry price ($120 vs $260).
- You prefer a dual arc lighter (combustion, not vaporization) heating profile.
- Your usage leans toward portable and budget sessions.
Typical price
$120
Sold by Daily High Club
Choose IO Hornet if...
- You prefer a convection as an injector, hybrid with conduction as a diffuser heating profile.
- Your usage leans toward desktop and ball vape sessions.
- You prefer IO Hornet's overall feature mix and form factor.
Prices are read automatically from retailer pages; confirm the price at checkout. Some links are affiliate links, which support Thermal Extractions at no extra cost to you.
Spec Comparison Table
Direct comparison of every spec from each device profile.
26 differ 1 shared
| Specification | Cipher NOVA | IO Hornet |
|---|---|---|
| Price (USD) | $120 | $260 |
| Device Type | Portable | Desktop |
| Heating Type | Dual arc lighter (combustion, not vaporization) | Convection as an injector, hybrid with conduction as a diffuser |
| Heat Up Time | — | 3-5 minutes on a 16mm coil, longer on 20mm and 25mm adapters |
| Temperature Range | Not applicable, the arc ignites the load | 271-338°C (520-640°F) recommended by IO MFG |
| Chamber Capacity | — | 0.08g to about 0.2g, around 0.15g for a full draw |
| Battery Type | Internal | None |
| Battery Capacity | 1000mAh | — |
| Battery Life | 100+ hits per charge at three seconds of arc per hit | — |
| Charging | USB-C | None |
| Charge Time | About 1 hour | — |
| Dimensions | 130 x 20mm | — |
| Power Adjustment | None | Set on a separate PID controller, included only in the Complete Kit |
| Chamber Material | High temperature glazed ceramic pods | 316L stainless steel with a Bocote wood handle |
| Concentrate Support | — | Suited to traditional hash, not built for wax or oil |
| Brand | Cipher | IO MFG |
| Ambient Operating Range | 3.5-43°C (38-110°F) | — |
| Ball Type | — | 100 x 2.5mm lab grown ruby balls |
| Body Material | Stainless steel | — |
| Bowl Compatibility | — | Classic DynaVap tips, IO conduction and glass bowls, many third party 14mm bowls |
| Coil Size | — | 16mm, with adapters for 20mm and 25mm coils |
| Joint Size | — | 14mm bowls included, 10mm and 14mm diffusers, 14mm and 22mm injectors |
| Manufacturer | — | IO MFG LLC |
| Release Date | 2022 (V3 revision 2026) | 2024 |
| Session Style | On-Demand | On-Demand |
| Warranty | 1 year | None, IO MFG sells the Hornet as is with no express or implied warranty |
| Water Pipe Adapter | Optional accessory | — |
Comparison FAQs
What is the biggest difference between the Cipher NOVA and the IO Hornet?
The biggest practical difference is price tier: the Cipher NOVA sits at $120 while the IO Hornet is $260, a gap of about $140 that puts them in different buying brackets.
Which is cheaper, the Cipher NOVA or the IO Hornet?
Cipher NOVA is the cheaper option at $120 compared with $260 for the IO Hornet, about $140 less. Live retailer pricing can shift, so confirm before buying.
What's the difference in heating between the Cipher NOVA and the IO Hornet?
Cipher NOVA uses dual arc lighter (combustion, not vaporization) heating, while the IO Hornet uses convection as an injector, hybrid with conduction as a diffuser. Heating style influences flavor profile, vapor density, and how forgiving the device is to draw technique.
Is the Cipher NOVA or the IO Hornet better for home versus on-the-go use?
Cipher NOVA is the take-anywhere choice. It's a portable, battery-powered unit, while the IO Hornet is built for home use, where bigger heaters, AC power, and larger chambers make sense.
Which is more discreet, the Cipher NOVA or the IO Hornet?
Cipher NOVA is the better pick if low-profile use matters. It's tagged as stealth or pocket-friendly in our database, while the IO Hornet is more conspicuous in hand and harder to keep out of sight.
Is the Cipher NOVA or the IO Hornet better for microdosing?
IO Hornet is the better fit for microdosing in our database, typically thanks to a smaller chamber, finer temperature control, or both.
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