Price (USD)
Cipher NOVA edgeCipher NOVA
$120
Tempest 2
$179
Cipher NOVA is typically around $59 lower.
Vaporizer Comparison
Cipher NOVA vs Tempest 2
Side-by-side specs, pricing context, and clear decision guidance.
Cipher NOVA
Cipher $120
VS
Tempest 2
Mad Heaters from £149.17 GBP
Editorial Summary
Cipher NOVA and Tempest 2 are both portable vaporizers, but they target different priorities. Cipher NOVA is usually the lower-cost pick at $120, around $59 below Tempest 2. Session style, airflow, and extraction behavior will matter more than raw spec sheet numbers here.
Specs Compared
24
Different Specs
22
Shared Specs
2
Overall Overlap
8%
Shared Traits
Portable
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)
Tempest 2
Convection-heavy with thermal ball matrix
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
Tempest 2
$179
Heating Type
Cipher NOVA
Dual arc lighter (combustion, not vaporization)
Tempest 2
Convection-heavy with thermal ball matrix
Temperature Range
Cipher NOVA
Not applicable, the arc ignites the load
Tempest 2
N/A
Battery Type
Cipher NOVA
Internal
Tempest 2
None
Battery Capacity
Cipher NOVA
1000mAh
Tempest 2
N/A
Battery Life
Cipher NOVA
100+ hits per charge at three seconds of arc per hit
Tempest 2
N/A
Charging
Cipher NOVA
USB-C
Tempest 2
N/A
Charge Time
Cipher NOVA
About 1 hour
Tempest 2
N/A
Dimensions
Cipher NOVA
130 x 20mm
Tempest 2
122mm x 18.5mm
Power Adjustment
Cipher NOVA
None
Tempest 2
Visual gauge with click indicators
Choose Cipher NOVA if...
- You want the lower listed entry price ($120 vs $179).
- You prefer a dual arc lighter (combustion, not vaporization) heating profile.
- Your usage leans toward electronic and budget sessions.
Typical price
$120
Sold by Daily High Club
Choose Tempest 2 if...
- You prefer a convection-heavy with thermal ball matrix heating profile.
- Your usage leans toward analog and premium sessions.
- You prefer Tempest 2's overall feature mix and form factor.
Current price
£149.17GBP
at Mad Heaters
Prices are read automatically from retailer pages and were last checked Aug 27, 2026; 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.
22 differ 2 shared
| Specification | Cipher NOVA | Tempest 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price (USD) | $120 | $179 |
| Device Type | Portable | Portable |
| Heating Type | Dual arc lighter (combustion, not vaporization) | Convection-heavy with thermal ball matrix |
| Heat Up Time | — | ~30-45 seconds with torch |
| Temperature Range | Not applicable, the arc ignites the load | N/A |
| Chamber Capacity | — | 0.1g - 0.2g (adjustable) |
| Battery Type | Internal | None |
| Battery Capacity | 1000mAh | N/A |
| Battery Life | 100+ hits per charge at three seconds of arc per hit | N/A |
| Charging | USB-C | N/A |
| Charge Time | About 1 hour | N/A |
| Dimensions | 130 x 20mm | 122mm x 18.5mm |
| Weight | — | 46g |
| Power Adjustment | None | Visual gauge with click indicators |
| Chamber Material | High temperature glazed ceramic pods | Titanium |
| Brand | Cipher | Mad Heaters |
| Adjustable Airflow | — | Yes |
| Ambient Operating Range | 3.5-43°C (38-110°F) | — |
| Body Material | Stainless steel | Grade 5 titanium, aluminum heat shield, stainless steel |
| Country of Manufacture | — | Made in China, Assembled in the UK |
| Release Date | 2022 (V3 revision 2026) | — |
| Session Style | On-Demand | — |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
| Water Pipe Adapter | Optional accessory | — |
Comparison FAQs
What is the biggest difference between the Cipher NOVA and the Tempest 2?
The biggest practical difference is heating approach: Cipher NOVA runs dual arc lighter (combustion, not vaporization) while Tempest 2 runs convection-heavy with thermal ball matrix. That changes flavor delivery, vapor density, and how the device responds to slow versus fast draws.
Which is cheaper, the Cipher NOVA or the Tempest 2?
Cipher NOVA is the cheaper option at $120 compared with $179 for the Tempest 2, about $59 less. Live retailer pricing can shift, so confirm before buying.
What's the difference in heating between the Cipher NOVA and the Tempest 2?
Cipher NOVA uses dual arc lighter (combustion, not vaporization) heating, while the Tempest 2 uses convection-heavy with thermal ball matrix. Heating style influences flavor profile, vapor density, and how forgiving the device is to draw technique.
Which is more discreet, the Cipher NOVA or the Tempest 2?
Cipher NOVA is the better pick if low-profile use matters. It's tagged as stealth or pocket-friendly in our database, while the Tempest 2 is more conspicuous in hand and harder to keep out of sight.
What battery life can I expect from the Cipher NOVA and the Tempest 2?
Cipher NOVA's spec sheet lists 100+ hits per charge at three seconds of arc per hit; the Tempest 2 lists N/A. The two manufacturers measure battery life differently here, so direct comparison isn't straightforward.
How similar are the Cipher NOVA and the Tempest 2?
Across the 24 specs we line up, they share 2 and differ on 22, an overlap of about 8%. The differences are concentrated in the areas the spec table highlights with a marker.
Need a different matchup?
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