Price (USD)
XMAX Starry 4 edgeCipher NOVA
$120
XMAX Starry 4
$99
XMAX Starry 4 is typically around $21 lower.
Vaporizer Comparison
Cipher NOVA vs XMAX Starry 4
Side-by-side specs, pricing context, and clear decision guidance.
Cipher NOVA
Cipher $120
VS
XMAX Starry 4
XMAX from $99
Editorial Summary
Cipher NOVA and XMAX Starry 4 are both portable / electronic vaporizers, but they target different priorities. XMAX Starry 4 is usually the lower-cost pick at $99, around $21 below Cipher NOVA. Session style, airflow, and extraction behavior will matter more than raw spec sheet numbers here.
Specs Compared
29
Different Specs
26
Shared Specs
3
Overall Overlap
10%
Shared Traits
Portable Electronic Budget Discrete
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)
XMAX Starry 4
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)
Cipher NOVA
$120
XMAX Starry 4
$99
Heating Type
Cipher NOVA
Dual arc lighter (combustion, not vaporization)
XMAX Starry 4
Conduction
Temperature Range
Cipher NOVA
Not applicable, the arc ignites the load
XMAX Starry 4
100℃-240℃ (212℉-464℉)
Battery Type
Cipher NOVA
Internal
XMAX Starry 4
18650
Battery Capacity
Cipher NOVA
1000mAh
XMAX Starry 4
2550mAh
Battery Life
Cipher NOVA
100+ hits per charge at three seconds of arc per hit
XMAX Starry 4
~60 minutes
Charge Time
Cipher NOVA
About 1 hour
XMAX Starry 4
~3 hours
Dimensions
Cipher NOVA
130 x 20mm
XMAX Starry 4
115.9 x 37.5 x 24mm
Power Adjustment
Cipher NOVA
None
XMAX Starry 4
Digital (precise)
Chamber Material
Cipher NOVA
High temperature glazed ceramic pods
XMAX Starry 4
Ceramic
Choose Cipher NOVA if...
- You prefer a dual arc lighter (combustion, not vaporization) heating profile.
- You prefer Cipher NOVA's overall feature mix and form factor.
- You value how the Cipher NOVA balances size, controls, and everyday practicality.
Typical price
$120
Sold by Daily High Club
Choose XMAX Starry 4 if...
- You want the lower listed entry price ($99 vs $120).
- You prefer a conduction heating profile.
- Your usage leans toward conduction and battery swap sessions.
Lowest price
$99
at The Stash Shack
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.
26 differ 3 shared
| Specification | Cipher NOVA | XMAX Starry 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Price (USD) | $120 | $99 |
| Device Type | Portable | Portable |
| Heating Type | Dual arc lighter (combustion, not vaporization) | Conduction |
| Heat Up Time | — | ~15 seconds |
| Temperature Range | Not applicable, the arc ignites the load | 100℃-240℃ (212℉-464℉) |
| Chamber Capacity | — | 0.4g |
| Battery Type | Internal | 18650 |
| Battery Capacity | 1000mAh | 2550mAh |
| Battery Life | 100+ hits per charge at three seconds of arc per hit | ~60 minutes |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Charge Time | About 1 hour | ~3 hours |
| Pass-Through Charging | — | No |
| Dimensions | 130 x 20mm | 115.9 x 37.5 x 24mm |
| Weight | — | ~137g |
| Power Adjustment | None | Digital (precise) |
| Chamber Material | High temperature glazed ceramic pods | Ceramic |
| Brand | Cipher | XMAX |
| Adjustable Airflow | — | Yes |
| Ambient Operating Range | 3.5-43°C (38-110°F) | — |
| Body Material | Stainless steel | — |
| Country of Manufacture | — | China |
| Display Type | — | OLED |
| Haptic Feedback | — | Yes |
| Manufacturer | — | TopGreen Technology Co |
| Release Date | 2022 (V3 revision 2026) | 2023 |
| Replaceable Battery | — | Yes |
| Session Style | On-Demand | Session |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
| Water Pipe Adapter | Optional accessory | — |
Comparison FAQs
What is the biggest difference between the Cipher NOVA and the XMAX Starry 4?
The biggest practical difference is heating approach: Cipher NOVA runs dual arc lighter (combustion, not vaporization) while XMAX Starry 4 runs conduction. That changes flavor delivery, vapor density, and how the device responds to slow versus fast draws.
Which is cheaper, the Cipher NOVA or the XMAX Starry 4?
XMAX Starry 4 is the cheaper option at $99 compared with $120 for the Cipher NOVA, about $21 less. Live retailer pricing can shift, so confirm before buying.
What's the difference in heating between the Cipher NOVA and the XMAX Starry 4?
Cipher NOVA uses dual arc lighter (combustion, not vaporization) heating, while the XMAX Starry 4 uses conduction. Heating style influences flavor profile, vapor density, and how forgiving the device is to draw technique.
Which has better battery life, the Cipher NOVA or the XMAX Starry 4?
Cipher NOVA is rated for 100+ hits per charge at three seconds of arc per hit, ahead of ~60 minutes on the XMAX Starry 4. Real-world battery life depends on how high you set the temperature and how long sessions run.
Can I swap the batteries on the Cipher NOVA or the XMAX Starry 4?
XMAX Starry 4 uses 18650, so you can carry spares for back-to-back days. The Cipher NOVA has a built-in battery you can't swap on the go.
Can I set custom temperatures on the Cipher NOVA or the XMAX Starry 4?
Cipher NOVA controls heat with none, while the XMAX Starry 4 uses digital (precise). XMAX Starry 4 gives you finer per-degree control.
Which charges faster, the Cipher NOVA or the XMAX Starry 4?
Cipher NOVA fully charges in About 1 hour, ahead of ~3 hours on the XMAX Starry 4.
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