Price (USD)
XMAX Starry V3 edgeCipher NOVA
$120
XMAX Starry V3
$100
XMAX Starry V3 is typically around $20 lower.
Vaporizer Comparison
Cipher NOVA vs XMAX Starry V3
Side-by-side specs, pricing context, and clear decision guidance.
Cipher NOVA
Cipher $120
VS
XMAX Starry V3
XMAX from $85.95
Editorial Summary
Cipher NOVA and XMAX Starry V3 are both portable / electronic vaporizers, but they target different priorities. XMAX Starry V3 is usually the lower-cost pick at $100, around $20 below Cipher NOVA. Session style, airflow, and extraction behavior will matter more than raw spec sheet numbers here.
Specs Compared
29
Different Specs
27
Shared Specs
2
Overall Overlap
7%
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 V3
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 V3
$100
Heating Type
Cipher NOVA
Dual arc lighter (combustion, not vaporization)
XMAX Starry V3
Conduction
Temperature Range
Cipher NOVA
Not applicable, the arc ignites the load
XMAX Starry V3
212°F - 464°F
Battery Type
Cipher NOVA
Internal
XMAX Starry V3
18650
Battery Capacity
Cipher NOVA
1000mAh
XMAX Starry V3
2600mAh
Battery Life
Cipher NOVA
100+ hits per charge at three seconds of arc per hit
XMAX Starry V3
60-80 minutes
Charging
Cipher NOVA
USB-C
XMAX Starry V3
Micro USB
Charge Time
Cipher NOVA
About 1 hour
XMAX Starry V3
90-120 minutes
Dimensions
Cipher NOVA
130 x 20mm
XMAX Starry V3
11 x 3.5 x 2.4 cm
Power Adjustment
Cipher NOVA
None
XMAX Starry V3
Digital (precise)
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 V3 if...
- You prefer a conduction heating profile.
- Your usage leans toward conduction and battery swap sessions.
- You prefer XMAX Starry V3's overall feature mix and form factor.
Current price
$85.95
at VPM
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.
27 differ 2 shared
| Specification | Cipher NOVA | XMAX Starry V3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price (USD) | $120 | $100 |
| Device Type | Portable | Portable |
| Heating Type | Dual arc lighter (combustion, not vaporization) | Conduction |
| Heat Up Time | — | ~30 seconds |
| Temperature Range | Not applicable, the arc ignites the load | 212°F - 464°F |
| Chamber Capacity | — | 0.3g |
| Battery Type | Internal | 18650 |
| Battery Capacity | 1000mAh | 2600mAh |
| Battery Life | 100+ hits per charge at three seconds of arc per hit | 60-80 minutes |
| Charging | USB-C | Micro USB |
| Charge Time | About 1 hour | 90-120 minutes |
| Pass-Through Charging | — | Yes |
| Dimensions | 130 x 20mm | 11 x 3.5 x 2.4 cm |
| Weight | — | 120g |
| Power Adjustment | None | Digital (precise) |
| Chamber Material | High temperature glazed ceramic pods | Ceramic |
| Brand | Cipher | XMAX |
| Adjustable Airflow | — | No |
| 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) | 2019 |
| 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 V3?
The biggest practical difference is heating approach: Cipher NOVA runs dual arc lighter (combustion, not vaporization) while XMAX Starry V3 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 V3?
XMAX Starry V3 is the cheaper option at $100 compared with $120 for the Cipher NOVA, about $20 less. Live retailer pricing can shift, so confirm before buying.
What's the difference in heating between the Cipher NOVA and the XMAX Starry V3?
Cipher NOVA uses dual arc lighter (combustion, not vaporization) heating, while the XMAX Starry V3 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 V3?
Cipher NOVA is rated for 100+ hits per charge at three seconds of arc per hit, ahead of 60-80 minutes on the XMAX Starry V3. 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 V3?
XMAX Starry V3 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 V3?
Cipher NOVA controls heat with none, while the XMAX Starry V3 uses digital (precise). XMAX Starry V3 gives you finer per-degree control.
Which charges faster, the Cipher NOVA or the XMAX Starry V3?
Cipher NOVA fully charges in About 1 hour, ahead of 90-120 minutes on the XMAX Starry V3.
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