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Vaporizer Comparison

Puffco Proxy vs XMAX Starry V3

Side-by-side specs, pricing context, and clear decision guidance.

Puffco Proxy

Puffco Proxy

Puffco $280

VS
XMAX Starry V3

XMAX Starry V3

XMAX from $85.95

Editorial Summary

Puffco Proxy and XMAX Starry V3 are both portable / conduction vaporizers, but they target different priorities. XMAX Starry V3 is usually the lower-cost pick at $100, around $180 below Puffco Proxy. Heat-up speed is broadly similar between the two.

Specs Compared

29

Different Specs

23

Shared Specs

6

Overall Overlap

21%

Shared Traits

Portable Conduction Electronic

Head-to-Head Highlights

A quick snapshot of the specs people usually care about first.

Price (USD)

XMAX Starry V3 edge

Puffco Proxy

$280

XMAX Starry V3

$100

XMAX Starry V3 is typically around $180 lower.

Heat-Up Time

Close call

Puffco Proxy

~25 seconds

XMAX Starry V3

~30 seconds

Both devices are in a similar heat-up range.

Weight

Puffco Proxy edge

Puffco Proxy

77 grams with the stock glass pipe

XMAX Starry V3

120g

Puffco Proxy is the lighter listed unit.

Heating Style

Close call

Puffco Proxy

Conduction (3D Chamber, heated ceramic side walls)

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.

10 differences

Price (USD)

Puffco Proxy

$280

XMAX Starry V3

$100

Heating Type

Puffco Proxy

Conduction (3D Chamber, heated ceramic side walls)

XMAX Starry V3

Conduction

Heat Up Time

Puffco Proxy

~25 seconds

XMAX Starry V3

~30 seconds

Temperature Range

Puffco Proxy

254-285°C (490-545°F) across four presets, custom values in the Connect app

XMAX Starry V3

212°F - 464°F

Battery Type

Puffco Proxy

Internal, sealed

XMAX Starry V3

18650

Battery Life

Puffco Proxy

~15 dabs per charge

XMAX Starry V3

60-80 minutes

Charging

Puffco Proxy

USB-C

XMAX Starry V3

Micro USB

Charge Time

Puffco Proxy

~2 hours

XMAX Starry V3

90-120 minutes

Dimensions

Puffco Proxy

140 x 75 x 35mm with the stock glass pipe

XMAX Starry V3

11 x 3.5 x 2.4 cm

Weight

Puffco Proxy

77 grams with the stock glass pipe

XMAX Starry V3

120g

Choose Puffco Proxy if...

  • You want the lighter unit for carrying and travel.
  • You prefer a conduction (3d chamber, heated ceramic side walls) heating profile.
  • Your usage leans toward concentrates and ceramic chamber sessions.

Typical price

$280

Sold by The Stash Shack

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Choose XMAX Starry V3 if...

  • You want the lower listed entry price ($100 vs $280).
  • You prefer a conduction heating profile.
  • Your usage leans toward budget and battery swap sessions.

Current price

$85.95

at VPM

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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.

23 differ 6 shared
SpecificationPuffco ProxyXMAX Starry V3
Price (USD) $280$100
Device Type PortablePortable
Heating Type Conduction (3D Chamber, heated ceramic side walls)Conduction
Heat Up Time ~25 seconds~30 seconds
Temperature Range 254-285°C (490-545°F) across four presets, custom values in the Connect app212°F - 464°F
Chamber Capacity 0.3g
Battery Type Internal, sealed18650
Battery Capacity 2600mAh
Battery Life ~15 dabs per charge60-80 minutes
Charging USB-CMicro USB
Charge Time ~2 hours90-120 minutes
Pass-Through Charging YesYes
Dimensions 140 x 75 x 35mm with the stock glass pipe11 x 3.5 x 2.4 cm
Weight 77 grams with the stock glass pipe120g
Power Adjustment Four presets plus custom profiles in the appDigital (precise)
Chamber Material CeramicCeramic
Concentrate Support Yes (a separate Flower Bowl accessory is sold for dry herb)
Brand PuffcoXMAX
Adjustable Airflow Joystick Cap steers airflow, no airflow dialNo
App Control Yes, Puffco Connect over Bluetooth
Country of Manufacture ChinaChina
Display Type LED light bar (dimmable, customisable in the app)OLED
Haptic Feedback YesYes
Heat Cycle Duration 40 seconds default, up to 2 minutes in the app, Boost adds heat and time
Manufacturer PuffcoTopGreen Technology Co
Release Date 2022 (current Bluetooth version from 2025)2019
Replaceable Battery Yes
Session Style SessionSession
Warranty 2 years on the base, 6 months on the chamber1 year

Comparison FAQs

What is the biggest difference between the Puffco Proxy and the XMAX Starry V3?

The biggest practical difference is price tier: the XMAX Starry V3 sits at $100 while the Puffco Proxy is $280, a gap of about $180 that puts them in different buying brackets.

Which is cheaper, the Puffco Proxy or the XMAX Starry V3?

XMAX Starry V3 is the cheaper option at $100 compared with $280 for the Puffco Proxy, about $180 less. Live retailer pricing can shift, so confirm before buying.

Which heats up faster, the Puffco Proxy or the XMAX Starry V3?

Puffco Proxy reaches session-ready temperature in ~25 seconds, while the XMAX Starry V3 takes ~30 seconds. That's roughly 5 seconds quicker on the Puffco Proxy, which is useful if you want shorter, on-demand sessions.

What's the difference in heating between the Puffco Proxy and the XMAX Starry V3?

Puffco Proxy uses conduction (3d chamber, heated ceramic side walls) 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 is lighter, the Puffco Proxy or the XMAX Starry V3?

Puffco Proxy is the lighter unit at 77 grams with the stock glass pipe, around 43g less than the XMAX Starry V3 at 120g. The lighter device is easier to carry and pocket day-to-day.

Can I swap the batteries on the Puffco Proxy or the XMAX Starry V3?

XMAX Starry V3 uses 18650, so you can carry spares for back-to-back days. The Puffco Proxy has a built-in battery you can't swap on the go.

Which charges faster, the Puffco Proxy or the XMAX Starry V3?

XMAX Starry V3 fully charges in 90-120 minutes, ahead of ~2 hours on the Puffco Proxy.

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