Price (USD)
XMAX Starry 4 edgeTempest 2
$179
XMAX Starry 4
$99
XMAX Starry 4 is typically around $80 lower.
Vaporizer Comparison
Tempest 2 vs XMAX Starry 4
Side-by-side specs, pricing context, and clear decision guidance.
Tempest 2
Mad Heaters $179
VS
XMAX Starry 4
XMAX $99
Editorial Summary
Tempest 2 and XMAX Starry 4 are both portable vaporizers, but they target different priorities. XMAX Starry 4 is usually the lower-cost pick at $99, around $80 below Tempest 2. XMAX Starry 4 has the quicker listed heat-up profile, which can matter for shorter sessions.
Specs Compared
27
Different Specs
24
Shared Specs
3
Overall Overlap
11%
Shared Traits
Portable
Head-to-Head Highlights
A quick snapshot of the specs people usually care about first.
Heat-Up Time
XMAX Starry 4 edgeTempest 2
~30-45 seconds with torch
XMAX Starry 4
~15 seconds
XMAX Starry 4 has the quicker listed heat-up profile.
Weight
Tempest 2 edgeTempest 2
46g
XMAX Starry 4
~137g
Tempest 2 is the lighter listed unit.
Heating Style
Close callTempest 2
Convection-heavy with thermal ball matrix
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)
Tempest 2
$179
XMAX Starry 4
$99
Heating Type
Tempest 2
Convection-heavy with thermal ball matrix
XMAX Starry 4
Conduction
Heat Up Time
Tempest 2
~30-45 seconds with torch
XMAX Starry 4
~15 seconds
Temperature Range
Tempest 2
N/A
XMAX Starry 4
100℃-240℃ (212℉-464℉)
Chamber Capacity
Tempest 2
0.1g - 0.2g (adjustable)
XMAX Starry 4
0.4g
Battery Type
Tempest 2
None
XMAX Starry 4
18650
Battery Capacity
Tempest 2
N/A
XMAX Starry 4
2550mAh
Battery Life
Tempest 2
N/A
XMAX Starry 4
~60 minutes
Charging
Tempest 2
N/A
XMAX Starry 4
USB-C
Charge Time
Tempest 2
N/A
XMAX Starry 4
~90 minutes
Choose Tempest 2 if...
- You want the lighter unit for carrying and travel.
- You prefer a convection-heavy with thermal ball matrix heating profile.
- Your usage leans toward analog and premium sessions.
Choose XMAX Starry 4 if...
- You want the lower listed entry price ($99 vs $179).
- You care about faster heat-up time for quicker sessions.
- You prefer a conduction heating profile.
- Your usage leans toward conduction and budget sessions.
Spec Comparison Table
Direct comparison of every spec from each device profile.
24 differ 3 shared
| Specification | Tempest 2 | XMAX Starry 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Price (USD) | $179 | $99 |
| Device Type | Portable | Portable |
| Heating Type | Convection-heavy with thermal ball matrix | Conduction |
| Heat Up Time | ~30-45 seconds with torch | ~15 seconds |
| Temperature Range | N/A | 100℃-240℃ (212℉-464℉) |
| Chamber Capacity | 0.1g - 0.2g (adjustable) | 0.4g |
| Battery Type | None | 18650 |
| Battery Capacity | N/A | 2550mAh |
| Battery Life | N/A | ~60 minutes |
| Charging | N/A | USB-C |
| Charge Time | N/A | ~90 minutes |
| Pass-Through Charging | — | Yes |
| Dimensions | 122mm x 18.5mm | 115.9 x 37.5 x 24mm |
| Weight | 46g | ~137g |
| Power Adjustment | Visual gauge with click indicators | Digital (precise) |
| Chamber Material | Titanium | Ceramic |
| Brand | Mad Heaters | XMAX |
| Adjustable Airflow | Yes | Yes |
| Body Material | Grade 5 titanium, aluminum heat shield, stainless steel | — |
| Country of Manufacture | Made in China, Assembled in the UK | China |
| Display Type | — | OLED |
| Haptic Feedback | — | Yes |
| Manufacturer | — | TopGreen Technology Co |
| Release Date | — | 2023 |
| Replaceable Battery | — | Yes |
| Session Style | — | Session |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
Comparison FAQs
What is the biggest difference between the Tempest 2 and the XMAX Starry 4?
The biggest practical difference is heating approach: Tempest 2 runs convection-heavy with thermal ball matrix 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 Tempest 2 or the XMAX Starry 4?
XMAX Starry 4 is the cheaper option at $99 compared with $179 for the Tempest 2, about $80 less. Live retailer pricing can shift, so confirm before buying.
Which heats up faster, the Tempest 2 or the XMAX Starry 4?
XMAX Starry 4 reaches session-ready temperature in ~15 seconds, while the Tempest 2 takes ~30-45 seconds with torch. That's roughly 23 seconds quicker on the XMAX Starry 4, which is useful if you want shorter, on-demand sessions.
What's the difference in heating between the Tempest 2 and the XMAX Starry 4?
Tempest 2 uses convection-heavy with thermal ball matrix heating, while the XMAX Starry 4 uses conduction. Heating style influences flavor profile, vapor density, and how forgiving the device is to draw technique.
Does the Tempest 2 or the XMAX Starry 4 hold more flower?
XMAX Starry 4 has the larger chamber at 0.4g, versus 0.1g - 0.2g (adjustable) on the Tempest 2. A bigger bowl means fewer reloads on long sessions; a smaller one suits microdosing and quicker bowls.
Which is lighter, the Tempest 2 or the XMAX Starry 4?
Tempest 2 is the lighter unit at 46g, around 91g less than the XMAX Starry 4 at ~137g. The lighter device is easier to carry and pocket day-to-day.
Can I swap the batteries on the Tempest 2 or the XMAX Starry 4?
XMAX Starry 4 uses 18650, so you can carry spares for back-to-back days. The Tempest 2 has a built-in battery you can't swap on the go.
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