Price (USD)
XMAX Starry V3 edgeTempest 2
$179
XMAX Starry V3
$100
XMAX Starry V3 is typically around $79 lower.
Vaporizer Comparison
Tempest 2 vs XMAX Starry V3
Side-by-side specs, pricing context, and clear decision guidance.
Tempest 2
Mad Heaters $179
VS
XMAX Starry V3
XMAX $100
Editorial Summary
Tempest 2 and XMAX Starry V3 are both portable vaporizers, but they target different priorities. XMAX Starry V3 is usually the lower-cost pick at $100, around $79 below Tempest 2. Heat-up speed is broadly similar between the two.
Specs Compared
27
Different Specs
25
Shared Specs
2
Overall Overlap
7%
Shared Traits
Portable
Head-to-Head Highlights
A quick snapshot of the specs people usually care about first.
Heat-Up Time
Close callTempest 2
~30-45 seconds with torch
XMAX Starry V3
~30 seconds
Both devices are in a similar heat-up range.
Weight
Tempest 2 edgeTempest 2
46g
XMAX Starry V3
120g
Tempest 2 is the lighter listed unit.
Heating Style
Close callTempest 2
Convection-heavy with thermal ball matrix
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)
Tempest 2
$179
XMAX Starry V3
$100
Heating Type
Tempest 2
Convection-heavy with thermal ball matrix
XMAX Starry V3
Conduction
Heat Up Time
Tempest 2
~30-45 seconds with torch
XMAX Starry V3
~30 seconds
Temperature Range
Tempest 2
N/A
XMAX Starry V3
212°F - 464°F
Chamber Capacity
Tempest 2
0.1g - 0.2g (adjustable)
XMAX Starry V3
0.3g
Battery Type
Tempest 2
None
XMAX Starry V3
18650
Battery Capacity
Tempest 2
N/A
XMAX Starry V3
2900mAh
Battery Life
Tempest 2
N/A
XMAX Starry V3
60-80 minutes
Charging
Tempest 2
N/A
XMAX Starry V3
Micro USB
Charge Time
Tempest 2
N/A
XMAX Starry V3
90-120 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 V3 if...
- You want the lower listed entry price ($100 vs $179).
- 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.
25 differ 2 shared
| Specification | Tempest 2 | XMAX Starry V3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price (USD) | $179 | $100 |
| Device Type | Portable | Portable |
| Heating Type | Convection-heavy with thermal ball matrix | Conduction |
| Heat Up Time | ~30-45 seconds with torch | ~30 seconds |
| Temperature Range | N/A | 212°F - 464°F |
| Chamber Capacity | 0.1g - 0.2g (adjustable) | 0.3g |
| Battery Type | None | 18650 |
| Battery Capacity | N/A | 2900mAh |
| Battery Life | N/A | 60-80 minutes |
| Charging | N/A | Micro USB |
| Charge Time | N/A | 90-120 minutes |
| Pass-Through Charging | — | Yes |
| Dimensions | 122mm x 18.5mm | 11 x 3.5 x 2.4 cm |
| Weight | 46g | 120g |
| Power Adjustment | Visual gauge with click indicators | Digital (precise) |
| Chamber Material | Titanium | Ceramic |
| Brand | Mad Heaters | XMAX |
| Adjustable Airflow | Yes | No |
| 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 | — | 2019 |
| 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 V3?
The biggest practical difference is heating approach: Tempest 2 runs convection-heavy with thermal ball matrix 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 Tempest 2 or the XMAX Starry V3?
XMAX Starry V3 is the cheaper option at $100 compared with $179 for the Tempest 2, about $79 less. Live retailer pricing can shift, so confirm before buying.
Which heats up faster, the Tempest 2 or the XMAX Starry V3?
XMAX Starry V3 reaches session-ready temperature in ~30 seconds, while the Tempest 2 takes ~30-45 seconds with torch. That's roughly 8 seconds quicker on the XMAX Starry V3, which is useful if you want shorter, on-demand sessions.
What's the difference in heating between the Tempest 2 and the XMAX Starry V3?
Tempest 2 uses convection-heavy with thermal ball matrix heating, while the XMAX Starry V3 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 V3 hold more flower?
XMAX Starry V3 has the larger chamber at 0.3g, 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 V3?
Tempest 2 is the lighter unit at 46g, around 74g 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 Tempest 2 or the XMAX Starry V3?
XMAX Starry V3 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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