XMAX V4 Pro review 2026: convection with a glass vapor path from 83 €
The most important points at a glance
- Pure convection vaporizer with a glass vapor path for less than 100 €, available from retailers 32 from 83 €
- Replaceable 18650 battery (2550 mAh), USB-C pass-through charging, 3 adjustable airflow levels
- 11 seconds heat-up time with session (4/6 min.
How long does the battery last?
The battery lasts 4 to 7 sessions on a single charge. The 18650 cell with a capacity of 2550 mAh provides 4 to 7 full sessions depending on temperature and draw speed. At lower temperatures (170°C), it manages 6 to 7 sessions. At the maximum temperature (220°C), more like 4. For a pure convection device, that is solid, because it needs more energy per draw than conduction heating.
Study: Hazekamp et al. (2006) showed that vaporizers at 170-230°C release THC efficiently and without harmful combustion by-products. Pulmonary THC uptake was comparable to smoking, but with significantly lower quantities of harmful substances. (
J Pharm Sci, 2006, DOI: 10.1002/jps.20574).
Replaceable battery: unlimited endurance
This is where the V4 Pro stands out in its class. The battery can be removed. Spare 18650s cost 5–10 € and fit into any pocket. Swapping takes 10 seconds. For festivals, hikes, camping or long evenings, a potential weakness turns into a real advantage.
How many competitors under 150 € offer replaceable batteries? Very few. The Arizer Air range does, and that is basically where the list ends. Most cheaper portable models have sealed batteries that degrade after 300–500 charging cycles and eventually render the device unusable. The V4 Pro avoids that problem entirely.
USB-C pass-through charging allows vaping while charging. However, it generates more heat, so it is better used only as a temporary solution. The charging port is on the side instead of the bottom, so the vaporizer can stand upright.
Battery tips for maximum lifespan
- Use high-quality flat-top 18650 cells (Samsung 25R, Sony VTC6 or comparable). Cheap no-name batteries lose capacity more quickly.
- Do not fully discharge the battery before charging. Lithium-ion cells last longer when kept between 20% and 80% charge.
- Carry spare batteries in a plastic case, never loose in a pocket with metal objects such as keys or coins. Short circuits are a genuine safety risk.
- The included cell with a capacity of 2550 mAh is decent. For longer sessions, upgrading to 3000 mAh is worthwhile.
How does the V4 Pro perform in everyday use?
The V4 Pro is compact and very usable every day. At 107 g (body only) and 15.8 cm tall, the V4 Pro is compact for a convection vaporizer with a glass stem. It fits into a jacket pocket and a backpack without any problem. Tight jeans? Probably not, as the glass stem makes the device longer and more fragile. Many users therefore use a case or silicone sleeve for transport.
The colour OLED display is sharp, shows the current and target temperature plus battery status, and rotates automatically depending on orientation. A pleasant detail that you do not find on most cheap devices.
Controls and modes
The controls are simple. Five clicks to switch on, then click to adjust the temperature in 1°C increments. No app, no Bluetooth, no account. Some people miss app control for presets; others appreciate a device that simply works the moment you pick it up.
The V4 Pro offers two operating modes:
- Session mode (4 or 6 minutes): Heating runs continuously for the set time. Ideal for full extraction from a filled chamber, similar to how most portable vaporizers work.
- On-demand mode (30 seconds per activation): Press the button, draw, release. Heating only runs while the button is pressed. Perfect for quick single draws during the day without committing to a full session. More efficient in material use, but requires slightly more technique.
How to fill the chamber
The ceramic chamber holds about 0.1–0.15 g of ground herb. For convection, a medium-fine grind works best. Do not pack it too tightly; air needs to flow through the material. You will get the best results with a loose to medium-tight fill and a fine grind. Too tight and the airflow suffers; too loose and the extraction will be uneven.
The included dosing capsule keeps the chamber clean and makes filling easier on the go. Spare capsules cost roughly 10–15 € per pack. Anyone using the V4 Pro daily will save a significant amount of cleaning time with capsules.
Cleaning: quick and uncomplicated
Soak the glass mouthpiece in isopropanol (90%+ concentration), brush out the ceramic chamber with the included brush, and that is it. After each session, it takes about two minutes. A thorough ISO bath every 2–3 weeks keeps the glass crystal clear and the flavour neutral.
Check the screen regularly and replace it as soon as the draw resistance noticeably increases. XMAX includes four spare screens. Additional screens cost almost nothing online. The glass stem can go in the dishwasher once you remove the silicone seal.
Does it work with water pipes?
Yes, and it is one of the V4 Pro’s best features. The glass mouthpiece also serves as a native 14mm connection for a water filter. No extra parts are needed and there is no need to buy an adaptor. Just remove the mouthpiece and insert the exposed glass tube into any bong or bubbler with a 14mm ground joint.
Through water, the V4 Pro delivers noticeably cooler and smoother draws. The convection vapor, already so clean thanks to the glass path, becomes silky smooth with water filtration. Ideal for longer sessions, extraction at high temperatures or anyone with more sensitive airways.
The Reddit community r/vaporents (350,000+ members) regularly recommends the V4 Pro + bubbler combination as the best water-filter setup under 100 €. A compact bubbler for 15–30 € changes the whole experience considerably. If you already have a 14mm piece, you can use the V4 Pro straight out of the box.
V4 Pro vs V3 Pro: what has changed?
Compared with the V3 Pro, the V4 Pro brings three major changes: pure convection instead of hybrid heating, USB-C instead of Micro-USB and an on-demand mode. The V3 Pro used hybrid heating (a combination of conduction + convection). The V4 Pro switches to pure convection, which is the biggest upgrade. Add to that: a completely redesigned glass vapor path, USB-C instead of Micro-USB, faster heat-up time (11s instead of ~15s) and a new three-level airflow slider.
The V4 Pro also introduces an on-demand mode, which the V3 Pro lacked entirely. The colour OLED display replaces the V3 Pro’s simple screen. The build quality has also improved noticeably, with the materials and buttons feeling more premium.
If you already own the V3 Pro and are happy with its flavour, you do not necessarily need to upgrade. But if you want cleaner convection flavour, faster heating and greater flexibility thanks to the on-demand mode, the V4 Pro gives you a noticeable upgrade for roughly 50 € more.
→ Detailed comparison: XMAX V3 Pro vs V4 Pro
How does it compare with more expensive models?
Against more expensive models, the V4 Pro performs surprisingly well: it offers convection quality that places model 65 in our ranking directly alongside respected mid-range portable devices. But how does it fare against the competition?
| Feature |
V4 Pro |
Mighty+ |
Crafty+ |
DynaVap M7 |
Arizer Air MAX |
| Price |
~90 € |
~250 € |
~200 € |
~80 € |
~170 € |
| Heating |
Convection |
Hybrid |
Hybrid |
Butane/induction |
Hybrid |
| Battery |
18650 (replaceable) |
Fixed built-in |
Fixed built-in |
None |
18650 (replaceable) |
| Heat-up time |
11s |
60s |
60s |
5–10s |
~90s |
| Water pipe |
14mm native |
Adaptor required |
Adaptor required |
10mm native |
14mm native |
| App |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
| Warranty |
1 year |
3 years |
2 years |
Lifetime |
Lifetime |
The price differences are striking. The V4 Pro costs about a third of the price of the Mighty+ and half the price of the Crafty+, while matching or outperforming them in heat-up time and water-pipe compatibility. Premium devices lead in build quality, warranty length and ecosystem features such as app integration.
Compared with the Mighty+ (~250 €), you lose build quality, warranty and the app, but you gain pure convection flavour (the Mighty+ is hybrid) and save more than 150 €. The Mighty+ needs 60 seconds to heat up; the V4 Pro is ready in 11. For flavour-focused purists, the V4 Pro’s convection even has the advantage.
Compared with the Crafty+, the gap is even smaller. Similar hybrid heating, smaller battery, almost double the price. The Crafty+ wins on build quality and app integration, but the V4 Pro wins on heat-up speed, battery flexibility and value for money.
Want a different heating style? The DynaVap M7 swaps electronics for butane-powered simplicity at an even lower price. No battery is needed, but you do need a torch lighter and the learning curve is steeper. Looking for premium convection? The Arizer Air MAX offers a similar replaceable-battery concept with better build quality and a lifetime warranty, but at almost twice the price.
The Aeris Ultra is also worth noting as a European alternative, and the PAX Plus if discretion and app integration matter more than pure convection flavour.
Who is the V4 Pro for?
- Convection fans on a limited budget: Pure flavour without having to spend 200+ €. In this price class, it is hard to beat in terms of convection quality.
- Outdoor users: Replaceable battery + compact size + fast heating, ideal for hikes, camping and festivals.
- Water-filter enthusiasts: Integrated 14mm connection, no accessories needed. Just insert it.
- Users switching from conduction: If you want to experience the flavour difference of convection, this is the cheapest entry point.
- Efficiency-oriented users: The on-demand mode allows microdosing with single draws without wasting material in unnecessary session cycles.
Who should not buy the V4 Pro?
No device is perfect for everyone. In these cases, it is worth looking at alternatives:
- You need maximum discretion. At 15.8 cm with a glass stem, the V4 Pro is not exactly pocket-friendly. A PAX Plus or a pen-style vaporizer is easier to hide.
- You want app integration. No Bluetooth, no presets, no session tracking. If that matters to you, the Mighty+ or Crafty+ will serve you better.
- Build quality is your top priority. The V4 Pro is solid for its price, but it is not Storz & Bickel. The glass mouthpiece can crack if dropped onto a hard surface.
- A long warranty matters. One year is standard with Chinese manufacturers, but Arizer offers a lifetime warranty and Storz & Bickel offers 2–3 years. If you want that level of assurance, you should budget more.
- You want conduction only. The V4 Pro is pure convection. If you prefer the dense, roasted clouds that conduction produces, a PAX or DaVinci IQ3 will suit you better.
Which accessories are worthwhile for the V4 Pro?
The V4 Pro works straight out of the box, but a few additions noticeably improve the experience:
- Spare 18650 battery (5–10 €): Essential for longer sessions. Samsung 25R or Sony VTC6 are solid choices. Always carry them in a protective case.
- Compact bubbler (15–30 €): A small glass bubbler with a 14mm ground joint significantly changes the quality of the vapor, especially at higher temperatures. The V4 Pro fits natively.
- Dosing capsules (8–12 pieces, 10–15 €): Prepare sessions for the whole day in advance. They keep the chamber clean, speed up filling and reduce how often you need to clean.
- Protective case (5–15 €): The glass mouthpiece is the most fragile part. A padded case prevents breakage during transport.
- Extra screens (pack of 10, 3–5 €): Screens clog over time. Having spares on hand means never having to struggle with restricted airflow.
How can you get the most out of your first session with the V4 Pro?
Before your first real session, run an empty burn-off cycle at the maximum temperature (220°C) to remove manufacturing residues. The first few draws may taste slightly unpleasant. That is normal and disappears quickly.
Start at around 180°C in session mode with a medium-fine grind. Draw slowly and evenly, around 8–10 seconds per draw. Convection vaporizers reward patience. Fast, aggressive draws do not give the hot air enough time for clean extraction. Once you find your own rhythm, it is worth experimenting with the airflow slider: restricted for maximum flavour, fully open for bigger clouds.
After the first few sessions, a honey-coloured coating will form on the glass mouthpiece. That is normal. At first, it does not affect the flavour, but it should be cleaned before the layer becomes too thick. Regular cleaning keeps the V4 Pro in peak condition and preserves the clean glass flavour that makes this device special.
One more tip: the on-demand mode requires practice. Anyone new to vaporizers should start with session mode until they get a feel for the device. Once your preferred draw speed and temperature are clear, the on-demand mode unlocks better efficiency and the option to take single draws during the day without having to start a full session.
Is the XMAX V4 Pro worth it?
What do you get for less than 100 €? More than you would expect. The XMAX V4 Pro is one of the strongest convection vaporizers in its price class. Glass vapor path, replaceable 18650 battery, pass-through charging, 3 airflow levels, session and on-demand mode and a native water-filter connection. All of that for less than 100 €. That combination is rare at any price point, let alone in the budget segment.
11 seconds heat-up time and pure convection flavour set a benchmark that competitors at twice the price have to be measured against. Is it perfect? No. The one-year warranty is short compared with Arizer or Storz & Bickel, there is no app control, and the glass mouthpiece adds a fragility factor. Those are real compromises.
But considering what the V4 Pro offers for its price, they are easy concessions to accept. If you are looking for the purest convection flavour under 100 €, the V4 Pro is the device to beat in 2026.
Tested by the VapoChecker editorial team
Since 2024, we have been comparing vaporizer prices in 51 countries. The V4 Pro was tested for several weeks in everyday use – with different temperatures, grind levels and water-filter setups.