Our Xmax Starry V4 Review
Planet of the Vapes was kind enough to send me this unit for our XMAX Starry V4 review. The Starry V4 is a very portable dry herb vaporizer that includes a replaceable battery, conduction heating, ceramic oven, adjustable airflow, magnetic mouthpiece, and precision temperature control.
| ✅Pros: | ❌Cons: |
| Extremely pocketable and discreet | Vapor production limited at lower temps |
| Replaceable battery with quick latch | Mouthpiece warms during longer sessions |
| Adjustable airflow (rare at this price) | Easy to over pack |
| Premium materials for the cost | Mid‑range flavor retention |
| Multiple session length options |
Our Scores
| Category: | Score: |
| Vapor Quality/Flavor | 5.5 |
| Ease of Use | 8.5 |
| Build Quality | 8 |
| Battery Life | 6 |
| Portability & Pocketability | 10 |
| Heat-Up Time | 6.5 |
| Draw Resistance | 5 |
| Intuitive Controls | 9 |
| Cleaning & Maintenance | 6 |
| Price-to-Performance | 5 |
Average Score: 6.95/10
First Impressions of the POTV XMAX Starry V4 Vaporizer
(build quality & portability)
The XMAX Starry V4 is marketed as an affordable, very portable dry herb vaporizer that doesn’t break the bank.
Picking it up, it feels way more premium than the price would suggest. The aluminum body feels great in the hand and the zirconia mouthpiece also gives a premium vibe for sure. The removable battery is also a welcome sight.
On its side you have three buttons: a power button and two arrow buttons for adjusting the temperature up and down. There is also a small screen and a slider that helps adjust airflow. This is a really cool addition as not many other vaporizers have adjustable airflow like this, especially at this price point.
When I unboxed this, my first thought was wow, this is VERY pocketable and I immediately threw it in my pocket to see what it would feel like. This is the most pocketable device I’ve tested so far. It’s perfect for on‑the‑go and for discreet use.
Using the XMAX Starry V4 – My Week of Testing
(real‑world performance for beginners & budget buyers)
When it comes to budget vaporizers, it’s very important to temper your expectations. And the XMAX Starry V4 is definitely in the budget category. These devices are aimed at people who are either just starting out in dry herb vaping or who are looking for a very specific use case (i.e., portability).
With that in mind I loaded up my first bowl and started at my normal temperature (350°F).
Vapor Quality, Flavor & Performance
First Session Experience
I started my session and waited for it to heat up — it takes about 30 seconds or so. When it buzzed to let me know it was ready, I did my first pull. I barely got any vapor out of it.
So I waited about a minute before doing my next pull in hopes that I could heat soak the herb more. On my second pull I got some decent vapor. Again, it’s important to remember that this is a budget device — it’s not going to blow your mind with the amount of vapor it produces.
The vapor it did produce was pleasantly flavorful and decently cool. As the session continued, the vapor did get warmer and the flavor quickly tapered off.
Temperature Stepping & Extraction Tips
After my first round, I tried temperature stepping — starting lower and finishing around 390°F — to extract more. While the overall extraction was decent, there were still some green parts left in the chamber.
I learned that you cannot pack this device very tightly. On my next use, I put in half the amount and got way better results. Overpacking will choke performance. Using dosing capsules or swapping herb mid‑session works best.
Flavor Profile – What to Expect
The flavor on the XMAX Starry V4 is okay — enjoyable enough but not mind‑blowing. You won’t taste every subtle note in your flower, but for the price point, flavor is on par.
Performance Notes & Best Session Settings
This device delivers solid, middle‑of‑the‑road performance in a compact package.
- Offers 4, 6, and 10 minute session options — the longer times help maximize extraction.
- Vapor output improves at higher temps, but flavor will take a hit.
Technical Details & XMAX Starry V4 Battery Life
Heating Chamber
- Conduction heating with a ceramic oven
- Capacity: ~0.2g, but performs best around 0.15g or less
- Keep airflow slider wide open for best performance
Battery Life
- Around 6–8 sessions per charge (depends on session length)
- Swappable battery with easy‑open latch for quick changes
Gripes & Minor Issues
- Needs hotter temps for more vapor, which reduces flavor
- Mouthpiece can get warm during prolonged sessions
- Performance drops if overpacked
Final Verdict – Is the XMAX Starry V4 Worth It?
The XMAX Starry V4 is a solid entry‑level vaporizer aimed at budget‑minded consumers and beginners. It’s also a good “grab‑and‑go” option for discreet use.
It won’t blow a seasoned user away, but for someone just starting out, this is probably the lowest cost and lowest performing vaporizer I’d still recommend — it gets the job done at under $125.
If you’re willing to spend a little more, and are willing to sacrifice a small bit more of pocket space, check out my Xmax v3 Pro review! I think that device delivers more performance at a slightly higher price point.
Is the XMAX Starry V4 good for beginners?
Yes, the Starry V4 is beginner-friendly thanks to its simple controls, fast heat-up time, and affordable price. It’s a great entry-level dry herb vaporizer with solid performance. This is probably the lowest end device I would currently recommend.
What materials can I vape with the XMAX Starry V4?
I would stick to dry herb in this device. Grind your flower in a medium grind. While you could technically use concentrates with a concentrate pad, I would not recommend it.
How long does the battery last on the XMAX Starry V4?
Around 6–8 sessions per charge (depends on session length)
What temperature range does the Starry V4 support?
The Starry V4 offers precise temperature control from 212°F to 464°F (100°C to 240°C), but you need to run it in the upper 300’s (F) in order to get any real vapor production.
How do I clean the XMAX Starry V4 vaporizer?
To clean the Starry V4, remove the mouthpiece and use isopropyl alcohol on the screen and ceramic chamber. Regular cleaning improves airflow and flavor. Be sure to do a few burn off sessions after you clean it.
Is the XMAX Starry V4 worth it compared to more expensive vapes?
For under $100, the Starry V4 delivers impressive vapor quality, a ceramic chamber, and a replaceable battery—making it a solid value pick in its class.