We like the AirVape X because it’s easy to use, load, and clean, with rich vapor that tastes great. Small, thoughtful touches—like the magnetic lid and standby timer—stood out in our testing and had us reaching for the X even after our tests were done.

The AirVape X is easier to set up than other vaporizers. Its mouthpiece attaches securely by a magnet to a chamber below. Loading the AirVape makes less of a mess than with several other good vaporizers, like the Grasshopper, because the AirVape’s chamber’s concave rim helps funnel material inside.

Our picks are all intuitive and easy to use, but the Airvape’s basic controls and clear display make it the simplest to use of any. Three taps of the power button turn it on, and a large display on the side shows the temperature and battery life. It takes about 30 seconds to heat up to 380 °F, which is an average temperature that produces good vapor with most flowers. The onboard directional arrows can toggle from 200 ºF to 428 °F as you fine-tune the vapor to your preferences and favorite strains. The AirVape doesn’t require a smartphone app to check battery life.

The AirVape’s vapor tastes clearly different from one flower type to another, and it’s very smooth and full—like with the best vaporizers we tried and better than anything else in this price range. Neither the vapor nor the mouthpiece got uncomfortably hot, though the top portion around the heating chamber gets warm to the touch.

Occasionally disassembling the mouthpiece and soaking the parts in alcohol (which is not as hard as it sounds) removes buildup and returns the AirVape to near-new condition. Photo: Rozette Rago

The AirVape’s oven has funnel-like slope to its sides that makes loading ground material easier than with most other vaporizers. Photo: Rozette Rago

Occasionally disassembling the mouthpiece and soaking the parts in alcohol (which is not as hard as it sounds) removes buildup and returns the AirVape to near-new condition. Photo: Rozette Rago

The AirVape’s oven has funnel-like slope to its sides that makes loading ground material easier than with most other vaporizers. Photo: Rozette Rago 1 of 2

The AirVape is among the easiest vaporizers to clean, which is a huge mark in its favor when living with it long term. The mouthpiece eventually accumulates resin, and you must pull apart its five small pieces to clean it. We’ve found the manufacturer’s suggestion—soak the parts in isopropyl alcohol for a few minutes, then wipe and scrape them the resin off—to be very effective and not as laborious as it sounds. You rarely need to do it, anyway. Many other vaporizers contain narrow or recessed mouthpiece areas that are not as easy to fully clean out. Cleaning the AirVape is far easier than cleaning vaporizers with a long airway, like the Vapium Summit, or the DaVinci Miqro, which needs to be cleaned from both sides.

The AirVape X feels well designed and constructed, with a matte-finish metal body, flat shape, nice balance, and clear display. A subtle vibration followed by a countdown timer makes it obvious when it’s powered on (not a given when using other vaporizers), and the device shuts off when the timer ends, helping to conserve battery life and avoid overcooking the contents. Testers appreciated the reminder buzz—it’s forgetful work.

The battery on the X lasted through roughly three bowls before needing to be recharged. That’s standard on most vaporizers this size. The AirVape X has a Micro-USB input—a detail that adds the portability, versatility, and convenience of using any USB charger you already have, like the one you use for your smartphone. Even other vaporizers we like, including the Grasshopper, need cradles or proprietary chargers. The AirVape X charges from empty to full in a little over an hour.

Bud at The Vape Critic liked the AirVape X as well; after reviewing the original AirVape XS, Bud worked with the company on improvements for the X. “They did a really good job implementing the things we talked about. I now honestly feel that this is one of the best portable vaporizers under $200 that I own.” Buzz at VaporizerWizard.com doesn’t have a review up for the X yet, but he gave the previous version, the XS, an 8.8 out of 10 and noted that the good vapor and easy draw on inhale were all impressive for a vaporizer this small and this affordable. After our testing was already completed and our impressions noted, we also saw that another reviewer had a similar flavor experience: “The hits were full and potent, with an unbelievable amount of citrus flavors accentuated from the Clementine strain we were vaping.”

If something goes wrong with the X, AirVape offers a limited lifetime warranty, though you do need to register the vaporizer. (Vaporizers from unauthorized retailers won’t be covered.) And keep in mind that repairs come with a $20 shipping and handling fee, and battery replacements cost $40 after the first six months (shipping and handling included).