I’m a huge PuffCo fanboy. I own several models and I love them all (I’ve detailed the best PuffCo dab rigs here) but they are pretty darn expensive.
If you’re on a tighter budget or just getting started with dabbing, here’s 4 great (and cheaper) alternatives to go with instead.
Editor’s Picks
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I like gear that gets out of the way and just works. That’s the Halo V2. It’s simple, fast, and flavor-focused. The borosilicate bubbler keeps things cool and tasty, and I’ve been getting super consistent performance even on long sessions. It’s also one of the best-looking e-rigs out right now.
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It’s like someone built a dab rig for NASA. Seriously. Induction heating? All-glass air path? This thing is smooth, clean, and absurdly precise. Not really a couch vape, this is for the desk, the studio, or your high-end dab station. Expensive, but if you care about taste over clouds, this is as good as it gets.
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I took the Ripper on a weekend trip and didn’t charge it once. It just goes. Not the most compact, but it absolutely delivers, especially if you’re dabbing a lot or mixing in dry herb. Think of it as the rugged SUV of e-rigs. Maybe not stylish, but damn reliable.
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I didn’t expect much for under $100, but the flavor was actually decent, and the ceramic atomizer held its own. It’s not built like a tank, but it’s perfect for low-stress dabbing or as a backup travel rig. If you're new to concentrates or just don’t want to drop big money yet, this is a great place to start.
Best PuffCo Alternatives: Top 4 E-Rigs Worth Buying In 2025
If you love the idea of owning a PuffCo but can’t stretch your budget that far, don’t worry: there are plenty of killer alternatives that’ll deliver a similar experience for a fraction of the price.
I’ve tested a ton of e-rigs over the past couple of years, and these four are the only ones I’d actually recommend as genuine PuffCo replacements.
They all hit hard, they’re reliable, and I’ve tried to include options for every type of potential user. From at-home hitters to on-the-go dabbers.
Here’s how they break down:
- VLAB Halo V2 Smart E-Rig – A stylish, high-tech smart rig for flavor chasers and on-the-go users.
- Ooze Electro Barrel E-Rig – The best beginner-friendly e-rig under $150.
- HoneyStick Ripper eRig – Built for heavy hitters who want power and stamina.
- Ispire Daab E-Rig – A precision-focused device for connoisseurs that want pure, lab-grade flavor.
For Flavor Chasers & Smart Tech Fans
If you want something modern, fast, and stylish, the VLAB Halo V2 nails it.
It’s simple to use, easy to clean, and heats up in seconds.
The design looks great on a desk, and the glass bubbler keeps every hit smooth and full of flavor.
It has four preset temperature settings (480°F–750°F), a fast 15-second heat-up, and delivers around 50 sessions per charge.
The touch-sensitive interface feels futuristic and removes the need for buttons.
Yes, it’s a little pricey for a compact rig, but the quality, flavor, and performance you get here easily justify it.
Best For: Anyone who wants a portable smart rig that looks and performs like a premium PuffCo.
For Beginners & Budget Buyers
Best For: First-time dabbers who want solid performance and flavor without spending big.
The Ooze Electro Barrel is the best budget-friendly PuffCo alternative out there.
It’s lightweight, simple to use, and surprisingly powerful for the price.
The C-Core Onyx Atomizer paired with the Azul ceramic dish gives it flavor that punches well above its weight class.
It heats up in under 20 seconds, runs off a 2000mAh battery, and charges via USB-C.
It’s built mainly from plastic, so it’s not the toughest device around, but if you’re new to dabbing or want something small for travel, this one’s perfect.
For Heavy Users That Want Power
Best For: Power users that want a workhorse rig that can take serious punishment.
If you like long sessions and hate recharging, the HoneyStick Ripper is an absolute beast.
It’s rugged, reliable, and can run for days thanks to its 4000mAh battery.
This dual-use rig handles both concentrates and dry herb, and it hits like a truck.
It’s not as sleek or “smart” as a PuffCo, but the performance is undeniable.
It heats up fast, produces dense vapor, and feels built to last.
It’s a bit heavy and not the most portable rig, but if you’re a heavy user that wants battery life and cloud production over everything else, this is the one.
For Connoisseurs Who Want The Purest Flavor
Best For: Connoisseurs and flavor purists who want total control and the cleanest possible vapor.
The Ispire Daab is a serious piece of kit. This is a PuffCo alternative for advanced users who care about precision and taste more than portability.
It uses induction heating, meaning there’s no direct coil contact — just pure, even vaporization.
The result is incredibly clean flavor, especially from live resin or rosin.
You can adjust the temperature by single degrees (250°F–850°F), and the all-glass vapor path keeps things tasting pure.
It’s heavier and meant for home use, but the results are unmatched.
The Daab feels like a lab instrument more than a vape, and that’s exactly what makes it special.
Bottom Line / Key Takeaways
You don’t have to spend PuffCo money to get a high-quality dabbing experience in 2025.
These rigs each bring something unique to the table:
- The VLAB Halo V2 is the best all-rounder — fast, stylish, and flavor-focused.
- The Ooze Electro Barrel is perfect for beginners who just want to plug in and go.
- The HoneyStick Ripper delivers brute power and battery endurance.
- The Ispire Daab is in a class of its own for flavor and precision.
If I had to pick just one? I’d go with the HoneyStick Ripper. It strikes the perfect balance between smart features, portability, and reliability and it doesn’t cost too much either.
Recapping My Top Picks
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I like gear that gets out of the way and just works. That’s the Halo V2. It’s simple, fast, and flavor-focused. The borosilicate bubbler keeps things cool and tasty, and I’ve been getting super consistent performance even on long sessions. It’s also one of the best-looking e-rigs out right now.
-
It’s like someone built a dab rig for NASA. Seriously. Induction heating? All-glass air path? This thing is smooth, clean, and absurdly precise. Not really a couch vape, this is for the desk, the studio, or your high-end dab station. Expensive, but if you care about taste over clouds, this is as good as it gets.
-
I took the Ripper on a weekend trip and didn’t charge it once. It just goes. Not the most compact, but it absolutely delivers, especially if you’re dabbing a lot or mixing in dry herb. Think of it as the rugged SUV of e-rigs. Maybe not stylish, but damn reliable.
-
I didn’t expect much for under $100, but the flavor was actually decent, and the ceramic atomizer held its own. It’s not built like a tank, but it’s perfect for low-stress dabbing or as a backup travel rig. If you're new to concentrates or just don’t want to drop big money yet, this is a great place to start.
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