Arizer XQ2 review: A reliable vaporizer for solo sessions and evenings with friends

• Modern design, smart features
• Easy to use
  • LED lighting and modes
• Taste and vapour
• Main advantages and disadvantages
• Arizer XQ2 vs. Extreme Q vs. Volcano Classic
• Conclusion
• FAQ

Modern design, smart features

The Arizer XQ2 has a subtle, modern design. The body is made of high-quality plastic, not a cheap box. The surface is smooth and matte, and the vaporiser is comfortable to hold and does not slip. It has an elegant black colour and an LED ring at the bottom that changes colour depending on the operating phase (heating, operation, cooling).

The package includes everything you need to start vaping right away: 2 herb bowls, a tube, mouthpieces, a balloon set, an aromatherapy bowl, an adapter, a remote control and other essential accessories.

Easy to use

The XQ2 can be controlled either manually directly on the device or using the remote control. Both options are intuitive.

You will appreciate that you can use the remote control to set the temperature in increments, regulate the fan speed in three levels, adjust the LED backlight or program the automatic shut-off timer without having to constantly lean over and press buttons on the vaporiser panel.

The control panel features an on/off button, fan, settings and navigation arrows. The display shows the current and target temperature.

Even complete beginners will understand and master the basic functions – switching on, selecting the temperature, starting the fan – in just a few minutes.

LED lighting and modes

At the bottom of the Arizer XQ2 is a coloured LED ring. There are three modes to choose from:

• Standard: the vaporiser lights up in one of eight colours of your choice.
• Spectrum: the vaporiser automatically changes colour every two seconds.
• Dynamic: the colours indicate the status of the device (e.g. yellow and orange indicate that the device is heating up, green indicates that the vaporiser is ready for use, blue indicates cooling with the fan).

Personally, I prefer the last mode, Dynamic. I want to be able to see the status of the device without having to constantly look at the display.

Taste and vapour

The Arizer XQ2 uses convection heating – the herbs are heated by a stream of hot air, not by direct contact with a heated surface. This method ensures even extraction without burning and a great taste. Personally, I appreciated that even during longer sessions and repeated heating, the taste of the herbs remained pure, with no hint of burning.

At temperatures around 170–180 °C, the vapour was mild and flavourful – ideal for the first few puffs. When the temperature was increased to 190–210 °C, the vapour became richer and the effect stronger. Above 220 °C, the vapour is really dense, but drier and less aromatic.

In this respect, the Arizer XQ2 is on par with more expensive models such as the Volcano Classic, which, however, only has a balloon system. The XQ2 is more versatile in this respect: it allows both direct inhalation through a tube and a balloon.

Another feature I appreciate is the choice between two types of glass chambers:

• Flavour chamber for a smoother vapour: the herbs are further away from the heating element, which results in a smoother vapour and more delicate flavours. A great choice for lower temperatures and peaceful solo sessions.
• Cloud chamber for denser vapour: the herbs are closer to the heat source, which means richer, stronger vapour – ideal for sharing or for an intense effect at higher temperatures.

Main advantages and disadvantages

When I unpacked the Arizer XQ2 and tried it for the first time, I wasn’t particularly impressed, but the more I used it, the more I enjoyed it. Here’s a brief summary of what I liked – and what could be improved.

Main advantages:

• Great taste and vapour
• Intuitive controls, remote control
• LED indicators and design
• Option of both hose and balloon

What would I criticise?

• The fan is not as powerful – filling the balloon takes longer than with some competing models, such as the Volcano.
• Compared to newer desktop vaporizers, the heat-up time is slightly longer, approx. 3–5 minutes depending on the selected temperature.
  

Arizer XQ2 vs. Extreme Q vs. Volcano Classic

How does the Arizer XQ2 compare to other popular desktop vaporizers? For comparison, I chose two models that the XQ2 has the most in common with – the Volcano Classic, a stalwart that set the bar for balloon vaporizers, and the Arizer Extreme Q, the direct predecessor of the XQ2 vaporizer.

	Arizer XQ2	Volcano Classic	Arizer Extreme Q
Inhalation style	Tube and balloon	Balloon only	Tube and balloon
Heating type	Convection	Convection	Convection
Remote control	Yes	No	Yes
Temperature setting	Digital, in 1 °C increments	Manual, rotary knob	Digital, in 1 °C increments
LED indicator	Yes	No	No
Fan power	Medium power	Very strong	Less powerful
Advantages	More versatile use (tube + balloon), LED indicator, convenient remote control	Higher fan performance, robust design	Lower price, still good vapour taste
Disadvantages	Less powerful fan, longer warm-up time, fragile glass components	Higher purchase price, only balloon inhalation, no digital display	Older design, less clear display, weaker fan

Compared to the Volcano vaporizer, the XQ2 is more versatile – it allows direct inhalation and balloon inhalation, has a remote control and LED indicator. The Volcano has a significantly more powerful fan and a more robust construction, but is limited to balloon inhalation.

Compared to the Extreme Q, the XQ2 is more modern and user-friendly. It has a faster response, a clearer display, more pleasant controls and an improved design. The taste is similar, but the overall impression of the XQ2 is a step above. If you are switching from the Q to the XQ2, you will definitely notice the difference.

Conclusion

The Arizer XQ2 is a worthy successor to the legendary Extreme Q. It is suitable for both beginners and advanced users, for “solo sessions” or sharing with friends. It has intuitive controls and you can vape either through a tube or a balloon.

I was most impressed by the pure taste of the vapour – the glass components do not interfere with the aroma of the herbs, even at higher temperatures. The interchangeable chambers are also a big plus: a smaller “flavour chamber” for maximum taste and micro-dosing, and a larger “cloud chamber” for intense vapour.

A light ring visually indicates the status of the device. It may be a small detail, but it’s very nice in practice – especially when vaping in the evening. The remote control is clearer than on the Extreme Q.

If you are looking for a desktop vaporizer with an excellent price/performance ratio and a long service life, the Arizer XQ2 is a safe bet.