Most people forget about heat-up time. A device that takes 10 seconds to ready feels like forever when you're sneaking a quick hit. Look for one that fires up in under 5 seconds—some are almost instant. This makes a big difference when you're between meetings.

Another often-overlooked point is the mouthpiece. Some are rounded and look like a pen cap; others are flat, like a tiny inhaler. The shape affects how you hold the device, and it also affects how easy it is to clean. A detachable mouthpiece is a must—you can rinse it under warm water, while a fixed one traps gunk.

Then there's the cartridge compatibility. CBD cartridges come in standard 510-thread, but some devices use proprietary pods. Stick with 510 if you want flexibility—you're not locked into one brand. This matters because you'll be buying refills regularly, and you don't want to hunt for a rare pod.

Finally, think about buttons. Some pens have a single button you click five times to turn on. Others have a draw-activated sensor—just inhale and it fires. The draw-activated style is sneakier because there's no click sound. For desk use, that silence is gold.