Pax devices are well-known in the cannabis industry, because many are high-quality portable vaporizers that work with both dry herbs and concentrates. The Pax 3 and Pax Plus are among their most popular devices in 2023, but which is best for you?
In this article, we’ll do an in-depth comparison of Pax Plus vs Pax 3 features, performance, and price to help you decide.
Pax Plus Vs. Pax 3 at a glance: Which do we like best?
The Pax Plus is the newer and more advanced model of the two, launched in late 2022 with Experience Modes, a redesigned oven screen, and a large display. The Pax 3 is an older device from 2016, but has a longer battery life and faster heating than the Plus.
In our opinion, the Pax Plus edges out the Pax 3 due to its improved vapor production and vapor quality. However, the best model for you may depend on your personal preferences and budget.
Click here to buy your Pax Plus.
Pax Plus Vs. Pax 3: A detailed comparison of features
Design
Pax Plus: slim, sleek form factor. Matte and discreet, with a large LED display
Pax 3: similar design but glossy, with a smaller LED display that provides less information. Some limited-edition matte models available
Size
Pax Plus: compact and pocket-sized with larger oven capacity (0.50g)
Pax 3: extremely portable, same dimensions with smaller oven size (0.30-0.35g)
Charging Time
Pax Plus: shorter battery life. Up to 2.5 hours (8-10 sessions), takes about 90 minutes to fully charge from empty, and supports pass-through charging (can be used while plugged in)
Pax 3: longer battery life. Up to 3.5 hours (10-12 sessions), takes about 100 minutes to fully charge from empty, also supports pass-through charging
Temperature Settings
Pax Plus: built-in Experience Mode and four preset temperature settings (Stealth Mode 360°F, Flavor Mode 380°F, Efficiency Mode 400°F, and Boost Mode 420°F)
Pax 3: same four preset temperature modes, but app allows for more temperature fine-tuning in one degree increments
Heating Time
Pax Plus: fast, approximately 22 seconds from cold to ready, supports on-demand heating (only heats up during inhale, but enters Standby Mode between hits)
Pax 3: faster, about 15 seconds from cold to ready, no on-demand heating or on-demand vapor
Haptic Feedback
Pax Plus: stronger, more noticeable haptic feedback with varying vibration patterns for each Experience Mode
Pax 3: moderate haptic feedback to indicate readiness but uses the same vibration pattern for all modes
Heating System
Pax Plus: conduction heating system with a magnetically-secured oven lid and redesigned 3D oven screen that’s easier to remove and clean
Pax 3: also uses conduction heating, but with a regular oven lid that slides into place and sometimes comes loose
Price
Pax Plus: $250 for the Complete Kit (includes flat mouthpiece, raised mouthpiece, standard oven lid, half-pack oven lid, concentrate insert, multi-tool, maintenance kit, and charge cable)
Pax 3: $200 for the Basic Kit; $250 for the Complete Kit
Customization & Experience
Pax Plus: built-in Experience Modes that let you set presets for different combinations of flavor and vapor with the different temperature modes; the large display that makes it easy to monitor sessions
Pax 3: smartphone app can access more features and precise temperature control settings, but the smaller LED display shows less information and is harder to read
Pax Plus Features
The Pax Plus is a new Pax device, and among the most advanced Pax vaporizers currently on the market, with notable improvements over its predecessors. This 2-in-1 vaporizer has the same form factor as the Pax 3 with a soft matte coating, but it has some notable extra features that make a big difference in even solo sessions.
The Pax Plus has a magnetic oven lid that conserves material by locking securely. Combined with a larger chamber, it’s a great option for those that prefer a full oven when vaping dry herbs.
It’s worth noting that many users are especially keen on the redesigned 3D oven screen that comes with this powerful device. Paired with its conduction heating system, the Pax Plus delivers consistently smooth and flavorful vapor without wasting material or battery.
| Pros | Cons |
| Experience Modes let you choose different combinations of flavor and vapor with the push of a button Soft matte coating that feels comfortable in your hand with added grip Magnetic oven lid keeps product secure Redesigned 3D oven screen and multi-tool make cleaning easier Larger LED display shows more information and is easier to read Strong haptic feedback Thick, punchy vapor | More expensive Shorter battery life Slower heating time No smartphone app for added customization |
Pax 3 Features
The Pax 3 is a tried-and-true Pax device with some advantages over the Pax Plus. It’s also a dual-use vaporizer, but offers more control for advanced users. It has a glossy finish, along with a smaller oven lid and screen, but comes with a smartphone app that allows users to fine-tune session parameters to their liking.
The Pax 3 also has a faster heating time of 15 seconds, and longer battery life of 3.5 hours (10-12 sessions). Its rechargeable battery also supports pass-through charging. Its available temperature settings fall within the same range as the Plus (from 360°F to 420°F), but its haptic feedback is a bit weaker with no indicative variation.
| Pros | Cons |
| Cheaper than the Pax Plus (assuming you buy the Basic Kit) Longer battery life Faster heating time Smartphone app Temperature settings adjustable by a single degree Visible vapor that’s dense and high-quality | No built-in Experience Modes or presets Glossy finish makes it more prone to fingerprints, scratches, and slipping out of your grip Regular oven lid can sometimes come loose Regular oven screen is harder to clean Weaker haptic feedback Smaller LED display shows less information and is harder to read |
Pax Plus Vs. Pax 3: Which is the winner?
So, which one is better: the Pax Plus or Pax 3? The answer depends on what you’re looking for, since both are high-quality portable devices that work as concentrate or dry herb vaporizers. You should consider the different feature sets of different Pax devices with your desired use case, along with the accessories that work exclusively with each.
- If you want the latest and most advanced dual-use vaporizer with easy-to-use presets, go with the Pax Plus.
- If you want a longer-lasting, faster-heating dual-use vaporizer with more customization options, a proven track record, and a lower retail price, go for the Pax 3.
- If you only vape flower and don’t need concentrates, go for the Pax Mini, which is the smallest and cheapest single-purpose Pax device.
What to look for in a multi-use vaporizer
A multi-use vaporizer is a device that can vaporize both dry herbs and concentrates (such as wax or oil). This makes it more versatile and convenient, as you can consume different cannabis products without buying or carrying multiple devices.
Of course, not all multi-use vaporizers are created equal. There are some important factors to consider when choosing one, such as:
- Design: ergonomic, discreet, durable, and easy to clean. You want a device that’s comfortable to hold and can fit in your pocket. Durability and minimal required maintenance are a plus.
- Size: it should be compact enough to be portable but not so small that it compromises performance or battery life.
- Charging Time: shouldn’t keep you waiting too long between sessions. You want your device to charge quickly or support pass-through charging (which lets you use it while plugged in) without risk of overheating.
- Temperature Settings: should be adjustable enough to let you customize your experience according to your preferences and cannabis product type. The vaporizer should be able to reach high enough temperatures for concentrates but also function well at low temperatures for dry herbs.
- Heating Time: should heat without burning product or support on-demand heating (inhaling triggers the heating to begin).
- Haptic Feedback: should be strong enough to signal when the device is ready to use or when it needs attention (or charging), without being too much of a drain on battery life in itself.
- Heating System: should be efficient enough to deliver smooth and flavorful vapor without wasting product or draining battery life too quickly. Conduction or convection heating (or both) are good, because they evenly heat cannabis products without burning them or producing smoke.
- Price: should accurately reflect device quality and features. However, price isn’t always a direct indicator of quality, so be sure to do your due diligence before purchasing.
We hope this article helps you decide which Pax device is best for you. Only buy these devices from the Pax Labs website or authorized retailers. Happy vaping!
