If you are new to the dabbing world or just looking for more information about the pens and options that are out there, you might be wondering what the differences are between the wax pen vs dab pen. 

Vaping concentrates has become one of the most popular trends in the cannabis world. There are a wide variety of devices you can use for vaping with dabs being one of them. Wax pens have also become very popular. Some dab pens even allow you to use wax if they are compatible with one another. 

In this guide, Dr. Dabber covers the main differences between the wax pen and the dab pen to help you understand which one might be the better choice for you. 

Dab Pens & Wax Pens 

Dab pens (aka wax pens) are the same thing and can be used interchangeably. There are no differences between the two. Vape pens are different even though people think they are the same. 

Whether you want to call it a dab pen or a wax pen is your choice. Some vape shops whether online or in person might have different ways of calling it so you might hear them say wax pen or dab pen, but you can be sure they are talking about the same thing. 

What Defines a Dab Pen/Wax Pen? 

Even though the definitions can be used interchangeably, you might be wondering what exactly makes a dab pen or wax pen. It’s important to know the features and what makes the dab pen a dab pen so that you know the piece of equipment you are buying and what it can be used for. 

Here are the basic things you can look out for to know that it’s a dab pen/wax pen: 

Vape Battery 

Even though it’s not a vaporizer, a dab pen or wax pen still needs to use vape pen batteries to operate efficiently.

Wax Coil 

The wax coil is specific to the wax pen. It’s the part of the pen that vaporizes the concentrates. You can place the wax directly onto the coil or the dab nail and then it will heat the wax so that it produces vapor for you to enjoy. 

Vaporize Wax Concentrates 

Many plain vaporizers cannot vaporize a wax concentrate. If they do, they will tell you on the box or the website you are buying from. You might also be able to find a vaporizer pen that has a vape coil attachment that can be used to modify the vape pen into a wax pen. 

If you want to use a vaporizer as a dab pen or wax pen, make sure it has all the right components to be able to handle wax effectively.  

Wax Pen vs Dab Pen vs Vape Pen

The real question should be what is the difference between a vape pen and wax pens and dab pens? Vape pens are completely different while waxing pens and dab pens have many of the same features.

A vape pen is a general term used when it comes to a vape pen battery and a prefilled THC cartridge. A vape pen is often more affordable and is the second most popular item purchased from vape stores besides the cannabis flower. 

Some vape pens are also designed to be used with nicotine products. A vape pen can be heated to many different temperatures which usually come between 2.4 and 4.0 volts. 

Vape pens cannot use wax unless they are specifically designed to be able to use wax and have higher temperature settings that allow them to melt the wax. Some companies sell interchangeable pens, so you can always check with the company you want to buy from and see what kinds of pens they are selling. 

With a vape pen, you also don’t load your own concentrates. The cannabis oil comes preloaded into the vape pen unlike with wax pens and dab pens where you can put your own concentrate into the pen. 

Pros of Vape Pens 

Although many people think of wax pens and dab pens as superior in a few different ways, there are also advantages when it comes to vape pens to keep in mind. For one, they are more available and are often cost-effective. 

Vape pens and their cartridges can offer the following benefits:

• Discreet
• Almost scentless 
• Convenient and can be used on the go.
• Small and very compact.
• Long-lasting and you don’t have to constantly load concentrates.
• Highly potent 
• Disposable options are available.

What is a Wax Pen?

Wax pens have many of the same characteristics as vape pens including batteries. Wax pens often have stronger batteries though so they might feel a little bulkier than what you are used to. 

While the batteries are different, the wax pen is very different from vaporizers in the way that it uses a concentrate chamber and an atomizer to vaporize the concentrate that you put into the pen. 

Wax pens also usually reach a much higher temperature than vape pens. Wax pen users also have the choice to use wax, shatter, live resin, and many other things to put into the concentrate chamber. 

If you are used to vape pens, you might also find that the wax pen requires more maintenance. You will need to clean the chamber after every use and replace the atomizers once they collect too much debris. 

Wax pens are more portable though which is why many decide to use them over vape pens. The vapor that comes from wax pens is often very strong much like how it would be if you used a dab pen. This is why people use the terms wax pen and dab pen interchangeably. 

Wax Pens Use All Types of Cannabis Extracts 

When you have a wax pen, you can use many different types of cannabis extracts including shatter, rosin, budder, crumble, and wax. This makes wax pens very versatile. Wax pens can handle the thick consistencies of these types of extracts compared to a vaporizer which can only handle liquid extracts. 

Your wax pen should also come with a ceramic heating atomizer so that it can warm the wax and you can inhale it. Wax pens will often get hotter because the wax requires more heat to melt since it’s thick. 

Loading Your Concentrates 

Unlike vaporizers, wax pens are not meant to be used with prefilled cartridges. This means you can put the concentrate of your choice in the wax pen. You will use a special dab tool to load the concentrates into the pen. 

Wax pens allow you to personalize your vaping experience which many people prefer. 

What is a Dab Pen?

Dab pens have their name because of the intensity users can get off a high when inhaled. Most wax pens can offer the same high though if the heat settings are high and you are using high-quality material. 

Many people call many different devices dab pens as long as they provide the dab high and intensity when inhaled. 

Using a Dab Pen 

Before getting into wax pens and dab pens, you will need to know how to use them properly. All dab pens are a little different though so you will need to read the instructions for the one you bought before using it. 

Most dabs pens can be used with the following steps though:

1. Power the dab pen on by hitting the button on the side 3 to 5 times. It should blink once it’s on and ready to be used. The heating coil should also be on by this point. 
2. Remove the mouthpiece from the dab pen so you can see the heating chamber. 
3. Using a metal tool, scoop the concentrate you want to use on the coil or wick. 
4. Put the mouthpiece back on and put it up to your lips. You can press the power button and inhale at the same time. 
5. Let go of the power button once you feel satisfied with the hit you have taken. 
6. Repeat as many times as you want. Make sure to refill the concentrate once it has become empty. 

Here are some tips to make sure you are getting the most out of dab pen:

• Keep your dab pen clean all the time. 
• Wipe down all the parts with a q tip and isopropyl alcohol. 
• Don’t overpack the dab pen with concentrates as this can cause the dab pen and the heating coils to short circuit. 
• Allow the pen to cool off if it ever feels like it’s overheating. 
• Keep the pen upright when you are using it and storing it. 

What are the Pros of a Wax Pen? 

There are many pros when it comes to wax pens. You can use it on the go and use strong concentrates which allows you to get the high you are looking for no matter where you are. 

You can also puff on it throughout the day while being very discreet. People love that you can use the wax pen without everyone looking at you and wondering what you are doing. 

Other pros of wax pens include:

• Highly potent 
• Change the temperature levels according to your liking. 
• Parts are rechargeable and replaceable.
• Versatile and can be used with many different concentrates. 
• Small and compact 
• Scentless 

How are Vape Pens, Wax Pens, & Dab Pens Similar?

These three types of pens have a few things in common. While we discussed that wax pens and dab pens are the same, they also have a few similarities to the vape pen. They are all discreet, portable, and have long battery lives. 

They allow you to smoke anywhere you want to discreetly and without judgment. Most can fit into a purse or pocket making them portable and very easy to use on the go. You can also find each of the different types of pens in different styles and shapes to fit your lifestyle. 

Main Differences Between the Pens

There are no differences between the wax pen and dab pen. However, there are quite a few differences between these types of pens and vape pens. The main difference is the types of concentrates. Dab pens and wax pens can use thick concentrates like rosin and shatter whereas a vape pen is not able to handle the thick concentrates. 

Vape pens are often easier to use because you don’t need to load the concentrate yourself. It comes with a prefilled THC cartridge where you can be ready to smoke as soon as you get the pen. 

Wax pens can take longer to learn how to use. However, many people prefer wax pens once they get the hang of them because it allows them to customize how much they vape and inhale. It also allows them to choose what kind of concentration they want. 

You will also need to set the heat settings yourself which can be difficult for some people if they have never done it. Wax pens also need to be cleaned more often so that the atomizer does not build up with debris. 

If you are new to the cannabis world, you might want to start with vape pens since everything is preloaded and there is no learning curve. You also won’t have to do as much cleaning. 

Once you have the hang of vape pens though and you want to customize your vaping experience, you can turn to wax pens and dab pens. 

What are the Pros of a Dab Pen? 

Dab pens have many of the same pros as wax pens. They are discreet, highly potent, and allow you to customize your smoking experience. 

Dab pens allow you to get more of a high feeling which is why many people choose to use them. If you don’t care about a simple smoking experience and want to personalize them to be ultimate dab pens, you will also love being able to load your own concentrates and control the temperature settings. 

What are the Differences Between a Wax Pen & Dab Pen? 

At the core, there is no difference between a wax pen and a dab pen. Both pens have the same internal components including an inner coil or wick for the concentrates, a heating apparatus, and a mouthpiece where you will inhale. 

The only difference is that some people use the term wax pen and others use the term dab pen. 

Are Vape Pens & Wax Pens the Same? 

A vape pen and a wax pen are not the same. Vape pens do not allow you to load your concentrate and instead will come with a prefilled concentrate that you will need to refill or replace once it’s empty. 

Wax pens do not use THC liquid concentrates. You will put the wax or other thicker material onto the coils and wait for it to melt before you inhale. Wax pens can be used with many different concentrates including anything with a wax-like consistency like shatter, budder, live resin, rosin, and crumble. 

How Do You Hit a Wax Pen? 

You will hit a wax pen and a dab pen the same way. Put the amount of concentrate you want onto the coils or wick and then reattach the chamber. You can put the mouthpiece on and then hit the button to heat and inhale simultaneously. 

How Do You Hit a Dab Pen?

You can use a metal tool to put the concentrate onto the coil and then place the chamber closed and attach the mouthpiece. Make sure to choose your setting and voltage and then you can inhale. 

As you can see, dab pens and wax pens work the same way and have the same parts, the terms are used interchangeably by smokers and stores. Vape pens are the ones that are different. 

As always, for all your wax, dab, and vaping needs, check us out at Dr. Dabber.