Wax Pen vs Dab Pen: What’s the Difference?

Among the most common and popular tools for Vaping cannabis concentrates are wax pens and dab pens. 

If you are new to the dabbing world, You might be confused by these terms. what are they? Are wax pens and dab pens the same thing? If not, What is the difference between them?

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

What are Dab Pens?

Dab pens are a type of portable, handheld vaporizer designed for consuming potent cannabis concentrates like wax, shatter, or budder. 

These devices are known for their ease of use, portability, and discreetness - fit in your pocket to carry out.

Unlike bulky dab rigs, dab pens are battery-operated and have a bucket-style heating element that allows  users to inhale the flavorful and potent vapor  without needing a butane torch or dab rig.

Wax Pen vs Dab Pen: what's the difference?

Dab pens and wax pens are the same thing and can be used interchangeably. Whether you want to call it a dab pen or a wax pen is your choice. There are no differences between the two. 

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. 

Wax pen was the original term used for the devices, before dabs became highly popularized. 

The wax pen gets its name from the substance it is used to consume - wax, which is a highly potent concentrate with sticky, wax-like consistency.

Dab pen get their name from the popular dab rig, but in a more compact and portable pen-shaped form.

Of course, Some people believe Wax pens are best suited for softer waxes, while dab pens can handle a variety of harder concentrates like shatter or crumble.

Dab pen vs Vape Pen: what's the difference?

Vape pens annd wax/dab pens are different, even though people think they are the same. 

The biggest difference between a dab pen and a vape pen is what type of weed product is consume.

A vape pen vaporizes weed oil. In contrast, a dab pen vaporizes thicker solid substances like wax or shatter. So dab pens typically offer a more intense experience in terms of flavor and potency.

A dab pen has a open chamber with a heating element, like Quartz, ceramic, or titanium coils, that you need to load concentrates manually.

And Cleaning is required after each use since the build-up of residue could compromise the performance and flavor of the resulting vapor.

It's much simpler to use a vape pen, you don't need to load your own material. They are ready to use once the device - typically a 510 thread battery, is charged and an oil cartridge is attached.

When the oil cartridge is empty, you simply toss it out and attach a new one — no cleaning necessary.

Explore More: Dab Pen vs Vape Pen: What's the Difference?

What are Concentrates or Wax?

Concentrates (aka dabs) are highly potent products derived from the weed plant through extraction methods using solvents like butane or CO2.

The most common types of concentrates are wax, shatter, budder, live resin, rosin, crumble, sauce, and other ‘wax-like' consistency extracts.

Different kinds of concentrates have different textures, consistencies and may require more or less heat and airflow.

People like concentrates because it offers a more intense experience due to its high levels of cannabinoids (THC, CBD and more)

Conclusion

Dab pen and wax pen are two interchangeable terms. Whether you want to call it a dab pen or a wax pen is your choice.

Wax Pens or dab pens a portable, convenient substitute for dab rigs, allowing users to inhale the flavorful and potent vapor without needing a torch, ideal for those wanting to vape potent concentrates on the go.

Now that you understand the differences between wax pens and dab pens, it's time to find the perfect device for your needs.

Explore More: The 10 Best Dab Pens & Wax Pens to Buy in 2025