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

Vaping cannabis concentrates has become an increasingly popular way to enjoy the potent and flavorful experiences offered by cannabis.

Among the most common tools for this are wax pens and dab pens. Are wax pens and dab pens the same thing? If not, What is the difference between them?

If you are new to the dabbing world, Understanding the difference between a wax pen and a dab pen is essential for choosing the right vaping device for your cannabis experience.

In this guide, I 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.

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

While every individual type of vape pen will differ in material, function, and features, at their core there is no difference between wax pens vs dab pens.

Both pens have a heating element, like a rod coil or bucket-style chamber that you'll place cannabis concentrates on, to vaporize and inhale.

So the name is the only difference between wax pen and dab pens. Wax pen was the original term used for the devices, before dabs became highly popularized. Now, their names are used interchangeably.

Some vape shops whether online or local 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.

The wax pen gets its name from the substance it is used to consume - wax or concentrates. Wax is a highly potent cannabis concentrate and gets its name from its sticky, wax-like consistency.

Although you can substitute a concentrate of choice, wax is one of the most common and widely accessible.

Dab pen get their name from the popular dab rig, a water pipe designed for use with concentrates, known for providing a strong high.

Unlike bulky dab rigs, dab pens are small, easier to use and far more portable - fit in your pocket to carry out. They also don't require a torch but are battery powered.

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

The most popular cannabis vaping method is to use a oil cart vape pen. This is the most common type of weed pen.

From an external perspective, dab pens and vape pens bear a striking resemblance. Both are typically compact in design for ease of transport and usability.

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

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

A vape pen vaporizes cannabis 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.

Finally, A wax pen or a dab pen needs more energy to heat up the thicker material, so the working temperature will be much higher than the oil vape pen.

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

What are Cannabis Concentrates or Wax?

Cannabis concentrates (aka dabs) are highly potent products derived from the cannabis 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.

They are usually consumed in a dab pen, glass dab rig, electric dab rig (e-rig), glass nectar collector, or electric nectar collector. 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 and CBD) and terpenes.

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 convenient substitute for dab rigs. These devices are ideal for those wanting to vape potent THC or CBD 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