Wax Pen

What is a Wax Pen?

A wax pen is a compact, portable vaporizer specifically designed for solid concentrates including wax, shatter, budder, crumble, and live resin. Unlike oil cartridge vapes that use pre-filled cartridges, wax pens feature a chamber where you load your own concentrates directly onto a heating element.

Wax pens work by heating a coil or chamber to vaporize concentrates at temperatures typically between 300-700°F. They're battery-powered, usually pen-shaped (though designs vary), and offer a discreet way to enjoy concentrates without the bulk of an e-rig or traditional dab setup.

If you're exploring different ways to vape, our guide to types of vape products covers all the options. For those seeking more powerful sessions with water filtration, consider upgrading to an e-rig instead.

Wax Pen vs Dab Pen vs E-Rig

These terms often cause confusion, so let's clarify the differences:

Wax pens and dab pens are essentially the same thing. Both terms describe compact, pen-style devices for concentrates. The terms are used interchangeably in the industry. Browse our dab pen category for additional options.

E-rigs are larger devices featuring water filtration, precise temperature control, and bigger chambers. They produce better flavor and larger clouds but sacrifice portability. If performance matters more than portability, explore our e-rig category.

Choose a wax pen if: You prioritize portability, want discreet sessions, are on a budget, or prefer the simplicity of a compact device.

Choose an e-rig if: Flavor is your top priority, you mainly use at home, or you want larger dab capacity.

Best Wax Pens We've Tested

After testing dozens of wax pens, here are our top recommendations across different styles and price points:

Best Overall:

• Yocan Orbit - Innovative quartz ball technology for exceptional flavor
• Rokin Stinger - Premium build quality with reliable performance

Best Budget Options:

• HoneyStick Twist Nano Dabber - Excellent value with variable voltage
• Pulsar APX Volt V3 - Feature-packed at an affordable price

Best for Flavor:

• Atmos Liv - Ceramic chamber for pure taste
• HoneyStick Phantom - Coil-less design preserves terpenes

Looking for affordable options? Check out our best budget vapes under $50 guide for more value picks.

Best Wax Pens by Type

Best Budget Wax Pens

Budget wax pens under $40 deliver solid performance without breaking the bank. The HoneyStick Twist Nano Dabber offers variable voltage control at an entry-level price, while the Pulsar APX Volt V3 packs multiple temperature settings and quality construction.

At this price point, expect basic coil designs, adequate battery life (300-500mAh), and straightforward operation. These devices are perfect for beginners testing the waters or as backup devices.

Best Coil-less Wax Pens

Coil-less wax pens eliminate exposed coils entirely, using ceramic or quartz dishes that heat from below. This design prevents concentrate from touching the heating element directly, resulting in purer flavor and easier cleaning.

The HoneyStick Phantom features a true coil-less chamber, while the Yocan Orbit uses quartz balls that spin during heating for even vaporization. Coil-less designs cost more but offer the best flavor and longer-lasting atomizers.

Best Wax Pens for Flavor

If terpene preservation is your priority, look for devices with ceramic heating elements, precise low-temperature control, and quality materials. The Atmos Liv uses a ceramic chamber that heats evenly without hot spots. The Yocan Orbit with its quartz ball technology produces exceptionally clean vapor.

How to Choose the Right Wax Pen

Selecting the right wax pen depends on your priorities. Consider these factors:

Heating Element Type: Coils come in quartz (fast heating), ceramic (best flavor), and titanium (most durable). Coil-less designs offer premium flavor but cost more. Choose based on whether you prioritize speed, taste, or durability.

Temperature Control: Basic pens offer 3-4 preset temperatures. Advanced models feature precise voltage adjustment or digital displays. Variable temperature lets you customize for different concentrate types: lower temps for flavor, higher for clouds.

Battery Capacity: Measured in mAh, higher numbers mean longer sessions between charges. Budget pens typically offer 300-500mAh (10-20 sessions), while premium options reach 650mAh+ (20-30+ sessions).

Build Quality: Metal construction is more durable than plastic. Quality threading prevents cross-threading issues. Magnetic caps and connections offer convenience and reliability.

Chamber Size: Larger chambers hold more concentrate but are harder to keep clean. Smaller chambers are easier to maintain and work better for microdosing.

For more guidance on vaping accessories and quality devices, explore our designer vaporizers and accessories guide.

Wax Pen Coil Types Explained

Understanding coil types helps you choose the right wax pen and maintain it properly:

Quartz Coils

Quartz heats up fastest (5-10 seconds) and produces clean, pure flavor. The material doesn't add any taste to your vapor. However, quartz is fragile and can crack with extreme temperature changes or rough handling. Best for users who want quick heat-up and don't mind more frequent replacements.

Ceramic Coils

Ceramic heats more slowly but evenly, preserving terpenes and producing smooth vapor. The porous material can absorb some concentrate, so thorough cleaning is important. Ceramic coils last longer than quartz and are ideal for flavor-focused users.

Titanium Coils

Titanium is extremely durable and heats quickly. However, it can impart a slight metallic taste at high temperatures. Best for users who prioritize durability over pure flavor or use higher temperatures regularly.

Coil-less (Dish/Cup) Designs

These eliminate exposed coils entirely. Concentrate sits in a ceramic or quartz dish heated from below. This produces the purest flavor and easiest cleaning, but typically costs more and heats more slowly. Best for connoisseurs focused on flavor.

How to Use and Maintain Your Wax Pen

Getting Started

1. Charge your device fully before first use
2. Remove the mouthpiece to access the atomizer
3. Load a small amount of concentrate. Start with a rice grain-sized dab
4. Place directly on the coil or in the chamber (not on the walls)
5. Replace the mouthpiece and power on (usually 5 clicks)
6. Select your temperature and start low, then increase as needed
7. Press and hold the fire button while inhaling slowly
8. Release before inhaling completely to clear the chamber

Caring for Your Wax Pen

Proper maintenance keeps your wax pen performing well:

1. Q-tip after each session: While the atomizer is still warm, swab the chamber with a dry cotton swab to remove residue.
2. Deep clean weekly: Remove the atomizer and soak in isopropyl alcohol for 15-30 minutes. Don't soak the battery.
3. Clean the mouthpiece: Soak in warm water or alcohol to prevent buildup.
4. Check coil condition: Replace coils showing discoloration, buildup, or broken wires.
5. Keep threads clean: Wipe connection threads with alcohol to ensure good contact.
6. Store upright: Prevents concentrate from leaking into the battery.

For more tips on getting the most from your vape devices, check out our vaping 101 tips and tricks guide.

Troubleshooting Common Wax Pen Issues

No vapor production:

• Ensure the device is powered on (5 clicks typically)
• Check battery charge level
• Verify concentrate is loaded properly on the coil
• Hold the fire button while inhaling
• Coil may be dead, so try a new atomizer

Burnt or harsh taste:

• Temperature is too high, so lower it
• Coil is dirty and needs cleaning
• Coil is burnt out and needs replacement
• Too much concentrate loaded at once
• Not inhaling slowly enough

Weak vapor/small clouds:

• Increase temperature setting
• Add more concentrate
• Battery may be low
• Coil is approaching end of life
• Airflow may be blocked. Check mouthpiece

Device not firing:

• Clean connection between atomizer and battery
• Check that atomizer is screwed in properly (not too tight)
• Verify device is unlocked (5 clicks on, 5 clicks off)
• Try a different atomizer to rule out dead coil
• Connection pin may need gentle adjustment

Concentrate leaking:

• Don't overload the chamber
• Store device upright
• Avoid using at extremely high temperatures
• Check seals and o-rings for damage
• Let device cool before putting in pocket

Battery not charging:

• Try a different USB cable
• Check for debris in charging port
• Ensure charger provides proper voltage
• Battery may have reached end of lifespan

Coil turning black quickly:

• Temperature is too high
• Not cleaning after sessions
• Using too much concentrate at once
• Firing without inhaling
• Low-quality concentrate may cause faster buildup