DaVinci IQ3 vs PAX Plus: The IQ3 Wins
The PAX Plus is smaller and easier to carry, but the DaVinci IQ3 is the better vaporizer. It produces better flavour, gives you proper temperature control and runs on a removable battery that can be replaced in seconds.
Its zirconia and glass vapour path keeps each draw clean while helping to cool the vapour before it reaches the mouthpiece.
You can set an exact temperature directly on the device instead of relying on a small selection of preset modes.
The removable 21700 battery lets you carry a charged spare and continue vaping without waiting for the complete device to recharge.
UPDATE (October, 2026): This comparison article was originally published in 2024. Back then, the PAX Plus was PAX’s main vaporizer. Since then, it’s now released a new line of vaporizers in the form of the PAX FOUR and the PAX Flow. If you want to see how those guys compare, check out this PAX FOUR vs PAX Flow comparison article.
DaVinci and Pax are two of the oldest names in the vaporizer game and the Pax Plus and the DaVinci IQ3 are two of the most popular portable dry herb options around. They cost around the same to buy, so how do you decide which is the best choice for you? Simple: read on. I’ve used both extensively and I have very clear advice on which to get and why.
The DaVinci IQ3 (pictured above) remains our pick over the Pax Plus. It produces better vapor, and its removable battery is a major advantage: when the battery runs low, you can swap it out instead of waiting for the vape to charge. Most vaporizers in this class have built-in batteries.
PAX has always ran non-removable batteries. Most people don’t mind this and I can see why but there is one massive downside to non-removable batteries that most reviews gloss over: once the battery dies in a device like the PAX Plus, the device is dead. You can no longer use it. That means the long-term usage you’ll get from it is way less than you would with the IQ3.
So, let’s break down how they stack up in terms of performance and features.
After that, I’ll share my hot take based on extensive use and give you my two cents on which I think is the better choice.
DaVinci IQ3 vs Pax Plus: Which Should You Get?
🏗️ Design and Build
| Feature | DaVinci IQ3 | Pax Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Compact rectangular with rounded edges | Sleek, elongated design |
| Body Material | Brushed aluminum | Anodized aluminum |
| Battery | Removable 18650 | Built-in |
| Vapor Path | Zirconia ceramic | Stainless steel |
| Weight | 159g | 93g |
The IQ3 has a more substantial feel, while the Pax Plus is notably lighter and more pocket-friendly.
🌡️ Heating System and Performance
| Feature | DaVinci IQ3 | Pax Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Heating Type | Conduction | Hybrid conduction/convection |
| Temperature Range | 320°F – 430°F (160°C – 221°C) | 360°F – 420°F (182°C – 215°C) |
| Heat-up Time | 30-40 seconds | 15-20 seconds |
| Airflow | Adjustable via dial | Fixed |
The Pax Plus heats up faster, but the IQ3 offers more precise temperature control and adjustable airflow.
🍜 Oven and Capacity
| Feature | DaVinci IQ3 | Pax Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Oven Material | Ceramic | Stainless steel |
| Capacity | 0.5g | 0.5g |
| Adjustable Oven | Yes, with dosage pod | Yes, with half-pack lid |
Both devices offer ways to reduce oven size for smaller sessions.
🔋 Battery Life and Charging
| Feature | DaVinci IQ3 | Pax Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | Removable 3500mAh 18650 | Built-in 3000mAh |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Usage Time | 60-90 minutes | 90-110 minutes |
| Charge Time | 2-3 hours | 2-3 hours |
The IQ3’s removable battery allows for quick swaps, while the Pax Plus offers slightly longer battery life per charge.
💨 Vapor Quality
DaVinci IQ3:
- Known for excellent flavor preservation
- Cooler vapor due to zirconia ceramic components
- Adjustable airflow for customized draws
Pax Plus:
- Good flavor, especially on lower temperatures
- Vapor can be warmer due to shorter vapor path
- Consistent vapor production
The IQ3 generally edges out in terms of flavor, while the Pax Plus offers more consistent vapor density.
🤖 Smart Features and App Support
DaVinci IQ3:
- Built-in dosage calculation
- Adjustable session length
- Smartphone app for iOS and Android
- Customizable Smart Paths
Pax Plus:
- Dynamic modes (Standard, Stealth, Boost, Efficiency)
- Smartphone app for Android (iOS via web app)
- Haptic feedback
Both offer app support, but the Pax Plus has more integrated smart features without the app.
🧼 Cleaning and Maintenance
DaVinci IQ3:
- Removable vapor path for easy cleaning
- Included cleaning tools
Pax Plus:
- Requires more frequent cleaning
- Smaller parts can be more challenging to clean
The IQ3 is generally easier to maintain due to its modular design.
💰 Price
The DaVinci IQ3 is typically priced slightly higher than the Pax Plus, reflecting its more advanced features and removable battery design.
Is The DaVinci IQ3 Actually Better Than The PAX Plus?
I used the PAX Plus for a solid few months when it came out; you can check out my PAX Plus review for more details. Like the PAX 3, it’s a solid vaporizer that gets the job done. But it isn’t brilliant.
The heat-up times are rapid, sure, and it is super compact. But it doesn’t pack much of a punch in the vapor output department, and its non-removable battery and slow charging speeds mean your sessions are often cut short.
The DaVinci IQ3, on the other hand, is a league above the PAX; it’s more inline with the kind of performance you get on vaporizers like the Crafty+ and Mighty. Is it as good as these? No, not quite.
But in this context, the DaVinci IQ3 is the clear victor and the one to go for.
And I’m not alone in this train of thought either; my good buddy Tyler from To The Cloud reckons much the same:
The DaVinci IQ3 builds on strengths offered by the IQ2 by featuring an enlarged chamber, allowing for improved vapor production. With temperatures reaching up to 430°F and enhanced airflow, it delivers exceptional performance, making it perfect for cloud production – Tyler, To The Cloud Store
Why? Here’s three simple ways it has the PAX Plus whipped:
- Battery Life – The DaVinci IQ3’s battery performance is around 20% better than the Pax Plus. But the IQ3 also comes with a removable battery, so you can hot-swap 21700 batteries which means you can continue using it while the other charges. Game changer.
- Performance (Vapor Production) – With its focus on flavor and its zirconia ceramic components, the flavor the IQ3 pumps out runs rings around what you get with the PAX Plus. The IQ3 also has an adjustable airflow control, so you can augment how it draws.
- Easier To Clean – Pax vaporizers are a pain in the butt to clean. And you do have to clean your vaporizers, otherwise they get clogged up. The IQ3 comes apart really simply and is actually way easier to clean than before. DaVinci even includes all the cleaning stuff you need in the box.
Bottom line? The choice is clear, really. The best option out of these two vaporizers is the DaVinci IQ3. It has the PAX Plus whipped in nearly every measurable way – from flavor to battery life to performance.
Best Deals & Prices
The IQ3 costs more, a hundred bucks more, but I’d argue it is worth the extra money. From the flavor to the battery life, it just brings WAY more performance and utility to the party. And when it comes to portable vaporizers, that’s the name of the game!
- Davinci IQ3: Prices Start From $299.99
- PAX Plus: Prices Start From $199.99
