The Pax Plus is well known and popular with beginner users. But is the newer DaVinci IQ3 a better option? Let’s compare the two vaporizers and find out, shall we?
TL;DR: Which Is Best – Davinci IQ3 or Pax Plus?
The DaVinci IQ3 has the Pax Plus well and truly whipped when it comes to flavor and overall performance. Its zirconia ceramic vapor path preserves the purity of each hit, delivering unmatched taste, while the precise temperature control allows you to fine-tune your sessions to perfection.
Add in the swappable 21700 battery, and you get the flexibility for longer sessions without downtime. If you’re after premium vapor quality, full control over your experience, and the ability to tweak every aspect of your vape, the IQ3 is the clear winner.
DaVinci and Pax are two of the oldest names in the vaporizer game. Pax recently updated its flagship with the Pax Plus, and now DaVinci is firing back with the new IQ3.
If you’re looking for a portable, fairly affordable weed vaporizer, you’ve probably come across the PAX Plus and DaVinci IQ series.
But which one’s better? Well, that depends on a few factors, and I’m not going to pretend I know exactly what you’re after.
Industry Insight:
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 Vapor Store.
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
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