TL;DR: A vape pen battery powers pre-filled oil cartridges from dispensaries. A wax pen uses an attachable chamber to vaporize load-your-own concentrates like wax or shatter. A dab pen is another name for a wax pen — the terms are used interchangeably. Most people who use dispensary carts just need a quality vape pen battery, like the O.pen 2.0.

If you've heard the terms vape pen, wax pen, and dab pen and aren't sure what sets them apart — you're not alone. These three terms get used interchangeably in cannabis culture, but they describe meaningfully different devices and experiences. Here's the clearest breakdown you'll find.

As many begin to immerse themselves into the world of vaping concentrates they may become confused with the assorted terminology used to describe different methods of vaping and types of vaporizers. In this article, we’ll look to explore the definitions of three common types of vaporizers - vape pens, wax pens and dab pens and the similarities and differences that have given them their unique names within the cannabis space.

All three of these products broadly fall into the category of vaping or vaporizer devices which have grown in popularity thanks to their portability and ease of use. The inconspicuous design of vape pens have offered a means for people to enjoy the benefits of THC just about anywhere. There are now more options than ever when it comes to vaporizers for concentrates, not all are built the same however. Let’s dig into the three most popular types of vapes - vape pens, wax pens and dab pens and what makes each one distinct.

What is a Vape Pen?

A vape pen is a rechargeable 510-thread battery designed to power pre-filled cannabis oil cartridges. The cartridge — filled with THC distillate, live resin, rosin, or CBD oil — screws onto the battery's 510-thread connection and does all the heating work. Your battery just supplies the power.

Vape pens are the most beginner-friendly cannabis device available. There's nothing to load, no chamber to clean, and no temperature precision required beyond dialing in your voltage. Pick up a cart at a licensed dispensary, screw it onto your O.pen battery, and you're ready to go.

The term 'vape pen' technically refers to the battery itself, not the cartridge — though in practice, people use it to describe the whole setup.

Vape pens are the second most popular item purchased in dispensaries after cannabis flower thanks to their affordability, portability and ease of use. Vape pens can be used fairly interchangeably between THC or CBD oil cartridges. There are also vape pens designed for use with nicotine products. Vape pens are extremely easy to use but a few simple tips on how to use a vape pen will help ensure you get the most out of your vaping experience. Vape pens can be heated to different temperatures, often between 2.4 volts and 4.0 volts. The temperature setting used and oil extract being vaped will yield different experiences and more potent puffs are often referred to as dab pens. More on that later. 

Disposable THC Pens

There are also THC vape pens that come prefilled with a battery attached, making them ready to use right out of the box. There is no charging or loading required, the cannabis oil is preloaded inside the vape pen. 

Why Do People Use Vape Pens?

Vape pens are rising in popularity for good reason, and are quickly becoming a favorite with frequent consumers. Beyond being widely available and cost-effective, here are some of the top perks of vape carts and pens. 

• Discreet and practically scentless 
• Convenient for on-the-go use 
• Small and compact
• Long-lasting without re-filling concentrates
• High potency levels 
• Available in disposable options 

As the industry evolves, vape carts and pens have never been more customizable. Batteries now come in a wide range of sizes, and types, while strain-specific and various types of vape carts are abundant on dispensary shelves, and online too.

What is a Wax Pen?

Wax pen batteries have similar characteristics to vape pen batteries. But they may have a stronger battery inside, making them a bit bulkier. A wax pen uses an atomizer — a small heating chamber — that you load directly with cannabis concentrates like wax, shatter, budder, or live resin. Instead of a pre-filled cartridge, you're manually adding concentrate to the chamber with a dab tool before each session.

Wax pens reach higher temperatures than standard vape pen batteries (typically 315–700°F), which is necessary to vaporize the thicker consistency of concentrates. They deliver a more potent, flavor-forward hit than most cartridges — closer in intensity to traditional dabbing.

The trade-off: wax pens require more upkeep. The chamber needs regular cleaning, and atomizer coils should be replaced every 2–4 weeks with regular use.

The strength of the vaporizing wax delivered from a wax pen is similar to that of taking a dab and therefore is often interchangeably referred to as a dab pen.

Wax Pens Vape All Types of Cannabis Extracts 

Shatter, rosin, budder, crumble, and wax are all forms of cannabis that can be vaped from a wax pen. The devices are designed to handle the thick consistency of these concentrates. A wax pen uses a ceramic heating atomizer area to warm the wax into vapor for inhalation. They require more heat because of the thicker viscosity of the concentrate.

Load Your Own Concentrates

Rather than being designed for use with prefilled cartridges, wax pens enable the user to vaporize their concentrate of choice with a dab tool. The task can be messy, but it's great for concentrate enthusiasts who appreciate the whole experience of smoking, not just the end product. Wax pen owners will need to to clean their wax pen regularly - an area where vape pens have an advantage. However for those who want to personalize their experience with vaping concentrates, wax pens are a great, versatile option.

Why Do People Use Wax Pens?

Concentrates are most frequently used for ‘dabs’ with a rig or bong, but wax pens allow you to take and use the highly potent extractions on the go. With wax pens, you can load your favorite concentrate and puff on the portable pen throughout the day, and discreetly. 

Other benefits of wax pens 

• Practically scentless 
• Small and compact 
• Versatile in use for different types of concentrates 
• Rechargeable and replaceable parts
• The ability to fine-tune temperature levels 
• High potency levels

How Do You Vape Wax?

Here are the steps you should go through for vaporizing wax and inhaling it. First, carefully check if the coil is alright before putting wax in the chamber. After that, put wax in the chamber. If your vaping device supports it, then select a temperature that suits the kind of wax you’ve loaded. Next, press the fire button and start inhaling the vapors.

What is a Dab Pen?

Dab pen is another name for a wax pen. The two terms describe the same device — a battery with an attachable concentrate chamber for vaporizing load-your-own extracts. The 'dab' in dab pen refers to the experience it delivers: a potent, concentrate-forward hit similar to taking a traditional dab off a rig.

In some contexts, 'dab pen' also refers to using a vape pen battery at high voltage with a 510-thread wax atomizer attachment — which is technically a hybrid approach. The O.pen 2.0's dab mode (4.0V, blue LED) is designed exactly for this.

Dab pens can be referred to when speaking about a variety of types of vaping devices, so long as they provide a dab like experience.

How to use a dab pen?

Next, let’s cover exactly how to use a dab pen. Keep in mind, all dab pens are different so it’s always best to read the product instructions beyond knowing the basic steps. However, here’s an overview of the basic steps below.

1. If necessary, power your dab pen on. For most models, you can hit the button 3-5 times or until it blinks.  Ensure that the heating coil is working by pressing the power button. This way you don’t waste any precious concentrates with faulty apparatus.  
2. Remove the mouthpiece from the dab pen exposing the heating chamber. 
3. Using a metal tool, scoop up the concentrate you plan on vaporizing. Carefully, place the concentrate directly onto the coil or wick. 

Pro tip - metal coils can be fragile so take extra caution with this step.  

1. Place the mouthpiece back on and put it up to your lips. Hit the power button and hold while you inhale simultaneously. Let go of the power button when you’re satisfied with the length of the hit. 
2. Repeat as necessary, and refill the concentrate when empty. 

Keep in mind, lower temperature dab pen hits will be more flavorful. Here are a few other tips and best practices for taking care of your dab pen device.

• Keep your dab pen clean, by wiping the parts down with a q-tip and isopropyl alcohol frequently. 
• Don’t overpack your dab pen with marijuana concentrate as some heating coils can short-circuit. 
• To avoid overheating, if your pen feels hot, allow it time to cool off. 
• For both use and storage, keep the pen upright.

Wax Pen vs. Dab Pen: What's the Difference?

In everyday use, wax pen and dab pen mean the same thing. Both terms describe a device built for vaporizing concentrates directly — not pre-filled cartridges.

The subtle distinction, when one exists at all: some people use 'dab pen' specifically for devices that reach full dabbing temperatures (700°F+), while 'wax pen' is used more broadly for any concentrate vaporizer. But there's no industry standard here — you'll see both terms used interchangeably on dispensary shelves and in product reviews.

Concentrates vs. Cartridges

The bigger distinction isn't wax pen vs. dab pen — it's concentrates vs. cartridges. If you're buying pre-filled carts at a dispensary, you need a vape pen battery. If you're loading your own concentrates — wax, shatter, sugar, budder — you need a wax/dab pen or a compatible 510 battery with a wax atomizer attachment.

Temperature and Vapor Production

Wax pens operate at higher temperatures than standard vape pen batteries, which produces denser, more intense vapor. If you prefer smooth, flavorful hits from live resin or rosin cartridges, lower voltage settings (2.4–3.2V) on a variable voltage battery are ideal. If you want concentrate-level potency, a dedicated wax pen or the O.pen 2.0 in dab mode delivers it.

Ease of Use and Maintenance

Vape pen batteries win on convenience — swap a cart, go. Wax pens require loading concentrate before each session, cleaning the chamber after, and replacing coils regularly. Both are valid choices depending on your preferences, but if you're new to cannabis or want a low-maintenance setup, start with a 510-thread vape pen battery.

Which One is Right for You?

Choose a vape pen battery if: You buy pre-filled cartridges at a dispensary, you want something simple and portable, or you're newer to cannabis.

Choose a wax pen or dab pen if: You prefer loading your own concentrates, you want maximum potency and flavor from raw extracts, or you're an experienced consumer who doesn't mind the extra maintenance.

Want both options in one device? The O.pen 2.0 Variable Voltage Battery works with standard 510-thread cartridges at three voltage settings, plus includes a dedicated dab mode (4.0V) for use with 510-thread wax atomizer attachments — giving you the full range in a single battery.

Explore our handy chart below to review the differences between the three further.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a wax pen and a dab pen?

Wax pen and dab pen refer to the same type of device — a battery with an attachable concentrate chamber for vaporizing load-your-own cannabis extracts like wax, shatter, or budder. The terms are used interchangeably. Both differ from a standard vape pen battery, which powers pre-filled 510-thread oil cartridges from dispensaries.

What is vaped out of a wax pen?

Cannabis concentrates are vaped out of a wax pen — including wax, shatter, budder, live resin, and rosin. These are loaded directly into the wax pen's atomizer chamber before each session, unlike pre-filled cartridges used with standard vape pen batteries.

Can I use a vape pen battery for wax or concentrates?

Some variable voltage vape pen batteries, like the O.pen 2.0, include a dab mode designed for use with 510-thread wax atomizer attachments. Sta

Now that you know the answer to, what is a dab pen and how to use a dab pen, you can become a concentrate connoisseur on-the-go. Not to mention, with the information you’ve gained today you can also better decide what’s best for you when it comes to wax pens vs dab pens, and dab pens vs vape pens. 

No matter which type of pen you choose, always choose a high-quality brand committed to manufacturing vaping equipment and materials for the elevated high life. Like, O.pen and our collection of premium vape batteries, carts, accessories, and more. Join the O.pen family, and level up your vape routine now!