Table of contents
- Quick summary
- What is the PAX Mini?
- What is the PAX 2?
- Similar shape, different size
- Technical Specifications
- PAX Mini has a miniature oven
- Different session settings
- PAX Mini heats up faster
- Quality vapor with different approaches
- What about features?
- PAX 2’s battery lasts longer
- Similar accessories
- Price & warranty
- Which one should you buy?
- What about the PAX Plus and PAX 3?
The PAX Mini and PAX 2 are PAX’s cheapest dry herb vaporizers, but how are they different and which one should you consider picking up? They both serve the same purpose but one might suit you better depending on the type of user you are. Lets dig in and see how these two vapes stack up.
|
PAX Mini: Pros 👍 |
PAX 2: Pros 👍 |
| Ultra-pocketable | Ultra-pocketable |
| Fast heat-up time | 4 preset temperatures |
| Easy to use - Great for beginners | Easy to use |
| Light, tasty vapor | Dense, high-quality vapor |
| Long battery life | Long battery life |
| Improved oven screen | Good oven size |
| 2-year warranty | 2-year warranty |
Read PAX Mini Review Read PAX 2 Review
Quick Summary
Similarities
The PAX Mini and PAX 2 are similar at heart. They look and feel the same and utilize a simple one-button design. Turn it on and inhale from the top. Both sessions take a slow, relaxed approach that perform best with slow, easy-going sips. Each one comes with basic accessories like an extra mouthpiece, a cleaning utensil, and a charger.
Differences
Comparatively, the PAX Mini takes an easier approach with one simplified session mode that does the work for you and a smaller oven that makes it just a little bit shorter. The PAX 2 comes with four preset temperatures that you can choose from, a larger oven and slightly better battery life.
Planet of the Vapes: Learn from the experts
We believe that vaporization is the best way to consume herbs, and it is our purpose to make it the preferred choice of herbal consumption and to spread the joy of vaping, every day.
We produce comprehensive reviews and guides to help you make the best buying decision and vaporize with confidence, from start to finish. As an official retailer of PAX products, it’s important we provide you with accurate information to help you choose the best one for you.
What is the PAX Mini
The PAX Mini is one of the newest additions from PAX and takes a totally different approach. As its name suggests, the Mini shrinks down not only its size (and not by much), but also its session with a smaller oven and only one optimized session setting. It’s not for everyone but fills a much-needed gap in the market.
What is the PAX 2
⚠️The PAX 2 Vaporizer has been discontinued. Check out the new PAX Mini for a simpler, more efficient alternative.
Read the PAX Mini reviewShop PAX Mini
The PAX 2 was released in 2015 and has kept up with the pack and the rest of the vaporizer market ever since. It introduced a smaller, more portable size, more temperature settings, and signature PAX features that are still around today like lip sensing technology and standby mode.
Similar shape, different size
From a distance, the PAX 2 and Mini look like the same exact vape. They hold the same shape and feel the same in hand, but the Mini is just a tad shorter. Even though it’s dubbed the “Mini,’ it’s no more portable or pocketable than the PAX 2.
PAX Mini dimensions
- Height: 3.66 in / 9.3 cm
- Width: 1.22 in / 3.2cm
- Depth: .86 in / 2.2 cm
PAX 2 dimensions
- Height: 3.87 in / 9.83 cm
- Width: 1.22 in / 3.2 cm
- Depth: .86 in / 2.2 cm
PAX Mini vs PAX 2 Tech Specs
|
Technical Specifications |
||
|
Price |
$125 |
$150 |
|
Size |
Ultra-pocketable |
Ultra-pocketable |
|
Session Settings |
One Optimized Vaping Mode |
4 preset temperature settings |
|
Oven Size |
0.17g |
0.3g |
|
Heat Up Time |
20 to 30 Seconds |
30 - 60 Seconds |
|
Battery Life |
80 Minutes of Runtime |
90 Minutes of Runtime |
|
Charge Time |
2-3 Hours |
2-3 Hours |
|
Haptic Feedback |
No |
No |
|
Warranty |
2-year Warranty |
2-year Warranty |
|
Bottom line The PAX Plus and PAX Mini share the basics but come with enough differences that you should be on the lookout for. |
||
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NOT compatible with PAX Mini.
PAX Mini has a miniature oven
To make the Mini slightly shorter, PAX cut the oven down by nearly half which makes it the smallest oven in their entire line of vapes. It holds up to .17g of ground herbs or even less depending on the type of grind you use.
Until now, the PAX 2 was the better choice for lighter consumption, with an oven that holds up to a third of a gram, but now you have a more attractive light-use option with the PAX Mini.
Different session settings
Their differences become more apparent when you fire them up for a session. The Mini comes with one optimized session setting and that’s it. Just turn it on and let it do the rest with a session that adjusts its temperature based on your draw style.
The PAX 2 comes with a little more flexibility with four preset temperature settings:
- Setting 1 (one lit petal) - 360ºF (182ºC)
- Setting 2 (two lit petals) - 380°F (193°C)
- Setting 3 (three lit petals) - 400°F (204°C)
- Setting 4 (four lit petals) - 420ºF (216ºC)
Pro Tip: Upgrade your sessions with the POTV Glass Accessory for PAX
Upgrade your PAX sessions with the POTV Glass Accessory Adapter for PAX dry herb vaporizers. This adapter replaces the original mouthpiece and opens the doors to our collection of glass accessories for smoother, tastier vapor.
Take small, microdose-friendly sips or push the limits and go for the biggest draws with our glass accessories - only accessible with our Glass Accessory Adapter. Each accessory maximizes the performance of your PAX with broader, more versatile airflow that caters to both big hitters and easy-going sippers.
Read more about it here.
PAX Mini heats up faster
The Mini has the fastest heat up of the bunch with hits ready to in under 30 seconds while the PAX 2 is the slowest with heat up times ranging anywhere from 30 seconds to a whole minute.
Quality vapor with different approaches
PAX Mini vapor is relaxing
The PAX Mini prioritizes flavorful, efficient vapor with a smaller oven and a session that prioritizes relaxing vapor. Hits start on the lower end of the temperature spectrum and only slightly increase depending on your draw speed. Light draws produce cool, tasty vapor. Hard draws produce thicker hits.
PAX 2 vapor is versatile
The PAX 2 comes with 4 four preset temperatures that you can cycle through however you please. Settings one and two are light and tasty while 3 and 4 are thicker and more potent. Cycle through multiple settings and create your experience or pick one and ride it all the way to the end.
What about features?
Shake to confirm selection: PAX 2 only
Cycle through each mode on the PAX 2 and either ‘click’ or give it a shake to confirm your selection. The Mini doesn’t have this.
Shake to check battery level: Both
Give the vaporizer a shake to check the battery level on both the Plus and the Mini. The lights will light up white with the number of petals to indicate its current charge.
Haptic feedback: Neither
Neither the PAX Mini or PAX 2 have haptic feedback. Pay attention or you might miss your session!
Standby mode: Both
If you don’t take a hit after a minute during your session, both the PAX 2 and PAX Mini will enter standby mode to preserve your herbs, and re-engage as soon as you pick them back up.
PAX 2's battery lasts a little longer
With multiple settings to choose from, the PAX 2’s mileage varies a bit but we averaged around 90 minutes of session time. The Mini falls a little behind but still chugs out great results with around 80 minutes of runtime on average.
Similar accessories
Both the PAX 2 and PAX Mini come with basic accessories.
|
Accessories |
PAX 2 |
PAX Mini |
|
Vaporizer |
✔ |
✔ |
|
Charging dock |
✔ |
✔ |
|
Flat mouthpiece |
✔ |
✔ |
|
Raised mouthpiece |
✔ |
✔ |
|
Standard oven lid |
✔ |
✔ |
|
Cleaning brush |
✔ |
|
|
Pipe cleaners |
✔ |
Price & warranty
Both vapes start at $150 with a two-year warranty and come with just about the same accessories, but you can pick up the PAX 2 on sale now for only $119.95.
Which one should you buy?
Both are simple, easy to use and provide great experiences depending on the type of user you are.
Get the PAX 2 if you’re a heavier user or want more control
If you’re a heavier user and want more temperature options to choose from, get the PAX 2. It comes with a slightly larger oven and preset temperature options if you like more control over your session.
Get the PAX Mini if you’re a beginner or light user
If you’re a beginner or light user and want the simplest experience, grab the PAX Mini. Its small oven and easy-going vapor is enough to satisfy light sessions without overpowering and its one button, single session design is the perfect combo for a simple experience.
What about the PAX Plus and PAX 3?
PAX 2 vs PAX Plus
The PAX Plus is a decent upgrade from the PAX 2. It comes with a full set of useful accessories and more dynamic sessions that you can’t access with the PAX 2. The Plus’s oven is slightly larger and its battery lasts a little longer but that’s really it.
PAX 3 vs PAX 2
The PAX 2 and PAX 3 are very similar, with the same preset settings and great battery life. The PAX 3 sees improvements on the PAX 2 with a faster heat-up time, a smartphone app, and the option for concentrates.
The biggest difference here is the price and the PAX 3’s extra features.
PAX Plus vs PAX Mini
If you consider yourself a lighter user and don’t need a whole lot of vapor to get going, the PAX Mini may be the perfect vape for you. It’s downright simple with a click-it-and-rip-it setup that starts off light, has a smaller oven, and will adjust the temperature according to your draw style.
Otherwise, the PAX Plus has more diverse sessions that will satisfy most users.
👉 Read PAX Plus vs PAX Mini
PAX Mini vs PAX 3
If you need something simple and brainless, the PAX Mini is it. A single click is all it takes and it’ll take care of the rest with a system that adjusts the temperature to your unique draw style. The oven is smaller and the sessions start a little cooler but provides a well-rounded vaping experience with a focus on simplicity.
Besides that, the PAX 3 is made to cater to multiple types of users with a larger oven and multiple session settings. It just takes an extra step or two to get there. Still on the fence? Check out our Best Dry Herb Vaporizer Guide to find out which vape best suites you.
