Price (USD)
Cipher NOVA edgeCipher NOVA
$120
PAX 2
$150
Cipher NOVA is typically around $30 lower.
Vaporizer Comparison
Cipher NOVA vs PAX 2
Side-by-side specs, pricing context, and clear decision guidance.
Cipher NOVA
Cipher $120
VS
PAX 2
PAX Labs $150
Editorial Summary
Cipher NOVA and PAX 2 are both portable / electronic vaporizers, but they target different priorities. Cipher NOVA is usually the lower-cost pick at $120, around $30 below PAX 2. Session style, airflow, and extraction behavior will matter more than raw spec sheet numbers here.
Specs Compared
23
Different Specs
21
Shared Specs
2
Overall Overlap
9%
Shared Traits
Portable Electronic Discrete
Head-to-Head Highlights
A quick snapshot of the specs people usually care about first.
Heating Style
Close callCipher NOVA
Dual arc lighter (combustion, not vaporization)
PAX 2
Conduction
Heating style differs, which can impact flavor and extraction behavior.
Key Differences at a Glance
Top specs where these two devices diverge.
Price (USD)
Cipher NOVA
$120
PAX 2
$150
Heating Type
Cipher NOVA
Dual arc lighter (combustion, not vaporization)
PAX 2
Conduction
Temperature Range
Cipher NOVA
Not applicable, the arc ignites the load
PAX 2
182°C - 215°C (360°F - 420°F)
Battery Capacity
Cipher NOVA
1000mAh
PAX 2
3000mAh
Dimensions
Cipher NOVA
130 x 20mm
PAX 2
98mm x 31mm x 22mm
Power Adjustment
Cipher NOVA
None
PAX 2
4 Preset Modes
Chamber Material
Cipher NOVA
High temperature glazed ceramic pods
PAX 2
Stainless Steel
Brand
Cipher NOVA
Cipher
PAX 2
PAX Labs
Release Date
Cipher NOVA
2022 (V3 revision 2026)
PAX 2
2015
Warranty
Cipher NOVA
1 year
PAX 2
2 years
Choose Cipher NOVA if...
- You want the lower listed entry price ($120 vs $150).
- You prefer a dual arc lighter (combustion, not vaporization) heating profile.
- Your usage leans toward budget sessions.
Typical price
$120
Sold by Daily High Club
Choose PAX 2 if...
- You prefer a conduction heating profile.
- Your usage leans toward conduction sessions.
- You prefer PAX 2's overall feature mix and form factor.
Typical price
$150
Sold by Slick Vapes
Prices are read automatically from retailer pages; confirm the price at checkout. Some links are affiliate links, which support Thermal Extractions at no extra cost to you.
Spec Comparison Table
Direct comparison of every spec from each device profile.
21 differ 2 shared
| Specification | Cipher NOVA | PAX 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price (USD) | $120 | $150 |
| Device Type | Portable | Portable |
| Heating Type | Dual arc lighter (combustion, not vaporization) | Conduction |
| Heat Up Time | — | <60 seconds |
| Temperature Range | Not applicable, the arc ignites the load | 182°C - 215°C (360°F - 420°F) |
| Chamber Capacity | — | 0.35 - 0.5 grams |
| Battery Type | Internal | Internal |
| Battery Capacity | 1000mAh | 3000mAh |
| Battery Life | 100+ hits per charge at three seconds of arc per hit | — |
| Charging | USB-C | — |
| Charge Time | About 1 hour | — |
| Bluetooth / App | — | No |
| Dimensions | 130 x 20mm | 98mm x 31mm x 22mm |
| Weight | — | ~90 grams |
| Power Adjustment | None | 4 Preset Modes |
| Chamber Material | High temperature glazed ceramic pods | Stainless Steel |
| Brand | Cipher | PAX Labs |
| Ambient Operating Range | 3.5-43°C (38-110°F) | — |
| Body Material | Stainless steel | — |
| Release Date | 2022 (V3 revision 2026) | 2015 |
| Session Style | On-Demand | — |
| Warranty | 1 year | 2 years |
| Water Pipe Adapter | Optional accessory | — |
Comparison FAQs
What is the biggest difference between the Cipher NOVA and the PAX 2?
The biggest practical difference is heating approach: Cipher NOVA runs dual arc lighter (combustion, not vaporization) while PAX 2 runs conduction. That changes flavor delivery, vapor density, and how the device responds to slow versus fast draws.
Which is cheaper, the Cipher NOVA or the PAX 2?
Cipher NOVA is the cheaper option at $120 compared with $150 for the PAX 2, about $30 less. Live retailer pricing can shift, so confirm before buying.
What's the difference in heating between the Cipher NOVA and the PAX 2?
Cipher NOVA uses dual arc lighter (combustion, not vaporization) heating, while the PAX 2 uses conduction. Heating style influences flavor profile, vapor density, and how forgiving the device is to draw technique.
Can I set custom temperatures on the Cipher NOVA or the PAX 2?
Cipher NOVA controls heat with none, while the PAX 2 uses 4 preset modes. Both let you change temperature, just with different levels of precision.
How similar are the Cipher NOVA and the PAX 2?
Across the 23 specs we line up, they share 2 and differ on 21, an overlap of about 9%. The differences are concentrated in the areas the spec table highlights with a marker.
Need a different matchup?
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