Price (USD)
Cipher NOVA edgeCipher NOVA
$120
PAX 3
$250
Cipher NOVA is typically around $130 lower.
Vaporizer Comparison
Cipher NOVA vs PAX 3
Side-by-side specs, pricing context, and clear decision guidance.
Cipher NOVA
Cipher $120
VS
PAX 3
PAX Labs $250
Editorial Summary
Cipher NOVA and PAX 3 are both portable / electronic vaporizers, but they target different priorities. Cipher NOVA is usually the lower-cost pick at $120, around $130 below PAX 3. Session style, airflow, and extraction behavior will matter more than raw spec sheet numbers here.
Specs Compared
24
Different Specs
23
Shared Specs
1
Overall Overlap
4%
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 3
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 3
$250
Heating Type
Cipher NOVA
Dual arc lighter (combustion, not vaporization)
PAX 3
Conduction
Temperature Range
Cipher NOVA
Not applicable, the arc ignites the load
PAX 3
182°C - 215°C (360°F - 420°F)
Battery Type
Cipher NOVA
Internal
PAX 3
Internal 18650
Battery Capacity
Cipher NOVA
1000mAh
PAX 3
3500mAh
Battery Life
Cipher NOVA
100+ hits per charge at three seconds of arc per hit
PAX 3
~90 minutes
Charging
Cipher NOVA
USB-C
PAX 3
Proprietary Dock
Charge Time
Cipher NOVA
About 1 hour
PAX 3
~90 minutes
Dimensions
Cipher NOVA
130 x 20mm
PAX 3
98mm x 31mm x 22mm
Power Adjustment
Cipher NOVA
None
PAX 3
Modular - 4 stages
Choose Cipher NOVA if...
- You want the lower listed entry price ($120 vs $250).
- 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 3 if...
- You prefer a conduction heating profile.
- Your usage leans toward conduction and concentrates sessions.
- You prefer PAX 3's overall feature mix and form factor.
Typical price
$250
Sold by To the Cloud Vapor Store
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.
23 differ 1 shared
| Specification | Cipher NOVA | PAX 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price (USD) | $120 | $250 |
| Device Type | Portable | Portable |
| Heating Type | Dual arc lighter (combustion, not vaporization) | Conduction |
| Heat Up Time | — | <30 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 18650 |
| Battery Capacity | 1000mAh | 3500mAh |
| Battery Life | 100+ hits per charge at three seconds of arc per hit | ~90 minutes |
| Charging | USB-C | Proprietary Dock |
| Charge Time | About 1 hour | ~90 minutes |
| Bluetooth / App | — | Yes |
| Dimensions | 130 x 20mm | 98mm x 31mm x 22mm |
| Weight | — | ~93 grams |
| Power Adjustment | None | Modular - 4 stages |
| Chamber Material | High temperature glazed ceramic pods | Stainless Steel |
| Concentrate Support | — | Yes |
| Brand | Cipher | PAX Labs |
| Ambient Operating Range | 3.5-43°C (38-110°F) | — |
| Body Material | Stainless steel | — |
| Release Date | 2022 (V3 revision 2026) | 2016 |
| Session Style | On-Demand | — |
| Warranty | 1 year | 10 years |
| Water Pipe Adapter | Optional accessory | — |
Comparison FAQs
What is the biggest difference between the Cipher NOVA and the PAX 3?
The biggest practical difference is price tier: the Cipher NOVA sits at $120 while the PAX 3 is $250, a gap of about $130 that puts them in different buying brackets.
Which is cheaper, the Cipher NOVA or the PAX 3?
Cipher NOVA is the cheaper option at $120 compared with $250 for the PAX 3, about $130 less. Live retailer pricing can shift, so confirm before buying.
What's the difference in heating between the Cipher NOVA and the PAX 3?
Cipher NOVA uses dual arc lighter (combustion, not vaporization) heating, while the PAX 3 uses conduction. Heating style influences flavor profile, vapor density, and how forgiving the device is to draw technique.
Which has better battery life, the Cipher NOVA or the PAX 3?
Cipher NOVA is rated for 100+ hits per charge at three seconds of arc per hit, ahead of ~90 minutes on the PAX 3. Real-world battery life depends on how high you set the temperature and how long sessions run.
Can I set custom temperatures on the Cipher NOVA or the PAX 3?
Cipher NOVA controls heat with none, while the PAX 3 uses modular - 4 stages. Both let you change temperature, just with different levels of precision.
Which charges faster, the Cipher NOVA or the PAX 3?
Cipher NOVA fully charges in About 1 hour, ahead of ~90 minutes on the PAX 3.
Need a different matchup?
Jump into the comparison hub to pick any two devices and open a canonical side-by-side page.