Price (USD)
Close callHydrology9 NX
$250
PAX 3
$250
Pricing is very close between both devices.
Vaporizer Comparison
Hydrology9 NX vs PAX 3
Side-by-side specs, pricing context, and clear decision guidance.
Hydrology9 NX
Cloudious9 $250
VS
PAX 3
PAX Labs $250
Editorial Summary
Hydrology9 NX and PAX 3 are both concentrates / electronic vaporizers, but they target different priorities. Their listed prices are close ($250 vs $250). Heat-up speed is broadly similar between the two.
Specs Compared
21
Different Specs
18
Shared Specs
3
Overall Overlap
14%
Shared Traits
Concentrates Electronic
Head-to-Head Highlights
A quick snapshot of the specs people usually care about first.
Heat-Up Time
Close callHydrology9 NX
~30 seconds
PAX 3
<30 seconds
Both devices are in a similar heat-up range.
Weight
PAX 3 edgeHydrology9 NX
413 grams
PAX 3
~93 grams
PAX 3 is the lighter listed unit.
Heating Style
Close callHydrology9 NX
Hybrid Convection
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.
Device Type
Hydrology9 NX
Desktop
PAX 3
Portable
Heating Type
Hydrology9 NX
Hybrid Convection
PAX 3
Conduction
Temperature Range
Hydrology9 NX
324°F - 468°F
PAX 3
182°C - 215°C (260°F - 420°F)
Chamber Capacity
Hydrology9 NX
~0.2g - 0.25g
PAX 3
<0.35 grams
Battery Type
Hydrology9 NX
Removable
PAX 3
Internal 18650
Battery Capacity
Hydrology9 NX
1900mAh
PAX 3
3500mAh
Battery Life
Hydrology9 NX
60-120 sessions
PAX 3
~90 minutes
Charging
Hydrology9 NX
USB to Propietary Magnetic Connector
PAX 3
Proprietary Dock
Charge Time
Hydrology9 NX
~60 minutes
PAX 3
~90 minutes
Dimensions
Hydrology9 NX
4.5cm x 4.5cm x 17.5cm
PAX 3
98mm x 31mm x 22mm
Choose Hydrology9 NX if...
- You prefer a hybrid convection heating profile.
- Your usage leans toward hybrid and convection sessions.
- You prefer Hydrology9 NX's overall feature mix and form factor.
Choose PAX 3 if...
- You want the lighter unit for carrying and travel.
- You prefer a conduction heating profile.
- Your usage leans toward portable and conduction sessions.
Spec Comparison Table
Direct comparison of every spec from each device profile.
18 differ 3 shared
| Specification | Hydrology9 NX | PAX 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price (USD) | $250 | $250 |
| Device Type | Desktop | Portable |
| Heating Type | Hybrid Convection | Conduction |
| Heat Up Time | ~30 seconds | <30 seconds |
| Temperature Range | 324°F - 468°F | 182°C - 215°C (260°F - 420°F) |
| Chamber Capacity | ~0.2g - 0.25g | <0.35 grams |
| Battery Type | Removable | Internal 18650 |
| Battery Capacity | 1900mAh | 3500mAh |
| Battery Life | 60-120 sessions | ~90 minutes |
| Charging | USB to Propietary Magnetic Connector | Proprietary Dock |
| Charge Time | ~60 minutes | ~90 minutes |
| Bluetooth / App | — | Yes |
| Dimensions | 4.5cm x 4.5cm x 17.5cm | 98mm x 31mm x 22mm |
| Weight | 413 grams | ~93 grams |
| Power Adjustment | 6 Presets (Dial) | Modular - 4 stages |
| Chamber Material | Ceramic | Stainless Steel |
| Concentrate Support | Yes | Yes |
| Brand | Cloudious9 | PAX Labs |
| Release Date | 2021 | 2016 |
| Session Style | Session | — |
| Warranty | 2 years | 10 years |
Comparison FAQs
What is the biggest difference between the Hydrology9 NX and the PAX 3?
The biggest practical difference is form factor: these aren't the same kind of device. Hydrology9 NX is a desktop, PAX 3 is a portable. Pick based on whether you want something portable or something stationary.
What's the difference in heating between the Hydrology9 NX and the PAX 3?
Hydrology9 NX uses hybrid convection heating, while the PAX 3 uses conduction. Heating style influences flavor profile, vapor density, and how forgiving the device is to draw technique.
Does the Hydrology9 NX or the PAX 3 hold more flower?
PAX 3 has the larger chamber at <0.35 grams, versus ~0.2g - 0.25g on the Hydrology9 NX. A bigger bowl means fewer reloads on long sessions; a smaller one suits microdosing and quicker bowls.
Which is lighter, the Hydrology9 NX or the PAX 3?
PAX 3 is the lighter unit at ~93 grams, around 320g less than the Hydrology9 NX at 413 grams. The lighter device is easier to carry and pocket day-to-day.
Is the Hydrology9 NX or the PAX 3 better for home versus on-the-go use?
PAX 3 is the take-anywhere choice. It's a portable, battery-powered unit, while the Hydrology9 NX is built for home use, where bigger heaters, AC power, and larger chambers make sense.
Which is cheaper, the Hydrology9 NX or the PAX 3?
Listed prices are close: $250 for the Hydrology9 NX versus $250 for the PAX 3. Day-to-day price will likely come down to whichever retailer is running a promotion.
Can I swap the batteries on the Hydrology9 NX or the PAX 3?
Hydrology9 NX uses removable, so you can carry spares for back-to-back days. The PAX 3 has a built-in battery you can't swap on the go.
Need a different matchup?
Jump into the comparison hub to pick any two devices and open a canonical side-by-side page.