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Vaporizer Comparison

PAX 3 vs Puffco Proxy

Side-by-side specs, pricing context, and clear decision guidance.

PAX 3

PAX 3

PAX Labs $250

VS
Puffco Proxy

Puffco Proxy

Puffco $280

Editorial Summary

PAX 3 and Puffco Proxy are both portable / conduction vaporizers, but they target different priorities. PAX 3 is usually the lower-cost pick at $250, around $30 below Puffco Proxy. Heat-up speed is broadly similar between the two.

Specs Compared

29

Different Specs

28

Shared Specs

1

Overall Overlap

3%

Shared Traits

Portable Conduction Concentrates Electronic

Head-to-Head Highlights

A quick snapshot of the specs people usually care about first.

Price (USD)

PAX 3 edge

PAX 3

$250

Puffco Proxy

$280

PAX 3 is typically around $30 lower.

Heat-Up Time

Close call

PAX 3

<30 seconds

Puffco Proxy

~25 seconds

Both devices are in a similar heat-up range.

Weight

Puffco Proxy edge

PAX 3

~93 grams

Puffco Proxy

77 grams with the stock glass pipe

Puffco Proxy is the lighter listed unit.

Heating Style

Close call

PAX 3

Conduction

Puffco Proxy

Conduction (3D Chamber, heated ceramic side walls)

Heating style differs, which can impact flavor and extraction behavior.

Key Differences at a Glance

Top specs where these two devices diverge.

10 differences

Price (USD)

PAX 3

$250

Puffco Proxy

$280

Heating Type

PAX 3

Conduction

Puffco Proxy

Conduction (3D Chamber, heated ceramic side walls)

Heat Up Time

PAX 3

<30 seconds

Puffco Proxy

~25 seconds

Temperature Range

PAX 3

182°C - 215°C (360°F - 420°F)

Puffco Proxy

254-285°C (490-545°F) across four presets, custom values in the Connect app

Battery Type

PAX 3

Internal 18650

Puffco Proxy

Internal, sealed

Battery Life

PAX 3

~90 minutes

Puffco Proxy

~15 dabs per charge

Charging

PAX 3

Proprietary Dock

Puffco Proxy

USB-C

Charge Time

PAX 3

~90 minutes

Puffco Proxy

~2 hours

Dimensions

PAX 3

98mm x 31mm x 22mm

Puffco Proxy

140 x 75 x 35mm with the stock glass pipe

Weight

PAX 3

~93 grams

Puffco Proxy

77 grams with the stock glass pipe

Choose PAX 3 if...

  • You want the lower listed entry price ($250 vs $280).
  • You prefer a conduction heating profile.
  • Your usage leans toward discrete sessions.

Typical price

$250

Sold by To the Cloud Vapor Store

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Choose Puffco Proxy if...

  • You prefer a conduction (3d chamber, heated ceramic side walls) heating profile.
  • Your usage leans toward ceramic chamber and glass sessions.
  • You prefer Puffco Proxy's overall feature mix and form factor.

Typical price

$280

Sold by The Stash Shack

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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.

28 differ 1 shared
SpecificationPAX 3Puffco Proxy
Price (USD) $250$280
Device Type PortablePortable
Heating Type ConductionConduction (3D Chamber, heated ceramic side walls)
Heat Up Time <30 seconds~25 seconds
Temperature Range 182°C - 215°C (360°F - 420°F)254-285°C (490-545°F) across four presets, custom values in the Connect app
Chamber Capacity 0.35 - 0.5 grams
Battery Type Internal 18650Internal, sealed
Battery Capacity 3500mAh
Battery Life ~90 minutes~15 dabs per charge
Charging Proprietary DockUSB-C
Charge Time ~90 minutes~2 hours
Pass-Through Charging Yes
Bluetooth / App Yes
Dimensions 98mm x 31mm x 22mm140 x 75 x 35mm with the stock glass pipe
Weight ~93 grams77 grams with the stock glass pipe
Power Adjustment Modular - 4 stagesFour presets plus custom profiles in the app
Chamber Material Stainless SteelCeramic
Concentrate Support YesYes (a separate Flower Bowl accessory is sold for dry herb)
Brand PAX LabsPuffco
Adjustable Airflow Joystick Cap steers airflow, no airflow dial
App Control Yes, Puffco Connect over Bluetooth
Country of Manufacture China
Display Type LED light bar (dimmable, customisable in the app)
Haptic Feedback Yes
Heat Cycle Duration 40 seconds default, up to 2 minutes in the app, Boost adds heat and time
Manufacturer Puffco
Release Date 20162022 (current Bluetooth version from 2025)
Session Style Session
Warranty 10 years2 years on the base, 6 months on the chamber

Comparison FAQs

What is the biggest difference between the PAX 3 and the Puffco Proxy?

The biggest practical difference is heating approach: PAX 3 runs conduction while Puffco Proxy runs conduction (3d chamber, heated ceramic side walls). That changes flavor delivery, vapor density, and how the device responds to slow versus fast draws.

Which is cheaper, the PAX 3 or the Puffco Proxy?

PAX 3 is the cheaper option at $250 compared with $280 for the Puffco Proxy, about $30 less. Live retailer pricing can shift, so confirm before buying.

Which heats up faster, the PAX 3 or the Puffco Proxy?

Puffco Proxy reaches session-ready temperature in ~25 seconds, while the PAX 3 takes <30 seconds. That's roughly 5 seconds quicker on the Puffco Proxy, which is useful if you want shorter, on-demand sessions.

What's the difference in heating between the PAX 3 and the Puffco Proxy?

PAX 3 uses conduction heating, while the Puffco Proxy uses conduction (3d chamber, heated ceramic side walls). Heating style influences flavor profile, vapor density, and how forgiving the device is to draw technique.

Which is lighter, the PAX 3 or the Puffco Proxy?

Puffco Proxy is the lighter unit at 77 grams with the stock glass pipe, around 16g less than the PAX 3 at ~93 grams. The lighter device is easier to carry and pocket day-to-day.

Can I set custom temperatures on the PAX 3 or the Puffco Proxy?

PAX 3 controls heat with modular - 4 stages, while the Puffco Proxy uses four presets plus custom profiles in the app. Puffco Proxy gives you finer per-degree control.

Which charges faster, the PAX 3 or the Puffco Proxy?

PAX 3 fully charges in ~90 minutes, ahead of ~2 hours on the Puffco Proxy.

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