Price (USD)
PAX 3 edgePAX 3
$250
Volcano Classic
$450
PAX 3 is typically around $200 lower.
Vaporizer Comparison
PAX 3 vs Volcano Classic
Side-by-side specs, pricing context, and clear decision guidance.
PAX 3
PAX Labs $250
VS
Volcano Classic
Storz & Bickel $450
Editorial Summary
PAX 3 and Volcano Classic are both electronic vaporizers, but they target different priorities. PAX 3 is usually the lower-cost pick at $250, around $200 below Volcano Classic. PAX 3 has the quicker listed heat-up profile, which can matter for shorter sessions.
Specs Compared
23
Different Specs
23
Shared Specs
0
Overall Overlap
0%
Shared Traits
Electronic
Head-to-Head Highlights
A quick snapshot of the specs people usually care about first.
Heat-Up Time
PAX 3 edgePAX 3
<30 seconds
Volcano Classic
3.5 - 6 minutes
PAX 3 has the quicker listed heat-up profile.
Weight
PAX 3 edgePAX 3
~93 grams
Volcano Classic
~1.6 kg
PAX 3 is the lighter listed unit.
Heating Style
Close callPAX 3
Conduction
Volcano Classic
Convection
Heating style differs, which can impact flavor and extraction behavior.
Key Differences at a Glance
Top specs where these two devices diverge.
Price (USD)
PAX 3
$250
Volcano Classic
$450
Device Type
PAX 3
Portable
Volcano Classic
Desktop
Heating Type
PAX 3
Conduction
Volcano Classic
Convection
Heat Up Time
PAX 3
<30 seconds
Volcano Classic
3.5 - 6 minutes
Temperature Range
PAX 3
182°C - 215°C (260°F - 420°F)
Volcano Classic
350°F - 446°F
Chamber Capacity
PAX 3
<0.35 grams
Volcano Classic
~0.6g
Battery Type
PAX 3
Internal 18650
Volcano Classic
N/A
Charging
PAX 3
Proprietary Dock
Volcano Classic
N/A
Dimensions
PAX 3
98mm x 31mm x 22mm
Volcano Classic
18cm x 20cm
Weight
PAX 3
~93 grams
Volcano Classic
~1.6 kg
Choose PAX 3 if...
- You want the lower listed entry price ($250 vs $450).
- You care about faster heat-up time for quicker sessions.
- You want the lighter unit for carrying and travel.
- You prefer a conduction heating profile.
Choose Volcano Classic if...
- You prefer a convection heating profile.
- Your usage leans toward desktop and convection sessions.
- You prefer Volcano Classic's overall feature mix and form factor.
Spec Comparison Table
Direct comparison of every spec from each device profile.
23 differ 0 shared
| Specification | PAX 3 | Volcano Classic |
|---|---|---|
| Price (USD) | $250 | $450 |
| Device Type | Portable | Desktop |
| Heating Type | Conduction | Convection |
| Heat Up Time | <30 seconds | 3.5 - 6 minutes |
| Temperature Range | 182°C - 215°C (260°F - 420°F) | 350°F - 446°F |
| Chamber Capacity | <0.35 grams | ~0.6g |
| Battery Type | Internal 18650 | N/A |
| Battery Capacity | 3500mAh | — |
| Battery Life | ~90 minutes | — |
| Charging | Proprietary Dock | N/A |
| Charge Time | ~90 minutes | — |
| Bluetooth / App | Yes | — |
| Dimensions | 98mm x 31mm x 22mm | 18cm x 20cm |
| Weight | ~93 grams | ~1.6 kg |
| Power Adjustment | Modular - 4 stages | Modular - 9 stages |
| Chamber Material | Stainless Steel | Ceramic-Coated |
| Concentrate Support | Yes | — |
| Brand | PAX Labs | Storz & Bickel |
| Country of Manufacture | — | Germany |
| Power | — | 110V/220V AC |
| Release Date | 2016 | 2000 |
| Session Style | — | Session |
| Warranty | 10 years | 2 years |
Comparison FAQs
What is the biggest difference between the PAX 3 and the Volcano Classic?
The biggest practical difference is price tier: the PAX 3 sits at $250 while the Volcano Classic is $450, a gap of about $200 that puts them in different buying brackets.
Which is cheaper, the PAX 3 or the Volcano Classic?
PAX 3 is the cheaper option at $250 compared with $450 for the Volcano Classic, about $200 less. Live retailer pricing can shift, so confirm before buying.
Which heats up faster, the PAX 3 or the Volcano Classic?
PAX 3 reaches session-ready temperature in <30 seconds, while the Volcano Classic takes 3.5 - 6 minutes. That's roughly 255 seconds quicker on the PAX 3, which is useful if you want shorter, on-demand sessions.
What's the difference in heating between the PAX 3 and the Volcano Classic?
PAX 3 uses conduction heating, while the Volcano Classic uses convection. Heating style influences flavor profile, vapor density, and how forgiving the device is to draw technique.
Does the PAX 3 or the Volcano Classic hold more flower?
Volcano Classic has the larger chamber at ~0.6g, versus <0.35 grams on the PAX 3. A bigger bowl means fewer reloads on long sessions; a smaller one suits microdosing and quicker bowls.
Which is lighter, the PAX 3 or the Volcano Classic?
PAX 3 is the lighter unit at ~93 grams, around 1507g less than the Volcano Classic at ~1.6 kg. The lighter device is easier to carry and pocket day-to-day.
Is the PAX 3 or the Volcano Classic better for home versus on-the-go use?
PAX 3 is the take-anywhere choice. It's a portable, battery-powered unit, while the Volcano Classic is built for home use, where bigger heaters, AC power, and larger chambers make sense.
Need a different matchup?
Jump into the comparison hub to pick any two devices and open a canonical side-by-side page.