Price (USD)
PAX Plus edgePAX Plus
$125
RiO
$150
PAX Plus is typically around $25 lower.
Vaporizer Comparison
PAX Plus vs RiO
Side-by-side specs, pricing context, and clear decision guidance.
PAX Plus
PAX Labs $125
VS
RiO
Stache $150
Editorial Summary
PAX Plus and RiO are both portable / conduction vaporizers, but they target different priorities. PAX Plus is usually the lower-cost pick at $125, around $25 below RiO. Session style, airflow, and extraction behavior will matter more than raw spec sheet numbers here.
Specs Compared
21
Different Specs
19
Shared Specs
2
Overall Overlap
10%
Shared Traits
Portable Conduction Concentrates
Head-to-Head Highlights
A quick snapshot of the specs people usually care about first.
Weight
PAX Plus edgePAX Plus
91 grams
RiO
~522g
PAX Plus is the lighter listed unit.
Heating Style
Close callPAX Plus
Conduction
RiO
Conduction
Both devices use a similar heating approach.
Key Differences at a Glance
Top specs where these two devices diverge.
Price (USD)
PAX Plus
$125
RiO
$150
Temperature Range
PAX Plus
360°F - 420°F
RiO
N/A
Chamber Capacity
PAX Plus
0.25g - 0.5g
RiO
N/A
Battery Type
PAX Plus
Internal 18650
RiO
N/A
Charging
PAX Plus
Magnetic dock via USB, under ~120 minutes
RiO
N/A
Weight
PAX Plus
91 grams
RiO
~522g
Power Adjustment
PAX Plus
Stealth, Efficiency, Flavor, Boost modes
RiO
Manual
Chamber Material
PAX Plus
Stainless Steel
RiO
Glass
Concentrate Support
PAX Plus
Supports concentrate insert (Complete Kit)
RiO
Yes
Brand
PAX Plus
PAX Labs
RiO
Stache
Choose PAX Plus if...
- You want the lower listed entry price ($125 vs $150).
- You want the lighter unit for carrying and travel.
- Your usage leans toward discrete and electronic sessions.
Choose RiO if...
- Your usage leans toward microdosing and analog sessions.
- You prefer RiO's overall feature mix and form factor.
- You value how the RiO balances size, controls, and everyday practicality.
Spec Comparison Table
Direct comparison of every spec from each device profile.
19 differ 2 shared
| Specification | PAX Plus | RiO |
|---|---|---|
| Price (USD) | $125 | $150 |
| Device Type | Portable | Portable |
| Heating Type | Conduction | Conduction |
| Heat Up Time | <30 seconds | — |
| Temperature Range | 360°F - 420°F | N/A |
| Chamber Capacity | 0.25g - 0.5g | N/A |
| Battery Type | Internal 18650 | N/A |
| Battery Capacity | 3300mAh (internal) | — |
| Battery Life | 2+ hours | — |
| Charging | Magnetic dock via USB, under ~120 minutes | N/A |
| Charge Time | 2-3 hours | — |
| Dimensions | 98mm x 31mm x 22mm | — |
| Height | — | 14 inches |
| Weight | 91 grams | ~522g |
| Power Adjustment | Stealth, Efficiency, Flavor, Boost modes | Manual |
| Chamber Material | Stainless Steel | Glass |
| Concentrate Support | Supports concentrate insert (Complete Kit) | Yes |
| Brand | PAX Labs | Stache |
| Release Date | 2022 | — |
| Session Style | Session | — |
| Warranty | 10 years | 1 year |
Comparison FAQs
What is the biggest difference between the PAX Plus and the RiO?
The biggest practical difference is portability: the PAX Plus is roughly 431g lighter than the RiO, which adds up over a day of pocket carry.
Which is cheaper, the PAX Plus or the RiO?
PAX Plus is the cheaper option at $125 compared with $150 for the RiO, about $25 less. Live retailer pricing can shift, so confirm before buying.
Which is lighter, the PAX Plus or the RiO?
PAX Plus is the lighter unit at 91 grams, around 431g less than the RiO at ~522g. The lighter device is easier to carry and pocket day-to-day.
How much flower do the PAX Plus and RiO hold?
PAX Plus lists a chamber capacity of 0.25g - 0.5g; the RiO lists N/A.
Which is more discreet, the PAX Plus or the RiO?
PAX Plus is the better pick if low-profile use matters. It's tagged as stealth or pocket-friendly in our database, while the RiO is more conspicuous in hand and harder to keep out of sight.
Is the PAX Plus or the RiO better for microdosing?
RiO is the better fit for microdosing in our database, typically thanks to a smaller chamber, finer temperature control, or both.
How similar are the PAX Plus and the RiO?
Across the 21 specs we line up, they share 2 and differ on 19, an overlap of about 10%. The differences are concentrated in the areas the spec table highlights with a marker.
Need a different matchup?
Jump into the comparison hub to pick any two devices and open a canonical side-by-side page.