Are you searching for a portable device that will get you super stoned without the use of a torch or tabletop dab rig? Then a dab pen might be for you. But with so many options on the market, it can be difficult to know which dab pens to cop.
Below, discover all things dab pens, along with a few tips for purchasing your next favorite handheld device.
What are dab pens?
Photo by: Gina Coleman/WeedmapsImage lightbox
Dab pens — also called wax pens and concentrate pens — are handheld vaporizers designed for you to load with cannabis concentrates. Unlike traditional vape pens that use pre-filled cartridges, dab pens require you to manually load your own extracts like wax, shatter, live resin, rosin, and other concentrates.
These portable devices offer a convenient alternative to traditional dab rigs and torches, delivering potent vapor in a compact, pocket-friendly format.
The 5 best dab pens
Here are some excellent choices for your next dab pen.
1. Puffco Pivot
The Puffco Pivot brings the company's acclaimed 3D Chamber technology into a truly pocket-sized package — it's one of the most impressive portable concentrate devices out there.
Highlights
- Real-time temperature control with four heat settings
- Quick-release 3D Chamber system: preload multiple chambers for on-the-go convenience
- Even heating from all sides preserves terpenes and maximizes flavor
- Haptic feedback and visual dab timer for intuitive use
- Delivers 12–15 dabs per charge
- Boost Mode for extra-potent hits
- USB-C fast charging
- Extremely compact and pocket-friendly design
Price: $130
2. Dr.Dabber Ghost 2
The Ghost 2 is Dr.Dabber's latest take on their classic concentrate pen, packing advanced heating tech borrowed from their flagship Switch 2 e-rig.
Highlights:
- Full ceramic airpath and mouthpiece: zero plastic or silicone contact for purest flavor
- Five precise temperature settings (420-540°F)
- Three dynamic heating modes: Ascending, Descending, and Plateau
- Swing-open magnetic design makes loading effortless
- Ceramic plate atomizer heats evenly for consistent results
- Up to 20 heating cycles per charge
- USB-C with pass-through charging (use while plugged in)
- Compact bar-style design with excellent build quality
Price: $119.95
3. Focus V Aeris
The Aeris brings e-rig technology into a portable format, featuring the same Intelli-Core atomizer found in Focus V's acclaimed Carta 2.
Highlights:
- 360° heating 3D chamber produces exceptional vapor quality
- Removable chamber minimizes waste
- Adjustable airflow via built-in carb caps
- App connectivity for temperature customization
- Removable 18650 battery for extended sessions
- Soft silicone exterior for durability and grip
- Ceramic mouthpiece insert cools vapor without water filtration
- Delivers rig-quality hits in a pocketable device
Price: $199
4. G-Pen Micro+
A reliable workhorse from Grenco Science, the G-Pen Micro+ delivers consistent performance without breaking the bank.
Highlights:
- Exceptional value at $80
- Cartridge recognition technology: auto-optimizes for Micro+ tank or 510 cartridges
- Ceramic-lined quartz heating element with intelligent chip technology
- Controlled, consistent heat prevents overheating
- Three temperature settings with haptic feedback
- 850mAh battery with USB-C and pass-through charging
- Sleek, discreet pen-like design
- Includes premium hemp travel case
Price: $79.95
5. Linx Hypnos Zero
A stylish concentrate pen that prioritizes flavor above all else, the Hypnos Zero features medical-grade construction throughout.
The pros:
- Full medical-grade stainless steel body with borosilicate glass mouthpiece
- Completely toxin-free vapor path
- Innovative ceramic plate atomizer (no coils) delivers exceptional flavor
- Four heat settings for customization
- 650mAh battery
- Incredibly compact and discreet (just 4.2 inches)
- Easy to clean
- 510-threaded for standard cartridge compatibility
- Winner of two High Times "Best Wax Pen" awards
Price: $79.99
Other great dab pens
The dab pens below didn't make our top five but are still solid options worth considering.
Kind Bullet 2.0
The Bullet 2.0 offers impressive versatility in a minimalist package. This dual-purpose device works as both a dab pen (with the included coilless quartz atomizer) and a 510 battery for cartridges. The full quartz bucket delivers nuanced, flavorful hits, while the large glass mouthpiece cools vapor effectively. Three voltage settings (2.8V, 3.2V, 3.4V), 600mAh battery with USB-C fast charging, and a lifetime warranty make it an attractive option under $100. And you can get optional bubbler and rig adapter attachments.
Price: $99
Puffco Plus (v3)
While replaced by the Pivot as Puffco's flagship portable, the Plus remains a capable device. It features a ceramic bowl with four heat modes, built-in carb cap and dab tool (dart), and a compact design. The ceramic chamber maintains steady temperature throughout your session for consistent vapor.
Price: $89
Dr.Dabber Stella
Though superseded by the Ghost 2, the Stella is still relevant. It can handle large globs of concentrates with three temperature settings ranging from 460–775°F. The smaller battery lessens vapor production slightly, but for an easy-to-use dab pen, it's a solid choice.
Price: $69.95
Boundless Terp Pen
These dab straws are as simple as devices get — just put it directly into your jar of concentrate and inhale. At under $30, the Boundless Terp Pen is perfect for those who want an inexpensive, straightforward tool for their oils without any bells and whistles.
Price: $24.99
Yocan Evolve Plus
If budget is your main concern, the Yocan Evolve Plus delivers functionality at an incredibly low price. It features one temperature setting and comes in over 20 colorways. While flavor and vapor production can be subpar compared to premium devices, and holding the button too long may cause burnt taste, it's hard to argue with the value proposition.
Price: $39.95
All prices listed at the time of publishing, subject to change.
How we selected the best dab pens
We evaluated dab pens based on multiple criteria to identify the best options:
Vapor quality: Your pen should maximize the flavor and effects of your concentrates, not waste them. We prioritized devices that deliver clean, potent vapor with minimal reclaim.
Build quality: Dab pens need to withstand being dropped or jostled in bags. We favored devices constructed from durable materials like medical-grade stainless steel, ceramic, and reinforced glass.
Ease of use: Complicated devices with steep learning curves were marked down. The best dab pens should be intuitive: Load, press a button, and inhale delicious vapor within seconds.
Temperature control: Precise temperature control allows you to customize your experience, preserving delicate terpenes at lower temps or producing massive clouds at higher settings.
Battery life: Your device should last throughout the day without constant recharging. We evaluated both battery capacity and real-world performance across multiple sessions.
Price: We selected devices offering the best value at various price points, from budget-friendly options under $50 to premium devices around $200.
Tips on purchasing a dab pen
Beyond our selection criteria, here are some additional factors to consider:
Company reputation: Research the brand's track record for quality products and customer service. Established companies like Puffco, Dr.Dabber, and Grenco Science have proven themselves in the concentrate vaporizer game.
Customer reviews: Look beyond marketing materials to see what actual users experience. Pay attention to patterns in reviews regarding durability, customer service, and how devices hold up over time.
Personal needs: Consider how you'll primarily use your dab pen:
- Primary device: If this is your main way to consume, invest in a premium option like the Focus V Aeris or Puffco Pivot
- Travel/portability: Prioritize compact, durable devices like the Linx Hypnos Zero or G-Pen Micro+
- Budget option: The Yocan Evolve Plus or Boundless Terp Pen provide basic functionality without breaking the bank
- Flavor focus: The Linx Hypnos Zero and Dr.Dabber Ghost 2 excel at preserving those delicious terpene profiles
- Cloud production: The Focus V Aeris and Puffco Pivot on higher settings deliver substantial vapor
Heating technology: Different atomizer styles affect your experience:
- Ceramic plates/buckets: Better flavor, more even heating, easier to clean
- Quartz: Fast heat-up, excellent flavor, durable
- Coils: Faster heating, bigger clouds, but can affect flavor and require more maintenance
Warranty and support: A good warranty shows the manufacturer has confidence in their product. Look for at least a one-year warranty on the device and reasonable coverage on atomizers and chambers.
Bottom line
The best dab pen for you depends on what you're after. If you want cutting-edge tech in a compact package, the Puffco Pivot delivers. For the purest flavor with a fully ceramic airpath, cop the Dr.Dabber Ghost 2. The G-Pen Micro+ offers the best value for your money, featuring smart features at an accessible price.
Cloud chasers and tech heads should consider the Focus V Aeris despite the higher price tag. And for a sleek, flavor-focused experience, the Linx Hypnos Zero won't disappoint.
What's your budget?
How important is portability versus big rips?
Are you chasing flavor or massive clouds?
Identify your answers to these questions and one of the dab pens listed above may be exactly what you need.
