Best Dab Pen of 2022 & Buying Guide
Get the best Dab Pen for your needs!
This article was last updated January 20, 2022
The traditional way of dabbing is a complex thing of the past. It was a labor-intensive process that required the use of a torch – which limited both its portability and probably safety. This is why it was relegated as something that was done mostly at home with large dab rigs.
When dab pens came to market – they changed the game completely! Allowing users to enjoy their chosen dabs discreetly and at any time. A dab pen is a self-contained device with an oven/bowl which heats concentrates to your chosen temperature. All there is to it, is to load, heat, replace the mouthpiece, and draw away.
Today, there are several types and forms of dab pens. While they all function nearly the exact same way – some devices are more feature-heavy than others or simply offer more ways to customize your experience. To make choosing your perfect pen easier, we’ve put together this list – and categorized each best-in-class device according to price range, portability, and all other categories.
Best Overall
Utillian 5
Straightforward in Form and Function
Utillian has always been a pretty reliable brand – they’ve cemented themselves as makers of devices that strike the delicate balance between quality and affordability. However, quite surprisingly – the Utillian 5 is the brand’s first dab pen.
The Utillian 5 tops our list for the same reasons we’re fans of the brand itself – the 5 has an uncomplicated user interface, a sleek portable design, and features we’d usually find in higher-priced vaporizers. The 5 also comes with two interchangeable coils: a Twisted Kanthal Coil and a Triple Titanium Coil.
At first glance, the 5 isn’t much of a looker – but it certainly makes up for that in function. It’s capable of producing strong and fog-like vapor, without compromising on flavor. A quality that isn’t too often found on a device at this price.
Utillian 5 Specs
- BrandUtillian
- MSRP$109
- 510 ThreadNo
- Build MaterialAluminum
- Included CoilsQuartz
- Temp Settings4 voltage settings
- Heat up Time2-5s
- Battery Cap1050mAh
- Use Time30-40mins
- Charger TypeMicro-USB
Utillian 5 Authorized Dealers
- Vape-SmartCOUPON TVG10
- Tools420 (CA)
Best Value
Mirco +
A feature-heavy, and dual-use device
According to G-Pen, the Micro+ is crafted for the “on-the-go concentrates connoisseur“. And that’s pretty visible especially in the way the device was designed and in the series of features this device has. The standout features of the device are its mouthpiece, battery, and the Micro+ tank.
Instead of the typical mouthpiece which simply draws the air upward and out, this one has two main pieces: a ceramic mechanism that cools the vapor as it travels, and an outer silicone cover that protects the airpath.
The Micro+ battery is probably one of the smartest batteries seen on a device so far. The 850mAH battery makes up the bulk of the device and is rechargeable via USB-C. It has a chip that gets real-time feedback from the coil and makes instant micro-adjustments to the power output in order to keep the temperature at the coil steady and consistent. The Micro+ tank is lined with both quartz and ceramic, assuring that you get the most out of your material and the purest results possible.
The Micro+ is 510 compatible- meaning it can be also be used with cartridges, making it a pretty versatile dual-use device.
Micro + Specs
- BrandGrenco Science
- MSRP$79
- 510 ThreadYes
- Build MaterialPlastic
- Included CoilsQuartz
- Temp Settings3 Levels
- Heat up Time2-5s
- Battery Cap850mAh
- Use Time90mins
- Charger TypeUSB-C
Micro + Authorized Dealers
- Vape-SmartCOUPON TVG10
- G-PenCOUPON TVG15
- Vapor.comCOUPON TVG20
Best Flavor
Puffco Plus
Sleek & Sexy
The Puffco Plus is one of the sleekest looking dab pens around. The Plus has a gunmetal finish with a fingerprint coating which keeps it shiny and adds to its overall class. Its slim body + this finish make it absolutely easy on the eyes.
Before you think that the Puffco Plus is all looks, it packs a lot underneath its well-designed exterior. It features a mouthpiece with a dab tool already built-in (convenient!) and has a ceramic chamber that produces vapor that’s pure, flavorful, and somewhat mild. Its got a single button for all its functions, from power to cycling through any of its pre-set temperatures.
The mouthpiece on the Plus might just be our favorite one yet – on the outside, it narrows towards the tip, a far cry from the usual hourglass shape on other pens. Inside, it’s got a dab tool built right in – meaning you’ll have one less thing to carry around. The mouthpiece also serves as a carb-cap / splash guard – protecting you from any “spit back” as you draw.
Puffco Plus Specs
- BrandPuffco
- MSRP$89
- 510 ThreadYes
- Build MaterialAluminum
- Included CoilsCeramic
- Temp Settings3 Levels
- Heat up Time2-5s
- Battery Cap520mAh
- Use Time10-20mins
- Charger TypeMicro-USB
Puffco Plus Authorized Dealers
- Vape-SmartCOUPON TVG10
- Vape-ActiveCOUPON TVG10
- POTV
Dr. Dabber Stella
Stellar Vapor, Durable Construction
Dr. Dabber has always been a dominant player in the dab scene. They’re especially known for creating the Switch, one of the only dab rigs to use induction heating technology. The Stella is their flagship dab pen and it certainly does not disappoint.
The Stella is enclosed in an all-black aluminum shell that looks sleek, futuristic and is solid and durable to the touch. It also has two Dr. Dabber logos – one of which is a button that controls the functions of the entire device. The lights on the device are a pretty fun addition too – breaking the purely black look of the Stella.
The Stella’s atomizer is what Dr. Dabber calls a “floating coil” which minimizes the contact points between the wear-resistant Alumina Ceramic coil and the rest of the pen. Effectively reducing heat transfer and preventing the device from getting too warm to the touch. For a device priced at only $99, the Stella definitely has some features and a design that you’d expect on a higher-priced device.
Dr. Dabber Stella Specs
- BrandDr.Dabber
- MSRP$99
- 510 ThreadNo
- Build MaterialAluminum
- Included CoilsAlumina Ceramic
- Temp Settings4 Levels
- Heat up Time5-10s
- Battery Cap600mAh
- Use Time20-30mins
- Charger TypeMicro-USB
Dr. Dabber Stella Authorized Dealers
- Vapor.comCOUPON TVG20
- Vape-SmartCOUPON TVG10
- Dr Dabber
Best under $50
Utillian 2
Best under $50
A second Utillian on the list – just goes to show that this brand is definitely worth checking out. The Utillian 2 is much smaller than the bulkier Utillian 5 and produces milder results – making it a great choice for someone just starting out with dabs or looking for their first dab pen.
Design-wise, the 2 has a look that you’ll see on many other pens but it is set apart by its matte brushed aluminum finish and a glass mouthpiece. It has a Dual Quartz Coil that produces vapors that have a balance of flavor and vapor density. The oven is relatively small, yet it holds enough material for a session.
The 2 is definitely more suited for solo sessions or quick ones throughout the day. Regardless of which of its 4 pre-set temperatures you apply, the resulting vapor is consistently light and flavorful.
Utillian 2 Specs
- BrandUtillian
- MSRP$49
- 510 ThreadNo
- Build MaterialAluminum
- Included CoilsDual Coils
- Temp Settings4 Levels
- Heat up Time10-20s
- Battery Cap650mAh
- Use Time10-20mins
- Charger TypeMicro-USB
Utillian 2 Authorized Dealers
- Vape-SmartCOUPON TVG10
- Tools420 (CA)
Best Nectar Collector
Boundless Terp Pen XL
XL Performance & Versatility
The Boundless Terp Pen XL and its little brother the Terp Pen, essentially both function the same way – both devices are draw-activated nectar collectors that can also be used as an eRig. But the XL packs an even bigger punch and comes with several added features such as a redesigned ceramic coil, larger battery, and variable voltage.
The XL is a pretty straightforward device with only a few key parts. Less moving parts = less wear and tear. It’s comprised of a tapered medical grade stainless steel mouthpiece, a Dual Ceramic Coil that produces intense and dense clouds, a 700mAh battery good for 40-50 draws, and a handy concentrate storage at the base.
The 14mm mouthpiece on the XL is also compatible with similarly sized water pipes – allowing you to further cool and rid the vapor of impurities with water filtration. There’s also the option of using the XL with either cold or hot dabs.
Boundless Terp Pen XL Specs
- BrandBoundless
- MSRP$60
- 510 ThreadNo
- Build MaterialMetal
- Included CoilsDual Coils
- Temp Settings3 Levels
- Heat up Time10-20s
- Battery Cap700mAh
- Use Time10-20mins
- Charger TypeMicro-USB
Boundless Terp Pen XL Authorized Dealers
- Vape-SmartCOUPON TVG10
- BoundlessCOUPON TVG10
- POTV
Best Bubbler
Yocan Flame
A uniquely designed, multifunctional device
Yocan never seems to be in short supply of devices. There just seems to be something for whatever you might want out of the form and function of a device. The Yocan flame is a multi-functional device, working as both a portable dab pen with a water bubbler as well as a portable nectar collector.
With its large water bubbler, it’s safe to say this isn’t the most portable of devices. But the addition of water filtration is well worth the extra caution. The Flame also has interchangeable coils which deliver different vapor and flavor qualities. The QDC /Quartz Dual Coil is the faster one of the two and produces a much harsher result. The XTAL coil is a ceramic coil that’s really more of a dish and produces less vapor in lieu of a better, purer flavor.
The Flame is definitely feature-heavy, with several attachments that change the experience. All the moving parts will seem daunting to a beginner at first, but it does set you on a path towards figuring out what you really want out of your vaping experience.
Yocan Flame Specs
- BrandYocan
- MSRP$79
- 510 ThreadYes
- Build MaterialMetal
- Included CoilsQuartz & Ceramic
- Temp Settings1 Level
- Heat up Time5-10s
- Battery Cap1400mAh
- Use Time20-30mins
- Charger TypeUSB-C
Yocan Flame Authorized Dealers
- Vape-SmartCOUPON TVG10
- Vapor.comCOUPON TVG20
- YocanCOUPON TVG10
Important things to keep in mind when buying a Vape Pen
510 Thread
510 threading is an industry-standard. While not all dab pens are 510- compatible, there are quite a number that are. 510- compatible dab pens allow you to use the same battery with a THC or CBD cartridge.
Wax VS Oil
Both wax and oil are concentrates. They however differ in potency and in the way they’re processed.
CBD/ THC Concentrates (also known as crumble, shatter, dab, concentrate, etc.) is solid at room temperature – and because of its extraction process, have a particularly high concentration of cannabinoids.
Oil on the other hand, usually comes in pre-filled 510 cartridges. To produce cannabis oil, it is mixed with other oils to attain its fluidic consistency.
Coil – Quartz Vs Ceramic
Quartz Coils are typically more intense, thicker vapor yet sacrifices a bit of flavor. Ceramic Coils, on the other hand, produce a more mellow, light, but flavorful vapor.
Several device kits come with interchangeable coils. So, depending on what you want out of you’re vapor – you’ve always got an option.
Replacement coils
Atomizers are prone to wear and tear, especially with extensive use. Thankfully replacement coils are relatively cheap and relatively available. You can also opt to purchase an atomizer with a different material.
Price Point
Vape Pen prices can vary pretty dramatically from $-$. Typically, a more expensive pen means higher-end materials, better construction, more smart features, and a bigger device kit.
A cheaper pen leans more towards the basic side of things. With simple features and may be made of plastic. There are some pens that are outliers though, with surprisingly premium features at a good price.
Bottom Line
Dab Pens and their overall ease of use, definitely make the best devices for the consumption your choice concentrates. Features and prices vary across the spectrum – meaning there’s definitely a dab pen suited to your needs and vaping style. Check out the latest dab/wax pens on this list, and let us know if you have any questions or just want to reach out.