Key Takeaways
- Both portable: each fits in a pocket, but they differ in heating mode, battery design, and build materials
- PAX Flow wins on: on-demand mode, passthrough charging, sleek minimal design
- IQ3 wins on: ceramic zirconia chamber, Smart Paths, replaceable 18650, 10-year warranty
- Live prices: PAX Flow from 199 € | IQ3 from 189 €
| Feature | PAX Flow | DaVinci IQ3 |
|---|---|---|
| Heating | Hybrid | Conduction |
| Heat-up | 40s | 30s |
| Battery | 2000 mAh | 4000 mAh |
| Max Temp | 225°C | 221°C |
| Passthrough | Yes | Yes |
| App | No | Yes |
| Warranty | 2 yr | 10 yr |
All specs from manufacturer data
What Actually Separates the PAX Flow and IQ3?
Both use hybrid heating and app control, but the design philosophy differs. The PAX Flow focuses on on-demand heating and minimalism. The IQ3 delivers Smart Paths with a ceramic zirconia chamber for pure flavor. Winner for flavor: IQ3 — the glazed zirconia chamber delivers noticeably cleaner vapor than the PAX Flow stainless steel path.
How Do On-Demand and Smart Paths Work Day-to-Day?
The PAX Flow only heats when you draw — zero material wasted between puffs. That saves herbs during shorter sessions. The IQ3 runs Smart Paths that automatically raise the temperature over a session. Winner for efficiency: PAX Flow — on-demand mode uses roughly 15-20% less material per session compared to session-based heating.
Which Battery Lasts Longer?
The PAX Flow packs 2000 mAh with passthrough charging — use it while it charges. The IQ3 offers 4000 mAh with a swappable 18650 cell — a dead battery swaps in seconds, no cable needed. Winner for flexibility: IQ3 — replaceable batteries mean unlimited runtime on the go.
Build Quality and Design
The PAX Flow continues the PAX tradition of sleek, pocketable design with an anodized aluminum shell. The IQ3 goes for a more industrial look with brushed aluminum and exposed ceramic. Both feel solid in hand but appeal to different tastes. The PAX Flow weighs less and disappears in a pocket more easily.
Who Should Buy Which?
Pick the PAX Flow if: you want on-demand heating in a compact form factor, passthrough charging matters to you, and you prefer a minimalist, pocket-friendly design. Best for quick sessions throughout the day.
Pick the IQ3 if: ceramic flavor purity is your top priority, you want Smart Paths for automatic temperature curves, and you prefer a replaceable 18650 battery. The DaVinci 10-year warranty adds long-term peace of mind.
Current prices: PAX Flow from 199 € | IQ3 from 189 €
Our Verdict: On-Demand vs Ceramic Flavor
For short sessions and material efficiency, the PAX Flow wins. For pure flavor and long-term durability, the IQ3 takes it. Both cost under €200 and deliver quality hybrid vapor — the right pick depends on how you vape.
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Price History
Testing and comparing vaporizers at VapoChecker since 2020. 800+ devices, 274 shops, 51 countries.
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Price Comparison
PAX Flow
from 199 €
111 Shops
DaVinci IQ3
from 189 €
79 Shops
Prices updated daily
Last updated: April 2026. Official product pages: DaVinci, PAX