XMAX V4 Pro vs PAX Plus: Convection or Conduction on a Budget?
In short: Two budget portables take completely different approaches. The V4 Pro uses convection with a swappable 18650 battery and heats up in 10 seconds. The PAX Plus goes conduction with a sealed battery, four built-in temperature modes, and 10-year warranty. The V4 Pro has the swappable battery; the PAX Plus is slimmer and comes with a 10-year warranty.
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Specs Compared
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price (approx.) | 102.41 € Code VAPOCHECKER5 · incl. shipping | 98.85 € incl. shipping |
| Heating | Convection | Conduction |
| Temp range | 100–220 °C | 180–– |
| Heat-up time | 10 s | – |
| Battery | 2550 mAh, swappable 18650 | not manufacturer-confirmed, sealed |
| Passthrough | – | – |
| App control | No | No |
| Water pipe | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 year | 10 years |
Heating Method
This is where the heating method makes the biggest difference. The V4 Pro’s convection system heats the herb with hot air passing through the chamber.
Key fact: The XMAX V4 Pro (from 102.41 € Code VAPOCHECKER5 · incl. shipping) uses convection, while the PAX Plus (from 98.85 € incl. shipping) uses conduction for faster extraction. The V4 Pro costs considerably less than the PAX Plus.
The PAX Plus uses conduction, meaning the chamber walls heat up and cook the herb from the outside in. Stirring the bowl mid-session helps with even extraction, which the V4 Pro doesn’t need.
More on the V4 Pro’s convection profile and chamber-loading tricks: our complete XMAX V4 Pro review covers everyday use, dosing capsules and water-filter setups.
Battery and Daily Use
The PAX Plus packs a battery whose mAh capacity the manufacturer does not specify. The downside: when it degrades, you can’t replace it. The V4 Pro uses a standard 18650 cell (2550 mAh, at least 12 six-minute sessions at 220 °C per the manufacturer) that you can swap in seconds — carry a spare and you effectively have unlimited battery life.
Both support passthrough charging via USB-C. The PAX Plus has a slight edge in portability. The V4 Pro is a bit taller but still pocketable.
Materials and Warranty
PAX builds the Plus from anodized aluminum with a brushed finish. The 10-year warranty covers manufacturing defects.
The V4 Pro uses a combination of metal and plastic. The 1-year warranty from XMAX/TopGreen is standard for the budget segment.
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the V4 Pro if you:
- Prefer swappable batteries for longevity
- Like tinkering (water pipe, different stems)
- Prefer convection
Choose the PAX Plus if you:
- Want a 10-year warranty
- Need a discreet, slim design
- Want simple on-device temperature mode control
Bottom line: The V4 Pro costs less. The PAX Plus comes with a 10-year warranty. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize price or the total ownership experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
→ Read our full XMAX V4 Pro Review
Vapor quality analysis, battery tips, and temperature guide.
Price History
Lowest price per day excluding shipping, coupon applied · market region: North America. Totals including shipping are shown in the cards.
Is the XMAX V4 Pro better than the PAX Plus for flavor?
Does the PAX Plus 10-year warranty cover battery degradation?
Does the PAX Plus have an app?
Current prices compared

XMAX V4 Pro
90 shops worldwide · 3 ship to US
from 102.41 € Code VAPOCHECKER5 · incl. shipping
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PAX Plus
116 shops worldwide · 6 ship to US
from 98.85 € incl. shipping
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* Total price incl. shipping to US, with a coupon code where needed. You’ll find the code in the partner box or on the product page.