Hearst Newspapers participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may earn a commission when you click links in this terp pen content. Our professional curators independently research and recommend products and services, with no newsroom involvement.
If you love the flavor of terpenes, then a terp pen should be next on your list of purchases. A terpene pen — or terp pen — generally consists of a heating element and a mouthpiece that allows users to inhale the vaporized dry herb or concentrate.
These portable, user-friendly cannabis consumption devices make enjoying magnificent ‘terpy’ tastes easy and convenient. These tiny devices enhance the rich taste of your favorite terpenes through advanced heating system design and the use of specific body, mouthpiece, and air chamber materials.
Terp pens are increasing in popularity due to their efficient and easy delivery of delicious terpenes. As more emerging studies highlight the potential therapeutic qualities of terpenes, more people are curious about the most effective way to optimize and enjoy these flavorful and beneficial compounds.
Here is a list of our winners for the best terp pens and their specific categories:
Best Terp Pen Products
- Best Multi-Use Terp Pen: PAX Plus Multi-Use Vaporizer
- Most Affordable Terp Pen: Boundless Vaporizer Terp Pen
- Best Value Terp Pen: HoneyStick Plasma GQ Wax Vaporizer
- Most Versatile Terp Pen: Evolv Cricket Portable Dab Rig
Best Terp Pens in 2023 — Reviewed
Here is more information on this year’s finest terp pens. We compiled information on the company overview, product features, pros, and customer review highlights on each product.
Best Multi-Use Terp Pen: PAX Plus Multi-Use Vaporizer
PAX is known for the design and development of premium vaporization devices, and their PAX Plus offers versatility and efficiency. You can use the PAX Plus to enjoy dry loose flowers or extracts. The PAX Plus includes flat and raised mouthpieces, standard and half-pack oven lids, concentrate insert, multi-tool, maintenance kit, and charge cable. It features a 10-year warranty.
Pros:
- Features experience modes: stealth, efficiency, flavor, and boost
- Easy to remove 3D oven screen
- Two plus hours of battery life
Specs:
- Size: .5 gram capacity
- Material: medical-grade stainless steel
- Color(s): sage, elderberry, periwinkle, and black
What Customers Say
Customers love the four experience modes and long battery life. They report that they have had the most flavorful experiences using this compact device. They find the quick 22-second heat time very convenient.
Most Affordable Terp Pen: Boundless Vaporizer Terp Pen
The Boundless Vaporizer Terp Pen is an economical choice for a first pen and offers easy-to-use functionality. It features an automatic shut-off to prevent overheating. The Boundless is similar in size to a writing pen which makes it easy to stash in a pocket. Boundless Technology offers a three-year warranty so you never have to worry about being left high and dry.
Pros:
- Magnetic cap for quick storage
- Inhale activated
- Easy-to-clean ceramic coil
Specs:
- Size: 5” in length and .5” in diameter
- Material: ceramic coil
- Colors: black, silver, teal, and limited edition rainbow chrome
What Customers Say
Customers love the convenience and ease the Boundless Terp Pen offers. The breath-activated feature is perfect for someone new to terp pens. Many are surprised that such a compact device can produce such a large plume of vapor. They like that the pen can be used with a variety of solid concentrates like wax. Customers report that this terp pen is perfect for travel and discrete draws.
Best Value Terp Pen: HoneyStick Plasma GQ Wax Vaporizer
The HoneyStick Plasma GQ Wax Vaporizer is unique because the extract does not touch the heating coil directly. A proprietary heating element below a glass quartz bowl holds the concentrate. This design promotes a more pure taste of the terpenes. The wax vaporizer has a safety shut-off feature and two temperature settings (650 and 850 degrees).
Pros:
- Affordably priced
- Easy to clean
- Can be used with various solid concentrates
Specs:
- Size: 5”
- Material: body is made from aluminum, and mouthpiece is glass
- Color: black
What Customers Say
Customers love the pure flavor the HoneyStick produces. Some compare the exquisite taste it offers to a tabletop dab rig. They report the battery lasts a whole day, but if you use it less regularly, the charge lasts for several days. Customers appreciate the sleek design.
Most Versatile Terp Pen: Evolv Cricket Portable Dab Rig
This device costs a bit more than other terp consumption devices on the market, but it delivers an incredibly smooth taste. The Evolv Cricket delivers intense flavor and adjustable temperature using a three-button interface.
Pros:
- One second heat time and cools in five seconds
- Glass chimney mouthpiece
- Computational Fluid Design (CFD) engineered airflow
- Made in USA
Specs:
- Size: 4”
- Material: billet stainless steel
- Color: silver
What Customers Say
Customers rave about the advanced, user-friendly design. They love how this tiny gem is packed with so many accessible features. Customers describe the hit from The Evolv Cricket as pure and powerful.
How We Picked the Best Terp Pens
We created criteria for this list of best terp pen winners by identifying some common device functionalities that many consumers seek. Battery performance, ease of use, and price are often highly important product features for most consumers. A cost-effective device is also important, so this list includes winners who reflect a mid-range of prices.
Battery Life
Like most portable vaporizing devices, a terp pen is powered by a rechargeable battery. The battery creates the energy needed to activate the terp pen’s heating element and vaporize the terpenes. Battery capacity and type vary. These factors result in different performance and usage times for each device. The best terp pens offer a battery life of one to two days for several days of moderate to heavy use. Batteries last longer for infrequent users.
Terpene pens usually come with a USB charging cable. When you buy your new terp pen, confirm with the retailer that you have the correct cable for your device.
Ease-of-Use
Some terp pens are very simple and have a one-button operation for easy activation. Others have more advanced features, such as temperature control. Some terpene pens have adjustable temperature settings so customers can heat specific terpenes at their ideal heating temperature. Some have safety features, such as automatic shut-off to prevent overheating.
Price
Factors such as brand, build quality, features, and included accessories determine the cost of a terp pen. Less expensive terp pens are handy for getting used to vaporizing and identifying which terpenes and device features work best for your needs and enjoyment. Terp pens can range from $50 up to hundreds of dollars. Most high-quality terp pens cost around $100.
If you are worried about spending a lot of money on a terp pen only to find out it does not suit your needs, make sure you purchase consumption devices from companies with a 30-day warranty. Usually, higher-end products come with a warranty or guarantee since the company is confident that their product is well-designed and constructed with the finest materials.
Product features differ based on the manufacturer and model, so research different options and read user reviews to find a device that meets your preferences and needs. User feedback on battery life, functionality, and price of various terp pens will help you choose a reputable product at a decent price point. Steer away from low-quality products that have not been tested thoroughly.
If you would like to find the best terp pens for long-lasting battery charges and affordable pricing, search the inventory of online retailers. You can also visit brick-and-mortar vape shops to find out more about these devices and ask retail professionals about how to use specific terp pens. Reading customer reviews will help you understand which pens are most user-friendly and cost-effective.
What Is a Terp Pen?
A terpene pen (also referred to as a terp pen, herbal vaporizer pen, or dab pen) is a compact, portable consumption device specifically designed for vaporizing and inhaling terpene compounds.
A terp pen consists of a battery, a compartment to vaporize the cannabinoid product, and a mouthpiece. They are usually small and lightweight, and they can fit into a pocket, purse, or bag. Remove the magnetic cap to reveal chamber for your favorite extracts.
Dab Pens vs Vape Pens vs Terp Pens
Dab Pens
Dab pens are designed to heat concentrate at higher temperatures. Products commonly used with dab pens include wax, shatter, and crumble forms of concentrates. They can feature cross-functionality, so some can be used to consume terpene products. Some nectar collector products are considered dab pens as well.
Vape pens
Some vape pens are disposable and designed for one-time use, while some vape pens are built for long-term use and require the replacement of the cartridge containing the terpene extract.
Terp Pens
Terp pens can be either disposable or refillable. Disposable pens have a pre-filled chamber of a specific terpene blend or formulation.
Benefits of Terp Pens
Terp pens have so many benefits compared to other devices. They are lightweight, portable, and cost-effective. They offer powerful flavors and a wide range of potential therapeutic effects and can modulate the effects of THC so you can receive mental and physical benefits but without the intense mental high that can interfere with your productivity or mental clarity.
Here are seven of the most common terpenes:
- Myrcene is one of the most abundant terpenes in cannabis and is also found in mangoes, hops, and lemongrass.
- Limonene is often found in citrus fruits.
- Pinene: This terpene has two forms. Alpha-pinene is found in pine needles, rosemary, and coniferous trees. Beta-pinene is found in herbs such as basil and dill.
- Linalool is found in lavender and other flowers.
- Caryophyllene is abundant in black pepper, cloves, and certain herbs.
- Humulene is found in hops, coriander, and cloves.
- Terpinolene is in herbs like sage and rosemary.
FAQs:
What are terpenes, and what potential benefits do they offer?
Terpenes are naturally occurring compounds found in many plants. They are found in fruits, herbs, and flowers, so if you are using a terp pen, you may experience a sensation of familiar taste and smell of citrus, pine, earthiness, or spice. Terpenes cause each cannabis strain to have a distinct aroma and flavor profile.
What purpose do terpenes serve?
Scientists believe that terpenes serve as a defense mechanism against herbivores and other pests that may threaten their health. Terpenes also attract pollinators, so they play a key role in larger ecosystems. When consumed, they offer unique flavors, aromas, and effects.
How do terps influence the effects of THC and CBD?
Terpenes are believed to interact with other compounds in plants, such as cannabinoids like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), to enhance or modulate effects. This synergy among different cannabis compounds is called the entourage effect.
People use terpenes for their aromatherapy benefits which can affect mood and emotions. Some terpene, like limonene, tend to have an uplifting effect. Linalool is more calming. People are increasingly using specific terpenes to promote relaxation and better sleep.
Cannabis prohibition has restricted research on cannabis compounds, so there are not many studies exploring terpene effects. Now more research is happening to understand the mechanisms of terpene activity.
How do you clean a terp pen?
Regular cleaning will optimize a terp pen’s performance. It also enhances the flavor since cleaning removes residue that can taint the taste of the terpene extract:
Although you can purchase some special equipment and solutions for cleaning consumption devices, you most likely have household items that can be used to sanitize your terp pen. Here are some items that you will need for terp pen cleaning:
- Isopropyl alcohol (preferably 90% or higher)
- Pipe cleaners or small brushes
- Q-tips (cotton swabs)
- A small container or plastic bag
- Paper towels or cloth
Here are the simple steps to refreshing your terp pen:
- Consult the manufacturer’s specific instructions on cleaning the device.
- Each pen may require a different procedure for disassembling parts, so follow their directions. Take off removable parts of the terp pen.
- Empty the product chamber by carefully removing residue with a small brush or pipe cleaner.
- Soak removable parts in isopropyl alcohol. Fill a small container or plastic bag with isopropyl alcohol and submerge the disassembled parts. Soak them for roughly 15-30 minutes or longer for stubborn residue.
- Swab the mouthpiece with a Q-tip dipped in isopropyl alcohol.
- If the heating element pieces are removable, you can also clean them. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations on this specific step to ensure you do not damage any critical coils or parts. Avoid getting alcohol on non-removable heating elements.
- Clean other components with pipe cleaners.
- Gently rinse the parts with water to remove the alcohol.
- Allow parts to air dry completely before reassembling your terp pen.
- Once your terp pen is reassembled, make sure to test it. All parts should fit back into place securely.
Regular maintenance will improve the performance and promote the longevity of a terp pen. Remember to empty the chamber after each use to minimize residue buildup. You will notice the difference regular cleaning makes if you ever lapse in the care of your terp pen.
How do you charge a terp pen?
Read the manufacturer’s directions that accompany the product. Most terp pens include a micro USB charging cable. Most pens charge within 45-60 minutes. Plug one end of the charger into your device and another into the power source. Most devices have a light that indicates when it is fully charged.
How long does a terp pen battery last?
Terp pen battery life depends on the frequency of draws or hits of the pen. After 30-50 draws, you may need to recharge the battery. It is best to recharge the pen before it is fully drained in case you rely on the terp pen for medical purposes. Terp pens usually recharge within 45-60 minutes.
Can I travel with a terp pen?
Yes, it is possible to travel with a terp pen, but make sure you check the state and local municipality consumption compliance policies of the states and cities you are visiting. Terp pens are discreet and easy to use, so they are perfect for taking on road trips if it does not risk possession penalties and charges.
It is best to avoid carrying or using a terp pen when traveling by boat, air, or train. Check for airline, boat, and train travel rules that prohibit possession or use of a terp pen. If you are traveling to certain countries, you may risk significant penalties, arrest, and fees if found with cannabinoid products.
Final Thoughts on Terp Pens
Terp pens are one of the most fulfilling ways to consume cannabis because they offer a potent and pure taste of the terpenes. You also receive the therapeutic benefits of the terps, so you may want to research which terpenes would best address your wellness needs.
Regulations impacting the vape industry are constantly evolving, so check your state’s most recent legislation and updates on safety guidelines on all concentrate pens.
Hearst Newspapers participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may earn a commission when you click links in this content. Our professional curators independently research and recommend products and services, with no newsroom involvement.