Versed Vaper TeamGet better flavor and a more satisfying vaping experience with these proven pod vapes
Over the past few years, more and more people have been shying away from using vape tanks and vape mods. Instead, vapers have been gravitating towards more simple and portable pod vapes. These vapes are compact, easy to vape with and use refillable pods. They make vaping as hassle-free as can be, all while providing great flavor and great battery life as well.
With the increasing popularity of pod vapes the market has been flooded with new devices almost daily. This makes it hard to pick out the ones that are good and the ones that are just a waste of money. To make things easier we’ve put together this list of the best pod vapes in 2023. These devices have all been selected based on their ease of use, portability, flavor, and vapor quality so that you can get the most bang for your buck.
Best Pod Vapes 2023: The Top 10 Pod Systems Right Now
1st Place
VAPORESSO XROS 3
The XROS 3 is everything you could want from a pod vape. It delivers an adjustable MTL draw and excellent flavor that is unrivaled among pod vapes. The included 1.0Ω & 0.6Ω pods are perfect for nic salts and work just as well with regular nicotine ejuices. Plus, the low output wattage means that the 1000mAh battery provides long, all-day usage — even for heavy vapers.
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- Dimensions: 115.1mm x 23.6mm x 13.7mm
- Pods: 2ml capacity, replaceable pods
- Battery Size: 1000mAh
- Firing Method: Button/draw activated firing
- Draw: Tight MTL to loose MTL
- Adjustable Airflow: Yes
- Adjustable Wattage: No
- Charging Type: Type-C
PROS
- Premium design
- Good for either regular nicotine or nic salt ejuices
- Delivers top-notch flavor with both pods
- Great for loose to tight MTL vaping
- Excellent pod life (15ml+ )
CONS
- Need to keep lips open a little for RDL vape
The XROS 3 is one of VAPORESSO’s best and most flavorful pod devices yet. It’s sleek, ultra-portable, and light. Overall, it’s a good looking device and it’s available in 8 stylish colors.
For its small size, the XROS 3 packs a surprisingly large 1000mAh battery and recharges quickly through a Type-C port. The XROS 3 also has an airflow control slider that allows you to adjust the draw to get it just how you want it.
The XROS 3 comes with a 1.0Ω pod, as well as a 0.6Ω pod in the package. These pods have a 2ml capacity and they are backwards compatible with all XROS devices. The XROS 3 is also compatible with all XROS pods.
The pods are completely clear and sit in the battery in a way that leaves nearly the whole pod contents completely visible. A quick glance at the pod is all it takes to know if you need more ejuice.
These pods that come with the XROS 3 use VAPORESSO’s patented “COREX Heating Tech”. In our testing, the XROS 3 delivered better flavor than any other pod vape out there and each pod handled over seven refills without any drop in performance.
The 1.0Ω pod is purely meant for MTL vaping and it excels at it. It delivers a loose MTL draw with the airflow wide open and a tight MTL draw with the airflow closed off. Nicotine salt ejuices of all strengths vape just right with this pod. The flavor is right, the warmth is perfect, and the throat hit is on-point.
The 0.6Ω pod delivers a looser draw that is still a MTL vape. This pod is best used with freebase ejuices as anything higher than a 25mg nicotine salt ejuice delivers a very powerful draw. With a 6mg regular nicotine ejuice it’s the perfect mix of a strong draw, warm vapor, and good nicotine satisfaction.
No matter which one you use, both pods deliver a really nice vape with excellent flavor and the warmth of the vapor is just right. Overall, the XROS 3 is an easy to use device that just works. For a super portable pod vape, VAPORESSO has done a solid job with the XROS 3.
Read our full review on the XROS 3.
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- Dimensions: 74.6mm x 46.7mm x 17.4mm
- Pods: 2ml capacity, replaceable pods
- Battery Size: 800mAh
- Firing Method: Draw activated firing
- Draw: Tight MTL to loose MTL
- Adjustable Airflow: Yes
- Adjustable Wattage: No (up to 20W)
- Charging Type: Type-C PD fast charging
PROS
- Transparent design lets you see inner-workings
- Long pod life
- Excellent flavor from both 0.7Ω & 1.2Ω pods
- Airflow adjustment from loose MTL to tight MTL draw
- Strength of draw adjusts according to how hard you puff
- Fast charging (18 minutes with PD charger)
CONS
- Does not support pass-thru charging
- Requires PD fast charger to achieve fastest charging speeds
The VOOPOO Argus P1 has a number of features that make it an all-around excellent pod system. It’s quite the looker too, so you’ll immediately fall in love with the design of the device.
It features a casing made of zinc alloy and transparent polycarbonate which allows you to see the circuit board inside of the device. It’s a very futuristic and high-end looking pod vape.
The Argus P1 uses VOOPOO’s Argus line of pods. This gives you the option of using either replaceable pods, or pods with replaceable coils. You get two pods in the box, both of which have the coil built-in: one 0.7Ω pod and one 1.2Ω pod.
Each pod holds up to 2ml of ejuice and can be used with either regular ‘freebase’ nicotine ejuices or nicotine salt ejuices.
There’s an airflow adjustment slider on the side of the device that is nice and firm, and this allows for small and precise airflow adjustments. The 0.7Ω pod will get you a loose to ‘regular’ MTL draw, while the 1.2Ω pod offers a tighter MTL draw even with the airflow completely open.
The flavor from both pods is outstanding and significantly better than most other pod vapes on the market. They also provide excellent flavor for a long period of time and through multiple refills.
The Argus P1 features the GENE AI 1.2 chipset which adjusts the strength of the draw according to how hard you inhale. Four LEDs light up sequentially as you draw to give you a visual indication of the wattage output level.
The Argus P1’s biggest selling point is its compatibility with PD Fast Charging. By using a PD fast charger (not included) you can charge the device from dead to full battery in only 18 minutes. If you use a regular charger you can expect a slightly longer charge time of 30 minutes, which is still lightning fast.
The Argus P1 is super portable, it delivers great flavor, and it charges faster than any other pod vape on the market. For these reasons, the Argus P1 is a top pick for the best pod vapes of 2023.
Read our full review on the Voopoo Argus P1.
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- Dimensions: 110mm x 21.3mm x 11.7mm
- Pods: 2ml capacity, replaceable pods
- Battery Size: 520mAh
- Firing Method: Draw/button activated firing
- Draw: Medium-tight MTL
- Adjustable Airflow: No
- Adjustable Wattage: No (13W)
- Charging Type: Type-C fast charging
PROS
- Flavorful, warm vape
- Button or draw activation
- Good battery life
- Lightweight
- Pods don’t leak
CONS
- Only 1 type of pod available (1.0Ω)
- Ejuice window is only on one side
- Fill cap is hard to remove
The Caliburn A3 is a low-profile and light pod vape made by Uwell that hits just right with freebase ejuices and nicotine salts. It has a very skinny and slim profile that is ultra-portable and it’s available in six different colors. The Caliburn A3 delivers a nice, medium-tight MTL draw that feels just right — it’s not too tight, but also not too loose.
For such a small device, the Caliburn A3 packs a surprisingly large 520mAh battery and functions with both draw-activated firing as well as a single firing button.
The Caliburn A3 uses replaceable 1.0Ω pods that deliver excellent flavor. It fires at ultra low wattages that make it perfect for nicotine salts but it will also work just as well with regular nicotine ejuices. The refillable pods will hold up to 2ml of eliquid and are easily refilled by removing the dip tip.
The Caliburn A3 will fire at a maximum of 13W, however this wattage will decrease as the battery depletes. There’s an LED battery life indicator to let you know when it’s time to recharge. The A3 will recharge from completely dead to fully charged in 30 minutes.
For a simple yet effective pod vape, the Caliburn A3 is a device that doesn’t disappoint.
Read our full review on the Caliburn A3.
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- Dimensions: 106.5mm x 32.1mm x 26mm
- Pods: 5ml capacity, replaceable coils
- Battery Size: 2800mAh
- Firing Method: Button activated firing
- Draw: MTL/RDL/DL
- Adjustable Airflow: Yes
- Adjustable Wattage: Yes (up to 80W)
- Charging Type: 2A Type-C
PROS
- Screen and touch buttons are great features
- Comes with 2 pods and coils (RDL & DL)
- Great for all styles of vaping (DL, RDL, and MTL)
- Compatible with LUXE X and LUXE XR pods
- Adjustable airflow in combination with pods allows you to dial in your draw
CONS
- Large and heavy for a pod vape
- No draw activated firing
- MTL pods and coils are sold separately
The LUXE XR MAX is yet another impressive device from VAPORESSO. It’s the latest in their “LUXE” line of pod vapes and it features some great upgrades that make it the best LUXE device yet.
One of these upgrades is the airflow. The LUXE XR MAX is capable of MTL (mouth-to-lung), RDL (restricted direct lung), and DL (direct-to-lung) vaping depending on which pod you use and how you set the airflow. You can rotate the pod 180° to change the draw to be either looser or tighter. You can also use the airflow slider to fine-tune your draw.
The LUXE XR MAX features a maximum wattage output of 80W and automatically adjusts the wattage for the coil that you’re using. It also houses a massive 2800mAh battery that is guaranteed to get you through a day of heavy vaping. Plus, it features 2A Type-C charging so you’ll never be without it for too long.
Another great thing about the LUXE XR MAX is that it comes with two pods and two coils in the box. Right out of the box you can fill two different ejuices and simply swap the pod to vape a different flavor. The 5ml pod capacities are huge and this means that you’ll spend less time filling and more time vaping.
The 0.4Ω mesh coil is meant for restricted direct lung vaping. It’s best for regular nicotine ejuices but lower strength nicotine salts (10-20mg) can also be vaped, depending on your nicotine tolerance. The 0.2Ω mesh coil is meant for DL vaping. It works best with regular nicotine ejuices and delivers massive flavor and clouds.
The XR MAX is compatible with most (but not all) VAPORESSO GTX coils, so if these aren’t quite to your liking, there are a lot of other coil options available.
Whether you want a DL draw, a RDL draw, or a MTL draw, you can do it all with the LUXE XR MAX. The only downside is that the MTL pods and coils for the LUXE XR MAX don’t come included in the box, so keep that in mind if that’s what you’re looking for.
Because of its excellent flavor, long battery life, and versatile airflow, the LUXE XR MAX has solidified its place as one of the best pod vapes of 2023.
- Dimensions: 110mm x 25.7mm x 13.5mm
- Pods: 2ml capacity, replaceable pods
- Battery Size: 1000mAh
- Firing Method: Draw/button activated firing
- Draw: Loose MTL to Tight MTL
- Adjustable Airflow: Yes
- Adjustable Wattage: Yes (5-25W)
- Charging Type: Type-C
PROS
- Wattage is adjustable is 1W increments
- Airflow slider is firm and precise
- Compatible with other Argus Pods and VOOPOO coils
- Long battery life and fast charging
- Superb flavor from included pods
- Long pod lifespan
CONS
- Wattage resets to default when you remove the pod
The Voopoo Argus G sits somewhere between a beginner pod vape and a more complex pod system. While it uses the same pods and coils that many of VOOPOO’s other Argus vapes use, the power adjustment features, firm airflow slider, and great OLED display make it easier to customize than many of its stablemates.
The device is nicely designed, with a tall slim body and a flat (and slightly rounded) mouthpiece on the pod. The body is made from aluminum alloy with a slightly matte finish to make it easier to grip. It feels sturdy and well-built in your hand, even though it only weighs around 60 grams.
Airflow can be adjusted using a slider on the side of the vape. The slider is low-profile and pretty resistant to movement, so it stays in its set position nicely. You won’t need to worry about the airflow getting accidentally changed in your pocket. The airflow can be set for anywhere from a loose MTL to a tight MTL draw.
The Argus G is compatible with the same pods as the Argus POD SE, Z, and P1. You can choose to use pods with a fixed coil, as included in the box, or those that allow the coil to be changed for more/less resistance. The magnetic pod slots into the body, with the bulk of the tank visible, so you can easily see when you’re running low on ejuice.
Voopoo estimates that a single pod will last for 14ml of liquid, or 7 complete refills of the 2ml tank, before needing to be replaced. Based on our tests, that’s about right, although lifespan is going to be impacted by the power level you use and how well you maintain the pod fill level.
The Argus G features a stable wattage system, which means the draw stays the same strength from full charge to right up until the battery dies. The power level can be adjusted between 5 and 25W, depending on the coil being used. The device will automatically adjust the power based on the coil resistance, but tweaking the wattage within a set range is still possible.
In our tests, removing the pod seemed to reset the wattage to default each time. That’s slightly frustrating, but at least the clear and crisp OLED display makes readjusting the power level easy. If you can ignore that slight annoyance, the Voopoo Argus G is an excellent step up from beginner pod vapes or disposables.
Read our full review on the VOOPOO Argus G.
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- Dimensions: 69.75mm x 46.5mm x 17.6mm
- Pods: 2.5ml capacity, replaceable coils
- Battery Size: 690mAh
- Firing Method: Draw activated firing
- Draw: Loose MTL to Tight MTL
- Adjustable Airflow: Yes
- Adjustable Wattage: Yes (3.2V, 3.4V, 3.6V)
- Charging Type: 2A Type-C
PROS
- Zinc alloy body looks & feels premium
- Three voltage output levels
- Adjustable airflow for loose MTL to tight MTL draw
- Under pod light to easily check ejuice level
- Uses Uwell's excellent Caliburn G and G2 coils
CONS
- Draw gets very weak when under 30% battery
The UWELL Caliburn IRONFIST-L pod system is a brilliant addition to the Caliburn range. The side-mounted pod is both familiar and unique and it makes the IRONFIST-L very distinctive among UWELL’s other pod vapes. The IRONFIST-L features three wattage output levels, as well as adjustable airflow.
The device is fairly small and slim at just 46mm wide, 69.75mm tall, and 17mm thick. Most users will be able to completely hide it in the palm of their hand if a bit of discreet vaping is required.
The IRONFIST-L comes with two coils, a 0.8Ω coil and a 1.2Ω coil. This gives you the option to switch between a MTL or RDL vaping style. You can also use UWELL’s 1.0ohm G Coils, which are available separately.
In our tests, these coils burn evenly and have good longevity if they’re not allowed to dry out too often. All around, they are certainly on par with other popular coils and they deliver great flavor.
The IRONFIST-L is draw-activated for ease of use. The draw is relatively loose if the airflow is fully open and the low-resistance coil is inserted. However, it’s very easy to adjust the setup for a tighter inhale. When used with the higher-resistance 1.2Ω coil, it produces an impressive amount of vapor, satisfying throat hit, and nice, intense flavor.
Power can be adjusted through three levels up to a maximum of 16w, which is about average for most pod vapes. If you want to reduce the power level for RDL vaping, a few presses of the button on the side will allow you to do so. Airflow is adjusted using the slider on the bottom of the device, directly below the pod.
The 690mAh battery isn’t the largest that we’ve seen, but even running it at 16w it should last through a full day for most vapers. Plus, 2A USB-C fast charging means that recharging takes no time at all.
The pod holds 2.5ml of vape juice and slides securely onto the side of the device, covering the filling port but leaving the entire pod visible. For even more ejuice visibility and a bit of visual flair, the whole pod lights up when you draw, although this can easily be deactivated.
This high-quality zinc alloy and impact-resistance plastic pod vape is one of the greatest additions to the already impressive Caliburn range. If you’re looking for a highly-adaptable pod vape that is also simple to use, the IRONFIST-L is well worth a look.
Read our full review on the UWELL Caliburn IRONFIST-L.
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- Dimensions: 72.5mm x 45.6mm x 13mm
- Pods: 2ml capacity, replaceable pods
- Battery Size: 1250mAh
- Firing Method: Draw activated firing
- Draw: Loose MTL
- Adjustable Airflow: No
- Adjustable Wattage: No
- Charging Type: 1A Type-C
PROS
- Small and light
- Nice loose MTL draw
- Very easy to set up and vape with
- Pods last for many refills without losing flavor
- Good battery life and fast charging times (Type-C charging)
CONS
- Only one type of pod available
- Pod is difficult to remove
Ultra compact, sleek, and stylish, the Mi-Pod 2.0+ is a great choice for a pod vape. It’s super simple to use due to its all-in-one design. Just pop in a pod, fill it up, and you’re good to go. All you have to do to start vaping is turn on the power and inhale on the mouthpiece and the Mi-Pod 2.0+ will start producing vapor — it’s really that simple.
The Mi-Pod 2.0+ features an attractive and high-end design that is available in 6 different colorways. In addition to its great looks, the Mi-Pod 2.0+ produces excellent flavor that you wouldn’t expect from such a small pod vape.
In the box you get two 0.9Ω pods which have the coils built-in. These pods have an ample 2ml pod capacity and can easily be refilled through a port on the side of the pod.
The Mi-Pod 2.0+ houses a large 1250mAh built-in battery that lasts, and features a simple 4 LED battery life indicator to let you know where your battery life is sitting. It also features Type-C charging and takes only 45 minutes for a full charge.
It’s hassle-free and it just works. Whether you’re a beginner vaper, or just looking for a stress-free device, the Mi-Pod 2.0+ is definitely one of the best picks for a pod vape.
Read our full review on the Mi-Pod 2.0+.
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- Dimensions: 91.9mm x 26mm x 16.5mm
- Pods: 2ml capacity, replaceable pods
- Battery Size: 1000mAh
- Firing Method: Draw activated firing
- Draw: MTL/RDL
- Adjustable Airflow: Yes (Two modes each pod)
- Adjustable Wattage: No (40W)
- Charging Type: 1A Type-C
PROS
- Holographic IML panel looks good and adds grip
- Two airflow modes for each pod (rotate pod 180°)
- Excellent flavor from both pods
- Pods last a long time
- Excellent MTL vaping experience
CONS
- Not the best device for RDL vaping but it’s usable
- Ejuice window is only useful when you have more than half a pod of ejuice
If you are looking for a pod vape for beginners, the VAPORESSO Luxe QS is perfect. It has a nice design, it’s simple to fill and use, and it delivers great flavor. It has a 1000mAh built-in battery for long, all-day usage and it’s also one of the most battery efficient pod vapes around. Not to mention that it’s super small which makes it easy to take around.
The Luxe QS uses replaceable pods and it comes with 0.6Ω & 1.0Ω pods that can be used for vaping either regular nicotine ejuices or nic salt ejuices. Once the coil in the pod is burned out (after about 2 weeks of use), you just replace it with another pod. The pods are very affordable and this makes it a great device for those just getting into vaping.
The pods on the Luxe QS hold 2ml of eliquid and your ejuice will last you a while too thanks to its low power output. These pods also use VAPORESSO’s “Corex Heating Technology”. In simple terms, the mesh takes less power to heat up, and the fluffier cotton results in better flavor accuracy, more consistent performance, and longer pod life.
The Luxe QS is draw-activated so you don’t have to push a button to vape; just draw on the mouthpiece and it will start producing vapor. You can rotate the pod 180° to switch between a loose MTL draw and a tighter MTL draw.
The Luxe QS is ultra portable, delivers great performance and flavor, and the battery life and charging times are pretty good too. Add to all of this that it doesn’t leak and the pods last a long time, and we don’t think that you will regret picking one of these up. It’s really a great device. For all these reasons and more, the VAPORESSO Luxe QS easily makes our list of the best pod vapes.
Read our full review on the Luxe QS.
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- Dimensions: 94mm x 29mm x 15.2mm
- Pods: 2ml capacity, replaceable pods
- Battery Size: 700mAh
- Firing Method: Draw activated firing
- Draw: Loose MTL
- Adjustable Airflow: No
- Adjustable Wattage: No (16W)
- Charging Type: Type-C
PROS
- Portable and lightweight
- Dust cap attaches magnetically to the base of device
- Nice loose MTL draw
- Excellent flavor with Klypse Mesh Pod
- Excellent battery life
- No performance issues
CONS
- Only comes with one pod
- Only has a one color LED battery indicator
- Pods are difficult to remove
The Innokin Klypse is a simple, no-fuss pod vape. It’s light, portable, and comes in 6 different designs. It’s an easy device to use because there are no settings to adjust; the wattage automatically adjusts itself up to 16W, depending on the pod that you use, and the Klypse is draw-activated. To vape, just inhale on the mouthpiece.
The Klypse also comes with a dust cap which prevents lint from getting into the mouthpiece when you throw it into your pocket or bag. This dust cap is convenient because it magnetically attaches to the bottom of the device so that you don’t lose it while you’re vaping.
The Klypse comes with a 0.8Ω mesh pod which has the coil built-in. This pod works great for either nicotine salts or regular ejuices. However, the coil resistance and output wattage are just right for mid-to-high strength nicotine salt ejuices, and this is where the Klypse truly performs at its best.
Although you can’t adjust the draw on the Klypse, the included 0.8Ω mesh pod is just right for vapers who prefer a loose MTL vape. It’s not too airy, and it’s still definitely a mouth-to-lung draw, just on the looser side. Even with this looser draw, the Klypse delivers excellent flavor and vapes like a champ.
If you’re worried about leaking, don’t be; the Klypse is designed to be leak-free. The pods are side filled for extra security and are built in a way that leaves nowhere for ejuice to leak from. The pods will hold up to 2ml of eliquid and are only lightly tinted so it’s easy to see your ejuice level.
The Klypse comes with a respectable 700mAh built-in battery. This translates into 2-3 days of heavy vaping, or longer if you’re a moderate vaper. The battery can be recharged quickly using the Type-C port for minimal downtime.
For anyone seeking a consistent, flavorful, and user-friendly pod vape, the Innokin Klypse is an excellent choice.
Read our full review on the Klypse.
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- Dimensions: 89mm x 31.8mm x 19mm
- Pods: 3ml capacity, replaceable pods
- Battery Size: 800mAh
- Firing Method: Draw activated firing
- Draw: Tight MTL
- Adjustable Airflow: No
- Adjustable Wattage: No (9W/11W)
- Charging Type: Type-C
PROS
- Easy to use; perfect for beginners
- Futuristic design
- Backwards compatible with original ZERO pods
- Good battery life & quick charging
- Flavor is great from 1.0Ω pod
CONS
- Small amount of leaking with 50/50 ejuices
- 1.3Ω CCELL pod is not good
The Vaporesso Zero 2 is a pod vape that is as easy to use as can be. It uses refillable and replaceable pods with built-in coils. There are no settings to adjust, no airflow control, and no buttons. This simplicity makes it perfectly suited to beginner vapers, or for vapers who are looking for a simple device to take with them on-the-go.
The Zero 2 has a small and compact all-in-one design that is comfortable to use and super portable. Vaporesso are a brand that are known for their build-quality and this device is no exception. The Zero 2 is sleek, ultra portable, and it feels nice to hold.
The design is interesting and unique; the shell is made of a combined 10 layers of special IML finish which is shaped to be streamlined and futuristic. Hidden under the front panel are 4 small arrow shaped LEDs. When you insert/remove the pod or take a draw, the LEDs appear to light up from deep within the device which is pretty cool.
The Zero 2 is perfect for mouth-to-lung vaping. It comes with a 1.0Ω mesh coil as well as a 1.3Ω CCELL (ceramic) coil. The Zero 2 will fire at a maximum output wattage of 11W with the 1.0Ω coil and at 9W with the 1.3Ω coil.
The 1.0 ohm mesh pod is perfect for nicotine salts as well as regular nicotine ejuices and delivers exceptional flavor. Battery life is also pretty good; the Zero 2 has an 800mAh battery and recharges quickly through a Type-C port.
All things considered, the Zero 2 is certainly one of the best new pod vapes in 2023.
Read our full review on the Zero 2.
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What is a pod vape?
Pod vapes are small, portable and easy to use devices that are made up of two main parts: a refillable/replaceable pod & a battery. The pod usually has the coil built-in. In this case, all you have to do is fill up the pod, wait for it to soak, and you’re ready to vape! Some vapes like the SMOK Nord use replaceable coils for their pods but it’s more or less the same process; you just have to replace the coils every once-in-a-while instead of the entire pod.
Pod vapes are perfect for beginners, but advanced vapers love them too. They make a great backup device for when your main device is charging. They’re also low-profile and light for those times when you don’t want too much on your person.
Pod vapes are also the device of choice for those wanting to vape nicotine salt ejuices. Nicotine salt ejuices give more satisfaction than “regular” nicotine ejuices. They also come in much higher nicotine concentrations. For these reasons, the low power outputs of pod vapes are perfect for vaping salt nic ejuices. A good pod vape and a salt nic ejuice are a great combination for heavy smokers looking to make the switch to vaping.
Pod vapes come in all different shapes and sizes but they’re usually very compact and light. This makes them easy to carry around or slip into a pocket as opposed to an entire box mod and tank. For this reason, more and more vapers are gravitating towards pod vapes. Why bring around a mod and tank when you can get great flavor from a device less than half the size and weight?
Pod vapes are usually draw-activated, meaning you just have to pull on the mouthpiece to produce vapor. This adds to their ease of use and convenience. However, some pod-vapes use a single button to fire. No matter how they activate, they are still super easy to operate.
The different types of pod vapes
As with all devices, pod vapes come in a few different varieties:
Traditional pod vapes: These are small, button or draw activated vapes that take replaceable pods. The battery is built into the device and non-removable. A traditional pod vape is the simplest type of pod vape to use. These may have adjustable wattage and/or adjustable airflow control.
AIO pod vapes: AIO pod vapes are just like traditional pod vapes, only they use pods that take replaceable coils. The battery is built into the device and non-removable. These may have adjustable wattage and/or adjustable airflow control.
Pod mods: Pod mods are usually larger and less portable than both traditional pod vapes and AIO pod vapes. These are more similar to a box mod in the sense that they sometimes take an external battery, feature large screens, and feature the ability to change your wattage.
The main differentiating factor of a pod mod is that they use a “pod-style” tank. These are large pods, similar to a subohm tank, and they take replaceable coils. The pod attaches to the device magnetically, and not through a 510 connector like on a vape mod. Pod mods usually have adjustable airflow.
Types of pod vapes further explored
The three main types of pod devices can be further broken down into the following subcategories.
Draw activated or button activated
Draw activated pod vapes will produce vapor as soon as you inhale on the mouthpiece of the device. Simply start to draw and the device will begin to produce vapor, much like a cigarette.
Button activated pod vapes require you to push a button while you draw for it to begin to produce vapor.
Pre-filled or refillable pod vapes
Pod vapes with pre-filled pods are the most simple to use. These are also known as closed system pod vapes. These vapes have pods that come prefilled with eliquid so you don’t have the option of using your own ejuice. This makes them super easy to use and you won’t have to buy your own ejuice separately. Instead, you can choose from the flavors that the manufacturer offers, and simply pop the pods into your device and begin vaping.
The trade off here is that you are stuck with whatever flavors the manufacturer offers. If they stop making a flavor you like, you’re out of luck. Closed system pod vapes are also more expensive in the long run when compared with refillable pods.
In pod vapes with refillable pods, you have the option of using your own ejuice. You just unplug the stopper and fill up your favorite ejuice. These “open systems” give you much more freedom, but they also require a little more work as you have to buy your own ejuice and fill the pod up yourself.
Refillable pod vapes can be further sorted into two more categories:
Replaceable coils: These types of pod vapes have a pod where you can replace the coil. When the performance starts to drop off, you simply remove the old coil from the pod and replace it with a new one. This is the least wasteful option because you are reusing the same pod. The advantage with replaceable coils is that a pack of coils is usually cheaper than a pack of pods. The downside is that it’s a little more work than just replacing the entire pod.
Replaceable pods: refillable pod vapes with replaceable pods are more simple to use than those with replaceable coils. You can refill your pod and vape until the flavor and performance starts to drop off, at which point you replace the entire pod. The advantage with replaceable pods is that you don’t have to fiddle with coils and getting ejuice on your hands. The downside is that a pack of pods is usually more expensive than a pack of coils.
How to use a pod vape
No matter which type of pod vape that you choose, be it a traditional pod vape, an AIO pod vape, or a pod mod, they are all simple and straightforward to use. Following these steps will ensure that you get the best vaping experience out of your device.
- If you are using an AIO pod vape, ensure that the coil is seated properly in the pod.
- Grab your ejuice of choice and locate the fill port. This is usually a rubber plug located on the side or bottom of the pod, but it may also be a hole located under the mouthpiece cap. If you’re unsure where your fill port is located, check the user manual that came with your device.
- Fill the pod nearly to the top, leaving just a little bit of space inside. Replace the rubber bung or mouthpiece cap.
- Wait at least 5-10 minutes for the ejuice to saturate the coil and cotton so that you don’t burn the coil inside the pod. You’ll want to be very careful not to burn the coil — if your pod has the coil built in, the entire pod will have to be thrown out.
- Insert the pod into the device and ensure that it is seated all the way down.
- Turn the device on. This is usually accomplished by pressing the fire button 5 times. If the device does not have any buttons and is not turning on, you will need to charge it.
- If your device features adjustable wattage, ensure that the wattage is set to the appropriate level for the resistance of the pod/coil that you are using. If you’re unsure of the correct wattage to use, check the pod or coil. The recommended wattage range is usually written on the side of the coil or on the bottom of the pod.
- If your pod has adjustable wattage, start with the airflow wide open. From here you can adjust the airflow to your liking. If you want a tighter draw you can close down the airflow.
- If your device has a power/fire button then you might need to press this to start vaping. If it doesn’t, simply draw on the mouthpiece to begin vaping.
- Voila! That’s all there is to it!
Benefits of using a pod vape
There are multiple benefits to using a pod vape over a traditional tank and mod:
- Easy to use
- Low ejuice consumption
- Can be more affordable than using a vape mod and tank
- Portable and lightweight
- Discreet
- Convenient
- Perfect for smokers looking to quit
- Low maintenance
- Can be used to vape nicotine salt ejuices
- Deliver a satisfying draw with nic salts
- Can fill different pods with different flavors
Pod vapes are super simple to use. This simplicity is perfect for those looking to switch to vaping because there isn’t a lot of research or learning required. You can just pick up a pod vape, pick up an ejuice, and start vaping.
Pod vapes are also great for former smokers (or soon to be former smokers) because they can be used with nicotine salt ejuices. Nicotine salt ejuices give more satisfaction than “regular” nicotine ejuices. They also come in much higher nicotine concentrations. For these reasons, the low power outputs of pod vapes are perfect for vaping salt nic ejuices. A good pod vape and a salt nic ejuice are a great combination for heavy smokers looking to make the switch to vaping.
Their portability and convenience are also good reasons to use a pod system. Plus, they require little-to-no maintenance because there are very few components involved. It’s just a matter of replacing the pods or coils when the performance starts to drop off.
Experienced vapers will also find pod vapes useful for the above reasons. They are much easier to take out of the house than a vape tank and mod setup, and they make a great backup device for those times when your main device is charging.
Pod vapes can also be more affordable than using a vape mod and tank. Because they function at lower wattages, they use less ejuice. If you are using a nicotine salt ejuice, you’ll also get more satisfaction out of less draws when compared to a regular nicotine ejuice. All of this means less ejuice vaped and therefore more money in your pocket.
One last benefit worth mentioning is that you can fill a few pods with different flavors and switch flavors instantly. If you get bored of vaping the same flavor all the time, this is a great way to easily switch it up.
Disadvantages of using a pod vape
There are also some disadvantages to using a pod vape as opposed to a vape tank and mod:
- Less flavorful
- Less powerful
- Shorter battery life
- Less vapor production
All of the benefits of using pod vapes can also be downsides. Because they are less powerful, they don’t produce flavor that is as great as a high-powered mod and tank setup. That’s not to say that you can’t get good flavor from a pod vape, but it’s not on the level of a subohm tank. Vapor production is also not going to be as much due to their low-powered nature.
Pod vapes usually have small batteries. They are large enough to get most vapers through a day or two of vaping but again, they are nowhere near the capacity of a dual battery box mod.
Who are pod vapes for?
The average vaper: Pod vapes are great for the average vaper. Because of their ease of use, low maintenance, and satisfying draw, they make a great hassle-free main device. If you aren’t into building your own coils or blowing huge clouds, a pod vape is the perfect way to get the nicotine that you want without having to worry about much else.
Smokers looking to make the switch: If you’re a smoker looking to quit and make the switch to vaping, a pod vape is the perfect device. Paired with a nicotine salt ejuice, you’ll get the satisfaction that you’re looking for and a draw that is similar to a cigarette. Choosing a device that is draw activated may also help you quit because it will more closely replicate the experience of smoking.
Experienced vapers looking for a backup device: If you’re an experienced vaper that uses a subohm tank or an RBA with a vape mod, you may still find a pod vape useful. For those times when you don’t want to leave the house with your large setup, or even times when you want a backup device while you charge your batteries, a pod vape is a great secondary device.
Things to consider when choosing a pod vape
Traditional pod vape, AIO, or pod mod
If you’re new to vaping, your best option will be to go with a traditional pod vape or an AIO pod system. This will make things as simple as can be and will get you a device that is easy to use.
Whether you go with a device that takes replaceable pods or replaceable coils, we recommend choosing a device that is refillable. This will save you money in the long run, but also gives you the option of trying more ejuices. Being stuck with only the flavors that a manufacturer offers can get old. You might also not like the flavors that they offer and give up vaping before you get to give it a fair shot. With a refillable pod system you can try many different ejuices and find flavors that work for you.
Airflow (MTL or DL)
Nowadays, a lot of pod vapes will come with airflow control that allows you to tailor the draw to suit your preference. For ones that don’t, they will usually offer somewhere from a loose mouth to lung draw to a tight mouth to lung draw (if you’re confused about what this means, check out our guide to mouth to lung and direct lung vaping).
If you are looking to make the switch to vaping from smoking, you’ll want a device that offers a tight mouth to lung draw. This will most closely mimic the feeling of drawing on a cigarette.
All pod systems are different and some will offer a much tighter draw than others, even when both devices have the airflow wide open. For this reason, we’ve outlined the draw that each pod vape provides on our list.
Finding a draw that you like might take some trial and error, which is where a device with adjustable airflow comes in handy. If you’re in doubt, most vapers enjoy a medium-tight MTL draw like the one that you get from the Uwell Caliburn A2.
The downside to adjustable airflow is that it’s just another thing to have to adjust and get right. If you’re after simplicity, a device that offers a medium-tight MTL draw with no adjustable airflow may be the best choice.
Adjustable wattage
Like adjustable airflow, adjustable wattage is another feature that some pod vapes come with. This allows you to further tailor the strength and heat of your vapor. However, adjustable wattage isn’t a must-have because good pod vapes without adjustable wattage will still output the optimal wattage to the pod and coil.
Still, adjustable wattage control is a nice feature to have because you can lower the wattage for a less intense draw, or turn it up a little for a harder hit.
If you’re a beginner, we recommend getting a simple device without adjustable wattage, just to make things as simple as possible.
Available coils/pods
Coils, and pods that have the coil built in, come in different resistances. Higher resistance coils (closer to 1.0Ω) are best for vaping nicotine salt ejuices. Lower resistance coils are better for vaping regular nicotine ejuices. Depending on the ejuice that you will be using, you’ll want a coil that is well-suited for the job.
Replaceable coils or replaceable pods
As we explained in an earlier section (The different types of pod vapes), pod devices either use replaceable pods, or pods with replaceable coils. Replaceable pods are easiest to use, but more wasteful and more expensive in the long run. Pod systems that take replaceable coils are slightly more complicated, but cheaper in the long run and still easy enough to use, even for a complete beginner to vaping.
What VG/PG ratio ejuice is best for pod vapes?
Most pod vapes will be able to handle anything from 50/50 up to 70VG without an issue. Some pod vapes may struggle with thicker ejuices, like 75VG or 80VG. For the best results, try to stick with ejuices that are 50 to 70VG. This isn’t to say that thicker ejuices won’t work. They may still vape just fine. However, you may notice that frequent draws lead to what is close to a dry hit, which is where the cotton is not absorbing ejuice fast enough and close to burning.
If you’re unsure if your pod or coil can handle 80VG, use our search function to look at our pod vape reviews. Our team tries to test different VG ratios in our reviews so you might find the information that you’re looking for.
What e-liquid should you use with pod vapes?
A question that comes up frequently with pod vapes is “what type of ejuice should I use”. The answer to that question is: any ejuice will work fine! There are four types of ejuices, and while all of them can be used in your pod vape, some are more effective than others.
Regular nicotine ejuices: These ejuices use “freebase nicotine” which is the standard type of nicotine that you’ll find in ejuices. These ejuices are usually available in 3mg to 18mg nicotine strengths. Regular nicotine ejuices deliver nicotine the best when used with a vape tank and vape mod, but they can also be used in pod vapes. However, because pod vapes are lower powered, a low strength regular nicotine ejuice may not deliver the nicotine satisfaction that you’re looking for. On the other hand, too high a strength may be harsh on your throat. This brings us to the next type of nicotine ejuice; nicotine salts.
Nicotine salt ejuices: Nicotine salt eliquids are the best type of ejuice to use with a pod vape. This is because they can deliver high concentrations of nicotine while still remaining smooth to vape on. Without getting too technical, nicotine salt ejuices are formulated using benzoic acid, which leads to the nicotine being more easily and more readily absorbed into the bloodstream. This leads to greater satisfaction and less vaping needed to get there. Nicotine salt ejuices are not meant to be used with subohm tanks and are best used in lower powered devices, like pod vapes.
Nicotine free ejuices: Nicotine free ejuices will be just as effective when vaped in a pod vape as they will when vaped in a higher powered tank and mod setup. The flavor may not be as pronounced, but it will still be good. You also get all of the advantages of using a pod vape like the convenience, ease of use, and portability.
CBD ejuices: CBD ejuices can be effectively vaped in pod vapes too. As long as it is specifically a cbd ejuice (not CBD distillate or CBD oil), you’ll have a great experience using it with a pod vape.
Are pod vapes good devices for nicotine free vape juice?
We’ve talked a lot about how pod vapes are good for vaping ejuices with nicotine, but they are also just as effective for nicotine free ejuices. You’ll get the same convenience, portability, and ease of use when using a pod vape with a nicotine free ejuice as you would if using an ejuice with nicotine.
Let us help you
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