Best Pod Vapes 2023: The Top 10 Pod Systems Right Now

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do pods last?

Pods, or the coils inside them, should last around a week with average use. Pod and coil technology is constantly improving, and some pods can now last much longer. You can tell that a pod needs replacing if it loses flavor, tastes burnt, or begins to leak excessively. 

Are pod vapes more expensive than disposables?

Once past the initial outlay for the device, pod vapes can be significantly cheaper than disposables. Over the course of a year, the cost of using a pod vape can be half that of using disposables. In addition, now that pod vapes can be picked up for less than $5, even the starting costs don’t have to be high. 

Can you clean a vape pod?

You can clean vape pods that use replaceable coils. To do so, remove the coil and place the pod in a small bowl of warm water and dish soap for 10-20 minutes. Rinse with clean water, shake out as much moisture as possible, then let the pod dry out completely before refilling it. 

Do pod vapes leak?

Disposable pre-filled pods, also known as closed pods, shouldn’t leak. Refillable pods can leak slightly through the airflow channel in the bottom of the pod, or from the drip tip if the vape is not stored upright (when in a bag or purse, for example.) Any liquid that has leaked out of the pod can easily be cleaned up with a Q-tip or Kleenex. 

Can you use CBD in a pod vape?

Yes, you can use CBD vape liquid in a pod vape. The only caveat is that CBD vape liquid has a higher viscosity than standard e-liquid and works best with low-resistance coils. A coil/pod with 0.5-0.6 ohm resistance should be perfect, but you can probably go as high as 0.8-1.0 ohm at a push. 

Why does my pod vape taste burnt?

A pod vape can taste burnt when the wick inside the coil has been allowed to dry out. The heating element then burns the wicking material, rather than vaporizing the eliquid that is soaked into it. You can prevent this by priming new coils, keeping the pod topped up, and drawing on your vape less aggressively. 

How much e-liquid do pods hold?

Vape pods usually have an eliquid capacity of between 2ml and 5ml. Smaller pen-style pod vapes commonly use 2-3ml pods, while larger pod mod devices often use 5ml pods. In general, high-wattage, low-resistance pod vapes will have larger pods to allow for their larger ejuice consumption. 

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