These vape starter kits make it easy to get into vaping, even for a complete beginner
Do you want to get into vaping but don’t know where to start? Rest assured, you’re not alone. Feeling confused is a common sentiment among beginner vapers, mainly because there are so many different tank, mods, and device combos.
Choosing a tank, box mod, battery, charger and ejuice can be complicated for someone completely new to vaping. That’s why we created this list of the best starter kits in 2024.
For someone who is a complete beginner, you should consider buying either a disposable vape or a pod vape kit. For those who may have already purchased a disposable vape or a pod vape, or if you’re looking for something that will provide a stronger draw, you should consider buying a box mod kit.
Below you’ll find a list of the best beginner vapes that are available right now. These devices have been chosen for their ease of use and performance, and contain everything you need to start vaping other than your own ejuice (box mods may also require batteries that are sold separately).
These beginner vape kits can be purchased from our selected, reputable vendors who are known in the vaping industry for their customer service and authentic products.
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Best Box Mod Starter Kits
Box mod kits are made up of a tank, a mod that is usually box shaped (hence the name), and a battery or two (sold separately).
These devices come with the right tank for the mod, so you won’t have to worry about their compatibility. These devices are generally more customizable than disposable kits and pod vapes. However, the separate tank, mod, and battery mean that there is slightly more maintenance involved. This involves disassembling the tank and giving it a minor cleaning every once in a while to keep it running in tip-top shape.
The advantage to box mod starter kits is their power and customization. This includes the ability to adjust the wattage going to your coil, giving you a heavier hit, as well as the ability to adjust the airflow on the tank to get a tighter or more airy draw. Box mods can output much higher wattages than any other type of device. This makes them great for those seeking a hotter, heavier draw.
Some box mods take two batteries which allows for these higher wattages, as well as longer battery life, heavier vapor and larger clouds. Here are a few of the best box mods for beginners:
5.0
Exemplary
- Dimensions: 140.05mm x 54.12mm x 29mm
- Battery: Dual 18650
- Output: 5-200W, 12V max
- Modes: Power, TC, TCR, VPC, Bypass
- Screen Size: 1.08” TFT Color Display
- Charging Type: Type-C
- Capacity: 5.5ml
PROS
- Compact and lightweight
- Top notch build quality
- Easy to use and change modes
- IP68 water and dust resistant
- Superb power and TC performance
- Buttons feel great
CONS
- Most atomizers will overhang (>23mm)
Why We Picked It
The L200 (Legend 2) by Geekvape is a great all-around mod kit. You get the Geekvape L200 mod which is IP68 waterproof, dustproof, and nearly indestructible. You also get the Geekvape Zeus sub ohm tank. You’ll get two coils: one 0.2Ω coil (best used at 70-80W) and one 0.25Ω coil (best used from 45-57W). The Zeus tank is top filled and it’s very easy and hassle free to use.
This kit delivers major clouds and flavor — two aspects that beginners will love. In fact, the performance is so good that even experienced vapers will enjoy what the L200 kit brings to the table.
The L200 takes two 18650 batteries to function and is capable of firing at up to 200 watts in power mode. It also supports bypass mode, and temperature control modes as well. The battery efficiency of the Geekvape L200 is great so you’ll definitely make it through the day if you’re vaping at low-to-mid wattages.
On the front of the device there is a rocker style firing button that is easy to reach. There are also two small adjustment buttons, as well as a 1.08” TFT color display. This screen displays essential vaping information such as your current wattage, battery life, coil resistance, and voltage output. The UI is also nice and easy to read and navigate.
For its full set of features, great performance, and easy to use nature, the Geekvape L200 is our top pick for the best vape mod kit in 2024.
Read our full review on the Geekvape L200.
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4.5
Outstanding
- Dimensions: 154.8mm x 41.9mm x 36mm
- Battery: Single 21700/18650
- Output: 5-100W
- Modes: F(t)/Pulse/ECO/TC-SS/TC-NI/TC-TI
- Screen Size: 0.96” TFT Color Display
- Charging Type: Type-C
- Capacity: 8ml
PROS
- Durable; made of drop & scratch resistant TPU material
- Spring-loaded battery door makes swapping batteries easy and convenient
- iTank 2 delivers great flavor
- Great performance in wattage and TC modes
- Kit is a great value for the quality vaping experience that it provides
- No performance issues whatsoever
CONS
- Rugged look and two-tone design may not be for everyone
- Power button locking switch was a bit loose on our ARMOUR S test sample, leading to locking when trying to vape
- UP & DOWN adjustment buttons would be more intuitive if swapped
Why We Picked It
The VAPORESSO ARMOUR S kit is one of the best kits on the market, for beginners or otherwise. It comes with great coils, beginner friendly operating modes, and it’s easy to use. It also comes with one of the best subohm tanks available, the iTank 2, so you’ll get amazing flavor from your ejuices right out of the box.
The iTank 2 can hold up to 8ml of ejuice and two great coils are included with the kit. There are additional coils available to be purchased separately too. This gives you plenty of options to try and see what you like best.
The main operating modes, F(t) and Pulse, are VAPORESSO’s signature wattage modes which make micro-adjustments to the draw or pulse the wattage. These modes vape just like your regular wattage modes on other vape mods, only they help to deliver smoother and better draws. These modes are great for beginner vapers because the mod will do all of the work for you in the background; all you have to do is push the button to vape.
The ARMOUR S takes a single 21700, 20700, or 18650 battery to function. Since 21700/20700 batteries usually have higher mAh capacities, a good battery will allow you to vape longer as compared to a single 18650 mod. If you’re in a pinch without a dedicated battery charger, the battery can be easily and quickly recharged using the Type-C port on the front of the device.
The ARMOUR S uses VAPORESSO’s powerful AXON chip. While it isn’t as ‘fancy’ as a DNA or Yihi chip, it still delivers reliable wattage and temperature control mode performance and offers many battery safety features built-in.
Another great feature of the ARMOUR S is its rugged design. It’s built to be durable but still has an attractive appearance. The screen is particularly nice. Although small, it’s clear and in full color, offering all the information that you need about your setup.
Aside from ejuice, the ARMOUR S kit comes with everything that you need to begin vaping. It’s a great beginner vape kit for those seeking a flavorful and hassle-free vaping experience. You can adjust the wattage up to 100W and tune the airflow to your liking. Plus, with a host of protection features built-in and VAPORESSO’s quality and reliability, you can’t go wrong.
Read our full review on the VAPORESSO ARMOUR S Kit.
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4.5
Outstanding
- Dimensions: 141mm x 56mm x 31mm
- Battery: Dual 18650
- Output: 5-200W
- Modes: Power, SMART, VPC, Bypass, TC-SS, TCR
- Screen Size: 2.4” TFT Full Color Touch Screen
- Charging Type: Type-C
- Capacity: 5ml
PROS
- Feels substantial, solid, and well-built
- 2.4″ full color touchscreen is gorgeous
- Excellent flavor from Geekvape Z tank with both coils
- Many coils available for the Geekvape Z (Z Series coils)
- Passed our water and durability tests with flying colors
- Physical locking switch is convenient
CONS
- Takes many steps to change the wattage, compared to a mod with physical buttons
- Large screen is concerning for long-term durability
Why We Picked It
This Geekvape T200 kit, also known as the Aegis Touch kit, delivers everything you could want from a box mod starter kit and more. Not only do you get a great mod, but you also get the Geekvape Z sub-ohm tank which is known as one of the best sub ohm tanks of the year.
The design sticks to the same blueprint as Geekvape’s other Aegis mods — it looks modern, attractive and clean. It features a large and beautiful 2.4” color touchscreen that displays all of the information you need about your vaping setup, and the UI is attractive, intuitive, and easy to use. The T200 is capable of firing in power mode at up to 200W and also comes with TC, TCR, VPC, Bypass, and Smart modes as well.
Despite the large touch screen, the T200 is built to be durable. It’s waterproof, shockproof, and dustproof with an IP68 durability rating, and during our testing we submerged it underwater for 30 minutes, dropped it, and otherwise abused it, and it still lived to tell the tale and functioned perfectly fine afterwards. The T200 takes two 18650 batteries to function (sold separately) so make sure that you pick up a good pair.
The Z sub ohm tank comes with two coils: one 0.15Ω mesh coil, and one 0.4Ω mesh coil. Both coils are incredible and produce flavor that is on par with the absolute best sub ohm tanks on the market. Coil life is excellent and each coil will last through 10+ refills before you even notice any drop off in flavor, and that’s good news for your wallet. Plus, this tank will hold up to 5.5ml of ejuice which should be more than enough to get most vapers through their day.
The Geekvape T200 + Z tank kit comes with everything you need to get started vaping other than batteries and ejuice, and the experience out of the box is top-notch. All things considered, it’s a great purchase for any beginner vaper.
Read our full review on the Geekvape T200.
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Pod Vape Starter Kits
A pod vape device is made up of a pod and a battery. This all-in-one design makes them very easy to use. Pod vapes are meant for those who want a device that is as simple as can be, and who don’t want a larger pen style vape with a separate tank.
Similar to disposables, most all-in-one style vapes are not very adjustable or customizable and have a smaller ejuice capacity and smaller battery. However, pod vapes also have low maintenance needs because of their simple pod and battery construction.
Pod vapes are recommended for those who are not heavy vapers/smokers as the pod sizes are generally smaller than what you would get from a vape tank. However, pod devices allow a beginner to get into vaping without having to do a lot of complicated research into the right tank, mod, battery and components.
4.5
Outstanding
- Dimensions: 111mm x 26mm x 15mm
- Pods: 2ml capacity, replaceable pods
- Battery Size: 1000mAh
- Firing Method: Draw activated firing
- Draw: Loose MTL to MTL
- Adjustable Airflow: Yes
- Adjustable Wattage: No (5-25W)
- Charging Type: 1A Type-C
PROS
- Easy to use; perfect for beginners
- Very inexpensive ($9.99)
- Removable battery offers a lot of benefits
- Both nic salts and freebase ejuices vape well with the included pods
- 1000mAh battery lasts for 2+ days, depending on your usage
CONS
- 1A charging speed
- Power Hub (battery charger) required to get the most out of the removable battery
Why We Picked It
The Innokin Trine SE is a simpler, more user-friendly version of the highly-rated Trine pod vape. It delivers satisfying vapor and a nice draw without needing to worry about adjusting anything. Despite how simple and inexpensive it is (it can be found for as low as $9.99), the Trine SE is well-made and sports a quality design with great fit and finish.
One of its best features is the removable 1000mAh battery. It’s really convenient because you can just swap in a new battery when your current battery dies. In order to take advantage of this feature, you’ll want to purchase the Innokin Power Hub which allows you to charge two batteries at the same time. This way, you can always have a spare battery charged and ready to go.
If the removable battery doesn’t interest you, that’s okay. Even without this feature, the Trine SE is still an incredible device. The adjustable airflow has a nice, wide range, and the included VCAP pods vape well with both nicotine salt and freebase ejuices. It’s also very leak resistant, so you won’t have to worry about any messes either.
For MTL vapers who want an easy to use and reliable little device, along with the convenience of a removable battery, the Trine SE gets our recommendation. Just make sure to pick up a spare battery and the Innokin Power Hub in order to get the most out of this device.
Read our full review on the INNOKIN Trine SE.
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4.5
Outstanding
- Dimensions: 90mm x 42.5mm x 17mm
- Pods: 8ml capacity, replaceable pods
- Battery Size: 1300mAh
- Firing Method: Draw activated firing
- Draw: MTL draw
- Adjustable Airflow: Yes
- Adjustable Wattage: Yes (5-30W)
- Charging Type: Type-C
PROS
- Inexpensive
- Included 0.8Ω pod is suitable for all strengths of nicotine ejuices
- 8ml pod capacity for less refilling
- Pods last for around 20ml of ejuice
- 1300mAh battery lasts days
CONS
- Some whistling when airflow is restricted
- Deep fill port can be tricky and make a mess if you're not careful
- Ambiguous battery indicator
- 1h30m charging time
Why We Picked It
The OXPOD Elite is a small, pod-style vape and it’s one of the easiest-to-use devices out there. Beginner vapers or those transitioning from using disposable vapes will get the most out of this device due to its large pod capacity, excellent battery life, and simplicity.
The 8ml pod is by far the best feature of the OXPOD Elite. You can fill it and forget about it for a couple of days and the refilling and charging nearly coincide, so you can just fill it while it’s recharging. This makes the user-experience more similar to a disposable vape than to a pod vape, which is good news for beginners.
You get one pod with the OXPOD Elite (0.8Ω) but that pod is versatile. It does well with different nicotine strengths and it’s great for mouth to lung vaping. In our testing, it lasted for 20ml of ejuice so that’s a nice amount of vaping that you can get out of it too.
Being a simple device, there are a few minor cons to mention such as the ambiguous battery indicator (there’s no percentage readout, just an icon with bars), some whistling with the airflow restricted, and a deep fill port that can be tricky to fill without making a mess. But all things considered, these are minor issues that are overshadowed by the other great features and performance that the OXPOD Elite offers.
All-in-all, the OXPOD Elite is easily one of the best all-in-one vape starter kits for beginners.
Read our full review on the OXBAR OXPOD Elite.
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4.0
Excellent
- Dimensions: 77mm x 44.7mm x 18mm
- Pods: 6ml capacity, replaceable pods
- Battery Size: 1000mAh
- Firing Method: Draw activated firing
- Draw: Loose MTL draw
- Adjustable Airflow: No
- Adjustable Wattage: No
- Charging Type: 1A Type-C
PROS
- Inexpensive alternative to single-use vapes
- Loose draw and medium throat hit similar to disposables
- Large 6ml pods mean fewer refills are needed
- E-liquid is easily visible down to the last drop
- Pods/coils last for more than two weeks
CONS
- Only one pod included
- Occasionally suffers from spit-back
Why We Picked It
The Eco Nano 2 is a great choice for a pod vape starter kit because it was made with beginner vapers in mind. Whether you’re just getting into vaping or you’re currently a vaper who wants to transition away from disposable vapes to a device that is more wallet-friendly, the Eco Nano 2 will fit your needs.
Just pop in a pod, fill it up, and you’re good to go. All that you have to do is inhale on the mouthpiece to vape and you’re in business. All around, it’s a super portable and very user-friendly starter kit.
The 6ml pods are a major selling point which ensure that you won’t be refilling it all the time. The flavor and throat hit are also solid so new vapers and those transitioning from disposable vapes will get that satisfaction that they’re looking for.
Of course, battery life is an important factor and the 1000mAh built-in battery in the Eco Nano 2 goes the distance. You can easily get a day out of a charge but more likely two to three days with moderate usage.
It’s hassle-free and it just works — the Eco Nano 2 is easily one of the best picks for a pod vape starter kit.
Read our full review on the VAPORESSO Eco Nano 2.
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Disposable Starter Kits
For total beginners, disposable starter kits are very user-friendly and easy to get into using but they are also not very customizable. Disposable starter kits are composed of a disposable vape that comes prefilled with ejuice. They are usually quite small, but can be about the same size as a pod vape depending on how much ejuice they come filled with.
While disposables may not be very customizable, the upside is that you won’t have to research a compatible tank, mod, coil, and battery — they come filled and ready to vape out of the box.
Disposables are easy to use, portable, and have low maintenance needs so they are best suited to someone who is just entering the world of vaping.
5.0
Exemplary
- Dimensions: 79mm x 41mm x 19mm
- Draw: Loose MTL
- Ejuice Capacity: 13ml
- Nicotine Strength: 0mg, 20mg (2%), 40mg (4%), 50mg (5%)
- Puff Count: 5000
- Battery Size: 650mAh
- Rechargeable: Yes
- Charging Type: Type-C
- Adjustable Airflow: No
- # of Flavors: 40+
PROS
- Extremely user-friendly
- Many nicotine strength options
- Comes filled with 13ml of ejuice
- 5000+ puffs
- 42 flavor options
CONS
- Some flavors are quite sweet
Why We Picked It
EB BC5000 Disposables are ready-to-vape out of the box and they are easier to use than any pod vape or box mod. Each one comes prefilled with 13ml of ejuice, more than most other disposables on the market, and are available in a variety of nicotine salt strengths. Each one will last for 5000+ puffs so you’ll get quite a bit of usage out of these, no matter how much you vape.
EB BC5000 disposables also make a great starter kit because of the airflow. Each one delivers a loose mouth-to-lung draw that isn’t so tight that you struggle to pull, but not too loose either. It’s a good middle ground and this makes it a great choice for those looking to quit smoking.
Each EB BC5000 has a built-in 650mAh battery that can be recharged quickly with Type-C charging. The battery can be recharged multiple times during the lifespan of the device (5000+ puffs). When the ejuice is finished, you simply throw it away in an electronics recycling bin and open up a new one. It’s really that simple.
You can get these disposables in 40+ flavors so there’s sure to be one that you’ll like. The price is also right at just ~$15 each, so you’ll save a lot compared to purchasing a mod, tank, and ejuice. The EB BC5000 starter kit is a great purchase for entry-level vapers and will provide a satisfactory vaping experience with minimal hassle.
Read our full review on the EB BC5000 Disposables.
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4.5
Outstanding
- Dimensions: 100mm x 53mm x 28mm
- Draw: MTL draw
- Ejuice Capacity: 20ml
- Nicotine Strength: 50mg
- Puff Count: Up to 50,000
- Battery Size: 800mAh
- Rechargeable: Yes
- Charging Type: 2A Type-C
- Adjustable Airflow: Yes
- # of Flavors: 15
PROS
- Clear ejuice tank lets you easily see remaining ejuice
- Satisfying draw and flavor
- Offers up to 50,000 puffs in normal mode
- Firm airflow slider can be set for medium-MTL to tight MTL vaping
- Two-piece design and wicking method allows for most of the ejuice to be vaped
CONS
- Display animation is quite flashy
- 800mAh battery only lasts for 2 days
Why We Picked It
For a long-lasting and extremely flavorful disposable, look no further than the NEXA Ultra 50000. It offers up to 50,000 puffs in normal mode, which is more than double the amount of puffs that you would get from most high-puff disposables.
However, most interestingly, it comes with the ejuice tank separated from the battery – you have to put them together yourself before vaping. Don’t let this intimidate you though, it’s as simple as snapping the two pieces together and this two-piece design brings a number of benefits over ‘regular’ disposables.
Firstly, it keeps the ejuice fresh. Secondly, it prevents any possible ejuice leakage before you get the device. Lastly, and most importantly, it allows the NEXA Ultra to deliver more puffs than any other disposable vape on the market.
Unlike other disposables, there’s no large piece of cotton holding all of the ejuice. Instead, there’s a short cotton wick leading from the clear ejuice tank to the coil. This allows the NEXA Ultra 50000 to use and vaporize all of the ejuice in the tank.
So while another disposable vape might come prefilled with 15ml of ejuice, you might only get to use 12ml. The NEXA Ultra 50000 comes with 20ml of ejuice and you can use all of it – and that’s how it achieves more puffs than other disposables on the market today.
Other great features include two output modes, adjustable airflow, and fast charging. For beginner vapers who are looking to get long usage out of their disposable, we can easily give this device our recommendation.
Read our full review on the NEXA Ultra 50000 Disposables.
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4.0
Excellent
- Dimensions: 109mm x 52mm x 29mm
- Draw: MTL
- Ejuice Capacity: 14ml
- Nicotine Strength: 50mg (5%)
- Puff Count: 35,000
- Battery Size: 900mAh
- Rechargeable: Yes
- Charging Type: 2A Type-C
- Adjustable Airflow: Two-mode adjustable airflow
- # of Flavors: 17
PROS
- Well priced at ~$16.99
- Crisp display with ice and nicotine (ejuice) levels
- Four-level Ice adjustability works well
- Two-mode airflow; tight MTL or looser MTL
- Good flavors & satisfying draw
CONS
- Large for a disposable
- Very little difference between the three nicotine levels
- A percentage battery indicator would have been better than the current 6-bar icon indicator
Why We Picked It
The OXBAR ICENIC isn’t your typical disposable vape. It features an innovative system that allows you to adjust both the amount of cooling and the amount of nicotine on-the-fly, for unmatched customizability. While the nicotine adjustment doesn’t make a huge difference to the draw, there’s a clear difference between the four-levels of cooling adjustment and that’s where the ICENIC does a great job.
Even if you put aside the nicotine and ice adjustability, the ICENIC is still an excellent disposable vape. It offers a lot of puffs and the overall experience of using it is a good one.
Each one comes prefilled with 14ml of eliquid in 50mg nicotine salt strength. The 50mg strength is perfect for heavy smokers and will satisfy even the strongest nicotine craving. They are also available in 17 different flavors, so there’s bound to be a flavor that you will like.
This disposable starter kit comes ready to vape out of the box, with no setup needed. Simply take it out of the box, open up the packaging, and you’re ready to go. In our testing, the ICENIC delivered respectable flavor and a great draw that any beginner will enjoy.
The battery is a built-in, high efficiency 900mAh battery that can be charged and recharged as needed. Each device will get you up to and around 35,000 puffs.
All-in-all, if you enjoy menthol and you’re trying to get into vaping, then you really can’t go wrong with one of these.
Read our full review on the OXBAR ICENIC disposables.
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What Is the Best Vape Starter Kit?
The best vape starter kit will be easy to use, affordable, and hassle-free. A great place to start is with a disposable vape. Their low price and simplicity make them an ideal and easy starting choice. The EB BC5000 is a great option, with plenty of flavor.
By choosing a disposable, single-use vape, you can give vaping a go without having to overly commit if it is your first-time vaping.
Most vapers you meet will have started using disposable, single-use systems before upgrading their equipment to something much more customizable and substantial.
That said, there is nothing wrong with choosing a more permanent, reusable device with more features. You may find that further research is required to get the most out of your device, which may involve a little trial and error. However, the end result is well worth the effort! You’ll find all the pros and cons of each type of device, and you can learn about these in our guide below.
The Different Types of Vape Starter Kits
If you are just starting vaping, one of the biggest hurdles is figuring out which type of starter kit to use. There is a little jargon, however, we want to make it easy for you to start vaping. Here is a quick beginner’s guide on the different types of vape starter kits you will commonly encounter.
Mods and Tank Kits
Mod and tank kits are great for people who want to make an early initial investment and then be able to reuse their vape time and time again. A mod and tank kit is essentially two parts of equipment combined into one easy-to-use kit.
Wait, what is a mod? And what is a ‘tank’? Below you’ll find out what both terms mean:
What is a Mod?
A “mod” in vaping is a fancy term for the battery, battery housing, and onboard circuitry that provides the power for your vape. Simply put, it is the ‘powerhouse’ of your entire setup. Mods come in many forms, with various features and levels of complexity.
Features of vaping mods may include:
- A button to ‘fire’ the device
- A light or indicator to indicate when power is being supplied to your tank
- A screen displaying system information
- A battery level indicator
- A charging port
- Buttons to adjust power levels
The more complex (and normally more expensive) your mod, the more of the above features it will have.
What is a Tank?
A vaping tank refers to the piece of equipment that attaches to the top of your mod. It is the tank that produces the vapor. It will generally consist of a few parts that all combine together to make the ‘tank’:
E-juice Reservoir: Tanks come in various shapes and sizes, but they all are designed to hold a given quantity of e-juice. This ejuice is gradually fed through to the coil.
Coil: A ‘coil’ is the heating element of your device. When your mod is ‘fired,’ power is supplied to the coil, causing it to heat up. This heat causes the liquid in contact with the coil to become vapor.
Mouthpiece: The mouthpiece is the part you draw on to inhale the vapor. This sits at the top of a tank. Some mouthpieces have a universal fitting, meaning you can buy add-ons and adaptors more suited to your preference.
A Means to Attach the Tank to a Mod: This is an area that should not be overlooked. Some tanks have universal fittings, while other tanks are custom-made for a certain mod. You’ll tend to find that most tanks have a standard “510 thread fitting”, which means that they will work with most standard mods. However, it is well worth checking beforehand.
In order to make things as simple as possible for you, all of the mod and tank kits on this buyer’s guide use a standard 510 connection, allowing you to easily upgrade either the tank or the mod in the future, while retaining compatibility with the component that you keep.
Pod Vapes
Pod vapes are a sort of ‘halfway house’ between mod and tank systems and disposables. They are normally very simple and easy to use. You won’t have the same customization and adjustment options as mod and tank systems. Still, you get more options than you would with a disposable system.
A pod vape system is usually smaller, more discrete, and simpler than a vape mod. Pod vapes are designed to take ‘plug in’ style cartridges called ‘pods’.
These pods are sometimes self-contained items that consist of an ejuice reservoir, a coil, and a mouthpiece in a single unit. The general theme is that you can reuse the pod vape by charging it, but replace the pods when the juice inside them is finished.
However, there is a little crossover…
While some systems feature single-use pods of vape cartridges, others offer the option of refilling the cartridge or ‘tank’. In some cases, you can also replace the coil within the pod. This opens up a good range of possibilities to change up your flavors and level of vapor production.
Disposable Vapes
When it comes to ease of use, disposable vapes are the prime choice. Unlike other systems, disposable vapes are single-use. It is literally a case of ‘open the box and go’. Disposable vapes still feature a tank and mod, but they are combined in a one-piece unit that cannot be refilled or disassembled.
What do you do once the battery or juice runs out? Simple.
As the name would suggest, disposable vapes are designed to be thrown away. This option is great if you want to try vaping at a relatively low price. However, regular vapers may find more value in choosing a reusable vaping system as the cost can rise significantly with continued use.
As an additional note, there are some disposable vapes that are rechargeable and these disposables usually come prefilled with a ton of ejuice as well. This allows you to use them until they die, recharge them, and use them again. You can repeat this process until the ejuice in the disposable is all used up, at which point you can throw them away.
What Makes a Good Vape Starter Kit?
What makes a good vape starter kit will depend on you, the user. The type you choose and what you define as ‘good’ will depend entirely on how you intend to use your kit. To make life easy, here are some things you should look for when choosing a starter kit:
Price and Value
Ever heard the saying “buy cheap, buy twice”? The most basic vaping systems may occupy a very low price point, especially compared to cigarettes.
However, if you find you are using your vape more often and therefore need to purchase replacements very often (especially in the case of disposables), then you might want to think in terms of price per use instead of single unit cost.
Our point? It is better to make a slightly more expensive initial purchase and then pay less to replace smaller components, than to spend more on replacing the entire unit at more regular intervals.
Ask yourself how much you intend to use your vape. If the answer is anywhere near ‘regularly,’ the more cost-effective option would be to choose a device with a greater lifespan like a mod and tank starter kit or a pod vape.
Ease of Use
We’ve all been there. You get into something new and then feel overwhelmed and a little lost as you go too advanced, too early.
Our advice is to choose a device that is easy to use, to start off with while you find your feet. It is far better to choose something easy to use than to invest heavily in a feature-laden device that puts you off from vaping due to its complexity.
Compatibility
You may be the kind of vaper that intends to grow your use through time. That’s a good thing.
However, you may want to choose a device that allows your vaping to grow without having to change your entire setup.
If the above sounds like you, your best choice might be to choose a device, such as a mod and tank kit, that you know will be compatible with other options. If you want to upgrade, the subsequent purchase will be significantly cheaper.
Features
A vaping device packed with features can be a good thing. But, they will only be beneficial if you know how to use them.
You’ll read countless forums featuring beginners who’ve purchased something that is all singing and dancing, but who are getting a bad experience because one of the settings is a little out of kilter.
A good start is choosing a device with some customization options and features, but not so many that you feel overwhelmed. What kind of features are we talking about?
Check out the section below for a full run-down.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Vape Starter Kit
One of the great things about vaping is how many options there are. You can tailor your experience to exactly what you are looking for. However, too many options can leave a beginner vaper feeling lost.
Here’s a quick list of essential features to think about. See which ones you think might be applicable. They’ll help you make a better decision.
User Friendliness
Do you want to spend time delving into articles and guides to get the most out of your experience? Or, are you the type who just wants to ‘grab and go’?
Maybe you are someone who is in between? As we said, vaping is full of options. Here’s a list of vaping devices in order from most simple, to most complex:
- Disposable Vape Starter Kits
- Pod Vape Systems
- Tanks and Mod Starter Kits
Power
If you have gone for the last option, a mod and tank starter kit, then you will have a great opportunity to customize your vape. How?
One way this is achieved is by increasing or decreasing the power supplied to your coil. Most, if not all, mod starter kits will feature adjustable wattage which lets you increase the power, or turn it down to your preference. Some, but not all pod vapes will also allow you to adjust the wattage. More power equals more vapor, heat and’ throat hit’. Less power equals a cooler and milder vape.
If you find that disposable systems or non-adjustable pod vapes aren’t satisfying enough, or if you want to get into the world of ‘cloud chasing’ (vaping slang for creating more vapor), being able to adjust your wattage is a feature that you may want to look for.
But, (and there is a but) there are limits to the power supplied by each individual device. Some coils and tanks require a fair chunk of power to be pushed through before they reach their true potential. While most tank and coil setups will produce good vapor at 50W, your style of vaping might be more suited to higher-power vapor. In this case, choose a device that has the option for higher power output. Some mods can go as high as 220W.
Displays, information, and Screens
The more information you have, the more you know. Right?
Some vape systems will give you essential information, allowing you to improve your setup. Vape mods will almost always have a screen, while pod vapes may or may not have a display.
Good devices that have a screen will give you the right amount of information without overloading you. If you choose to opt for a mod and tank system, you can usually expect to see the following information:
- Battery percentage
- Power (either watts or volts)
- Puff count
- Coil resistance
- Coil material type
- Vape temperature (device dependent)
While color screens are cool, they shouldn’t be considered a deal-breaker. You’ll often find that they add significantly to the cost of a device.
Part Replacement and Availability
Disposables are relatively easy to source. However, suppose you’ve opted for a pod/cartridge vape system or a tank and mod device. In that case, it is well worth considering how available the replacement parts are to acquire.
You will need to change the coil on your tank occasionally. Pod vapes will also require you to either change the coil, or change the pod. A key point to keep in mind is that tanks and pod vapes are not universal in the type of coils or pods that they take.
If you are committed to vaping regularly, take the time to research your chosen device to ensure that you can easily find the needed replacement coils or pods.
Ease of Charging
While charging your device is a relatively simple endeavor, there are various ways in which it can be achieved. Again, it is worth checking beforehand.
Why?
Devices like pod vapes, disposable vapes, and mods with built-in batteries will feature a ‘plug and charge’ function where the batteries are charged just by plugging in the device (similar to how you’d charge your phone). On the other hand, mods with independent, removable batteries will need a separate standalone charger to safely and evenly charge the batteries. Charging removable batteries in your device should only be done if you’re in a pickle with no access to an external charger.
Vaping Modes
Wait, what? Here’s the thing. Some vaping mods feature several ways to vape all in one device.
The integrated circuitry of your mod often offers various ‘types’ of vaping experiences.
Here’s a list of the modes that you may find on a vape mod. Which you choose will depend heavily on user preference:
- Wattage Mode
- Variable Voltage
- Bypass Mode
- Pulse Mode
- Temperature Mode
Generally, the above options are only available on mod and tank-style systems.
Airflow
There are a few ways to vape, which can vary depending on the user’s preference. If you aren’t familiar with the differences between mouth-to-lung (MTL) and direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping, we’ve got loads of information for you to check out.
The short version? The greater the airflow of your chosen device, the ‘looser’ the draw. The less airflow, the ‘tighter’ the draw.
There are further subtle nuances between each. This can include things such as:
- Stronger or weaker ‘throat hit.’
- Vapor temperature
- The intensity of vapor flavor
Quite a lot of things to think about, right? You’ll be pleased to know that all of the above aren’t ‘binary’. You can often blend the ideal mix of the above.
How? With airflow adjustment. Many starter vape setups will still include an adjustable airflow port or ring, allowing you to further customize your vape.
Size
If you are new to vaping, you’ll undoubtedly have seen several ‘types’ of vape devices.
Generally, mod and tank kits will be larger in size but offer more features and power. Pod vapes and disposable vapes will be smaller and more portable, but not as powerful.
Which to pick? Well, that depends entirely on where and how you want to vape.
If you are looking for something to sit on your desk while you work from home, then size shouldn’t be too much of an issue. If you are a person who wants to vape “on the go”, a better option might be something small to mid-sized.
What type of ejuice will you be using?
A final important consideration when choosing a device is the type of nicotine ejuice that you will be using. To put things simply without making things too complicated, there are two types of nicotine ejuices: regular nicotine ejuices, and nicotine salt ejuices. Regular nicotine ejuices come in nicotine strengths of 3mg to 18mg/ml, while nicotine salt ejuice come in strengths of 20mg to 50mg/ml.
Regular nicotine ejuices are best suited for higher-powered setups, like mod and tank kits. This is because the high power output of these kits will vaporize a lot of ejuice and thus produce a lot of vapor. If you use an ejuice with too much nicotine, you’ll end up feeling ‘nic-sick’.
However, due to the relatively low nicotine content of regular nicotine ejuices, the high power output and resulting large amount of vapor from a mod and tank kit will contain just the right amount of nicotine to leave vapers feeling satisfied. Regular nicotine ejuices can still be used with pod devices, however because of their lower power outputs, the nicotine satisfaction that you get will generally not be as strong.
Nicotine salt ejuices are best suited for use in pod vapes, and most disposable vapes will come prefilled with nicotine salt ejuice. Nicotine salt ejuice uses a special formulation to contain more nicotine per ml, while still remaining smooth to vape at lower wattages. Nicotine salt ejuices should not be used in high-powered mod and tank kits because they will deliver too much nicotine and you will end up feeling nic sick.
If you are a heavy smoker who is looking to transition to vaping, you may want to start with a disposable vape, or with a pod vape and nicotine salt ejuices. If you are not a heavy smoker, or if you’re looking to cut down on your nicotine consumption, you may want to go with a mod and tank kit.
Also, if you are finding that a mod and tank kit with regular ejuice is not giving you the satisfaction that you are looking for, a pod vape with nicotine salts may be the thing to try.
Which Kit Should You Choose When Starting Vaping?
As with most purchases, you’ll find advantages and disadvantages to each. By looking at what’s good and not so good about each, you can work out what matters to you and things you’ll want to avoid. Here’s what’s hot (and not so hot) about each vaping setup
Mods and Tank Kits
Mod and tank kits offer the ultimate in customization options and vapor production. However, they are not for everyone. If you are new to vaping, here’s what you need to know:
Who Mod and Tanks are Great for:
- Committed vapers
- People who like lots of options
- Heavy users
- Cloud chasers
- Those who will look to upgrade in the future
Pros
- Lots of options
- Relatively universal in compatibility
- MTL and DTL ability
- High power output
- Long battery Life
- Upgradeable
Cons
- Normally occupy a higher price point
- Bulky to carry
- Can be complex to use
- Sometimes require independent chargers
Pod Vapes
Pod vapes can often occupy a good ‘middle ground’ between tank and mod systems and disposables. They are often reusable, and there is good availability of replacement components. However, there are a few areas that might not be for everyone. Here’s a quick guide to the pros and cons of pod vapes.
Who Pod Vapes are Great for:
- Brand new vapers
- Those who want to try different flavors
- People who like convenience
- Those for who portability is vital
- Cost-conscious vapers
- Salt nicotine vapers
Pros
- Relatively Cheap
- Low ejuice consumption
- Can be more affordable than using a vape mod and tank
- Very easy to use
- Portable and lightweight
- Convenient
- Low maintenance
- Can be used to vape nicotine salt ejuices
- Can fill different pods with different flavors
Cons
- Limited in options
- Normally more Mouth to lung style
- Relatively small vapor production
- Less powerful than a mod and tank
Disposable Vapes
Disposable vapes are the ultimate when it comes to entrants into vaping. It couldn’t be easier, just open the box, take a hit, and you are good to go. If convenience and cost are on your mind, then it’s a great option.
Who Disposable Vapes are Great for
- Brand new vapers
- Short-term or sporadic use
- Those unsure if they will stick with vaping
- Those looking for the lowest initial cost to get into vaping
- Individuals trying to quit vaping
Pros
- The cheapest vapes on the market
- Easy to carry
- Utter simplicity to use
- Contains satisfying nicotine salts
- No maintenance required
- No refilling required
- Cheaper in the short term
Cons
- Very limited in options
- Single-use only
- Relatively low vapor production
- Not customizable
- Less flavorful than other types of vapes
- Shorter usage time compared to a tank+mod setup or pod vape
- Wasteful
- Can’t be filled with your own ejuice
- More expensive long term
How To Get Started with A Vape Kit: A Step-by-Step Guide
When your first kit arrives, you may be confused about what to do. Don’t worry; we are vaping experts and will guide you every step of the way. Literally. Here’s what you will need to do in our simple step-by-step guide.
Unpackage everything (and read the instructions)
The first step in assembling and setting up your device is to become familiar with the components. Normally most vape kits include the following:
- Instructions
- A charging cable
- A mod or pod vape battery
- A tank or pod
- Coil(s)
- Spare parts
How these all fit together will depend on your device. It is worth a minute to read the instructions and ensure all components are included.
Charge your device
While most vaping devices arrive charged, it isn’t a surety. To make sure you are getting optimal performance, you should charge your device fully before first use.
If your device has a removable battery, ensure that it is fully charged.
Prime the coil and add your Ejuice
While waiting for the battery to charge, you can assemble the tank or pod. If you’ve opted for a mod and tank kit, then the tank will come with a removable coil that will need to be inserted. If you’ve opted for a pod vape, it may or may not use separate coils. In some cases, the coil is built-into the pod. Check the user manual to ensure that you’ve done it correctly. Once the tank or pod is fully assembled, fill the tank using the filling hole.
Why do this before anything else?
Most coils need to be ‘primed’. This means you need to give the ejuice a chance to soak into the material inside the coil. Hit your fire button too soon, and you’ll have a burned taste and a dry hit. Yuck! After filling the tank or pod, wait at least 10 minutes before using it.
Power on your device
Provided your device has an internal battery, it is time to turn on your mod once it is charged. There are several ways to do this, and the instructions should tell you. Common methods include:
- Quickly pressing the fire button 5 times
- Quickly pressing the fire button 3 times
- Pressing and holding the fire button
- Pressing and holding all of the buttons on the device
Normally, devices will start in ‘variable wattage mode’.
Familiarize yourself with the menu and choose your settings
If you’ve opted for a box mod, chances are there will be a few options. It is well worth learning the various menu paths before vaping. That way, you’ll be in a good place to make the necessary changes to get optimal vapor.
While you may have an absolute unit of a device, we’d recommend starting at the lower end of the power curve and working your way up to vaping nirvana. Go too high too soon, and it’s a one-way trip to burnt coil town. Not fun. Most coils will have a recommended wattage range printed on the side of the coil. Start at the lowest end of the recommended wattage range and work your way up to your liking.
Fire the vape and inhale
Now comes the fun part. Vaping. You may have a draw-activated device meaning you simply need to suck on the mouthpiece, or you may need to hit the “fire” button.
Want a top tip? Start your drag before hitting the fire button. The airflow caused by your drag will help keep the coil a little cooler and prevent it from overheating if you aren’t used to high power settings.
Refine your Settings
How was it? Too cool, too hot, or just right? The good news is that even if your first experience wasn’t perfect, it will be.
Go back into the menus you discovered in step 5 and make adjustments. To give you a good idea of common vaping faults and fixes, here’s a simple troubleshooting table to help you make the right adjustments to your vape:
Fault | Suggested Fixes |
---|---|
Vapor too hot | – Turn down wattage – Open airflow to full – Check vaping mode |
Vapor too cool | – Turn up wattage/power – Close airflow slightly – Check vaping mode |
Lack of flavor | – Close airflow slightly – Check battery charge – Increase power |
Burned taste | – Turn power down – Open airflow fully – Ensure coil is primed |
Too much vapor | – Turn power down – Close airflow slightly |
Throat hit is too strong/harsh | – Open airflow – Turn power down |
Enjoy!
Got it dialed in? Congratulations! You are now a fully qualified vaper! How was it? Let us know in the comments!
Who Are Vape Starter Kits For?
Vape starter kits are a great idea for anyone who wants to get into vaping. Because they come with everything you need (aside from ejuice and, if it’s an external battery device, batteries) and are assembled by the manufacturer, compatibility is an issue that you don’t need to worry about.
All-in-one tank and mod kits (along with pod kits for beginner vapers) will work great out of the box. In fact, they are custom designed to do so! Optimization is something most seasoned vapers strive for. Luckily, starter kits allow you to achieve this with ease.
Who uses vape starter kits? Here are some people who would really benefit:
- Those who wish to quit smoking
- People who have tried vaping but initially found it too confusing/complex
- Those who normally smoke but whose environment prevents them
- People who want to reduce their nicotine intake completely
Vaping Starter Kits | FAQ
Got questions? No problem. Here are some questions that we regularly get asked by vapers.
What Vape Brand is the Most Reliable?
There are countless vaping brands, and they are not all created equal. Generally, if you stick to the ‘big brands’ you’ll get a good experience. Companies we recommend include:
- Uwell
- Voopoo
- Vaporesso
- Innokin
- Wotofo
- Vaporlax
- Lost Vape
- Geekvape
- Freemax
If you’re unsure about a device, you can check out our reviews for honest, reliable information on the product.
Is Vaping Cheaper than Smoking?
Vaping will work out significantly cheaper than smoking. While the initial outlay might seem expensive, the math surrounding price per use means you get more for less with vaping. Parts can be replaced and reused, and you’ll find a bottle of ejuice lasts far longer than a pack of cigarettes!
How Safe is Vaping Compared to Cigarettes?
Let’s be honest. Nothing beats good old fresh air when talking about health. However, vaping is significantly safer than smoking. No’ burning’ means no tar or other carcinogens found in cigarettes. In fact, some health authorities even prescribe vaping as a better alternative to smoking,
What Does “Mod” Mean in Vaping?
Mod is short for ‘modifiable box battery’, the main power supply for your tank and coil. While technically correct, calling it a battery doesn’t adequately describe its usefulness. A mod also contains clever chips and circuitry to perfectly tailor your vaping experience.
Is a Mod Better Than a Pod Vape?
There are pros and cons to both mods and pod vapes. Pods win when it comes to out-of-the-box simplicity (and are normally cheaper). Mods give you much more functionality and options and generally last longer. The type you choose will depend entirely on your style of vaping.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a vape starter kit presents many exciting opportunities, and there is plenty to consider. For cheap and easy vaping, initially, disposable mods work well. For limited functionality and ease of use, a pod mod is a worthy choice. A tank and mod kit is the best choice for those looking for a long-term solution with a huge range of possibilities.
Whether you’re looking for a vape mod and tank, a pod vape, or a disposable, at least one of these starter kits on our list will fit your needs.
These are the best beginner devices out there at the moment and choosing any one of them will make it easier to get into vaping. Their ease of use, flavor, and build-quality make these the most attractive and logical choices for any beginner vaper.
Which will you opt for? Let us know in the comments below!