14 Best Pod Vapes for 2022
We first wrote this roundup of the best pod vapes available several years ago.
How things have changed!
Back then, pod systems had only just hit the market. They were small, compact and mostly basic devices that provided a Mouth-to-Lung hit.
You can now get pod devices to suit every style of vaping. You’ll find devices designed for ease of use, devices designed to replicate the experience of smoking and devices designed for cloud chasers.
You’ll also find that the devices have seriously improved. I’m finding that pod systems have greatly improved taste, longer-lasting batteries, a better nicotine hit and longer-lasting coils. It’s an impressive move forward in technology in just a few years.
In this post we’ll be taking a look at the best options available right now. If you’re a pod mod fan, though, you’ll find our pod mod round-up goes into more depth on this specific type of pod. If you’re not precious about the type of kit you use, do have a look at our round-up of the best vape kits here.
Top pod devices at a glance
In this post you’ll find we also refer to MTL (Mouth-to-Lung), DL (Direct-Lung) or RDL (Restricted Direct-Lung) inhale. You can find an explanation of what these terms mean in our MTL v. DL guide.
Closed pod vapes
Hexa Pro: Best closed pod system
The Hexa V2.0 was one of our favourite pod systems thanks to its great combination of technology and e-liquid. While the V2.0 has been discontinued, Hexa has given us a new, upgraded version with the Hexa Pro – featuring improved battery and fast charging design.
The easy to use device is super compact and lightweight, requires hardly any setup and uses a combination of nic salts and freebase e-liquid for a draw and throat hit similar to cigarettes. This makes it great for new vapers looking for a fuss-free vape experience that resembles smoking.
Most of the vape pens in this guide are open systems, which means you can refill the e-liquid. The Hexa Pro is a fixed-coil closed pod system, so when the e-liquid in the pod runs out you just replace it with another one. This is ideal for vapers who don’t like refilling pods or changing coils.
What we like:
·Super easy to use
·Similar to smoking
·Slim, compact and lightweight
Best refillable pod vapes
Aspire Vilter: Cigarette-style paper tips
When you switch from smoking to vaping you’ll initially miss both the ease and physical feel of smoking. To combat this, you’ll want a vape device that requires little fuss and is as close to the physical experience of smoking as possible (without the health implications).
The Aspire Vilter has nailed this with its easy-to-use design and artificial paper filter tips. These optional tips provide the familiar in-mouth feel of a traditional cigarette in a vaping device.
As well as these cigarette-style tips, the Filter has many other fuss-free, quick and easy features that make the smoking to vaping switch as simple as possible. These include a buttonless design, fixed-coil pods, inhale draw, automatic output and a restricted cigarette-style draw, making the Vilter a great option for beginners just starting on their vaping journey.
What we like:
·Cigarette-style paper tips
·Easy to use
·Restricted draw
Vaporesso Xros Mini: 2 day’s battery life
The upgraded version of the Xros device, the Vaporesso Xros Mini has all the features you’d want from a simple and easy-to-use pod vape including fixed-coil pods, automatic output and button-less auto draw design.
Designed for MTL vaping and perfect for beginners, the stand out feature of the Xros Mini is its battery. Perfect for those that don’t want to be constantly charging their device, the Xros Mini’s 1000mAh capacity is 20% larger than the original device and Vaporesso estimate it can last two days of use between charges.
The device’s bypass output design means that the output is based on the battery capacity. You’ll get more power output and vapour on a fuller battery. If you can’t get to a charger, though, the battery will last for longer as it outputs less voltage.
That gives you a longer life from the battery with lower vapour, making it ideal for vapers who prioritise battery life.
What we like:
·20% bigger battery than the original
·Fixed-coil pods
Innokin I.O Pod Kit: Budget friendly
Small in size and small in price, the Innokin I.O Pod Kit is a perfect budget-friendly pod kit, especially for new vapers. Designed for both simplicity and portability, the truly tiny I.O Pod Kit is by far the smallest on this list. At just 88 x 14mm, it fits neatly in the palm of your hand and is ideal for carrying in your pocket.
With fixed-coil 0.8Ω pods, automatic output and a buttonless draw-activated design it also offers a restricted inhale ideal for people who have recently switched to vaping from smoking, and will work well for those who want a simple and easy-to-use device that requires no fuss and won’t break the bank.
What we like:
·Ultra compact
·Cigarette-style restricted draw
·Easy to use
Smok Novo 4: Tough design & precise control
The Smok Novo 4 caters to vapers of all experience levels.
It has all the elements needed for a new vaper’s first kit – simple, single-button design, easy filling pods and push-fit coil installation.
While easy-to-use features are great for beginners, an added bonus of this Novo 4 is other aspects such as adjustable airflow and an OLED screen that allow you to start experimenting as you become more familiar with vaping. This helps you progress, discover your preferences and also means there is less need to buy another device as you become more advanced.
One of the standout features is the Novo 4’s easy to control airflow wheel. This allows you to precisely control the airflow and experiment with a more airy or restricted inhale.
There’s also the inclusion of a small OLED screen displaying device information. This enables you to keep tabs on the status of the device and learn more about how it is operating.
What’s to like:
·Airflow control wheel
·OLED screen
·Gives you the chance to experiment
For a similar, more compact version see the Novo 4 Mini.
Uwell Caliburn G2 & Caliburn A2: Best for flavour
Originally, the Uwell Caliburn G was featured in this post due to its popularity and unrivalled flavour.
But now we’re adding two newer versions from the Caliburn range – the Caliburn G2 and Caliburn A2. Both devices continue the ease to use of their predecessor with a simple design, automatic output and inhale firing – plus some updates for an even better vape experience.
The Caliburn G2 is just as easy to use as the Caliburn G but improves on it with a larger battery capacity and even better flavour thanks to Uwell’s PRO-FOCS technology. There’s also the addition of a new haptic feedback feature – with different vibration patterns alerting you to issues with the device.
The Caliburn A2, while having a smaller battery capacity, offers even more convenience for new vapers as its fixed-coil pod design means there’s no need for manual coil changes.
What we like:
·Great flavour
·Open system – use with your favourite e-liquid
·Choice of coils (Caliburn G2)
·No-fuss fixed-coil pods (Caliburn A2)
·Works well with nicotine salts
Smok Nord 2: Reliable, comfortable mouth-piece
I couldn’t write a post about the best pod mods without including a Nord – and in fact there are two in this roundup!
Both the original Smok Nord and the Smok Nord 2 have proved hugely popular. They’ve also proved highly reliable.
Both the devices come with a duck-billed mouthpiece which has proved part of the key to its popularity. The mouthpiece is designed to fit the contours of your lips, making it one of the most comfortable to vape.
The Nord 2 comes with significantly more power than the original Nord. It can provide up to 40 watts, and can also be used with lower resistance coils. This makes it a great choice for vapers looking to experiment with larger clouds of vapour without blocking the sun out!
What we like:
·Duck-billed mouthpiece
·Reliable performer
·Choice of coils
Best pod mods
Eleaf iSolo Air Kit: Compact, easy to use
The iSolo Air Kit is another device that looks great. At under 10 cm long, it’s also seriously compact.
The Eleaf iSolo Air has the design of a pod mod, but is really a Mouth-to-Lung device. Designed to give a tight, restricted vape closer to that of a cigarette, with the small air holes you need for this type of vape. The device does come with up to 40 watts of power, which is more than sufficient for MTL.
The iSolo Air has a 1500mAh fixed internal battery, which is good for its tiny size and sufficient for a MTL device (if it was a DL device we’d want to see a larger battery life). The device can go from zero to full charge in just 45 minutes.
This a very easy-to-use device, with simple controls and fast coil changing, and would make an ideal first foray into the world of pod mods.
What we like:
·Super compact
·Fast charging
·Easy to use
Innokin Sensis: Longer lasting coils, superior flavour
One pain point with vaping, especially when used at higher wattages, is the coil. If you don’t keep the coil saturated with e-liquid it will burn, providing a foul taste.
To prevent this, it’s important to prime coils. However, you usually do this before you vape, and if your coil gets dry during usage there’s not much you can do about it.
So I’m really excited about the Innokin Sensis, which is the first device to introduce auto-priming technology. When you turn this mode on, the device automatically draws e-liquid into your coil to keep it saturated. This both expands the life of your coil and improves the flavour.
What we like:
·Auto-priming for longer-lasting coils
·Auto-refresh mode for improved flavour
·Mysterious Find F mode
Oxva Velocity 21700: Superb flavour and clouds
There was a time when vaping meant a choice between flavour and clouds. The Oxva Velocity 21700 provides both. The performance and taste are so good that our product manager labelled it the best pod mod he had tried.
This is a solid device that feels hefty in the hand and provides decent clouds of vapour – it’s a long way from a classic pod design! The extra size means the device can take external batteries. In fact, the Oxva Velocity can take a range of batteries, including 18650, 21700 or 20700 batteries.
External batteries have a big advantage over fixed batteries. When your battery runs out, you can just slip it out and put a new charged battery in. You can also charge them either in the device or in an external charger such as the Intellicharger.
The Velocity 21700 also comes with a neat Smart Mode. When used, this stops you from going above a maximum wattage, which helps your coil last longer. This makes the device more accessible for less experienced users.
What we like:
·Superb taste
·Great for clouds
·Smart Mode
Voopoo Drag X & PnP-X Pod /Drag S & PnP-X Pod: Stunning combination of metal and leather
The Voopoo Drag series is a real looker. It combines leather and metal for a device that both looks great and is super comfortable to hold.
But there’s a lot more to the Drag than looks. It performs superbly. It also comes with Smart Mode. This both sets a maximum wattage to prevent coils from burning out, and also recommends an optimum wattage.
The Drag X/S mods are a great option for vapers who have some experience but still need a little guidance. They also have options for more advanced vapers. Experienced users can switch to RBA mode, allowing them complete freedom over how they use their device.
The difference between the two devices is the battery design. The Drag S uses a fixed internal battery with a 2500mAh battery. The Drag X uses a 18650 battery. These usually come with a battery capacity of 3000mAh. That’s slightly more capacity, but the real advantage is being able to swap the battery out when it needs recharging.
What we like:
·Great performance
·Choice of fixed or replaceable battery
·Smart Mode great for less experienced users
Smok Nord 4: Choose between restricted or airy vape
While the Nord 2 was a step up from the Nord, the Nord 4 is a different beast altogether. The device can output up to 80 watts of power, putting it firmly in the Pod Mod category.
Combine that power with low resistance coils (especially the 0.16Ω RPM2 coil) and you can produce thick, dense clouds of vapour.
The Nord 4 is not just for clouds though. Switch to the 1.2Ω quartz coil and dial down the airflow and wattage to get a restricted vape with more intense flavour.
I also like the airflow adjustment. This is controlled by a wheel-like control, which makes it easy to get better accuracy.
(You may be wondering why there isn’t a Smok Nord 3!? Smok told us that they regard the Smok Nord X as the third in the series, which is why this device is called the Nord 4, despite there being no Nord 3.)
What we like:
·Most powerful Nord device yet
·Choose between MTL or DL vaping
·Great airflow control
Geekvape B100 21700: Super tough, 50% more vaping time
The Geekvape B100 21700 is also known as the Aegis Boost Pro Max – the updated version of the Aegis Boost Pro. This version has been upgraded to support 21700 batteries – giving you up to 50% more vaping time than the original.
A great device for those who like to spend time outdoors, the B100 21700 has been designed to withstand the elements. Its IP67 rating means it’s dustproof, shockproof and waterproof, while its external battery design means you don’t need to worry about the batteries running out when you’re out and about as you can just replace it with a new one.
Designed to support Direct-Lung vaping with lots of cloud production, the 100W mod benefits from a flexible ‘quadra vaping’ design that allows it to be paired with both Boost Plus pods and 510 connection vape tanks.
What’s to like:
·Long battery life
·Super tough design
·Can be paired with both pods & tanks
How we chose these kits
To select the kits here we’ve used a combination of our own ratings, the popularity of the devices, both in terms of sales and ‘on the scene’, as well as taking into account customer feedback. Occasionally we’ll add a just-launched kit to the list – but only if we are seriously impressed in testing.
All the kits here are made to UK standards and are compliant with EU and UK regulations.
What are pod systems?
As the name suggests, pod systems are e-cigarettes that make use of a “pod” as opposed to a traditional tank or cartridge. They ultimately do the same job: they hold the e-liquid and vaporize it to deliver vapour to you through the mouthpiece.
The pods simply push into place in the top of the device and pull out when you’ve emptied them or want to switch flavours. Closed pod systems typically have a smaller capacity than tanks, but amongst other pod systems the size is usually the maximum currently allowed (2ml). Some pod systems also have either auto-inhale options, or offer the choice between auto and button inhale.
Types of pod system
Closed systems
A closed system pod device uses pre-filled pods. When you have finished using the pod, you simply dispose of it and replace it with another pod.
These devices are the easiest to use and are ideal for vapers who are visually challenged or who have mobility issues. However, you don’t have as much choice when it comes to flavour.
Open system, fixed coil
Open system pod devices with fixed coils allow you to fill the pod with e-liquid. You can use your favourite e-liquid, but be aware that the e-liquid you use needs to match the coil. If you use a high VG e-liquid with a high resistance coil, the coil will quickly burn out.
When the coil comes to the end of its life, you need to replace it. However, most fixed coil pods use low power and high resistance coils. This means they often last 2-4 weeks before needing replacing.
These devices are often easy to use and make a great first device. They are perfect/ideal for people who are nervous about the technicalities of vaping. They are also suitable for people who have some mobility issues but are confident they can fill a device with e-liquid.
When choosing between fixed and replaceable coils, it’s worth bearing in mind that a lot of thought and effort has gone into improving coil swapping. Many systems now boast fast coil swaps, which involve simply pulling out the old coil and pushing in a new coil.
Open system, replaceable coils
If you purchase an open system with a replaceable coil, you can both change the coil and fill it with e-liquid.
Many pod systems are compatible with different coils. By choosing a different coil, you can vary the style of your vape. For example, a low resistance mesh coil will provide more vapour, while a high resistance coil will provide a tighter vape. These devices are great for people who want to experiment with different coils. They also minimise plastic waste, as you can re-use the pods.
Pod mods
Pod Mods are a cross between mods and pod devices. They are usually simpler to use than a mod and have a lower power rating. At the same time, they are generally larger and more powerful than a standard pod system. They may also have more functionality than a pod device.
Many pod mods allow you to vape in different styles. For example, you can switch between a tight, restricted vape and a loose, airy vape with a lot more vapour than other pod systems can provide.
Pod Mods are a great option for vapers who want to experiment with larger clouds of vapour, but are not yet ready for an uber-powerful, advanced mod device.
Benefits of pod systems
So why might you want to try a pod system e-cigarette? What are the benefits of pod systems in comparison to traditional vaping devices?
·Compact. Pod systems are much more compact than most modern vaping devices, which make them a great choice if you’re going to be vaping out of the house a lot. There is some variation in the size of pod systems, but even the bigger ones are more compact than most mods on the market. The pen-like ones are closer in size to a cigalike.
·Easy to use. The “pod” design makes pod system e-cigarettes really easy to use. The pods simply pop in and out of the battery section. Some of them work just like a cigarette – all you need to do is inhale to vape. The most complicated thing you’ll have to do on some devices is refill the pod, but this is really easy too. Even pod mods are generally easier to use than mod devices.
·Affordable. The cost of pod system e-cigarettes does vary, but on the whole they’re pretty affordable. They’re cheaper than most of the mods on the market, although in many cases are a similar price to vape pens.
·Satisfying. Despite their size being more in line with cigalikes, pod systems are generally much more satisfying to vape. This is especially true if you’re using higher-strength e-liquids or very high strength nicotine salt options. With a high-strength e-liquid, you’ll find them as satisfying as most mods.
·Discreet. Clouds aren’t for everybody and they aren’t for every situation. Sometimes you want something more discreet to vape, and smaller pod systems are perfect for this. Even if you use mods at home, getting a pod system for vaping out of the house has definite benefits.
Downsides of pod systems
When we first wrote about the downsides of pod systems, there were quite a few in this list.
A combination of advances in technology and the introduction of pod mods have made this list shorter. As long as you choose the pod device which meets your needs, there’s really not that many drawbacks.
·Closed systems offer limited flavour options. If you’re using a closed pod system device, you’re stuck with the flavours on offer from the manufacturer. This isn’t always a big issue, especially when high-quality e-liquids – like those from Element – are included as standard, but with some devices, it can be quite limiting.
·Less control than a mod system. There’s always a trade-off, and the simplicity of pod systems means you don’t have as much control over your vape as with a mod. That said, the advanced features of a mod system (such as customised ramp up speeds) are only used by a minority of users.
·Less battery capacity. Pod system’s smaller size means they usually have less battery capacity. There are two things to remember here. Battery capacity doesn’t automatically translate into battery life. If the device uses less power, it doesn’t need as much battery capacity. Also, some pod mods now have an excellent battery capacity, although this is not usually as big as the best mod devices.
Wrapping up
I’d love to provide a top pick here, but that’s really difficult.
The devices listed here each have their own special features, and what will suit another vaper might not suit you.
I will say I am currently really enjoying the Smok Acro while, in terms of new technology, I am most excited about the Innokin Sensis. But ultimately, it all comes down to what suits your needs best.