Best Vape Kits for Former Smokers in 2026
Looking for the best vape kit for former smokers?
If you're moving away from cigarettes, choosing the right vape kit makes a huge difference. The best vapes for former smokers are usually simple, reliable mouth-to-lung (MTL) devices that mimic the draw of a cigarette and deliver a satisfying throat hit.
In this guide, we've selected the vape kits we believe offer the best experience for former smokers, including easy-to-use refillable pod kits, traditional pen-style devices and simple prefilled pod options.
Whether you smoked heavily, only smoked occasionally, currently use disposable-style vapes, or simply want the easiest possible device to start with, this guide will help you choose the right vape kit for your needs.
Quick Answer: Best Vape Kits for Former Smokers
What We'd Recommend to Our Friends and Family
If a friend or family member asked us which vape kit to buy when switching from smoking, we'd keep the recommendation simple.
For most people, we'd recommend the Vaporesso XROS 6 Mini with a bottle of 20mg nicotine salt e-liquid, or 10mg if they were a lighter smoker.
Why?
Because it's affordable, easy to use, compact, reliable and delivers excellent flavour without unnecessary menus or complicated settings. For many former smokers, that simplicity matters more than advanced features.
If they wanted more control or longer battery life, we'd suggest the Vaporesso XROS 6. If they wanted the simplest prefilled option without refilling, we'd recommend the Hayati Pro Ultra Plus as a starting point.
Which Type of Smoker Are You?
I smoke more than 20 cigarettes per day
We'd recommend the Vaporesso XROS 6 with a 20mg nicotine salt. It provides strong flavour, excellent battery life and a satisfying mouth-to-lung vape that works well for heavier smokers.
I want something really easy to use
Choose the Vaporesso XROS 6 Mini. It's simple, compact and screen-free, making it ideal for former smokers who want reliable everyday vaping without complicated controls.
I currently use disposable vapes
If you want something familiar and simple, start with the Hayati Pro Ultra, Lost Mary Nera 30K or Hayati Pro Max Plus. If you want better long-term value, move to a refillable pod kit such as the XROS 6 Mini or Aspire Gotek X3.
I want the cheapest way to stop smoking
The Aspire Gotek X3 is our best value starter kit at £11.99. It's simple, compact and a very affordable way to begin refillable vaping.
I want the best flavour
The OXVA XLIM Pro 3 is a fantastic choice if flavour is your priority. It works brilliantly with nicotine salts and gives more control than simpler starter devices.
I prefer a traditional vape pen style
The Innokin Endura Apex is the best choice if you want a more traditional pen-style vape that feels familiar and straightforward.
Refillable vs Prefilled: Which Is Best for Former Smokers?
Both refillable and prefilled vape kits can work well for former smokers, but they suit different people.
Choose a refillable vape kit if you want:
Lower long-term running costs
More flavour choice
More nicotine strength options
Replaceable pods
Better value over time
Choose a prefilled pod kit if you want:
The simplest possible setup
No refilling
No bottles of e-liquid
A familiar disposable-style experience
Convenience over long-term flexibility
For most former smokers, we usually recommend starting with a refillable pod kit if you're comfortable refilling. However, prefilled pod kits can be a useful stepping stone if you want something extremely simple.
Our Full Recommendations
Below you'll find our detailed recommendations for the vape kits we believe are best suited to former smokers. Every device in this guide has been chosen because it offers a satisfying mouth-to-lung vape and works exceptionally well with nicotine salt e-liquids.
1. Vaporesso XROS 6
Best Overall Vape Kit for Former Smokers
The Vaporesso XROS 6 is the refillable pod kit we recommend to most former smokers. It combines excellent flavour, a comfortable cigarette-like draw and an impressive 1800mAh battery in a device that's incredibly easy to use.
Whether you're replacing a pack of cigarettes or moving away from disposable vapes, the XROS 6 delivers a consistently smooth vaping experience without unnecessary complexity.
Why We Recommend It
If we could recommend just one refillable vape kit to the majority of adult smokers, this would probably be it. It's reliable, simple to refill, produces outstanding flavour and works brilliantly with 10mg and 20mg nicotine salts.
Best For
Heavy smokers
Former disposable vape users
Customers wanting excellent battery life
Everyday vaping
Price: £23.99
We recommend pairing the XROS 6 with genuine Vaporesso XROS Pods.
2. Vaporesso XROS 6 Mini
If I was buying my first refillable vape kit today, I'd choose the Vaporesso XROS 6 Mini.
I personally prefer simpler devices without screens or unnecessary settings. Just fill the pod, charge the battery and vape. It's compact, dependable and delivers fantastic flavour using genuine XROS Pods.
Pair it with a 20mg nic salt if you're moving from smoking, or 10mg if you were a lighter smoker. Discover our Best Nic Salt Flavours.
Why We Recommend It
The XROS 6 Mini proves you don't need to spend a fortune to get a genuinely excellent vape kit. It's one of the easiest refillable pod kits to recommend to complete beginners.
Best For
Complete beginners
Former smokers
Customers wanting simplicity
Pocket-friendly everyday use
Price: £16.99
We recommend pairing the XROS 6 Mini with genuine Vaporesso XROS Pods
3. OXVA XLIM Pro 3
Best Flavour
If flavour quality is your number one priority, the OXVA XLIM Pro 3 is difficult to beat.
It produces outstanding flavour from nicotine salt e-liquids while offering adjustable airflow for users who like to fine-tune their vape. Explore the Ox Passion e-liquid collection for a seamless experience.
Why We Recommend It
The XLIM Pro 3 consistently impresses customers looking for maximum flavour without moving to a larger, more powerful vape kit.
Best For
Flavour enthusiasts
Experienced disposable users
Customers upgrading from starter kits
Everyday refillable vaping
Price: £24.99
We recommend pairing the XLIM Pro 3 with genuine Oxva Xlim Pods.
4. Vaporesso Luxe Q3
Best Premium Everyday Pod Kit
The Vaporesso Luxe Q3 offers premium styling, impressive battery life and excellent flavour in a compact refillable pod kit.
It's a great option if you want something that feels a little more refined while remaining extremely simple to use.
Why We Recommend It
The Luxe Q3 strikes an excellent balance between simplicity and premium performance, making it ideal for customers looking to upgrade without overcomplicating their vaping experience.
Best For
Daily vaping
Customers wanting premium design
Nicotine salts
Long-term vaping
Price: £19.99
5. Aspire Gotek X3
Best Value Starter Kit
At just £11.99, the Aspire Gotek X3 proves that switching from smoking doesn't need to be expensive.
It's simple, lightweight and incredibly easy to refill, making it one of the best-value refillable pod kits currently available.
Why We Recommend It
If you're unsure whether refillable vaping is for you, the Gotek X3 offers a low-cost way to get started without sacrificing flavour or reliability.
Best For
Budget-conscious customers
First-time vapers
Customers switching from smoking
Everyday vaping
Price: £11.99
We recommend pairing the Gotek X3 with genuine Aspire Gotek Pods.
Best Prefilled Pod Kits for Former Smokers
Not everyone wants to refill pods or carry bottles of e-liquid straight away. If you're looking for the simplest possible switch from smoking or disposable vapes, rechargeable prefilled pod kits are an excellent option.
They require very little maintenance, offer excellent flavour and are ready to use within minutes. While we generally recommend refillable pod kits for better long-term value, these are our favourite prefilled devices for adult smokers looking for maximum convenience.
Hayati Pro Ultra Plus
Best Prefilled Pod Kit
The Hayati Pro Ultra Plus is our favourite prefilled pod kit thanks to its outstanding flavour, rechargeable 850mAh battery and impressive 25,000 puff capacity.
It's ideal for former smokers who want a simple vaping experience without filling pods or changing e-liquid. Find your go-to Hayati Prefilled Pod flavour.
Why We Recommend It
If you're looking for the closest experience to using a disposable vape while moving towards a rechargeable device, this is the one we'd recommend first.
Best For
Former smokers
Disposable vape users
Maximum simplicity
Long-lasting everyday use
Battery: 850mAh
Up to 25,000 puffs
Price: £14.99
Lost Mary Nera 30K
Longest Lasting Prefilled Kit
The Lost Mary Nera 30K combines excellent flavour with one of the highest puff counts currently available, making it ideal for adult smokers looking for convenience and longevity.
Why We Recommend It
If you enjoy Lost Mary disposable flavours, the Nera 30K offers a familiar experience with the added benefit of a rechargeable battery.
Best For
Former Lost Mary users
Maximum puff count
Simple everyday vaping
Battery: 800mAh
Up to 30,000 puffs
Price: £11.99
Hayati Pro Max Plus
Best Budget Prefilled Kit
The Hayati Pro Max Plus is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to move away from disposable vapes while keeping the familiar flavour and convenience many customers enjoy.
Why We Recommend It
Simple, reliable and excellent value for money, it's a great introduction to rechargeable prefilled pod systems.
Best For
Customers on a budget
Former disposable users
Simple vaping
Battery: 850mAh
Up to 6,000 puffs
Price: £11.99
Why We Usually Recommend Refillable Vape Kits
Although prefilled pod kits are an excellent option for some adult smokers, most people eventually move to refillable pod kits for one simple reason: they offer better long-term value.
Using refillable nicotine salt e-liquids typically gives you:
Lower running costs
Hundreds of flavour choices
A choice of nicotine strengths
Less waste compared to disposable-style products
The ability to try different brands and flavour profiles
If you're comfortable refilling a pod every few days, we'd generally recommend choosing a refillable vape kit from the start.
Which Nicotine Strength Should Former Smokers Choose?
Choosing the right nicotine strength is just as important as choosing the right vape kit.
20mg Nicotine Salts – Ideal for heavy smokers (around 20 or more cigarettes per day).
10mg Nicotine Salts – Suitable for lighter smokers or those reducing their nicotine intake.
5mg Nicotine Salts – Best for occasional smokers or existing vapers using lower nicotine strengths.
If you're unsure which strength is right for you, read our Nicotine Strength Guide.
Which E-Liquids Do We Recommend?
Pairing your vape kit with the right nicotine salt makes all the difference.
Some of our favourite nic salt brands for former smokers include:
Elux Legend
Elfliq
Deliciu by Vaporesso
DojoLiq
OX Passion
SKE Crystal Vape Juice
Lost Mary
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of vape is best for former smokers?
Most former smokers find mouth-to-lung (MTL) pod kits with nicotine salts provide the closest experience to smoking traditional cigarettes.
Should I choose refillable or prefilled?
If you want the easiest possible device, choose a prefilled pod kit. If you want lower long-term running costs and more flavour choice, choose a refillable pod kit.
What nicotine strength should I start with?
Heavy smokers usually prefer 20mg nicotine salts, while lighter smokers often find 10mg provides enough satisfaction.
Can I use freebase e-liquid instead of nicotine salts?
Yes, but most former smokers find nicotine salts provide a smoother throat hit and faster nicotine satisfaction, making them a better starting point.
Do I need to replace pods?
Yes. Refillable pod kits use replaceable pods that should be changed periodically to maintain the best flavour and performance.
Final Thoughts
Switching from smoking is a personal journey, and the best vape kit is the one that suits your lifestyle, nicotine requirements and experience level.
For most adult smokers, we'd recommend a refillable pod kit such as the Vaporesso XROS 6 or Vaporesso XROS 6 Mini, paired with a quality nicotine salt e-liquid. They offer excellent flavour, lower long-term costs and a satisfying mouth-to-lung vape that's helped many smokers make the switch.
If you prefer the simplest possible experience, rechargeable prefilled pod kits such as the Hayati Pro Max Ultra or Lost Mary Nera 30K provide an easy introduction before moving to refillable devices.
Whichever route you choose, selecting the right nicotine strength and flavour will give you the best chance of successfully replacing cigarettes with vaping.