Vapes come in three broad types. All of them heat a liquid with nicotine into vapour; they differ in how much you look after them and what they cost over a month.
Disposable
A sealed device with the liquid and battery inside. You open it, use it until it runs out, and throw it away.
- Good for: trying vaping for the first time, travel, a backup.
- Running cost: the highest over time, because you buy the whole device again each time.
- Know this: puff counts on the box are rough. How long one lasts depends on how long and how often you pull. Many now charge by USB-C, which helps the liquid last to the end.
Pod kit
A small rechargeable battery and a pod that you fill with e-liquid (or a prefilled cartridge). When the coil inside wears out you change the coil or the pod, not the device.
- Good for: most people who smoke cigarettes and want something that feels similar: a tight, mouth-to-lung draw.
- Running cost: low. A bottle of liquid and a few coils or pods each month.
- Works best with: nicotine salt e-liquid. See our guide on nicotine strength.
Mod (box mod or vape kit)
A larger battery with adjustable power and a tank on top. Bigger clouds, more control, more to learn.
- Good for: people who already vape and want more vapour and flavour.
- Running cost: moderate, but it uses much more liquid.
- Works best with: freebase e-liquid at low strength (3 or 6 mg). High-strength salt in a mod is far too strong.
The short answer
Coming from cigarettes? Start with a pod kit and nicotine salt. Want to try first? Pick a disposable. Already vaping and want more? Look at a mod.
Vapes are for adults who smoke. If you do not smoke, do not start.
