Best Refillable Pod Vapes 2024 - Vaping360

Oct 14, 2024

For a smooth transition into vaping, refillable pod vapes are your best bet. Compact, easy to use, and more affordable than disposables.

The VMATE MAX is the latest pod vape in VOOPOO's popular VMATE line. It features a stunning gem-like design with a hidden screen and dual 256-color RGB light bars, and a fully capable chipset with various modes and wattage adjustability. The device introduces the VMATE V2 top-fill pods and houses a fast-charging 1200 mAh battery. Available in seven color options.

The ZColors are the base on which ZLab built its ecosystem approach. Part prefilled pods, part building blocks, the ZColors can be attached to various ZLab products. They are compatible with the ZLand power source (up to three can be connected) and the ZJoins heated tobacco device (can connect one). Available in 50 flavors and five strengths (including 0%).

The UWELL Caliburn G3 Pro is the sixth device in the G3 lineup. It features a gorgeous LCD screen that wraps around an entire side of the device, as well as a 1000 mAh battery and fully adjustable airflow. While retaining compatibility with other G3 pods, it also includes a new 0.4-ohm pod (3 mL) for RDL.

The pod vape market is still on the rise! Although disposables have taken the market by storm, pods are still a staple of the vaping market with hundreds of products released every year... But fear not! Our team has tried (and often reviewed) the most popular pod vapes on the market, so we can help you narrow down your search significantly.

This list features the best-performing pod systems you can refill with your own e-juice. If you are looking for pre-filled pod vapes, make sure you visit our best beginner vapes page. Otherwise, let’s get to it.

The VMATE MAX is the latest pod vape in VOOPOO's popular VMATE line. It features a stunning gem-like design with a hidden screen and dual 256-color RGB light bars, and a fully capable chipset with various modes and wattage adjustability. The device introduces the VMATE V2 top-fill pods and houses a fast-charging 1200 mAh battery. Available in seven color options.

The ZColors are the base on which ZLab built its ecosystem approach. Part prefilled pods, part building blocks, the ZColors can be attached to various ZLab products. They are compatible with the ZLand power source (up to three can be connected) and the ZJoins heated tobacco device (can connect one). Available in 50 flavors and five strengths (including 0%).

The UWELL Caliburn G3 Pro is the sixth device in the G3 lineup. It features a gorgeous LCD screen that wraps around an entire side of the device, as well as a 1000 mAh battery and fully adjustable airflow. While retaining compatibility with other G3 pods, it also includes a new 0.4-ohm pod (3 mL) for RDL.

The VAPORESSO XROS 4 features an all-aluminum body design, triple output modes, and adjustable airflow. It is powered by the AXON Chipset for reliable performance, supports various power modes, and uses the updated COREX 2.0 pods, offering enhanced flavor and longevity. The kit is available in ten color options.

The VOOPOO Argus A features a dual-zone display with vivid animations that respond to your vaping. It integrates a device on/off slider, screen on/off function, and user habits tracker. The device supports adjustable wattage (5-30 watts) and airflow, powered by a 1100 mAh battery with USB-C fast charging.

The Uwell Dillon EM features EM-Lock™ technology with an e-liquid shield to prevent leaks and oxidation. It has a 2.5 mL pod capacity and USB-C charging. The device comes with a 900 mAh battery and is compatible with two pods (0.6 and 0.9 ohm.) Available in four colors, including a limited edition Off White Micro Arc version (5000 units).

The VAPORESSO XROS 4 Mini is designed with portability in mind, featuring a 1000 mAh integrated battery and an aluminum body. It utilizes COREX 2.0-powered pods for enhanced flavor, has intelligent wattage detection for optimal power adjustment, and supports USB-C charging. This kit is ideal for both novice and experienced vapers.

The VOOPOO ARGUS G2 Mini is the beginner-friendly version of the ARGUS G2. It's roughly the same size as the G2 (and even comes with a larger 1200 mAh battery), but it's stripped of features and functions, keeping only the adjustable airflow. The G2 Mini is fully compatible with the ARGUS line and comes with the excellent 0.7-ohm ARGUS pod that performs great in MTL.

A pod vape is a compact device that comprises two parts: a pod filled with vape juice, and the main body of the device that houses a battery. They’re available in pre-filled or refillable designs. Some will have power buttons, but often, they’re automatic—meaning you just take a drag on them to produce vapor.

Most pod systems are designed for smokers transitioning into vaping. Although the ultimate from an ease-of-use standpoint is something like a disposable e-cig, refillable and reusable pod vapes are a close second. They're often compact and lightweight, with a focus on simplicity and flexibility.

Pods are also considered the best devices for nicotine salt e-liquid, as their lower power output is a perfect fit for the higher strength of nicotine salts.

Pods have come a long way since they were first introduced with the JUUL back in 2015. While still fitting the general definition, today’s devices have advanced in terms of features and capabilities.

A pod vape in 2024 will belong to one or more of these categories:

A standard pod system can be further sorted into two categories: refillable and pre-filled. Both types are reusable, but each style has its own pros and cons. When purchasing a pod system, it ultimately comes down to personal preference.

Pod vapes are some of the easiest vapes to operate. This six-step guide will cover the basics:

That’s it. Enjoy your vape! To get the most longevity out of your pod, make sure there’s always juice in it—or you can run the risk of a burnt coil. Once the liquid is almost gone, refill it or dispose of it. You can usually get about a week before needing to replace the pod or the coil… depending on how often you use them. Note that if your device takes replaceable coils, you don't have to replace the pod. Just remember to dispose of it immediately if you notice any discoloration on it—or do it proactively once every two months or so.

Pod systems offer many advantages over other vaping devices. The main ones are convenience and simplicity. They’re easy to use, making them more appealing to ex-smokers who don’t want to be bombarded with technical features. But there are benefits to pod vaping that even experienced vapers can appreciate. For example, switching flavors is easier than before. Just pop in a different pod and go.

If you want to conserve e-juice, a pod vape is your best bet. They use less e-liquid daily, which is more cost-effective and makes them a great pairing for nicotine salts. Compared to disposables, the cost of vape juice is minuscule. Additional benefits include needing lower maintenance than other types of vape kits, and coming with a smaller footprint and lower vapor production, which makes them ideal for stealth vaping.

Due to their compact size, pod vapes have less battery capacity than a regular vape mod—although their lower power output allows their battery to last for a day in most cases. Other downsides include that they produce less vapor than vape tanks and the higher cost of replaceable vape pods compared to coils. Fortunately, many of the newer pod systems also utilize replaceable coil heads.

Pod systems are generally considered to be more affordable than cigarette smoking and other types of vapes.

The affordability of any given pod system depends on factors such as the brand of the pod vape, the battery life, the type of coil used, whether the cartridges are pre-filled or refillable, and the quality of the pod system in general. Most pod vapes, though, cost between $20 and $35.

Unlike disposable vapes, you don’t have to throw away the whole pod vape after using it. Depending on the device you use, you’ll need to replace the coil or pod when your juice doesn’t taste good anymore (usually weekly, but that depends on the amount of juice you’re going through). On a device that takes replaceable coils, pods also need to be changed, but not that often.

When comparing the cost of refillable pods to pre-filled pods, refillable pod systems are cheaper in the long run and can help you save money on your vape purchases. This is because juice sold in bottles is cheaper than in pre-filled pods per mL.

For the cheapest option, it is recommended to use a refillable pod vape that takes replaceable coils.

The types of coils used vary between different pod vapes.

Some vape pods use replaceable coils. More often, though, the coils are built into the pod itself. This means that you probably won’t be able to make your own coils when using a vape pod, although some larger pod vapes come with rebuildable coil options.

Materials used

Pod coils can be made of various materials. The most usual is Kanthal, but some coils may be made of stainless steel or nichrome. Some pods take mesh-style coils, which are known for faster heat-up times.

Resistance

The resistance of the coil is important to consider. Most pod vapes use mid to high resistance coils, between 0.6 and 1.2 ohm. As a rule of thumb, the higher the resistance, the less powerful the coil.

High-resistance coils are necessary because pod vapes usually provide low wattages and produce less vapor than other types of vapes. High-resistance coils also help create the mouth-to-lung vaping experience that many people choose vape pods for. But devices made for direct lung vaping may come with much lower-resistance coils

Regardless of the coil used, it’s essential to replace it if you notice a burnt taste when vaping. The coil should also be replaced every one to two weeks, depending on how often you use the vape pod and the type of juice you use.

Some vape pods are “closed systems” that come pre-filled with vape juice. The device itself is reusable, but the pods are not refillable. This simplifies the decisions that you’ll need to make because you only need to choose from the juice flavors that are available for your specific pod device.

Other vape pods are “open systems” that have refillable cartridges. This allows you to choose your own juice based on your personal preferences. You’ll need to buy the vape juice in a bottle and refill the pod cartridges as needed.

It’s also important to note that some countries have introduced restrictions on the type of vape juices that are available for purchase. For example, in Canada and the EU/UK, vape juices can only contain a maximum nicotine strength of 20 mg/mL (2%).

Using nicotine salt juices in refillable low-power pod vape systems is highly recommended. These juices come in different nicotine strengths, generally ranging from 20 mg/mL to 50 mg/mL (although there are lower and higher-strength options). Nicotine salts are recommended because:

Here’s some more info about vape juice and pod vapes:

Over 70% VG is not recommended because VG is thicker than PG, which makes it more difficult for a small coil to vaporize. It’s also not recommended to go over 50% PG because the low viscosity of the juice may cause leaking.

Pod systems are considered to be relatively safe. This is mostly due to the small size of the batteries and the advancements in the QC from manufacturers.

Some safety tips that you may wish to consider:

The similarity of the hit of a pod vape to a cigarette largely depends on the device and how you use it. Most pods are made to be vaped mouth-to-lung (MTL), which more closely resembles how a cigarette is smoked.

People who use pod vapes often say that they’re just as satisfying as cigarette smoking. The low vapor output also means that the clouds produced are thin, resembling cigarette smoke.

Pod vapes come in a variety of sizes, ranging from mini pods to high-power sub ohm devices. But the prototypical pod vape is very lightweight and compact. This makes them very discrete and easy to keep out of sight.

Generally, pod vapes are small enough to tuck into your pocket, sit in the palm of your hand, or hold between two fingers. To picture this, pod vapes are typically around the size of a highlighter or a USB flash drive.

Pod batteries usually have a smaller capacity than larger types of vapes—although they are pretty efficient. The smaller capacity makes sense because the batteries themselves are smaller. So, be wary of this if you’re planning to vape for an extended period of time.

Generally, a pod battery lasts for a day. However, it can depend on the exact type of vape pod and your juice consumption. We’ve tried pods with capacities ranging from 300 mAh to 2000 mAh.

The batteries of vape pods usually take between half an hour and an hour to fully recharge. Sometimes, they can be used while they are charging.

The batteries in a pod vape can usually be used and recharged daily for up to a year before the battery capacity drops drastically and the device needs to be replaced. But that’s not always the case, and manufacturers are sometimes using battery charging safety features to minimize capacity loss.

Most cartridges nowadays are leak-resistant, but it is possible for pod cartridges to leak.

As a result, manufacturers have taken steps to reduce the chance of leakage as much as possible. However, these anti-leakage designs aren’t making pods 100% leakproof.

Some things that you can do to minimize the risk of leakage further include:

If you have a refillable vape pod, you can fill it with your chosen nicotine-free vape juice—although not all juices come in zero nicotine. A lot of companies offer their best-selling juices in 0% nic options, but that’s more common for regular (freebase) nicotine juices than nicotine salt juice brands.

As for prefilled pods, some companies offer zero nicotine options. Again, these may be harder to find, so if you are looking to wane off nicotine using a pre-filled pod vape, make sure you check if the device you are interested in offers 0% nicotine pods.

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