No doubt, 2023 has been the year of the pod vape. With such a diverse range of pod systems out there, i.e., draw-activated, button-activated, refillable, disposable, etc., there can be something for any vaper (new or experienced) to use. Still, however, you might be asking yourself, “What is the best pod vape”? Well, luckily for you, we’re here to help you find the best pod vape. Keep in mind, though, that determining the best pod vapes will come down to what your vaping preferences are.
What is a Pod Vape?
A pod vape is a type of device that’s typically compact and user-friendly. It consists of two main components: a battery (usually rechargeable) and a replaceable or refillable pod. The pod contains e-liquid and a coil. When you inhale, the battery activates the coil, vaporizing the e-liquid for you to inhale as a vapor. Pod vapes are popular for their simplicity and portability, making them an option for smokers looking to switch to vaping or for vapers who prefer a discreet and convenient device, especially when they’re on the go.
Now, some pod vapes are draw-activated, meaning you simply inhale from the mouthpiece to activate the device. This makes them easy to use, especially for beginners. Newer models use different buttons and such. In fact, there are even pod mods that resemble traditional box mods to an extent.
Also, many pod vapes are designed to work with nicotine salt e-liquids, which provide a smoother throat hit and faster nicotine absorption, making them more satisfying for smokers trying to quit. However, depending upon the model (device, cartridge, and the coil being used), there are pod systems that can handle freebase e-liquids.
Types of Pod Systems
Pod systems come in various types and designs to cater to different vaping preferences and needs. Here are some common types of pod systems:
Closed Pod Systems
Closed pod systems are pre-filled with e-liquid by the manufacturer and cannot be refilled by the user. When the pod is empty, it’s disposed of, and a new pod is installed. These are user-friendly and require minimal maintenance but may limit flavor and nicotine strength options.
Open Pod Systems
Open pod systems allow users to refill the pods with their choice of e-liquid, offering more versatility in flavor and nicotine strength selection. Vapers can also replace the coils in some open pod systems, extending the device's lifespan.
Disposable Pod Systems
Disposable pod systems are designed for single use and are pre-filled with e-liquid. Once the e-liquid is depleted or the battery is empty, the entire device is disposed of. They’re convenient for beginners and on-the-go vaping but are less cost-effective in the long run.
Refillable Pod Systems
Refillable pod systems allow users to fill their pods with e-liquid manually. This offers flexibility in choosing e-liquids and can be more economical than closed systems in the long term. These systems often have replaceable coils, allowing users to change them when needed.
Pod Mods
Pod mods are larger and more advanced pod systems that offer more customization options and features. They often have adjustable wattage settings, larger battery capacity, and more advanced coil options.
All-in-One (AIO) Pod Systems
AIO pod systems combine the pod and battery into a single, integrated unit. These devices are compact and user-friendly, making them a popular choice for newbies. AIO pod systems may come with adjustable airflow, wattage settings, or built-in safety features.
Pod System Sizes
Pod systems come in various sizes, from ultra-compact devices that mimic the size of a USB drive to larger, more ergonomic options. Smaller pod systems are often more discreet and portable, while larger ones may offer longer battery life and more features.
Pod System Brands and Models
There are numerous brands and models of pod systems available, each with its own unique design, features, and performance characteristics.
Top 10 Pod Systems Right Now
Now that you have a good understanding of pod systems let’s take a look at some fantastic choices that are on the vaping market right now.
#10: Suorin Air Mod Kit
With a 1500mAh built-in battery and an impressive 5-40W output range, the Air Mod Kit from Suorin is one of the most advanced and powerful, and ecen uses a display screen and navigation buttons to adjust settings. It uses a firing button to fire each puff and boasts a 3ml refillable e-juice cartridge that comes with two fantastic coils: the 0.6ohm Mesh Coil and the 0.8ohm Mesh Coil. The cartridge uses an innovative z-shaped airflow system for better flavor and cloud production.
#9: Lost Vape UB Lite Pod Kit
The UB Lite Pod Kit from Lost Vape uses an internal 1000mAh battery, offering up to 30W and a long battery life. It can be either drawn or button-activated according to your preferences, and even uses an advanced airflow system to maximize your flavor experience. The 2ml cartridge uses the UB Lite Mesh Coils at 0.4ohm, 0.8ohm, and 1.2ohm options to ensure you are satisfied with whichever type of nicotine you prefer.
#8: VooPoo Drag S PnP-X Kit
The Drag S PnP-X Kit from VooPoo is a super sought-after vaping system with a luxurious design and heftier body, with an impressive ramp-up time, a 2500mAh internal battery, and the ability to fire up to 60W through the Gene TT Chipset. It offers numerous output modes and plenty of adjustable features. Intelligent coil recognition is built in, to provide you with the ideal output based on which coil resistance level you’re using. A display screen lets you navigate your settings, while the pod cartridge can fit a whopping 5ml of e-juice.
#7: Aspire Spryte AIO Pod System Kit
Aspire’s Spryte Pod System is one of many popular offerings from the hardware legend, with a beautiful, ergonomic design and user-friendly interface. The 650mAh battery powers the device at 12W, and the 3.5ml MTL pod cartridge uses advanced airflow along with the 1.8ohm and 1.2ohm BVC Coils. The device is button-activated for firing.
#6: Suorin Ace Pod System Kit
With a 1000mAh battery and 15W output, the Suorin Ace Pod System is incredibly small and features a 2ml pod cartridge with an integrated 1.0hm coil so that you never need to maintain coils separately. The device can be draw-activated or button-activated according to what you prefer, and overall, the kit is regarded as one of the most beginner-friendly on the market.
#5: SMOK Novo 2S Pod Kit
From leading hardware brand SMOK, the Novo 2S uses a built-in 800mAh battery to operate at 20W, requiring no adjustments at any time. An LED battery indicator light tells you when it’s time to recharge, and a U-shaped airflow system gives you the best flavor possible. It comes with a 1.8ml cartridge and the 0.9ohm Meshed Coil.
#4: Aspire Cobble Pod System Kit
The Aspire Cobble Pod System Kit uses a 700mAh battery to achieve a consistent output that’s perfect for MTL vapers, with a draw-activated firing system and zero adjustment buttons to add to its user-friendliness. A battery light indicator keeps you on top of your battery life, and a 1.8ml pod cartridge uses the 1.4ohm NiChrome coil to provide the ideal throat hit for salt nic vapers.
#3: Vaporesso XROS 2 Pod System
The Vaporesso XROS 2 Pod System offers a powerful and long-lasting 1000mAh battery with an 11-16W output range and a nice amount of adjustable features for finding your sweet spot. A firing button lets you control your vapor flow, or you can switch to the draw-activated setting if you’d like. An adjustable airflow control switch lets you choose between different vaping styles, as you enjoy the XROS 0.8ohm MESH Pod or the XROS 1.2ohm Regular Pod, both of which use integrated coils for a simpler approach to vaping.
#2: Uwell Caliburn G Pod System
The sleek and sophisticated Uwell Caliburn G Pod System has been hugely popular while remaining ultra-slim and compact despite its power and advanced technology. It operates at 18W, using a 690mAh battery that’s internal. Intelligent technology ensures that it’s constantly bringing the best out of your vaping experience, with an LED light indicator in lieu of a display screen. It’s draw-activated and comes with a 2ml refillable cartridge that arrives with the UN2 0.8ohm Meshed-H Coil.
#1: SMOK Nord 50W Pod Kit
Last but certainly not least is the SMOK Nord 50W Pod Kit, which can reach 50 watts of power through the 1800mAh battery built into the device. A display screen lets you navigate through different output levels easily and uses an intuitive firing button for easy firing. The included Nord LP2 Pod can hold 4ml of e-juice and comes with the LP2 0.23ohm Meshed Coil, you’ll also get the Nord Pod that uses the 0.6ohm DC Coil if you prefer a more MTL vaping experience.
Final Best Pod Vapes Thoughts
When choosing a pod system, consider factors such as your vaping preferences, nicotine strength, flavor options, and budget. Each type of pod system has its pros and cons, so it's essential to select one that aligns with your specific needs and goals.