BEST OVERALL
Vaporesso Xros 3
- Coil options
- Easy top-fill system
- Adjustable airflow
- 1000mAh capacity battery
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RUNNER UP
OXVA XLIM (V2)
- OLED Screen
- Full adjustable wattage
- Adjustable airflow
- 900mAh capacity battery
RUNNER UP
UWELL Crown D
- 0.96” OLED Screen
- Full adjustable power
- Adjustable airflow
- Replaceable coils
SHOW SUMMARY
- Vaporesso Xros 3
- OXVA XLIM (V2)
- UWELL Crown D
- 1. Vaporesso Xros 3
- 2. OXVA XLIM (V2)
- 3. UWELL Crown D
- 4. Vaporesso Luxe XR
- 5. Caliburn A3
- 6. Voopoo Argus Pod
- 7. Geekvape Wenax H1
- 8. VooPoo Vinci Q
- 9. GeekVape Wenax K1
- 10. Mi-Pod 2.0 +
- Refillable vs. Pre-filled Pod Systems
- What e-liquid is best to use for refillable pods?
- Who should use pod vapes?
Pod vapes and mini vapes have created a category of their own for vaping starter kits. These compact and straightforward use devices are the ideal vape for beginners or people wanting to quit smoking.
However, with the exhausting list of vape starter kits and even pod vapes, it isn’t easy to know where to start and what to recommend to friends. We’ve simplified the options for you by scoring the best pod vapes that we’ve tested. This best pod vape list is exclusively for refillable pod mods, for pre-filled pod mods, check out our best vapes for beginners.
Our Top Pod Vapes
- Best Overall : Vaporesso Xros 3
- Best for MTL : OXVA XLIM (V2)
- Best for Features : Uwell Crown D
- Best for DTL : Vaporesso Luxe XR
- Best for Beginners : Uwell Caliburn A3
- Best Compact : VooPoo Argus Pod
- Best on a Budget : VooPoo Vinci Q
BEST OVERALL
1. Vaporesso Xros 3
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- Coil options
- Easy top-fill system
- Adjustable airflow
- 1000mAh capacity battery
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Summary
The Vaporesso Xros 3 is the latest iteration of the impressive Xros line. It has a slightly updated design with a new battery status light, and a new Axon chipset. It still features the excellent 1000mAh battery, fully adjustable airflow, and a leak proof top fill system. The Xros 3 is compatible with all Xros pods, and there is now a new 0.6Ω restricted DL pod. All the pods deliver a fantastic vape experience.
Why We Picked It
The Vaporesso Xros 3 pod vape may not come with a screen or adjustable wattage like some others in this list. However, the reason we love it so much is the vape quality it delivers. You get phenomenal flavor from all of the pods, and Vaporesso has a vast range of resistances. The pods also have a fantastic lifespan; we’ve had some last over 20 days of use! There is also a huge 1000mAh battery, adjustable airflow, and one of the best top-fill systems on a pod vape. Not to mention it is quite possibly one of the most stylish-looking pod vapes on this list.
Pros and Cons
- Premium design
- Good for regular nicotine or nic salt juices
- Delivers top-notch flavor with both pods
- Easy top-fill system
- Excellent choice of coil resistances
- Great for loose to tight MTL vaping
- Excellent pod life (15ml+ )
- Need to keep lips open a little for RDL vape
Specifications
- Juice Capacity: 2ml
- Pod Type: Refillable fixed coils
- Coils: 0.6Ω, 0.7Ω, 0.8Ω, 1.0Ω, 1.2Ω,
- Draw: Tight to loose MTL Draw
- Airflow: Adjustable
- Battery: 1000mAh
- Power output: 5-25 watts
BEST FOR FEATURES
2. OXVA XLIM (V2)
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- OLED Screen
- Full adjustable wattage
- Adjustable airflow
- 900mAh capacity battery
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Summary
The OXVA Xlim is one of the most feature-packed MTL pod vapes on the market. It comes with a 0.42″ OLED screen, full adjustable wattage, and adjustable airflow. It has a power range of 5-25W and is backed by an in-built 900mAh battery, which can be charged via USB-C. The Xlim now comes with improved V2 pods, which feature an anti-leak design and utilizes mesh coils with a range from 0.6Ω, 0.8Ω, and 1.2Ω. They all deliver fantastic flavor and have an excellent lifespan.
Why We Picked It
What’s not to love about the OXVA Xlim V2? It delivers an awesome vape experience with great flavor from either of the pods. We still find the 1.2Ω delivers a great experience and keeps your battery life going. Not that you need it with the impressive 900mAh capacity (we’re still not sure how OXVA managed that). The fact that it also has an OLED screen and fully adjustable wattage is amazing, and the airflow control system works excellently for all ranges of MTL vaping. The only thing we wish the XLIM (V2) pod vape had was a top-fill system.
Pros and Cons
- Excellent flavor
- Great for MTL vaping
- 3 coil resistances
- Long pod life
- Good battery life
- No top fill system
- Some residue around pods
Specifications
- Juice Capacity: 2ml
- Pod Type: Refillable fixed coils
- Coils: 0.6Ω, 0.8Ω, 1.2Ω
- Draw: Tight to loose MTL Draw
- Airflow: Adjustable
- Battery: 900mAh
- Power output: 5-25 watts (fully adjustable)
BEST FOR MTL
3. UWELL Crown D
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- 0.96” OLED Screen
- Full adjustable power
- Adjustable airflow
- Replaceable coils
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Summary
The Uwell Crown D is one of the most advanced pod mods on the market. It comes with a 0.96” color screen and a control wheel on the base for precise power adjustment. The Crown D has 5 different firing modes, including power curves. It also features an excellent top fill system, 1100mAh battery, 3.5ml juice capacity and adjustable airflow. It comes with a 0.3Ω and 0.8Ω coil to cover both MTL and DTL vaping.
Why We Picked It
We love that the Crown D has all the features of a full vape mod in a pod system. You can set power curves and even change the color of the excellent 0.96” display. Adjusting the power with the designated dial is also a joy. We love that Uwell has kept the same excellent top fill system from their Caliburn pods. Importantly it delivers an excellent vape experience from both the DTL and MTL coils.
Pros and Cons
- Sleek design
- Excellent 0.96” OLED screen
- Fully adjustable wattage
- Customizable firing modes
- Adjustable airflow
- MTL draw is not the tightest
- Large device with an average battery capacity
Specifications
- Juice Capacity: 3ml
- Pod Type: Refillable replaceable coils
- Coils: 0.3Ω, 0.8Ω
- Draw: Medium MTL to Restricted DTL Draw
- Airflow: Adjustable
- Battery: 1100mAh
- Power output: 5-35 watts (adjustable)
BEST FOR DTL
4. Vaporesso Luxe XR
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- 5ml juice capacity
- 1500mAh battery
- Replaceable coils
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Summary
The Vaporesso Luxe XR is Vaporesso’s slight upgrade over the Luxe X. It comes with all the same specs like 1500mAh battery, and has an almost identical stylish design. The upgrade is with the 5ml capacity vape pods. You get a designated pod for either DTL or MTL vaping, and both now use replaceable coils. Vaporesso has paired the Luxe XR with the impressive GTX coil range, so there are plenty of options for vaping styles.
Why We Picked It
Both the Luxe and Luxe XR by Vaporesso are the most futuristic looking refillable pod vapes on the market. We just love the styling of them with the clear panels and visible board. They also produce a fantastic vape especially for a restricted DTL (or very open MTL) draw. The Luxe XR is the better choice because it utilizes replaceable coils and the GTX line is very extensive. We also love the 5ml juice capacity and 1500mAh battery, which can easily keep you going all day.
Pros and Cons
- Sleek design
- Large juice capacity
- 1500mAh battery
- Comes with 2 pods (DTL & MTL)
- GTX coil range
- No adjustable power
- No Draw activation, only manual firing
- Only two airflow options (not fully adjustable)
- MTL draw is not the tightest
Specifications
- Juice Capacity: 5ml
- Pod Type: Refillable replaceable coils
- Coils: 0.4Ω, 0.6Ω, 0.8Ω, 1.2Ω
- Draw: Loose MTL to Restricted DTL Draw
- Airflow: Adjustable (only by placement of pod)
- Battery: 1500mAh
- Power output: 5-40 watts
BEST FOR BEGINNERS
5. Caliburn A3
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- Top fill system
- Easy to use
- 520mAh battery
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Summary
The latest update to the impressive Caliburn line of pod vapes from Uwell is the A3. It has a 520mAh battery that charges through Type-C. The A3 has a maximum output of 13W, it still features an excellent top fill system and juice window. The A3 can be fired through auto-draw or the manual button, which can now also be deactivated. The A3 delivers a fantastic MTL vape, and is incredibly easy to use. The A3 can be used with Uwell’s 1.0 Ohm pods, and it comes with two in the box.
Why We Picked It
The Caliburns have always been some of the best pod vapes on the market. The A3 makes our list due to its ease of use, along with fantastic vape experience. It’s extremely similar to the A2, but the inclusion of being able to switch off the fire button and only use draw activation, is a huge plus. The new pods also deliver fantastic flavor.
Pros and Cons
- Top fill system
- Easy to use
- Can deactivate fire button
- Great flavor from pods
- Only one resistance of pod
- Not compatible with old pods
- Only 520mAh battery
Specifications
- Juice Capacity: 2ml
- Pod Type: Refillable fixed coils
- Coils: 1.0Ω
- Draw: Medium-tight MTL
- Battery: 520mAh
- Power output: 13 watts (automatic)
BEST COMPACT
6. Voopoo Argus Pod
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- OLED Screen
- Full adjustable wattage
- Adjustable airflow
- 900mAh capacity battery
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Summary
The Voopoo Argus Pod truly is a thing of beauty and is one of the best-looking and compact pod vapes on this list. It features a 0.69″ OLED screen and has adjustable airflow and adjustable wattage from 5-20W. It utilizes 2ml capacity pods with either a 0.7Ω or 1.2Ω mesh coil, and both deliver excellent flavor. The Argus Pod has an in-built 800mAh battery which is charged via USB-C; while not as large as some others on this list, it still does an efficient job.
Why We Picked It
The Argus Pod by Vopoo is not only one of the most stylish on this list, it’s definitely one of the most compact vape pods. We are still amazed that Voopoo has managed to fit an OLED screen and an 800mAh battery in such a small pod vape. It’s not all about looks, as the Argus Pod delivers a fantastic vape from both the mesh pods. Sadly the 0.7Ω does drain the battery a little faster, but we think you get a comparable vape experience from the 1.2Ω. Also these new pods from Voopoo have excellent life span, and just keep delivering the flavor.
Pros and Cons
- Excellent flavor
- Great for MTL vaping
- Extremely compact
- Long pod life
- Good battery life with 1.2Ω coil
- Battery life is not great with the 0.7Ω coil.
Specifications
- Juice Capacity: 2ml
- Pod Type: Refillable fixed coils
- Coils: 0.7Ω & 1.2Ω
- Draw: Tight to loose MTL Draw
- Battery: 800mAh
- Power output: 5-20W (adjustable)
7. Geekvape Wenax H1
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- Adjustable wattage
- 1000mAh capacity battery
- Leak Proof pods
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Summary
The Geekvape Wenax H1 is an outstanding refillable pod vape. It comes with an in-built 1000mAh battery that charges via USB-C. It features three different power settings, and has one of the best auto-draw triggers. The pods have a 2.5ml capacity and come with either a 0.7Ω or 1.4Ω mesh coil, which are suitable for all types of vape juice. The Wenax H1 pods deliver outstanding flavor with an incredibly smooth draw.
Why We Picked It
The Wenax line of pod kits by Geekvape has always delivered some of the best vape experiences we have had from pod vapes. The Wenax H1 is the pinnacle of the Wenax line. It delivers fantastic flavor from both pods. The 0.7Ω is probably the better performer, but the 1.4Ω is still good for a high-resistance mesh coil. The H1’s adjustable power settings and leak proof pods also add to its appeal. It delivers a great MTL draw but not having fully adjustable airflow is a slight letdown.
Pros and Cons
- Great flavor
- Great for MTL vaping
- Leak Proof pods
- Good battery life
- Only comes with one pod
- No adjustable airflow
Specifications
- Juice Capacity: 2.5ml
- Pod Type: Refillable fixed coils
- Coils: 0.7Ω, 1.4Ω
- Draw: Tight-medium MTL Draw
- Battery: 1000mAh
- Power output: 7-19 watts (adjustable)
BEST ON A BUDGET
8. VooPoo Vinci Q
- Top fill system
- Easy to use
- 900mAh battery
Summary
The Voopoo Vinci Q is a compact and lightweight vape that blends impressive performance with ease of use. Stripped down to the most basic features, the Vinci Q comes with a 900 mAh battery that charges through a Type-C port, top and side-filling pod options, and button/auto-draw operation. Available in six colors.
Why We Picked It
Voopoo has released a number of pod vapes under the Vinci name. The Vinci Q is as simple as they come, and that’s why we love it. It is easily the most affordable of all the best pod vapes on this list, you could even buy two of them! Despite its low entry price it still performs just like any other excellent pod vape. You get excellent flavor from both the 0.8Ω and 1.2Ω resistance pods, and the 900mAh battery does a great job.
Pros and Cons
- Incredibly affordable
- Top fill system
- Fun lightweight design
- Two resistance options
- Good battery life
- Only comes with one pod
- No adjustable airflow
Specifications
- Juice Capacity: 2ml
- Pod Type: Refillable fixed coils
- Coils: 0.8Ω, 1.2Ω
- Draw: Medium MTL Draw
- Battery: 900mAh
- Power output: 11-15w (automatic)
9. GeekVape Wenax K1
- Slim design
- 3 MTL coil options
- 600mAh battery
Summary
The Geekvape Wenax K1 is made of anodized aluminum and has a paint-grade texture to its color. The built-in 600mAh battery can be charged via the USB-C port. It can be fired through auto-draw or designated fire button. The K1 has an intelligent output mode that automatically detects the installed coils and adapts for optimum output power. The Wenax K1 comes with a 0.8Ω and 1.2Ω coil pod, both can be filled with 2ml of vape juice.
Why We Picked It
The Wenax K1 has an extremely low profile that we love. It’s barely noticeable when you slip it into your pocket. We also love the contoured clicky fire button, and the perfect auto-draw trigger. The K1 is an excellent choice for MTL vapers, with the perfect draw, and has one the best MTL mouthpiece from all the vape pods on this list.
Pros and Cons
- Super slim design
- Lightweight
- Autodraw and manual firing
- Excellent mouthpiece for MTL
- No adjustable airflow
Specifications
- Juice Capacity: 2ml
- Pod Type: Refillable fixed coils
- Coils: 0.8Ω, 1.0Ω, 1.2Ω
- Draw: Tight to Medium MTL Draw
- Battery: 600mAh
- Power output: 9-16W (automatic)
10. Mi-Pod 2.0 +
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- DTL draw
- On/Off switch
- 1250mAh battery
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Summary
The Mi-Pod is back with a bang! The new 2.0 Awakening Collection comes in four sacred geometry designs, all striking and stylish. The Mi-Pod 2.0 features a long-lasting 1250mAh battery, 0.9Ω mesh pods, and a physical on/off switch. It can deliver an MTL, and restricted DTL draw from the same pod, and is draw-activated. One of the most stylish pod systems on the market, that delivers a terrific vape experience.
Why We Picked It
The Mi-Pod 2.0 might not come with all the bells and whistles of some of the other pod vapes on this list. However it’s one of the best pod vapes at delivering a restricted DTL draw straight out of the box. We also love the fact that it comes with a 1250mAh battery, is unbelievably lightweight and now has usb-c charging. We think it’s also one of the most stylish and unique pod systems.
Pros and Cons
- Easy to use
- Stylish design
- Lightweight
- Great battery life
- No adjustable airflow
- Not the best for MTL vaping
Specifications
- Juice Capacity: 2ml
- Pod Type: Refillable fixed coils
- Coils: 0.9Ω
- Draw: Loose MTL – Restricted DTL Draw
- Battery: 1250mAh
Why Trust Us?
The whole team at Vaping Vibe works collaboratively on all of our Best Vape recommendations.
Each member of our team has experience in reviewing and testing vape products for many years. Along with our expert input and practical experience in using the devices, we conduct market research.
This enables us to provide accurate buyer’s guides and only recommend products we would use ourselves or recommend to close friends and family. Find out more about our review process.
How we tested
What is a Pod Mod?
A pod mod, referred to by many different names, including pod vapes, vape pods, mini vapes, or pod system, has been designed to help smokers transition into vaping.
They are more compact and often more comfortable to use than vape pens.
A pod mod is a mini vape device typically small and pocket-friendly that utilizes a pod filled with e-liquid that connects very simply to a battery.
Pod mod kits are incredibly simple to use, either automatically activated through inhaling or some include one power button.
One of the reasons pod vape systems have become so popular with new vapers is they can come with the pods pre-filled with liquid, meaning there’s no need to buy replacement coils or juice, just the pods. Some companies like JUUL offer a subscription for replacement pods, so you get them sent to your house at designated intervals.
Pod vapes can also come with empty refillable pods, allowing vapers to use their e-liquid.
Refillable vs. Pre-filled Pod Systems
Refillable and pre-filled pod systems both have their advantages and disadvantages. It comes down to personal preference, so it’s worth seeing which category suits you best before purchasing a pod system.
- Refillable pod systems: Also known as refillable pod vapes or open pod systems, use empty pods refilled by the user. These give you more freedom in terms of flavor. The main advantage to them is that you can purchase e-liquid from anywhere and have a broader range of flavors at your disposal.
- Pre-filled pod systems: Also known as pre-filled pod vapes or closed pod systems, are non-refillable pods pre-filled with the manufactures e-liquid. Available flavors will be dependent on the manufacturer, and some only carry a small range. However, having the convenience of not choosing a liquid type and physically filling the device is a huge advantage.
What e-liquid is best to use for refillable pods?
- Nicotine salt e-liquid: is commonly used for pod vapes due to its higher nicotine content and smoother draw. Nicotine salt was introduced and popularized by JUUL.
- Traditional e-liquids: You can use any e-liquid that is not too viscose. Typically, 50/50 VG/PG ratios work best on pod mods, but some do still function well with higher VG based e-liquids.
Who should use pod vapes?
- Smokers wanting to quit – Smokers transitioning to vaping appreciate the practical and straightforward design of pod mods and their easy nicotine delivery. Most also offer a similar draw to that of cigarettes.
- Experienced vapers – Even experienced vapers use pod mods, especially those that like mouth-to-lung style vaping. They make great companions to their usual larger setups and are ideal for travel.
- Stealth vapers – For those times when you don’t want to be carrying a large device that bellows huge clouds. A portable pod device is both discreet in its size and for its cloud production, so is ideal for stealth vaping.
Benefits of using pod vapes
- Simple & easy to use
- Discreet, compact form factor
- Designed for smokers to quit
- Easy maintenance
- Tight MTL draw (like a cigarette)
- Minimal vapor production
- Low e-liquid consumption
- Instantly change flavors
Pod systems do have plenty of advantages over other vaping systems or vape kits.
The most obvious being they are convenient and easy to use, especially for new vapers. You don’t need to worry about other devices’ complicated technical features, which is an excellent appeal to ex-smokers.
Also, they offer an MTL-style draw that mimics that of a traditional cigarette, making it an easy gateway to transition into vaping.
There are also other benefits to pod vaping that experienced vapers can appreciate. Firstly they are easy to maintain, and there is no need to build your coils. Secondly, switching flavors on the go is as easy as changing pods.
Pod vapes are generally low-powered devices with high-ohm coils. If you want to be conservative with e-liquid consumption, they are a great option.
Downsides to using pod vapes
- Small battery capacity
- Can be expensive
- Limited vapor production
- Limited flavor selection (pre-filled)
As with everything in life, most pod systems also have some downsides that you might want to consider:
Due to their compact design, there is limited space for a high-capacity battery. So most have far lower battery life than a regular vape device. However, depending on the coils’ power consumption and your usage, a pod vape could still see you through a day of vaping.
Other downsides, especially with closed-system pre-filled pod vapes, are the limited flavor selection. Often, the pre-filled pods come at a slightly higher cost.
Pod Vapes FAQs
Summary
Finding the best pod vape will ultimately come down to what type of vape experience you require. Are you looking for something compact, easy-to-use, that mimics smoking a cigarette? Or do you want a pocket-friendly pod device that can still chuck clouds? The great thing with the best pod systems is there is something for every type of vaper. Hopefully, we’ve given you plenty of options with our best types of pod vapes above. There are many other pod mods on the market that do a great job, you can check out some that we’ve reviewed here.
