What Are the Different Types of Vape Kits and E-Cigarettes?

The different types of vape kits are cigalikes, prefilled pod kits, refillable pod vapes, vape pens, box mod kits, and rebuildable devices. A vape kit or an electronic cigarette is a battery-powered device that heats e-liquid into vapour. Vaping serves as an alternative to smoking tobacco cigarettes.

Cigalikes look like traditional cigarettes and use a tight draw with mouth-to-lung (MTL) inhalation. New vapers and people switching from cigarettes often start with cigalikes because the shape and draw feel familiar. Prefilled pod kits replaced single-use disposable vapes after the UK banned disposables in June 2025. These kits use rechargeable batteries with prefilled e-liquid pods and suit beginners who want low maintenance.

Refillable pod vapes use removable cartridges that the user fills with bottled e-liquid. These devices support MTL, restricted direct-to-lung (RDTL), and direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping depending on the coil installed. Pod vapes suit beginners, casual vapers, and intermediate users who want portability without sacrificing battery life.

Vape pens are cylindrical, portable, and pen-shaped devices suitable for new vapers, intermediate users, and vapers who prefer MTL and RDTL styles. Box mod kits are large, box-shaped devices built for experienced vapers and cloud chasers because they offer adjustable wattage, temperature, and airflow settings. Box mods use sub-ohm coils and support DTL vaping.

The different types of vape kits and e-cigarettes, according to their suitability, features, and vaping styles, are listed in the table below.

Cigalikes, prefilled pod kits, refillable pod vapes, MTL vape kits, and vape pens suit beginners, ex-smokers, and intermediate users. Squonk mods, rebuildable mods, DTL vapes, and box mod kits suit experienced and expert vapers.

1. Cigalikes

Cigalikes are small, cylindrical first-generation e-cigarettes that mimic the size and feel of a traditional cigarette. They look like regular cigarettes with a slim shape and a lit end that glows when you take a puff.

Cigalikes use a small rechargeable battery and a replaceable cartridge. Battery life varies based on usage frequency. The cartridge contains e-liquid and a built-in coil. Using a cigalike involves charging the battery (if rechargeable), attaching the cartridge to the device, taking tight and steady puffs to inhale the vapour, and then exhaling it. Cigalikes are draw-activated and built for mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping, which makes them well-suited for ex-smokers who want a cigarette-like feeling while transitioning to vaping.

Cigalikes pros

• Cigalikes are simple to use due to their draw-activation mechanism.
• Cigalikes cost less than advanced vaping devices like pod mods or sub-ohm kits.
• Cigalikes require no e-liquid refilling. You replace the cartridge when the vape juice runs out.
• Cigalikes are easy to carry and fit in a pocket because of their lightweight design.
• Cigalikes help smokers switch to vaping because they feel like traditional cigarettes.

Cigalikes cons

• Cigalikes do not suit heavy vapers due to their limited battery capacity, typically ranging from 180 mAh to 380 mAh.
• Cigalikes offer limited flavours and no adjustable settings.
• Cigalikes produce small amounts of vapour and do not suit vapers who want large clouds.

Cigalikes suit smokers who want to switch to vaping with minimal change to their habits. The size, shape, and draw style match cigarette smoking closely. Cigalikes do not suit vapers who want adjustable settings, large clouds, or extended battery life.

2. Disposable vapes

Disposable vapes are pre-filled and pre-charged vaping devices designed for single use. You use the device until the e-liquid or battery runs out, then dispose of it. These vapes come with a non-rechargeable or rechargeable integrated battery, a prefilled e-liquid tank, and a mouthpiece for inhalation.

Using a disposable vape involves removing the packaging, activating the device through a draw or button, inhaling and exhaling the vapour, and disposing of the vape responsibly after use. Disposable vapes suit mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping style because of high nicotine strength and low wattage.

The UK government banned single-use disposable vapes from 1 June 2025. The ban covers all non-rechargeable, non-refillable vaping devices. The government cited environmental concerns from electronic waste, rising youth vaping rates, and littering as the main reasons. Prefilled pod kits, like the SKE Crystal 30K Pro Max and Lost Mary Nera 30K, now fill this role. Disposable vapes remain available in some countries outside the UK.

Disposable vapes pros

• Disposable vapes come in hundreds of flavours from fruity and tobacco to dessert options.
• Disposable vapes suit beginners, ex-smokers, and travellers because they come pre-charged and prefilled with no need for charging cables, e-liquid refilling, or maintenance.
• Disposable vapes are draw-activated with no buttons, settings, or refilling required.

Disposable vapes cons

• Disposable vapes create electronic waste because the entire device is discarded after use.
• Disposable vapes cost more over time than refillable vape kits because you replace the whole device when the vape juice or battery ends.
• Disposable vapes do not offer any adjustable options like airflow or wattage.

Before the UK ban, disposable vapes suited new vapers, casual users, and travellers who wanted a simple device with no maintenance. In the UK, prefilled pod kits now fill this role. Disposable vapes remain available in some countries outside the UK.

3. Prefilled Pod Kits

Prefilled pod kits combine a rechargeable battery with replaceable prefilled pods. When a pod runs empty, you remove it and insert a new one. The battery component lasts for months or years with proper care. These devices became the main alternative to disposable vapes in the UK after the June 2025 ban.

Prefilled pod kits include devices like the IVG 2400, Elf Bar 600, Vaporesso Dojo Blast 10K, and Lost Mary BM6000. The IVG 2400 uses a 4-in-1 rotating pod system that delivers 2,400 puffs per kit. Each pod contains 2ml of e-liquid at 20mg/ml nicotine strength.

Using a prefilled pod kit involves charging the battery, inserting the prefilled pod, and inhaling through the mouthpiece. Most prefilled pod kits are draw-activated with no buttons. The MTL vaping style suits high-nicotine e-liquids and produces moderate vapour.

Prefilled pod kits pros

• Prefilled pod kits require no e-liquid refilling or coil changes.
• Prefilled pod kits are portable and fit in a pocket.
• Prefilled pod kits use high-nicotine salt e-liquids that satisfy cravings quickly.
• Prefilled pod kits cost less over time than single-use disposables because you reuse the battery.

Prefilled pod kits cons

• Prefilled pod kits limit flavour choices to the pods available for that device.
• Prefilled pods cost more per millilitre than bottled e-liquid.
• Prefilled pod kits do not offer adjustable wattage or airflow.

4. Refillable Pod Vapes

Refillable pod vapes store e-liquid in a removable plastic pod that you fill yourself from a bottle. Pod vapes come with both prefilled (closed systems) and refillable pods (open systems). With refillable pods, you choose your own e-liquid flavour and nicotine strength. When vapour production or flavour quality drops, you replace the pod or coil.

Refillable pod vapes consist of a pod or cartridge to hold e-liquid with either an integrated or replaceable coil, and a device with a built-in battery to supply power. Using a refillable pod vape involves charging the battery, filling the pod with e-liquid, inserting the pod into the device, allowing the coil to saturate for 5 minutes, turning on the device, and inhaling through the mouthpiece using draw-activation or by pressing a button.

These vaping devices work for mouth-to-lung (MTL), restricted direct-to-lung (RDTL), and direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping styles due to adjustable power and airflow options in some models.

Refillable pod vapes pros

• Refillable pod vapes are portable and lightweight, with most weighing under 50 grams.
• Refillable pod vapes suit beginners, casual users, and people transitioning from smoking because they are simple to use and require minimal maintenance.
• Refillable pod vapes work with both nicotine salts and freebase e-liquids across nicotine strengths from 0mg to 20mg.
• Refillable pod vapes cost less to run than prefilled systems because bottled e-liquid is cheaper per millilitre.

Refillable pod vapes cons

• Basic refillable pod vapes lack adjustable airflow, wattage settings, and power-saving modes.
• Refillable pod vapes have smaller batteries than box mods and need more frequent charging for heavy use.
• Refillable pod vapes produce moderate vapour and do not suit cloud chasers.
• Pod replacement adds ongoing cost, though less than prefilled systems.

5. Pod Mods

Pod mods bridge the gap between refillable pod vapes and box mods. They use pods instead of glass tanks but offer higher wattage (up to 80W) and adjustable settings. Pod mods are larger than standard pod vapes but smaller than box mods.

Pod mods feature a built-in or removable battery, a refillable pod with a replaceable coil, an OLED screen for settings display, and adjustable wattage and airflow. Examples include the Vaporesso LUXE XR Max, OXVA Xlim Pro 2, and VooPoo Drag X.

Using a pod mod involves charging the battery, filling the pod with e-liquid, inserting the pod, priming the coil for 5 minutes, selecting your wattage, and inhaling. Pod mods support MTL, RDTL, and DTL vaping depending on the coil resistance.

Pod mods pros

• Pod mods combine portability with adjustable wattage and airflow.
• Pod mods display battery life, wattage, and coil resistance on screen.
• Pod mods work with a range of coil resistances from 0.2 Ohm to 1.2 Ohm.
• Pod mods produce more vapour than standard pod vapes at higher wattages.

Pod mods cons

• Pod mods only work with pods made for that specific device.
• Pod mods cost more than basic refillable pod vapes.
• Pod mods are heavier and bulkier than standard pod vapes.

Pod mods suit intermediate and advanced vapers who want adjustable settings in a compact form factor. They also suit vapers upgrading from basic pod vapes who want more control without moving to a full box mod. Pod mods do not suit beginners who want a simple, button-free device.

6. MTL Vape Kits

MTL vape kits are low-powered, compact vaping devices built to mimic the feel of smoking a traditional cigarette. These vapes are designed for mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping, in which you take a steady draw, hold the vapour in your mouth for 1 to 2 seconds, inhale it into your lungs, and then exhale it.

MTL vape kits feature a rechargeable battery for power supply and a pod or a tank to hold the vaping juice and the coil. Using an MTL vape kit involves charging the battery, filling the pod with 50/50 PG/VG e-liquid, letting the coil saturate, turning on the vape, taking a tight puff, holding the vapour in your mouth, inhaling it into your lungs, exhaling, and then repeating the process. MTL vape kits suit users who prefer a cigarette-like draw and want smooth nicotine delivery.

MTL vape kits pros

• MTL vape kits suit beginners and transitioning smokers because they deliver high nicotine levels up to 20mg without throat harshness, offer a cigarette-style inhalation, and are simple to use.
• MTL vape kits produce strong flavour intensity because the slower airflow concentrates the taste.
• MTL vape kits are beginner-friendly and require minimal maintenance with no expert knowledge to use.
• MTL vape kits use less e-liquid and battery power than DTL devices, making them more economical.

MTL vape kits cons

• MTL vape kits do not suit DTL vaping because they use high resistance coils starting from 0.8 Ohm that produce smaller vapour clouds.
• MTL vape kits offer limited airflow adjustment because they are built for tighter draws with high PG e-liquids.
• MTL vape kits produce smaller clouds, with output power typically between 10W to 30W maximum.

MTL vape kits suit ex-smokers who want a tight draw that feels like a cigarette. They also suit vapers who use high-nicotine salt e-liquids and want strong flavour over large clouds. MTL vape kits do not suit cloud chasers or vapers who prefer an airy, open draw.

7. Vape Pens

Vape pens are slim, pen-shaped vaping devices built for users who want portability. These vapes support MTL, RDTL, and DTL vaping, depending on the model and the coil used.

Vape pens consist of a built-in rechargeable battery for operating the device, a refillable tank for holding the coil and e-liquid, and a button or draw activation mechanism for firing. Using a vape pen involves detaching the tank from the battery, charging the battery, filling the tank with your chosen vape juice, attaching the tank to the battery device, allowing the coil to saturate, inhaling the vapour either by pressing the button or taking a puff, and repeating the process.

Vape pens pros

• Vape pens cost less than advanced mods.
• Vape pens are portable and easy to use because of their compact design, light weight, and simple operation.
• Vape pens suit beginners and intermediate vapers because they require no expert knowledge.
• Some vape pens offer adjustable airflow and wattage for a more tailored experience.

Vape pens cons

• Vape pens require regular maintenance and coil replacements.
• Vape pens have moderate battery life and may not last through heavy use.
• Vape pens produce moderate vapour at low wattage settings.

8. Box Mod Kits

Box mod kits are large vaping devices with box-shaped battery units that offer high power output and adjustable settings for extended vaping sessions. Box mod kits suit direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping and large cloud production due to their low-resistance coils and high power output.

Box mod kits feature a built-in or removable high-capacity battery typically using single or dual 18650 or 21700 cells (2,500mAh to 5,000mAh total), sub-ohm tanks that hold e-liquid and coils, adjustable power settings, and OLED screens to monitor vaping activity.

Using a box mod kit involves charging the battery, filling the tank with vape juice, attaching the tank to the device, priming the coil, turning on the device, adjusting settings according to your preference, inhaling the vapour, and repeating the process.

Box mod kits pros

• Box mod kits give you full control over wattage, temperature, and airflow.
• Box mod kits last through extended vaping sessions with high-capacity batteries rated at 2,500mAh to 5,000mAh (single or dual cells).
• Box mod kits help experienced vapers experiment with coils, e-liquids, and varying wattages due to their adjustable settings.
• Box mod kits suit vapers who want large, flavourful clouds, as they support high wattage up to 220W and low resistance sub-ohm coils.

Box mod kits cons

• Box mod kits are not portable or easy to carry in a pocket due to their large design and weight.
• Box mod kits cost more than basic pod vapes because they feature advanced settings.
• Box mod kits have a learning curve for new users because of their multiple settings.
• Box mod kits produce moderate throat hits because they work best with low-nicotine e-liquids.

9. DTL (Direct-to-Lung) Vapes

DTL (Direct-to-lung) vapes are high-powered vaping devices built for inhaling vapour directly into the lungs in one deep draw. These vapes suit experienced vapers and cloud chasers who want large vapour clouds with strong flavour.

DTL (Direct-to-lung) vapes consist of a high-powered mod with a high-capacity battery and a sub-ohm tank to hold e-liquid and a low resistance coil. These vapes use high VG (vegetable glycerin) e-liquids for larger vapour production. Using a DTL vape involves charging the battery, filling the tank with e-liquid, attaching the tank to the mod device, letting the coil soak in vape juice, and then inhaling vapour through a steady, deep draw to take the vapour directly into your lungs without holding it in your mouth.

DTL vapes pros

• DTL vapes offer adjustable wattage and wide airflow.
• DTL vapes produce rich vape juice flavour with their sub-ohm coils that heat high VG e-liquids efficiently at high wattages.
• DTL vapes produce large vapour clouds due to their low-resistance coils and high power output.

DTL vapes cons

• DTL vapes have multiple settings that take time to learn.
• DTL vapes use more e-liquid and need frequent coil replacements because of high wattage.
• DTL vapes are not portable or pocket-friendly because of their large designs and weight.

10. Rebuildable Mods

Rebuildable mods are advanced vaping devices that allow users to build their own coils and wicks for a tailored vaping experience. These vapes include RDAs (rebuildable dripping atomisers), RTAs (rebuildable tank atomisers), and RDTAs (rebuildable dripping tank atomisers). Rebuildable mods support MTL, RDTL, and DTL vaping styles because of user-built custom coils and high-wattage adjustable mod devices.

Rebuildable mods consist of a mod device with a battery for power supply and an atomiser that holds a coil and e-liquid. Using a rebuildable mod involves building and wicking the coil, charging the battery, attaching the atomiser to the mod device, adjusting wattage according to the coil resistance, adding the required amount of vape juice, and inhaling the vapour.

These mods suit expert vapers because they require technical knowledge and safety awareness. Mechanical mods (a type of rebuildable mod) are unregulated vaping devices that deliver power directly from the battery to the coil with no circuitry or safety features.

Rebuildable mods pros

• Rebuildable mods let you control resistance, power, airflow, and wicking materials.
• Rebuildable mods cost less to run because coil wire and cotton wicking materials are inexpensive.
• Rebuildable mods using RDAs allow quick switching between flavours because there is no liquid tank. You drip e-liquid directly onto the coil.
• Rebuildable mods produce large vapour clouds when using low-resistance coils with high power output.

Rebuildable mods cons

• Rebuildable mods do not suit beginners or intermediate users because they require technical knowledge, understanding of Ohm's law, and practice.
• Rebuildable mods take time to set up because building coils, wicking, adjusting, and cleaning takes effort.
• Rebuildable mods are not pocket-friendly because they require additional items for maintenance and rebuilding.
• Rebuildable mods carry safety risks for inexperienced users. Mistakes in coil building or battery selection can cause overheating.

11. Squonk Mods

Squonk mods are advanced vaping devices that combine rebuildable dripping atomisers (RDAs) with bottom-feeding pins connected to an e-liquid bottle for RDA performance without manual dripping. Squonk mods suit direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping because they support low-resistance coils and high-wattage output. These vapes suit advanced vapers who enjoy rebuildables but want less frequent refilling.

Squonk mods feature an internal bottle that feeds vaping juice up into the atomiser when squeezed, removing the need to drip manually. Using a squonk mod involves charging the battery, building and wicking the coil (if not built-in), filling the squonk bottle, and attaching the atomiser to the mod device. You then squeeze the squonk bottle to feed e-liquid into the RDA, allow the coil to saturate, and inhale the vapour by pressing the fire button.

Squonk mods are available in regulated, unregulated, and mechanical options. Regulated squonk mods have a chip that controls power output and safety features, unregulated squonk mods come without safety or power regulation, and mechanical squonk mods are chip-free and rely solely on battery power.

Squonk mods pros

• Squonk mods let advanced vapers avoid manual dripping while still using RDAs.
• Squonk mods combine RTA convenience with RDA flavour and customisation.
• Squonk mods produce large clouds because they work with low-resistance coils and high wattage output power.
• Squonk mods hold 6ml to 10ml of e-liquid in the bottle, reducing refill frequency.

Squonk mods cons

• Squonk mods cost more because they require a specialised mod with a squonk bottle chamber.
• Squonk mods can leak if the bottle is over-squeezed or not properly sealed.
• Squonk mods do not suit beginners or intermediate vapers because they require technical knowledge to operate.
• Squonk mods only work with bottom-feeding atomisers, limiting your RDA options.

What is a vape?

A vape or electronic cigarette is a battery-powered device that heats e-liquid into inhalable vapour. Every vape contains three main components: a battery for power, a tank or pod for holding e-liquid, and an atomiser with a coil that heats the liquid.

The battery sends power to the coil. The coil heats up and turns the e-liquid into vapour. The user inhales the vapour through the mouthpiece.

Vaping refers to the act of inhaling vapour from an electronic cigarette. Vapes deliver nicotine without burning tobacco, which is why Public Health England and the NHS consider vaping less harmful than smoking.

What vape should you upgrade to?

Most vapers start with a simple device and progress to more advanced kits as their preferences develop.

Beginners should start with a prefilled pod kit or cigalike. These devices require no e-liquid handling and mimic cigarette smoking. Nicotine salt e-liquids at 10mg or 20mg satisfy cravings quickly.

Intermediate vapers can move to a refillable pod vape or vape pen. You gain access to more flavours by choosing your own e-liquid. Battery life and vapour production improve. You may reduce nicotine strength to 6mg to 10mg.

Advanced vapers can progress to a pod mod or box mod. Adjustable wattage and airflow let you fine-tune your experience. Sub-ohm coils produce larger clouds. Nicotine strength often drops to 3mg to 6mg.

Expert vapers can explore rebuildable mods or squonk devices. You build your own coils, choose your wicking material, and control every aspect of your vape. Many expert vapers use 0mg to 3mg e-liquids.

What do vapes look like?

Different types of vapes come in different shapes, sizes, and designs. Vape pens are cylindrical, long, pen-shaped vaping devices. Cigalikes are thin, lightweight, and small, cigarette-like vaping devices. Pod vapes are compact, medium-sized, and rectangular-shaped vaping devices. Box mods are comparatively large, bulky, and box-shaped vaping devices.

How to choose the best type of vape?

To choose the best type of vape, you need to consider your vaping experience, budget, ease of use, preferred vaping style, favourite flavour, and nicotine strength. You should also consider the battery life, portability, and maintenance of vaping devices.

Ask yourself these questions:

• Are you switching from smoking? Start with a prefilled pod kit or MTL device.
• Do you want to choose your own e-liquid flavours? Get a refillable pod vape or vape pen.
• Do you want adjustable settings? Consider a pod mod or box mod.
• Do you want large clouds? Look at box mods, DTL vapes, or sub-ohm kits.
• Do you want to build your own coils? Explore rebuildable mods or squonk devices.

Which type of vape is best for beginners?

A prefilled pod kit or refillable pod vape is the best type of vape for beginners. These devices are simple to use, require minimal maintenance, and support MTL vaping which mimics cigarette inhalation.

Which type of vape is best for intermediate vapers?

Vape pens and refillable pod vapes suit intermediate vapers because they are portable and offer some adjustable settings. They deliver good flavour and moderate vapour, and support mouth-to-lung (MTL) and restricted direct-to-lung (RDTL) vaping.

Which type of vape is best for advanced vapers?

Box mods and rebuildable mods suit advanced vapers because they offer full control over wattage, airflow, temperature, and coil builds. These devices deliver the best flavour and large vapour clouds with direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping.

What are the best vape brands?

What are the different vaping styles?

There are 3 different vaping styles, including mouth-to-lung (MTL), direct-to-lung (DTL), and restricted direct-to-lung (RDTL).

MTL is beginner-friendly vaping technique in which a user takes a tight, slow puff, holds the vapour in the mouth for 1 to 2 seconds, and then inhales it into the lungs. DTL is a vaping technique suitable for experienced vapers in which the vapour is directly inhaled into the lungs through a long, steady puff without holding it in the mouth. RDTL is a controlled inhalation technique in which vapour is inhaled directly into the lungs through restricted air flow.

MTL is suitable for providing intense flavour with a strong throat hit, DTL is ideal for smoother flavour delivery and moderate vapour production, and RDTL is good for a combination of balanced nicotine hit, thick clouds, and satisfactory flavour.

What are the best safety tips for using different vape devices?

The best safety tips for using different vape devices are mentioned below.

• Use recommended vape chargers to prevent overcharging or overheating.
• Handle vape batteries safely with care to avoid any damage.
• Clean and maintain your vape regularly to improve its functioning and increase its lifespan.
• Do not leave your vapes unattended while charging to prevent overheating
• Follow the vape manufacturer's guidelines to properly use the device.
• Use the right vaping device according to your required nicotine strength and vapour production.
• Use the right vaping technique to avoid irritation and coughing.
• Store the vaping device safely in a cool place away from the reach of children and pets.
• Replace vape coils regularly to avoid a burnt taste and reduced vapour production.
• Avoid dry hits to protect your vape coil from burning and delivering harsh throat hits.

What is the difference between a vape and an e-cigarette?

Both vape and e-cigarette refer to a battery-powered vaping device that vaporises e-liquid into inhalable vapour. These names are used interchangeably, so the answer to "Are e-cigarettes and vapes the same thing?" is yes, they are the same thing.

Where can I buy the best vape kits and e-cigarettes?

You can buy the best vape kits and e-cigarettes from trusted vape retailers like Vape Club, VPZ, Vape Connect, and Vape Superstore. You should buy from Vape Connect to avoid fake products, as they offer original and high quality vaping products with fast delivery and exclusive deals.