Over the last decade, Smok has established itself as one of the world’s leading vape brands and are a firm favourite with both customers and staff here at E-Cigarette Direct (even landing a spot in our list of Best Vape Brands).
Launching in 2010, Smok was first known for high-powered mods but have since expanded their product range to a wide variety of devices suited to all kinds of vapers, making big waves in the pod device market with their popular Novo and Nord series.
Focused on innovation, Smok are known for both quality and quantity - releasing a huge number of quality devices each year and with no sign of slowing down.
With so many Smok devices to choose from, compiling a list of the best Smok vape devices was difficult but, based on personal experience, popularity and customer feedback, we’ve chosen some of the best.
What is MTL & DL Vaping?
Do note that vape style here refers to Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) or Direct Lung (DL). Not sure what they mean? See our guide MTL v. DL for an explanation.
Contents
| Device | Device Type | Vape Style | Suited to |
| Nord 2 | Pod | MTL/DL | Intermediate to advanced users |
| Nord 4 | Pod | MTL/DL | Intermediate to advanced users |
| Nfix Pro | Pod | MTL | All experience levels |
| Nord 5 | Pod | DL | Intermediate to advanced users |
| Novo Master | Pod | MTL | All experience levels |
| IPX80 | Pod mod | MTL/DL | Intermediate to advanced users |
| RPM80 | Pod mod | MTL/DL | Intermediate to advanced users |
| Mag Solo | Mod kit | DL | Experienced users |
| G-Priv 4 | Mod kit | DL | Intermediate to advanced users |
| Morph 3 | Mod kit | DL | Experienced users |
The Nord Series features some of Smok’s most popular devices, so you’ll notice quite a few Nords on this list!
The original Smok Nord was hugely popular and its follow up, the Nord 2, improved on this with increased power, battery life and versatility.
A compact pod device with a simple, single-button design, the Nord 2 can output more than double the power output of the original (40W compared to 15W) and has an increased battery capacity of 1500mAh.
Compatible with both Nord and RPM coil ranges, the Nord 2 supports both MTL and DL vaping styles, meaning it suits both more and less experienced vapers and can stay with users as they become more experienced.
What’s to like:
- Increased power
- Longer battery life
- Supports different vaping styles
From the Nord 2, we skip straight to the Nord 4 (as Smok’s Nord X is considered the 3rd in the series). The latest adaptation of the Nord offers even more power, battery life and versatility than its predecessors with the inclusion of adjustable airflow control.
Complete with a stylish makeover including a chic leather finish, the power output of 80W is double that of the Nord 2 and more than 4 x the original Nord. The 2000mAh battery also means you can use it for substantially longer between charges when used at the same wattage as the Nord 2 (40W).
The Nord 4 works with both RPM and RPM2 coil ranges that allow it to support both MTL and DL vape styles, while the new inclusion of a rotating airflow control means you can precisely control your air intake to create a tight and restricted or more airy vape style with large clouds.
What’s to like:
- 4 x the power of the original
- Stylish leather finish
- Precise airflow control
As not all vapers want huge, sun-blocking clouds, the Smok Nfix Pro is ideal for those looking for a more discreet, stealth device. A slim and compact device with up to 25W adjustable power, our testing found this device easy to use with great flavour.
The Nfix Pro is an updated version of the original Nfix. While the replaceable coil design isn’t quite as convenient as the fixed-coil original, this version offers a wider range of coil resistances and less environmental waste. Plus, the push-fit installation design makes switching coils easy.
While users will need to familiarise themselves with the best wattage for each coil, this is easily controlled and monitored through the OLED display screen. For those who like to tailor their vape, a sliding toggle allows you to adjust your airflow between a tighter or looser inhale.
Our only negative would be the device’s charging time - as the 70-minute full charging length is a little long compared to the more rapid-charging devices we’re seeing enter the market.
What’s to like:
- Stealth vapour
- Easy to use
- Great flavour
Direct-Lung vapers don’t always need a big, bulky mod kit to satisfy their needs, and the Smok Nord 5 is a great example of this. Retaining the compact form of previous Nord devices, Smok has impressively managed to fit a long-lasting 2000mAh battery and up to 80W of power into this pocket-friendly pod kit.
The first exclusively Direct-Lung Nord, the Nord 5 works with low-resistance RPM3 coils, which cater to higher wattages than the previous RPM range. This allows the Nord 5 to create rich flavour and dense vapour despite its compact design. A stepless airflow slider also means you can precisely tailor your inhale between tight and airy.
A simple fire button and up/down button combination makes this a fairly easy-to-use device. However, we wouldn’t recommend this to a complete newbie as the power output isn’t auto-selected, so you will need to familiarise yourself with the power ranges needed for your coil.
What’s to like
- DL power in a compact device
- Stepless adjustable airflow
- Long-lasting battery
Reviewed by: Lloyd, ECD Team
I’m very impressed with Smok’s Novo Master kit; it has everything I look for in a pod vape - from its design to its battery life, flavour and versatility.
Firstly, the metal alloy build feels solid and robust in my hand which is always a bonus. I also liked that you get the choice of either inhale or button-activated firing. This, combined with the adjustable airflow feature gives this device the versatility I look for when choosing a pod kit.
I tested the Novo Master using the 0.6ohm pod with VG:PG 50:50 e-liquid and took advantage of the Boost Mode feature. When activated, this increased the wattage to 30W and created a noticeable increase in both flavour and vapour.
The only downside to using Boost mode was the cost of some extra battery life. Despite this, as a moderate vaper who uses around 4ml e-liquid daily, the 1000mAh battery still lasted a full day on a single charge so was great for using when out and about.
Finally, the pods’ top-filling design means they were easy to top up and I found they fit snugly into the device with no leaking.
Overall, this is a great MTL pod kit and would be particularly suited to vapers who value great flavour and want a no-fuss device with long-lasting battery.
What's to like:
- Flavour-enhancing Boost mode
- Long-lasting battery
- Convenient fixed-coil pods
Also see: The Novo Master Box for a square-shaped version.
Want to see more Smok pod devices? See our Best Smok Pod Systems Compared post.
If you’re an outdoorsy vaper, you need a device that can withstand the elements, has a battery that lasts and is small and light enough to easily carry around.
The Smok IPX80 combines a compact yet super-tough design and a long-lasting battery to create a pod mod ideal for using outdoors. Named after its IP67 rating, the device is water, dust and shock resistant, outputs up to 80W and has a 3000mAh battery capacity - ideal for day trips in the great outdoors.
Working with both RPM and RPM2 coils, you can use the IPX80 for both MTL and DL vaping styles. The device also features a smooth and precise adjustable airflow control and a bright display screen that allows you to view device data in even the darkest conditions.
What’s to like:
- Super tough
- Long-lasting battery
- Supports MTL & DL
Truly summing up what is meant by ‘pod mod’, the Smok RPM80 combines the power and cloud potential of a mod device with the simplicity of a pod system.
Suited to intermediate to more advanced users, this device provide more versatility than your average pod device with a choice of 2 compatible pod and coil options. Working with both RPM and RCG coils, it supports both MTL and DL vaping and is capable of some serious clouds when paired with lower-resistance coils at higher wattages.
A brightly coloured screen allows you to keep tabs on your device, displaying data including wattage and battery life. You can even adjust the colour scheme of your display screen to suit your preference.
What’s to like:
- Combines power and ease of use
- Support both MTL & DL vape styles
Reviewed by: Corey, ECD Team
Having used mod vapes for years, I know some tend to be very advanced with complex modes - which can be intimidating for newer mod vapers.
However, whenI tested out the Smok Mag Solo as part of a kit with included T-Air vape tank, I thought it made a great option as a first sub-ohm mod kit - giving the full sub-ohm vaping experience without being overly complicated.
The 100W output is more than enough to power the included 0.2ohm TA coil for a Direct-Lung inhale, while the mod’s operation is fairly simple with just 2 modes (Variable Wattage or Temperature Control) to choose from. Variable wattage makes the device pretty straightforward to use, whilst temperature control means the device retains a more advanced option for experienced vapers as well as those who want to experiment.
The mod can be powered using either a single 18650 or 21700 battery - which is always a big plus to me - giving you the choice of maximum power or a slightly lighter weight. I chose the 21700 battery and found it lasted me most of a day of use at 65W - which is quite impressive considering I’m a heavier vaper.
The only downside I could really identify with this mod was its display screen - which wasn’t as clear or visually appealing as some others I’ve used from brands such as Vaporesso.
Design-wise, the mod feels high-quality, with a leather and metal finish in a wide range of colour options. Small details like the tactile buttons and solid battery door all add to its high-quality build.
What we like:
- Good quality design
- Simple choice of modes
- Choice of battery options
The newest mod kit on this list, we couldn’t help but notice how Smok have stepped up their design game with the G-Priv 4. The mod’s design exudes high quality with a combination of metal, paint and leather, tactile responsive buttons and a user-friendly touch screen.
Suited to more advanced vapers, combining the G-Priv 4 mod with the TFV18 Mini tank creates a powerful, Direct-Lung kit with impressive vapour and great flavour.
We were also impressed with its power and intelligence. It can fire a massive 230W, has the choice of both VW and TC modes, and you can even save and preset your favourite settings combinations for later with the ‘My Mode’ function.
What’s to like:
- High-quality design
- Great flavour & vapour production
- User-friendly touchscreen display
Reviewed by: Maya, ECD Team
As a long-time cloud-chaser, I’m used to using powerful, replaceable battery mods. While this kind of device suits my vape style, they do tend to be very bulky, advanced and complicated to use.
The Smok Morph 3 boasts a very large 230W of power and uses dual 18650 batteries. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find it to be lightweight and easy to use with a choice of just 2 modes (Variable Wattage and Temperature Control). It also came with an extensive user manual to help you get to grips with using it.
The mod also has an impressive battery life - I found I only had to charge the batteries twice over 3 days of use. However, I did have issues with charging the device when needed. Firstly, it took a very long time to fully charge the batteries - which is expected with a dual battery mod but is still inconvenient. I also found the provided charging lead to be very short and difficult to insert into the charging port.
While this is a mod review, as I tested this mod as part of a kit it’s worth mentioning the included Smok T-Air Subtank. This tank produced great flavour and the airflow design allows for a very open, airy inhale and plenty of vapour - which is great for a cloud chaser like me!
The tank’s filling port is conveniently positioned at the top and is very large - making it perfect for using shortfill vape juices. It also has a very strong, sturdy design - which I confirmed when I accidentally dropped it and discovered no damage!
The only issue I did find with the vape tank was that it didn’t fit as securely onto the device as I’d have liked. However, it’s hard to determine whether this is specific to the mod or the tank itself.
What we like:
- Powerful yet lightweight
- Long-lasting battery
- Easy to use
- Great flavour & clouds
What’s next?
Smok regularly releases new products with evolving technology and features so expect plenty more from them in the future!
We’ll continue to keep this post up-to-date with the best interesting Smok devices so make sure to check back.
