You’d have to be blind to miss the spiralling price rises of recent years. From the cost of your weekly shop to the electricity powering the device you’re reading this on, almost everything is more expensive.
Fortunately, not only is vaping much cheaper than smoking, it is also one area that seems resistant to price rises (so far!) In fact, buying a good vape kit costs less than it did a decade ago, and you can buy a reasonable device for less than a tenner. Sure, it won’t have all the bells and whistles of the fanciest devices - but at the end of the day, what’s important is it delivers the nicotine needed to keep you off cigarettes.
So in this post, we’ve selected a range of vape kits to suit every budget, along with some handy tips to ensure costs are low in the long term, not just when you buy your first kit!
- Best vape kits under £10
- Best vape kits under £20
- Best vape kits under £30
- Best vape kits under £50
- What to consider when looking for a cheap vape device
- 5 top tips for saving money when you vape
- Wrapping up
- Related guides
Want more choice? See our full selection of Cheap Vape Kits.
Elf Bar Elfa Pro
Disposable vapes may provide great flavour, but they can be VERY expensive in the long run. Elf Bar’s Elfa Pro device is a great way to enjoy disposable-style flavours in a less expensive (and less environmentally harmful) way.
Using pre-filled pods in popular Elf Bar flavours, this rechargeable device looks and tastes like an Elf Bar disposable and is almost as easy to use. You simply attach the pod and inhale on the mouthpiece. The only difference is that you will need to recharge the battery and replace the pod when they are finished.
While the initial Elfa Pro kit is low cost, the additional cost of purchasing Elfa Pro pods will work out more expensive than using a refillable device in the long run. Despite this, it still makes a great, more budget-friendly option compared to disposables.
Pros:
- Perfect starter kit
- Disposable-style flavours
- Cheaper & more environmentally friendly than using Elf Bars
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Prefilled pods work out more expensive than refillable pods in the long run
Aspire Gotek X
The Aspire Gotek X device makes a great choice as a starter kit, disposable alternative or if you’re just looking for a no-fuss Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) pod kit.
With fixed-coil pods, automatic power selection and inhale activation, the pod kit is super easy to use and accessible to most experience levels. There’s also the benefit of adjustable airflow control, allowing you to create a more airy or restricted inhale. Our testing found that, with the airflow closed, the Gotex X provides a very restricted inhale - which is ideal if you prefer a tighter vape.
Featuring the eye-catching, cyber-inspired style the Gotek device series is known for, the only issue you may find is the Gotek X’s raised surface design, which can make it a little uncomfortable to grip.
However, this is a small niggle and this device is still a great choice if you’re looking for a stylish, easy-to-use pod kit with change from £10.
Find out more in our Gotek X vs Gotek Pro comparison.
Pros:
- Easy-to-use design
- Adjustable airflow
Cons:
- Raised surface can be uncomfortable to hold
Vaporesso Xros 4 Mini
One of our favourite devices of 2024, the Vaporesso Xros 4 Mini makes this list for combining a compact size, easy operation and great flavour all at a pocket-friendly price!
Part of the popular Xros Series, its buttonless, fixed-coil design makes the Xros 4 Mini a great low-cost option for beginners and those moving on from disposable vapes.
While beginner-friendly, the Xros 4 Mini also has the benefit of supporting a choice of inhale styles. Unlike most fixed-coil pod devices that are typically MTL exclusive, there’s an RDL pod option for those who prefer a less restricted inhale. Vaporesso’s flavour-enhancing COREX 2.0 heating technology and built-in Pulse mode also ensure consistent, enhanced taste whichever pod you choose.
As with all fixed-coil pod devices, while the initial cost of the Xros 4 Mini is low, the fixed-coil design does mean additional long-term costs. Although far more cost-effective than cigarettes and disposables, it is still more expensive in the long run than a refillable device with replaceable coils.
Find out more about Xros 4 and Xros 4 Mini with our in-depth review.
Pros:
- Compact design
- Easy to use - no settings or coil changes required
- MTL & RDL pod options
- Flavour-enhancing COREX 2.0 coil technology & Pulse mode
Cons:
- Fixed-coil pods aren’t as environmentally friendly as devices with replaceable coils
Oxva Xlim Pro
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With its balance of ease of use and versatility, Oxva’s Xlim Pro is a device that can appeal to most vapers.
While we wouldn’t recommend this device to a complete newbie or those just switching from disposables, it’s still a simple enough device for those with just a little experience to get used to.
Less experienced users will appreciate the convenient fixed-coil pods and easy inhale-firing design, while those who like more control can utilise the adjustable wattage and airflow control to tailor their vape to their preferences.
Combine this with a 1000mAh battery that can last up to 3 days between charges, and you’ve got a great all-around device that won’t break the bank.
Our in-house testers were particularly impressed with the Xlim Pro’s flavour and pod life:
“The pods produced good flavour when used with nicotine salts, and the top-filling design is very convenient as you don’t need to remove the pod from the device for refilling. I was impressed to find that a single pod lasted me around 5 days before needing to be replaced…” Dawn, ECD Product Team
Pros:
- Up to 3 days battery life
- Convenient fixed-coil pods & inhale firing
- Long-lasting pods
Oxva Xlim GO
While the Xlim Pro proved a hit with both our staff and customers for its balance of ease of use and functionality, if you’re looking for a cost-saving alternative, a newer device from the Xlim Series is one to consider!
Suitable for most experience levels, the Xlim GO device is super easy to use with fixed-coil pods, inhale firing and automatic power settings.
While beginner-friendly, it also has versatile features such as adjustable airflow and a choice of pods that make it compatible with both high-VG and 50:50 e-liquids. Our in-house testing also found the flavour fantastic - even comparable with Vaporesso’s Xros Series devices.
At almost half the price, the Xlim GO still boasts the same 30W output and long-lasting 1000mAh battery as the Xlim Pro. While automatic power settings mean you get less control over your power output, this shouldn’t be a major issue for most vapers - and will be a plus for less experienced users.
Overall, the Xlim GO makes a great budget-friendly option for anyone looking for a no-fuss pod kit with long-lasting battery life, great flavour and a choice of vape styles.
Want to know more about the Xlim GO? Read our full in-house review.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Long-lasting battery life
- Great flavour
Cons:
- Not as much control as Xlim Pro
Vaporesso Luxe XR
The Vaporesso Luxe XR - boasts both style AND substance for a very reasonable price. A great all-around device, this pod mod has a lot going for it - ease of use, long-lasting power, good looks and great flavour.
Appealing to both new and more experienced users alike, the Luxe X is super easy to use with Smart Power Control meaning you don’t need to worry about manually setting your wattage. Our testing found the fixed 1500mAh lasts up to a day of use - impressive for such a compact device.
Combining 40W of power with a wide range of compatible coil resistances, the Luxe X can provide both MTL and DL inhale styles to cater to all tastes. The included GTX coils also utilise Vaporesso’s COREX technology for rich flavour and up to 50% extra coil life.
Our one downside is the darker-coloured pod, which makes it a little difficult to see your vape juice levels. But, other than that small issue, this is all-around a pretty perfect pod kit!
Prefer a fixed-coil version? See the Luxe X.
Pros:
- Suited to new and more experienced users
- Supports MTL & DL vaping
- No-fuss auto power selection
- Long-lasting battery
- Futuristic style
- Great flavour & long-lasting coils
Cons:
- Dark-coloured pod
Innokin Adept Zlide
Mod vaping doesn’t have to be exclusive to experienced, Direct-Lung vapers, and Innokin’s Adept Zlide has long been one of our favourite beginner-friendly MTL mod kits. With its tough design, easy operation and long-lasting battery, it has stood the test of time amongst more modern devices.
A great option for less experienced users wanting something more robust than a standard pen or pod kit, the Adept mod boasts a super-tough IP67 water, dust and shockproof design ideal for outdoor use (or if you’re just a little clumsy!).
Auto wattage selection makes operating the mod easy as power output is automatically set depending on the coil being used. An impressive 3000mAh battery also provides long-lasting power for reduced charging.
The only slight inconvenience you may discover with this kit is its screw-in coil design - which is a little more fiddly than the push-fit installation common in newer devices.
Overall, the Zlide is a great low-cost, entry-level mod option for MTL vapers looking for easy operation and impressive battery life.
Pros:
- IP67 water, dust & shock proof design
- Long-lasting 3000mAh battery
- Beginner-friendly auto wattage selection
Cons:
- Screw in coil design
Innokin Coolfire Z60
While Innokin’s Coolfire Z60 isn’t the most powerful mod kit on the market, its 60W output and range of coil options mean it can still easily fulfil the needs of a whole host of vapers.
Working with the Z coil range, with resistances from 0.3 - 1.6 ohms, the included Zlide Top tank can support both Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) and Direct-Lung (DL) inhale styles.
One of our favourite things about this device is its battery life - which is especially impressive for the mod’s compact size. While battery life will differ based on usage and power output, our in-house tester found the 2500mAh battery seemed to last “forever” when used for MTL vaping - only having to recharge once over several days. (Read full review.)
All of this combined with flavour-enhancing Coil+ and Refresh modes and adjustable airflow control means the Coolfire Z60 offers great flavour, prolonged coil life and a customisable vape experience - all at under £50!
Pros:
- Supports a range of vaping styles
- Compact size, impressive battery life
- Great flavour with Coil+ and Refresh modes
Cons:
- May not be powerful enough for users who prefer maximum power
Vaporesso Target 100
Although not the newest device on the market, this is currently our favourite vape device, and we like everything about it. The form factor is superb, as is the water-resistant braid finish that offers a comfortable and secure grip.
We also prefer it to the Target 200, as the Target 100 offers all the features of the Target 200 but with more versatility, as you can choose to use either 18650 or 21700 batteries. True, with a top power output of 200 watts, the Target 200 has double the maximum wattage of the Target 100 - but in reality, unless you are building your own coils, you never need to go above 100 watts anyway.
Finally, there’s the flavour - which is some of the best we’ve encountered!. It’s hard to say whether this is down to the turbo airflow system or to (Ft) mode, but we don’t need to say why - it’s enough that it’s excellent!
Do note that this is a bit more complex to use than the other devices, and is best for vapers with some existing experience.
Pros:
- Superb flavour with F(t) mode
- 5 vaping modes allows you to customise your vape
- Choice of 21700 or 18650 battery (not included)
Cons:
- Not suitable for beginners/less experienced users
While saving money is important, there are some areas where it’s best not to compromise - as doing so can end up being more costly in the long term! These are:
Choose a reliable brand
When it comes to vaping, brands matter. Getting the details of vaping right - the coil, the anti-leaking mechanisms, that feeling on the back of your throat - is tricky. Some brands have spent years working on these details, and it’s worth sticking with the ones that (mostly!) get it right. Fortunately, most of these brands also produce very reasonably priced devices. Here are some great brands to choose from!
Make sure it’s legal
There’s another reason not to buy just any old thing from a market stall! Not all devices available in the UK are legal - some have been smuggled in. And that matters, because UK regulations require all devices to undergo testing before they can go on sale. This testing helps eliminate toxins, meaning legal vape devices are as safe as possible. In contrast, illegal devices could produce more toxins, and contain e-liquid that contain banned or harmful substances.
Here’s some clues which will help you to identify if your device is legal.
As you may have gathered from this post so far, if you really want to save money, you need to think about more than the cost of the initial purchase. The cheapest devices to buy are often some of the most expensive to maintain in the long run. Here’s five things to consider…
1. Avoid disposable vapes
Disposable vapes can appear cheap, but that’s not actually the case. In fact, 1ml of e-liquid in a disposable vape often costs more than 10ml of e-liquid for use in a refillable device. It’s well worth spending a little more on a reusable device - and reaping long term savings from doing so.
2. Use refillable devices
As we’ve touched on before, using refillable pods or tanks is the next step on your journey to becoming a savvy budget vaper. Pre-filled pods are better value than disposables, but buying e-liquid and refilling your device yourself represents better value again.
3. Choose replaceable coils
The final step is to choose devices with replaceable coils. Many vapers are worried this will be fiddly, but vaping technology has come a long way in recent years. With most devices, push-fit coil technology means you no longer need to unscrew the coil - so for a few seconds of your time, you no longer need to replace the whole tank, but can replace just one part of it instead.
4. Add e-liquid to get to the free shipping threshold
Many sites offer free shipping over a threshold. For example, at E-Cigarette Direct you can free 48 hour tracked shipping on orders over £15.00 and free 24 hour tracked shipping on orders over £20.00 - meaning you can often get a cheap bottle of e-liquid by increasing your order slightly.
5. Look for sales and clearance
Finally, it’s a great idea to keep an eye out on vape sales and clearance pages. The wonder device of last year is still a great device, but can often be picked up for a bargain price by the savvy shopper.
Want even more tips to help you save money? Check out our guide to vaping on a budget.
Let’s face it, given the current price of cigarettes, even relatively expensive vape kits and e-liquid offer serious savings over smoking. Armed with these tips and recommendations, you’ll be able to maximise your savings even more!
