Updated: June 2023
When I started vaping in 2008 there wasn’t much choice when it came to vape kits in the UK. But in 2023, the opposite is almost true – there are so many vape brands, devices and kits available that it’s hard to wade your way through the myriad of options.
What helps, though, is to narrow down your criteria. Are you looking for a starter kit or a high-powered mod? What’s more important – flavour or clouds? Do you need something light and compact or is battery life more of a priority?
After all, the best vape kit for a new vaper will be a very different beast from the best vape kit for an experienced vaper who takes part in cloud-chasing competitions!
This is why, when it comes to testing out products, we’re lucky to have an experienced team of many different kinds of vapers more than happy to try out new devices. We’ve taken their feedback to identify some of the best vape kits currently available.
So, to help navigate to the best option for you, you’ll find a table view below which identifies what is special about each device in this post, along with a more detailed write up highlighting their key features.
Do note that in this post you’ll find we also refer to MTL (Mouth-to-Lung), restricted Direct-Lung (RDL) or DL (Direct-Lung) inhale. You can find an explanation of what these terms mean in our MTL v. DL guide.
Contents
| Product name | Product type | What’s special? | Who’s it for? |
| Vaporesso Xros 3 Mini | Pod | Easy to use, impressive battery, choice of inhale styles | All experience levels |
| Oxva Xlim Pro | Pod | Easy to use, adjustable airflow, choice of inhale styles | All experience levels |
| Aspire Vilter | Pod | Soft filter tip | All experience levels |
| Aspire Pockex | All-in-one device | Great throat hit | All experience levels |
| Smok Nord 2 | Open pod | Compact, stylish, flexible | All experience levels |
| Smok Nord 4 | Pod | Superb airflow control | All experience levels |
| Innokin Adept Zlide | Mod | Long battery, choice of vape styles | All experience levels |
| Voopoo Drag E60 | Pod mod | Stylish aesthetics, choice of modes, compact design | Intermediate to advanced vapers |
| Vaporesso Luxe XR Max | Pod mod | Choice of inhale styles, long-lasting battery | All experience levels |
| Vaporesso Target 100 | Mod & tank | Amazing flavour | Intermediate to advanced vapers |
| Geekvape Z200 | Mod & Tank | Powerful, great cloud production, long-lasting battery | Intermediate to advanced vapers |
| Smok G-Priv 4 | Mod & tank | Airy Clouds | Experienced vapers |
| Geekvape L200 Classic | Mod & tank | Powerful, tough design, lots of flavour & clouds | Intermediate to advanced vapers |
| Eleaf iStick Power 2 | Mod | Great MTL vape | All experience levels |
Reviewed by: Corey, ECD Team
Vaporesso’s original Xros Mini device was featured on this list for a while as one of our favourite no-fuss starter kits.
However, I’ve been using the newer Xros 3 Mini as my main device for a couple of months now and it’s even more impressive. In fact, it’s one of the best devices I’ve tried (and, working for a vape company, I’ve tried a lot!)
Firstly, it has an impressive battery life for such a compact device – I’m a pretty heavy vaper and found the 1000mAh battery lasted me most of a day. Vaporesso has even estimated it can last up to 2 days depending on usage frequency.
Using fixed-coil pods, inhale firing and automatic power settings, the Xros 3 Mini is easy enough for even the most novice of vapers to get to grips with. You just fill and attach the pod and inhale!
There’s also the bonus of a new 0.6ohm Xros pod – which gives you the option of a restricted Direct-Lung (RDL) inhale style alongside the Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) pods already available.
I personally liked the extra airflow and loose draw the new pod provided, and was pleasantly surprised to find that a single pod lasted me a week before I had to replace it. When I used the device with the new pod and a ‘Bar Salts’ e-liquid, it was very similar to using a disposable.
There is one slight downside with this device as, when the pod is filled completely, it tends to flood the coil – causing some gurgling and spitback. However, I easily solved this by filling the pod to just 90%.
Pros:
- Long-lasting battery and pods
- Beginner-friendly design
- Choice of vaping styles
Cons:
- Coil can flood when pod is overfilled
Also see: Best MTL Vape Kits.
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Reviewed by: Dawn, ECD Team
The Xlim Pro is the newest, and most powerful, in Oxva’s compact, fixed-coil Xlim device series.
With a single-button design, inhale-firing option and fixed-coil pods it’s suitable for beginners, yet boasts some versatile features that allow users to experiment with their vaping style.
The adjustable airflow slider is a nice bonus feature and, when I used the device with nicotine salts and a fully-opened airflow I found it produced good flavour and a nice, airy inhale.
The device works with both Xlim V2 and V3 (top-fill) pods, with a choice of resistances meaning you can choose a looser MTL inhale or a more restricted RDL style. I was pleased to discover a single V2 pod lasted me 5 days before I needed to replace it.
I also liked that the pods are transparent so you can see the vape juice levels and that the V3 pods can be filled without removing them from the device. However, I did have a slight issue when using a V3 pod when the filling bung fell into the pod after a couple of refills, rendering it unusable.
The Xlim Pro has an impressive number of functions for such a compact MTL device.
The single button can be used for all functions including turning the device on/off, changing the light settings, adjusting the wattage and locking the device.
(I found you can still use inhale firing when the device is locked, which I really liked!)
Personally, I liked the device having so many features. However, it can sometimes be difficult to select the desired feature and keep track of how many times you have clicked the button.
While the Xlim Pro does feature the largest battery of any Xlim device so far, when using the device I did find myself having to recharge it before the end of the day.
While the 1000mAh battery can supposedly last up to 3 days, I think that could only be achieved with low power and less frequent use.
Pros:
- Easy to use yet multiple functions
- Choice of pod resistances
- Adjustable airflow
- Good flavour
Cons:
- Battery doesn’t last long with regular use
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Reviewed by: James, ECD Team
The Innokin EQ is a great device, but some teething issues with the bung knocked it out of the running for our best vape kits post. Fortunately, shortly after the launch of the EQ the Aspire Vilter came along.
The Vilter is similar to the EQ – the key being the soft tip filter that replicates the look and feel of a regular cigarette. The vape it delivers is also similar to that of a cigarette, so it’s a great device for people who are about to switch from cigarettes, or who have already switched but miss the feel of a tobacco cigarette. At 30 grams, it’s also very light, which can also be important if you are used to the weight of a cigarette.
It also delivers great flavour, and is economic with e-liquid – making it a good option for price-conscious vapers. You can’t have it all ways, though, and more established vapers may find they prefer a device that produces thicker, denser vapour. .
Pros
- Replicates the feel of a cigarette
- Great taste
- Economical use of e-liquid.
Cons
- Light on vapour clouds
Reviewed by: James, ECD Team
It’s not the first time that the Aspire PockeX makes it to one of our ‘best of’ lists. For a device that has now been around several years, it’s seen enduring popularity – not without reason. In addition to a solid build quality, this device produces one of the best throat hits we’ve experienced from an entry-level device, which I suspect is why it’s been so popular for so long.
Do note that because it is an older device, you need to remove the coil to fill the pod. That doesn’t take long, but it’s not quite as quick and convenient as modern devices.
Pros
- Great throat hit
- Great build quality
Cons
- Glass can break when dropped
- You need to remove the coil to fill the pod
Top tip: It’s well worth putting a vape band around the tank glass. These cost around 99p and help to protect the tank if it is dropped. Alternatively, the new Aspire PockeX Box (review) is a bit tougher than the original.
Reviewed by: Kayleigh, ECD Team
If there’s been a serious challenger to the Aspire PockeX in recent years, it’s been the Smok Nord. Part of the popular Nord Series, the Smok Nord 2 is still a compact device but now comes with a longer-lasting 1500mAh battery, while an increased wattage range (up to 40 watts) and compatibility with lower resistance coils means you can get thicker, denser vapour. The Nord 2 also retains the comfortable, duck-billed mouthpiece that many customers have told us they love.
Do note that some vapers get confused with which coils to use. The Smok Nord 2 works with Nord 2 RPM pods, which take RPM coils, not Nord coils.
An alternative to the Smok Nord 2 is the Nord Pro. Despite the name, it’s a simple, easy device to use – and works with Smok Nord coils.
Pros
- Compact
- Comfortable mouthpiece
- Larger battery capacity and wattage range than the original Nord
Cons
- Coil naming can be confusing
- Need to press the button 3 times to adjust wattage
Reviewed by: Kayleigh, ECD Team
The Nord 4 is the most powerful of all devices in the uber-popular Nord range, with an 80W output and 2000mAh battery. This wider wattage range and compatibility with both RPM and RPM 2 coils mean it’s capable of supporting both Mouth-to-Lung & Direct-Lung vaping styles.
This sleek device is available in a range of styles, including chic leather options and features a rotating airflow control designed to look like a steering wheel. This gives both simple adjustment and good control over tailoring your air intake and allows you to easily switch between a tighter or looser vape. However, on the negative side, some users have found the airflow wheel to be a bit stiff.
One other negative – the pods are a little darker than normal, which makes it harder to view your e-liquid levels.
Pros
- Supports MTL & DL
- Unique rotating airflow controls
Cons
- Darker pods make it harder to see e-liquid levels
- Airflow wheel can be a bit stiff
Reviewed by: James, ECD Team
Not everyone wants a compact device, and for people looking for a chunkier mod device that still makes a great introduction to vaping, the Innokin Adept Zlide is a brilliant option.
This device comes with a long-lasting 3000mAh battery that easily beats the battery levels of most entry-level pod systems, while with a switch of the coil and a tweak of the airflow settings, you can go from a tight, restricted vape to a loose, airy vape with more vapour.
We think this is a brilliant device for a new vaper who wants something a bit chunkier, and with better clouds, than the average pod device. In fact, it was one of the devices I gave to my colleague Kayleigh when she joined us to help get her off smoking. – you can read how she got it on with it in Smoking to Vaping in 6 Weeks.
Do note, though, that this is a big device, and it feels like it should be able to chuck out the clouds. However, it does only go up to 17 watts. While this is fine for a new vaper, more experienced vapers might find they want a device with a bigger power range.
Pros
- Tough, rugged, water-resistant
- Auto-coil detection makes it easy to use
- Long-lasting battery
Cons
- Maximum of 17 watts
Reviewed by: Corey, ECD Team
Voopoo’s Drag Series has long been amongst our favourite device ranges, with their stylish pod mods proving a hit with both our staff and customers.
When I tried out the Drag E60, I was pleased to discover it boasts many of the features that make the Drag range stand out.
The first thing you’ll notice is its aesthetic. With its stylish combination of leather and metal, it really looks and feels like a premium device.
The included PnP coils produce great flavour and good vapour production, with resistance options to support both Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) and Direct-Lung(DL) vaping.
Although not as powerful as some sub-ohmers may like, I think the Drag E60 would be a handy option for Direct-Lung vapers who don’t want a bulky mod, as it’s very compact yet has a still-sufficient 60W output.
The fixed 2500mAh battery lasted me around half a day, which isn’t too bad considering the device’s size.
While it didn’t last as long as some other dual 18650 or single 21700 mods I’ve used, this is a trade-off I’d expected with such a compact sub-ohm device.
However, there is the benefit of the newly introduced ‘Eco Mode’ which, when activated, can increase your vaping time by up to 10%.
As mentioned, this isn’t an overly complicated device to use. The handy Smart Mode option is particularly user-friendly as it auto-sets the best wattage for the coil you’re using – meaning you don’t need to be an expert to get to grips with this device.
Pros:
- Stylish aesthetics
- Easy-to-use Smart Mode
- Enhanced flavour & vapour
- Supports MTL & DL vaping
Cons:
- 60W may not be sufficient for some Direct-Lung vapers
- Battery life not as long as other mods
Reviewed by: Emily, ECD Team
As a longtime Direct-Lung (DL) vaper who has moved back to a Restricted-Direct-Lung (RDL) style and rarely puts their device down, I’ve tried many devices and struggled to find one that perfectly fits my style and has a battery that lasts.
THEN I tried the Vaporesso Luxe XR Max!
Operating the device is simple enough – you just press the main button 4 times to access the menu and control from there using the up/down buttons.
When you attach the pod, smart technology automatically sets the best wattage for that pod or coil – and it seems to always be the perfect output.
With other devices featuring this kind of technology, I’ve found I’ve sometimes had to go back and manually adjust the wattage but this wasn’t the case here.
While I prefer an RDL vape style, the Luxe XR Max has the benefit of using both fixed and replaceable coils, with options to suit MTL, RDL and DL styles so there is something for all kinds of vapers.
I used the fixed coil pods (which aren’t included in the kit but can be bought separately) and, when using the 0.8ohm fixed-coil pod with nic salts, I found the device produced strong flavour and was perfect for RDL vaping.
The 0.4ohm pod provided a more airy inhale and would be great for sub-ohmers.
As mentioned above, I’m a heavy vaper. So, I was very impressed by the longevity of both the device battery and the pods. The 2800mAh battery lasted me a day and a half before I had to charge it again and a single pod lasted me around a week!
Given the chance, I could probably write a love letter to this device, though I did find one small downside. When using the device with replaceable coils there was some leaking. However, the fixed-coil pods, while still causing some condensation, didn’t leak at all.
Pros:
- Long-lasting battery & pods
- Smart tech auto-sets ideal wattage
- Range of coil & pod resistances for all types of inhale
Cons:
- Pods can leak when used with replaceable coils
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Reviewed by: James, ECD Team
We were so impressed with the flavour from the Target 100 we declared one the best we’ve experienced. This accolade came from trying the Target 100 using its innovative F(t) mode, paired with the iTank with its Turbo airflow system and the new mesh-design GTi coils.
Design-wise, the Target 100 manage to be lightweight yet tough with a cage-like metal frame and a water-resistant braid finish that makes them extra comfortable to hold.
While you don’t need to be an expert to use these kits, they are more suited to users with some experience as you have a choice of 5 modes including VW, Bypass, Pulse & DIY mode (see advanced vaping modes). There’s also a bright colour screen to help you manage the devices – with a user-friendly interface that cleverly increases/reduces the amount of information displayed depending on the mode you’re using.
Do note there are three versions of this device. The differences lay in the power output and battery designs. The Target 200 fires 200W and uses 2 x 18650 batteries for maximum battery life, the Target 100 fires 100W & uses a single replaceable battery or, if you’d prefer a fixed-battery mod for simplicity, the Target 80 has a 3000mAh battery while still firing a decent 80W of power.
Pros:
- Great flavour
- Choice of 5 modes
- Tough yet lightweight construction
Cons
- 2ml glass can be difficult to fill
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Reviewed by: Maya, ECD Team
This will be one of the longer reviews on this list, but that’s because there’s a LOT to discuss with this device.
The Geekvape Z200 offers a range of features that would appeal to more advanced cloud-chasing vapers (such as myself) who are looking for a high-powered mod kit.
Combining a 200W mod boasting multiple modes with Geekvape’s popular Zeus tank, this kit can produce some serious clouds!
The Z200 mod is lightweight but size-wise I found it too large. It may be due to having smaller hands but I actually found it a little uncomfortable to hold.
The battery life was very impressive. It uses 2 x 18650 batteries and lasted me 3-4 days on a single charge. However, when it came to recharging, the charging port being situated at the top of the mod made it difficult to access when the tank was attached.
I was also disappointed to find it features Micro-USB charging and would definitely prefer a USB-C connection.
The Z200 mod has a selection of modes to choose from, including Power, TC, Bypass and VPC. The handy Smart Mode option takes the guesswork out of selecting wattage and protects coil life by auto-setting the best power range for your coil.
Personally, I use the power mode as I like to adjust my wattage on the go. The mod’s 2.4 screen is very clear and has a clean, simple display showing the most important device data such as wattage, battery life and mode.
And now for the tank…
I’ve been using the Zeus tank for years and it’s one of my favourites, so I was really pleased to see it included in this kit.
The build quality is great, I’ve never experienced leaking and I love how easy both filling the tank and changing coils is.
To change the coil you just pull the current coil out and push the new one in. There is a coil tool included in the kit but, in all honesty, I’ve never had to use it!
The top-fill cap is really smooth and easy to remove. As I use 100ml shortfill bottles I need all the space I can get, but that’s not an issue with the Zeus.
The included Z Series coils have multiple resistance options and produce a lot of flavour. My personal favourite is the 0.2ohm coil (sold separately) as it produces both great flavour and plenty of vapour.
The adjustable airflow ports are placed at the top of the tank, which I like as it prevents the annoying condensation build-up I’ve experienced with numerous other tanks in the past. I, of course, have the airflow wide open for maximum cloud production!
Pros:
- Rich flavour & clouds
- Impressive battery life
- Choice of vaping modes
Cons:
- Micro-USB charging & awkwardly-placed port
- Mod may be too large for some
Reviewed by: James, ECD Team
The Smok G-Priv 4 is another hefty device with a traditional (if you can say that in an industry less than 20 years old) box mod design.
This large mod comes with the TFV18 Mini Tank, which is a great option for both clouds and flavour. You’ll also find one of Smok’s distinguishing features here – a super long fire bar that stretches most of the length of the device. This allows you to fire the device with the palm of your hand rather than your finger.
The mod also comes with a touch screen, which is surprisingly rare for vape devices even in 2023. This is very responsive, so it’s worth locking the screen when you are not adjusting settings.
It’s the performance that matters, though, and here the G-Priv 4 produces excellent vapour – very airy with the airflow ports open wide – and superb taste. If there’s one con with the performance, it’s that you can hear the air whistle through the holes when you inhale.
Pros:
- Traditional box mod design
- Airy vapour with dense clouds
- Great flavour
Cons:
- Touch screen is a little too responsive!
- Noisy airflow
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Reviewed by: Corey, ECD Team
The Geekvape L200 Classic is everything we’ve come to expect from a Geekvape mod kit – tough, powerful and capable of producing some serious clouds.
With an IP68 design, the L200 Classic mod has that classic Geekvape toughness – resistant to water, dust and shocks.
The mod itself is very large and those with smaller hands may struggle with using it. That being said, it does feel like a premium device – with even the battery door latch feeling strong and sturdy.
The mod outputs up to 200W of power and works with both dual 18650 and 21700 batteries. However, I personally felt it would be a waste to use 18650s as there are smaller, lighter dual 18650s out there (such as the original L200), and it’s more beneficial to use the mod to its full potential.
I did find the battery life impressive as, when using the mod with 21700 batteries at 70W, I comfortably get through a day of medium to heavy use without needing to recharge it.
The included Z Max tank produced great flavour and lots of vapour when I used it with the 0.2ohm M Series coil and a shortfill e-liquid (Bar Works Blue Raspberry, in case you’re interested).
There is also the benefit of the optional BOOST mode which further boosts flavour and cloud production. The tank’s adjustable airflow means you can create a tighter or more airy inhale depending on which you prefer.
I did find some issues with the tank however, as I experienced some flooding issues when using the preinstalled 0.14ohm coil.
I noticed that the straight glass sits very close to the internal metal coil housing, which causes the e-liquid to slowly move and fill the tank, so I’d recommend taking some extra care when filling.
Pros:
- Great flavour & vapour
- Tough design
- Lots of power & long-lasting battery
Cons:
- Some coil flooding issues
- Mod may be too large for some
Reviewed by: James, ECD Team
I’ve long been a fan of the iStick series, and the new iStick Power 2 doesn’t disappoint.
First, I do love a long battery life, and the iStick really performs here with a very impressive 5000mAh battery. That means when you use it as an MTL device (which is where its strengths lie) the battery can last for days.
The carbon fibre and leather design make for great aesthetics, and Smart Mode means it is really easy to use, even for vapers with limited experience. It also produces excellent taste and a warm vape when used with the GTL pod tank.
The iStick series has always had good build quality – I’ve known them to last for years – and this one is no different. However, we might have to wait a while to see if it has the same durability as the original iStick!
Pros
- Long-lasting battery
- Great aesthetics
- Easy to use
Cons
- NA
In this post you’ll find four types of vape devices.
Pod Systems: Pod vape systems were designed to be more compact and easier to use than mod systems. Typically, a pod system consists of a pod that clips into the part of the device that holds the battery. Closed pod systems refer to pods that come pre-filled with e-liquid (and can not usually be refilled), while open pods are refillable. See our round-up of the best pod systems here.
Pods have been evolving, and some devices have power, battery life and functionality approaching that of an advanced mod device. These are often referred to as ‘pod mods’.
All-in-one vape devices: These devices contain everything you need to get started except the e-liquid. AIOs distinguish themselves by having no separate pod or tank, with e-liquid simply being filled into the top of the device itself.
Pen-style devices: Just as the name suggests, these devices are like an oversized pen and fit easily in the hand. Think chunky marker pen as opposed to a biro and you’ll be on the right track. See our round up of the best vape pens here.
Mod/tank kits: Mods are usually larger, more powerful devices, often with a box design, and come with a separate tank. Some vape mods also come with more advanced functions and modes. You can find our buying guide to the best vape mods here.
Confused about which kind of device you need? See: Which Vape Kit Should You Buy?
It’s always tempting when writing a post like this to fill it with the latest, shiny devices.
But that would be a mistake.
Despite advances in technology, there are older vape kits that have withstood the test of time – and they’ve done so for a good reason.
The Aspire PockeX is a prime example of this – although it’s been around for several years now, it retains huge popularity. That’s probably down to the superb throat hit it gives – pretty much unmatched by any other starter kit we’ve experienced.
Instead, to select the kits here we’ve used a combination of our own ratings, the popularity of these devices, both in terms of sales and ‘on the scene’, as well as taking into account customer feedback. Very occasionally we’ll add a just launched kit to the list – but only if it totally blows us away in testing.
All the kits here are made to UK standards and are compliant with EU and UK regulations.
Vaping constantly has the ability to surprise us. In 2021, pod mods started off strong, but in 2022 disposable vapes have surged in popularity.
This trend looks set to continue for a while, but as new vapers cotton on to the expense of disposable vapes in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis (not to mention the harm to the environment), there may be more interest in other types of vape kits.
I think we’ll also see manufacturers respond with a focus on making reusable devices ever easier to use. That’s likely to mean an increased focus on devices that use fixed coils and pre-filled pods.
We’ll be keeping a close eye on the best kits and updating this post as the year goes on. In the meantime, do let us know what your favourite kit is and why in the comments below!
