Updated July 2023
Choosing your first kit is one of the most important decisions you can make as a new vaper. If it’s too difficult to use, or not satisfying enough, you might well find yourself back on the cigarettes.
Luckily, there are plenty of kits specifically designed to cater to new, less experienced vapers who want a straightforward introduction to vaping. This list identifies the best of the best.
We don’t just add a kit here because it is new, though. After all, just because it’s not brand new doesn’t mean it’s not a great kit. At the same time, just because a kit is new doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better than an older kit. So you’ll still see some steady favourites here, such as the Aspire PockeX, but you’ll also find some impressive new devices here.
Also see: The Best Vape Kits for 2023
Contents
In this post you’ll find four types of vape starter kits.
Pod Systems: Vape pods are super easy-to-use and come with a pod that clips into a compact battery. They come with either pre-filled or refillable pods.
All-in-one vape devices: These devices contain everything you need to get started. AIOs distinguish themselves by having no separate pod or tank, with e-liquid simply being filled into the top of the device itself.
Vape pens: 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 along the right track.
Mod/tank kits: Mods are usually larger, more powerful vapes, often with a box design, which also come with a separate tank.
Here are 11 of the best starter kits to choose from. Read on to see each device in more detail.
| Product | Type | What's Special? |
| Vaporesso Xros 3 Mini | Open Pod | Easy to use, great flavour |
| Aspire Vilter | Open pod | Most like a cigarette |
| SKE Crystal Bar | Disposable | Stylish design, no-fuss introduction to vaping |
| Oxva Xlim Pro | Open pod | Simple yet versatile |
| Vaporesso Luxe X | Fixed-coil pod mod | Easy to use, stylish design, different inhale options |
| Aspire PockeX | All-In-One | Most popular, great build quality |
| Smok Novo 4 | Open pod | Airflow wheel for precise control |
| Innokin Adept Zlide | Mod | Tough, best battery life |
| Innokin Endura T18II | Pen style | Classic style, highly rated by users |
| Aspire R1 | Open pod disposable | Longer-lasting disposable |
| Aspire Flexus Q | Open pod | 10-min charging |
Vaporesso Xros 3 Mini: Easy to use, great flavour
Reviewed by: Corey, ECD Team
I’m not a new vaper. In fact, I’ve been vaping for a long time and experimented with numerous devices. However, I’ve been using the Vaporesso Xros 3 Mini as my main device for the last few months… and it’s one of the best I’ve ever used!
My favourite thing about this device is the flavour. The flavour production is excellent and, when used with nicotine salts, the taste is very similar to a disposable. This would make the Xros 3 Mini an ideal choice for disposable users looking to transition to a reusable device.
The Xros 3 Mini is extremely easy to use, with fixed-coil pods and no buttons or settings to worry about. You simply fill and attach the pod, wait a few minutes and then inhale on the mouthpiece.
The battery and pod life were both impressive – something I think new vapers will appreciate as you don’t want to be constantly swapping pods or recharging your device.
As a moderate to heavy vaper, I was pleased to find a pod lasted around a week, while the battery lasted me a full day of use between charges. When the battery did run low, the charging speed was relatively quick – with the battery fully recharged in around an hour.
What’s to like:
- Great flavour similar to a disposable
- Convenient fixed-coil pods
- Easy to use
Aspire Vilter: Most like a cigarette
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The Aspire Vilter features a soft filter that looks and feels just like a cigarette. This filter makes it ideal for smokers who miss the soft feeling of a cigarette, and it also delivers a vape experience very close to smoking. Handily, if you run out of or don’t want to replace the filters you can also use it just like a regular device by inhaling on the pod.
If there’s one drawback, it’s that the replaceable filter tips aren’t biodegradable, as with the Innokin EQ FLTR. However, over time we’ve found a few teething issues with EQ FLTR (see review) – it’s still a great device, but there have been enough issues for the Vilter to take its place in our top starter kit recommendations.
What’s to like:
- Replicates the feel of a cigarette
- Great taste
- Economical use of e-liquid
SKE Crystal Bar: Stylish disposable
Reviewed by: James, ECD Team
While I’d always recommend new users choose a reusable device over disposable vapes, there’s no denying that their ease of use and convenience make them a great entry point to vaping. There’s no setup or maintenance needed – just unwrap, vape and dispose of it when you’re done!
Having tried many disposables since their rise in popularity, it takes a lot for one range to really stand out amongst the rest. However, SKE’s Crystal Bar disposables do just that.
The design is the first thing I noticed, with a square shape and crystal-like finish creating a unique look that sets them apart from others on the market. Another design feature I liked is the solid metal base – which allows you to stand the device up for full coil saturation.
My favourite thing about this range, however, is the flavours. With a wide variety of fruit, beverage and dessert options, there’s a Crystal Bar to suit all preferences.
I particularly liked the Lemon and Lime flavour, which balances sweet and zesty citrus notes. I was also impressed that there was a tobacco option, which you rarely find in other disposable ranges.
When you inhale an SKE Crystal Bar, it’s a satisfying, airy hit with strong nicotine delivery. Unlike other disposables, I found this inhale closer to a Direct-Lung (DL) style than the Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) inhale that you usually find with starter kits.
What’s to like:
- Stylish design
- Great flavour
- Easy to use
Also see: Best Crystal Bar Flavours.
If you are a disposable user looking to move to a reusable device, see our Guide to Switching from Disposable to Reusable Vapes.
Oxva Xlim Pro: Simple yet versatile
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Reviewed by: Dawn, ECD Team
The Oxva Xlim Pro is a compact pod kit that I think is easy enough for new vapers to get to grips with… yet has plenty of functionality.
The device has a single multifunction button used to adjust the power output, fire and lock the device and change the light settings. While this is quite simple, the different press patterns needed for each function may take a little getting used to.
As well as button-activated firing, the Xlim Pro also has an (even easier) inhale firing option. This inhale firing option even works when the device is locked – which I really liked!
I used the Xlim Pro with the included fixed-coil, top-fill pods (the device is also compatible with original Xlim pods). This fixed-coil design is really handy for those not accustomed to manually changing coils. From using many replaceable coil devices in the past, I know that changing coils can get quite fiddly.
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.
The device has a sliding adjustable airflow, which new vapers can experiment with to find their perfect inhale style. I personally prefer to have the airflow fully open to create a nice, airy inhale.
The battery life on the Xlim Pro was also impressive – with a full charge lasting me around a day of use. This is less than the 3 days Oxva has predicted, although a longer life could be achieved with lower power settings.
What’s to like:
- Convenient fixed-coil pods
- Good flavour production
- Easy-to-use single-button design
What’s not to like?
- Battery life doesn’t live up to promises at normal power settings
Vaporesso Luxe X: Small & simple yet powerful
Reviewed by: Maya, ECD Team
I’ve used many different pod devices in the past, but the Vaporesso Luxe X may be the best I’ve tried so far! It’s small and easy to carry around, yet surprisingly powerful at up to 40W.
Firstly, I like the unique transparent design. It has a stylish look to it as you can see the motherboard inside – showing all the details and intricate layout. The transparent section then fades off to black toward the base of the device with a nice, smooth transition.
With no settings to worry about, the simplicity of the device makes it a joy to use.
I found the battery life very impressive too. As a moderate vaper, the 1500mAh battery comfortably lasted me a full day of use between charges. I found the battery indicator bar handy too, as it let me know when I needed to recharge.
The Luxe X is a fixed-coil device which I like as the pods are convenient and don’t tend to leak or build condensation like some replaceable coil devices I’ve tried. I was also happy to find that the large filling port can accommodate the 100ml shortfill bottles I use.
Luxe X pods come in both 0.4ohm and 0.8ohm options. As a Direct-Lung vaper, I preferred the 0.4ohm option but found that both produced an amazing saturated flavour, especially for such a small device.
The pods have 2 airflow options – with 2 small holes on one side and a larger hole on the other. Using the 0.4ohm pod with the larger hole exposed produced a large amount of vapour. I found the smaller holes created a more restricted Direct-Lung inhale. I was really impressed (and surprised!) to find that a single pod lasted me over a week before I needed to replace it.
All in all, I think the Luxe X would be a great option for those looking for a small, stylish and easy-to-use yet powerful device.
What’s to like:
- Small & stylish design
- Easy to use
- Great flavour & vapour
- MTL & DL pod options
Aspire PockeX: Most popular
The Aspire PockeX has been around for a while now – indeed, it made it into last year’s round up – but its popularity shows no signs of slowing. The PockeX was one of the first devices to combine a traditional pen-style device with a lower resistance coil to create some real oomph in an otherwise easy-to-use starter kit. Indeed, many of our staff continue to use the PockeX, which is saying something given they are exposed to a constant influx of new devices.
What’s to like:
- Easy-top-fill
- High-quality vape
- Great build quality
Top tip: It’s well worth putting a vape band around the top tank. These cost just one pound, but help to protect the tank if it is dropped.
Update: It’s also worth checking out the new Aspire PockeX Box (review) which features several improved features.
Smok Novo 4: The chance to experiment
Smok‘s Novo 4 has all the elements needed for a new vaper’s first kit – simple, single-button design, easy filling pods and push-fit coil installation, alongside the great aesthetics the Novo Series is known for.
While easy-to-use features are great for beginners, an added bonus of this Novo 4 is the other features that allow you to start experimenting as you become more experienced. This helps you progress, discover your preferences and also means there is no need to buy another device as you become more advanced.
One of the standout features is the Novo 4’s easy to control airflow wheel. This allows you to precisely control the airflow and experiment with a more airy or restricted inhale to see which you prefer.
There’s also the inclusion of a small OLED screen displaying device information – a feature not usually found on starter kits. This helps you keep tabs on the status of the device and learn more about how it is operating.
What’s to like:
- Airflow control wheel
- OLED screen
- Gives you the chance to experiment
Innokin Adept Zlide: Toughest device
If you vape outdoors a lot, or have a job that involves knocks and scrapes, the Adept Zlide might be the device for you. Water-poof, dust-proof and shock-proof, this vape kit is designed to last even when conditions are not ideal.
But there’s more than toughness to this tank system. For a start, it comes with a very impressive 3000mAh battery meaning that it has tonnes of battery life, while an intelligent wattage selection mode automatically selects the right power settings for the coil you are using. This takes the guesswork out of selecting the right coil and helps ensures the coils last longer.
What’s to like:
- Built to withstand knocks
- Superb battery life
- Auto-wattage selection means longer-lasting coils
Innokin Endura T18II: Classic Pen Style
This may not be the newest device on our sites, but this popular device has garnered 116 reviews with an average rating of 4.8/5. The device is easy to use while allowing you to adjust the heat and airflow so you can customise your device to your preferences. Customers have also praised the battery life of the device and the long-lasting coils, which make it economical to use.
What’s to like:
- Easy-to-use
- Adjustable airflow and heat
- Excellent performance
Aspire R1: Longer-lasting disposable
The Aspire R1 makes a great midway point between disposables and regular reusable devices.
While you usually replace disposables when the battery or e-liquid runs out, the R1’s refillable pod and rechargeable battery mean it lasts significantly longer. You only need to dispose of it when the fixed coil reaches the end of its life. (You’ll notice this when the flavour starts to dull.)
With inhale firing and no buttons, the R1 is super easy to use. It’s a particularly good option if you’re a disposable user and want to learn the basics of reusable devices. Plus, the refillable pod means you can choose whatever e-liquid flavour you like!
What’s to like:
- Easiest upgrade from disposables
- Lasts longer than regular disposables
- Refillable pod – choose your own e-liquid
Aspire Flexus Q: 10-minute charging
Having to constantly wait for your device to charge can be a big hindrance when you’re a new vaper fighting the urge to smoke. The Flexus Q solves this problem with a rapid charging design which means you’ll never be without your device for too long. Reaching 80% battery in just 10 minutes, this is one of the fastest charging devices you’ll find.
Easy enough for beginners to get to grips with, there are no settings to worry about, and its inhale firing option means you simply inhale on the mouthpiece to vape.
As you get more confident with the device, there are some more versatile features, such as a choice of coil resistances and adjustable airflow, that allow you to experiment with different inhale styles.
What’s to like:
- Rapid charging
- Easy operation
- Adjustable airflow
With new vape devices launching almost daily, it can be difficult to choose a select few to recommend to our customers. Luckily, we have a team of experienced vapers on our team who are more than happy to test out new devices.
When we receive a new device we assign it to a tester within the team. They will then provide personal feedback (both positive and negative) on all aspects of the device from how it looks to the way it works and the flavour it produces.
Of course, our feedback isn’t the only thing that matters, so to select the kits here we’ve also looked at the device’s popularity, both in terms of sales and ‘on the scene’, as well as 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.
Vape trends continue to evolve, and technology continues to improve. So, just like last year, we’ll continue to monitor new products and add the very best to this post.
In the meantime, I’d love to hear what YOUR favourite starter kits are, so do let me know in the comments!
