7 Best Cheap Vapes for 2026 (UK)
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, with many kits now at reduced prices, you can get a high-quality, big-brand 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!
Contents
- Best cheap vape kits in depth
- Best cheap vape kits at a glance
- What to consider when looking for a cheap vape device
- Wrapping up
- Related guides
Best cheap vape kits in depth
Elfbar 600
Reviewed by: Helen, ECD Team
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What we like: ✔️ Sleek, simple design ✔️ Strong flavour performance ✔️ Easy to use and ideal for those with dexterity issues ✔️ Longer-lasting battery than standard disposables |
What we don’t like: ● Running cost more expensive than refillables ● Airy draw might not suit everyone |
Replacing the original disposable of the same name, the Elf Bar 600 pod kit keeps things simple and stylish. It’s slim, lightweight and comfortable to hold, with a very straightforward setup — just insert a pod and start vaping. There’s no screen, buttons or menus to worry about, making it perfect for new or casual vapers.
Each 2ml pod delivers strong, consistent taste from start to finish, and the fixed coil performs smoothly with no drop-off. The draw is on the airy side, which some users will love for its smoothness, though others may prefer a tighter cigarette-like inhale.
Battery life is decent for its size, comfortably lasting through a full pod and recharging fairly quickly. A small light at the base shows when the battery is running low, although the lack of clear instructions on this could confuse first-time users. (It flashes red under 30% charge.)
Replacing pods is simple, and the device’s compact size makes it ideal for those who value convenience. However, heavy vapers will go through pods quickly, and while the buy-in cost is low, frequent pod replacements can make it less economical than a refillable device in the long run.
Overall, the Elf Bar 600 is a sleek, beginner-friendly pod kit that keeps the famous Elf Bar flavour alive - ideal for ease and portability, but less suited to anyone chasing long-term savings.
You’ll love this if: You want a simple, compact pod kit with strong flavour and zero setup.
Alternatives: Choose the Dojo Blast 10K for better value and an increased pod life, or the Oxva NeXlim Go for a refillable option with better long-term value.
Dojo Blast 10K
Reviewed by: Helen, ECD Team
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What we like: ✔️ Huge 10ml pod lasts for days ✔️ Strong, long-lasting flavour ✔️ Surprisingly light and easy to carry ✔️ Simple to set up and use |
What we don’t like: ● It’s very big ● Mouthpiece could be more comfortable ● Airy draw may not suit everyone |
The Dojo Blast 10K has been really popular with the team, so I was keen to see what the fuss was about. My first impression was that it’s big - much bigger than the Xros devices I usually use - but the size does mean you get a huge 10ml pod. On a positive note, that meant I could vape it for several days without needing to replace the refill pod, which makes it great value compared to smaller prefilled kits such as the Elfbar 600.
Despite the size, the vape itself is fairly light and airy. Flavour was strong throughout, and the Double Apple pod I tested had a nice bite without being too sweet. The device is also very simple to use. You just need to remove the oversized red rubber bung before first use, which looks a bit odd but comes out easily.
The 1000mAh battery lasted me a full day with no problem. Given the size of the device, a larger battery would have been nice, but it still held up well. The main downsides for me were the mouthpiece, which I didn’t find as comfortable as my usual pod kits, and the overall size, which won’t suit anyone looking for something discreet.
Still, for the price and the amount of e-liquid you get, the Dojo Blast 10K is a solid option if you want a device that lasts for days without needing new pods.
You’ll love this if: You want a long-lasting prefilled kit that offers excellent value and minimal maintenance.
Alternatives: Choose the Elf Bar 600 for a smaller, more discreet option, or the NeXlim Go if you want a refillable device that keeps costs low over time.
Oxva Nexlim Go
Reviewed by: Helen, ECD Team
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What we like: ✔️ Compact and lightweight ✔️ Adjustable airflow and Boost mode ✔️ Very good flavour from the dual-mesh coil ✔️ Great price point |
What we don’t like: ● Side-refill flap feels flimsy ● Airflow can be temperamental when fully open |
When I first picked up the Oxva NeXlim Go, my immediate thought was how light it felt. It’s a simple, compact pod kit with a standard refillable design that slips easily into a pocket or bag. The downside of that lightweight feel is that it comes across a bit flimsy, especially when you’re used to the more solid metal builds of Vaporesso’s Xros range.
Setting it up was straightforward. The dual-mesh coil inside the pod produces genuinely impressive flavour, especially when using the ‘Boost’ mode, which lights up in different colours while you inhale. It gave a punchier, more saturated vape that I wasn’t expecting from a device at this price. The pod itself is clear enough to monitor liquid levels and comes with a side fill port - the flap on this pulls back easily enough, but I worry it could get snagged in a pocket and pop open.
The adjustable airflow is handy, though I found it a bit temperamental. With the airflow fully open, I often had to pull harder than usual to get it to activate properly. It works, but it feels less refined than similar kits.
Battery life is one of the stronger points. At 1800mAh, it comfortably lasted me through a full day. The battery indicator uses green, blue and red lighting, which is fine, but the red light kicks in at around 30%. With no percentage readout or screen, you’re left guessing how long you have before it dies. It’s not a deal-breaker, just something to be aware of if you’re out all day.
Overall, the NeXlim Go sits at a very appealing price point and delivers better flavour than I expected, thanks to that dual-mesh coil and Boost mode. It isn’t as polished as the Xlim Pro or other premium pod kits, but for £13, it’s a good budget-friendly option for anyone wanting simple operation and solid flavour without spending much.
You’ll love this if: You want a lightweight pod kit with great flavour for the price and prefer simple, no-fuss operation.
Alternatives: Choose the Aspire Gotek Pro if you want a tighter, more consistent draw, or the Elf Bar 600 if you prefer something even simpler.
Aspire Gotek Pro
Reviewed by: James, ECD Team
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What we like: ✔️ Easy to use ✔️ Impressive battery life ✔️ Great flavour on a tighter draw |
What we don’t like: ● Side-filling design |
After using other kits in Aspire’s Gotek range, I’ve found the Gotek Pro to be the best so far. It has the same futuristic style and simplicity of other models, but with a much-improved 1500mAh battery that comfortably lasted me a full day of vaping.
Despite the “Pro” name, it’s refreshingly simple to use. I liked that it’s inhale-activated, with automatic power settings and a smooth airflow slider to adjust the draw. Using Seriously Salty Blackcurrant Lemonade nic salts, I found the flavour excellent on a tighter inhale, though slightly muted when opened up.
Filling is done via a side port. It’s not as convenient as top-fill designs, but the large opening helps avoid spills. The transparent pod window is a nice touch, and even with the bigger battery, it still felt compact and easy to carry around.
Overall, I’d rate the Gotek Pro as a dependable, affordable pod kit that performs well for daily use. While we now prefer some of Aspire’s newer models for their flavour and convenience, this remains a strong budget option with great battery life.
You’ll love this if: You want an easy-to-use refillable pod kit with strong flavour and reliable all-day battery life.
Alternatives: Choose the NeXlim Go if you want adjustable airflow and Boost mode on a budget, or the Xros Mini if you want a more premium feel while staying affordable.
Find out more: Aspire Gotek Pro v. Gotek X - Which is Right For You?
OXVA Xlim Go Lite: Good budget backup
Reviewed by: Helen, ECD Team
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What we like: ✔️ Very light and compact ✔️ Good flavour from the pod ✔️ Simple to use straight out of the box ✔️ Decent 1000mAh battery |
What’s not to like: ● Quite plasticky in the hand ● Side-fill pod is not my favourite ● Draw stays fairly tight, even with airflow fully open |
The OXVA Xlim Go Lite is a good choice if you want a low-cost refillable kit without screens, buttons or settings to worry about.
I tested the purple marble version, which has a pleasant design and looks better than you might expect at this price. It is still quite plasticky in the hand, but it is also lightweight, compact and easy to carry.
Set-up is simple: fill the pod, remove the sticker from the base, pop it in and inhale. There is no fire button, on/off switch or menu system, so it should suit anyone who wants something straightforward.
The flavour from the included pod is very good, and adjustable airflow is a nice touch on a budget device. Even fully open, though, I found the draw quite tight. That may suit some MTL vapers, but if you prefer a looser inhale, you may find yourself pulling harder than with other kits.
The 1000mAh battery is decent for the price, and the battery light indicator is useful. You do not get an exact percentage display, but that feels fair enough at this level.
Personally, I would spend a little extra for something that feels better quality. But if money is tight, you want a cheap second device for when your main one inevitably disappears down the back of the sofa, or if you are testing the move away from prefilled pods without spending much, this is a solid option.
You’ll love this if: You want a cheap, simple refillable MTL kit that is light, compact and easy to use.
Alternatives: Choose the Vaporesso Xros Mini, or the upcoming Xros Mini Retro, if you want something still simple and compact, but with a more premium feel.
Vaporesso Vibe SE 2: Simple pod kit with extra battery life
Reviewed by: Helen, ECD Team
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What we like: ✔️ Good flavour from the pod ✔️ Eco and power modes make a noticeable difference ✔️ Easy to see how much e-liquid is left ✔️ Strong 1400mAh battery |
What’s not to like: ● Quite long for a basic device ● Side-fill bung can be fiddly ● No exact battery percentage display |
The Vaporesso Vibe SE 2 is a simple refillable pod kit, but with a couple of useful touches that help it stand out from more basic budget devices.
It comes in a good range of colours and finishes, including leather-effect and metallic options. Neither looks too cheap for a simple device, and it feels good in the hand. It is slim, but it is also quite long compared to some other budget kits.
The flavour from the pod is strong. I tested it against other pods using the same e-liquid, and the Vibe SE 2 held up well. There is also a switch on the side that lets you choose between eco and power mode. Both are pleasant to use, but there is a noticeable difference in flavour and vapour between the two.
The pod sits visibly at the top of the device, which makes it easy to check your e-liquid level. I am less keen on the side-fill bung, which is a little fiddly and could be opened by accident. I also found the pod seemed to need filling quite often, although that may depend on which power mode you use.
Battery life is a strong point. The 1400mAh battery lasted well in testing, especially in eco mode. You do not get a digital percentage display, just a colour light system, but that is fairly normal for this kind of device.
Overall, this is a good choice if you want a simple refillable kit with stronger battery life than many entry-level devices, and like the option to switch between a gentler vape and a bit more power.
You’ll love this if: You want a simple refillable pod kit with good flavour, long battery life and a choice of eco or power mode.
Alternatives: Choose the OXVA Xlim Go Lite if you want something lighter and more compact. Choose the Vaporesso Xros Mini if you want a smaller, proven refillable kit with a more compact feel.
SKE 600 Pro: Compact, simple and long-lasting
Reviewed by: Helen, ECD Team
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What we like: ✔️ Strong, pleasant flavour ✔️ Consistent taste throughout pod life ✔️ Compact, lightweight pen-style design ✔️ Clear instructions and effortless setup |
What we don’t like: ● Can’t see how much e-liquid is in pods |
The SKE 600 Pro keeps things refreshingly simple. It’s compact, lightweight and easy to carry around, with a pen-style form factor that feels familiar and comfortable to hold.
Setup was effortless – I just slotted in the pod and it was ready to go. The device lights up white when in use, which gives it a clean, minimal look, even if the materials feel a little budget.
Flavour was strong and consistent from start to finish, easily lasting the full 2ml of e-liquid without tasting burnt or weak. The draw felt quite airy, which may not appeal to those who prefer a tighter inhale, but it worked well for a smooth, light vape. The pods twist slightly once inserted – oddly satisfying, though I wish they were transparent so I could see the remaining liquid.
Battery life comfortably lasted longer than older disposables and outlived the pod itself before needing a recharge. There’s no real warning before it dies, and there’s no cable included, which feels like a small oversight. Still, it’s a convenient, reliable vape with solid flavour and great simplicity.
You’ll love this if: You want a compact, no-fuss prefilled pod kit with consistent flavour and a light, airy draw.
Alternatives: Choose the Lost Mary BM6000 if you want much higher capacity and fewer pod changes.
TLDR: Best cheap vape kits at a glance
| Product | What’s special? | Best for |
| Elf Bar 600 | Disposable-style simplicity with strong flavour | Ease of use |
| Dojo Blast 10K | Huge 10ml pod for days of use | Longevity & value |
| Oxva NeXlim Go | Lightweight refillable kit with great flavour | Low-cost refilling |
| Aspire Gotek Pro | Excellent battery life with a tighter draw | Everyday performance |
| OXVA Xlim Go Lite | Simple, lightweight refillable kit at a low price | Budget backup |
| Vaporesso Vibe SE 2 | Simple refillable kit with eco/power modes and a 1400mAh battery | Battery life |
| SKE 600 Pro | Simple pen-style design with consistent flavour | Light, airy vape |
What to consider when looking for a cheap vape device
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, especially if you choose older models.
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 use e-liquids that contain banned or harmful substances.
Here’s some clues which will help you to identify if your device is legal.
Wrapping up
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!