The 6 Best Smok Vape Devices
In a hurry? We recommend the Smok Novo 6 Ultra for its clever touchscreen, dual-resistance pods and genuinely leak-resistant build, or the Smok Nord 4 for vapers who want precise airflow control and the flexibility to switch between MTL and DL vaping.
In the early days of vaping, Smok released so many devices a year it was hard to keep up with them. Now the brand’s grown up, and has a much more focussed range - and that shows in the quality of the devices they are releasing now.
After testing dozens of devices, here’s our review team’s top picks, which includes both newer devices as well as some old favourites.
Shop all Smok vape kits featured in this guide.
Contents
Best Smok pod devices
Smok Novo 6 Ultra: More than meets the eye
Reviewed by: Helen, ECD team
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What we like ✔️ Clean, compact design with a premium metallic finish ✔️ Intuitive touchscreen ✔️ Dual-resistance pods let you adjust flavour intensity ✔️ Genuinely leak-resistant - even on a plane ✔️ Displays time to full charge |
What we don't like ● Slightly heavier than similar devices ● The push-down valve inside the pod isn't my favourite filling mechanism |
The Smok Novo 6 Ultra looks like a standard simple pod kit. While it’s true there’s nothing particularly complicated about it, there’s still more than meets the eye.
First, there’s the leak resistance. Every pod kit claims to be leak free, and while progress has been made over the years it’s hard to find one which is truly, 100% leak free. However, the Smok Novo 6 Ultra didn’t even leak when I took it on a plane - and the air-pressure change in planes does it for every other vape I’ve taken flying.
The touch screen is pleasant to use, and I found it intuitive from the off. There’s even a built-in guide showing you how to use the device.
I also liked the fact it comes with dual resistance pods, and from the menu you can switch between the different resistances. The device is smart enough that it will automatically select the best wattage for each resistance, although you can override this if you prefer. I found myself predominantly using the 0.4ohm setting, as the flavour was noticeably stronger.
The fill port has a push-down valve inside - not my favourite - but it clearly works. It’s also heavier than similar devices. Battery life is solid, though, and I really liked the fact that it displays time left to full charge when charging.
You’ll love this if: You want a no-fuss pod kit with a bit more intelligence built in - and one you can take anywhere without worrying about leaks.
Alternatives: Choose the Smok Nord 4 for more power and precise airflow control, or the Smok Nord 2 if you'd prefer a simpler, more pared-back device.
Novo 6 Ultra by Smok
- Leak-resistant
- Touchscreen
- Dual-resistance pods
Smok Nord 2: More battery, more power
Reviewed by: James, ECD Team
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What we like: ✔️ More than double the power of the original (40W vs 15W) ✔️ 1500mAh battery for all-day use ✔️ Covers MTL and DL vaping styles ✔️ Simple single-button operation ✔️Comfortable duck-billed mouth piece |
What we don’t like: ● Complicated and confusing coil naming system |
The original Nord built a loyal following, and the Nord 2 builds on that without overcomplicating things. Smok doubled the power to 40W and increased the battery to 1500mAh - a meaningful upgrade for everyday vapers.
The single-button design keeps things simple. One button, no menus to navigate. It works with both Nord and RPM coil ranges, which means you can use it for tight MTL vaping or more open DL styles - useful if your preferences change over time or you’re still working out which style suits you.
When the original Nord took off, I asked a lot of vapers what they liked about it. The answer? The duckbilled mouthpiece that made it comfortable to vape. That stays.
You’ll love this if: You want a compact, versatile pod kit that covers two vaping styles without making things complicated.
Alternatives: The Novo 6 Ultra if you want a smarter touchscreen pod. The Nord 4 if you need more power and precise airflow control.
Nord 2 by Smok
- Duck-billed mouthpiece
- Reliable performance
- Choice of coils
Smok Nord 4
Reviewed by: James, ECD Team
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What we like: ✔️ 1500mAh battery for all-day use ✔️ Covers MTL and DL vaping styles ✔️ Simple single-button operation ✔️ Comfortable duck-billed mouth piece |
What we don’t like: ● Larger and chunkier |
From the Nord 2, we skip straight to the Nord 4 (as Smok's Nord X is considered the 3rd in the series). This adaptation of the Nord offers more power and battery life than its predecessors and more flexibility with the inclusion of adjustable airflow control.
Complete with a stylish makeover including chic leather finish options, 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 tailor your air intake to create a tight and restricted or more airy vape style with large clouds.
You can’t have everything, and I found the device to be a bit chunkier than the original Nord 2. That’s a pay off for the larger battery and power - but remember, most vapers don’t need anything like 80 watts to get a satisfying vape.
You’ll love this if: You want 80W of power for a true DL vape, with real airflow control and a premium build.
Alternatives: The Smok Novo 6 Ultra for a lighter, smarter device. The Nord 2 if you want something simpler and more affordable.
Nord 4 by Smok
- Dual airflow
- 80W output
- Versatile coils
Best Smok pod mods
Smok Nord 5: Direct-lung power without the bulk
Reviewed by: James, ECD Team
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What we like: ✔️ DL power in a compact device ✔️ Stepless adjustable airflow ✔️ Long-lasting battery |
What we don’t like: ● No auto-power settings, making it unsuitable for beginners |
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.
I found that the simple fire button and up/down button combination made this a fairly easy-to-use device. However, I 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.
You’ll love this if: You’re a DL vaper who wants serious performance without carrying a large device.
Alternatives: The Nord 4 if you want MTL and DL flexibility. The IPX80 if you need a tougher, longer-lasting device.
Nord 5 by Smok
- Compact DL power
- Stepless airflow
- Long battery life
Smok IPX80: Built for the outdoors
Reviewed by: James, ECD Team
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What we like: ✔️ IP67 rated - water, dust and shock resistant ✔️ Smooth adjustable airflow ✔️ Bright display, readable in low light and strong sunlight ✔️ Impressive 3000mAh battery |
What we don’t like: ● Confusing coil naming system ● Slow battery charging |
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 and max output, 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.
As with several other Smok devices, what I don’t like (to put it lightly) is the confusing coil system. When using this device with the IPX 80 RPM 2 pod you need to use the RPM 2 coil range, but if you use an IPX 80 pod you have to use a RPM coil.
That confusion is a shame, because I found this to be a decent device with a long-lasting (albeit slow-charging) battery, precise adjustable airflow control and a bright display screen that allows you to view device data in even the sunniest conditions.
You’ll love this if: You’re a DL vaper who wants a long-lasting vape device that can withstand serious punishment.
Alternatives: The Nord 4 for a lighter everyday device. The RPM80 if you prioritise cloud production over durability.
IPX80 by Smok
- IP67 rated
- 3000mAh battery
- Bright display
Smok RPM80: Simple but Powerful
Reviewed by: James, ECD Team
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What we like: ✔️ High power output for serious cloud production ✔️ Covers MTL and DL vaping ✔️ Customisable colour display screen ✔️ Compact relative to traditional box mods ✔️Replacable 18650 battery |
What we don’t like: ● Old-fashioned micro-usb charger ● Heavier and bulkier than other models here |
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 kit provides 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.
I personally really like having a replaceable battery. While these seem to be falling out of style, the advantages are huge - if and when the battery goes, you don’t need to fork out for a new one, plus if you have a spare battery you never need to wait for the device to charge up.
Still, that does mean it’s a bulkier device than some other pod mods here. Plus if you do charge the battery in the device, you’ll probably be annoyed by the fact you need to use it with an old-fashioned micro-usb charger.
You’ll love this if: You want a direct-lung cloud machine with replaceable batteries.
Alternatives: The IPX80 if you need durability and a longer-lasting battery. The Nord 5 if you want DL performance in a more compact package.
RPM80 by Smok
- Replaceable battery
- High power output
- MTL and DL support
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.
TLDR
| Device | Vape style | What's special |
| Smok Novo 6 Ultra * | MTL | Ultra-slim pod design, side airflow adjustment, straightforward everyday carry |
| Nord 2 | MTL / DL | 40W power, 1500mAh battery, single-button simplicity |
| Nord 4 | MTL / DL | 80W, rotating airflow control, premium leather finish |
| Nord 5 | DL | Compact form, stepless airflow, RPM3 coils for dense vapour |
| IPX80 | MTL / DL | IP67 rated, 3000mAh battery, bright sunlight-readable display |
| RPM80 | MTL / DL | Replaceable 18650 battery, highest cloud potential |
*Top Pick