Best Pod Vape 2020 | What To Know Before You Buy

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The best pod vape system is the pod system that’s best for you.

What a cliche right?…

But it’s true. Picking the best pod vape kit for you depends on a HUGE multitude of factors and it’s easy to get lost in a minefield of options!

Do you prefer a pod system featuring MTL (mouth-to-lung) or DTL (direct-to-lung)? What size battery do you need? Closed pods or refillable? Button firing or draw activated? What’s your price range?…

Here at Vaping Hardware, we’ve spent thousands of hours putting every pod system we could get our hands on to the test! To make things a little easier for you, we’ve put together this list of the best pod vape systems of 2020.

A few might surprise you…

Quick Note: I only review and/or recommend products I’ve tried and tested. If this post contains an affiliate link I may receive a small commission on any purchase made at no extra cost to you.

The Best Pod Vape System 2020

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Best Pod Vape Quick List
#1 UWELL Caliburn
#2 SMOK Nord 2
#3 SMOK Novo 2
#4 GeekVape AEGIS Boost
#5 SMOK RPM80 / RPM80 Pro
#6 Voopoo Vinci X
#7 Voopoo Drag S
#8 SMOK Fetch Pro
#9 Vaporesso Target PM80
#10 Lost Vape Orion Plus

#1 UWELL Caliburn

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520mAh Battery | 2ml E-Juice Capacity | Button & Draw Activated | MTL

“BEST POD VAPE FOR MTL”

The first pod system by UWELL, the Caliburn is the best pod vape if you’re looking for a JUUL alternative. Button OR draw activated, the Caliburn provides a tight MTL (mouth-to-lung) draw, ideal if you’re switching from smoking to vaping.

It’s slim and lightweight, yet provides superb flavor and vapor production!

The Caliburn pods are refillable and hold 2ml of e-juice. Inside the pods is a stainless steel parallel coil rated at 1.4ohms – perfect for MTL vaping.

Powered by a 520mAh battery, the Caliburn kicks out up to 11w. Charged via USB at the bottom of the device, the battery will give you about 4-5 hours of vaping and only takes around 40 minutes for a full re-charge.

Overall, the Caliburn is a really impressive pod system if you’re looking for a MTL vape with fantastic flavor and vapor!

#2 SMOK Nord 2

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1500mAh Battery | 4.5ml E-Juice Capacity / 2ml TPD Compliant | Button Activated | MTL or DTL

“AMAZING FLAVOR AND VAPOR WITH BOTH MTL & DTL COIL OPTIONS…”

The SMOK Nord 2 is an upgrade of the original SMOK Nord – a personal favorite of mine and definitely still a pod worth buying! The Nord 2 is similar in design, albeit slightly chunkier, but has plenty more to offer!

With a 1500mAh battery and adjustable output of up to 40w, the Nord 2 is a powerhouse compared to some of the other pods on this list. The increased battery capacity and wattage output means the Nord 2 can kick out some serious flavor and vapor…

The battery life is also amazing on the Nord 2 – I easily get a full day of heavy vaping on a single charge. Just keep in mind, the trade-off here is that the Nord 2 takes longer to charge due to the larger battery capacity.

Like the original Nord, the Nord 2 offers two different pods and a huge range of coil options to choose from, including an RBA deck!

The kit came with two different coils – the 0.8ohm ‘Nord’ coil is perfect for MTL vaping and the 0.4ohm ‘RPM’ coil is better suited to DTL vaping. The vapor production with the ‘RPM’ coil is off the charts!

The pods hold up to 4.5ml of e-juice and the coils are push-fit, slotting easily into the bottom of the pod. The pods are refillable via a rubber plug on the side of the pod.

Overall, the SMOK Nord 2 really impressed us! The flavor and vapor production is outstanding – especially with the 0.4ohm ‘RPM’ coil!

My only gripe with the Nord 2 is the fact it isn’t draw activated. Not a big deal but it is a feature I would love to have seen on the Nord 2.

#3 SMOK Novo 2

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800mAh Battery | 2ml E-Juice Capacity | Draw Activated | MTL or DTL

“BEST POD VAPE FOR EASE OF USE – JUST FILL UP AND VAPE”

The SMOK Novo 2 is one of the smaller pods on this list at only 88mm tall and 25mm in width – perfect if you’re looking for something compact or discreet.

SMOK almost doubled the battery capacity from the original Novo to an impressive 800mAh and increased the maximum output wattage to 25 watts. Plenty enough charge to get you through the day and more than enough power to blow some decent clouds.

The Novo 2 is also really easy to use, with no buttons or settings at all. It’s draw activated so you just inhale on the drip-tip to vape.

The Novo 2 is great for those who like a MTL draw and pod options range from 0.8 to 1.5 ohms. If DTL is your cup of tea, the Novo also supports a 0.8ohm dual coil DTL pod.

My only gripe with the Novo 2 is the fact the coils aren’t replaceable like some of the other pods on this list. You can’t swap out the coils and instead have to replace the pod. However, pod/coil life is outstanding – I got almost 2 months of heavy vaping out of the 1.0ohm mesh pod that comes included with the kit.

The device itself comes in an array of colors and styles and really delivers a simple, no fuss vape. While the Novo 2 might be slight in size and price, its performance is anything but.

#4 GeekVape AEGIS Boost

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1500mAh Battery | 3.7ml E-Juice Capacity / 2ml TPD Compliant| Button Activated | MTL or DTL

“BEST POD VAPE FOR ACCIDENT PRONE, CLUMSY VAPERS”

The AEGIS Boost pod by GeekVape packs a whopping 1500mAh battery capacity, refillable pod with a 3.7ml e-juice capacity and adjustable power output of up to 40w.

Designed with a focus on durability, the AEGIS Boost is shock proof, dust resistant and water proof! I wouldn’t recommend vaping while you swim, but it’s nice to know you can if you get the urge…

Joking aside – if you’re accident prone, the AEGIS Boost is definitely the pod for you!

Slightly larger than some of the other pod vapes on this list, the AEGIS Boost measures 106.8 mm x 27.7 mm x 39.2 mm. BUT surprisingly, it’s super comfortable to hold and only weighs in at 120g.

The AEGIS Boost pod offers adjustable airflow and comes with two different mouthpieces/drip-tips – a wide bore designed for DTL and a rounded drip-tip designed for MTL.

The Boost also comes with three different coil options – 0.6ohm, 0.4ohm and an optional RBA deck. Coil life, flavor and vapor are incredible on both stock coils but the 0.4ohm with the DTL drip-tip and wide-open airflow really hit the sweet spot for me.

Overall, the GeekVape AEGIS Boost is a fantastic AIO device and easily one of the best pod vape systems I’ve ever tested.

#5 SMOK RPM80

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3000mAh Battery | 5ml E-Juice Capacity / 2ml TPD Compliant | Button Activated | MTL & DTL

“AMAZING FLAVOR, ADJUSTABLE AIR FLOW AND EXCELLENT BATTERY LIFE – WHAT MORE COULD YOU WANT…”

The SMOK RPM80 is an ‘All-In-One’ (AIO) device with variable wattage up to 80w, a 3000mAh internal battery and a choice of two different 5ml capacity pods.

SMOK also offer a Pro version of the RPM80 which takes external 18650 batteries. The Pro version is slightly larger as a result, but this is the only real difference.

Successor to the popular RPM40, the SMOK RPM80 is easily one of the best pod vape systems on the market. With excellent battery life, adjustable wattage and incredible flavor and vapor, the RMP80 often feels more like a box mod than a pod!

The RPM80 comes with two different pods – the RPM and the RGC. SMOK offer multiple coils for the RPM pod, supporting both MTL & DTL vaping.

All RPM40 coils are compatible with the RPM80 RPM pod and it’s these little details that I love about SMOK. The range of coils available for SMOK devices can often be confusing, but the fact they made the RPM coils interchangeable is a really nice touch.

The RGC (Real Game Changer) pod features adjustable airflow and comes with a 0.17ohm conical mesh coil – perfect for DTL. Both pods also support an RBA deck so you can build and install your own coils!

Overall we’re really impressed with the SMOK RPM80 – it’s a great pod mod with plenty to offer and great value for money.

#6 Voopoo Vinci X

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External 18650 Battery | 5.5ml E-Juice Capacity / 2ml TPD Compliant | Button Activated | MTL or DTL

“BEST POD VAPE FOR AUTO OHM RECOGNITION AND E-JUICE CAPACITY”

Any list of the best pod vape kits wouldn’t be complete without the Voopoo Vinci X pod mod. Powered by an external 18650 battery, with variable wattage up to a maximum output of 70w, adjustable airflow and coil recognition technology, the Voopoo Vinci X has plenty to offer!

The Vinci X has a single pod with a huge 5.5ml e-juice capacity and a range of coil options to suit either MTL or DTL vaping. The kit I ordered came with two coils included – 0.3ohm and 0.6ohm. All ‘PnP’ coils will work in the Vinci X and they’re press-fit so they just slot into the base of the pod.

You can also buy an RBA deck for the Vinci X – we haven’t tried this and so can’t say much about it. However, it’s great to know you can build your own coils rather than relying on the stock coil options.

The Voopoo Vinci X comes with a GENE AI chip with coil recognition. This is a really nifty little feature, reducing dry hits and preventing you from vaping over the recommended wattage range for the coil you’re using.

When you insert a coil, the chip will also automatically set the wattage within the recommended range – a great feature if you don’t want to fiddle with the wattage settings and just want to fill and vape!

My only gripe with the Voopoo Vinci X is the fact the kit I ordered didn’t include a coil designed for MTL vaping. It’s not a major issue as you can buy MTL coils separately, but it would be nice to have a MTL coil included in the kit.

UPDATE – The Voopoo Vinci X kits linked below now come with 5 different ‘PnP’ coils, including MTL options!

#7 Voopoo Drag S

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2600mAh Battery | 4.5ml E-Juice Capacity / 2ml TPD Compliant | Button & Draw Activated | MTL or DTL

“BEST ALL ROUND POD VAPE”

Another great AIO pod mod from Voopoo, the Drag S features a 2500mAh internal battery, adjustable wattage up to 60w, 4.5ml e-juice capacity pods and both button and draw activated firing.

I love draw activated pods, but the 2500mAh battery is the real selling point for me with the Drag S. I easily get a full day of heavy vaping without needing to re-charge. If battery life is your priority, the Voopoo Drag S is definitely worth a look!

With a color display, adjustable airflow and a wide range of coil options, the Drag S has plenty to get excited about. Much like the Voopoo Vinci, the Drag S is compatible with the full range of ‘PnP’ coils, including an RBA deck so you can build your own.

The Voopoo Drag S kit comes with one pod and two coils – 0.3ohm and 0.2ohm. My only gripe here is that neither coil is designed for MTL vaping, although the ‘PnP’ coil range does have MTL options which you can buy separately.

The Drag S is one of my all-time favorite pod vapes and I keep coming back to it time and time again. It’s really hard to find a fault with the Drag S and it has something to offer for everyone!

#8 SMOK Fetch Pro

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External 18650 Battery | 4.3ml E-Juice Capacity / 2ml TPD Compliant | Button Activated | MTL or DTL

“SO MANY COIL OPTIONS, SO LITTLE TIME…”

Powered by an external 18650 battery, the AIO SMOK Fetch Pro features adjustable wattage up to 80w, refillable pods with 4.3ml e-juice capacity, adjustable airflow and a range of coil options.

I’ve read at least half a dozen of these ‘best vape pod’ lists and the SMOK Fetch Pro never gets a mention, which really surprises me… It’s a fantastic pod mod – super comfortable to hold, great build quality with almost endless choice in terms of coil options.

Released shortly after the SMOK RPM80, the Fetch Pro is very similar in functionality. The kit comes with two different pods – the RPM and the RGC – and two different coils – 0.17ohm and 0.4ohm.

In terms of coil options, you’re really spoilt for choice – you can buy coils for MTL, DTL and even an RBA deck for building your own.

The Fetch Pro is also compatible with the RPM40 and RPM80 coil range. As I mentioned before, SMOK coil options are often confusing if you don’t know what you’re looking for, but the backwards compatibility with the RPM40/RPM80 is a nice touch.

The flavor and vapor production is incredible on all the coil options I’ve tried so far. Just keep in mind that the coils included with the kit aren’t designed for MTL and these will have to be bought separately.

Overall though, the SMOK Fetch Pro is a fantastic pod with plenty of features and pod/coil options to suit any vaping style.

#9 Vaporesso Target PM80

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2000mAh Battery | 4ml E-Juice Capacity / 2ml TPD Compliant | Button Activated | DTL

“BEST POD VAPE FOR DTL VAPING”

First things first, the Vaporesso PM80 is a sub-ohm pod mod designed for DTL vaping only. So if you’re looking for a MTL pod, the PM80 won’t be right for you.

With that said, the Vaporesso PM80 is an absolute beast! With a 2000 mAh battery, adjustable wattage up to a maximum of 80w and mesh ‘GTX’ coil options, the PM80 is our top pick for flavor and vapor production!

The Vaporesso PM80 features a crazy fast ramp up time (0.001s!) and intelligent coil recognition thanks to the popular AXON chip.

The PM80 comes with two coils included – 0.2ohm and 0.3ohm mesh coils. Both of which really perform in terms of flavor and vapor. Vaporesso also offer an RBA deck so you can build your own coils.

Overall, if you want a compact DTL pod vape with great battery life, outstanding performance and heaps of features, we highly recommend the Vaporesso Target PM80!

#10 Lost Vape Orion Plus

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950mAh Battery | 2ml E-Juice Capacity | Button Activated | MTL or DTL

“UPGRADE OF AN OLD CLASSIC THAT STILL HITS THE SPOT”

An upgrade of the original Orion DNA GO, The Lost Vape Orion Plus features a 950mAh internal battery, refillable pods with 2ml e-juice capacity and coil options for both MTL and DTL vaping.

Both the MTL 0.5ohm and DTL 0.25ohm coils come with the kit – flavor and vapor production on both coils is excellent. The airflow is also adjustable so you can tweak the draw depending on your preference.

The Orion Plus is compatible with the original Orion DNA GO coils, so if you have a bunch of unused DNA coils lying about you’re in luck!

The Orion Plus also has a ‘flavor lock’ function, which let’s you select the ‘perfect’ draw and keeps the performance consistent for all future puffs. This feature reduces dry hits and made a big difference in terms of coil life!

With five different power settings, great battery life and automatic coil resistance detection, the Lost Vape Orion Plus is easily one of the best pod vapes of 2020.

What Is A Pod Vape And How Do They Work?

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A pod vape is a compact vaping device made up of two sections – the rechargeable battery or ‘body’ of the device, and a pod filled with e-juice. Inside the pods is a coil and wicking material – when the battery is activated it heats the coil in the pod and vaporises the e-juice for you to inhale.

Most pods now offer MTL or DTL coil options and are compatible with freebase nicotine or nicotine salt e-juice.  

A pod vape is ideal for a smoker looking to switch to vaping. They’re easy to use – just fill up the pod and you’re all set to vape – but the MTL style of vaping offered by pod devices also closely simulates the act and feel of smoking a cigarette.

BUT that’s not to say that a pod vape is just for new vapers! They’re perfect for anyone looking for a compact, lightweight and super convenient vaping device. Especially as the best pod vape systems are capable of kicking out some serious flavor and vapor!

What Type Of Pod Vape System Is Best?

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Picking the best pod vape kit for you depends entirely on your vaping style and what you want from your pod system. Let’s have a look at the different options available:

Mouth To Lung (MTL) or Direct To Lung (DTL)

The best pod vape kits on the market usually offer MTL or DTL vaping, but this is still something to think about before you choose which pod vape to buy.

MTL is the term used to describe the act of drawing the vapor into your mouth before you inhale, similar to how you would smoke a cigarette. DTL on the other hand, is the act of inhaling the vapor directly into your lungs.

We won’t get into the specifics of each here, but it’s worth deciding what you want from your pod vape before you buy to avoid any disappointment down the line.

The Caliburn for example, is primarily suited to MTL vaping. As opposed to the Vaporesso Target PM80, which is designed for DTL only.  

Button Activated or Draw Activated

The choice here is fairly straightforward – a button activated device will have a firing button which you’ll need to press when you want to take a puff. A draw activated device will have a sensor within the pod that activates the battery (and produces vapor) when you draw on the drip-tip/mouthpiece.

If you’re new to vaping or trying to quit smoking, the best vape pod system for you will probably be a draw activated kit as they more closely resemble the act of drawing on a cigarette.

Internal or External Battery

Most of the standard pods on this list come with an internal rechargeable battery. However, the more advanced AIO (all in one) vape pod systems are often powered by external 18650 batteries.

Both options have positives and negatives (no pun intended!) but obviously the biggest advantage of external battery devices is the ability to pop in a fully charged 18650 when you’re running low on battery!

Refillable or Pre-Filled Pods

All of the pod vapes on this list come with refillable pods, giving you the option of using your own pre-mixed or DIY e-juice. Refillable pods will have some sort of plug which you remove/open to pop the tip of your juice bottle in and re-fill the pod when you’re running low on juice. Personally we prefer refillable pods as they give you the choice of using whatever flavor or type of e-liquid you want.  

However, there are pod vape systems available that come with pre-filled or ‘closed’ pods. These come pre-filled with a particular flavor of e-juice and can’t be refilled. Although we prefer the refillable pods, it’s fair to say that the pre-filled type systems are super convenient – just pick a flavor, pop in the pod and you’re good to go.

The Pros & Cons Of Pod Vapes

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In most cases, you can’t go far wrong with a pod vape. They’re great for new vapers making the switch from smoking, they’re super convenient and often easy to use.

But even the best pod vape is far from perfect – let’s take a look at the pros and cons of using a pod device.

Related Questions

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Can I Use A Pod Vape To Quit Smoking?

Vape pod systems are a great alternative to smoking, especially when used with nicotine salts. A vape pod with nicotine salts will deliver nicotine efficiently, simulate the act of smoking and help you manage your cigarette cravings.

Can I Use Freebase Nicotine In A Pod Vape?

Nicotine salt e-juice is often used in vape pod systems because the lower wattage output is ideally suited to the higher strength of nicotine salts. Regular nicotine will work just as well in a vape pod but we would recommend using nicotine salts as they deliver nicotine more efficiently.

What PG/VG Ratio Is Best In A Pod Vape?

A 50PG/50VG blend is the ideal ratio for most pod vape kits. Higher VG based e-juice is fine to use but most pod vape systems will struggle to wick efficiently with anything over 70VG.

How Long Do Vape Pods Last?

Moderate to heavy vapers can expect a vape pod/coil to last anywhere from 5 days – 2 weeks. This is an approximate range and depends on vaping habits, the vape pod you’re using and the e-juice you vape. If you notice a deterioration in flavor or vapor production, it’s time to replace your coil/pod.

Are Pod Vape Systems Safe?

Vape pod systems are perfectly safe provided you operate and maintain them properly. Just like any other vaping device, vape pods are regulated and include a range of safety features. If in doubt, refer to the manufacturer of your device.

Can I Vape CBD In A Pod Vape?

CBD oil can be used in your pod vape system. Just be sure that you’re using juice with nothing but raw hemp extract or CBD isolate. Vaping CBD oil with additives (including vitamin-E) could be hazardous to your health.

And there you have it ladies and gents, these are our top picks for the best pod vape of 2020! We hope you found this helpful – please share this post or leave us a comment below!