Best Pod Vapes for September 2023

BEST OVERALL

Vaporesso Xros 3

• Coil Options
• Easy Top-fill System
• Adjustable Airflow
• 1000mAh Battery

9.6

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BEST MTL

Oxva XLIM (V2)

• OLED Screen
• Full adjustable wattage
• Adjustable airflow
• 900mAh capacity battery

9.4

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BEST COMPACT

UWell Caliburn GZ2

• Compact & Lightweight
• Rapid USB-C charging
• Adjustable airflow pods
• 850mAh battery life

9.2

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Pod vapes and mini vapes have created a category of their own for vaping starter kits. These compact and straightforward use devices are the ideal vape for beginners or people wanting to quit smoking.

However, with the exhausting list of vape starter kits and even pod vapes, it isn’t easy to know where to start and what to recommend to friends. We’ve simplified the options for you by scoring the best pod vapes that we’ve tested. This best pod vape list is exclusively for refillable pod mods, for pre-filled pod mods, check out our best vapes for beginners.

BEST OVERALL

Vaporesso Xros 3

The Vaporesso Xros 3 is the newest addition to the Xros line, featuring a refreshed design with a battery status light and an updated Axon chipset. It retains the impressive 1000mAh battery, adjustable airflow, and leak-proof top fill system. It’s compatible with all Xros pods, including the new 0.6Ω restricted DL pod, all of which provide an excellent vaping experience.

9.6

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The Vaporesso Xros 3 pod vape may not come with a screen or adjustable wattage like some others in this list. However, the reason we love it so much is the vape quality it delivers. You get phenomenal flavor from all of the pods, and Vaporesso has a vast range of resistances.

The pods also have a fantastic lifespan; we’ve had some last over 20 days of use! There is also a huge 1000mAh battery, adjustable airflow, and one of the best top-fill systems on a pod vape. Not to mention it is quite possibly one of the most stylish-looking pod vapes on this list.

BEST FOR MTL

OXVA XLIM (V2)

The OXVA Xlim is a highly equipped MTL pod vape, boasting a 0.42″ OLED screen, adjustable wattage and airflow, and a 5-25W power range. Its 900mAh battery can be charged via USB-C. The V2 pods are now improved with anti-leak design and mesh coils in 0.6Ω, 0.8Ω, and 1.2Ω options, providing excellent flavor and longevity.

9.4

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What’s not to love about the OXVA Xlim V2? It delivers an awesome vape experience with great flavor from either of the pods. We still find the 1.2Ω delivers a great experience and keeps your battery life going. Not that you need it with the impressive 900mAh capacity (we’re still not sure how OXVA managed that). The fact that it also has an OLED screen and fully adjustable wattage is amazing, and the airflow control system works excellently for all ranges of MTL vaping. The only thing we wish the XLIM (V2) pod vape had was a top-fill system.

BEST COMPACT

UWell Caliburn GZ2

The Uwell Caliburn GZ2 is an ultra-compact pod system with a 850mAh battery inside a petite zinc alloy frame. It uses the proven Caliburn G2 pods and coils for adjustable airflow and satisfying flavor. The auto-draw functionality, LED accent lighting, and rapid USB-C charging make this mini vape mighty.

9.2

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We selected the petite Caliburn GZ2 as the best compact pod vape for its incredibly small yet durable construction. Despite its tiny footprint and unique design, the zinc alloy chassis feels sturdy and solid. Uwell managed to fit an ample 850mAh battery inside the device, which provides impressively long battery life compared to its diminutive form factor. It’s likely the best battery performance we’ve seen in a Caliburn pod system to date. 

The GZ2 makes an ideal portable nic salt pod mod that you can easily palm and take anywhere. However we think its compact boxy design isn’t quite as pocket friendly as a pen style pod mod like the G2.

Thankfully the GZ2 retains that signature Caliburn flavor and performance from the proven G2 pods and coils. The smooth adjustable airflow, auto-draw functionality, LED accent lighting, haptic feedback and rapid USB-C charging make this cute mini vape a mighty performer. It’s just a shame you can’t deactivate the LEDs for more stealth vaping. 

If you want a powerful yet low-profile pod vape that disappears in the palm of your hand, the Caliburn GZ2 is easily among the top choices.

Read our review of the Uwell Caliburn GZ2 here

BEST FOR DTL

Vaporesso Luxe XR Max

The Vaporesso Luxe XR MAX is a big upgrade over the Luxe XR with a 2800mAh battery and a screen and touch buttons. It utilizes the 5ml capacity XR pods, designed for either RDTL, DTL or MTL vaping, and is compatible with GTX coils. It now also has an adjustable airflow slider providing  ample options for different vaping styles.

9.2

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The Luxe XR Max absolutely blew us away with its latest upgrade. Vaporesso not only addressed some of the issues we had with the XR model, but went one step further. 

The MAX XR now has a small LED screen so you can see your full battery status along with the wattage setting. It’s also fully adjustable wattage thanks to two very good touch capacitive buttons. 

One of the biggest upgrades is in the battery capacity, and it still amazes us how they’ve managed to fit a 2800mAh battery in this device. It does make it slightly larger and heavier, but not that much and it’s still extremely pocketable.

Our favorite upgrade is the fully adjustable airflow, which along with the new RDTL pod gives you full versatility on airflow. It also allows the MTL pod to do a tight MTL draw, which was one complaint we had with the XR. 

Add in the fact the pod capacity is 5ml, the MAX XR is easily one of the most versatile and long lasting pod systems available. In our opinion the only thing it is lacking is auto draw activation.

BEST FOR FEATURES

VooPoo Argus G Pod

The Voopoo Argus G pod system features a sizable 1000mAh battery packed into a slim frame with curved edges for comfort. It uses the excellent P1 pods for leak-free flavor and has a monochrome screen for adjustable wattage up to 27W.

9.2

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The Voopoo Argus G stands out for its excellent battery life packed into a slim and portable chassis. Despite its svelte size, it houses an ample 1000mAh battery that delivers impressively long runtime before needing a recharge. Even heavy vapers will get over a full day of use easily. The battery life is far better than most pod vapes with similar compact dimensions.  

The Argus G produces fantastic flavor from the P1 pods and caters to MTL vapers who want some customization, with adjustable wattage up to 27W on the display screen. We love that Voopoo has stuck with the P1 pods across the new pod vapes, as they are excellent performers. We also love the smooth airflow from the Argus G device and its adjustable airflow.

The airflow can be tailored for a tight MTL draw up to a loose MTL. While the battery capacity and adjustability are the highlights, the Argus G has plenty of features and comes in such a sleek aesthetic.

Read our review of the VooPoo Argus G Pod here

BEST FOR BEGINNERS

Caliburn A3

Uwell’s latest update to the impressive Caliburn line of pod vapes is the A3, equipped with a 520mAh Type-C rechargeable battery and a 13W maximum output. It retains an excellent top fill system and juice window, and offers the option to fire through auto-draw or manual button (now with deactivation). The A3 delivers a fantastic MTL vape and is user-friendly, compatible with Uwell’s 1.0 Ohm pods, and comes with two in the box.

9.2

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The Caliburns have always been some of the best pod vapes on the market. The A3 makes our list due to its ease of use, along with fantastic vape experience. It’s extremely similar to the A2, but the inclusion of being able to switch off the fire button and only use draw activation, is a huge plus. The new pods also deliver fantastic flavor.

BEST BUDGET

VooPoo Argus Pod SE

The Voopoo Argus Pod is the simplified version of the Argus Pod. It is an ultra-portable pod system with a slim, pocketable design and 800mAh battery capacity. It delivers satisfying flavor from the P1 pods and caters to MTL vapers seeking simplicity in a discreet pod vape.

9.0

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We selected the Argus Pod SE as one of the best budget pod vapes as it brings with it the same fantastic performance of the regular Argus Pod, just in a simplified version. 

It has an impressive slim and lightweight chassis, and despite its petite size, it doesn’t feel flimsy or cheap. The curved edges provide a comfortable grip, and it virtually disappears in your pocket or bag for portable stealth vaping.

While diminutive, the 800mAh battery still delivers decent life for a full day of moderate use. It retains the fantastic flavor production of the P1 pods in a fuss-free device focused on portability and simplicity. We love that it still has the same adjustable airflow, the only thing it lacks is a screen or adjustable wattage. For vapers wanting an easy-to-use minimalist pod mod for out and about, the Argus Pod SE is hard to top.

Read our review of the VooPoo Argus Pod SE here

Other Good Pod Vapes

GOOD FOR MTL

Geekvape Wenax H1

The Geekvape Wenax H1 is an outstanding refillable pod vape with a 1000mAh USB-C rechargeable battery, three power settings, and excellent auto-draw trigger. The 2.5ml pods feature 0.7Ω or 1.4Ω mesh coils, suitable for all types of vape juice and delivering outstanding flavor with a smooth draw.

9.0

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The Wenax line of pod kits by Geekvape has always delivered some of the best vape experiences we have had from pod vapes. The Wenax H1 is the pinnacle of the Wenax line. It delivers fantastic flavor from both pods. The 0.7Ω is probably the better performer, but the 1.4Ω is still good for a high-resistance mesh coil. The H1’s adjustable power settings and leak proof pods also add to its appeal. It delivers a great MTL draw but not having fully adjustable airflow is a slight letdown.

Read our review of the Geekvape Wenax H1 here

GOOD FOR DTL

Mi-Pod 2.0 +

The Mi-Pod 2.0 Awakening Collection is back with striking and stylish sacred geometry designs. It features a 1250mAh battery, 0.9Ω mesh pods, and a physical on/off switch. This draw-activated pod system can deliver MTL and restricted DTL draws from the same pod, offering a terrific vape experience with a stylish design.

8.8

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The Mi-Pod 2.0 might not come with all the bells and whistles of some of the other pod vapes on this list. However it’s one of the best pod vapes at delivering a restricted DTL draw straight out of the box. We also love the fact that it comes with a 1250mAh battery, is unbelievably lightweight and now has usb-c charging. We think it’s also one of the most stylish and unique pod systems.

Read MiPod 2.0 Plus Review

GOOD FOR BEGINNERS

Geekvape Wenax K1

The Geekvape Wenax K1 is an anodized aluminum pod vape with a paint-grade texture. It features a 600mAh USB-C rechargeable battery, auto-draw or fire button operation, and intelligent output mode that adapts to installed coils for optimum output power. It comes with 0.8Ω and 1.2Ω coil pods, each with 2ml vape juice capacity.

9.0

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The Wenax K1 has an extremely low profile that we love. It’s barely noticeable when you slip it into your pocket. We also love the contoured clicky fire button, and the perfect auto-draw trigger. The K1 is an excellent choice for MTL vapers, with the perfect draw, and has one the best MTL mouthpiece from all the vape pods on this list.

Read Geekvape Wenax K1 Review

What is a Pod Mod?

A pod mod, referred to by many different names, including pod vapes, vape pods, mini vapes, or pod system, has been designed to help smokers transition into vaping. 

They are more compact and often more comfortable to use than vape pens.

A pod mod is a mini vape device typically small and pocket-friendly that utilizes a pod filled with e-liquid that connects very simply to a battery.

Pod mod kits are incredibly simple to use, either automatically activated through inhaling or some include one power button.

One of the reasons pod vape systems have become so popular with new vapers is they can come with the pods pre-filled with liquid, meaning there’s no need to buy replacement coils or juice, just the pods. Some companies like JUUL offer a subscription for replacement pods, so you get them sent to your house at designated intervals.

Pod vapes can also come with empty refillable pods, allowing vapers to use their e-liquid.

Refillable vs. Pre-filled Pod Systems

Refillable and pre-filled pod systems both have their advantages and disadvantages. It comes down to personal preference, so it’s worth seeing which category suits you best before purchasing a pod system.

• Refillable pod systems: Also known as refillable pod vapes or open pod systems, use empty pods refilled by the user. These give you more freedom in terms of flavor. The main advantage to them is that you can purchase e-liquid from anywhere and have a broader range of flavors at your disposal.
• Pre-filled pod systems: Also known as pre-filled pod vapes or closed pod systems, are non-refillable pods pre-filled with the manufactures e-liquid. Available flavors will be dependent on the manufacturer, and some only carry a small range. However, having the convenience of not choosing a liquid type and physically filling the device is a huge advantage.

What e-liquid is best to use for refillable pods?

• Nicotine salt e-liquid: is commonly used for pod vapes due to its higher nicotine content and smoother draw. Nicotine salt was introduced and popularized by JUUL.
• Traditional e-liquids: You can use any e-liquid that is not too viscose. Typically, 50/50 VG/PG ratios work best on pod mods, but some do still function well with higher VG based e-liquids.

Who should use pod vapes?

• Smokers wanting to quit – Smokers transitioning to vaping appreciate the practical and straightforward design of pod mods and their easy nicotine delivery. Most also offer a similar draw to that of cigarettes.
• Experienced vapers – Even experienced vapers use pod mods, especially those that like mouth-to-lung style vaping. They make great companions to their usual larger setups and are ideal for travel.
• Stealth vapers – For those times when you don’t want to be carrying a large device that bellows huge clouds. A portable pod device is both discreet in its size and for its cloud production, so is ideal for stealth vaping.

Benefits of using pod vapes

• Simple & easy to use
• Discreet, compact form factor
• Designed for smokers to quit
• Easy maintenance
• Tight MTL draw (like a cigarette)
• Minimal vapor production
• Low e-liquid consumption
• Instantly change flavors

Pod systems do have plenty of advantages over other vaping systems or vape kits.

The most obvious being they are convenient and easy to use, especially for new vapers. You don’t need to worry about other devices’ complicated technical features, which is an excellent appeal to ex-smokers.

Also, they offer an MTL-style draw that mimics that of a traditional cigarette, making it an easy gateway to transition into vaping.

There are also other benefits to pod vaping that experienced vapers can appreciate. Firstly they are easy to maintain, and there is no need to build your coils. Secondly, switching flavors on the go is as easy as changing pods.

Pod vapes are generally low-powered devices with high-ohm coils. If you want to be conservative with e-liquid consumption, they are a great option.

Downsides to using pod vapes

• Small battery capacity
• Can be expensive
• Limited vapor production
• Limited flavor selection (pre-filled)

As with everything in life, most pod systems also have some downsides that you might want to consider:

Due to their compact design, there is limited space for a high-capacity battery. So most have far lower battery life than a regular vape device. However, depending on the coils’ power consumption and your usage, a pod vape could still see you through a day of vaping.

Other downsides, especially with closed-system pre-filled pod vapes, are the limited flavor selection. Often, the pre-filled pods come at a slightly higher cost.

Pod Vapes FAQs

Summary

Finding the best pod vape will ultimately come down to what type of vape experience you require. Are you looking for something compact, easy-to-use, that mimics smoking a cigarette? Or do you want a pocket-friendly pod device that can still chuck clouds? The great thing with the best pod systems is there is something for every type of vaper. Hopefully, we’ve given you plenty of options with our best types of pod vapes above. There are many other pod mods on the market that do a great job, check out others we’ve reviewed.