Best Pod Vapes for May 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 FEATURES

UWell Crown D

• 0.96” OLED Screen
• Full adjustable power
• Adjustable airflow
• Replaceable coils

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 FOR FEATURES

UWell Crown D

The Uwell Crown D is a highly advanced pod mod with a 0.96″ color screen and a control wheel for precise power adjustment. It offers 5 firing modes, including power curves, and features an excellent top fill system, 1100mAh battery, 3.5ml juice capacity, and adjustable airflow. The device includes 0.3Ω and 0.8Ω coils, catering to both MTL and DTL vaping.

9.2

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We love that the Crown D has all the features of a full vape mod in a pod system. You can set power curves and even change the color of the excellent 0.96” display. Adjusting the power with the designated dial is also a joy. We love that Uwell has kept the same excellent top fill system from their Caliburn pods. Importantly it delivers an excellent vape experience from both the DTL and MTL coils.

BEST FOR DTL

Vaporesso Luxe XR

The Vaporesso Luxe XR is a slight upgrade over the Luxe X with a 1500mAh battery and a similar stylish design. The upgrade lies in the 5ml capacity pods, each designated for DTL or MTL vaping, and now compatible with replaceable GTX coils. This provides ample options for different vaping styles.

9.2

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Both the Luxe and Luxe XR by Vaporesso are the most futuristic looking refillable pod vapes on the market. We just love the styling of them with the clear panels and visible board. They also produce a fantastic vape especially for a restricted DTL (or very open MTL) draw. The Luxe XR is the better choice because it utilizes replaceable coils and the GTX line is very extensive. We also love the 5ml juice capacity and 1500mAh battery, which can easily keep you going all day.

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 COMPACT

VooPoo Argus Pod

The Voopoo Argus Pod is a compact and stylish pod vape with a 0.69″ OLED screen, adjustable airflow, and adjustable wattage (5-20W). It features 2ml capacity pods with 0.7Ω or 1.2Ω mesh coils, delivering excellent flavor. Its 800mAh battery charges via USB-C and, though not as large as some others, still provides efficient performance.

9.2

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The Argus Pod by Vopoo is not only one of the most stylish on this list, it’s definitely one of the most compact vape pods. We are still amazed that Voopoo has managed to fit an OLED screen and an 800mAh battery in such a small pod vape. It’s not all about looks, as the Argus Pod delivers a fantastic vape from both the mesh pods. Sadly the 0.7Ω does drain the battery a little faster, but we think you get a comparable vape experience from the 1.2Ω. Also these new pods from Voopoo have excellent life span, and just keep delivering the flavor.

Read our review of the VooPoo Argus Pod here

BEST ON A BUDGET

VooPoo Vinci Q

The Voopoo Vinci Q is a lightweight and compact vape with a focus on simplicity and performance. It includes a 900mAh Type-C rechargeable battery, top and side-filling pod options, and button/auto-draw operation. Available in six colors.

9.0

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Voopoo has released a number of pod vapes under the Vinci name. The Vinci Q is as simple as they come, and that’s why we love it. It is easily the most affordable of all the best pod vapes on this list, you could even buy two of them! Despite its low entry price it still performs just like any other excellent pod vape. You get excellent flavor from both the 0.8Ω and 1.2Ω resistance pods, and the 900mAh battery does a great job.

Read our review of the VooPoo Vinci Q 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, you can check out some that we’ve reviewed here.