Types of Vapes Explained: Pods, Pens, Mods & More
A vape is an electronic cigarette that heats e-liquid into inhalable vapour without burning it. Unlike a traditional cigarette, a vape uses a battery-powered heating element to vaporise e-liquid rather than combust tobacco. Different types of vapes use different designs, power outputs, pod or tank systems, and inhale styles to suit different vaping preferences.
The main types of vapes include pod kits, vape pens, vape mods, pod mods, cigalikes, disposable vapes and dry herb vapes. Each vape category offers a different balance of convenience, customisation, battery capacity, refillability, and running cost. Some vape devices focus on beginner-friendly MTL (mouth-to-lung) vaping, while other vape devices support high-power DTL (direct-to-lung) vaping with larger vapour production.
This guide explains the different types of vapes, how each vape device works, and which vape category suits specific vaping needs. The comparison covers nicotine strength limits, MTL vs DTL inhale styles, refillable vs pre-filled systems, UK TPD regulations, and experience levels to help readers identify the right e-cigarette type before choosing a vape device.
What Are The Different Types of Vapes?
The different types of vapes include pod kits, vape pens, vape mods, pod mods, cigalikes, disposable vapes and dry herb vapes. Each vape type differs in refillability, inhale style, power output, running cost, and user experience. All vape devices heat e-liquid into inhalable vapour without burning it, while UK regulations limit nicotine strength to 20mg/ml, tank capacity to 2ml, and e-liquid bottle size to 10ml.
Understanding the different types of vapes becomes easier when the devices are compared by purpose, inhale style, refillability, and long-term cost. Some vape devices prioritise simplicity and convenience. Other vape devices prioritise power, airflow control, and customisation. UK vaping regulations require all nicotine-containing vape products to comply with TPD and TRPR standards, including the 2ml pod or tank limit, 20mg/ml nicotine strength limit, 10ml refill bottle limit, and 18+ age restriction. NHS and UK Government guidance outlines these requirements for regulated vape products.
The table below compares the main vape device categories by user profile, inhale style, refillability, and running costs.
| Vape Type | Best For | Inhale Style | Rechargeable | Refillable | Running Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Disposable Vape Alternatives | Convenience-focused users seeking legal disposable successors | MTL | Yes | Pre-filled pod system | Low to Medium |
| Pod Kits | Beginners and ex-smokers | MTL | Yes | Yes / Optional | Low |
| Vape Pens | Beginner and intermediate users | MTL / RDTL | Yes | Yes | Low to Medium |
| Vape Mods | Advanced users and cloud-focused vaping | DTL | Yes | Yes | Medium |
| Pod Mods | Intermediate users seeking flexibility | RDTL / DTL | Yes | Yes | Medium |
| Cigalikes | Users wanting a cigarette-style experience | MTL | Yes | Limited | Medium |
| Dry Herb Vapes | Users vaping legal dry botanicals or tobacco | Direct draw varies by device | Yes | Heating chamber refillable | Medium |
| Big-Puff Rechargeable Devices | Users replacing banned single-use disposables | MTL | Yes | Pre-filled pod and refill container | Low to Medium |
The sections below explain each vape category in greater detail, starting with disposable vape alternatives and the rechargeable devices that replaced single-use disposable vapes in the UK.
Disposable Vapes
A disposable vape is a prefilled vape device designed for use until the e-liquid or battery is depleted. Traditional disposable vapes used a sealed battery, an integrated coil, and a non-refillable e-liquid reservoir. The design prioritised convenience by eliminating charging, refilling, and coil replacement. Disposable vapes became one of the most widely used vape device categories because the devices required minimal setup and maintenance. The category included compact disposable vapes and larger high-puff disposable devices that used nicotine salt e-liquids.
UK Disposable Vape Ban
Single-use disposable vapes were banned across the UK on 1 June 2025. The ban applies to disposable vape devices that cannot be recharged, refilled, or reused. Legal vape products must now include a rechargeable battery, a refillable system, or both. The ban led manufacturers to develop disposable-style alternatives that retain the simplicity of traditional disposable vapes while complying with UK regulations. The main disposable vape alternatives now include the following.
- Rechargeable big-puff devices with replaceable pods
- Pre-filled pod kits with rechargeable batteries
- Pod-and-refill container systems with automatic refilling
Are Disposable Vapes Still Legal in the UK?
No, single-use disposables are banned; only rechargeable, pod-refillable devices are legal. The disposable vape category now consists of rechargeable alternatives that comply with UK environmental and vaping regulations. Rechargeable vape devices support repeated battery charging and pod replacement, which distinguishes them from the banned single-use format.
The Rechargeable Disposable Alternatives
Rechargeable pod kits and pre-filled pod systems are the main alternatives to disposable vapes in the UK. The ban on single-use disposable vapes shifted the market toward reusable devices that retain the convenience of disposables while supporting battery recharging and pod replacement.
Modern disposable vape alternatives use a rechargeable battery that remains in use while the e-liquid component is replaced when empty. Popular examples include the Elf Bar ELFA range, Lost Mary Tappo range, and SKE Crystal Plus systems. These devices maintain the compact design, draw-activated operation, and nicotine salt experience that made disposable vapes popular.
The UK market now includes two main categories of disposable vape alternatives:
- Closed pod systems use pre-filled pods that are replaced once empty while the battery device is recharged and reused.
- Open pod systems use refillable pods that allow users to add their own e-liquid and continue using the same pod until replacement is required.
Users seeking a similar experience can explore Rechargeable Pod Kits, which provide the closest replacement for traditional disposable vape products. Key characteristics of disposable vape alternatives include:
- Support rechargeable battery use
- Use pre-filled or refillable pod systems
- Deliver draw-activated operation
- Include nicotine salt options up to 20mg/ml
- Require minimal maintenance
- Reduce battery and plastic waste compared with the former single-use devices
The next vape category expands on this concept through dedicated pod systems that support either pre-filled or refillable vaping.
Pod Vapes / Pod Kits
The types of pod vapes include closed-system pod kits that use pre-filled pods and open-system pod kits that use refillable pods. A pod vape uses a replaceable pod instead of a traditional vape tank, which makes pod kits compact, beginner-friendly, and suitable for MTL vaping. Pod vapes represent the most popular vape category in the UK. Pod kits combine rechargeable batteries, simplified operation, and compact dimensions. Most pod kits focus on mouth-to-lung vaping, which closely replicates the draw resistance of a traditional cigarette.
What Are The Different Types Of Pod Vape Kits?
The different types of pod vape kits are pre-filled (closed-system) pod kits and refillable (open-system) pod kits. Pre-filled pod kits use sealed pods containing e-liquid, while refillable pod kits allow users to manually refill pods with their preferred e-liquid. The table below compares the two main pod vape categories.
| Feature | Pre-filled (Closed) | Refillable (Open) |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Very simple | Simple |
| Inhale Style | MTL | MTL / RDTL |
| Rechargeable | Yes | Yes |
| Refillable | No | Yes |
| Coil Replacement | Integrated pod replacement | Replaceable coil or pod |
| Flavour Choice | Limited to available pods | Extensive e-liquid choice |
| Running Cost | Medium | Low |
The main difference between a closed-system pod vape and an open-system pod vape is refillability. A closed-system pod vape uses sealed pods. An open-system pod vape supports manual e-liquid refilling.
Pre-Filled (Closed) Pod Kits
A pre-filled pod kit uses a sealed pod containing e-liquid and a built-in coil. The pod is replaced once the e-liquid is depleted, which removes the need for manual refilling or coil changes. Most pre-filled pod kits use TPD-compliant 2ml pods and fixed nicotine salt strengths.
Convenience is the primary advantage of a pre-filled pod system. Users simply replace the pod and continue vaping. Popular pre-filled pod systems include the Elf Bar ELFA, Lost Mary Tappo, and SKE Crystal Plus ranges. A pre-filled pod kit suits adult users who prioritise simplicity, portability, and minimal maintenance over flavour customisation.
Refillable (Open) Pod Kits
A refillable pod kit uses a reusable pod that can be filled with the user's preferred e-liquid. The refillable design supports greater flavour variety, broader nicotine strength options, and lower long-term running costs than a pre-filled pod system. Most refillable pod kits use replaceable coils or replaceable pods, depending on the device design. Mesh coil technology is common in refillable pod systems such as the OXVA Xlim, Vaporesso XROS, and Uwell Caliburn ranges. Greater flexibility makes refillable pod kits suitable for users who want more control over e-liquid choice, nicotine strength, and vaping performance.
Why Pod Kits Are Popular?
Pod kits balance simplicity, portability, and affordability. The combination of rechargeable batteries, refillable or pre-filled pods, and MTL airflow makes pod kits suitable for beginners, former smokers, and experienced users seeking a compact vape.
The next category expands battery capacity and tank size through the traditional vape pen format.
Vape Pens
A vape pen is a slim, cylindrical vape device that uses a refillable tank and a larger battery than most pod kits. A vape pen supports MTL or RDTL vaping, combines simple operation with extended battery life, and provides greater e-liquid capacity than compact pod systems. Vape pens sit between pod kits and vape mods in terms of size, battery capacity, and performance. A vape pen maintains a beginner-friendly design while introducing refillable tanks and replaceable coils. The table below summarises the core characteristics of a vape pen.
| Feature | Vape Pen |
|---|---|
| Best For | Beginner and intermediate users |
| Inhale Style | MTL / RDTL |
| Rechargeable | Yes |
| Refillable | Yes |
| Coil Type | Replaceable |
| Activation | Button-activated |
| Running Cost | Low to Medium |
The main difference between a vape pen and a pod kit is the tank system. A vape pen uses a refillable tank. A pod kit uses a removable pod. The larger battery and tank combination supports longer vaping sessions between refills and recharges.
What Makes a Vape Pen Different?
A vape pen combines a larger battery, a refillable tank, and button-activated operation in a slim cylindrical design. A vape pen supports greater battery capacity than most pod kits. Common vape pen batteries range from 1000mAh to 3000mAh, depending on the device. The larger battery capacity reduces charging frequency throughout the day. A vape pen uses replaceable coils to heat e-liquid. Coil options allow users to tailor the vaping experience for tighter MTL draws or more open RDTL airflow. Devices such as the Innokin Endura range, Aspire PockeX range, and Vaporesso GTX Go range demonstrate the traditional vape pen format.
Who Should Use a Vape Pen?
A vape pen suits users who want more battery life than a pod kit without moving into advanced vape mod territory. The refillable tank design reduces ongoing costs while supporting a broad range of nicotine salt and freebase e-liquids.
The next vape category introduces adjustable wattage, sub-ohm tanks, and direct-to-lung vaping through high-power vape mods.
Vape Mods
A vape mod is a high-power vape device that uses adjustable wattage, advanced chipsets, and sub-ohm tanks to support direct-to-lung vaping. A vape mod produces larger vapour clouds, offers extensive customisation, and presents the steepest learning curve among vape device types. Vape mods prioritise performance and flexibility. Adjustable power settings allow users to fine-tune vapour production, airflow characteristics, and flavour intensity.
What Makes a Vape Mod Different?
A vape mod combines adjustable wattage, a sub-ohm tank, and high-capacity batteries to maximise vapour production and customisation. Most vape mods operate between 20W and 200W, depending on the chipset and battery configuration. Higher wattage levels support low-resistance sub-ohm coils designed for direct-to-lung inhalation. Vape mods commonly use freebase e-liquids with lower nicotine strengths because DTL vaping delivers substantially higher vapour volumes than MTL vaping.
Specifications
| Feature | Vape Mod |
|---|---|
| Inhale Style | DTL |
| Power Range | 20W-200W+ |
| Tank Type | Sub-ohm tank |
| Battery Format | 18650 or 21700 |
| User Level | Advanced |
| Vapour Production | High |
The battery system plays a major role in vape mod performance. Single-battery devices offer greater portability. Dual-battery devices provide higher wattage output and longer operating time.
What Are The Different Types of Box Mods?
A vape mod category includes regulated box mods and mechanical box mods.
- Regulated Box Mod — A regulated box mod uses electronic safety protections, power controls, and display screens. A regulated box mod dominates the modern vape market due to its safety features and usability.
- Mechanical Box Mod — A mechanical box mod uses direct battery-to-coil power delivery without electronic regulation. Mechanical devices require advanced battery knowledge and are intended for experienced users only.
Common vape mod formats include:
- Single-18650 box mods
- Dual-18650 box mods
- Single-21700 box mods
- Dual-21700 box mods
Devices from GeekVape, Vaporesso, and Voopoo represent popular regulated vape mod examples. The next category combines pod kit portability with vape mod performance through the increasingly popular pod mod format.
Pod Mods
A pod mod is a hybrid vape device that combines the compact size of a pod kit with the adjustable power and sub-ohm capability of a vape mod. A pod mod supports refillable pods, adjustable wattage, and DTL or RDTL vaping in a more portable format than a traditional box mod. Pod mods bridge the gap between beginner-friendly pod kits and advanced vape mods. The combination of refillable pod systems and higher power output makes pod mods a popular choice for users seeking greater flexibility without carrying a larger device.
What Makes a Pod Mod Different?
A pod mod delivers more power than a pod kit and a more compact design than a vape mod. A pod mod supports adjustable wattage settings that allow users to customise vapour production and flavour intensity. Most pod mods operate between 20W and 80W, which provides significantly more power than standard pod kits while remaining easier to use than many box mods. A pod mod uses refillable pods instead of traditional glass tanks. The pod-based design reduces overall size and weight while maintaining compatibility with low-resistance coils.
Pod Mod Features
| Feature | Pod Mod |
|---|---|
| Inhale Style | RDTL / DTL |
| Adjustable Wattage | Yes |
| Refillable | Yes |
| Pod-Based Design | Yes |
| Sub-Ohm Capability | Yes |
| User Level | Intermediate |
| Portability | High |
The combination of portability and performance makes pod mods suitable for users moving beyond basic pod systems.
Who Should Use a Pod Mod?
A pod mod suits intermediate users who want more control without switching to a full vape mod setup. A pod mod provides adjustable airflow, variable wattage, and broader coil compatibility than most pod kits. Devices such as the Voopoo Drag series, GeekVape Aegis Boost series, and SMOK RPM series demonstrate how pod mods blend convenience and performance. The next vape category covers the earliest e-cigarette format, which closely mimics the appearance and draw style of a traditional cigarette.
Cigalikes
A cigalike is an e-cigarette designed to replicate the appearance, size, and draw style of a traditional cigarette. Cigalikes use a slim cylindrical body, draw-activated operation, and a mouth-to-lung (MTL) inhale style. The category represents one of the earliest forms of vaping technology and prioritises familiarity over customisation or high vapour production.
A cigalike uses a cartomiser system that combines the heating coil and e-liquid chamber into a single component. The integrated design simplifies operation by reducing the number of replaceable parts. Unlike a standard cartridge system, a cartomiser places the heating element directly within the e-liquid reservoir.
Draw-activated firing is another defining characteristic of a cigalike. The device produces vapour automatically when the user inhales, creating an experience that closely resembles traditional cigarette use. Common cigalike attributes include a compact design, low vapour output, MTL airflow, and minimal maintenance requirements.
Modern pod kits have largely replaced cigalikes by offering larger batteries, refillable or replaceable pod systems, and broader flavour options. Cigalikes remain relevant for users seeking the closest match to a traditional cigarette form factor.
Key Characteristics of Cigalikes
| Feature | Cigalike |
|---|---|
| Shape | Cigarette-style |
| Inhale Style | MTL |
| Activation | Draw-activated |
| Vapour Production | Low |
| Battery Capacity | Small |
| User Focus | Familiar cigarette feel |
The compact design remains the defining characteristic of a cigalike. Modern pod systems have largely replaced cigalikes due to improved battery performance and broader flavour availability.
Who Uses Cigalikes?
A cigalike suits users seeking the closest match to a traditional cigarette form factor. A cigalike prioritises familiarity, portability, and simplicity. Brands such as Vuse, Blu, and Logic helped establish the cigalike category in the UK vaping market. Modern pod kits now provide similar ease of use with larger batteries and improved pod technology.
Herbal & Dry Herb Vapes
A dry herb vape is a vape device that heats dried plant material instead of e-liquid. A dry herb vape uses a heating chamber to vaporise legal dry botanicals or tobacco without combustion. Dry herb vapes differ from traditional e-liquid vape devices because the heating system works with loose-leaf materials rather than nicotine-containing e-liquid.
Key Features of Dry Herb Vapes
- Use loose-leaf dry botanicals or tobacco
- Include a dedicated heating chamber
- Operate through conduction or convection heating
- Use rechargeable battery systems
- Produce vapour without combustion
A dry herb vape shares the same core components as other vape devices, including a battery, heating element, and control system. The material being heated remains the primary difference.
Dry herb vapes sit outside the standard e-liquid product category covered by most vape retailers. The next section explains how to choose the right vape type based on experience level, inhale style, and budget.
How to Choose the Right Type of Vape
The right vape depends on your experience level, inhale style, and budget. Different vape categories solve different needs. Pod kits prioritise simplicity. Pod mods increase flexibility. Vape mods maximise customisation. Choosing the correct vape type becomes easier when the device matches how you prefer to inhale and how much control you want over the vaping experience. The table below matches common vaping profiles with the most suitable vape category.
| Reader Profile | Best Vape Type | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Complete beginner / ex-smoker | Pod Kit | Simple operation, compact size, MTL vaping, compatible with 20mg nic salt |
| Moderate vaper wanting flexibility | Pod Mod | Adjustable power, refillable pods, broader coil options |
| Cloud chaser / advanced user | Box Mod | Sub-ohm vaping, DTL airflow, maximum customisation |
| Just quit smoking, want familiar feel | Cigalike | Closest cigarette-style shape and draw resistance |
| On-the-go / convenience-focused user | Rechargeable Pod-Refillable Device | Minimal setup, draw-activated operation, pre-filled pod convenience |
The table demonstrates that no single vape type suits every user. Device choice depends on nicotine preference, maintenance requirements, vapour production goals, and portability requirements.
Which Vape Type Is Best for Beginners?
Pod kits are the best vape type for beginners and adult smokers switching from cigarettes. A beginner-friendly vape prioritises simplicity, portability, and consistent nicotine delivery. Pod kits achieve these goals through rechargeable batteries, compact designs, and MTL airflow. A pod kit supports nicotine salt e-liquids up to the UK maximum strength of 20mg/ml. Higher nicotine strengths help many adult smokers transition from cigarettes without requiring high-power devices.
Most beginner-focused pod systems use automatic draw activation or simple one-button operation. Devices such as the OXVA Xlim, Vaporesso XROS, and Uwell Caliburn demonstrate why pod systems dominate the beginner vape category. Users comparing beginner devices can explore Pod Kits for more information about the most common types of pod vapes.
Matching Your Inhale Style (MTL vs DTL) to a Vape Type
MTL vaping works best with pod kits, cigalikes, and vape pens, while DTL vaping works best with pod mods and vape mods. MTL (mouth-to-lung) vaping uses a tighter draw that resembles smoking a traditional cigarette. MTL devices commonly pair with higher nicotine strengths and lower power settings. DTL (direct-to-lung) vaping uses a more open airflow design. DTL devices produce larger vapour volumes and typically pair with lower nicotine strengths. The table below summarises the relationship between inhale style and device type.
| Inhale Style | Suitable Vape Types | Typical Nicotine Strength |
|---|---|---|
| MTL | Pod Kits, Cigalikes, Vape Pens | Up to 20mg/ml |
| RDTL | Vape Pens, Pod Mods | Low to Medium |
| DTL | Pod Mods, Vape Mods | Low |
Users seeking larger vapour production and adjustable power settings can explore Vape Mods and other box mods designed for DTL vaping.
UK Rules: TPD Limits and the Disposable Vape Ban
UK vape regulations limit nicotine strength to 20mg/ml, pod or tank capacity to 2ml, refill bottle size to 10ml, and sales to adults aged 18 years or older. TPD and TRPR regulations apply to nicotine-containing vape products sold in the UK. These regulations standardise product safety, nicotine strength limits, packaging requirements, and product notifications.
Key UK vape regulations include:
- Maximum nicotine strength of 20mg/ml
- Maximum pod or tank capacity of 2ml
- Maximum nicotine e-liquid bottle size of 10ml
- Minimum purchase age of 18 years
- Product notification requirements before sale
Single-use disposable vapes became illegal across the UK on 1 June 2025. Rechargeable and refillable alternatives remain legal when the devices comply with UK vaping regulations.
Users seeking compliant replacements can explore Disposable Vape Alternatives for rechargeable options that replace former single-use disposable devices.
What Makes Each Vape Type Different?
The main difference between vape types is the combination of power output, refill method, and inhale style. Pod kits use replaceable or refillable pods. Vape pens use refillable tanks and larger batteries. Vape mods use adjustable wattage and sub-ohm tanks. Pod mods combine pod convenience with mod-level performance. Cigalikes mimic traditional cigarette dimensions. Dry herb vapes heat loose-leaf material rather than e-liquid.
Which Vape Type Costs the Least to Run?
Refillable vape devices produce the lowest long-term running costs. Refillable pod kits, refillable vape pens, and refillable pod mods require replacement coils and e-liquid rather than complete pod replacement. Devices such as the Vaporesso XROS range, OXVA Xlim range, and Uwell Caliburn range demonstrate how refillable pod systems reduce ongoing vaping expenses compared with pre-filled alternatives.
Which Vape Type Produces the Most Vapour?
Vape mods produce the highest vapour volume. Vape mods use high-wattage chipsets, low-resistance sub-ohm coils, and adjustable airflow systems that support direct-to-lung vaping. Pod mods occupy the middle ground between compact pod kits and high-power vape mods. Pod kits and cigalikes prioritise nicotine delivery and a tighter draw rather than maximum vapour production.