Pod mods consist of “pods” both empty or pre-filled with e-juice, and a compact, hand-held battery. The pods fit into a pod bay in the battery. Pods mods usually have no buttons and are draw-activated. They feature USB charging and low-amperage batteries. Pod mods are popular because they are easy-to-use, portable, and compact. No settings to fidget with and no messy refills. Read on to see our list of the best pod system vapes.
Most popular
SMOK Nord Pod Vape
10/10 Review score
Removable coils
Internal 1100mAh battery
Works with Nic Salts and E-Juices
The SMOK Nord is a popular pod device that uses an internal 1100mAh battery. The vape features a removable 3ml liquid cartridge that uses...
The SMOK Nord is a popular pod device that uses an internal 1100mAh battery. The vape features a removable 3ml liquid cartridge that uses removable atomizers.
Two atomizers come in the pod kit: 0.6ohm mesh coil or a standard, mouth-to-lung coil rated at 1.4ohms. Which significantly extends the liquid options allowing to vape both nicotine salts and regular e-liquids.
The unit features a zinc alloy build and weighs only 80g. It stands at 94mm (3.7″). The Nord is not draw-activated and has a single operating button on its exterior. Standard 5-clicks turn-on/off prevents unexpected firing in a pocket.
The Nord has easy to understand system of notifications:
blinking 3 times after turning on/off,
blinking 4 times in case of detecting load short circuit and the battery will shut down (to fix replace the atomizer),
15 times with a low-battery,
Green light — battery is charged
Yellow — is going low
Red — needs recharging
There is also a USB port for charging the internal cell. The power output on the pod mod ranges from 10 to 15W. The Nord has close to forty different color options and two other coil options.
The VooPoo Vinci is an intelligent pod device that operates with the GENE.FIT chip. The Vinci has an 1500mAh capacity that can power the device’s several features. The 0.96″ TFT full-color display provides access to modes and settings. The mod has a power output range of 5-40W and has three different power levels – 3.2V, 3.5V, 3.8V.
The Vinci is both draw-activated and manual draw, a feature that users can select based on their preferences. There is a single firing button located on the durable aluminum alloy frame.
The mod stands at 104mm (4.04). The device uses a refillable 5.5ml pod with removable atomizers. Two come in the kit. Choose from a pre-installed 0.3ohm mesh-style coil, rated for 32-40W or the 0.8ohm, mesh-style coil, rated for 12-18W.
The GeekVape AEGIS Boost is a compact but durable pod system outfitted with 0.42″ OLED. The AEGIS Boost features zinc alloy, silicone and leather-grain surfaces in its construction.
The pod system uses an internal 1500mAh battery and has a power range of 5-40W. Select preferred settings via the two-button control panel.
The Boost vape has a 3.7ml capacity and is dust-proof, scratch-resistant and shock-proof. The unit stands at just over 106mm (4.17″). There is a single activation button on the unit’s frame. Pods also come with an adjustable airflow vent. Kit includes a 0.6ohm K1 coil and a pre-installed 0.4ohm GV coil. It also features the AS chipset at the center of its interface.
The Vaporesso PM80 is a high-performing pod mod with the super-fast AXON chip. The PM80 has an large, 2000mAh internal cell and uses a removable pod with an 4ml pod capacity.
It has a quick charging capacity and with its 2A charging can be full in one hour. The kit includes two different coils that support either MTL or DL vaping.
The coils are plug-n-play and users need only press-fit them into the bottom of the pod. The pod also uses a bottom fill port covered by a silicone stopper.
Unlike the predecessors, the PM80 features a bright 0.96 TFT full-color display. Set ideal wattage within the device’s range, which is between 5-80W.
The SMOK RPM is a first-of-its-kind melding of a pod device with box mod specs. The RPM uses a removable and refillable 4.3ml-capacity pod with an internal 1500mAh battery.
It also comes with the 4.5ml Nord pod. The RPM40 features the IQ-R chipset that can fire as high as 40W.
Select from the device’s many settings via the 0.96″ TFT full-color screen along the front.
This vape mod also features a USB port for fast 5V charging. The RPM coils are compatible with the Nord coils and vice-versa. There are two coils in the RPM kit. Install either the 0.4ohm RPM mesh coil or the 0.6ohm Nord coil.
The UWELL Caliburn is a compact, pod device with both manual and automatic draw capabilities. There is a single operating button on the device’s aluminum alloy chassis.
This classic-styled pod mod stands at 110mm tall (4.3″) and is 11mm thin (0.4″). The Caliburn features an internal 520mAh battery and has a high-power output of 11W.
The pod in the device can hold 4ml and uses an integrated coil. The coil pre-installed into the pod is rated at 1.4ohms and is optimal for mouth-to-lung vapers.
Take advantage of the device’s two side-airflow ports as well. The Caliburn uses USB charging and has a small port on its side to recharge its internal battery.
The Vaporesso Degree is a portable pod vape with a 2ml refillable pod. The Degree features a slim, slender zinc alloy chassis that houses an internal 950mAh battery.
Two pods come in the Degree kit. Select a 0.3ohm mesh-style coil or a 1.3ohm CCELL pod with a ceramic core.
The pod slides onto the battery section that secures it with a magnetic connection. There is a pod-release switch on the side of the frame. The battery section comes equipped with the latest AXON chip.
The new chip can detect resistances and set wattage automatically. There is also a small 0.69″ OLED on the device’s side. There are also two adjustment buttons that make up the unit’s control panel.
Beautifully designed and manufactured; the battery is decent
Made from a powder metallurgy stainless steel with real carbon fiber and Abalone for the side panels
Has a genuine MTL Delrin drip tip
Pods snap on and off easily
Filling is easy — one only has to unscrew the stainless steel top
Cons:
Airflow Control (AFC) tends to be a bit stiff on some pods
You can sometimes get dry hits
A simplified compact kit, the Lost Vape Orion GO Pod Kit is easy to use for beginners. It is small and fits the hand well — it is lightweight yet solid. The device comes pre-programmed with a range of finely tuned firing modes. GO pod sports a durable, premium alloy shell with carbon fiber panels for an excellent grip. The cartridge could be easily filled — one just needs to twist off the cap next to the drip tip. It also has an easy slide-off button to use for when you want to change the cartridge.
This pod vape does not rely on a chip for performance; instead, it makes use of a direct voltage-based output where the current battery level determines the power output. Orion Q pod offers a reach of up to 40W and makes use of a 0.25Ω/0.5 refillable pod with a capacity of 3mL that locks into it and Orion uses.
Integrated into the device is a full safety suite that includes short-circuit protection, weak battery protection, temperature protection, and low/high resistance protection. With its one-button design, it offers a much simpler vape experience. A multi-colored LED battery life indicator makes checking the current battery level easier: literally with a glance.
It has a built-in 950mAh battery that can deliver around 450 puffs per charge.
Proprietary charging port incompatible with other charging cables
Short pod life (2-3 refills max.)
The Suorin Edge is a pod vape system with a removable 230mAh battery. The kit includes two removable batteries that vapers can swap out for near-constant vaping. The cell can output 10W.
Internally, replacement pod holds a 1.5ml with a 1.4ohm coil inside for optimal mouth-to-lung vaping. Vapers fill the pod from a side fill port and insert the gold-plated contacts onto the battery until it snaps into place. There is a small ejector button for the accumulator on the side. With 5 rapid clicks, the device turns ON/OFF. The Edge features draw-activated option.
The device itself is slim, with sharp lines and edges. The outer chassis of the Suorin Edge features a durable aluminum alloy construction. There are three distinct color options to choose, red, silver, and black.
Along the edge of the pod, an LED indicator shows the current life of the battery. The cell uses a proprietary Type-C connector that enables a quick charging time of only half an hour.
Pod systems are e-cigarettes or mods that use a prefilled cartridge, called a pod, that holds the e-liquid.
Rather than needing to refill tanks or change coils, the pod is self-contained and is simply inserted into the device.
Every other aspect of the device is the same as a non-pod system. The atomizer heats the liquid and produces the vapor in the same way another system would.
There are many different types of pod mods. Some of the best pod vapes are cig-a-likes, like the Juul that is a small pen-style vaporizer that uses nicotine salt pods. Others are small mod boxes like the Aspire Gusto Mini that work just like any other mod, except the pods are simply popped into the box.
The best pod vapes may be simple to use, but they are not relegated to just beginners. Veteran vapers love having a second vaporizer to use as an on the go system or as a backup in case their all day vaporizer is out of commission.
With the popularity of vape pens surging, there is a style and type out there for everybody. Whatever the vapers needs are, they are sure to find the right fit these days.
Why use a pod mod system?
Here is a list of the benefits to using a pod mod:
Easy to use
Inserting an e-juice cartridge into a vape pen and then puffing away is actually easier than lighting a cigarette. Pop the pod in and start vaping. There is also very little maintenance.
Compact
Most mods that use prefilled cartridges or pods are usually smaller than their refillable counterparts.
Portable
Since they don’t need to be refilled and are usually very small, they are easy to bring out and about or even on a trip. Take a few pods out and vape all day without any fuss or mess.
Affordable
Usually, the pod system vape pens or mods are less expensive to buy. Rebuildable mods can be costly upfront and continue to cost money in replacement parts. Buying pods are usually cheaper than needing to buy new coils or other elements, saving money upfront and over time.
Discreet
Refilling a juice tank is not very discreet, but popping a pod into a vape pen or mod is quick and easy. Pod systems are ideal for stealth vaping.
What are the different types of pod mods?
There are two main types and sub-categories within both. Closed system pod mods and open system.
Closed system means that the pod is entirely self-contained and prefilled. More precisely, however, it means that the mod can only use pods from the same manufacturer. A closed loop as it were.
An open system means that pods can be used across different brands. They can be disposable or even refillable, but they all have the same thing in common. The cartridges contain the coil and wick, so everything is self-contained. The best refillable pod vapes are easy to fill and can be used multiple times, while still having the benefits of being easy to use.
The most popular are the open system pod vape mods and pens. They offer up more choice in flavors of e-juice and are generally more versatile.
There are pros and cons to both systems, and it is a matter of personal opinion as to which system is best.
FAQ
Are pod mods safe to use?
Pod vape systems are as safe to use as any other vaporizer. The pods used don’t have any characteristic that would make them any more dangerous than a refillable tank.
Are pod cartridges leak proof?
One benefit to using pods instead of refilling tanks is that they are usually more leak-proof. Since they are typically closed and sealed, there is no weak point that could cause leaks.
Can vape mod pods be refilled?
Some of them can be refilled and used multiple times. Be sure to read the reviews to find the brand that can be refilled.
Are there nicotine free pod mods?
Yes, there are pod vape pens that sell pods filled with nicotine free e-juice. These are meant for ex-smokers, however, who are trying to quit. They shouldn’t be used by somebody who has never smoked before.
Published: October 30, 2018Updated: September 1, 2020
Pod Vape Reviews
Pod vape systems have been well-received, creating a very saturated market. Picking the best products is therefore difficult at times. Read on to gain some clarity on which ones stand out in 2020.
The Xfire Vape is a pod mod that uses 0.75 ml cartridges and a 210 mah fast-charging battery. The pods are available in four flavors and cannot be refilled.
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Posted by
Thanush Poulsen
Being a regular Sweden student, I discovered innovative ways of living healthier. And with my very first e-cigarette, I’ve got obsessed with all things digital. So vaping collided my interests in electronics, science, and health. I enjoy bringing people into the world of vaping through my reviews, guides, and best-of lists.
The Suorin Edge doesn’t have a proprietary charger. It uses USB-C which is the new standard for just about all new devices. It does have an issue with the port though. It only charges using a standard USB-A to USB-C cable and doesn’t work with a USB-C to USB-C charger. This means that it’s basically just an adapted micro USB port and doesn’t full follow the rules for the standard which means it has potential to fry the battery control if the didn’t implement overcurrent/overvoltage protection properly in the circuit. Incorrect implementation of USB-C should be the con instead of “proprietary charging port”
You guys should check out the Ipha Asia. It’s refillable but can also fit juul pods and juul compatible pods. Very sturdy and the design is flawless in my opinion
Your review of the Suorin drop is a bit contradictory. In the review, it states that the battery can last all day, but in the “cons,” you lust short battery life. Which is it?
Jason
June 17, 2019 at 2:51 pmWhere is STLTH Vape? The best pods system and it’s Canadian!
Chad
May 29, 2019 at 12:53 pmThe Suorin Edge doesn’t have a proprietary charger. It uses USB-C which is the new standard for just about all new devices. It does have an issue with the port though. It only charges using a standard USB-A to USB-C cable and doesn’t work with a USB-C to USB-C charger. This means that it’s basically just an adapted micro USB port and doesn’t full follow the rules for the standard which means it has potential to fry the battery control if the didn’t implement overcurrent/overvoltage protection properly in the circuit. Incorrect implementation of USB-C should be the con instead of “proprietary charging port”
Matt
March 25, 2019 at 11:03 pmYou guys should check out the Ipha Asia. It’s refillable but can also fit juul pods and juul compatible pods. Very sturdy and the design is flawless in my opinion
Dan
March 18, 2019 at 9:49 amThis is a very good selection of pod vapes. Thank you guys for this selection. I’ve made my choise for this season 😊
Ryan G Dennis
November 30, 2018 at 11:36 amMissing the MARKTEN ELITE(Pod) and APEX(Tanks) reviews bud.
Austin
November 30, 2018 at 9:44 amWould like to see you guys review the Kwit Stick. I’ve been through months of trial and error with different pod systems and came to love my KS.
Derty
November 18, 2018 at 3:30 pmThis is missing the best pod system by far, the Lost Vape Orion.
arash
September 19, 2018 at 6:23 pmwhere is tpod from tesla?
kyle walker
August 11, 2018 at 12:40 pmthe suorin vagon is the best pod system out there!!!
Zac J Vernon
September 13, 2018 at 11:42 pmYes they are
Joel
March 19, 2018 at 4:07 pmYour review of the Suorin drop is a bit contradictory. In the review, it states that the battery can last all day, but in the “cons,” you lust short battery life. Which is it?
James
November 27, 2018 at 9:18 am‘with normal vaping it can last up to a day’
Depending on how much one vapes Suorin Drop can last as a few hours, so a day.
Cause rare pod has really durable battery of about 700+mAh.