The Vuse Alto Pod System Review: A Better Device Than The JUUL?

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by James Bickford

Updated: July 20, 2022

Vuse Alto Review

Review Score: 70/100

Price range:
$10.98-$19.99
Colors:
Black
Battery Capacity:
350mAh
Pods Capacity:
1.8mL
Nicotine Strength:
1.8%/ 2.4% / 5.0%
Works with:
  • Eliquids icon

Pros

  • Ergonomically and comfortable design
  • Long-lasting battery
  • Leak-free and noiseless operation

Cons

  • Flavors are limited
  • Pods could be a little larger

The Vuse Alto is a pod vape created by Vuse, a subsidiary of the R.J. Reynolds tobacco company.
It is a relatively inexpensive, draw-activated device that beginner and on-the-go vapers should find suitable for their needs. It uses QuietDraw™ technology that makes noise-free drags every time it is used.
Vuse Alto pods are non-refillable and can hold 1.8 ml of e-liquid heated by 1.1-ohm coils that use ceramic wicking. It is powered by a 350 mah battery that lasts for an extended period and charges quickly.

Why is the Vuse Alto Generating So Much Interest?

It has gotten much attention because some reviewers believe this kit outperforms the Juul. That is not far from the truth because it has many features and specifications that make it a better device in some areas.

The pods hold 1.8 ml of nicotine e-liquid. It does not have as much e-liquid capacity as other pods have, but their pods can several days with heavy vaping. Plus, they are held to the battery magnetically, and their 1.1 ohm, ceramically wicked coils make decent-sized clouds. The pods are powered by a 350 mah battery that should last for at least a day.

Vuse Alto Overview

Another technical feature that makes this pod system stand out is its QuietDraw™ technology. Whenever the user takes a draw, he or she will hear no whistling, bubbling, or popping noises. It makes it a great device for beginners and those who want a device that can be used without disturbing others.

The first thing users will notice when they take the device out of its package is how ergonomically designed it is. The edges are perfectly rounded, so holding it is like holding a marker. The mouthpiece is perfectly smooth, and its size is comparable to a cigarette’s butt end, allowing it to comfortably fit between the lips.

What Comes in the Vuse Alto Kit?

The Vuse Alto kit comes with:

VD vuse alto starter kit

  • power unit,
  • charger,
  • one flavor pack with two pods.

Choose from four flavors: original tobacco, menthol, mixed-berry, and rich tobacco. But, unfortunately, this is all they have to offer. Also, Vuse Alto liquids have three nicotine strength options (18mg, 24mg, and 50mg).

Internal Building Quality and Design

The body has a marvelous design with no sharp edges, and how the inside is put together makes this device unique. There are no issues with leaking or liquids bubbling inside of the pod. The pods hold to the battery very well thanks to the magnetic connection, which is easy to separate. Users should have no issues with the pod and battery coming apart accidentally.

A Battery That Lasts

The pod boasts a 350 mah battery that can last one day to a day and a half, depending on how often it is used. It charges quickly, under one hour to be precise, and the charging cord is long enough to be vaped while it is charging. It uses a proprietary charger. Using another charger is not recommended.

Why Is Vuse Alto Blinking Green?

VD vuse alto open

The device has a green LED light whose flashes have several different meanings:

  • The light glows when producing vapor
  • The light fades out when the drag is complete
  • The device blinking green needs to be recharged
  • Solid green when charging
  • Green light turns off when charge is complete

Pay attention to the lights when vaping, so the device does not shut down unexpectedly.

How Long Do Vuse Alto Pods Last?

vuse alto pods

Vuse Alto pods are prefilled with different e-liquids. Some users will find this inconvenient and try to “hack” the pod by opening, refilling, and using it again. Refilling the pods is not recommended. After it is put back together, it will leak, and the leakage could damage the battery. Also, the company will not return the money if they find that the device and its pods have been used improperly.

People try to hack non-refillable pods because they think they are saving money, but doing this is unnecessary for the Alto pod vape. Their pods are not that expensive. The pods cost $13.49 for a two-pack. Together, the two pods should last four to six days, which should suit most people’s budgets.

How to Use the Vuse Vape

The beauty of devices like these is that they are easy to use. There are no temperature or wattage control functions, and the coils do not have to be replaced or re-wicked. To operate the device, charge it, insert the pod, and inhale. There are no firing buttons because it is draw-activated. Therefore, it is advisable to wipe off the mouthpiece every so often.

Vuse Alto’s Competitors

Juul

VD juul kit

The Juul is the device to which the Vuse is most often compared. Both pod systems are easy to use, but the Alto has several advantages. The Juul has .07 ml pods that can last for around 200 or so puffs, and it has a 200 mah battery. It also has sharp edges that make it a little inconvenient to hold.
The Vuse Alto’s charge time is faster, cheaper, and it has longer-lasting pods, a more powerful battery, and smoother edges, but one area where the Juul excels is in the flavor department. The Juul has eight flavors, while the Alto only has four.

Vuse Vibe

VD vuse vibe kit

The Vuse Vibe is a draw-activated device that is good for those looking for a portable and affordable vape. It feels like holding a black and mild, costing $19.99, while the tanks go for $9.99.
It is a cost-effective unit since the tanks hold 2 ml of liquid and last two days. It holds more nicotine liquid and is cheaper than the Alto but has a lower nicotine strength.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are Vuse Alto pods FDA approved?

    No, Vuse Alto is not FDA-approved. But the FDA approved R.J. Reynolds Vapor Company for e-cigarettes such as the Vuse Vibe and tobacco-flavored closed e-liquid pod. The company also received approval to sell Vuse Ciro and the accompanying closed pod for tobacco-flavored nicotine e-liquid. Therefore using Vibe or Vuse Ciro kit will be a great alternative for vapers looking only for devices that have already received official approval.

  • How to charge Vuse Alto without a charger?

    We strongly recommend you not to charge your device without a charger or make a charger by yourself. It can be dangerous for you, and you can damage your vape.
    To charge the device without the original charger, you can use, for example, a charger from a smartphone. The Vuse Alto uses a USB-C (Type C) charging cable. So you can charge your Alto vape using an Apple Macbook or any other USB-C compatible charger.

  • Where to buy Vuse alto?

    Vuse vapes are available in convenience stores nationwide and online stores, so you can find your preferred tobacco-flavored Vuse device even at gas stations. But Vuse Alto FDA Approval is in the process, so buying it offline can be difficult. So we recommend you look for this Vuse model at online stores.

Vuse Alto Specifications

QuietDraw™ technology: Yes
Battery Capacity: 350mAh
Pods Capacity: 1.8mL
Nicotine Strength: 1.8%/ 2.4% / 5.0%
Coils Resistance: 1.1ohm
Number of flavor options: 4

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Ergonomically and comfortable design
  • Long-lasting battery
  • One pod lasts two to three days
  • Leak-free and noiseless operation
  • Budget-friendly

Cons

  • Limited flavor profile
  • Pods could be a little larger

Final Thoughts about the Vuse Alto

The Vuse Alto is a decent pod mod that beginners and experienced users will appreciate.
It is easy to use and portable, producing decent-sized clouds for such a small device. Its noiseless operation makes it great for vaping discreetly, and its rounded edges allow the user to do so comfortably and conveniently.

Another thing that makes this unit worth purchasing is that it uses an amazingly robust battery that guarantees an entire day’s use. Plus, the pods last not that moderate time as 0.8ml Juul’s do.
There are a few disadvantages to using this device, too. The pods are excellent and last a long time, but it would be nice if Vuse could create a pod that held two to three milliliters of nicotine e-liquid. The size of the pods is not a big deal, but the limited flavor selection is. Vuse should consider adding a few more flavors to the arsenal.
It is a great pod, and there are no regrets on this end for trying it out. What do you think of this vape mod? Please let us know by commenting below.

Published: September 17, 2019Updated: July 20, 2022
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James Bickford

My way of understanding the significance of vaping came not only through the disruption of smoking but its effects on society as a whole. Now I bring people to vaping and bring vaping to people. I love using new gear, writing in-depth reviews and generally nerding out about vaping to like-minded people.


Comments

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22 comments on “The Vuse Alto Pod System Review: A Better Device Than The JUUL?

  • Judy

    October 13, 2022 at 11:03 pm

    Why do you sell us Bad, Burnt Pods now?? You won’t allow the place I buy from to give me another when I open it in front of them to see that it’s Burnt!!!
    So I figure you hooked a-lot of people with this thing and now you must be cutting back on something that helped it stay good. The FDA hasn’t even approved this yet.
    But anyway congrats on your suckering people in to help you on your get rich scheme.

  • Angela

    August 21, 2022 at 7:05 pm

    I’m wondering why the 1.8 tobacco flavor has a different color and taste to it. In some packages you get an actual one and the other is something that I throw away. Tonight I purchased a two pack 1.8 and it is dark. This has been happening over the past month or two. At this point I’m just wasting money because the taste is just disgusting.

  • Hal Yoder

    June 22, 2022 at 6:05 am

    I have been using the Vuse Alto system for the last three years. I am very happy with my experience. I do have an occasional leaky pod or bad battery, but I compare these issues to the issues I had in almost 50 years of conventional smoking. This system gives me no ash, no smell and no accidental burns. A vape pod lasts me three to four days, which keeps the expense of my habit at under $2 a day! The only negative I have had is that the pods are more difficult to locate in the western United States. But other than that, I couldn’t be happier!

  • Judy

    June 3, 2022 at 10:47 pm

    I am 79yrs. Old smoking since 1958. Tried all the vapes. Thank you for vase. I smoked my last cig. on Nov. 266th. And have not looked back. I love Vuse. I have had no problem with leakage. I buy mine at 711. I am saving 300. a month. My living room is whit no yellowing. Love it.

  • TJ

    May 29, 2022 at 5:41 am

    I’ve been using my Alto device for 3 weeks, no problems. Fast charge with 1 day of battery life. Pod lasts 2 days. Cough is down, breathing more easily. I was a pack/day smoker for 20+ years. Now on decreasing pod doses. Nice!

  • Candace Phillips

    May 19, 2022 at 5:11 am

    I have purchased two packs of menthol pods from the gas station and the taste is disgusting . One of them doesn’t even taste like menthol at all. No wonder so many people fill the pods with their own vape juice. Get it together or I will be doing the same thing!

  • Ryan

    April 8, 2022 at 1:36 pm

    Terrible quality control. Expect to throw out 50% of the pods as they end up burnt tasting, leaking, or spitting back before they are empty. Alot of the times they come brand new burnt tasting.

  • Leslie Browndyke

    April 5, 2022 at 10:38 am

    Have bought 6 devices in the last month and none work now. One lasted 2 hours, the others a day or two. It has been great for several years. What is going on with Vuse?

  • Andrea Scandura

    March 8, 2022 at 6:12 pm

    Love the Vuse and it’s the best drag for me – no choking!! but the flavor of the liquid is off! The gold tastes and smells like vanilla- almost pancake syrupy
    The rich flavor tastes and smells like pipe tobacco
    Hard to use discreetly!
    The juul has the better, closer to a cigarette taste with no after odor but not as ergonomically friendly
    I hope Vuse tweaks the liquid

  • Mykke

    October 29, 2021 at 12:47 pm

    There is a serious lack of quality control over the Vuse pods. Bought a 4 pack – only one pod was usable. 2 of them had very dark juice that tastes burny and gross. one pod would not draw properly, full of bubbles, tasted burned. I’m done with Vuse, going back to a tank system where the quality if not hit or miss. good riddance – i don’t have money to burn on this crap.

  • Lisa keitt

    October 6, 2021 at 9:47 am

    I was looking on here to see if anyone else was having a leaking problem with the video altos . Cause here lately everyone I get leaks and it really hurts my tongue and gums when it leaks

  • WyoViking

    August 28, 2021 at 12:31 pm

    I love the Vuse.
    Threw out all my damn leaky, in dependable Blu pods,

  • Janet e morrison

    July 24, 2021 at 7:28 am

    I see no reason why the liquid pods leak the juice out of the bottom pod. It’s a crock of crap!

  • Janine

    June 30, 2021 at 6:09 am

    Not a good experience. After 2 days use Vuse would not charge. Tried again. Refill pod leaked everywhere. Looking elsewhere.

  • Dylan

    June 9, 2021 at 11:00 pm

    I looked this up out of curiosity, because I bought my VUSE from a local Speedway. It’s lasted me 3 days so far and hasn’t died yet… I vape about twice every couple hours, for the calm mind and relaxed muscles. Light is still green and hasn’t died. Does the normal vaper use this every 5mins or something? ?

  • Marcie roslan

    May 22, 2021 at 5:44 pm

    I had 3 pods that just quit working half way now it was upsetting

  • Clyde

    April 22, 2021 at 3:43 am

    I have heard all good things from friends who have one of these vaps. I tried vape previously but stopped and went back to cigarettes due to leakage and overall bad experience with the bigger refillable vaps. But afyer good reviews and witnessing the proforma of friends. I have ordered myself i kit and some pods. I will give it a try. I will also come back with an updated review in a few weeks after using this vap.

    • James Bickford

      April 27, 2021 at 7:28 am

      Hi Clyde, thanks for writing in. We hope all goes well with your new kit, can’t wait to hear your review. But if you are ever in need about a proper device that won’t leak don’t hesitate to drop us a line. Take care and happy vaping!

  • Susan

    February 20, 2021 at 5:25 am

    I’m trading in my Juul..the Vuse Alto blows all disposables away. Tight draw like a cigarette….doesn’t make u cough. Love it!

  • Diane

    February 7, 2021 at 11:56 am

    Vuse Vibe was perfect. Alto is terrible! It costs more, the pods hold very little juice, it’s more expensive and the menthol leaves a burning, bitter taste on my lips. I’m going to switch to something else.

  • eric

    October 21, 2020 at 11:50 pm

    I did not think this would work 2 pack a day smoker.but I gave the vuse alto a try and it has been really good so far !

    • James Bickford

      November 3, 2020 at 8:54 am

      Hi Eric, so glad to hear you’re getting to your goal to stop smoking. Keep it up! Happy vaping! Let us know how it goes later on.