It wasn’t long ago that vape starter kits were easier to recognise at first glance, but innovation hates similarity, so kits vary more than they used to!
As someone with over a decade of experience both using and reviewing vape kits, I know a thing or two about what makes a good starter device. Would you like one with a mammoth battery? Or a kit you can customise to make it your own? Or it could be that you want an uber-simple device that won’t give you a headache.
For all these options and more, read on for some great vape starter kit recommendations!
The Best Vape Starter Kit is the Vaporesso GTX One Pro
When you’re looking for reliable and straightforward vape starter kits that make the transition as smooth as possible, the GTX One Pro from Vaporesso is a clear winner.
The Best Vape Starter Kits Are:
- Vaporesso GTX One Pro
- Aspire Zelos M80
- Lost Vape Ursa Epoch Pro
- Innokin Coolfire P60
- Vaporesso Luxe XR Max 2
- Freemax Rexa Smart
- Geekvape Digi Q Vista
- Vaporesso Armour GS
Vaporesso GTX One Pro
Slimline tank & battery kit with incredible battery life
Why We Recommend It
- It features a gigantic 3000mAh battery that easily lasts all day.
- The classic tank and mod design is perfect for learning the basics of vaping.
- A comfortable silicone coating provides excellent grip and comfort.
For me, looking at the Aspire Rover Plus Vape Kit feels like running into an old friend who’s had such a glow-up in your absence. “Zelos, old chap,” I say to it, “You look incredible.” Everything about the Rover Plus screams ‘Aspire Zelos Kit’ to me, and I was a die-hard fan of that chic chunk of old-school gold.
The Rover Plus presents a very similar interface and suite of features and (optional!) user modes like Temperature Control, all served up in a sleek yet attractively chunky package. The 2600mAh battery lasts for ages, and the (very Zelos-like!) AF Tank has the exact excellent top-fill mechanism, but now enjoys AF Coils rather than Nautilus ones!
Pros
- Huge all-day battery life
- The top-airflow tank helps prevent leaks
- Intuitive and straightforward to use
Cons
- Bulkier than modern pod kits
- Basic features may be outgrown quickly
Aspire Zelos M80
A starter kit classic returns, as complex as you need it to be
Why We Recommend It
- It’s a versatile kit that can grow with you from beginner to expert.
- The device is compatible with the entire, highly-regarded Nautilus BVC coil range.
- A large 2600mAh battery provides long-lasting power between charges.
Ahhh Zelos… for the longest time, the Aspire Zelos 3 was my all-time favourite kit, and the Zelos M80 appears to be a delightful return to form. A nice, chunky mod loaded with a 2600mAh battery and compatible with the full Nautilus BVC coil range.
And like previous Zelos mods, you can make it as advanced as you want. You can leave it in simple Wattage mode forever if you choose, but Bypass and TC modes are available for the day you’ve got enough expertise to play with RDAs and RTAs.
Pros
- Multiple modes for advanced users
- Excellent coil compatibility
- Robust and durable build quality
Cons
- Advanced modes can be confusing for new users
- Heavier and chunkier than many starter kits
Lost Vape Ursa Epoch Pro
A gorgeous starter kit you can customise to suit you best
Why We Recommend It
- You can personalise your vape with replaceable wraps and different UI themes.
- The Ursa Nano V2 pods deliver exceptionally clear and vibrant flavour.
- Its pocket-friendly design makes it perfect for vaping on the go.
Lost Vape has always done a great job of keeping the tank & mod faith; however, their new Epoch Pro Pod Kit breaks from traditional designs. It’s a brilliantly effective kit with a wide range of power outputs and fantastic flavour from the Ursa Nano V2 Pods while being very pocket-friendly.
But I think the standout feature of this very effective kit is in its customisation. This is a vape kit that grows with you, and you can change it to match your moods. With 5 different UI themes and replaceable silicone wraps for the kit in a variety of colours, your vape kit can be tailored to your tastes. And this, friends, is what makes a kit personal to you, which makes you less likely to give it up and return to smoking.
Pros
- Unique customisation options
- Compact and lightweight
- Fantastic flavour production
Cons
- Pods require regular replacement
- Smaller battery than larger mod kits
Innokin Coolfire P60
A slim, unique starter kit with an incredible battery
Why We Recommend It
- A massive 3200mAh battery is packed into a surprisingly slim frame.
- The elegant pleather grip provides a premium and comfortable feel.
- A manual locking switch prevents the kit from accidentally firing in your pocket.
I’ve always loved Innokin’s starter kits. Older devices like the T22 Pro were absolute cult-classics, and the Coolfire P60 looks to be just as approachable. But can I take a moment to praise the looks? Dear god, that pleather grip panel, so elegantly wrapped around the slab design… gorgeous. And the comfort doesn’t end at the grip, with a super comfortable mouthpiece on the pods.
You also get a manual locking switch, a 60W max output and a gigantic 3200mAh battery that doesn’t weigh it down noticeably! Built for simplicity and comfort, the Innokin Coolfire P60 is a great kit choice for new and seasoned vapers alike.
Pros
- Best-in-class 3200mAh battery
- Stylish and ergonomic design
- Physical lock adds a layer of safety
Cons
- Screen details are relatively small
- Limited to using proprietary pods
Vaporesso Luxe XR Max 2
A great first vape for those more interested in big clouds
Why We Recommend It
- It’s the perfect entry point for simple and accessible sub-ohm vaping.
- The powerful 3200mAh battery is built to handle lower resistance coils.
- Vaporesso’s AXON chip provides smart power output for optimal flavour.
Not every starter kit is about replacing cigarettes! For some, it’s the big cloud action of sub-ohm vaping that gets them invested, and the Vaporesso Luxe XR Max 2 Pod Kit is the perfect entry-level device for the plume-curious.
Vaporesso pulled out all the stops, featuring long-lasting GTX coils, a robust 3200mAh battery, and power protections and output monitoring from the cutting-edge Axon chip. But all that nerd talk aside: you can puff massive room-filling clouds without needing to buy batteries or learn how to make your own coils. And for many, that’s more than enough!
Pros
- Produces large, dense vapour clouds
- Massive battery for all-day sub-ohm use
- Uses the popular and flavourful GTX coils
Cons
- Not suitable for mouth-to-lung vaping
- Uses significantly more e-liquid
Freemax Rexa Smart
A vape kit that’s also an organiser and media player!
Why We Recommend It
- It’s a multi-functional device with a calendar, alarms, and even a music player.
- The new Freemax pods deliver an intensely flavourful vaping experience.
- It’s an incredibly compact kit packed with an impressive number of features.
When I first got my hands on the Rexa Smart from Freemax, I was stunned. I knew vape kits were getting advanced, but a calendar? A stopwatch? Three alarm settings? A BLUETOOTH MUSIC PLAYER FUNCTION?? I know of smartwatches that don’t have that many features!
And if those aspects don’t excite you, maybe a pocket-sized vape kit with a 1600mAh battery and some of the tastiest new pods on the market will. Freemax impressed me in ways I didn’t know a vape kit could with the Rexa Smart.
Read our full review of the Rexa Smart.
Pros
- Unique smartwatch style features
- Excellent flavour from Freemax pods
- Very lightweight and portable
Cons
- The 1600mAh battery is smaller than the others on this list
- Extra features may drain the battery faster
Geekvape Digi Q Vista
Simple usability and a dynamic, unique curved screen
Why We Recommend It
- The stylish curved screen gives it a unique and futuristic appearance.
- Geekvape’s Q Cartridges are renowned for their outstanding flavour clarity.
- A dedicated lock-switch provides peace of mind when carrying it in a pocket or bag.
Geekvape’s Digi Q Vista isn’t the only ‘slab’ design vape in this list, but it is the only kit featured today that can boast a cutting-edge curved screen and compatibility with the Geekvape Q Cartridges. Built with Geekvape’s VPU coil ethos, the Q Carts deliver almost unmatched clarity of flavour.
The Digi Q Vista is also an easy dream to use, with no confusing menus to get lost in and a decent range of power outputs. It also features a dedicated lock switch, ensuring your kit will never accidentally fire in your pocket and damage the coil.
Read our full review of the Digi Q Vista Rexa Smart.
Pros
- Striking and modern aesthetic
- Top-tier flavour production
- Simple, no-fuss operation
Cons
- The screen may be a durability concern
- Smaller battery to maintain its compact size
Vaporesso Armour GS
A leak-resistant and comfortable kit with a removable battery
Why We Recommend It
- The removable 18650 battery means you can extend the life of your kit indefinitely.
- It’s versatile enough to support all major vaping styles, from MTL to DTL.
- A top-airflow tank and innovative design features make it highly leak-resistant.
As I said in the intro, what makes a starter kit isn’t as clear-cut as it once was. I feel that Vaporesso’s Armour GS provides an excellent first device for those keen on exploring MTL, RDL, and DTL vaping. The kit features an ultra-cool design, built with maximum comfort in mind, and includes numerous features to prevent e-liquid leakage.
But one of my favourite features is the removable battery. While sold separately, the 18650 battery you power this unit with can be easily removed and replaced. Thinking ahead, this can save you the cost of a whole new vape in the event of the power source dying!
Pros
- A replaceable battery is excellent for long-term value
- Supports a wide range of vaping preferences
- Robust and comfortable design
Cons
- Requires the separate purchase of an 18650 battery
- It can be more complex for absolute beginners
Still Deciding on Your First Kit?
Choosing your first device is a big step, and I hope this guide has made the decision easier. From massive batteries to pocket-friendly powerhouses, there are fantastic vape starter kits out there for everyone.
If you’re ready to make a choice, you can buy starter vapes in the UK right here. But if you want more foundational knowledge, we highly recommend you read how to vape to ensure you get the best possible experience.
If you have a question about any of these kits or vaping in general, please leave a comment below, and we’ll be happy to help.