In case you haven’t heard, disposable vapes will be banned in the United Kingdom. While there is no exact date when the ban will take effect, finding the best alternatives to disposable vapes should be your top priority so you don’t go back to cigarettes. And don’t worry; transitioning from disposable vapes to a reusable vape kit is easy – there’s barely anything new to learn outside of charging, refilling, and changing pods and coils.
And yes, reusable vape kits require a higher upfront cost than disposables, but over time, you’ll get more savings because you’ll just need to buy the consumables (the coils and e-liquid) and not the whole device. That’s why reviews about the best vape kits include many refillable pod kits – they’re just generally better than disposables! So, read on for the best nondisposable vape options.
The Best Alternative to Disposable Vapes is the Geekvape Sonder Q / ELFLIQ Bundle Vape Kit
The Sonder Q is as easy to use as any disposable you’ve owned, with double the battery capacity. Plus, Elf Bar flavours are tastier than ever from a Q Cartridge, and the auto-draw functionality is just like using a disposable vape. In our view, it’s the best vape to replace disposables.
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The Best Alternatives to Disposable Vapes In 2023 Are:
- Geekvape Sonder Q / ELFLIQ Bundle
- Voopoo Doric Q
- Vaporesso XROS 3 Nano Innovation
- Uwell Whirl F
- Elf Bar ELFA Pro
- Innokin EZ Tube Zenith Minimal
- Lost Mary Tappo
- OXVA XLIM SQ Pro
Geekvape Sonder Q / ELFLIQ Bundle
Score: 10/10
Battery: 9.3
Flavour: 9.5
Ease of Use: 9.8
Features: 9.1
Price: 9.9
Pros
- Reusable vape kit and e-juice bundle
- Easy-to-use kit with tasty pods
- Authentic Elf Bar e-liquids
Cons
- The kit is very basic
- Only 20mg ELFLIQ juices are included
Key Features:
- Make The Switch: A simple vape kit with e-juice included
- Q-uite Tasty: Q Cartridges deliver rich tastes
- Elf OGs: Includes the same e-liquid used in Elf Bar disposable vapes
Ready to quit disposable vapes? Well, disposable vape kit alternatives are here in the form of… Elf Bar? Yep, you read that right; Elf Bar has teamed up with Geekvape to offer a bundle that makes the switch from disposable vapes super simple.
What’s that I hear? You don’t want to learn how to use a new electronic device? Well, you’ll be happy to hear that the Sonder Q pod vape is just as easy as using an Elf Bar. The only new aspects are recharging the 1000mAh battery (twice as big as an Elf Bar battery!), refilling the pod, and changing the pod every couple of weeks.
You don’t have to worry about buttons, as the Sonder Q is draw-activated. And with ELFLIQ e-liquid included – the very same vape juice used in Elf Bars – it’s all the flavour you love in a new kit of your own that you can use however you wish!
Voopoo Doric Q
Score: 7.8/10
Battery: 9.0
Flavour: 9.1
Ease of Use: 9.8
Features: 8.0
Price: 9.9
Pros
- A very affordable vape kit
- Small build size
- Tapered mouthpieces on the pods
Cons
- Fragile build materials
- No airflow adjustment
Key Features:
- Affordable Refillable: Very cheap refillable refillable pod kit
- Take a Drag: Tapered ITO Pod mouthpieces are comfortable
- Pod Picker: Also compatible with empty, reusable ITO pods
You might wince at putting up the cash for a full-on refillable kit when you’re used to £5 disposables, so how about a long-term starter kit for only two quid more?
Voopoo’s Doric Q makes the switch from disposables affordable for anyone, but it is essential to remember that as a budget kit, the draw-activated Doric Q isn’t exactly laden with features.
The integrated battery has an 800mAh capacity, which I found adequate for vaping all day without requiring a lunchtime charge. It’s worth remembering that it has almost double the battery life of the more expensive Uwell Whirl F Pod Kit featured below.
The build has a very lightweight plastic casing, not creaky at all but likely fragile if dropped from high up. It’s also tiny in scale, which makes it easy to transport, though it has some girth that might make it less pocket-friendly if you like your jeans tight.
Vaporesso XROS 3 Nano Innovation
Score: 8/10
Battery: 9.3
Flavour: 9.1
Ease of Use: 9.7
Features: 9.1
Price: 8.9
Pros
- Disposable-sized vape kit
- Lanyard-ready
- Consistent power outputs
Cons
- Too eye-catching for some
- No manual power adjustment
Key Features:
- Pocket Puffer: As small as a box-style disposable vape
- Gorgeous Mod: Funky resin and paint designs
- Keep Going: Consistent power output at any battery level
If you prefer to have a refillable pod kit that has the box shape of the Lost Mary BM600 and Geekbar Meloso Mini, get the Vaporesso XROS 3 Nano Innovation. It has a dimension similar to the disposables you love, yet it packs a mighty 1000mAh battery.
It even features a lanyard attachment, with the Aroma King Jewel Mini 600 being the only disposable vape to provide similar portability, so you can always have it close at hand.
The onboard AXON chip regulates the power, providing a consistent output even when the charge wanes, and when you do need to charge it, it’ll only take an hour before you’ve got another 48 hours of vaping to enjoy.
Uwell Whirl F
Score: 8.5/10
Battery: 8.8
Flavour: 9.3
Ease of Use: 9.7
Features: 9.7
Price: 9.1
Pros
- Satisfying integrated fidget spinner
- Ergonomic build shape
- Perfect desktop device
Cons
- Small battery
- Can’t be charged standing upright
Key Features:
- Fidget Fixer: Integrated fidget-spinner ring
- Hexcellent: Hexagonal build for comfortable grip
- Comfy Tips: 1.2ohm disposable pods built for oral comfort
The tactile sensation is part of what makes vaping work better than gum or patches. It’s something to do with your hands, and Uwell has gone above and beyond by fitting their new Whirl F Pod Kit with an integrated fidget spinner!
I’ve owned dozens of vapes, and I’ve dropped every single one because I can’t keep my hands still. The Whirl F’s spinning ring, set just beneath the 1.2ohm pod, has a textured surface that feels amazing as it gently whirls under your thumb. I’ve found myself not juggling or twirling this vape because I don’t have to anymore!
The 450mAh battery is admittedly a bit on the small side, but if, like me, you intend to use the Whirl F as a desktop work device, you won’t be far from a power port at any point, and it’s a similar battery capacity to disposable vapes so it won’t be unfamiliar to you.
Elf Bar ELFA Pro
Score: 9/10
Battery: 9.0
Flavour: 9.5
Ease of Use: 9.8
Features: 8.9
Price: 9.8
Pros
- It uses the same e-liquid as Elf Bar disposables
- Pods work out cheaper than single-use pens
- Rapid charging
Cons
- 10mg pods not yet available
- 500mAh battery could be larger
Key Features:
- Stepping Stone: Just like using a disposable Elf Bar
- Value Vaping: Packs of pods are more cost-effective than new disposable vapes
- QUAQ Attack: QUAQ mesh coils produce rich and intense tastes
If you’re dreading the disposables ban and the Geekvape / ELFLIQ bundle above seems like too far a step for you to take at once, the Elf Bar ELFA Pro prefilled pod kits offer almost an identical function to the disposable pens you love.
Made by Elf Bar themselves, the ELFA Pro looks, feels and functions just like an Elf Bar disposable. The difference is that the battery is now rechargeable, and you use disposable pods prefilled with authentic Elf Bar e-liquid.
You’ll find the value is far greater as well; an Elf Bar 600 V2 costs £4.99 and contains 2mls of e-liquid. For just a pound more, you can acquire a pack of two 2ml pods for the ELFA Pro, meaning the rechargeable battery kit quickly pays for itself while also reducing battery waste.
The Elf Bar ELFA Pro Prefilled Pod Kit is the closest you can get to using an Elf Bar without having to buy a disposable, something you won’t be able to do soon.
Innokin EZ Tube Zenith Minimal
Score: 9/10
Battery: 9.9
Flavour: 9.2
Ease of Use: 9.2
Features: 9.7
Price: 8.7
Pros
- Original tank & battery vape kit
- Easy to use and master
- Great selection of Innokin Z-Coils
Cons
- Some disposable fans may dislike new maintenance
- Zenith Minimal Tank glass can be fragile
Key Features:
- Old School: Traditional vape kit with simple use functions
- Dial it Up: Turn the base dial to adjust the wattage
- EZ Clean: The Zenith Minimal Tank can be disassembled for cleaning
The Innokin EZ Tube Zenith Minimal Kit is the only non-pod kit featured in this list, and I included it because those willing to take an extra step of maintenance can have one of the best starter kits around today.
Unlike a disposable, the EZ Tube Zenith Minimal will let you customise your vaping session, with both wattage and airflow adjustment to dictate your level of cloud production.
You can also select from a wide range of Innokin Z-Coils, further personalising your vape in a way that the ‘one-size-fits-all’ disposables never offered. The power-adjusting dial at the base is straightforward to use, though I’m a bit confused by Innokin’s decision to put the display screen on the base of the battery.
That minor issue aside, the EZ Tube Zenith Minimal Kit is a full-on, robust, refillable vape kit, and if you’re giving up disposables, why settle for half-measures?
Lost Mary Tappo
Score: 8.8/10
Battery: 9.1
Flavour: 9.5
Ease of Use: 9.8
Features: 8.9
Price: 9.7
Pros
- Just like using a Lost Mary disposable vape
- Pods work out much cheaper than buying new disposables
- The battery is larger than on other Lost Mary vapes
Cons
- It is only a stepping stone towards a genuine refillable kit
- Pods can be slightly loose
Key Features:
- Lush Mary: Genuine Lost Mary vape juice pods
- Battery Boost: Increased 750mAh battery
- Grippable: Compact and ergonomic build size
The Lost Mary Tappo serves a similar function to the Elf Bar ELFA Pro: a nondisposable vape battery compatible with prefilled pods containing genuine Lost Mary juices.
One notable difference is the larger battery, with 750mAh usually being able to go all day without needing a recharge. The device is barely any larger than a Lost Mary disposable, so it won’t weigh you down, and it feels a bit more comfortable to grip due to the more pronounced rounded edges.
You’re likely aware that Elf Bar is the manufacturer of Lost Mary. However, many prefer the fruitier Lost Mary flavour selection, so it’s good for Lost Mary fans to have this affordable kit to replace their soon-to-be-banned faves.
OXVA XLIM SQ Pro
Score: 9.5/10
Battery: 9.5
Flavour: 9.2
Ease of Use: 9.2
Features: 9.5
Price: 8.9
Pros
- Ultra compact pod vape
- Sizable 1200mAh battery despite low weight
- Pods can be refilled without being removed
Cons
- Extra menu themes are pointless
- The coils are integrated (not removable) in the cartridge.
Key Features:
- Pod Power: 5W – 30W power output range
- No Spills: Anti-leak protections on the XLIM V2 Pods
- On Display: 0.42” full-colour display screen for power/puff checks
The OXVA XLIM SQ Pro is similar to the Innokin EZ Tube Zenith Minimal, offering adjustment functions not found in disposable vapes. The difference is that the XLIM SQ Pro has a far more familiar build shape than those used to box-style disposables.
It might only have half the battery of the EZ Tube Zenith Minimal, but that’s still over double what you get in a disposable vape, with very rapid 2A-rated charge speeds of 45 minutes from empty to full.
Like the XROS 3 Nano Innovation, it’s lanyard-ready and comes with one included. This is the only vape I’ve ever worn, and I found it great for keeping it within reach.
If you like the idea of a full-on refillable vape alternative, but changing coils seems like a needless chore, go with the XLIM SQ Pro to enjoy wattage and airflow adjustments coupled with convenient disposable pods.
And oh, we’ve named the XLIM SQ Pro the best refillable pod kit and best MTL kit in our MIST Vape Awards 2023.
FAQ
What Do I Need to Switch from Disposables to Refillables?
Making the switch is very simple; all you’ll need is to browse a selection of vape kits and pick some vape juice that sounds tasty to you! Ensure that the e-liquid you choose has the correct PG/VG ratio for your new device’s vape coils or disposable pods.
What Vape Juice Do I Need? What Vape Juice Tastes Like Disposables?
Bar salts are a form of nicotine salt e-liquids that uses the same flavourings and sweeteners as in disposable vapes. ELFLIQ by Elf Bar Nic Salts are the identical e-liquids used in their disposable pens, and the MIST Bar Salts range has disposable vape flavours for your refillable vape kits.
Is It Cheaper To Have a Refillable Vape?
Yes, it is cheaper to have a refillable kit than a disposable vape. Over time, frequently purchasing disposable vapes costs around the same as smoking both tailor-made and hand-rolled cigarettes.
With the initial cost of a device out of the way, the only things you need to purchase going forward will be a fresh coil every 2-4 weeks and a bottle of juice or two per week. If you are wondering how much vaping costs, then look below for some comparisons.
Device | Initial Investment | Cost of Coil / Prefilled Tank Replacement | Cost of Eliquid | Coil / device / coil + tank Average Lifespan | Total Cost Per Month | |
Disposable | Elf Bar 600 V2 Nic Salt Disposable Vape | £4.99 | Not applicable | Not applicable | 3 Days (entire device) | £49.90 |
Refillable | Innokin T22 Pro Kit | £32.99 | £9.99 (5 coils, each lasting approx. 2 weeks) | £3.50 (10ml) lasts up to a week | 14 Days (per coil) | £19.50 |
Refillable | Geekvape B100 Kit | £38.99 | £11.99 (5 coils, each lasting approx. 1 week) | £3.50 (10ml) lasts up to half a week | 7 Days (per coil) | £29.50 |
Prefilled | SKE Crystal Plus Prefilled Pod Kit | £12.99 | £5.99 (2 prefilled pods, each lasting 3-5 days) | Not applicable | 3-5 Days (per coil + tank) | £47.98 |
Need More Help?
Thanks for reading our guide on the best alternatives to disposable vapes! If you’re currently going through too many disposable vapes every month and want a cheaper means of getting that same flavour and relief, then visit our online store. At MIST, You can shop for alternatives to disposable vapes and also shop for vape juice that tastes like disposable.
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