Disposables VS Pod Vapes

by Jemma Wolfe
Disposables vs Pod Vapes Comparison

Disposables vs Pod Vapes Comparison

The rapid surge in popularity of vaping in recent years shows no signs of slowing down, as proven by the continual influx of beginner-friendly vaping devices hitting the shelves each year. The introduction of pod vapes revolutionised the industry, providing users with a convenient, portable and hassle-free alternative to bulkier traditional devices.

Pod vapes such as JUUL were at the forefront of the vaping scene for many years and still remain popular today, but they’re faced with a new rival—disposables. Taking convenience and simplicity to a whole new level, the introduction of disposable vapes such as Geek Bar won over vape fans everywhere, quickly taking the lead as the nation’s favourite way to vape.

If you’re new to the world of vaping and on the hunt for your first device, it’s likely that you’re choosing between prefilled pod vapes and disposables. But which one is right for you? Read on as we explore the key differences that set these devices apart from each other to help you find the perfect e-cigarette for you and your lifestyle.

  • Single-use
  • Approx 200-800 puffs
  • Limited nicotine strength options

Disposables Vs Pod Vapes Features

Although disposable and pod vapes are both compact pen-style devices, disposables tend to be on the smaller side. This is because pod devices house a larger battery that can be recharged again and again, whereas disposables are designed for single use.

A disposable vape can last anywhere from 200 to over 800 puffs, but this can vary depending on the capacity. It's important to remember that the puffcount is only an estimate. Your vaping style, as well as how long a device's battery lasts, will determine how many puffs you get out of it and whether you favour short, fast puffs or lengthy, deep drags.

A pod vape works slightly differently—as the name suggests, it stores pre-filled e liquid in a removable plastic pod. These pods come in a wide range of flavours and give users the freedom to try out multiple flavours using just one device, whereas disposables limit you to a single flavour until you purchase a whole new vape.

Prefilled pods also allow for more customisation, as users can choose their desired nicotine strength. While disposables offer the same range of flavours, they tend to be limited to just a couple of nicotine strength options.

Now that we’re clued up on the key features, just how convenient are each of these devices?

  • Rechargeable
  • Approx 300 puffs
  • Varied nicotine strength options
  • Ready to use
  • Zero maintenance required
  • Dispose when empty

Disposables Vs Pod Vapes Convenience

If you’re looking for the most convenient vaping experience, look no further than disposables. Thanks to their single use design, you’ll never need to worry about refilling or recharging and they’re ready to use straight out of the packet—it doesn’t get easier than that!

When the device runs out of juice, you can simply dispose of it and grab another. While pod vapes are considered pretty simple in the wider world of vaping, they require a little more maintenance than their disposable counterparts. For starters, you won’t be throwing away the device after every use, so they require regular recharging—this is especially important if you plan on vaping on the go.

Although you’ll need to recharge your pod device, the battery capacity has come a long way since JUUL. Newer pod systems such as the Elf Bar Mate can last just as long as a disposable one single charge, thanks to the 500mAh internal battery, so you won’t have to worry about recharging it multiple times a day. When your prefilled pod is empty, simply detach it from the device and replace it with another.

What’s more, as replacement pods are much smaller than disposable vapes, you can easily carry around one or two backup pods while out and about. When deciding between pod devices and disposables, it’s important to consider the accessibility of both products. Disposable vapes are widespread and can be found on the shelves of most corner shops up and down the country, so you’ll never have to worry about getting your next hit.

Pod vapes are harder to come by and can often only be found online or in specialist retailers, so running out of pods on a night out could leave you in a pinch. Moving away from convenience, let’s take a look at how these devices compare when it comes to cost.

  • Requires recharging
  • Pods must be replaced
  • Pods are small and portable

Disposables Vs Pod Vapes
Price Comparison

Before you decide on which type of vape is right for you, it’s important to consider the cost of each device. While vaping is proven to be far cheaper than smoking traditional cigarettes, how do the different devices compare when it comes to pricing? On the whole, pod systems tend to cost more upfront than disposables, albeit not by much.

Most pod vapes average at around £10 each, with some models such as the Elf Bar Mate costing even less. Although you can expect to spend a few pounds more on a pod device than you would on a disposable, these products are rechargeable, and thus reusable, making them more affordable in the long-term. One of the biggest appeals of disposable vapes is the low price. With many devices ranging from £5-£7 each, it’s easy to see why they’re a favourite among beginners.

Nevertheless, disposable vapes are slightly more expensive in the long run. You’ll need to purchase a whole new device every time you run out, which can soon add up. But the cost of replacement prefilled cartridges can add up too, depending on your brand choice and vaping style.

On that note, it’s time to move on to our verdict.

Disposables Vs Pod Vapes Verdict

If you’re new to vaping, you’ll be pleased to know that both disposable vapes and pod devices make great alternatives to traditional smoking—but deciding which is right for you will depend on your preferences and lifestyle.

While they’re both made with simplicity in mind and are easy to use, pod vapes are slightly more complex as they require more upkeep than disposables. If you don’t mind regularly recharging your device, pod vapes are a great way to keep costs low as you won’t have to buy a new device every time.

You’ll also have the added benefit of customising your nicotine strength. If convenience is your main priority, we recommend trying out a disposable vape. They require zero upkeep and come pre charged and ready to use straight out of the packet. However, as each device is more expensive than a replacement pod, you should expect to spend more money on disposables in the long run.

Whichever option you choose, you’ll find an array of great flavours available in both disposable and pod form with something to suit everyone’s tastes. Once you get used to the idea of vaping, you may eventually choose to move on to a refillable kit.

Not only are these cheaper to maintain, but they give you the freedom to experiment with more flavours, as well as different strengths and types of nicotine, such as nic salt e-liquid and freebase e-liquid.

Disposables and Prefilled Pod Vapes at myCigara

At myCigara, we exist to make the UK smoke-free. We believe that by offering genuine products such as disposable vape pens and pod kits, we’re that much closer to achieving our goal.

Not only is vaping more convenient than cigarettes, it’s better for your health and your wallet too. We currently stock a huge range of disposable vapes and pod kits to help you get a head start on your quit smoking journey.

If you’re leaning towards pod devices, consider taking a look at what Vuse and Elf Bar Mate have to offer for beginners. If you’re considering giving disposables a try, check out our range of handy 10-packs or take advantage of our 5 for £20 mix and match bundle deals from a whole host of award winning disposable brands such as Geek Bar and Dinner Lady.

If you’re new to vaping, we recommend taking a peek at our Basic Guide for beginners where you can find answers to the most commonly asked questions and determine which type of ecig is right for you. Our focus is on providing the best possible customer service, so drop us a line if you have any other questions, or head into your nearest myCigara vape shop for a chat with our expert staff.