Ultrasonic Vaping

Ultrasonic Vaping Technology Explored

Among the newest and most exciting advancements in the vaping industry is ultrasonic technology. As futuristic as it may sound, this technology has been used in the medical industry for some time, but vaping brands are just beginning to recognise its potential.

In the fast-paced world of vaping, it’s no surprise that people are looking for innovative and less harmful alternatives to smoking traditional cigarettes. By harnessing the power of vibrations and eliminating the need for coils, ultrasonic vaping plans to revolutionise the way we vape. But as it’s still in its infancy, is this technology really enough to redefine the way we experience vaping in the long term, or is it merely a passing craze?

We’re here to take a closer look at ultrasonic technology, how it works, and most importantly—how it stacks up against conventional vaping. So if you’re curious about ultrasonic vaping and whether it’s a viable option to help you quit smoking for good, fear not, we’ve got you covered.

What is Ultrasonic Vaping?

Ultrasonic vaping, also known as coilless vaping, works by using the power of vibrations rather than a heated coil.

These devices house an ultrasonic chip where a metal coil would usually be, which vibrates at a high speed (up to 3 million hits per second). This super high frequency allows ultrasonic waves to flow through the pod, vibrating the liquid molecules until they magnify, split, and eventually turn the e liquid into vapour.

With that in mind, let’s find out if there are any safety benefits to ultrasonic vaping.

Is Ultrasonic Vaping Safer? What the Research Now Shows

Is Ultrasonic Vaping Safer?

What the Research Now Shows When this article was first published in 2022, ultrasonic vaping was being promoted on the basis that producing an aerosol at a lower temperature, without a conventional heating coil, might reduce exposure to some of the unwanted chemicals associated with heated e-liquids. It was an interesting theory, but lower operating temperatures and the absence of a traditional coil do not by themselves prove that an ultrasonic device produces a less harmful aerosol. Since the original publication of this article, independent researchers have tested this assumption directly. A 2024 peer-reviewed study from researchers at the University of California, Riverside and Portland State University examined four SURGE ultrasonic products and compared their chemistry and cytotoxicity with conventional pod-style e-cigarettes.

The researchers found unusually high concentrations of several aldehydes in SURGE products and concluded that SURGE aerosols were similar in toxicity, or in some tests more toxic, than aerosols from conventional fourth-generation pod products. The findings showed that generating an aerosol with less heat did not automatically result in a cleaner or less toxic aerosol. Further research published in 2025 examined metals and chemical elements in SURGE ultrasonic products alongside JUUL and other pod-style e-cigarettes. Contrary to the assumption that removing a conventional heating coil eliminates exposure to metals, researchers detected multiple elements and metals in SURGE fluids and aerosols.

SURGE generally contained more elements at higher concentrations than the JUUL products tested, while arsenic, selenium and titanium concentrations in SURGE aerosols were significantly higher than in JUUL aerosols. Nickel, however, was comparatively low in SURGE, demonstrating why individual metals should be considered separately rather than assuming every metal is higher in one type of device. Based on the evidence currently available, there is therefore no good basis for describing ultrasonic vaping as inherently safer than conventional coil-based vaping.

This does not mean vaping carries the same level of risk as smoking: current NHS guidance continues to state that vaping is substantially less harmful than smoking, although it is not risk-free and its long-term effects are not yet fully understood. Adult smokers considering vaping as an alternative to cigarettes should choose regulated products and should not assume that terms such as “coilless”, “ultrasonic” or “lower temperature” automatically indicate a lower-risk product.

Who Was Leading Ultrasonic Vaping?

The SURGE Express was one of the most prominent attempts to bring ultrasonic vaping into a compact, beginner-friendly pod format. Rather than using a conventional heated coil, the device used an ultrasonic system to aerosolise the liquid contained within its pre-filled pods. At the time of its launch, this was positioned as a significant technological departure from mainstream pod systems and attracted interest because of its different method of aerosol generation. The subsequent independent research into SURGE has made the device particularly useful as a case study in why new vaping technologies need to be assessed on measured emissions rather than their operating principle alone.

Although ultrasonic aerosol generation uses less heat than a conventional coil, later laboratory testing found that this did not consistently translate into lower chemical toxicity or lower exposure to metals and other elements. The SURGE research therefore provides a useful reminder that an innovative aerosol-generation method should not be treated as evidence of reduced harm until the finished product itself has been independently tested.

Coil Vaping VS Ultrasonic Vaping

You’re probably already familiar with how conventional vaping works: the battery creates an electric current that heats up a metal coil inside the device, thus turning the eliquid inside into flavoursome vapour. While this is by far the most widespread and effective vaping method out there, it does come with some drawbacks for the user.

Coils and pods are consumable components, and their lifespan can vary considerably depending on the device, e-liquid and individual usage. Ultrasonic devices use a different atomisation mechanism and therefore do not require a conventional replaceable heating coil. However, this is primarily a difference in how the aerosol is produced and should not be interpreted as evidence of a safety advantage. Subsequent laboratory research into SURGE products found that ultrasonic aerosol generation could still produce potentially harmful chemical constituents and did not demonstrate lower toxicity than conventional pod-style vaping products.

Despite the innovative advantages of a coilless vape, it’s clear to see that ultrasonic vaping isn’t suitable for everyone. This technology is currently only available in the form of pod devices, while this is great news for beginners, it’s unlikely to satisfy advanced vape fans.

With no adjustable settings, wattage to play around with or LED display, ultrasonic vaping offers little in the way of a customisable experience. By focusing purely on optimising the ultrasonic technology and keeping the devices simple and easy to use, ultrasonic vapes currently sit comfortably in the realm of beginner-friendly starter kits.

On that note, let’s take a look at the brands pioneering this technology.

Who’s leading In Ultrasonic E-Cigarette Devices?

The story of ultrasonic vaping began a few years back, when a brand called Usonicig introduced us to this technology with their Rhythm device. Although the Usonicig Rhythm was unlike anything the vaping world had ever seen before, it ultimately failed to impress its users. It was designed to provide a DTL vaping experience, but those that tried it were disappointed by the lack of clouds, flavour, and satisfying hit.

Although we had the freedom to top up the Usonicig with any e liquid, the cool vapour was lacklustre and users needed to puff long drags on the ecig to achieve the desired result, which quickly led to its demise.

Fast forward to early 2022, and we see ultrasonic vaping making a resurgence, but this time catering to MTL fans. Hoping to pick up where Usonicigleft off, Surge as a new leader in this technology has picked up the pace in bringing ultrasonic vaping for the masses. Partnering up with a leading vape brand Innokin released their own ultrasonic vape kit— Innokin Surge Express Pod Kit.

Innokin’s Surge device harnesses the innovative ultrasonic technology and delivers it in a compact, pen-style e-cigarette that’s compatible with their pre-filled pods. Providing a warmer, more satisfying vape than the Usonicigever could, users have reported that the Surge experience is almost indistinguishable from a regular coil vape, albeit a little cooler.

But as Innokin and Surge are first and foremost tech brands, rather than eliquid flavour brands, it’s disappointing that users are limited to their 6 flavour options. Nevertheless, thanks to the Usonicig, we know that it’s possible to benefit from this technology while also being free to use whatever liquid you choose—so hopefully we will see Innokin following suit in the near future.

So is ultrasonic vaping going to revolutionise the way we vape? Let’s find out.

Ultrasonic Vaping Verdict

The emergence of new ultrasonic vape devices this year is exciting to say the least, and the Innokin Surge is definitely a step in the right direction. Swapping metal coils for a vibrating chip means you can say goodbye to coil changes, thus saving you money in the long run. However, this technology is still very much in its infancy and one device certainly doesn’t fit all.

If you’re an advanced vaper or die hard DTL fan, you’ll probably want to look elsewhere. The Surge device requires you to take deeper, harder, and longer drags to achieve the same satisfying hit you’d expect from a regular vape and doesn’t feature any customisable settings or adjustable airflow. While beginners might still appreciate the simplicity and compact pod design, flavour fanatics will also be disappointed to learn that the only ultrasonic vape on the market right now uses pre-filled pods, so you’re limited to a small selection of flavour options.

Regardless of the drawbacks, Surge and Innokin certainly get the points for innovation and it’s clear to see that there’s massive potential here. If there was a device that gave you the freedom to use your own e liquid and adjust the airflow settings, then they could be on to a winner. But for now it seems the world of ultrasonic vaping needs further development to perfect the technology. Who knows, maybe in a few more years we’ll all be making the switch to coilless devices!

Ultrasonic Vaping at myCigara

At myCigara, we exist to make the UK smoke-free. We believe that offering customers viable alternatives helps bring us that much closer to our goal.

If you’re new to vaping, check out our handy basic guide to find out everything you need to know before you get started, including how they work and if they’re right for you. Here at myCigara, we carefully select our stock and place a priority on offering brands and products that are high-quality, reliable, and,most importantly, safe. We take pride in offering premium vape kits and pod devices to help our customers along their quit smoking journey.

We’re excited to see the growing popularity and development of ultrasonic vaping, and while we don’t stock these devices just yet, be sure to watch this space! To make sure you don’t miss out, sign up to our newsletter to be notified the moment this new technology hits our shores.