Comparing vapes means matching a device type to how you smoke, your experience, and the draw you prefer rather than picking a product at random. Royal Vapery groups reusable vapes into 4 types for UK adult smokers: prefilled pod kits, refillable pod kits, starter kits and sub-ohm kits. This guide compares those types and helps you choose the right one when switching from cigarettes.
Which vape is best for you?
The best vape for you depends on your experience, how much you smoke, and what matters most, whether that is simplicity, flavour or cost. Use the finder below to get a match in 4 quick questions.
Find your match
Which vape is best for you?
Answer 4 quick questions and we'll point you to the vape type that fits how you smoke, your experience, and what matters most to you.
For adult smokers looking to switch. Vaping is less harmful than smoking, but not risk-free (NHS). All devices shown are reusable and UK-compliant.
Compare the options
Vape types compared
Four reusable, UK-compliant vape types cover most adult smokers switching from cigarettes. Compare how they differ before you choose.
Prefilled Pod Kit
The closest feel to a disposable, without the single-use waste.
- Best for
- Beginners and ex-disposable users
- Ease of use
- Very easy
- Draw style
- Mouth-to-lung (MTL)
- Vapour
- Low to moderate
- E-liquid
- Prefilled nic salt pods
- Running cost
- Moderate
Refillable Pod Kit
Big flavour and the lowest running cost of any pod device.
- Best for
- Flavour and value seekers
- Ease of use
- Easy
- Draw style
- Mouth-to-lung (MTL)
- Vapour
- Low to moderate
- E-liquid
- Nic salts in 10ml bottles
- Running cost
- Low
Vape Starter Kit
An easy, all-in-one way to start vaping when quitting cigarettes.
- Best for
- Complete beginners switching
- Ease of use
- Easy
- Draw style
- Mouth-to-lung (MTL)
- Vapour
- Low to moderate
- E-liquid
- Nic salts in 10ml bottles
- Running cost
- Low to moderate
Sub-Ohm Kit
Bigger clouds and a direct-to-lung draw for experienced vapers.
- Best for
- Experienced vapers who want clouds
- Ease of use
- Moderate
- Draw style
- Direct-to-lung (DTL)
- Vapour
- High
- E-liquid
- 70/30 shortfills
- Running cost
- Moderate to high
All devices are rechargeable and comply with the UK Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016. UK nicotine e-liquid is capped at 20mg/ml, sold in 10ml bottles, with a 2ml maximum tank capacity. Single-use disposable vapes were banned from sale in the UK on 1 June 2025. You must be 18 or over to buy vaping products. Vaping is less harmful than smoking, but it is not risk-free, read NHS guidance at nhs.uk.
How to choose the right vape when switching from smoking
Choosing the right vape rests on 3 decisions: your experience level, your nicotine strength, and your preferred draw style. Each decision narrows the four device types to the one that suits you.
Match the device to your experience level
Your experience level points to the simplest suitable device. Complete beginners suit a vape starter kits bundle or a prefilled pod kit, because neither needs settings adjusted. Experienced vapers who want more vapour move toward a sub-ohm kits setup with adjustable power and airflow.
Match nicotine strength to how much you smoke
Nicotine strength should reflect how much you currently smoke, within the UK legal limit of 20mg/ml. Light smokers of up to 10 a day suit 6mg to 10mg nic salt, moderate smokers suit 10mg to 20mg, and heavier smokers suit 20mg. Browse nic salt e-liquids for a smoother throat hit and faster nicotine delivery than freebase e-liquid gives.
Choose your draw style: MTL or DTL
Your draw style separates mouth-to-lung devices from direct-to-lung ones. Mouth-to-lung (MTL) mimics the tight draw of a cigarette and suits most switching smokers on pod kits. Direct-to-lung (DTL) pulls vapour straight into the lungs for bigger clouds, and it works with shortfill e-liquids at lower nicotine strengths on sub-ohm kits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best vape for a beginner in the UK?
The best vape for a beginner in the UK is a prefilled or refillable pod kit, because both offer a simple, cigarette-like draw. Pod kits need no settings adjusted and use nic salts for a smooth throat hit. A vape starter kit works well too, bundling everything a switching smoker needs in one package.
What is the difference between MTL and DTL vaping?
The difference between MTL and DTL vaping is the way you inhale. Mouth-to-lung (MTL) draws vapour into the mouth first, mimicking a cigarette, and suits pod kits. Direct-to-lung (DTL) pulls vapour straight into the lungs for bigger clouds, and suits sub-ohm kits with lower-strength shortfill e-liquids.
Which vape is best for a heavy smoker?
The best vape for a heavy smoker is usually a pod kit paired with a 20mg nic salt, the UK legal maximum strength. Nic salts deliver nicotine quickly and smoothly, which helps satisfy stronger cravings. A refillable pod kit keeps the running cost low while a heavy smoker adjusts to vaping.
Are disposable vapes still available in the UK?
No, single-use disposable vapes are not available in the UK, because the sale of them was banned on 1 June 2025. Reusable alternatives replaced them, including prefilled and refillable pod kits. These rechargeable devices deliver a comparable experience with far less waste, and they remain fully legal to buy.