Disposable vapes offer convenience, efficiency, and affordability, and they come in a variety of styles and flavors with and without nicotine. They don’t require refilling or cleaning, and it’s easy to understand why they’ve become the go-to choice. However, with the recent ban on disposables in the UK, more and more vapers worldwide are looking for alternatives to disposable vapes.
As fellow vapers, we know how overwhelming it can be for you to choose from the vast array of brands and devices available online and in local vape shops. In this article, we examine the different types of reusable devices available, explore the factors to consider before buying one, and showcase what we believe to be the 12 best disposable vape alternatives in 2024.
At a glance:
Best Alternatives to Disposable Vapes
1. Top Pick: MELO & HELO
MELO and HELO vapes may look like disposable vape pens but function differently. Our healthy vape pen alternatives are actually personal aromatherapy diffusers designed to be used retronasally rather than inhaled.
These MELO and HELO vapes are considered to be some of the best nicotine-free vapes on the market. Flavored with organic fruit extracts and made with vegetable glycerin naturally derived from soybean and coconut oils, our diffusers deliver a vaping experience like none other.
MELO diffusers include melatonin to help you sleep; HELO diffusers include caffeine from coffee beans to give you a burst of energy.
If you love the convenience of disposable vapes but want a healthier, nicotine-free product made only with natural food-grade ingredients, our MELO and HELO diffusers are excellent options. Choose from more than a dozen delicious flavors in our 400-puff Air devices or 800-puff Plus pens.
Shop MELO and HELO diffusers here
2. GeekVape Sonder Q
The GeekVape Sonder Q vape offers a customizable vaping experience with a switch for loose or tight airflow control. This refillable vape kit boasts a sleek shape, an easy top-fill design, auto draw activation, mouth-to-lung (MTL) and restricted direct-to-lung (RDL) vaping options and a 1000 mAh battery capacity that lasts a good two days with regular use.
It also includes a convenient Sonder alphabet light that indicates when the battery needs to be charged.
If you like the ELFIQ vape juices used in ELFBAR disposable vapes, the Sonder Q is also available in an ELFIQ bundle. ELFIQ juices come in various tasty flavors and 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg nicotine strengths.
Shop GeekVape Sonder Q pod kits here
3. Elf Bar ELFA PRO
ELFBAR’s ELFA PRO pod kit is one of the best and most popular refillable devices on the market. This disposable vape alternative features a slim, portable design with an instant absorption pod so you can start vaping immediately, a rechargeable battery with 500 mAh capacity, and auto draw activation for MTL vaping.
The ELFA PRO also includes QUAQ mesh coils for coil/liquid separation so your juice stays fresh.
This reusable kit is compatible with ELFA and ELFA PRO refillable and pre-filled pods. It's easy to use and enjoy, and it’s a top choice for nicotine vapers looking to switch from disposable devices to reusable options.
Shop ELF BAR ELFA PRO pod kits here
4. Lost Mary Tappo
Lost Mary has long been a leading brand in the vaping community, and its Tappo reusable vape kit is a top pick.
This disposable vaping alternative comes pre-filled for instant vaping and is intended for use with Lost Mary pre-filled pods. It features a 750 mAh battery capacity, so you can easily go all day (or more) without a charge, and it boasts a soft-touch aluminum case that makes it comfortable to grip.
QUAQ mesh coils keep your e-liquid fresh, and MTL vaping with a relatively tight draw makes it very similar to smoking a cigarette. Each pre-filled pod includes 2 ml of 20 mg nic salt e-liquid, so the Tappo is not ideal if you’re looking to vape without nicotine.
Shop Lost Mary Tappo pod kits here
5. Vaporesso XROS 3 Nano
The Vaporesso XROS 3 NANO is an excellent disposable vape alternative whether you prefer to vape free-base nicotine or nicotine salts. (If you want to vape without nicotine, opt for the XROS 3 instead.)
Each XROS 3 NANO device features a powerful 1000 mAh battery, an easy top-loading refill system, adjustable airflow, and innovative COREX heating technology that delivers intense flavor and prevents unpleasant burnt tastes.
Shop Vaporesso XROS 3 Nano vapes here
6. Vaporesso XROS 3 Mini
Vaporesso makes some of the best reusable vape kits, so we’re giving the brand two spots on our best-of list. If the XROS 3 NANO is bigger and bulkier than you prefer, the XROS 3 Mini is a great alternative.
Slimmer and sleeker than the NANO, the XROS 3 Mini features many of the same features as its larger counterpart and allows for MTL and RDL vaping experiences.
It doesn’t include adjustable airflow like the NANO but has the same powerful battery, heating technology, and pod capacity.
Shop Vaporesso XROS 3 Mini vapes here
7. INNOKIN EZ Tube
If you like the look and feel of a pen-style vape device, check out the INNOKIN EZ Tube. This kit features push-button operation, adjustable airflow, custom power output, and a high-capacity 2100 mAh battery.
Compatible with multiple Z Coils that allow for MTL or RDL vaping, the INNOKIN EZ Tube features an OLED battery display, so you’ll always know when it needs charging.
Shop INNOKIN EZ Tube vapes here
8. OXVA XLIM SQ PRO Kit
The OXVA XLIM SQ PRO Kit delivers a customizable vaping experience with a top-fill design and the ability to accept pre-filled cartridges. This refillable pod kit features a leak-resistant design with a 1200 mAh battery, smart mode, and power mode options so you can switch between automatic power and manual power adjustments.
It also boasts a 0.96-inch color screen with customizable themes and displays.
This device supports MTL vaping and pre-filled OXVA cartridges, available in ten fruity, icy, and sweet flavors.
Shop OXVA XLIM SQ PRO pod kits here
9. UWELL Whirl F Pod System
The UWELL Whirl F Pod System is an excellent option for a reusable vape with a slim, portable pen-style design. Offering MTL vaping with auto draw activation, this device features a 450 mAh battery with Type-C charging, a battery level indicator so you know when to plug it in, and a pre-installed refillable pod.
A unique hexagonal shape gives the Whirl F a distinctive look and makes it comfortable to grip, while a spinning ring around the case serves as a playful fidget toy for added enjoyment.
Shop UWELL Whirl F Pod Systems here
10. Voopoo Doric Q
The Voopoo Doric Q is one of the most affordable non-disposable vape devices on the market. Small but mighty, this reusable vape kit features an 800 mAh battery, an easy side fill, an anti-leakage structure, and stable output power that delivers great taste with every puff.
When you drain the juice, you can easily refill it with any Voopoo ITO 2 ml replacement pod. If you want your juice to last a little longer, 3 ml ITO replacement pods also fit.
11. Aspire One Up R1 Kit
The Aspire One Up R1 Kit is a hybrid vape. Technically, it’s disposable because it includes a non-replaceable pod. However, it can be refilled with up to 2 ml of liquid without changing the coil, which extends its life a wee bit.
This rechargeable vape features a compact shape, 650 mAh battery capacity, and a 0.8-ohm coil that delivers great flavor — but that coil will burn out pretty quickly. When it does, you’ll need to dispose of the device and grab a new one.
Shop Aspire One Up R1 Kits here
12. Smok Acro Pod Kit
The Smok Acro Pod Kit boasts a slim, portable design that combines button triggering and draw activation for MTL vaping. This ultra-lightweight pod system features an airflow adjustment valve, 1000 mAh battery capacity, customizable wattage output, and a slim display screen that lets you know when it needs recharging.
Refillable pods with built-in coils make it easy to reload with e-juice, and a puff counter on the display lets you know when it’s time to refill.
Disposable Vape Alternatives: FAQs
What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing an Alternative to Disposable Vapes?
Several factors must be considered when choosing a refillable pod kit. While single-use devices are cheap and easy to toss after use, refillable kits require more research before buying. Here are the aspects you should examine:
What Are the Different Types of Alternatives to Disposable Vapes?
There are several different types of reusable vape devices on the market. Some of the most popular are pod vapes, vape pens, and sub-ohm kits. Each works slightly differently, so consider the abovementioned factors when choosing your next kit.
If you’re looking for a disposable vape alternative without nicotine, you may want to consider aromatherapy devices, personal diffusers, or inhalers that mimic the effects of vaping. Many of these devices deliver only flavored air, so you never have to worry about inhaling any harmful chemicals like the nicotine found in many vape juices.
What Is the Difference Between Non-Disposable Vapes and Disposable Vapes?
There are several differences between reusable vapes and disposable devices.
Disposable devices are cheaper and easier to use because you never have to clean or refill them. Depending on a disposable's puff count, it might not even need charging.
With slim, sleek designs, they offer excellent portability and allow for discreet vaping at any time. They’re also ideal for people who like to vape different flavors throughout the day because they’re so small and lightweight that you can carry more than one at a time.
Unlike disposables, reusable vape kits are more environmentally friendly because they create less waste. They cost more upfront and require you to purchase replaceable pods and juices, but over time, they can be much more cost-effective than their single-use counterparts.
Many reusable devices also include customizable features, allowing you more control over your vaping experience.
What Is the Typical Price of Non-Disposable Vapes?
Non-disposable vapes typically cost $20 to $40, though some sub-ohm kits cost $100 or more. Prices vary based on brand, size, device components, and battery life.
One reason disposables are so popular is that they’re inexpensive. Reusable, refillable devices require more of an initial investment but can save you money in the long term.
Are There Refillable Vapes That Can Hit Like a Disposable?
Most disposable devices offer an MTL vaping experience that feels similar to smoking a cigarette. While some refillable vape kits only offer DTL vaping, there are plenty of devices on the market that can deliver an MTL hit.
If you want your reusable device to hit like a disposable, steer clear of sub-ohm kits. Opt for pre-filled or refillable pod kits designed for an MTL vaping experience.
Are Disposable Vape Alternatives Safe For You?
There is no such thing as a 100% safe vape. Inhaling anything other than air puts you at potential risk for common, short-term side effects and severe and long-term health consequences. Whether your vape is disposable or reusable has no bearing on whether it’s safe to use. What makes a vape more or less safe is the e-liquid it contains.
The safest vapes are those that contain natural ingredients and do not include nicotine or chemicals that are known to be harmful. You can reduce your risk for adverse health reactions by choosing vapes without diacetyl, vitamin E acetate, formaldehyde, or nicotine.
What Are the Potential Side Effects of Using Disposable Vape Alternatives?
If you’re planning to quit disposable vapes in favor of a reusable kit, there are potential side effects to expect.
Lung Disease
Inhaling e-juice vapor can cause immediate shortness of breath, lung disease, and long-lasting respiratory illnesses. To minimize your risk for lung damage, steer clear of vapes that contain chemicals like diacetyl, formaldehyde, and vitamin E acetate. These are known to be harmful when inhaled.
Throat and Mouth Irritation
Dry mouth, sore throat, and coughing are among the most common side effects of vaping. Taking deep inhalations can make these consequences even more intense.
Headaches and Dizziness
Headaches, dizziness, and lightheadedness are common side effects of vaping. It’s even more likely to experience such side effects when vaping with nicotine.
Nicotine Addiction
Vaping with nicotine can lead to many significant health consequences. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance that can increase heart rate and blood flow, narrow the arteries, and harden the arterial walls — all of which put you at greater risk for cardiovascular disease and heart attack.
What Are the Best Alternatives to Disposable Vapes?
The products we reviewed above are some of the best alternatives to disposable vapes, but we consider our MELO and HELO personal aromatherapy diffusers superior.
Our devices offer the convenience of disposable vapes but don’t function like traditional vapes. Free of nicotine and other harmful chemicals, MELO and HELO vapes allow you to enjoy a healthier vaping experience — and the benefits of fast-acting melatonin or caffeine — without ever having to inhale any vapor at all.
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