There are loads of vape types available on the market, often leaving you unsure which to choose and potentially confused where to start. Although there are several different types of vapes available, they fundamentally behave in very similar ways; by turning e-liquid into vapour that you can inhale. Some are more compact for on-the-go use, some create bigger clouds, and some come pre-filled with vape juice for convenience.
This guide walks you through all types of vapes so you can decide which one will fit into your lifestyle and suit your preferred style of vaping.
Contents:
2. Why are there so many types of vape?
✓ Pod mods
4. Pros and cons of different vape types
5. Choosing the right type of vape
Key takeaways:
→ There are several types of vapes designed around user needs.
→ The main types of vapes are pre-filled or refillable pods, vape pens, vape mods, mod pods and cigalikes.
→ Disposable vapes were popular but have now been banned.
→ Pre-filled pods and disposable vapes are easy to use, portable and low maintenance, but have limited flavours and customisation.
→ Refillable pods and vape pens offer more flavour options and control but need occasional refilling and upkeep.
MTL (mouth-to-lung), DTL (direct-to-lung), and RDTL (restricted direct-to-lung) refer to different inhaling styles, each offering a different balance of airflow, vapour production and intensity.
→ Vape mods provide the most customisation, power, and cloud and flavour potential, but are larger, more complex, and better suited to experienced vapers.
→ Pod mods combine pod convenience with some mod-level power and settings, offering a balance between ease and customisation.
→ Cigalikes mimic traditional cigarettes, making them familiar for smokers, but they have weak batteries and limited performance.
→ Choosing a vape depends on priorities: cost, portability, user experience, e-liquid variety, and maintenance requirements.
What is a vape device?
In simple terms, a vape device is a small battery-powered unit that heats a liquid, known as e-liquid or vape juice, to create a vapour that users inhale. You might also hear a vape referred to as an e-cigarette or e-cig. A vape device is made up of many parts, including a coil and a wick that heat and transport the liquid so that it can be made into vapour. The exact combination of parts and how they are used can vary according to different vape types.
Why are there so many types of vape?
When vapes first emerged in the early 2000s, they were designed to replicate a cigarette, hence the term ‘e-cigarette’. As technology has evolved and user needs have become more sophisticated, there is a market for a more personalised vaping experience. Different vape types have been created to closely match what individual users want. Some people want something simple and portable, others value better control and sharper flavour hits. With 5.4 million people now regularly vaping, vape devices have evolved to satisfy all kinds of vapers.
Types of vapes
Let’s delve into the different types of vapes and their pros and cons.
Pre-filled pods
| Accessibility | Easy |
| Inhaling Style | MTL |
| Rechargeable | Yes |
| Refillable | No |
Pre-filled pods combine convenience and performance. They come with a rechargeable battery base that can simply be plugged in and charged up, ready to be used multiple times. E-liquid comes in a small pre-filled cartridge that can be easily connected to the main pod and then removed and recycled when the vape juice runs out.
Riot Connex
Riot Connex is a compact pod system that can be recharged using a USB C type cable. You simply attach your pre-filled Connex pod when you're ready for a new flavour and draw on the mouthpiece to activate - we couldn't have made it any easier.
Try Riot Connex
Refillable pods
| Accessibility | Moderate |
| Inhaling Style | MTL or RDTL |
| Rechargeable | Yes |
| Refillable | Yes |
Refillable pods add a more custom element to pre-filled vape types. Pod kits like the Riot Oxva, are great for vapers who like the freedom to try new flavours. These types of vapes have a rechargeable battery and a refillable cartridge. You can manually top them up using a bottle of your favourite vape juice, or even create your own e-liquid varieties.
These types of vapers are perfect for those who like to personalise their vape e-liquid flavour but don’t want to play around with lots of settings. Refillable pods also come in various different styles catering to Mouth-to-lung (MTL) or Direct-to-lung (DTL) or Restricted direct-to-lung (RDTL) - a slightly tighter version of DTL that offer a balance between airflow and control, and can be refilled from the bottom, top or the side.
Vape pens
| Accessibility | Moderate |
| Inhaling Style | MTL or RDTL |
| Rechargeable | Yes |
| Refillable | Yes |
Vape pens are a refillable option that are cylindrical in shape and therefore very easy to carry around and use when out and about. They consist of a rechargeable battery and a tank or cartridge that holds e-liquid. Some vape pens are controlled by a button while others are draw-activated. They’re an effortless and stylish option that focuses on flavour and convenience.
Riot Aspire Cyber G Slim Pod Kit
The Riot Aspire Cyber G Slim is a refillable vape kit in a sleek and lightweight pen-like design that fits right into your pocket.
It's quick charging, fast to refill, and goes perfectly with our BAR EDTN and RIOT X e-liquids.
Vape mods
| Accessibility | Difficult |
| Inhaling Style | DTL or RDTL |
| Rechargeable | Yes |
| Refillable | Yes |
Different types of vapes give you differing amounts of control. ‘Mods’ is short for ‘modifications’ which tells you that vape mods are best suited to vapers who are into customising their vape experience. They are usually slightly larger than other types of vape and have adjustable settings. Some have removable battery packs so you can choose your power output. Other variables include the wattage and temperature, and the ability to build your own coils. Vape mods usually have an electronic interface for you to adjust the settings easily.
The types of vapes can typically handle a wide range of e-liquids, including high VG blends like shortfills. These are larger bottles of nicotine-free e-liquid designed to be customised with nicotine shots, making them ideal for DTL vaping with bigger clouds and more intense flavour. As a result, these devices are best suited to experienced vapers who know how to use the settings correctly and achieve their desired effect.
Pod mods
| Accessibility | Difficult |
| Inhaling Style | DTL or RDTL |
| Rechargeable | Yes |
| Refillable | Yes |
Pod mods combine some of the best bits of all types of vapes. With a rechargeable battery and refillable pod plus simple but effective customisation options, they are the perfect blend of convenience and personalisation.
Where vape mods offer advanced control, pod mods give you choice over the most popular settings without being overwhelming. The refillable cartridge also gives you access to all the e-liquid flavours you can shake a vape at. These types of vapes are smaller than vape mods but more powerful than the average refillable pod or vape pen.
Riot Aspire Cyber GT
The Riot Aspire Cyber GT is powered by a 2,400 mAh built-in battery, comes with three adjustable power modes, and has custom activation options and LED indicators that give you all the info you need for a seamless vape experience.
It's great for both mouth-to-lung or restricted direct-to-lung vaping depending on what mood you're in.
Cigalikes
| Accessibility | Easy |
| Inhaling Style | MTL |
| Rechargeable | Varies |
| Refillable | Varies |
Cigalikes were some of the earliest types of vapes. They were designed to look like an actual cigarette, helping people to transition away from smoking. There are rechargeable and refillable cigalikes for people who like their vape to replicate a cigarette. The short battery life and limited flavours means they’ve been surpassed by the many other different vape types.
Disposable vapes
| Accessibility | Easy |
| Inhaling Style | MTL or DTL |
| Rechargeable | No |
| Refillable | No |
Disposable vapes are pre-filled, pre-charged devices designed for single use. With no assembly, no refilling and no maintenance their convenience made them one of the most common entry points into vaping.
Disposable vapes were banned in the UK in June 2025. We couldn’t write a list of different vapes without including them, but there are several disposable vape alternatives that can help leave single use vapes in the past.
Shop Connex Pods
Pros and cons of different vape types
If you’re still on the fence about which types of vapes will work for you, here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of all types of vapes for you to compare.
| Vape Type | Pros | Cons | Ease of Use | Inhaling Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-filled pods |
|
|
Very easy to set up and activate | MTL |
| Refillable pods |
|
|
Generally easy but will need refilling | MTL or RDTL |
| Vape pens |
|
|
Generally easy but will need refilling | MTL or RDTL |
| Vape mods |
|
|
Can be more complex. Not advised for beginners | DTL or RDTL |
| Pod mods |
|
|
Can be more complex. Not advised for beginners | DTL or RDTL |
| Cigalikes |
|
|
Very easy - no set up necessary | MTL |
| Disposable vapes |
|
|
Very easy. Does not need refilling or recharging | MTL or DTL |
Choosing the right type of vape
Maybe you’re new to vaping or perhaps want to try a different vape kit than what you have had previously. There’s no ‘right’ vape type - just the one that suits your requirements better than others. Define what matters to you and go from there:
Cost - Simple vape pens and refillable pods are less expensive to buy upfront and only require minimal costs to maintain. If budget is your priority rather than cloud chasing opt for one of these.
Convenience - Whether it’s being able to put it in your pocket or being able to go long periods between charging - there are different vape types for different purposes. A vape pen is slim and compact while a pod mod is more powerful with a bigger battery. Weigh up what makes your life easier.
Experience - if you’ve been vaping for a while and want to enjoy more control over your experience then a vape mod or a pod mod might be just the ticket. Conversely, if you’re completely new to vaping, a pre-filled pod would be better.
E-liquids - Refillable pod kits, pod mods and vape mods give you more flavour variation and choice of nicotine strengths than pre-filled vape kits or cigalikes. Nicotine type also plays a role. Nic salts provide a smoother throat hit and faster nicotine delivery, making them ideal for MTL vaping. Hybrid blends balance smoothness with a slightly stronger throat hit, giving a bit more punch while still remaining easy to use.
Maintenance - Other than disposables, which are no longer available to buy, all vape types need some maintenance. Vape mods can require a little extra upkeep than other types though
Find the Best Vape for You
Alongside our eclectic and epic choice of e-liquids, we have a selection of vape kits designed to transport our anarchic vape juice and turn it into delicious tasting vapour. From Connex pods to the Oxva Nexlim and our range of Aspire vape devices, we’ve created something that’s easy to use, great to look at and, above all, delivers great tasting vape juice flavour when you want it the most. Check out our rechargeable vape kits now.
