Refillable Vape Kits

Sub Ohm Vape Kits

Refillable Pod Kits vs Sub-Ohm Kits: Which Should You Choose?

September 22, 2025

Whether you're browsing our extensive collections of vape kits and wondering about the fundamental differences between refillable pod systems and sub-ohm setups, or you're already committed to one style but curious about what the other offers, understanding these two approaches helps you make confident decisions about your vaping setup.

The choice between refillable pod kits and sub-ohm vape kits represents one of the most significant decisions in modern vaping. These aren't simply different sizes of the same technology – they embody completely different philosophies about how vaping should work, what it should achieve, and how much involvement you want in the process.

Refillable pod kits prioritise portability, simplicity, and efficiency, delivering satisfying nicotine delivery through compact, user-friendly designs optimised for mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping. Sub-ohm systems focus on customisation, performance, and vapour production, offering extensive control over your experience through higher power output and compatibility with thick, high-VG e-liquids best suited for (DTL) direct-to-lung vaping.

Neither approach is inherently superior – the best choice depends entirely on matching the right technology and vaping style to your preferences, lifestyle requirements, and long-term interests. Understanding how these systems differ in operation, maintenance, and capabilities helps you choose confidently between our extensive pod and advanced kit collections.

Key Takeaways

Refillable pod kits excel at portable, efficient MTL vaping with minimal maintenance and excellent battery life
Sub-ohm systems offer maximum customisation and vapour production but require more involvement and larger batteries
Pod systems work best with 50/50 and nicotine salt e-liquids, while sub-ohm setups are designed for high-VG shortfills
Maintenance complexity differs significantly: pods focus on simplicity, sub-ohm systems reward those who enjoy tinkering
Both can deliver exceptional flavour and satisfaction when matched to the right user preferences and e-liquid types

Shop Vape Kits

Oxva Xlim Go 2 Pod Vape Kit

MTL

Oxva Xlim Go 2 Pod Vape Kit

Stylish, Compact pod vape kit with 1500mAh battery, automatic power up to 30W, and Xlim V3/EZ pod compatibility for MTL...

(+ 4)

£9.49

Kit + 1 x E-Liquid

Innokin Coolfire P60 Pod Vape Kit

MTL/DTL

Innokin Coolfire P60 Pod Vape Kit

Slim and powerful pod vape kit with 3200mAh battery, 60W output, and PZP Max coil compatibility for MTL, RDL and...

(+ 2)

£21.99

Reduced - ends 18th Jan

VooPoo Vinci E80 Pod Vape Kit

DTL/RDL

VooPoo Vinci E80 Pod Vape Kit

Smart pod vape kit with 80W power, 3000mAh battery, and two integrated Vinci E Cartridges for DTL and RDL vaping.

(+ 3)

was £34.99 Now £25.99

SMOK Arco Digi Pod Vape Kit

MTL

SMOK Arco Digi Pod Vape Kit

1300mAh pod vape kit with 3 power modes, precision airflow, and a 0.6ohm mesh pod for MTL and RDL vaping.

(+ 2)

£8.99

Understanding Refillable Pod Kits

Refillable pod kits represent the evolution of simple vaping: compact devices that integrate everything you need into a streamlined, portable package. The "pod" itself is a small cartridge containing both the coil and e-liquid storage, designed to click or magnetically attach to a battery component.

Most refillable pod systems operate between 10-40W and focus on mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping, though some newer models support restricted direct-to-lung (RDL) styles. They typically feature draw-activated operation – simply inhale to vape, no button pressing required – making them immediately intuitive for any use.

The fundamental principle behind pod design is integration and efficiency. Rather than separating components like traditional tank systems, everything works together as a cohesive unit optimised for specific performance characteristics.

Pod Kit Advantages

Portability and Discretion

Pod systems excel where size and weight matter. Most slip easily into pockets without bulk, making them perfect companions for commuting, travelling, or any situation where you want vaping to remain unobtrusive. Their compact profiles and often draw-activated operation mean truly grab-and-go convenience.

Simplified Maintenance

Maintenance stays minimal with most pod systems. When using pods with integrated coils, you simply replace the entire pod when performance declines – no coil installation, no priming complexity. Even with replaceable coil pods, the process remains straightforward compared to traditional tank systems.

Optimised Efficiency

Pod systems achieve impressive efficiency through their focused design. The integration of components means everything works together optimally, often delivering excellent battery life relative to their compact size. Many modern pod kits provide all-day use from surprisingly small batteries.

Perfect for MTL Vaping

The MTL draw style that pod systems excel at closely mimics traditional smoking, making them ideal for anyone seeking that familiar sensation. The tighter draw and lower vapour production suit users who prefer discrete vaping or find large vapour clouds unnecessary.

Pod Kit Considerations

Limited Customisation Options

Pod systems trade customisation for simplicity. While this eliminates complexity, with more basic pod kits it can often restrict your ability to fine-tune performance through different coil resistances, extensive airflow adjustment, or power curve modification. You're working within the manufacturer's optimised parameters.

E-liquid Compatibility Focus

Pod systems work best with 50/50 e-liquids and nicotine salts due to their lower power output and wicking characteristics. While some handle higher VG ratios with specialised low-resistance pods, they're not optimised for the thick, high-VG shortfills that sub-ohm systems thrive with.

Performance Boundaries

Pod systems have natural performance limits due to their compact size and lower power operation. While they excel at flavour delivery and efficiency, they can't match the vapour production or customisation potential of larger sub-ohm setups.

Understanding Sub-Ohm Vape Kits

Sub-ohm vape kits take a modular approach where performance and customisation take priority over compactness. These systems typically consist of a mod (battery device) and a metal and glass tank that connect via the standard 510 threading, allowing extensive mixing and matching of components.

Sub-ohm systems operate at higher wattages (typically 40-200W+) and use coils with resistance below 1.0ohm – hence the "sub-ohm" designation, although optimal sub-ohm resistances for vaping high-VG vape juice are usually found at 0.4ohms or below. This combination of high power and low resistance enables direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping with substantial vapour production and intense flavour delivery.

The modular philosophy means you can upgrade components individually, experiment with different tank and mod combinations, and fine-tune your setup through extensive coil selection and adjustable features.

Sub-Ohm Kit Advantages

Maximum Customisation Potential

Sub-ohm systems offer virtually unlimited customisation options. Switch between different tanks for varying performance characteristics, experiment with hundreds of coil options in different resistances and materials, and adjust airflow precisely to match your preferences.

Superior Vapour Production

The combination of high power output and low-resistance coils enables substantial vapour production impossible with pod systems. This makes sub-ohm setups ideal for DTL vaping and users who enjoy dense, flavourful clouds.

High-VG E-liquid Compatibility

Sub-ohm systems excel with thicker high-VG e-liquids that would struggle in pod systems. The higher power output and larger wicking ports handle thick, VG-heavy liquids effectively, unlocking access to premium shortfill ranges designed specifically for cloud production.

Expandable and Upgradeable

The modular nature means you can upgrade components individually rather than replacing entire devices. Start with a basic setup and gradually add more advanced tanks, coils, or features as your interests develop. For those willing to explore further, sub-ohm systems can even accommodate rebuildable tanks and dripping atomisers for ultimate customisation.

Sub-Ohm Kit Considerations

Size and Portability Trade-offs

Sub-ohm systems are inherently larger and heavier than pod alternatives due to their higher power requirements and separate components. While some compact options exist, most sacrifice the pocket-friendly convenience that pod systems excel at.

Increased Complexity

The customisation potential comes with complexity. You'll need to understand coil compatibility, proper installation techniques, wattage recommendations, and maintain both mod and tank components. This learning curve can overwhelm users seeking maximum simplicity.

Higher Power Consumption

Sub-ohm vaping consumes more battery power due to higher wattage operation. This often means larger batteries, more frequent charging, or carrying spare batteries for all-day use – considerations that don't apply to efficient pod systems.

Maintenance Requirements

Sub-ohm systems require more hands-on maintenance: regular coil changes, proper priming procedures, cleaning tank components, and understanding when different elements need replacement. While not difficult, these tasks require more involvement than pod system maintenance.

Refillable Pod Kits vs Sub-Ohm: Making Your Choice

The decision between refillable pod kits and sub-ohm systems ultimately comes down to matching technology to your priorities, lifestyle, and vaping preferences. Both can deliver exceptional satisfaction when chosen correctly.

Choose refillable pod kits if you prioritise portability and convenience

Pod systems excel when size, weight, and grab-and-go convenience matter most – perfect for commuting, travelling, or discrete vaping. They offer minimal maintenance (simple pod replacement or filling), excellent battery efficiency relative to their compact size, and reliable performance with nicotine salt e-liquids and 50/50 blends. Everything works together by design, eliminating compatibility guesswork.

Choose sub-ohm systems if you enjoy customisation and maximum vapour production

Sub-ohm setups reward users who like experimenting with different coils, fine-tuning performance, and don't mind increased complexity for enhanced capabilities. They excel with high-VG shortfill e-liquids, enable substantial cloud production through DTL vaping, and offer modular expandability for building collections over time.

Your e-liquid preferences often determine the best choice

Pod systems excel with nicotine salts and 50/50 formulations, while sub-ohm systems handle high-VG shortfills (70VG+) effectively and provide access to the full spectrum of e-liquid types. Consider your daily routine too – pod systems offer unmatched convenience for travel and discrete public vaping, while sub-ohm systems provide more engaging home-based sessions for those with hobbyist interests.

Refillable Pod Kits vs Sub-Ohm Kits: Which Should You Choose?

Key Takeaways

Understanding Refillable Pod Kits