Vapes come in five practical types: disposables, pod-based disposables, pod systems, vape pens and all-in-one kits, and box mods. The difference is whether you refill and recharge, how much control you get, and how much upkeep you take on. This page explains each type with the specifications of the 200 devices in the Vaperan catalog. It covers nicotine vapes only.
The types at a glance
| Type | What it is | Refillable | E-liquid | Battery | Where to find them |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Disposable vape | Sealed, prefilled, draw-activated; rechargeable battery | No | 10 to 40 mL | 600 to 1500 mAh | Disposable vapes |
| Pod-based disposable | Reusable battery plus prefilled pods that are swapped out | Pods are replaced, not refilled | 13 to 24 mL per pod | shared with the kit | Prefilled pods |
| Pod system | Rechargeable device with a refillable pod; draw or button | Yes | 2 to 15 mL | 750 to 3800 mAh | Pod systems |
| Vape pen / AIO kit | Pen-shaped or all-in-one refillable device with built-in battery | Yes | see listing | see listing | Vape pen kits, AIO kits |
| Box mod kit | Adjustable-wattage mod with a tank; built-in or external batteries | Yes | tank, typically 2 to 6 mL | 4 of 22 take external cells | Box mod kits |
Ranges are the manufacturer specifications across the models we stock. “See listing” means the value is stated per product rather than being typical for the type.
1. Disposable vapes
A disposable is a sealed device that arrives filled and charged. 92 of the 93 disposables we stock are draw-activated: no button, it fires when you inhale. Current models have a rechargeable battery (600 to 1500 mAh) and hold 10 to 40 mL of e-liquid, with manufacturer puff ratings from 15,000 to 100,000. When the liquid is gone the whole device is finished. 80 of them are 5% (50 mg) nicotine salt.
Suits: people who want nothing to set up or maintain. Costs more per millilitre than any refillable type. Examples: Foger Switch Pro 30K, Geek Bar Pulse X 25K, Geek Bar Pulse 15000. What the puff numbers mean: puff counts explained.
2. Pod-based disposables
A newer split of the disposable: a reusable battery and a prefilled pod that snaps on. When the pod is empty you replace the pod and keep the battery, which costs less than a new device each time. The pods are sealed and are not refilled with bottled liquid. Examples: Foger Switch PRO 30K, Lost Mary NERA Fullview 70K, Lost Angel Mate 50K. Guides: Foger Switch Pro, Lost Mary Nera, Off Stamp X-Cube.
3. Pod systems
A pod system is a small rechargeable device with a refillable pod. You buy e-liquid separately, fill the pod, and replace the pod or its coil every one to two weeks. The 68 pod systems we stock run at 4 to 100 W, with 750 to 3800 mAh batteries and 2 to 15 mL pods. Most are draw-activated; some add a fire button and adjustable power.
Suits: anyone who vapes daily and wants the lowest running cost, in exchange for a few minutes of upkeep a week. Examples: Vaporesso XROS 5 Mini 30W, Vaporesso XROS 5 30W, Vaporesso LUXE XR MAX 2. How to fill and prime one: how to use a pod system. Family guides: Vaporesso XROS, Uwell Caliburn, SMOK Novo.
4. Vape pens and all-in-one kits
“Vape pen” describes the shape: a slim, pen-like refillable device with a built-in battery. An all-in-one (AIO) kit is a device where the battery and the pod or tank form one unit, so there is nothing to assemble beyond fitting the pod. In practice these overlap with pod systems; the category pages sort them by shape. Examples: SMOK Vape Pen V2 60W, Aspire PockeX AIO, Vandy Vape NOVA AIO 60W.
5. Box mods
A box mod is a larger device with adjustable wattage, a screen and a separate tank with replaceable coils. The 22 kits we stock reach 40 to 225 W; 4 of them take external 18650 or 21700 cells that are sold separately, the rest have built-in batteries. They are used with lower-strength freebase e-liquid, not 5% nicotine salt.
Suits: experienced vapers who want more vapor and control. Examples: Geek Vape Aegis Legend 5 200W, Vaporesso ARMOUR ULTRA 100W, SMOK X-PRIV PLUS 225W. Family guides: Geekvape Aegis, VOOPOO Drag and Argus. Battery handling: vape battery safety.
Types we do not stock
Cigalikes (cigarette-shaped devices with small cartridges), mechanical mods without electronic protection, and any cannabis or THC vape. Vaperan sells nicotine hardware only.
Which type should you buy?
- First vape, no upkeep: a disposable, or a pod-based disposable if you will buy more than one.
- Daily use, lowest cost per week: a pod system, plus e-liquid.
- More vapor and control: a box mod kit.
The buyer’s guide goes through the specifications that matter for each, and disposable vs pod system compares the two most common choices in cost per week.
Questions
What are the main types of vapes?
Disposable vapes, pod-based disposables with replaceable prefilled pods, refillable pod systems, vape pens and all-in-one kits, and box mods. They differ in whether you refill and recharge and in how much control you get.
What is the difference between a disposable and a pod system?
A disposable is sealed and prefilled and is thrown away when empty. A pod system is refilled with e-liquid you buy separately and recharged, so it costs less to run.
Are disposable vapes rechargeable?
Current models are. Every disposable in the Vaperan catalog lists a rechargeable battery and USB Type-C charging; the e-liquid, not the battery, decides when it is finished.
What type of vape is a Geek Bar?
A disposable. Most Geek Bar models are single-piece sealed devices; the Mate 60K is a pod-based disposable with a reusable battery. See the Geek Bar lineup.
Which type is right for a beginner?
A disposable needs nothing set up, which is why most people start there. A pod system costs less over time and takes a few minutes of upkeep a week.
WARNING: This product contains nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive chemical.
Related guides
- How Long Do Disposable Vapes Last? Days for Every Model: Days of use for every disposable in the catalog, from capacity and daily use.
- How to Use a Pod System: Fill, Prime and Replace Pods: How to fill, prime and maintain a refillable pod system.
- VOOPOO Drag and Argus: Every Model Compared: All 5 VOOPOO Drag and Argus models compared on battery, output, capacity, display and price.
- Geekvape Aegis: Every Model Compared: All 7 Geekvape Aegis models compared on battery, output, capacity, display and price.
Sources: the manufacturers' specification lists as published in the Vaperan catalog; prices shown are live. Written by the Vaperan team. Last reviewed September 30, 2026. How we write our guides.