Best Open Pod Systems of 2019… Under $25

At first glance, there’s absolutely nothing about the Sigelei Compak M Class that jumps at you. It’s certainly attractive. Probably one of the slickest, classiest AIO vape I’ve seen. But it’s also a pretty standard design… until you get your hands on one. Then you remember who made it.

Sigelei is known for top-tier craftsmanship, and that even extends to this entry-level device. The Compak M maintains a small form-factor, but still offers 1,100mAh of battery life, a zinc alloy frame, single-button operation and a 2mL refillable pod, held together with smooth seams and some of the strongest magnetic snaps in recent memory.

The pod itself? A mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaper’s dream, delivering a snug 1.6-ohm coil that managed to last well-beyond standard pod mod expectations. And in a unique twist, the airflow varies depending on the different pod offerings. Though we wanted a little more adjustment, everyone in our office found something to like here, and we think you will, too.

Sigelei Compak M Class Pod System Features:

• All-In-One Design
• Dimensions – 104mm by 42mm by 13mm
• Integrated 1100mAh Rechargeable Battery
• Resistance Range: 1.6ohm
• Zinc-Alloy Chassis Construction
• Single Button Operation
• LED Battery Life Indicator Light
• 2mL Pod Capacity
• Integrated 1.6ohm Coil
• Bottom Fill System – Silicone Stoppered
• Cotton Wicking Medium
• Top Pod Airflow – 2 Different Pods
• Magnetic Snap-In Pod Connection
• MicroUSB Port
• Available in Gold and Silver

Includes:

• 1 Compak M-Class
• 1 2.0mL Refillable Pod
• 1 MicroUSB Cable
• 1 User Manual

1 Warranty Card

Who says a sub-$25 pod mod system can’t be a “luxury” device? Certainly not the nice people at CoilART, who enter the pod mod game with the very impressive BRON 25-watt setup. Even before you fire this single-button pod device, you’ll marvel at how nice the paisley engravings and zinc alloy chassis look and feel.

But the real beauty is under the hood, where the BRON proves to be a lot more than a nic salt guzzling, MTL machine. With two pod coil options reading at 0.5 and 1.0 ohms, it’s clear CoilART wants  the BRON to appeal to sub-ohm vapers on the go as much as they want the newcomer crowd. While I wouldn’t go direct-lung hitting nic salts, there’s definitely more versatility here than with standard pod mods.

The pods are as long-lasting as any we’ve seen, and deliver flavor right up until the end of their lifespan. And the 900mAh battery – while not an award-winner in its own right – delivers ample power when you need it, without any stutters or misfires. It’s attractive, versatile, reliable and long-lasting – basically everything a vaper could want, especially at this price point.

CoilART BRON 25W Pod System Features:

• Dimensions – 62mm by 36mm by 13mm
• Integrated 900mAh Rechargeable Battery
• Max Wattage Output: 25W
• 3 Voltage Levels – 0.5ohm: 3.3V, 3.5V, 3.7V
• 3 Voltage Levels – 1.0ohm: 2.9V, 3.5V, 3.7V
• Coil Resistances: 0.5ohm / 1.0ohm
• Coil Material: Stainless Steel
• Zinc-Alloy Chassis Construction
• Elaborate Engraved Design
• Single Button Operation
• LED Battery Life Indicator Light
• Top Airflow Control System – Single Inlet
• Refillable Pod – Replaceable Cartridge
• Proprietary Drip Tip
• 2mL Pod Capacity
• Side Fill System – Silicone Stoppered
• CoilART BRON Replacement Pod Series
• 5ohm SS DTL Coil
• 0ohm SS MTL Coil
• Single Slotted Top Airflow Control Ring
• Snap-In Pod Connection
• 10s Cut Off Protection
• Short Circuit Protection
• Open Circuit Protection
• Low Voltage Protection
• Available in Black, Blue, Orange, Red, or Silver

Includes:

• 1 BRON Device
• 1 BRON Pod (comes with 0.5ohm SS DTL Coil)
• 1 Drip Tip
• 1 MicroUSB Cable
• 1 User Manual

I’m not sure who names these things, but I can only imagine “SUPO” is short for “Super Pod” or some similar mashup. But, coming from one of the pioneers of vaping, we’ll give Kanger a pass… especially since the SUPO is a damn good entry into this ever-crowding field.

The biggest highlight of the SUPO is easily the dual coil airflow system, which matches the coil resistance to an appropriate airflow level. This is particularly impressive considering it’s a button-free, draw-activated device with a modest, but reliable 800mAh battery. Just by flicking a switch on the mod’s body, the SUPO switches from a single airflow slot to a massive four slots, bringing the SUPO to new levels of relevance for sub-ohm vapers looking for a portable alternative to their standard rigs.

The coils come in both 0.6 and 1.0-ohm ceramic varieties, and are equally adept at handling freebase liquids or the nic salt juices pod mod vapers love so much. And the best part? Both coils are installed side-by-side, so all you need to do is flick a switch and vape the way you want. While we’ll need a little more time to see how well this “all in one” setup works, we’re encouraged by the idea of not swapping pods whenever we want a different style of vaping.

Well-built, attractive and portable, the SUPO offers a lot of value and versatility for the price, and needs to be on any vaper’s shortlist when it comes time to shop for a portable device.

Kanger SUPO Pod System Features:

• Dimensions – 120mm by 27mm by 12mm
• Integrated 800mAh Rechargeable Battery
• Full Power Output
• Aluminum Alloy Chassis Construction
• Draw-Activated Firing Mechanism
• Airflow Control Switch – MTL & DTL Options
• LED Battery Life Indicator Light
• Refillable Pod – Replaceable Cartridge
• 2mL Refillable Pod
• Side Fill System – Silicone Stoppered
• Two Integrated Pod Coils – Airflow Switch Dependent
• 6ohm DL Ceramic Coil – 4 Hole Airflow Option
• 0ohm MTL Ceramic Coil – 1 Hole Airflow Option
• Airflow Control Switch – Active Coil Selection
• Magnetic Pod Connection
• Short Circuit Protection
• Low Voltage Protection
• Over Charging Protection
• MicroUSB Port
• Available in Black, Red, Grey, and Blue

Includes:

• 1 SUPO Battery
• 1 SUPO Refillable Pod
• 1 MicroUSB Charging Cable
• 1 User Manual

When I first saw the 580mAh integrated battery on the Eleaf Tance, I wasn’t feeling too confident this device would make anyone’s “best of” list, much less ours. But we were floored when we realized the 580mAh cell did a great job, even outlasting several pod mods that were rated much higher. Truth be told, it was eye opening, and makes us wonder if we’re reviewing internal batteries the wrong way.

That aside, the Tance also features a versatile “pod flipping” mechanism that allows users to choose between two different airflow settings by rotating the pod within the device. Even better, the 1.2-ohm coil is capable of both MTL and restricted lung vaping, depending on the airflow selection. While the 10-watt output isn’t going to win any cloud competitions, there’s definitely some versatility to be had here.

More importantly, the Tance’s vape quality is outstanding, with rich, deep flavors and potent, warm draws that make the most of those 10 watts. This is nic salt-only territory, but fans and newcomers alike will do well by putting the Tance on their shopping lists the next time they’re in the market for a new portable device.

Eleaf TANCE 10W Pod System Features:

• Dimensions – 95.5mm by 24mm by 14mm
• Integrated 580mAh Rechargeable Battery
• Max Wattage Output: 10W
• Resistance Range: 0.3-3.0ohm
• Zinc-Alloy Chassis Construction
• Draw-Activated Firing Mechanism
• Side-Dependent Airflow System – 1mm/1.6mm Airflow Inlet
• LED Battery Life Indicator Light
• Magnetic Pod Connection
• Refillable Pod – Replaceable Cartridge
• Eleaf TANCE Pod Series
• 2mL Pod Capacity
• 2ohm TANCE Pod
• Bottom Fill System – Innovative Leak-Free Fill Port
• Over Charge Protection
• Over-Discharge Protection
• Over-Current Protection
• Over 10s Protection
• Short-Circuit Protection
• USB Type-C Port
• Available in Scarlet, Black Streak, Macaron, White Streak, Black

Includes:

• 1 TANCE Battery
• 1 1.2ohm TANCE Cartridge
• 1 Type-C Cable
• 1 User Manual

Lately, it seems like more and more pod mod systems are catering to direct lung vapers like most of our readers. And the Innokin GALA definitely falls into that category, with a pair of ceramic pods reading at 0.5 and 0.8 ohms, allowing users to choose their optimal restriction… well, actually, the device automatically does that for you.

The GALA is also built from extremely durable resin and zinc alloy materials, protecting the 500mAh battery within. And it’ll need to be durable, since the GALA also introduces the first-ever “shake” mechanism to change mode selections and to activate the optional lightshow mode, too.

(The lightshow isn’t just for kicks, either – it’s also your battery power indicator.)

We’re always lashing out at the pod mod industry for a lack of innovation, so the GALA is already getting some attention around our office. But it doesn’t hurt that the ceramic coils also bring some serious flavor and decent vapor production. They might not last as long as some, but they certainly deliver the goods while it lasts. This, along with the afore-mentioned innovations, might just be enough to make you part with your hard-earned $24.99.

Innokin GALA 30W Pod System Features:

• Dimensions 108mm by 25mm by 12mm
• Integrated 500mAh Rechargeable Battery
• Wattage Output Range: 10-30W
• Voltage Output Range:
• Resistance Range: 0.5-0.8ohms
• Stealth Mode
• Lightshow Mode
• Zinc-Alloy & Resin Chassis Construction
• Draw-Activated Firing Mechanism
• Shake ‘n’ Vape LED Color Selection
• LED Battery Life Indicator Light
• Refillable Pod – Replacement Cartridge
• 2mL Capacity Juice Pod
• Food-Grade Plastic Pod Construction
• Integrated 0.5/0.8ohm Ceramic Coil
• Bottom Fill System – Silicone Stoppered
• Snap-In Pod Connection
• Intelligent Atomizer Detection
• Low Battery Alarm
• Overtime Vaping Protection
• Battery Charging Protection
• 8s Cut-Off Protection
• MicroUSB Port
• Available in Black, Pink, Silver, Sapphire, Retro, Sea Opal

Includes:

• 1 GALA Pod System
• 1 Refillable GALA Ceramic Pod
• 1 Neck Lanyard
• 3 Tip Adapters
• 1 MicroUSB Cable
• 1 User Packet
• 1 User Manual

Rincoe has been very busy lately, most notably through its distinctive Mechman and Manto high-wattage mods. But they haven’t forgotten about the entry-level end of the spectrum, as evidenced by the Ceto SE pod mod system.

Using a direct voltage setup, the Ceto SE integrates nearly double the battery life of the original Ceto, reading at a very respectable 650mAh. But because it’s a direct voltage setup, the mod only takes what power it needs to adequately fire the 1.3-ohm MTL pod cartridge. Though it’s capable of handling freebase juices, the Ceto SE sings with nic salt juices, mostly because of its snug airflow arrangement.

Though it’s not as unique looking as the original Ceto, the SE manages to make the most of its more-traditional pen-style form factor, with a more comfortable mouthpiece, and top-tier construction throughout, making it an attractive entry-level option for value-minded vapers.

Rincoe Ceto SE Pod System Features:

• All-In-One Design
• Dimensions – 108.5mm by 24.2mm by 20mm
• Integrated 650mAh Rechargeable Battery
• Voltage Output: 3.4V
• Zinc-Alloy Chassis Construction
• Single Button Operation
• LED Battery Life Indicator Light
• Magnetic Pod Connection
• Ergonomic Mouthpiece
• Textured Chassis Coating
• Refillable Pod – Replaceable Cartridge
• 2mL Pod Capacity
• Integrated 1.3ohm MTL Coil
• Side Fill System – Silicone Stoppered
• Magnetic Pod Connector
• 10 Seconds Cut-Off
• Low Voltage Protection
• Short Circuit Protection
• Charging Protection
• MicroUSB Port
• Available in Grey, Yellow, Black

Includes:

• 1 Rincoe Ceto SE Battery
• 1 Ceto SE Refillable Pod
• 1 MicroUSB Cable

It wouldn’t be a “best of” list if SMOK didn’t make an appearance, and thankfully the prolific vape giant’s latest pod mod entry – the MiCARE system – is a unique, original winner in our team’s eyes.

Using an adjustable voltage setup, and controlled by four different power levels, the MiCARE is capable of up to an impressive 30 watts of output. This means the power (and the versatile, broad pod resistances) is equally suited for freebase or nic salt liquids, putting the MiCARE in strong contention for the true “do it all” device so many mobile vapers want and need.

Plus, as a nice touch, the MiCARE also has some nifty haptic feedback vibrations, letting users know when pods are disconnected or warnings are present, putting safety and performance at the forefront of the design.

The 700mAh battery might be the most impressive part of the package, though. Even with a seemingly limited capacity, the MiCARE got us all through a full workday of heavy vaping, which means it will absolutely crush those numbers under normal use patterns.

SMOK is never far from any of our “best of” lists, and people might be tired of seeing the name on here. But when they put out unique mods like the MiCARE, it’s really hard to argue against one of the biggest names in our industry.

SMOK MiCARE Pod System Features:

• Dimensions – 56mm by 43mm by 14.8mm
• Integrated 700mAh Rechargeable Battery
• Wattage Output Range: 5-30W
• Voltage Output Range: 3.0-4.1V
• Preheating Output: 1.3W
• Zinc-Alloy Chassis Construction
• Draw-Activated Firing Mechanism
• LED Battery Life Indicator Light
•   Lanyard Attachment Point
• Side Button – Preheat Mode
• Vibration Alert Function
• Magnetic Pod Connection
• Refillable Pod – Replaceable Cartridge
• 5mm Diameter
• 0mL Pod Capacity
• Optional 0.5mL Pod Capacity
• SMOK MiCARE Pod Series
• 5mL T1 MiCare Pod
• 0mL T1 MiCare Pod
• 0mL G5 MiCare Pod
• Heating Element: Quartz
• Coil Resistance: 1.2ohms
• Ergonomic Mouthpiece
• Low Voltage Protection
• Short-Circuit Protection
• Preheating Overtime Protection
• 8 Second Cut-Off
• Micro USB Port
• Available in Blue/Brown Resin, Blue/Black Resin, Black/White Resin, Blue Cobra, Rainbow Cobra, Black Cobra

Includes:

• 1 MiCare Device
• 1 Lanyard
• 1 Micro USB Cable
• 1 User Manual

We’ve spent a lot of digital ink discussing battery life, because let’s face it – on a pod mod, battery life matters. Advanced vapers don’t seem to mind carrying spare 18650s wherever they go, but pod mod vapers are all about portability and discretion, making an ample battery a must. That’s just one of the reasons the Sense Orbit made this list.

That’s right, the massive 1,100mAh battery belies the size of this compact, durable zinc alloy device, delivering TRUE all-day power to vapers that want a little more oomph, and a little less USB. And when you factor in the 3mL pod (a 50% bump over the majority of the field) the Orbit only becomes more attractive to pod mod vapers tired of filling and charging all throughout the day.

The Orbit is still beginner-friendly, though. The three-tier power settings deliver distinct experiences while the long-lasting coils plug in effortlessly, and refill in the same manner, thanks to a nifty rotating cap. It’s clean, simple and effective – exactly what pod mod vapers want from their devices.

Finally, the Orbit is one of the few pod mods to implement mesh coils, and the results are magnificent. Sense has always been a flavor-first kind of company, and the 0.6-ohm mesh head is perfect for direct lung vaping, while the Kanthal 1.1-ohm head is a perfect restricted lung/MTL atomizer.

Versatility, flavor, longevity and simplicity. That’s the name of the game here, and the Orbit delivers in a very big way.

Sense Orbit TF Pod System Features:

• All-In-One Design
• Dimensions – 79.3mm by 45.5mm by 18.6mm
• Integrated 1100mAh Rechargeable Battery
• Resistance Range: 0.5-3.0ohm
• 3 Power Level – Soft, Normal, Strong
• Zinc-Alloy and PC Chassis Construction
• Intuitive Firing Button
• LED Power Level Indicator Light
• 0mL Pod Capacity
• Juice Viewing Window
• Rotating Top Fill System
• Sense Orbit TF Coil Series
• 6ohm Mesh Coil – rated for 18-23W
• 1ohm KA Coil – rated for 10-12.5W
• Plug ‘n’ Play Coil Connection
• Magnetic Pod Connection
• 10s Cut-Off Protection
• Short-Circuit Protection
• Low Resistance Protection
• Low Voltage Protection
• MicroUSB Port
• Available in Prism Black, Red, Gold, Light Blue, Green, Purple

Includes:

• 1 Orbit TF Device
• 1 0.6ohm Mesh Coil – rated for 18-23W
• 1 1.1ohm KA Coil – rated for 10-12.5W
• 1 MicroUSB Cable
• 1 Spare Rubber Plug
• 1 User Manual
• 1 Warranty Card

With all this talk of “versatility” let’s not forget that pod mods are still the domain of the MTL vaper. And no device on this list is more exclusive to that audience than the Hotcig KUBI, which has the snuggest resistance, most-restrictive airflow and most-targeted focus of any pod mod on our list.

Shaped like a cigar, and performing like a first-generation e-cigarette, the KUBI is a throwback to a simpler time in vaping, when clouds and power weren’t at the forefront of any discussion. Instead, the device recalls a time when all we wanted was an authentic smoking experience. While other pod mods do the trick, I don’t think any modern devices match that look and feel like the KUBI.

The durable rubber exterior houses a stainless steel frame, a modest, but reliable 550mAh battery and a 1.7mL tank that are more than enough to get strict MTL users throughout the day. Remember, those ultra-high resistances are awfully frugal on battery life and liquid consumption, so the KUBI is perfectly suited for that niche, and I highly doubt they’ll complain.

The performance? For true MTL enthusiasts, the KUBI is second to none, with a ceramic coil which offers a distinct, flavorful experience that hearkens back to the early days of e-cigs and simplified vaping… nearly a decade ago (let THAT sink in for a minute)…

Hotcig Kubi Pod System Features:

• Hotcig HM Chipset
• Dimensions – 87mm by 16mm by 16mm
• Integrated 550mAh Rechargeable Battery
• Power Voltage: 2.7-4.2V
• Constant Voltage Output Range: 3.5V
• PCTG and Stainless Steel Chassis Construction
• Rubberized Exterior Finished
• LED Indicator Draw and Charging Light
• Draw-Activated Firing Mechanism
• Refillable Pod – Replaceable Cartridge
• 7mL Refillable Pod
• Side Refill System – Silicone Stoppered
• O-Ring Seal Prevents Permanent Locking
• Integrated 1.8ohm Ceramic Coil
• Protective Silicone Contact and Mouthpiece Caps
• MicroUSB Port
• Available in Black, Stainless Steel, Grey, Red, Blue, and Purple

Includes:

• 1 Hotcig Kubi Battery
• 2 Hotcig Kubi Pod
• 1 Lanyard and Leather Pouch
• 1 MicroUSB Cable
• 1 User Manual
• 1 Warranty Card

Of all the variables that pod mod enthusiasts mention, portability and power are the two most prominent. Yep, that’s right – you’d think it would be flavor and satisfaction, but as long as high doses of nicotine are being delivered, it seems like those things take a backseat. Leave it to Augvape to make sure users are getting the best of all worlds.

The ZOOM is an appropriately compact device designed to sit in a shirt or jeans pocket, right down to the nifty dust cap they include to keep lint out of your mouthpiece (yeah, not many of us consider that, do we?). But underneath the compact zinc-aluminum frame lies a 1,000mAh battery that got me through nearly a day and a half (!) of steady use before tapping out. And when it finally gave up the ghost, it recharged via USB in under an hour.

More importantly, when it was powered, the ZOOM delivered in unbelievable ways, with flavor clarity and vapor production that completely belied the device’s ridiculously low price point. Unlike most pod mods in this category, there’s nothing “throwaway” or cheap feeling about the ZOOM. Instead, this device – while not the most advanced, most innovative or most exciting mod on the roundup – might be the most reliable.

We mean that. Augvape doesn’t make junk, and even at a modest price point, the ZOOM delivers exactly what vapers want: Loose resistances to use freebase liquid, but the versatility to use nic salts. An authentic smoking experience, while still being open for direct lung use. Flavorful coils that last well beyond a week of heavy use. And the portability to be discreet without having to give up power and reliability.

We don’t order these lists, but there’s a good reason the Augvape ZOOM is the last one we featured. Because in all its subtlety, the ZOOM might be the most memorable open pod mod system of 2019, so far.

Augvape ZOOM Pod System Features:

• Dimensions – 95.5mm by 36mm by 20mm
• Integrated 1000mAh Rechargeable Battery
• Voltage Output Range: 3.7V
• Zinc-Aluminium Alloy Chassis Construction
• Intuitive Firing Button
• Protective Dust Cap
• Lanyard Attachment Point
• Adjustable Airflow Control System
• Type-C USB Port
• Available in Cloudy, Fighting, or Monkey

Includes:

• 1 Augvape ZOOM Battery
• 1 Augvape ZOOM Pod
• 2 0.6ohm Mesh Coil
• 1 Pack of O-Ring Seals
• 1 Type-C USB Cable
• 1 Warranty Cable
• 1 User Manual
• 1 Lanyard