Best Vape Pod Mods of 2019

What better way to introduce the Lost Vape Orion Quest 17W AIO Starter Kit than by using our own words? This stylish, higher-end pod device features a proprietary chipset with a 950mAh internal battery, and updated pod cartridges. It also keeps its predecessor’s high-end design and top-flight construction. The Lost Vape Orion Quest is built from a hefty alloy, with carbon fiber or resin designs on the side, and a simple “plug and play” format that will appeal to newcomers and experienced vapers alike.

Those words are as true as the day we first published them. That’s because the one-button control makes things easy for newcomers, but experienced vapers accustomed to more control will also find the Orion Quest an effective device.

Our team was most impressed by the Quest’s durability, since ours have all survived countless drops from varying heights thanks to the tall and narrow form factor. (Pro Tip: Lay it on its side.) Despite the battles with gravity, the Quest’s pods are locked in when attached properly, staying connected during these mishaps, without any cracking or residual leaking.

Because the pods feature more-advanced coils, resin side panels, and a much more durable build, you won’t be surprised by the Quest’s ability to cater to more than just beginning vapers. The coils are long-lasting and flavorful, the pods are capacious, and the overall vibe is much more mature than most of the plastic-based devices we see every day.

That said, don’t be turned off by a higher price tag than most other pod mods. If you were intrigued by Lost Vape’s initial pod mod effort, but balked at the price tag, we strongly recommend checking out the Quest. Not only is the price much more in line with the competition, but the performance far outclasses them.

Lost Vape Orion Quest Specs:

• Dimensions: 93mm by 37mm by 13.5mm
• Internal 950mAh Rechargeable Battery
• Proprietary Onboard Chipset
• Maximum Wattage Output: 17W
• Stainless Steel Frame & PC-110 (Food-Grade) Pod Construction
• Intuitive LED Lights – Proper Mode Assessment
• Highly Responsive Firing & Adjustment Button
• 2mL Refillable Pod Cartridge Design
• Proprietary Pod Cartridge Installation
• KTR Orion Pod – Kanthal
• MTL Delrin Drip Tip
• Dual Adjustable Airflow – Located Below Drip Tip
• Threaded Cap Top-Fill Design
• Micro-USB Port
• Short-Circuit Protection
• Weak Battery Protection
• Temperature Protection
• Low/High Resistance Protection
• Frame Colors – Stainless, Black, Blue, Gold Frame
• Panel Colors – Black Weave

Contents:

• 1 Lost Vape Orion Quest Edition
• 1 Micro-USB Cable
•   1 Instructional Manual

Like we asked in our initial review of the Augvape Lyfe/Tuglyfe pod mod, “is it a genre-defining device?” “Is it a JUUL-killer?” The answer to both these questions was a confident “no.” But that doesn’t speak to the inherent quality of the Lyfe, which speaks to a no-nonsense, straightforward user base. It’s also refillable with one of the best flavor outputs we’ve seen in the format.

The Lyfe features an integrated 300mAh rechargeable battery, draw-activated firing mechanism, and a sleek matte metallic-finished, zinc-alloy chassis. While we weren’t blown away by the 300mAh rechargeable battery for longevity, we also used the mod like testers, not its target audience. Once we saw our friends using the Lyfe with the same frequency that they’d smoke, we realized the battery life wasn’t a problem.

Plus, with no buttons or displays to get in the way, ex-smokers will feel right at home with this decidedly old-school look and feel.

Most importantly, there’s precious few pod mods in our collections that ever-produced flavor like this. The Lyfe is one of the most intense, concentrated blasts of e-liquid goodness I’ve enjoyed in some time, which has me coming back to the Lyfe a lot more than I would for most other pod systems.

And it’s a gift that keeps on giving – both of the 2.0-ohm pods included in the box offered tremendous longevity, maintaining strong flavor long after most systems tap out and cry uncle. Both of my test pods lasted roughly 7-8 days a piece – well outperforming most of the Lyfe’s contemporaries.

Specs:

• Integrated 300mAh Rechargeable Battery
• Maximum Wattage Output: 7.6W
• Voltage Output Range: 3.3-4.2V
• Resistance Range: 2.0ohm
• Draw Activated Firing Mechanism
• LED Battery Indicator Light
• Sleek Matte Finish Design
• 0mL Refillable Pod Capacity
• Magnetic Connection
• Bottom Fill System – Silicone Stoppered
• Short Circuit Protection
• Over-Discharge Protection
• Over-Charge Protection
• Low Voltage Protection
• Micro-USB Port
• Available in Black, Red, and Silver

Contents:

• 1 Augvape Lyfe Pod System
• 2 Augvape Lyfe Replacement Pods
• 1 Micro-USB Cable

1 Instruction Manual

The biggest yay/nay voting discrepancy on this list came from the popular SMOK Nord pod mod system. Not because we didn’t all think it was a good device, but rather because some of us didn’t believe the Nord should be classified as “only” a pod mod.

You see, 99% of devices bearing that title (unofficial math, don’t cite us on this) are designed for new vapers and ex-smokers. That means more of an MTL draw, suitable for higher-nicotine liquids and a stronger focus on smoking satisfaction than vapor clouds.

The Nord tries to appeal to a wider audience. While it’s still a compact, stealthy vape mod, the Nord also delivers high-impact flavor fidelity, more substantial vapor production and a satisfying experience for direct lung vapers, as well as the MTL crowd.

How good is the flavor and vapor performance, exactly? In the hundreds of pod mods we’ve reviewed, only the Shanlaan Laan (which costs close to $100) even came close to the flavor impact and nuance as the Nord. For a considerably lower price, and with better mesh coils.

So, your perspective might be the same as our team’s. But for my money, the SMOK Nord comes as close as we’ve seen to a do-it-all pod mod. Couple this with long-life battery life, quick recharging, and a pod system that brings the best of both vaping worlds to one pocket-sized device.

Specs:

• Manufactured by: SMOK
• Battery: Built-In 110mAh Rechargeable Battery
• Power Output: Voltage Based – 10W-15W
• Resistance Range (MTL): 1.4-ohm
• Resistance Range (Sub-Ohm): 0.6-ohm
• Micro-USB Port: 1A Maximum Charge Rate
• Available Colors: Full Black, Prism Gold, Bottle Green, Red, Prism Rainbow, Black White
• Height: 94mm
• Width: 30mm
• Depth: 18.8mm

Contents:

• 1 x SMOK Nord Pod System
• 1 x 0.6-ohm Mesh Coil
• 1 x 1.4-ohm Regular Coil
• 1 x USB Cable
• 1 x User Manual

We couldn’t mention the SMOK Nord coils – and their versatile performance – without bringing up the next evolutionary step in the series. Introducing the SMOK Trinity Alpha 25-watt pod mod system. Yes, it uses the same exact coils as the namesake Nord… and yes, the Trinity Alpha further blurs the lines between pod mod system and more-advanced vape device. But I wasn’t going to argue for the Nord and not have this be a part of the conversation.

Bearing a strong resemblance to the afore-mentioned Lost Vape Orion series of higher-end pod devices, the Trinity Alpha is a resin-styled, pocket-friendly but more substantial pod mod. It features a VERY impressive 1,000mAh integrated battery, three preheat strength settings, an oversized pod section that holds a very respectable 2.8mL of liquid, and a nifty swivel fill system that might trump Lost Vape’s own design concept.

What does all that jargon mean? A portable, all in one pod system that can be put to use for higher-wattage sub-ohm pursuits, or the snuggest MTL draw around, without ever breaking a sweat either way. The chipset is both smart and efficient, detecting the pod coil attached, regulating battery performance and keeping users safe with a litany of protections, to boot.

Hell, it even charges in a flash, ensuring you’re never without your vape for long. The SMOK Trinity Alpha might not be that innovative to the naked eye, but at this price point, there are few vape devices (much less pod mods) that offer this much value in one palm-friendly package.

Specs:

• Dimensions – 91mm by 38mm by 16mm
• Weight – 90g
• All-in-One Design
• Integrated 1000mAh Rechargeable Battery
• Output Wattage Power: 6-30W
• Resistance Range: 0.5ohm – 3.0ohm
• Voltage Input Range: 3.3-4.2V
• Voltage Output Range: 2.4-6.0V
• Charging Current: 700mA
• Variable Output Modes – SOFT, NORM, HARD
• Highly Responsive Firing & Adjustment Button
• LED Light Battery Indicator
• Proprietary Pod Cartridge Installation
• 8mL Refillable Pod – Convenient Sliding Top-Fill Cap
• 6ohm Nord Mesh Coil – 25W Max Wattage
• 8ohm Nord Mesh-MTL Coil – 16W Max Wattage
• Air-Driven Pod System
• 510 MTL Delrin Drip Tip
• 8 Seconds Cut-Off Protection
• Short-Circuit Protection
• Low Voltage Warning
• MicroUSB Port Charging System
• Proprietary Magnetized Connection
• Available in RESIN Edition – Prism Chrome, Black, Red / Yellow, Blue, Rainbow, Gold, Green

Contents:

• 1 TRINITY ALPHA Device
• 1 TRINITY ALPHA Pod Cartridge
• 1 0.6ohm NORD Mesh Coil
• 1 0.8ohm NORD Mesh-MTL Coil
• 1 MicroUSB Cable
•  1 Instructional Manual

One of the last entries to make this list also made one of the strongest impressions – the Pioneer4You IPV Aspect pod system. Maybe the company hasn’t been that active in the last few years, but it’s clear they’ve been doing some good work behind the scenes… because if a pod mod is going to bear the IPV name, it had better live up to the hype. And the Aspect does just that.

On paper, the numbers might not initially “wow” you. The IPV Aspect looks like most other portable vape pod kits, with an integrated 750mAh rechargeable battery, 2.0mL juice capacity, and most of the usual features.

But it also features nifty enhancements that show some evolution in the pod mod market. Things like adjustable airflow and customized wattage to create a more-advanced vape experience than most pod mods usually do. You see, the Aspect has a proprietary YiHi SXK1 chipset under the hood, bringing some serious clout to a typically simple form factor, while still keeping things simple with single-button operation.

As someone who appreciates simplicity, I also enjoyed how the Aspect pod has an internal coil crafted from stainless steel and organic cotton to relay no-frills flavor. For all the talk we make about innovation and evolution, sometimes things don’t need to be evolved. If it ain’t broke, right? Well, there’s nothing “broke” about P4Y’s newest foray into new waters.

Specs:

• Dimensions – 90mm by 40mm by 10mm
• Weight – 90.75g
• YiHi SXK1 Chipset
• Integrated 750mAh Rechargeable Battery
• Adjustable Wattage – High or Medium
• Voltage Output Range: 2.8-4.2V
• Pod Resistance: 1.0ohm
• Pod Capacity: 2.0mL
• Coil Material: SS316 and Organic Cotton
• Zinc-Alloy Chassis Construction
• Intricately Designed Colored Panels
• Battery LED Indicator Light – 4 Colors
• Oversized Firing Button
• Low Voltage Protection
• Over-Heat Protection
• Short-Circuit Protection
• Low Resistance Protection
• MicroUSB Charging Port
• Available in Black, Silver, Gunmetal, and Rose Gold

Contents:

• 1 iPV Aspect Pod Device
• 1 Refillable Aspect K1 Pod
• 1 MicroUSB Cable
• 1 User Guide

Certain names in vaping evoke memories. Names like “Nautilus” which was a world-beating device when it first hit store shelves years ago… and which is still considered by many to be the gold standard for mouth-to-lung (MTL) tank atomizers.

Well, Aspire isn’t just namedropping here. The Nautilus AIO pod mod is the next iteration of this much-loved and vaunted brand, right down to using the same BVC coils they introduced all those years ago, breathing new life into your collection.

(Yes, you have some of these coils lying around. We all do. We all hoped the day would come to use them again. Kids, that day has come.)

Though Aspire has added some new varieties of BVC coils, including one designed for salt nic liquids, they’re 100% compatible with those dusty old Nautilus Mini tanks on your shelves. Like we keep saying on the site, this is a classy move by Aspire designed to appeal to vapers, not bottom lines. And we couldn’t be happier.

The 12-watt Nautilus AIO rocks a pretty standard pod mod shape – elongated, curved and flat-sided, with only a few enhancements to a tried-and-true format, like a great fire key and a nifty pod release button. But none of these matters once you put the Nautilus AIO to work.

And with a high-performing 1,000mAh battery, the Nautilus AIO will work for quite a while. Plus, the pods and coils themselves are just as long-lasting and flavorful as you remember, with the perfect balance of juice flow and efficiency. No wasted efforts or moving parts – just a price-friendly pod mod that performs well above the industry standard.

Specs:

• Dimensions – 87.5mm by 37mm by 21mm
• 5mL Maximum Juice Capacity
•  Integrated 1000mAh Rechargeable Battery
• Constant Output Wattage: 12W
• Single Fire Button Operation – LED Backlit Light
• Soft-Touch Satin Finish
• Snap-In Connection – Pod Release Button
• Adjustable Airflow System
• Protective Drip Tip Top Cap
• Bottom-Fill System – Silicone Plug
• Aspire (BVC) Bottom Vertical Coil Technology – Nautilus
• 8ohm Nautilus BVC Coil – Rated for 10-14W
• 8ohm Nautilus BVC NS Coil – Rated for 10-12W (Optimized for Nic Salts)
• Bottom Ventilation Hole
• MicroUSB Charging Port – 1A Max Current
• Available in Blue, Green Jade, Silver, Black, Red, Purple
• Note: Install and Prime Coil Before Use

Contents:

• 1 Nautilus AIO Device
• 2 1.8-ohm BVC Coils
• 2 Extra O-Rings
• 1 Silicone Seal
• 1 Micro-USB Cable

We didn’t love the JUSTFOG MiniFIT – I mean, it was fine for a standard pod mod device. But standard pod mods aren’t going to make our yearly top 10 lists, right? Thank goodness they responded with the much-improved JUSTFOG C601.

At first glance, this pod mod is a bigger, wider version of the MiniFIT, rounded in the same way, but with a rotating clip that allows the user to free up some precious pocket space for, say, extra pods, e-liquid, or anything else.

Despite the oddball look of this series, I’ve learned to love the JUSTFOG C601’s smooth, rubberized coating, because of the smooth-feeling, but still tactile grip it gives users. But that’s not nearly as big a selling point as the overachieving integrated 650mAh battery, which seemed to outperform cells with twice the rating.

Don’t believe me? Check this out. By vaping fairly moderately, I enjoyed two workdays of performance before the battery needed a quick USB recharge. Then it charged in no time, and before long I was back in action, with no drops in performance, flavor or vapor production along the way.

Compact, high-performing, long-lasting and flavorful. Were there any other check boxes you need to click before buying a cost-effective pod mod? I didn’t think so…

Specs:

•   All in One System
•  Refillable C601 Pod System
•  1.7ml Capacity
•  1.6-ohm Atomizer Resistance
•  Proprietary Connection
•  Plug and Play Connection
•  Gold Plated Proprietary Connection
•  Device Protection
•  Short Circuit Protection/Overheating Protection/Over-Discharge Protection/Overcharge Protection/ Overvoltage Charge Protection

Contents:

• 1x C601 Ultra-Portable Device
• 1x C601 Replacement Pod
• 1x USB Cable
• 1x User Manual

Just as the JUSTFOG C601 was a testament to simple, proven design, the Next Mind CT1 is a lot more complex. But it’s also a fantastic pod mod device as a result of the innovations.

Serving as somewhat of a “flagship” to Next Mind’s list of devices, the CT1 introduces some new ideas, like a new pod connection design, coils that can be swapped without emptying e-liquid and much more. Might not sound like much, but all that wasted juice adds up over time… and e-liquid isn’t cheap, kids.

But what caught our attention is the “self-cleaning” mode, which effectively dry burns your coil, even when the tank is full. Our experience wasn’t definitive, but over time (read: after our review) we noticed the CT1 was definitely getting some cleaner flavor performance after doing a few of these self-cleaning routines. Maybe we still don’t “get” how it works, but there’s definitely an improved experience for doing it… and that’s a selling point all its own.

Also, we want to again commend Next Mind for adding a secure twist-off pod connection system that allows for easy removal of the pod but maintains a safe and strong connection in case of falls, preventing some messes and breaks. More importantly, it serves as a last line of defense against curious pets and children, should you forget to put your vape in a safe place.

But the real heroes here are the CT1’s pod coils. These tiny, ceramic heads might not be traditional pod mod style, but these MTL-exclusive atomizers gave our team weeks of uninterrupted use before needing to be replaced. In an industry that measures value in days, not weeks, these heads just kept performing when most competitors gave up the ghost.

Specs:

• Dimensions – 94mm by 27mm by 20mm
• Integrated 650mAh Rechargeable Battery
• Maximum Wattage Output: 17W
• Coil Resistance: 1.0 and 1.2ohm
• Pod Capacity: 3.5mL
• Coil Material: Ceramic Wicks
• Zinc-Alloy Chassis Construction
• Self-Cleaning Mode
• Hex Shaped Firing Button
• Draw and Button Activated Firing Mechanism
• Integrated Mouthpiece and Tank
• Coil Can Be Installed With Full Pod
• Pod Twist Off Connection
• LED Battery Indicator Light
• MicroUSB Charging Port
• Available in Black, Gunmetal, Blue, Rainbow, Silver, Dark Knight, Zircon White

Contents:

• 1 Next Mind CT1 Battery
• 1 CT1 Pod
• 1 1.0ohm Coil Head
• 1 1.2ohm Coil Head
• 1 MicroUSB Charging Cable
• 1 User Manual
• 1 Quality Control Certificate
• 1 Quick Start Guide

Another late arrival to our team was the celebrity-endorsed Innokin Platform Z-BIIP pod mod kit. This collaboration of Innokin, Phil “Pbusardo” Busardo and Dimitris “The Vapin’ Greek” Agrafiotis might be the best example of how to bridge pod mod simplicity with advanced vaping tech, and how to make MTL vaping a little sexier than it’s been portrayed these last few years.

Okay, maybe that’s a little hyperbolic, but Busardo and Agrafiotis have long championed this style of vaping, as well as the needs of ex-smokers, introducing a growing series of tanks and rebuildables for this audience. And the durable, zinc alloy Z-Biip might be the best entry in the series to date.

Featuring a 1,500mAh battery that lasts a good LONG time and compatibility with the company’s Z-PLEX3D mesh coils, the Z-Biip is a fully-fledged advanced vaping device that shows satisfaction shouldn’t be measured in maximum wattage, just maximum enjoyment.

Also, we need to mention the reason for the device’s name – the Z-Biip introduces what might be the first-ever auditory status indicator in vaping. Using a series of timed beeps, the Z-Biip lets users know the status of their pods, which of the three available wattage settings is active, and how much battery life remains. It sounds complicated, but within minutes of opening the box, these auditory clues became second nature.

Focused on MTL vapers, but certainly capable of sub-ohming using the right Innokin Z-series coils, the Z-Biip is a truly unique, innovative vape mod, and could represent the beginning of something bigger coming for pod mods.

Specs:

• All-In-One Design
• Created in Collaboration with Dmitri Agrafiotis and Phil Busardo
• Compatible with Salt and Freebase Nicotine Juice
• Integrated 1500mAh Rechargeable Battery
•    Wattage Output Modes – 11W, 14W, 16W
• Durable Zinc-Alloy Chassis Construction
• Side Mounted Firing Button
• 2mL Refillable Pod Cartridge
• 48ohm Z-PLEX3D Kanthal Mesh Coil
• 6ohm Z Kanthal Coil
• Compatible with Entire Z Coil Line
• Adjustable Airflow Control
• Protective Mouthpiece Cover
• Top Cap Twisting Refill System
• Audible Indicator System – Pod Attachment Warning, Battery Status, Charge Completion
• MicroUSB Port
• Available in Pink Shine, Black Shine, White Shine, Bronze Dune, Emerald Dune, and Navy Dune

Contents:

• 1 Innokin Platform Z-Biip Battery
• 1 Innokin Platform Z-Biip Pod
• 1 Airflow Control Ring
• 1 0.48ohm PLEX3D KA Mesh Coil
• 1 1.6ohm Kanthal Coil
•  1 Needle Nose Squeeze Bottle
• 1 MicroUSB Cable

Alright, so we did this top 10 list a little differently than most. Maybe others would save their best for last, but we decided to save the most-accessible for the final spot on the list. Because even though GOST Vapor’s KASH disposable pod mod isn’t as innovative as anything else on this page, this fully disposable AIO device is the perfect way for smokers to make the switch to a better alternative.

Combining a strong integrated battery with a potent and flavorful prefilled vape pod, each KASH disposable is designed to last roughly 500 puffs. Yeah, we know – that’s what all the old e-cig shysters used to say. But both of the included KASH disposables did just that… with one pushing nearly 600 before tapping out.

A legitimate 500 puffs at a no-brainer price point? That alone warrants inclusion on this list. But what makes it better is what makes ALL VAPING better – flavor. The list of currently available flavors is short, but these potent concoctions pack a wallop, with ridiculously high 59mg nicotine levels. But they’re smooth and come in a selection of highly enjoyable fruit flavors, as well as the familiar menthol and tobacco varieties smokers will want.

(I’m partial to the grape, myself.)

Using a draw-activated setup, the wide mouthpiece allows for a suitably snug, but still airy inhale that will satisfy smokers’ tactile needs, while also being accessible to experienced vapers looking for a backup system.

As a disposable, I shouldn’t have enjoyed the KASH this much. But as an ex-smoker, I remember how hard it was to make the leap to vaping. Products like this make the transition much easier, serving as a perfect stepping off point to better pod mods and vape devices down the line.

Specs:

• All-In-One Design
• Disposable – Non-Rechargeable & Non-Refillable
• 0mL Juice-Filled Reservoir
• 59mg Nicotine Strength
• 500 Puff Approx.
• Draw-Activated Firing Mechanism
• Available in Fruit, Grape, Menthol, and Tobacco
• Manufactured by GOST Vapor