“ELEMENT

Our biggest complaint about the JUUL Vaping System is its ‘closed system’ business model. In order to use the JUUL pod mod people must pay for prefilled 0.7mL pods that cost $16+ wherever they can be found. We’re not crazy about closed systems at any cost due to the fact that using any of the hundreds of nicotine-salt eliquids in the device is out of the question, for most people. The JUUL is big business, especially with young people with disposable income, but there are several alternative pod mods that cost less, perform better, and give users the option to use whatever eJuice they want.

 

 

Chinese manufacturers are all over the pod mod explosion. New pod mods seem to appear on vendor websites every day. And for the most part, these ultra-portable devices offer a better vape experience to that of the JUUL. In this piece for the top alternatives to the closed system JUUL, we’ll start off with pod mods that have a similar physical appearance and end up with some personal favorites that look nothing like the short, slim and very thin JUUL device.

Closed System are not Exclusive to JUUL

However, before we get to these hand-selected open system pod mods, there are a couple of closed system devices that still offer a less expensive alternative to the JUUL. We’ve included two closed system starter kits that perform at least as well as the JUUL, but at a more affordable price for both the device and its prefilled pods.

Best JUUL Vaping System Alternative Pod Mods

Secret Sauce STIX Closed System

Whatever we believe about closed system pod mods we do understand that for some a closed system gives ‘simplicity’ a new meaning. There is no need to purchase 30mL bottles of nicotine salt eJuice, no mess filling the pods through their tiny fill slots, and so on.

 

For this reason, the Secret Sauce closed system pod mod also offers larger prefilled pods than the JUUL, at a cost that makes it a better choice. Pod Mods are designed to work better when the prefilled pods contain nicotine salt eJuice. A JULL pod contains 59mL of nicotine salt e-liquid, though the size of a JUUL pod is actually 0.7mL, the intake of nicotine salt juice works out to be 50mL. It should also be noted that JUUL now offers 3% nic-salt juice, or 30mL of nic-salt.

 

Secret Sauce Stix has a 300mAh rechargeable battery, and each pod contains 1.7mL of nic-salt juice. Cheaper than the JUUL, the Stix is just $17.95, and you can pick up a 4-pack of pods (each containing 4x 1.7mL prefilled pods) for $17.95.

 

If you have to have a closed system, the Secret Sauce Stix System is a better alternative than the JUUL.

 

Secret Sauce STIX Ultra-Portable Pod Starter Kit Features:

  • Plug-and-Play Ecosystem
  • Integrated 300mAh Rechargeable Battery
  • LED Light Battery Indicator
  • Voltage-Based Output
  • Draw-Activated Firing Mechanism
  • 1.7mL Pre-Filled Juice Cartridges – Not Included
  • MicroUSB Charging Port
  • Proprietary Gold-Plated Magnetic Connection

 

Includes:

  • 1 Secret Sauce STIX Ultra Portable Device
  • 1 Magnetic Propreitary Charger
  • Instructional Manual

Secret Sauce STIX Replacement Pods Features:

  • 1.7mL STIX Pods – Prefilled
  • 50mg Nicotine Strength
  • Variety of Flavors
  • Includes Four (4) Pods Per Pack
  • Proprietary Magnetic Connection
  • Flavor Profiles – Grape, Watermelon, Cigar, Tobacco
  • More flavors coming soon

HANGSEN IQ ULTRA-PORTABLE POD SYSTEM

Closed System

The Hangsen iQ Ultra-Portable Pod Mod System is our second pick of an all-in-one vape system created as a closed system. Integrating an intelligent 380mAh rechargeable battery with built-in Temperature Control functionality gives it quite an edge over the JUUL.

 

Like the Secret Sauce closed system, the Hangsen iQ does not come with a prefilled pod, so do not forget to pick up a pack or two of replacement pod packs when you purchase the device. The pod mod itself is just $14.95, and replacement pods are $22.95 for a pack of 4 pods. Even still, with the Hangsen iQ pods you’re getting 1.5mL of nicotine-salt ejuice in each pod, which works out to be less costly than the $16.99 4-pack JUUL pods that contain just 0.7mL per pod.

 

Hangsen iQ Ultra-Portable Pod Starter Kit Features:

  • Dimensions: 103mm by 18mm by 8mm (w/ Pod)
  • Plug-and-Play Ecosystem
  • Integrated 380mAh Rechargeable Battery
  • Max Voltage Output: 3.7V
  • Atomizer Resistance: 2.2ohm
  • LED Light Battery Indicator
  • Temperature Control System
  • Voltage-Based Output
  • Draw-Activated Firing Mechanism
  • 1.5mL Pre-Filled Juice Cartridges – Not Included
  • MicroUSB DC 5V Charging Port
  • Proprietary Gold-Plated Magnetic Connection

Includes:

  • 1 iQ Portable Pod System
  • 1 MicroUSB Cable
  • Instructional Manual

Open System Pod Mods

As a reminder, with an Open System Pod Mod Kit you get the freedom of refillable pods, allowing you to choose whatever juice you want. As we said, nicotine-salt ejuice is formulated to work best in a Pod Mod, or Ultra-Portable AIO device, and some very famous brands have created nic-salt versions of their best-selling flavors.

 

There are literally more open system pod mod kits on the market than ever before, with no signs of slowing down anytime soon. We chose 5 open system kits that we’ve used extensively and can therefore attest to the fact that these 5 of excellent alternatives to the closed system JUUL. Clearly there are more kits out there that fit the bill, below is just a taste of the choices you have.

SMOK INFINIX ULTRA PORTABLE KIT

The SMOK INFINIX Ultra-Portable Pod Mod Kit is a terrific combination of portability and ease-of-use with a 250mAh rechargeable battery and refillable 2mL pods. In fact, for just $17.95, this pod mod kit comes with 2 refillable pods.

 

For best performance, and vape satisfaction, the Infinix is best when used with nicotine salt eJuice. It’s 250mAh battery last for hours since most users will vape it sparingly, and its coil resistance requires very little power to generate a decent amount of vapor. Because it is a SMOK product the flavor fidelity is excellent, and it’s open-system means the eJuice options are unlimited.

 

SMOK INFINIX Ultra-Portable System Features:

  • Dimensions – 110mm by 12.5mm by 11mm
  • Integrated 250mAh Rechargeable Battery
  • Wattage Output Range: 10-16W
  • Voltage Input Range: 3.3-4.2V
  • Direct Voltage Based Output
  • Draw-Activated Firing Mechanism
  • LED Light Battery Indicator
  • Fillable Pod System – Replaceable Cartridge
  • 2mL Juice Capacity – Side Fill Slot
  • Horizontal Coil Atomizer
  • Air-Driven Pod System
  • 8 Seconds Cut-Off Protection
  • Short-Circuit Protection
  • Low Voltage Warning
  • MicroUSB Port Charging System
  • Propreitary Magnetized Connection
  • Available in Gun Metal, Red, Blue

Includes:

  • 1 INFINIX System
  • 2 INFINIX Pod
  • 1 E-Liquid Injection Bottle
  • 1 MicroUSB Cable
  • Instructional Manual

SMOK FIT ULTRA PORTABLE KIT

The SMOK FIT is an ultra-portable pod mod with nearly all the features of the SMOK Infinix, including the 2mL refillable pods and the 250mAh battery.

 

The SMOK FIT has a hexahedron body with sharp edge styling that is both portable and comfortable to use. The FIT is draw-activated for a natural, organic feel, and it has a wattage range of 10 to 16W. The FIT is a direct voltage pod mod, and its rechargeable 250mAh battery uses a built-in LED light indicator for at-a-glance battery life feedback. The FIT is just $13.95 and includes 2 refillable 2mL pods. An open system allows the user to fill the pods with any eJuice on the market.

 

 

SMOK FIT Ultra Portable System Features:

  • Dimensions – 107.5mm by 18.4mm by 8mm
  • Integrated 250mAh Rechargeable Battery
  • Wattage Output Range: 10-16W
  • Voltage Input Range: 3.3-4.2V
  • Direct Voltage Based Output
  • Draw-Activated Firing Mechanism
  • Aluminum Alloy and Polycarbonate Construction
  • LED Light Battery Indicator
  • Fillable Pod System – Replaceable Cartridge
  • 2mL Juice Capacity – Side Fill Slot
  • Horizontal Coil Atomizer
  • Air-Driven Pod System
  • 8 Seconds Cut-Off Protection
  • Short-Circuit Protection
  • Low Voltage Warning
  • MicroUSB Port Charging System
  • Propreitary Magnetized Connection
  • Available in Gun Metal, Blue, Red

Includes:

  • 1 FIT System
  • 2 FIT Pod
  • 1 E-Liquid Injection Bottle
  • 1 MicroUSB Cable
  • Instructional Manual

SUORIN ISHARE SINGLE PORTABLE POD KIT

Coming in at a mere $12.95, the Suorin Suorin iShare Single Portable Kit is a sleek vape pen pod mod for on-the-go usrrs, featuring a tiny 130mAh internal battery with proprietary charging and 0.9mL refillable pod cartridge for your favorite Nic Salts.

 

While not nearly spec’d out has the others on this list, we present the IShare Pod Mod for two reasons; it’s inexpensive price point, and its actual performance is among the best. Sure, the battery doesn’t last long, but it recharges in half an hour. The pods are just slightly larger than the JULL, 0.9mL, its tiny size and performance, plus the inexpensive price tag, this just might be the one pod mod worth buying when it’s the FIRST pod mod you buy.

 

Suorin iShare Single Unit Features:

 

  • Dimensions – 76mm by 17mm by 9mm
  • 0.9mL Juice Capacity
  • Integrated 130mAh Rechargeable Battery
  • Wattage Output: 7W
  • Direct Voltage-Based Output
  • Draw-Activated Firing Mechanism
  • Suorin iShare Refillable Cartridge System
  • Replaceable Cartridge Design – Two-Piece
  • LED Battery Light Indicator
  • Proprietary Charging Port
  • Note: Install and Prime Coil Before Use

 

Includes:

  • 1 Suorin iShare Single Unit
  • 1 iShare Pod Cartridge
  • 1 Proprietary Charger
  • Instructional Manual

JUSTFOG C601 ULTRA PORTABLE POD SYSTEM

Recently reviewed, the JustFog C601 is $21.95, has a huge 650mAh battery, 1.7mL refillable pods, and performs like a champ.

 

From the Review:

 

“I’ve experienced “better X” and “longer Y” and so on with other devices, but few pod mods have the combination of power, flavor and performance demonstrated by the C601. Put it on your shortlist if you’re seeking to expand your pod mod options.”

 

JUSTFOG C601 Ultra Portable Pod System Features:

  • Dimensions – 88mm by 33mm
  • Integrated 650mAh Rechargeable Battery
  • Coil Resistance: 1.6ohm
  • Direct Voltage Based Output
  • Polycarbonate Chassis Construction
  • Intuitive Firing Button
  • LED Battery Light Indicator
  • Refillable 1.7mL Pod Cartridge
  • Snap-In Connection
  • MicroUSB Charging
  • Available in White, Black, Sea Blue, Green, Orange

Includes:

  • 1 C601 System
  • 1 C601 Pod Cartridge
  • 1 USB Cable
  • 1 Manual

SMOK NOVO ULTRA PORTABLE POD KIT

The SMOK NOVO Ultra-Portable Pod Mod a luxuriously designed vape pod system with the ever-present cobra pattern panels of SMOK’s more expensive Box Mods.  A beautiful pod mod with a 450mAh rechargeable battery and 2mL refillable pods makes the NOVO my personal pod mod.

 

SMOK NOVO Ultra-Portable System Features:

 

  • Dimensions – 88.3mm by 24.3mm by 14.3mm
  • Integrated 450mAh Rechargeable Battery
  • Wattage Output Range: 10-16W
  • Voltage Input Range: 3.3-4.2V
  • Direct Voltage Based Output
  • Draw-Activated Firing Mechanism
  • LED Light Battery Indicator
  • Cobra Plated Panels – Exquisite Design
  • Fillable Pod System – Replaceable Cartridge
  • 2mL Juice Capacity – Side Fill Slot
  • Horizontal Coil Atomizer
  • Air-Driven Pod System
  • Ergonomically Curved Mouthpiece
  • 8 Seconds Cut-Off Protection
  • Short-Circuit Protection
  • Low Voltage Warning
  • MicroUSB Port Charging System
  • Propreitary Magnetized Connection
  • Available in Prism Chrome w/ Cobra Design – Black, Red, White, Rainbow, Auto Pink, Royal Blue, Prism Blue, Green

Includes:

 

  • 1 NOVO Pod System
  • 2 NOVO Replacement Pods
  • 1 MicroUSB Cable
  • Instructional Manual

SHANLAAN LAAN LITE AIO POD STARTER KIT

The Shanlaan Laan Lite is a top performer and the affordable alternative to the Shanlaan Laan $100+ (reviewed herepowerful portable device. The Laan Lit is an all-in-one kit that features an extremely thin chassis, thinner than the JUUL, and 1.4mL refillable pods, plus a magnetic charging dock like the JUUL that creates a versatile vaping system that is sure to satisfy. This is Julia’s go-to pod mod, and it’s with her always.

 

Shanlaan Laan Lite AIO Starter Kit Features:

  • Integrated 320mAh Rechargeable Battery
  • Maximum Wattage Output: 10.5W
  • Coil Resistance: 1.3ohm
  • Draw-Activated Firing Mechanism
  • Refillable 1.4mL Pod Cartridge
  • Interchangeable Color Panels
  • Ceramic Coil
  • Side Fill System – Rubber Stopper
  • Magnetic USB Charging Dock
  • Available in Black, White, Ice Blue, Pine Green, Purplish Red

Includes:

  • 1 Laan Lite Pod System
  • 1 Refillable Pod
  • 1 USB Charging Cable Dock
  • 1 Carrying Case
  • 1 User Manual

And There Are More….

This is just small sampling of terrific alternatives to JUUL, and they are, for the most part, cheaper, better performers, and their pods have much more capacity than the 0.7mL pods of profiled juice in the JUUL pods. But, marketing is everything I guess, so JUUL seems to have the market sewn up when it comes to closed system pod mods. The devices above are all excellent performers for ultra-portable AIO devices, and each of them requires less commitment and more choice for user.

If you’ve tried the JUUL Vaping System and found it wanting, try one of these before giving up and going back to smoking cigarettes. When it comes to your health, these small mods and refillable pods won’t cause even a fraction of the damage that cigarettes will cause.

Check out Element Vape for several dozen other options in the ultra-portable market, if these choices don’t appeal, there are many others that just might.