The Best Vape Kits For Every User Type
Modern vapers come in all shapes, sizes and experience levels, and knowing which vape kit fits your personal user type best is a vital step in ensuring a satisfying vaping journey that helps you achieve your goals.
This quick-fire guide is designed to help you match the right vape kits to your user type, so you can optimise your vape setup and get the most from your vaping journey.
Read on to find your vape user type and see our top vape kit recommendations for each, as chosen by our vaping experts.
Beginner Vaper
Beginners Value:
- Simplicity/Ease Of Use
- Affordability
- Freebase E-Liquid Compatibility
Beginner vapers are at the start of their vaping journey, in most cases having recently decided to swap cigarettes for e-liquid and vape kits.
This often means that your technical knowledge and experience with vaping are minimal at best. That means you'll want a simple, entry-level vape kit to help support your transition, focusing on satisfying nicotine cravings first and foremost without the need to worry about bells and whistles until you get more used to vaping in general.
Basic pod vape kits are the best choice for beginners, as they have simple plug-and-play style interfaces, are often inhale-activated, use refillable pods with built-in coils, and are almost always compatible with 50/50 vape juice.
Typical Beginner Vaping Preferences
Let's take a look at what a typical beginner vape setup looks like:
E-Liquid Type
- Most new vapers start their journey using 'normal' 50/50 freebase e-liquid.
- These e-liquids are available in a wide range of nicotine strengths so you can match your craving/former smoking intensity.
- These e-liquids deliver a throat hit with intensity relative to the nicotine strength, an experience valued by recent ex-smokers for its familiarity when making the switch.
Vape Kit Features
- The best vape kits for beginners should be very simple, essentially plug-and-play, needing little to no technical knowledge to start using.
- Look out for features that work out the hard stuff for you, such as automatic wattage adjustment, which sets an ideal power level according to the ohm rating of the vape coil that is inserted.
- Avoiding vape kits that rely on you having the experience to manually customise settings.
Vape Coils
- Ideally, beginners should opt for pods with built-in coils to minimise complexity and maintenance.
- The freebase e-liquid favoured by beginners works best with "MTL" (mouth-to-lung) vape coils rated from 1.0ohm to 1.8ohm.
- All entry-level vape kits will come with at least one vape pod/coil in the starter kit, which helps with understanding compatibility.
The Best Vape Kits For Beginner Vapers
These vape kits are ideal for beginners as they offer maximum simplicity at entry-level prices without compromising on quality.
Aspire Cyber G Slim Pod Vape Kit
GeekVape Sonder Q2 Pod Vape Kit
Voopoo Argus Z2 Pod Vape Kit
Intermediate Vaper
Intermediate Vapers Value:
- Customisable Features
- Versatility
- Simplicity
Intermediate vapers have typically spent at least 6 months to a year vaping, and are now more comfortable with slightly more advanced features vs beginners.
In many cases, this means they have either found their ideal vaping niche or are looking to start experimenting with new e-liquid types, like nic salts. They are also more likely to desire features that, while still simple in nature, offer the ability to tailor their vaping experience to their preferences.
Mid-range pod vape kits are the best bet for intermediate vapers, as they combine accessibility with more customisable features like pre-set power modes, variable airflow and wattage, and a range of coil/pod options that cater to different e-liquid types for a more optimised vaping experience.
Typical Intermediate Vaping Preferences
Let's take a look at what a typical Intermediate vape setup looks like:
E-Liquid Type
- Most intermediate vapers will still be using 50/50 vape juice, but have gained the confidence to experiment with both freebase and nic salt varieties to find their ideal niche.
- Both freebase and nic salt e-liquids are supported by a huge range of vape kits, giving intermediate vapers lots of suitable options to make the most of either.
Vape Kit Features
- The best vape kits for intermediate users should combine accessibility and versatility, with a range of customisable yet simple to understand features that allow someone with mid-weight technical knowledge to tailor their experience.
- Look out for features like pre-set power modes that boost battery performance or flavour, variable airlfow and even manually adjustable wattage if you feel confident enough to use it.
- Intermediate vape kits tend to cost a little more, but at this experience level you should know enough about what you want from your experience to invest confidently in more versatile hardware.
Vape Coils
- Intermediate vapers should be confident enough to use both pods with built-in coils, and those with removable coils, which broadens their options.
- Depending on their preferred e-liquid type, intermediate vapers should be confident enough to choose between "RDTL" (restricted-direct-to-lung) coils rated at 0.4-0.8ohms for nic salts, or MTL coils rated 1.0-1.8ohms for freebase e-liquid.
- Most mid-level vape kits come with two different pod/coil combos in their starter packs, usually offering both an MTL and RDTL option. This allows intermediate vapers to experiment while learning what they prefer.
The Best Vape Kits For Intermediate Vapers
These vape kits are ideal for intermediate vapers as they offer a balance between simplicity and customisable features, as well as being versatile enough to handle different e-liquid types with a broader range of coil options to suit evolving needs.
Innokin Klypse Pro Pod Vape Kit
Aspire Gotek Pro Pod Vape Kit
Vaporesso Xros 4 Vape Kit - Pod Kit
Advanced Vaper
Advanced Vapers Value:
- Total Customisation
- Versatility
- Power
Advanced vapers have been vaping for long enough that they have a firm grasp of the technical knowledge needed to fully tailor their vaping experience.
They almost certainly will know exactly what their preferred e-liquid type is, and how to make the most of it. Many advanced vapers also enjoy High-VG e-liquid, which can require specialised sub-ohm vape kits with coil/pod options designed to handle this thicker vape juice and produce larger clouds of vaper.
Mid to high-end pod vape kits are the best choice for advanced vapers as they offer the widest range of customisable features, often relying on a higher level of technical knowledge to make the most of them. They also typically offer the widest range of coil/pod options and have higher potential power outputs, catering to any and all e-liquid types.
Typical Advanced Vaping Preferences
Let's take a look at what a typical Advanced vape setup looks like:
E-Liquid Type
- Advanced vapers will know exactly what their favourite type of vape juice is, and should have the knowledge to choose a vape kit that supports it.
- This could be anything from 50/50 e-liquids like freebase or nic salts, to thicker High-VG vape juice favoured by hobbyists often known as "cloud-chasers".
- Many advanced vapers switch between different e-liquid types at their leisure, so vape kits that can cater to all are the best choice.
Vape Kit Features
- The best vape kits for advanced users will have a huge range of customisable features that allow for a truly tailored and versatile vape setup. Extensive vaping knowledge allows advanced users type to take full advantage of these features to create their ultimate vape setup.
- Look for vape kits that boast a full-house of advanced features: multiple performance modes, variable wattage, adjustable airflow, digital screens and high-tech interfaces, button and draw activation, and more.
- Advanced vape kits are often at the top end of price, owing to the sheer volume of tech packed into them. For experienced users who seek total control over their vaping experience, however, the investment is well worth it.
Vape Coils
- Advanced vapers should have a good understanding of vape coil ohm ratings and how they cater to different types of e-liquid and experience.
- Advanced vape kits often offer a wide range of coil options, including 1.0-1.8ohm MTL options for freebase, 0.4-0.8ohm RDTL options for nic salts, and 0.12-0.6ohm "DTL" (direct-to-lung) coils, catering to all e-liquid types.
- For advanced users who vape High-VG e-liquid, take care not to confuse 50/50-optimised RDTL pods/coils with true DTL sub-ohm coils. Despite both having sub-ohm ratings, the latter have larger wicking ports necessary to properly absorb and vaporise thicker high-vg vape juice.
The Best Vape Kits For Advanced Vapers
These vape kits are ideal for Advanced Vapers as they offer a fully customisable vaping experience thanks to a huge range of features and versatile coil/pod options.
Vaporesso Luxe XR Max Pod Vape Kit
Vaporesso Xros Pro Pod Vape Kit
Elf Bar Elfx Pro Pod Vape Kit
Voopoo Argus P2 Pod Vape Kit
'Normal' Freebase Vaper
Freebase Vapers Value:
- Familiarity with Smoking
- Higher Ohm Coils
- Battery life
Vapers who prefer freebase e-liquid are still the most common type of vaper in the UK. They enjoy freebase 50/50 vape juice because of its milder flavour, range of tapered nicotine strengths, and throat hit.
Almost every type of vape kit out there, including pod and pen-style devices, caters to freebase 50/50 e-liquid. If this is your profile, you have a huge range of options available to suit all experience levels.
Typical Freebase Vaping Preferences
Let's take a look at what a typical freebase vape setup looks like:
E-Liquid Type
- 50/50 freebase vape juice, like our Original £1 range, is thinner in consistency, has milder flavour profiles vs nic salts, and delivers a throat hit that increases in intensity relative to nicotine concentration.
- While typically favoured by beginner vapers, many people only vape freebase for the entirety of their vaping journey.
Vape Kit Features
- Look out for vape kits that specifically state they are for MTL or 50/50 vaping, these are the best optimised for use with 'normal' freebase e-liquid.
- There is a huge number of freebase-compatible vape kits available, from the very basic to highly advanced devices - so ensure you choose one with features relative to your experience level. Flavour-boosting features like high-performance modes can help if you enjoy freebase nicotine but want a bolder flavour, although this can reduce coil lifespan and battery life.
- One of the most important features for freebase vapers is one of the most common - variable airflow. this allows you to create a tighter draw when vaping, which makes the experience more similar to smoking, which many freebase vapers value highly.
Vape Coils
- Freebase vapers should aim for coils/pods rated at 1.0-1.8ohms, as these deliver the smoothest experience, as well as requiring less power to heat up, which can preserve battery life.
- Freebase vapers who want to boost the flavour of their vape juice can opt for an RDTL coil rated at 0.7-0.8ohms, however, this can be less smooth when vaping higher nicotine strengths like 12mg or 18mg.
The Best Vape Kits For 'Normal' Freebase Vapers
These vape kits are ideal for freebase e-liquid vapers as they offer appropriate coils and wattage outputs to enjoy freebase nicotine properly. Ensure you choose one that best matches your experience level.
INNOKIN Endura T18 II Pen Vape Kit
Geek Vape Sonder Q Pod Vape Kit
Uwell Caliburn G4 Pod Vape Kit
Nic Salt Vaper
Nic Salt Vapers Value:
- Flavour
- Smoothness
- Customisable Features
Nic salt vapers are those who have powerful cravings to manage but don't like the throat hit delivered by freebase e-liquids. Nic salt e-liquids are incredibly smooth by design, even at the highest strengths (15-20mg) and often have bold double-concentrated flavours.
Vape pod kits are the best choice for nic salt vapers, as they offer more tech options vs other vape kit types that enhance the unique features of nic salt e-liquid. This includes flavour-boosting power modes like those offered by the ELFX Pro by Elf bar, and specially designed coils that enhance smoothness and maximise lifespan, like Vaporesso's COREX Mesh from their Xros pod series.
Typical Nic Salt Vaping Preferences
Let's take a look at what a typical nic salt vape setup looks like:
E-Liquid Type
- Nic salt e-liquid like our Bar Salts range delivers long-lasting and fast-acting nicotine to help manage even the strongest cravings. It lacks any throat hit despite this high-impact nicotine, because it is designed to have a neutral pH level.
- Other than being smooth and powerful, nic salt vapers love the rich, double-concentrated flavourings used in their recipes. If this is your vaper profile, then you'll want a kit that makes the most of this!
Vape Kit Features
- Look out for vape kits that state they work well with nic salts - there are more and more devices entering the market that offer unique solutions for nic salt vapers, and they are all exclusively pod vape kits.
- Provided you have the experience to use them, nic salt vapers should prioritise kits that have a higher wattage range, as well as high-performance power modes designed to boost flavour, or variable wattage so they can enhance the best features of nic salt vape juice.
- Variable airflow, while common, is a must-have for nic salt vapers, as a more open airflow will allow them to better enjoy rich flavour profiles.
Vape Coils
- Nic salt e-liquid will work fine in any coil/pod rated at 0.4-1.2ohms. To make the most of them, however, the best choice is to use RDTL coils, which are rated 0.4-0.8ohms, as these are specially designed to boost performance with nic salt vape juice.
- Always choose a coils described as being "mesh" when using nic salts. This refers to the coil wire itself which is arranged in a grid or mesh pattern, rather than a traditional coil shape. This mesh heats more evenly and delivers better flavour more consistently, as well as lasting much longer than more basic coil designs.
The Best Vape Kits For Nic Salt Vapers
These vape kits are ideal for nic salt vapers as they make use of RDTL-style mesh coils for better flavour and enhanced smoothness. They also benefit from flavour-boosting power modes and customisable features that will help you make the most of nic salt e-liquids.
Elf Bar Elfx Pro Pod Vape Kit
Vaporesso Xros 5 Pod Vape Kit
Voopoo Argus G3 Pod Vape Kit
Vaporesso Xros Pro Pod Vape Kit
Geek Vape Wenax Q Pro Pod Vape Kit
High-VG Cloud Chaser
High-VG Vapers Value:
- Flavour
- Vapour
- Power
High-VG vapers, also known as cloud chasers, are a dwindling niche in the modern vaping world, but there are still plenty of people out there who enjoy extra-thick e-liquid and the high-spec vape kits needed to use them properly.
The best vape kits for high-VG vapers are mod devices, or the more modern pod-mod style vape kits. These are high-power, often complex vape kits that are compatible with very low-ohm coils/pods. Their coils are uniquely designed with large wicking ports to ensure proper absorption of the very thick e-liquid synonymous with cloud-chasing.
Typical High-VG Vaping Preferences
Let's take a look at what a typical High-VG vape setup looks like:
E-Liquid Type
- High-VG e-liquid, like our HVG range, has a much higher VG content than 50/50 freebase or nic salt varieties. Their ratio is most commonly 70/30 or 80/20 VG/PG - with VG being the ingredient responsible for producing smooth clouds of vapour.
- As VG is very thick, having such a high ratio of it in an e-liquid means you need specialised coils to vape it properly, and a vape kit with enough power to heat them up.
Vape Kit Features
- Look out for vape kits that are advertised as being designed for sub-ohm vaping. you can usually spot them thanks to their larger size, flamboyant designs and generally advanced features. Pod-mods are a smaller option than traditional vape mods if you value portability.
- A high maximum wattage output is a must for high-VG vapers, as the specialised sub-ohm coils they use require a lot more power to heat up properly and create the big clouds and bold flavour preferred by vapers of this type.
- Other valuable features to a high-VG vaper include variable airflow and adjustable wattage, as well as any performance-boosting modes to really maximise vapour and flavour delivery. Overheating protections or temperature control can also be handy for safety, however, as vaping with low ohm coils generates a lot more heat than other vape kits.
Vape Coils
- When it comes to coils for a high-VG vaper, only true sub-ohm options will do. They are often very low ohm, sometimes only being 0.12 ohm, but can go as high as 0.6 in some kits. the lower the ohm number, the higher the wattage required to heat it, but the bigger the clouds it will produce.
- The main reason you want a proper high-VG coil, often described as DTL, is that they have extra-large wicking ports. without these, the thick HVG e-liquid would not properly absorb, which can lead to damaging your coil as the dry parts of the wick simply burn with all that heat from the powerful batteries.
The Best Vape Kits For High-VG Vapers
We don't sell any mods here at LiQuid, but we do offer two of the best pod-mod vape kits on the market, ideal for high-VG vape juice. They have a high power output, and support true sub-ohm DTL coils, specialised for thicker vape juice.
SMOK RPM 2 Replacement Coils - Pack of 5
Vaporesso Luxe XR Max Pod Vape Kit
Vaporesso GTX Replacement Coils - Pack of 5
Ex-Disposable Vaper
Ex-Disposable Vapers Value:
- Flavour
- Convenience
- Affordability
Disposable vapers face a choice following the June 2025 ban on single-use vapes like Elf Bar and Elux products - They can either give up vaping altogether, or find a legally compliant refillable vape kit to continue their journey alongside 10ml bottled nic salt e-liquid (the same variety previously found in all disposable vapes). Most disposable vapers have never vaped anything else before the ban, and so typically have less technical knowledge despite having vaped for a good while.
The best vape kits for ex-disposable vapers are entry-level pod kits, which prioritise effortless user interface with passive flavour-boosting tech and coils/pods. Thankfully, there are plenty of options that allow disposable vapers to create a like-for-like experience that mirrors the convenience of single-use vapes, only requiring them to replace the pod once its built-in coil expires.
Typical Disposable Vaping Preferences
Let's take a look at what a typical post-ban disposable vape alternative setup looks like:
E-Liquid Type
- As disposable vapes only contained nic salt e-liquid, 10ml bottled nic salts are the only option a disposable user should turn to as an alternative.
- 10ml ranges like our Bar Salts collection, as well as others, launched by former disposable brands like Lost Mary and SKE Crystal, are the best choice.
- These replicate all the same bold double-concentrated flavour profiles disposable vapers will instantly recognise, and have the same high-impact yet smooth nic salt satisfaction they are used to.
Vape Kit Features
- Disposable vapes had almost no features to speak of. They were pre-filled with e-liquid, had a very open but non-adjustable airflow, and were exclusively inhale-activated.
- To replicate this convenience and simplicity ex-disposable vapers value, an entry-level pod kit with minimal user interface and only one replaceable part is ideal.
- In order to make the most of the rich flavour profiles of nic salts, however, a vape kit that still has quality mesh coils and any passive flavour-boosting tech like VooPoo's Icosm code microchip is a must.
Vape Coils
- The only coils an ex-disposable vaper should use in their pod kit are called RDTL mesh coils. These are specially designed to enhance nic salt e-liquid.
- They are almost always sub-ohm, but are still optimised for nic salts' 50/50 recipe. Commonly rated at 0.4-0.8ohms. but with smaller wicking ports than true DTL sub-ohm coils.
- RDTL-style coils also have a wider bore, which gives them a naturally more open airflow. this is a bonus if your chosen vape kit has fixed airflow, as the coil itself helps to bring the experience closer to that of a disposable vape.
The Best Vape Kits For Ex-Disposable Vapers
The pod vape kits below are ideal for ex-disposable vapers, as they combine an entry-level price with similar convenience and simplicity vs a single-use vape bar. They also all feature RDTL mesh coil/pod options, allowing you to make the most of the flavours of modern nic salt vape juice.
Vaporesso Xros 5 Mini Pod Vape Kit
Voopoo Argus Z2 Pod Vape Kit
Conclusion: There's A Vape Kit For Everyone!
After reading this guide, hopefully, you have a better understanding of which vape profile fits you best, and what kinds of vape kit you should be looking to buy.
There is, of course, a lot of crossover between different vaping setups, and modern vape kits offer so many handy features and coil/pod options that they cater to many different preferences - it's all down to personal taste.
If you haven't seen a kit that grabs your eye amongst our top-picks above, click the button below to explore our full range of refillable vape kits.