With disposables gone, a refillable pod kit is the smart way to vape in 2026 — cheaper to run, less waste, and legal for the long term. Two brands come up again and again as the best: Vaporesso and VOOPOO. I’ve tested kits from both, and matched that against what UK vapers actually buy most. Here are the best refillable vapes UK shoppers should look at.
How we tested: We used kits from both brands day-to-day, refilled and recharged them repeatedly, and ranked them using real UK sales data — the models people buy and reorder — not sponsored picks.
Why refillable wins after the ban
Since the UK banned single-use disposable vapes on 1 June 2025, a refillable pod kit is the cheapest way to keep vaping. You buy a bottle of e-liquid and top up a small pod. A heavy disposable user can save hundreds of pounds a year, pick their own flavour and strength, and throw away far less.
Best Vaporesso refillable vapes
*Best for: smooth flavour and easy, leak-free vaping.*
Vaporesso is the brand most people start with, and its XROS pod kits are the best-sellers by a distance. They’re simple, they rarely leak, and the flavour is excellent.
- Vaporesso XROS 5 — *the one to buy first.* The latest XROS, with strong flavour and a bigger battery.
- Vaporesso XROS 3 Mini — *best for pocket size.* Compact, light, easy to carry.
- Vaporesso XROS Mini — *best budget pick.* Cheap and reliable.
For the full range and which suits which vaper, read VapeOnlineStore’s best Vaporesso vapes guide.
Best VOOPOO refillable vapes
*Best for: battery life and coil choice.*
VOOPOO kits are built around the PnP and ITO pod systems, which give you loads of coil options and strong battery life.
- VOOPOO Drag X (PnP-X) — *best for all-day battery.* Takes a single 18650 battery and fires fast.
- VOOPOO Argus G3 — *best for flexibility.* Adjustable and comfortable to hold.
- VOOPOO Doric Q — *best simple starter.* Tiny, no fuss, good for new vapers.
See the top models in the best VOOPOO vapes round-up.
Vaporesso or VOOPOO — which should you pick?
- New to refillables: start with a Vaporesso XROS 5. It’s forgiving and flavour-focused.
- Want the best battery and coil choice: go VOOPOO Drag X.
- On a budget: both have kits under £15 that undercut a week of disposables.
Pros
- Much cheaper to run than disposables
- Choose your own flavour and nicotine strength
- Far less waste
- Pods and coils are cheap and easy to find
Cons
- You have to refill and change coils yourself
- Small learning curve at first
- Upfront cost is higher than one disposable
The bottom line
You can’t go wrong with either brand. Pick Vaporesso for easy, smooth flavour, or VOOPOO for battery life and coil options. Both are among the best refillable pod kit choices in the UK right now, and both save you real money over time.
Our pick: Vaporesso XROS 5 for most people; VOOPOO Drag X for heavy users.
Best Refillable Vapes FAQs
What is the best refillable vape in the UK?
For most people, the Vaporesso XROS 5 — it’s simple, flavourful and rarely leaks. Heavy users often prefer the VOOPOO Drag X for battery life.
Are refillable vapes cheaper than disposables?
Yes, by a lot. After the kit, you only buy e-liquid and the odd coil, which is far cheaper than a disposable every couple of days.
Are refillable pod kits hard to use?
No. You fill a small pod from a bottle and click it in. It takes a minute to learn.
What e-liquid should I use in a pod kit?
A 50/50 or nic salt e-liquid at 10mg or 20mg works best in small pod kits.
Which is better, Vaporesso or VOOPOO?
Vaporesso for flavour and simplicity, VOOPOO for battery and coil choice. Both are reliable.
About the author: This guide was written by the Vape Online Store team — UK-based vaping specialists who test pod kits hands-on and track what customers actually buy and reorder. We rank products on real performance and real sales, never sponsorship.
Sources: device specs from the manufacturers; best-seller data from real UK sales (last 6 months); UK ban details from GOV.UK (gov.uk/guidance/single-use-vapes-ban).
