I have spent decades testing over fifty refillable pod vapes. The “best” vape does exist. And, it exists when the vape perfectly matches your way of vaping and your lifestyle.
This year’s trends show a clear direction for refillable pod vapes — extended battery life, advanced leak resistant designs, and enhanced, consistent flavors. What you will read below is a handpicked review, based on countless hours of hands-on testing, coil tearing, and carrying around the vape in my pocket to determine if the vape is performing well or if it is simply a bunch of marketing hype.
Pre-flight checklist:
Know what you need. Are you a former smoker that needs a tight, cigarette-like draw? Find yourself a Mouth-to-Lung (MTL). Do you enjoy a free flowing, direct inhalation for cloud chasing? Find yourself a Restricted Direct Lung (RDL). Key elements include:
- Battery Life & Charging: The mAh is your gas tank. 800mAh+ gives you all day use. The USB-C charging method is standard now but be sure to check how fast the charging is (0-100% in 30 minutes).
- Pod & Coil System: Refillable pods are a requirement. Do you prefer the pod to contain an integrated coil (just drop in a new pod) or do you prefer to use replaceable coils (you swap the coil, but leave the pod) ? The latter is often the cheapest option in the long run.
- Airflow Control: A dial or slider that allows you to adjust the tightness of your draw is a sign of a premium device and is very important for finding your comfort zone.
- Leak Resistance: Leak resistance is the holy grail. The best examples of leak resistance come from pods with top fill capabilities, self sealing ports, and intelligent pod designs.
The 2025 Line-Up: Tested, Vaped, and Verified
1. Vaporesso XROS 4
The All-Round Winner
Vaporesso has dominated the pod hill for a reason. The XROS 4 is their take on refining the formula to near perfection. The Coro pods, which are filled via the side, are the most leak resistant pods I have ever used. The 0.4 Ω pod provides an incredible flavorful Restricted Direct Lung (RDL) experience. The 1.0 Ω and 1.2 Ω pods deliver a tight MTL for nicotine salt. I didn’t realize I wanted haptic feedback until I experienced it. The premium feel of the device is unmatched by any other device on this list. If you’re only going to purchase one device, make it this one.
- Key Features: 1000mAh Battery, 3ml pods, auto-draw and button-fire capabilities, adjustable airflow.
2. OXVA Xlim Pro
The Flavor Purist’s Device
The Real World Take: The Xlim Pro is Vaporesso’s greatest competitor and in some ways, it beats the XROS 4. In terms of pure flavor, however, the Xlim Pro dominates. The 0.6 Ω coil produces a rich, saturated vapor that highlights the subtleties in complex desserts and fruits that other pods miss. The screen is nice for checking battery and adjusting the power level, but the device is so simple to operate that you don’t really need it. The airflow adjustment is the most precise on this list.
- Key Features: 1000mAh Battery, 3ml pods, smart screen, 0.4-1.2 Ω coil range.
3. Uwell Caliburn G3
The Legacy, Perfected
The Real World Take: The Caliburn line has dominated the pod market since its introduction, and the G3 is the latest iteration. The G3 uses a replaceable coil system (G/GO Series coils) that is both more economical and environmentally friendly. The flavor produced by the new 0.6 Ω coil is crisp and bright. The battery life is impressive, and will last a heavy vaper all day long. The G3 is not as flashy as the XROS 4, but it is an unrelenting workhorse that is completely reliable.
- Key Features: 1100mAh Battery, 3ml capacity, replaceable coils (not pods), button and auto-draw capabilities.
4. GeekVape Sonder X
The Budget Powerhouse
The Real World Take: GeekVape is renowned for building indestructible mods, and they have infused the same DNA into the Sonder X. I have dropped the Sonder X, I have submerged the Sonder X in water, and it still continues to function. At its remarkable price point, the Sonder X delivers performance that is comparable to devices that cost twice as much. The flavor is exceptional, and the battery is large. The drawback? The Sonder X is constructed of plastic, and the airflow is not as fine-tuned as the rest of the field.
- Key Features: 1000mAh Battery, 3ml pods, IP68 Dust/Water/Shock Resistance.
5. Voopoo Drag S / Argus P1s
Voopoo Offers Two Options in One Premium Package
The Real World Take: Voopoo has provided two different avenues for the user. The Argus P1s is a small, rugged, portable pod with exceptional flavor and a magnetic lanyard that is brilliant. The Argus P1s is my go-to for hikes and nights out. The Drag S (available in a pro version) is a "pod mod" — it is larger, has a large internal battery, and has the ability to utilize a wide variety of PnP coils to produce even more power and clouds. The Drag S bridges the gap between a simple pod and a complicated box mod.
- Key Features (Argus P1s): 1000mAh Battery, 30W Maximum Output, USB-C Fast Charging, IP68 Rating.
- Key Features (Drag S): 2500mAh Internal Battery, 60W Maximum Output, PnP Coil Compatibility.
6. Smok Novo 5
The People’s Champ
The Real World Take: Smok makes a tremendous amount of money selling the Novo series of devices, because Smok gets the fundamental things correct. The Novo 5 is Smok's 2025 edition: longer battery life, improved leak resistance, and the same warm, Smok flavor that their customers adore. The Novo 5 may not offer the features of an XROS 4, but it is incredibly user-friendly, extremely available, and the pods consistently perform well. It is the Honda Civic of the vape world – ubiquitous for a reason.
- Key Features: 1000mAh Battery, 3ml pods, LED battery indicator, mesh coils.
7. Vaporesso Luxe X Pro
The Big-Bottle Specialist
The Luxe X Pro is designed for vapers who hate filling their pods. With the 5ml pods (allowed in certain countries) and the monstrous 1500mAh battery, you can go days without worrying about either.
The flavor is superb and utilizes the exact same GTX coil technology as in their top-of-the-line mods. The Luxe X Pro is a bit larger than a typical pod, but the trade-off in convenience and battery life is a worthwhile sacrifice for many.
- Key Features: 1500mAh Battery, 5ml Pods (in certain countries), MTL/RDL Pods, 0.4-1.2 Ω Coil Range.
8. Aspire Gotek X
Salt Nicotine Specialist
Aspire is a legendary brand in the MTL area and the Gotek X is created for one purpose: providing a perfect, smooth, and enjoyable draw with nicotine salts. The draw is tight and cigarette-like, the flavor is clean and the battery is enormous. The Gotek X is not a cloud chaser; it is a nicotine delivery system, and it is the best at what it does. If you are transitioning from smoking and want a simple and effective vape, this is a top contender.
- Key Features: 1500mAh Battery, 5ml/2ml Pods, 1.2 Ω HRP Coils.
9. Vandy Vape Rhino SE
The Tinkerer’s Pod
This is the vape for users who miss their box mods. The replaceable 18650 battery is the standout feature: when the battery runs down, you simply pop in a new one. No downtime. The Rhino SE also includes full wattage control and, unlike anything else on the list, an optional RBA (Rebuildable Atomizer) head. This allows the user to build and attach their own coils, allowing for an unprecedented degree of customization and lowest overall cost. It is not for newcomers, but it is a masterwork for tinkerers.
- Key Features: 1200mAh Battery, Adjustable Wattage (5-40W), Replaceable 18650 Battery, RBA Head Available.
10. Lost Vape Ursa Nano 2
Premium Build
Products from Lost Vape look expensive and the Ursa Nano 2 is no exception. The Ursa Nano 2 is constructed of zinc-alloy and has a leather accent that give it a luxurious feel in a world of plastic. The flavor is excellent and the build is solid and rattle-free. It is a device you purchase because you appreciate craftsmanship and want your equipment to feel as good as it performs.
- Key Features: 1000mAh Battery, 3ml Pods, Zinc-Alloy & Leather Build, UB Pro Coils.
Final Puff: My personal recommendation
My desktop is organized according to a hierarchical structure.
- For the complete newcomer or the user who wants nothing to do with hassle: Get the Vaporesso XROS 4. The XROS 4's leak resistance and consistency are worth the money.
- For the flavor chaser who scrutinizes every nuance of their e-liquid: The OXVA Xlim Pro is your tool.
- For the heavy user that loathes charging and refilling: The Vaporesso Luxe X Pro is your powerhouse.
The positive aspect of the 2025 marketplace is that there has never been a better opportunity to locate a refillable pod vape that fits you perfectly. Determine what your requirements are, choose your winner, and enjoy the ride.