JUUL Alternatives For 2020 (That Don’t Suck)

Vaping.com’s best JUUL alternative products

1. SMOK Novo 2
2. Vaporesso Podstick
3. SMOK Nord
4. Suorin Shine
5. SMOK Novo
6. Suorin Reno
7. JoyeTech Exceed Grip
8. SMOK Infinix
9. Mi-Pod
10. Vaporesso Renova Zero
11. Suorin Air Plus

Here’s how we scored them

We gave each alternative a score out of 5 for each of the following categories:

Scroll down to see how we scored the JUUL…

Background

JUUL – it’s the e-cigarette that everyone is talking about, but why do a lot of vapers dislike them. JUULs are everywhere these days, and represent a 75 percent of dollar market share in the four-week period ended Oct. 6 2018. Pod-based JUUL e-cigarettes aren’t like larger box mod devices. They are small and discrete and slip easily in your pocket. They’re classy too, and with no buttons they’re so easy to use that even your grandma – who struggles to operate a smartphone – could use one easily.

The JUUL pods don’t make big clouds of vapor and they use nic salts, which gives a nice smooth vape experience, similar to smoking a tobacco cigarette. People also like the fact that you can buy pods in places like gas stations and general stores, rather than just in vape shops. But there are some big issues with JUUL devices as well, the price of JUUL Pods to start with. So let’s see what the main issues are and if there any alternatives to JUUL pods.

Non-refillable pods

Our main issue is with the pods. JUUL pods are made exclusively by the manufacturer, so you are stuck with their flavors. Now that the flavor ban on prefilled pods is in place the flavor options are extremely limited. Additionally, the pods only contain 0.7 mL of e-liquid and they are non-refillable, so you can get through them very quickly. There is a way of ‘hacking’ the pods open, but it isn’t easy to do and the hacked pods are prone to leaking. Oh, and they aren’t cheap either.

Lacking power

JUUL devices aren’t particularly powerful either. They run at between 3.6 and 4.2V based on the charge level with a wattage output of (we think) between 6.5 and 9 Watts. A JUUL also only has a 200mAh battery that quickly fades with consistent use. Some people can get over these problems quite easily, but we believe that there are some much better alternatives out there that you should at least consider before you buy a JUUL.

How We Rate The JUUL Starter Kit

Before we get started with our best JUUL alternative devices here’s how we score the JUUL in our quick look format.

JUUL Starter Kit

Below is our ultimate guide to the best JUUL alternative products. They’re cheaper, more powerful, have better battery life and provide a better vaping experience. Vapes similar to JUUL but better!

SMOK Novo 2

It might not look exactly like a JUUL but the SMOK Novo 2 outperforms it in every aspect. A reboot of one of the most popular products of 2019 the Novo is back and better in almost every way. Novo 2 is shorter than the JUUL but a wider and heavier. It’s still super stealthy like a JUUL so don’t let that put you off, plus there’s a few very good reasons why it’s a JUUL killer.

Novo 2 has an 800mAh battery compared to the JUUL, that’s 4 times more capacity! Wattage range is much wider too. JUUL is a weak 6.5W to 9W where the Novo 2 can fire all the way from 6-25W. All this means that the Novo 2 is perfectly optimized to give you a better and longer lasting vaping experience.

When you draw on the Novo 2 a bright LED light shines to let you know how much charge the battery has. Instead of just flashing when power is low, you’ll now know how much charge your vape has with every puff.

The best bit about moving away from a JUUL is that you’re not stuck with their limited flavor options. With the Novo 2 you can buy pre-filled Novo pods, plus you can easily refill them when vape juice levels run low. You can choose from the original replacement Novo Pods as well as 3 new SMOK Novo 2 pods. All Novo pods have a 2mL capacity which is much better than the tiny 0.7mL you get with JUUL pods.

So the battery lasts longer, it has a bigger vape juice capacity and you get to choose from a wide range of flavors. So grab some 50mg salt nic juice (which is what JUUL pods use) and a SMOK Novo 2 today, we’re confident you’ll love it as much as we do. Once you’ve got yourself a SMOK Novo 2 don’t forget to come back and let us know just how much you love it compared to the JUUL.

• Not sure which juice to choose? Read our guide to the best salt nic juice flavors.

Customer Review: “I am switching from Juul and kicking myself for not reading about this and making the switch months ago. It is such a superior product, it’s hard to even find words to describe it. The vapor production and flavor are worlds better. The battery life is way better. It is just as stealthy, and looks cooler. You have infinite flavor options. I have had zero issues with leaks or other technical problems. It just works.

The pods are refillable and doing so is painfully easy. I can’t believe how much money I wasted on Juul pods for mediocre vapor. Seriously, this product makes me want to run up to anyone I see using a Juul and shake them, to say “please, save yourself, there are better options out there that will not only save you money, but give you infinitely more enjoyment!!!”

PROS

✅ 4 times the battery capacity
✅ Super stealthy
✅ Easy to use
✅ Nearly 3 times the juice capacity
✅ Battery level indicator light
✅ Instantly switch flavors with different pods
✅ Loads of awesome nic salt flavors available
✅ Pre-filled pods available
✅ Draw activated

CONS

❌ Difficult to see juice levels
❌ Refilling slot quite small

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Vaporesso Podstick

Vaporesso Podstick is extremely cheap for the quality of the device. Vaporesso kits always have a real feel of quality about them and the podstick is no different. It feels great in your hand. On the front of the mod are 5 LED indicator lights to tell you how much charge is left (in 20% increments).

The firing key is nice and clicky (without being loud), just the way I like it. Once on press the firing key 3 times to change the power output, the light around the button will flash 3 times to acknowledge.

The pods are where the Podstick really shines. The top cap slides back to expose the PTF (push to fill) slot. Using the vape juice bottle provided with the kit (some bottles don’t work well with PTF), simply push down and fill the pod. Slide back the top cap and you’re done.

The only downside to the Vaporesso Podstick is that the pods are quite dark so seeing juice levels is tricky. Also you can’t replace coils, which for some is fine, but those who don’t like extra cost and wastage might be put off.

In summary the Vaporesso Podstick is a simple, cheap, slim and portable JUUL alternative.

PROS

✅ Nice comfortable size
✅ Easy to use
✅ PTF is essentially leak proof

CONS

❌ Need to change pods not just coils
❌ Hard to see juice levels

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SMOK Nord

SMOK Nord might be a chunky monkey in comparison to the JUUL but it’s a super versatile pod vape that continues to be very popular. Firstly instead of having to constantly replace pods with the Nord you can just change the coils. Not only does this cut down on waste it also cuts down the cost of vaping.

Pods can contain up to 3mL of vape juice and the battery is an impressive 1100mAh. This means you won’t be worrying about charge levels or refilling the pod very often. On the pod is a small viewing window to monitor juice levels but in reality it’s not particularly helpful. To get an accurate gauge you’ll need to remove the pod from the mod.

The best bit about the Nord is the coil options. Whatever type of vaper you are there’s a perfect Nord coil for you. Seeing as you’re looking for a JUUL alternative we’d recommend the 1.4 Ohm MTL coil, which mimics the restricted draw you’re so accustomed to. Coils last generous amount of time before you need to replace them so if you’re looking for a great vape which is cheap to maintain we definitely recommend the SMOK Nord.

Customer Review: The size of this vape is perfect. I can hold it in my pocket without it being annoying. The initial price is nice and being able to change the coil is much cheaper than changing pods on other vapes.

PROS

✅ Great coils options
✅ Coils for DTL or MTL
✅ Cheap to buy and maintain
✅ Easy to change coils
✅ Use multiple pods for different flavors
✅ Tasty flavor
✅ Super compact size
✅ Excellent battery life
✅ Lots of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ customer reviews

CONS

❌ Pod can leak if fiddly stopper not correctly closed
❌ Juice window practically useless

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Suorin Shine

This list of the best JUUL alternatives is stocked full of the leading vape brands. Creating a small and portable pod vape that delivers huge performance is no mean feat. Suorin of all of them can be considered pod vape specialists. All of their releases to date have been pod vapes and the Suorin Air, Air Plus and Drop have all been at times the most in demand pod vape on the market.

History lesson over let’s look at the present and the future. Suorin Shine probably should be every JUUL owners future.

On this list the Suorin Shine is the device which matches the form factor of the JUUL. But the comparison stops there because the Shine outclasses JUUL in every department.

Fully charged in just 40 minutes the 800mAh battery can store plenty of charge. There are two modes to choose from, using the firing key you get full power mode, draw activation is constant wattage mode. Constant wattage will give you a consistent vape until the battery doesn’t have enough charge. An amazing feature and one that no other vape on this list can boast.

Pods have 1.0 Ohm coils with which produce amazing flavor and last longer than you would expect.

Made from aircraft grade aluminium alloy the Shine is super light weight feels great in the hand.

PROS

✅ Great style
✅ Perfect size
✅ Constant wattage
✅ Fast charge
✅ Draw activation

CONS

❌ Replaceable pods not just coils
❌ Difficult to see juice levels
❌ Not the biggest juice capacity

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Suorin Reno

Suorin Reno is a small and sleek pod system with massive performance. Big clouds and tasty flavor are generate by the replaceable 1.0 Ohm mesh coils. Just like the SMOK Nord you get a much cheaper vaping experience by replacing coils but with the Suorin Reno you get a much more simple vaping experience.

There isn’t a huge range of coils to choose from and the Reno is fired when you draw. The 3mL pod perform best when not fully filled as some vapers have reported flooding the coil and spitback. Powering up to 13W from a 800mAh battery should last a decent amount of time before requiring a charge.

When look for a JUUL alternative the Suorin Reno simply must be a consideration. Like the JUUL its super simple to use but the Reno has replacable coils, more power, more juice capacity and a longer battery life.

✅ Nice flavor
✅ Good clouds
✅ Cheap price
✅ Plug ‘n’ play coils
✅ Compact size
✅ Good battery life

CONS

❌ Bottom fill slot not great
❌ Coil can flood if pod filled to the max
❌ Pod magnets could be stronger

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SMOK Novo

SMOK Novo pod vape doesn’t look like the JUUL, but again it outclasses its slimmed-down rival. Sleek and discrete, the smooth edges of the Novo is designed to slip easily in your pocket, even when you aren’t looking. It has a bigger battery than the JUUL and the Phix Vape with 450mAh of internal power, but one of the best things about this pod mod system is that the SMOK Novo 2ml refillable pods are excellent value for money. The draw is nice and tight and it doesn’t crackle like the JUUL when you inhale.

If you really want to know how good this is, visit our SMOK Novo product page and have a read of the reviews. Our customers absolutely love it and most importantly those who previously had a JUUL like it even more.

We could have simply switched the Novo for the new and improved SMOK Novo 2 vape as a JUUL alternative but you’re here to save money and the SMOK Novo is slightly cheaper than the Novo 2. They’re both great but the Novo 2 is the superior long term option.

PROS

✅ Perfect JUUL Killer
✅ Ex JUULers love it
✅ Draw activated so won’t fire accidentally
✅ Perfect for smokers looking to transition to vaping
✅ Small but punches well above its size
✅ Super efficient on battery and vape juice

CONS

❌ No vape juice window

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JoyeTech Exceed Grip Pod System

We might just have left the best two JUUL alternatives til last (apart from the SMOK Novo 2 which we think is the best pod system for JUULers to transition to first to understand the potential of alternative products). The JoyeTech Exceed Grip pod system is unlike any other pod vape on this list and even the industry. JoyeTech was one of the last of the big brands to release a pod vape and when we got the Exceed Grip we could understand why. There’s been a huge amount of thought put into this vape. Not only is the design completely unique among pod systems, how it operates is different as well.

The Exceed Grip is one of the chunkier pod systems on this list but it’s still small. Grip but name and grip by nature – it fits in your hand with the fire button easy to press however you hold it. The battery is a healthy 1000mAh, one of the biggest battery capacities on this list.

The major innovation comes in the Exceed Grip Pods. In the kit you get two pods/cartridges, one with a massive 4.5mL vape juice capacity. With this pod, the coils are replaceable, with two coils supplied in the kit. The other pod is designed for nicotine salts, has a 3.5mL capacity, and the coils aren’t replaceable. So when a nic salt pod stops producing flavor you’ll need to pick up a new one. Luckily the replaceable Exceed Grip Cartridge (or pod) comes in packs of 5, at the time of writing for $13.99. As the pods switch out so easily this means that you could have 5 different nic salt flavors on the go!

The JoyeTech Exceed Grip will exceed your expectations. With its awesome battery life, large juice capacity and ability to instantly switch pods/flavors/type of juice, this is the most versatile JUUL alternative on our list.

PROS

✅ Vape regular juice or nic salts
✅ Vape DTL or MTL
✅ Super easy to change coils & pods
✅ Big clouds
✅ Great flavor production
✅ Super small
✅ Great battery life
✅ Easy to switch flavors (multiple pods)
✅ Super easy to see juice levels
✅ Doesn’t leak
✅ Revolutionary design

CONS

❌ Fill slot is a bit fiddly to use

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SMOK Infinix

Lean and slim, SMOK’s Infinix pod system weighs just 2 grams, but it is more powerful than it looks. The Infinix looks and feels just like a JUUL, but again, it has a bigger battery and larger pods. The draw is tight and similar to that of a cigarette, making this a great choice for anyone that’s just thinking about ditching tobacco. But the best thing about the Infinix is how cost-effective it is. The starter kit, which includes two Fit pods, is significantly cheaper than a JUUL!

PROS

✅ Looks like a JUUL, works better than a JUUL
✅ Super light and stealthy
✅ Easy to use
✅ Good battery life
✅ Instantly switch flavors with different pods
✅ Loads of awesome nic salt flavors available

CONS

❌ Not the biggest battery life on this list
❌ Not the biggest vape juice capacity
❌ Refilling can be a bit of a fiddle
❌ Pods are a bit leaky compared with new Novo 2 pods

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Mi-Pod

This is another tiny pod vape. But it has the power and vape production to rival much larger box mod devices. Small enough to hang around on a lanyard, most vapers are shocked to discover that the Mi Pod has a 950mAh internal high drain battery. It also has the best airflow that we have seen on a pod system, giving users the ability to hit mouth to lung vapes and big airy direct to lung vapes as well. The 2mL Mi-Pod cartridges are refillable and, apart from everything else, the pod looks incredible with some really great colorways available.

PROS

✅ Super tiny & stealthy
✅ Unique looks
✅ Leak free pods
✅ Good battery life
✅ Refilling is easy

CONS

❌ Vape can get quite warm
❌ Look & feel not to everyone’s taste

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Vaporesso Renova Zero Pod System

Created to set a new bar in pod systems the Vaporesso Renova Zero has done exactly that. The first thing you’ll notice is how small and lightweight it is. You can conceal it in the palm of your hand. Once you’ve got over how nice it is to hold you’ll need to fill it with vape juice.

That’s well you meet the major innovation of the Renova Zero, it’s PTF (Push-To-Fill) filling slot. Using the provided 10mL vape juice filling bottle you push downwards on the PTF slot to fill it. Thanks to the clear pod casing you can see into the pod to monitor how much has gone in. Once full simply stop pushing down and the fill slot will push back into place closed. A completely unique filling system for a pod system, it ensures leakproof operation.

The refillable pods pull out effortlessly and are locked back into place with magnets. Once your vape juice has had 10 to 15 minutes to wick into the pod your ready to go. A quick 5 clicks on the recessed power button and the indicator light will flash green to let you know it’s powered on. Now you just need to draw for it to fire, couldn’t be simpler to use.

There are three modes to choose from, low, medium and high. Pressing 3 times will change the mode and when you press the button the light will display the mode the Renova Zero is currently in.

At the time of writing it’s under $20 dollars, so it’s cheap. Also the replacement refillable Renova Zero pods come in a pack of 2 for only $6.99. So if you want the next generation of pod vapes, buy the Renova Zero today.

PROS

✅ No firing accidents
✅ Super easy to use
✅ Awesome flavor reproduction
✅ Designed for smokers looking for vaping alternatives
✅ Feels great to hold
✅ Super small and stealthy
✅ Push To Fill (PTF) system works well and doesn’t leak
✅ Charges fast

CONS

❌ Pods can detach (magnets could be stronger)
❌ Hard to see when refilling (PTF needs quite a bit of pressure)

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Suorin Air Plus

The Suorin Air V2 had been one of the best JUUL alternatives for a long time. As time has passed by better alternatives, that you can see above, have appeared. Sourin knew they had a winning product and they didn’t need to reinvent the wheel. So what they did was super clever. They just gave the Air V2 a massive upgrade, introducing the awesome Suorin Air Plus.

If you’ve used a JUUL then the Suorin Air Plus will blow your mind. JUUL has a tiny 200 mAh battery. That’s why it’s so small and why you need to charge it so often. Suorin Air Plus has a super impressive 930 mAh battery which should be enough charge to see you through the day without looking for a charge. One of the reasons your reading this is that the JUUL pods are just so expensive, contain a tiny about of nic salts (0.7mL) and let’s be honest the flavors aren’t all that either.

Suorin Air Plus at 3.5mL has one of the largest vape juice capacities on this list. That’s 5 times the capacity of the JUUL! The kit comes supplied with two pods, one with a 0.7 Ohm coil for regular vape juice and the other has a 1.0 Ohm coil for vaping nic salts. Most ex-JUULers will be wanting to vape a 50mg nic salt (like the JUUL) so we recommend picking up and extra Suorin Air Plus Replacement pod in our online vape shop. You might even treat yourself to few pods a fill them with a few different flavors so that you can switch them whenever it takes your mood. We’ve got lots of yummy vape juice flavors for you to choose from, so much we’ve created a list of best nic salts to help you decide.

Not many devices match the JUUL in terms of simple sleek design. We’re happy to say the Suorin Air Plus very much competes in that regard. Its looks just like a modern smartphone but it’s significantly lighter. So it looks great, it works great and simply had to make our list as a JUUL alternative.

Customer Review: Excellent product! Great device! Fits right into my wallet and is discreet and easy! Love the tank capacity as well. Great price point too!

Customer Review: This thing rips hard & is super smooth. 100% recommend. Nice and slim, holds a good amount of juice and battery is good

PROS

✅ Draw activated
✅ Amazing battery life
✅ Charges fast
✅ Good for stealthy vaping (with nic salts)
✅ Awesome vape juice capacity
✅ Feels great to hold
✅ Nice feel in the pocket

CONS

❌ Not the smallest pod system
❌ Have to replace the whole pod (not just the coil)

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Don’t Support Big Tobacco – Avoid JUUL

Big Tobacco in the form of Altria (formerly Phillip Morris Companies) has a 35% stake in JUUL labs worth $12.8 billion. Big Tobacco has a dark history and many vapers and ex-smokers don’t want them to have another cent of their money. Smokers and Government departments have been filing lawsuits against Big Tobacco for over 50 years. Luckily there are a significant number of alternatives to Big Tobacco.

Let’s take a look at the biggest and best alternatives brands to JUUL.

Best JUUL Alternative Brands

The popularity of vaping as an alternative to smoking has increased over the last 5 years. As the popularity has increased so has the quality and quantity of products available. So you’ll tried a JUUL, like it, but want a cheaper alternative? Find out more about the vape brands with JUUL alternatives listed above.

SMOK

SMOK is the biggest and most popular vape brands in the industry. Founded in 2010 it’s also one of the oldest and well-established brands. During this time SMOK has driven the industry forward by consistently releasing new innovative products. And when it comes to pod vapes SMOK have some of the most popular products in the sector.

Suorin

Suorin is the master of pod vapes. Products like the Suorin Drop and Suorin Air have established new standards in the performance and portability of pod systems. By focusing on creating simple and easy to use products Suorin have quickly established themselves are one of the best alternatives to JUUL. Instead of continually releasing new products,  Suorin continually develop and improve existing products. The V2 was a significant improvement to the already popular Suorin Air. Now they have announced a new version, Suorin Air Plus. With increased battery life and larger vape juice capacity in only a slight increase in size, you get improved device with a familiar sexy shape.

Smoking Vapor

When it comes to quality over quantity you can’t go wrong with Smoking Vapor. The Mi-Pod is a perfect example of this. Some vapers experienced some leakage issues when it was first released. Smoking Vapor quickly fixed this and offered replacement Mi-pod cartridges for those who had bought the original. With customer support like that you know you’re in good hands with Smoking Vapor.

JoyeTech

JoyeTech is one of the oldest vape brands, having been established in 2007 when vaping was in its infancy. After significant success in releasing industry changing kits, vape tanks and coils JoyTech quickly joined the pod system revolution. The new and super innovative JoyeTech Exceed Grip Kit, they have firmly established themselves as a perfect alternative to JUUL. A real JUUL killer. Here at vaping.com we absolutely fell in love with the Exceed Grip kit the moment it arrived.

Vaporesso

Founded in 2006 Vaporesso is the oldest brand on this list, much older than JUUL which was founded (as Pax Labs) in 2015. Vaporesso has been creating excellent vape products for over 12 years, so you know you’re getting a device that’s been manufactured to the highest standard. When it comes to pod systems Vaporesso created a whole new brand (Renova), who are dedicated to perfecting the pod vape for smokers looking at alternatives.

And with the Renova Zero some say they’ve done it with their first attempt! All you need to do is read the reviews on our site to see just how much our customers love it. That’s why we simply had to add the Renova Zero to our list of JUUL alternatives.

Are pod vapes right for you?

If you’ve already used/owned a JUUL then yes. You’re no doubt already used to a pod system and just looking for a cheaper alternative. Finding a cheap JUUL alternative isn’t hard (they’re very expensive) but finding a good one can be difficult. That’s why we created this helpful guide, to help you get the best one for your own personal requirements.

If you’re looking for an alternative to smoking, most certainly yes. Pod systems are the perfect gateway into vaping. The restricted (MTL) draw is very similar to smoking a cigarette. Pod systems are designed to vape smooth but strong nicotine salts, so you can be sure you’re going to get the nicotine hit to satisfy your cravings.

Benefits of pod vapes

✅ Vaping high strength salt nic MTL vaping (just like smoking a cigarette)
✅ Super portable – always to hand in either your pocket or purse (much smaller than a packet of cigarettes)
✅ Smallest vape kits on the market
✅ Change flavors instantly (with additional pods)
✅ Perfect for stealthy vaping
✅ Efficient vaping – low juice consumption & super easy to use

Negatives of pod vapes

❌ Battery life can be small (the bigger the mAh, the better the battery life)
❌ Lower vapor production compared to vape kits & pens

What vape juice is best to use for refillable pods?

We recommend nicotine salts but you can also use standard 50/50 PG/VG rated vape juice. If you’re looking to give up smoking we recommend choosing a higher strength nic salt initially (50mg like a JUUL), you can slowly reduce the nicotine levels once you are smoke-free. Read our guide on the best nicotine salts currently available.

How is JUUL different from vaping?

To JUUL is the term used to describe vaping with a JUUL device. It’s extremely popular because of how small, portable and effective it is at delivering nicotine. After the flavor ban the JUUL has become less popular and other, more powerful pod vapes have replaced it.

How much does a JUUL cost?

A JUUL is about $20 but the major expense is the pods. Currently a pack of 4 pods costs around $15 which given they only contain 0.7mL of juice is very expensive. Especially when you consider that you can buy 60mL of 50mg (5%) for $18.99!

What is the closest thing to a JUUL?

The best and closest thing to a JUUL would be the SMOK Novo 2. Battery has 4 times more capacity, nearly 3 times the wattage and double the vape juice capacity. Just grab some 50mg nicotine salts and you’ll never JUUL again!

What vape juice is best to use for refillable pods?

We recommend nicotine salts but you can also use standard 50/50 PG/VG rated vape juice. If you’re looking to give up smoking we recommend choosing a higher strength nic salt initially (50mg like a JUUL), you can slowly reduce the nicotine levels once you are smoke-free.