Best E-Cig for Beginners: Vape Mods for New Vapers
If you’re new to vaping and shopping for your first e-cigarette or vape mod, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the huge assortment of product choices.
There are literally hundreds of different vape devices, each with their own unique features, in various shapes and sizes.
Which option is right for you? How do you select the best e-cig for your needs?
Let us eliminate some of the confusion by sharing our picks of the best beginner e-cigs and vape mods.
Choosing Your First Vape Mod
Before we move forward with some suggestions, it’s important for you to evaluate your personal needs and understand why you’re considering vaping in the first place.
The majority of beginners are trying to quit smoking, so if you fall into this category then your goal should be to find an effective, satisfying e-cigarette or vape mod that will help you kick your nicotine habit for good.
Others pick up vaping as a hobby or to provide an occasional nicotine fix. If this is the case, your needs and vaping experience will be much different than a dedicated smoker.
Ultimately, its up to you to determine the best vape mod to meet your personal requirements. Here are the main types of e-cigarettes you can consider:
Mini E-Cigs (AKA: Cig-A-Likes)
The most compact and easy-to-use type of e-cigarette, “cig-a-likes” are shaped just like the real thing and are an ideal transition product. Unfortunately, they’re unlikely to satisfy heavier smokers, so we only recommend them to light or casual tobacco users.
Mid-Size E-Cigs (AKA: Vape Pens)
Slightly larger than a mini (about the size of a cigar), ego e-cigarettes & vape pens are probably the most popular type of e-cig for beginners and newbies. They operate with a simple press of a button and provide a much more satisfying experience than a mini. They produce more vapor, plus they last 2-3 times longer before needing a recharge.
Pod-Based Systems
The newest type of e-cig on the market, vape pods work much like a cig-a-like and are often inhale activated (no button), but they use a new type of salt-based nicotine that makes them much more satisfying. Simple, compact and affordable, pods systems are an awesome type of vape for beginners! Learn more about pod systems here.
Variable Wattage Mods
The largest and most complicated option, variable wattage vape box mods are typically reserved for experienced users. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but they require significantly more knowledge to operate and maintain.
There are a few exceptions (listed below), but we normally don’t recommend VW vape mods for beginners as the adjustable power output can make things more complicated than they need to be.
Temperature Controlled Mods
Like variable wattage, temperature control is something that you’ll only tend to find in the more advanced vape mods. This can complicate things for more first-time vapers. If you do want to learn more on this topic however, take a look at this guide to the best 200w box mods.
Though temperature control improves the vaping experience significantly, it’s really best left until you’re comfortable vaping.
Top E-Cigs for Casual/Light Smokers
Mini e-cigs (discussed above) are nice option for light or casual smokers. They’re super compact, feel just like a regular cigarette and produce a limited amount of vapor; perfect for occasional cravings. These are our favorites:
Mig 21 Clear Fusion Vape Pen Kit
PROS:
- Good for mouth-to-lung vaping
- Solid output
- Instant firing thanks to IC controller board
CONS:
- Tanks overhang
One of the latest and greatest e-cigs in the mini space, the Mig 21 might be one of the best mini e-cigarettes of the year. Sleek, compact and extremely well-designed, it comes in faux white and a variety of edgy, anodized finishes – blue, green, red, pink and more.
It comes with two button activated 380 mAh batteries and you can fill it with a variety of e-liquids.
V2 Cigs Classic Starter Kit
PROS:
- Numerous upgrade options
- Blank or prefilled cartomizers
- Wide variety of flavors
- Automatic or manual batteries
CONS:
- Options may be confusing
- Limited vapor and battery life
- Difficult to find now that they are discontinued
V2 is an industry leader in the small, mini e-cigarette space and the V2 Cigs Classic Starter Kit is their most basic, entry level product. If you’d like a slightly better performing mini e-cig then you might consider V2 EX series. The EX series offers more battery life and longer lasting cartridges with a sleek, stainless steel design.
Either way, V2 Cigs has lots of options for beginners. It may be a bit confusing trying to sort through all of the options, but you’ll have plenty of opportunities to customize and upgrade. Our review →
Vapor Fi Air 2 Starter Kit
PROS:
- Compact and easy-to-use
- More vapor than a cig-a-like
- Simple top-fill design
CONS:
- Manually operated with button
- Limited battery life
The Vapor Fi Air 2 is a bit different than the Mig and V2 products, but it’s the perfect e-cig for beginners because it’s effective, easy-to-use and performs exceptionally well considering its compact size.
Although it’s manually operated with a button and slightly larger than a traditional cigarette, it puts out more vapor and will be slightly more satisfying than a “cig-a-like”.
Not only does it come with a battery, vape tank and two replacement coils, but you’ll also get a 30ml bottle of e-liquid. It includes everything that you’ll need to get started… and it comes with a reasonable price tag.
Vape Pens for Regular Smokers
Regular smokers, who will certainly vape more often, need their e-cigarette to perform well all day long. Because of this, a small, mini e-cig may not cut it due to it’s limited battery life. Plus, regular smokers will crave more vapor and a stronger “throat hit,” qualities that are only possible with larger vape pens like these:
Apollo Challenger Kit
PROS:
- Exceptional value
- Reliable, proven platform
- Great vapor and battery life
CONS:
- Cartomizer sold separatly
- Occasional leakage
The Apollo Challenger Kit is one of our favorite vape starter kits to recommend to beginners because of it’s outstanding performance and exceptional value. It’s powerful enough to satisfy almost every type of user, yet it’s relatively small – about the size of a cigar. You need to buy cartomizers separately, but it’s easy to use and the performance is excellent. A great way for newbies to get their feet wet.
Incorporating popular and reliable EVOD vape tanks, the Apollo Endeavor Vape Pen Kit is ideal for just about anyone. Just purchase a bottle of your favorite e-liquid, fill the tank and you’re ready to vape!
PAX Juul E-Cigarette
PROS:
- Compact and easy-to-use
- Efficient delivery of nicotine
- Satisfaction similar to smoking
- Low power requirements
CONS:
- Limited flavor selection
- Kits / pods are expensive
With it’s enormous popularity and effective delivery of nicotine, we couldn’t put together an article about the best vapes for beginners without mentioning the Juul. By looking at its specs, you’d think it would be more appropriate to include it with the mini e-cigarettes above. But the Juul is different because it uses nicotine salts to provide a more satisfying experience.
The Juul uses pre-filled pods that contain nicotine salt e-liquid, which provides a higher dose of nicotine without requiring as much power or producing as much vapor. It’s an ideal transition product for smokers because it feels like a traditional cigarette and its super easy to use.
Pod-based systems like the Juul are becoming much more popular, especially for beginners. If you’d like to see more products like the Juul, be sure to visit our complete list of the best e-cig vape pod systems here.
V2 Pro Series 3 Vape Kit
PROS:
- Use with liquid, loose leaf or wax
- Magnetized parts (no threading)
- Simple to use and maintain
CONS:
- Only one tank / battery
- Relatively expensive
The V2 Pro Series 3 Vape Kit is a little bit different than other devices within the category. It combines a traditional vape pen with a multi-medium “vaporizer” and is the only product that we’ve recommended that will allow you to vape e-liquid, loose leaf or essential oils and waxes.
It includes a single 650mAh battery and one e-liquid cartridge (loose leaf and wax cartridges are sold separately). All of the components are magnetic so there’s no twisting or threading. This 3-in-1 device is truly unique, and it will allow you to experiment with other options, if you choose.
V2 also offers a more advanced version (the Series 3X) that includes variable wattage for higher power and increased vapor output.
Ready to Jump In! Beginner Vape Mods
If you’ve already experimented with an e-cig before and are ready to jump right in, these products are a nice leap forward from the products we’ve recommended so far.
They’re larger, have longer-lasting batteries and offer more power and flexibility. They’re also a bit more complex, with adjustable airflow and sub-ohm capability. We’ve chosen them as great beginner vape mods though, as they are still simple enough for a new vaper to use with ease:
Smok Priv V8 Vape Mod Kit
PROS:
- Compact and simple to use
- Impressive vapor and flavor
- Adjustable airflow
- Sleek and attractive design
CONS:
- Airy draw unlike smoking
- Battery sold separately
With up to 60W of power and simple one-button operation, the V8 Vape Starter Kit is the perfect vape mod for beginners. It has a streamlined design to keep things compact and a full-length firing bar on the side.
The V8 Vape Starter Kit also includes the highly acclaimed TFV8 Baby Beast Tank which features adjustable airflow can be used with a wide range of coil heads to customize your experience.
Although it’s definitely simple and lacks any complicated controls, the V8 will produce much vapor than the products we’ve recommended so far. A single 18650 battery is required – sold separately.
Aspire Nautilus All-In-One Vape Pod Starter Kit
PROS:
- Super compact, all-in-one design
- Extreme battery life
- Great flavor and vapor
- Adjustable Aireflow
CONS:
- Manual activation only
The Aspire Nautilus is an awesome all-in-one unit that’s highly versatile and perfect for beginners. Just as powerful as the Smok Priv V8 (above), but more compact and even easier to use. Just press a button and you’re off to the races. The tank is built right into the unit and the 1.8 ohm Nautilus Coils provide impressive flavor and a surprising amount of vapor.
Not only can the Aspire Nautilus be used with standard e-liquid, but like the Juul it can be used with nicotine salts for a highly satisfying experience.
Innokin Z80 Coolfire Starter Kit
PROS:
- Auto wattage adjustment
- Impressive vapor and flavor
- One button operation
CONS:
- Battery sold separately
- Separate charger required
The Innokin Coolfire Kit is another simple and easy-to-use vape mod for beginners. Packed with Innokin’s F0 technology, the Coolfire alternates current to end it through the coil in both directions. The alternated current creates amazing flavors you won’t find with other kits.
It includes theInnokin’s Zenith II Tank with several different coil heads for different styles of vaping. Single 18650 battery required – sold separately.
Smok Stick V9 Starter Kit
PROS:
- Traditional tub-shape design
- Simple one-button operation
- Huge 40000mAh battery
- Impressive vapor and flavor
CONS:
- Airy draw unlike smoking
- Much larger than cigarette
If you’re not a fan of the box-shaped form factor of most vape box mods, the Smok Stick V9 could be right up your alley. This type of e-cigarette is way bigger than a traditional vape pen, but it still maintains a tube-shaped design and includes a long-lasting 4000 mAh battery for tons of battery life. Like the Smok Priv V8 (above), it comes with an adjustable airflow TFV8 Baby V2 Tank and produces significant amounts of vapor and flavor.
If you’re ready to jump into sub-ohm vaping and don’t need the restrictive draw of most vapes for beginners, the Smok Stick V9 won’t disappoint.
SEE THE BEST 50W – 100W BOX MODS
Making Your Final Decision…
There are a lot of factors to consider when you’re trying to choose your first electronic cigarette.
You need to understand the different vape mods on the market, evaluate your current smoking habits and consider how you’re going to incorporate e-cigarettes into your daily routine.
Does it have to be small and work like a regular cigarette, or will something larger and more powerful work better?
There are a wide variety of beginner e-cigarettes and vape mods, but ultimately the choice is yours to make…