Pods: The Types and How to Choose the Right One for Your Device
The word Pods gets used for different things: sometimes the pre-filled cartridge you click on and throw away, sometimes the small refillable tank you fill yourself, and sometimes people mix it up with the coil. This page separates them clearly and gets you to the right pod for your device.
Quick summary
- Pre-filled pod (closed): arrives ready with e-liquid inside — click it on, use it, bin it.
- Refillable pod (open): empty, you fill it with whatever flavour you like.
- A pod is not a coil: the pod is the tank, the coil is the part that heats — and in some pods the coil is built in.
- What matters most when choosing: device compatibility then resistance then the flavour.
1. The pre-filled pod (closed system)
It comes sealed with the e-liquid and coil together. Click it onto the device and vape straight away; when it's finished you bin it and fit another. No filling, no cleaning, no wattage settings.
Suits: anyone who wants the simplest possible experience, people coming from cigarettes, and anyone who hates maintenance.
Downside: your flavour choice is limited to what the brand itself offers.
The best-known closed pod systems we carry: Phix · RELX · MYLE · Vuse.
2. The refillable pod (open system)
A small empty tank you fill with any flavour you like. Cheaper over time and your flavour options are wide open, but it asks a few steps of you: filling, waiting, and changing coils.
Suits: anyone who wants to move between flavours and control nicotine strength.
Downside: needs a little care, and overfilling causes leaking.
Common devices: Uwell · OXVA · Vaporesso · Geekvape · VOOPOO.
Quick comparison
| Pre-filled pod | Refillable pod | |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of use | Highest | Medium |
| Flavour freedom | Limited | Open |
| Long-term cost | Higher | Cheaper |
| Maintenance | None | Filling and coil changes |
Resistance (ohms) — the number that actually matters
The figure printed on the pod — 0.6, 0.8 or 1.2 ohm — is the resistance, and it decides the draw style:
- High resistance (1.0 – 1.4 ohm): a tighter draw closer to a cigarette (MTL), suited to higher nicotine and salts.
- Low resistance (0.4 – 0.8 ohm): a wider draw with denser vapour, suited to lighter nicotine.
If you put a 50 mg salt e-liquid on a very low resistance, the dose will be heavy on you. Detail in Vape Resistance Chart.
When should you change the pod?
- The taste has faded or gone burnt — the clearest sign.
- The vapour has weakened even though the battery is charged.
- Usually every one to two weeks depending on how much you use it.
- Sweet and dark flavours wear a pod out faster than light ones.
FAQ
What's the difference between a pod and a coil?
The pod is the tank that holds the e-liquid, and the coil is the part that heats it. In pre-filled pods the two are built together and thrown away together; in some devices you change the coil alone and keep the pod. Full explanation in Vape Pods vs Coils.
Does any pod fit any device?
No. Every device has its own pod with a specific shape, size and contact points. Before you buy, confirm the exact device name and model — or Message us on WhatsApp with a photo of the device and we'll tell you which one fits.
My pod leaks — why?
Usually overfilling, heat, air pressure, or damaged O-rings. Fill only to the marked line, keep the device upright, and avoid very hard draws. More detail in Preventing E-Liquid Leaks in Your Vape.
Which e-liquid suits a pod?
Small devices and pod systems suit salt e-liquids, while stronger devices suit freebase e-liquids. The difference is explained in Salt Nicotine.
Browse: Pods & Coils · pod systems · E-Liquids · Vape Devices
Not sure which pod fits your device? Message us on WhatsApp and send a photo of the device.
