JUUL vs. Vape Pen - Which Is Right for Me?

Deciding between buying a JUUL or a vape pen and unsure which one is right for you? Read our JUUL vs. vape pen guide and find out which is best for your vaping needs!

JUUL

The JUUL is one of the most popular devices on the market and for good reason. Slim, satisfying and simple to use, the JUUL vaporizer is perfect for beginners and hobbyists alike, and its compact dimensions make it easy to carry around in your pocket. To use the JUUL, you simply pop a pre-filled pod into the top of the device and you’re ready to start vaping straight away! The main selling point of the JUUL, however, is the innovative nicotine salt formula used in its refills. Nicotine salts are found in the leaves of the tobacco plant and are absorbed into the body much more quickly than the freebase nicotine normally used in vape juice; this gives the vaper a very similar sensation to smoking an ordinary cigarette. What’s more, vaping nic salts at higher strengths won’t give you the scratchy feeling in your throat that sometimes accompanies high-nicotine juices. It’s easy to see how this helped propel JUUL to the top of the industry: JUUL pods have a nicotine content of 50mg (5%), which provides an intensely satisfying rush, but their nicotine salt base delivers a smooth inhale with the perfect throat hit (and no unwanted harshness!) JUUL weren’t just pioneers in the use of nicotine salts; they were also at the forefront of the pod mod revolution. Pod mods like the JUUL  and the JUUL 2 (available in UK only) are a reimagining of the classic e-cigarette: combining the convenience of pre-filled pods with the performance of refillable vape pens, pod mods are as simple as it gets with no compromise on flavor. JUUL pods contain 0.7ml vape juice and a coil; once you finish one, it’s as simple as disposing of the old pod and slotting a new one into your JUUL and you’re ready to vape again. No mess, no need to refill a tank and no need to change coils - simple! The JUUL is a game-changing device, and vapers looking for a convenient kit that provides a powerful nicotine hit and great flavor should seriously consider it.

Vape Pens

The term “vape pen” generally refers to e-cigarette kits made up of a refillable e-liquid tank and a battery. Vape pens, as the name suggests, are generally pen-shaped, but they come in a wide variety of sizes, colors and with all kinds of different features. There are two main benefits to vape pens over pod systems and cigarette-style kits: versatility and cost. Refillable vape pens can be used with any vape juice you like; this opens you up to a whole world of flavor possibilities. Aside from traditional tobacco, menthol and fruit options, you can find vape juices in more or less any flavor imaginable. From cereal to cheesecake to coffee to candy, your options are almost infinite when choosing a liquid for your vape pen! You can even buy nicotine salt juice for your vape pen, giving you a similar hit to the JUUL! Vape juice also comes in various nicotine strengths, so if you don’t feel you need as strong a nicotine hit, you can easily find the right level for you. You will also find that the vast majority of tanks have a larger juice capacity than the JUUL’s 0.7ml pods, meaning that one tank of liquid should last you longer than a pod. In addition to the range of flavors, buying vape juice is generally more cost-effective than buying pod refills. Vape pens also tend to use replaceable coils, which will need to be switched out every 1-3 weeks, depending on usage. If you’re looking to try out all kinds of exciting flavor blends and you’re happy to refill a tank and change coils when necessary, a vape pen could be the right choice for you.

JUUL vs. Vape Pens - At A Glance

JUUL

• Very easy to use - plug and go pod system
• Takes pre-filled pods, so no need to refill
• Compact: 4” tall by ¾” wide
• 50mg nicotine salt pods for a strong but satisfying rush with no harshness

Vape Pens

• Can be filled with a vape juice of your choice
• Often more cost-effective than buying refill pods
• Range of nicotine strengths available
• Variety of styles available to suit all kinds of vapers

JUUL or Vape Pen? - The Conclusion

Whether you should go for a JUUL or a vape pen really comes down to what you’re looking to get out of vaping. If convenience is king for you, or you were a heavy smoker before making the switch and you want something that closely resembles the sensation of smoking a regular cigarette, the JUUL is a great choice for you. If you’re interested in a more customizable vaping experience, or the JUUL’s 50mg nicotine sounds too strong for you, a vape pen might be the way to go. There is, however, a third way. Following the popularity of closed pod systems like the JUUL, VUSE Alto  and the PHIX, a new wave of devices has hit the market offering all the convenience of a pod mod but featuring refillable pods in place of pre-filled ones. Refillable pod mods such as the Suorin Air and Boulder Rock have proven to be a hit with vapers, since they deliver a very similar experience to classic pod vaping but allow you to choose your own liquid. Pair one of these kits with a nicotine salt liquid for a JUUL-style vape in a flavor of your choosing!



The Electric Tobacconist stocks e-liquid of varying nicotine levels, including nicotine-free, as well as all your favorite e-cigs from the likes of VUSE, VUSE Pods, JUUL and blu. Spend over $150 with us on any eligible order and get FREE shipping. Please note, Heated Tobacco and nic pouch products such as Zyn and Velo are currently only available for sale from our UK store and cannot be shipped to the US.