The Difference Between Vape Pods and Mods?

Delve into the design variances between vape pods and mods, gaining insights into their portability, performance, and customisation options.

Wondering how you use a vape pod? Want to know what vape mods are? This article will go in-depth into explaining both types of vape products, as well as explaining the largest differences between them.

Shopping for a new vape kit? New to vaping entirely? Keep reading. A pod kit could be the ideal starter vape device for you while a mod kit could be an excellent upgrade for the experienced vape user. Asides from the main difference of complexity of use, there are a hundred smaller details which make a vape pod and a vape mod completely different pieces of vaping kit.

Let’s start with a simple explanation of what a vape mod is and what a vape pod is. Afterwards, we will take a closer look at the differences between the two. Don’t forget that you can browse both vape pods and mods over in our online vape shop at www.vapedirect.com.

What are Vape Pods?

The phrase “Vape Pods” technically refers to the pods which contain the e-liquid which these device vape. A vape pod is a type of e-cigarette which operates using removable pods, or cartridges. These cartridges either come pre-filled with e-liquid or they come in refillable form.

What makes a pod kit different from a standard vape device is the removable pod part. A standard vape device refills through the top, straight into the tank, via a removable mouthpiece. A pod vape kit allows for easier, cleaner refilling, since you can remove the pod to fill it.

A vape pod kit works as a standard vape device does. The liquid in the pod connects with the coil, the battery heats the coil and releases the vapour which you inhale through the mouthpiece. Vape pods are known for giving good throat hits, ideal for ex-smokers.

What are Vape Mods?

A vape mod is a different type of vape device. While a standard vape device comes with set features such as temperature limits, airflow, and power, a vape mod kit is fully modifiable. Experienced vape users make the switch to mod kits when they want to fine tune their vaping experience. Thus, mod kits are far more versatile than any other device.

The “mod” part refers both to the ease of modifications and to the part of the vape device which has the battery and electronic components within it. Everything else about the vape device can be changed to enhance the vape user’s experience. Vape mods typically use a standard refilling system over refillable pods.

Mod kits give the user enhanced control over the finer details of vaping. Features you can fine tune include:

• Temperature
• Air flow
• Power/wattage
• Coil strength
• MTL, RDTL, or DTL vaping
• Tank shape
• Battery life
• Durability
• Special features

Special features of vape mods might include variable controls through the LED screen, Bluetooth connectivity, saveable settings, and more.

Main Differences: Pods vs Mods

The main difference between pods vs mods lies in the complexity aspect. Mods are for experienced vape users simply because they require a bit of technical know-how to get the full improvements to your vaping experience that you would expect from a higher end device. Pod kits are simpler to use by comparison. They ease you in gently to the vaping world.

Pod kits are good for smokers trying to cut down or quit since they tend to use a higher PG:VG ratio of vape juice. This makes for a headier throat inhalation similar to that which you get from a cigarette. However, where a pod kit excels in this area, a mod kit will give you far bigger clouds of vapour if you set it up properly. You might even use your mod kit with a refillable pod tank system – but we will get to that later.

Vape mods use more battery power but have stronger batteries. They give you better flavour and have the capacity to produce cooler vapours, which taste better on the exhale. This boosts the flavour intensity of your favourite vape juices. On the whole though, mod kits are more expensive and take far more maintenance than your average pod kit.

Comparing the main differences between pods vs mods therefore comes down to your experience as a vape user. If you want to quit smoking, use a pod kit to begin with. If you are new to vaping, again, a pod kit will suit you. If you are an experienced vape user who has used both a refillable vape and a pod kit before, then you might well want an upgrade, and the only place to upgrade to is the modifiable vape kit.

We warn you, once you make the switch it will be impossible to go back and still be satisfied.

Size and Portability

The size and portability aspects of vape pods vs mods are huge in difference. While a pod is based on the original concept of an e-cigarette and tends to be light and slim, a vape mod kit can be bulky, reinforced, and too large to easily hide in your pocket.

On the other hand, the modern pod kit is growing larger and you can have bulkier looking pod kits. Replaceable vape pods are generally mess-free and easy to carry when compared to vape juice bottles. However, on the whole, the size and portability category goes to the pod kit as the winner.

Simplicity vs Customisation

The biggest difference between vape pods and mods is definitely the vast gap in complexity between the two types of device. While a vape pod kit could be inhale-to-operate or use a single push-button-to-operate system, vape mods use a completely different control system.

This other system controls the exact temperature, how much air is flowing through the device, and an even control which colour of lights are showing on the OLED screen! It is this complexity that allows you to fully customise your vaping experience, giving yourself a totally tailored, totally unique vaping sensation every time.

Ease of Use

Vape mod kits are not easy to use for a new vape user. You would be better off to stick to vape pod kits until you are more experienced. Deciding to start vaping using a mod kit is like starting smoking by making your own cigarettes – filter and all. It is doing things the hard way. Later, when you have been vaping for a while, that ease of use can give way to that desire for customisation. You can learn more about how to use vape mod kit in our previous article.

Flavour and Vapour Production

Pod kits tend to come with pre-filled pod options, or with vape juices made expressly to go with their vape device. These are flavours totally tailored to your device. This gives you the taste you need to enjoy a pleasant vaping experience.

If you want more oomph as a beginner vape user, opt for a pod kit which has a battery power that is upwards of 1000mAh. This will give you more vapour without the complexity of a vape mod.

If you want maximum everything – temperature, flavour, vapour production, huge clouds, to become a competitive vaper – then you want a vape mod. They give you the absolute most from your vape juice.

Cost Considerations

Price will definitely play a part in your decision to choose between a vape mod and a vape pod kit. Vape pods are starter-friendly, user-friendly, and cheaper in comparison to vape mods. When you buy a pod kit, you buy everything you need to start vaping there and then, perhaps minus the juice.

By comparison, a vape mod kit needs to be built up, fine-tuned, and perhaps have new parts ordered. While you can add vape juice to start vaping out of the box for some vape mods, it is less likely. A mod kit costs more, takes more time to set up, and is far more durable than your average pod kit.

Maintenance and Upkeep

While the pod kit is low maintenance, you will still need to clean it from time to time. Removing the parts and keeping the battery and coil safely dry, cleaning the tank and mouthpiece in hot, soapy water is best. You should do this when you switch flavours. You can see this article on how to clean pod kit vape devices if you need help.

The vape mod requires similar cleaning when you change from one flavour to another, or whenever your mouthpiece starts to feel clogged or gunky. While maintenance for both devices include cleaning and charging, a vape mod kit will require more maintenance in terms of technology.

Keeping your vape mod fine tuned takes effort and a watchful eye. They definitely take far more maintenance and upkeep than a pod kit will.

Which One is Better: Vape Mod or Vape Pod?

Which one you find better out of vape mods and vape pods depends entirely upon what you want to use it for and your level of experience in vape use.

New users should avoid vape mods and opt for vape pods, instead. You can browse our full range of vape pods to find a device that suits you in colour, style, and efficacy. Remember to shop for vape pod kits with a battery strength higher than 1000mAh if you want a good throat hit as an ex-smoker.

Experienced users have a choice. The pod kit is good for social events and vaping in public places since it is less bulky. If you are cloud chasing or competitive vaping, sitting at home or in the middle of nowhere, then vape mods are ideal. Vape mods represent the ultimate in vaping pleasure. Sure, they take more work, but nothing good ever came for free.

Combining Vape Pods and Mods

Finally, we have a third option for your consideration. Those experienced enough to know they want a vape mod and that they could work it properly might still prefer the pod kit’s system of easy refills. Pods can be refilled away from your device, avoiding messy, sticky vape juice accidents near your device. This feature makes them attractive to vape mod users, who have paid a lot of money to have that epic device.

Therefore, why not combine the two? You have a vape mod kit which has maximum compatibility either with other mods and brands, or with its’ own brand’s line of products. These contain both open fill tanks and pod kit tanks. It is your choice as a vape mod user which you would prefer.

Sadly, while you can get a mod kit which uses a pod refill system, you cannot get a pod kit which has the features of a mod. It only works one way. Our advice is to get familiar with vape technology before you upgrade to a vape mod. This way, you give yourself time to learn whether vaping is for you or not before you make a large investment.

Vape Pods and Vape Mods Each Have a Place

Both vape mods and pods have and important part to play in the world of vape device use. While pods are excellent as starter devices, mods are better for those who are advanced vape users. There is no right or wrong choice – but we advise against buying a vape mod as your first device. You wouldn’t want your first ever car to be a Ferrari… not when you just passed your test.

Vape mods hold a place in competitive vaping, cloud chasing, and in performing vaping tricks. If this is your intention then have at it. We also highly recommend vape mods to anyone seeking to upgrade their existing vape device for something with a little more kick.