Pen-shaped vape devices (or simply vape pens) are popular for a good reason - they're sleek, discreet, and deliver a satisfying experience.
There are countless options, from basic disposables to advanced dab pens. To make it easy for you, we've rounded up the best vape pens in every category – so you’re sure to find your perfect match here.
We’ll cover what to look for (such as battery life, vapor quality, and portability) so you can confidently pick a vape pen that suits your lifestyle.
And if you're interested in a safe, nicotine-free option, there’s Cyclone Pods—great for clean vaping without harmful chemicals.
Further Reading:
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This Article Contains
- What Are the Different Types of Vape Pens?
- 11 Best Pen-Shaped Vapes for Every Preference
- Best Overall Vape Pens
- Best Budget Vape Pens
- Best Long-Lasting Vape Pens (Battery Life)
- Best Portable and Travel-Friendly Vape Pens
- How Do I Choose the Right Type of Vape Pen? (4 Factors to Consider)
- Other FAQs Related to Vape Pens
What Are the Different Types of Vape Pens?
As we mentioned earlier, vape pens range from grab-and-go disposables to fancy dab tools. Here's what you need to know about each of them:
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Disposable Vape Pens: These slim, pen-shaped disposable vapes are the ultimate no-fuss option. They come pre-filled and pre-charged and work right out of the box. They are perfect for beginners who want to try new flavors without committing to a full vape kit.
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Rechargeable Vape Pens: Want better value for your money? A rechargeable vape kit is your answer. These pen-style devices let you refill with your choice of vape liquid and recharge the vape battery when needed. Expect great vapor quality and more control over your experience.
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Pod Vape Pens: Pod systems are your friend if you don’t want to deal with messy refills. Just pop in a new vape cartridge when needed. They're slim, portable, and fuss-free.
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Oil Vape Pens: Oil vape pens are typically crafted for thin oils like THC (Delta H THC) or CBD oil. They generally use 510-thread cartridges filled with cannabis or CBD oil and are compatible with most pen batteries. These pens are known for their smooth vapor and convenience, especially if you want to incorporate CBD or THC oils into your routine.
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Dab or Wax Pens: These specialized pens are designed for concentrated waxes and similar substances. They feature a unique wax atomizer and usually have higher power output to effectively vaporize thicker concentrates. While technically pen-shaped, a dab tool is often bulkier than standard vape pens.
- Cig-Alikes: The OG vape pens! These look and feel just like traditional cigarettes. While they're not as popular now, they're still a solid choice if you want the most familiar experience when switching from smoking.
Ready to find your perfect vape pen?
11 Best Pen-Shaped Vapes for Every Preference
Coming up are the best vape pen options, whether you’re after smooth vapor quality or a hassle-free nicotine-free disposable vape. We’ve hand-picked both nicotine and nic-free options and classified them into:
- Best overall vape pens
- Best budget vape pens
- Best long-lasting vape pens
- Best portable and travel-friendly vape pens
A. Best Overall Vape Pens
Let's start with the cream of the crop. These devices excel in build quality, performance, and user satisfaction.
1. Cyclone Pods Nicotine-Free Lightning Pod Kit
The Lightning rechargeable pod kit from Cyclone Pods is one of the best vape pen options for a clean and satisfying experience.
It comes with a 7ml pod and USB-C charging. To give it an extra boost of flavor, simply press the turbo button. An LED screen lets you monitor its battery life.
What sets it apart is that it is completely free from nicotine, formaldehyde, and other harmful chemicals found in typical vapes. Plus, it contains high-quality, third-party, lab-tested vape juice with an optimal VG/PG ratio, delivering smooth, satisfying clouds and intense flavors.
Key Features:
- Battery: USB-C rechargeable
- Power Output: Consistent output for smooth flavors and clouds
- Flavor Options: Blue Razz, Mint, Watermelon Raspberry
- Build Quality: Premium leak-resistant construction
Price: $20
2. Vaporesso XROS 3
This vape pen maintains the signature cylindrical design of the XROS series while introducing a more robust 1000mAh vape battery and improved airflow system.
Its slim profile houses Vaporesso's latest mesh coil technology, delivering consistent vapor across MTL and restricted-DTL draws.
While the auto-draw feature works reliably, be wary of occasional leaking issues typical of high-VG vape juice.
Key Features:
- Battery: 1000mAh built-in battery
- Power Output: 16W max (auto-adjusting)
- Flavor Options: Compatible with any vape liquid
- Build Quality: Zinc-alloy body with food-grade PCTG pods
Price: Ranges between $24.99 - $29.99
3. Uwell Caliburn A3
The Uwell Caliburn A3 has a pen-style design with a sleek aluminum alloy frame that'll fit snugly in your pocket.
This vape device features the upgraded Pro-FOCS flavor technology, delivering clean vapor with button and draw activation options.
While the 520mAh vape battery might seem modest, its quick-charge capability (full charge in 15 minutes) helps offset the limited capacity.
Key Features:
- Battery: 520mAh built-in battery
- Power Output: 13W max
- Flavor Options: Compatible with all vape liquid types
- Build Quality: Aluminum alloy body with PCTG pods, magnetic pod connection
Price: Ranges between $17.99 - $24.99
B. Best Budget Vape Pens
These budget vape pens offer a satisfying vaping experience without the high cost:
4. The GeekVape Wenax Stylus
The Wenax Stylus impresses with intelligent power adjustment and three distinct output levels, allowing you to precisely control your vaping experience.
The long-lasting battery performance supports extended usage sessions, though the 2ml pod capacity might feel limiting for heavy vapers.
The cylindrical design keeps things minimalist while maintaining practical functionality for on-the-go use.
Key Features:
- Battery: 1100mAh built-in battery
- Power Output: 16W max (3 power levels)
- Flavor Options: Compatible with G.Coil series pods
- Build Quality: Aluminum alloy construction
Price: Ranges between $16.99 - $24.99
5. Innokin Endura T18 II
The Innokin Endura T18 II vape pen boasts a precision-engineered design. This vape kit features a protective cap design and a convenient top-fill system for easy vape liquid refills, making it an ideal starter kit for newcomers.
Key Features:
- Battery: 1300mAh vape battery
- Power Output: Three adjustable power levels (10.5W, 12W, 13.5W)
- Flavor Options: Compatible with Prism T18 II coil
- Build Quality: Premium vape device construction
Price: Ranges between $24.99 - $28.99
6. Eleaf iJust D20
The Eleaf iJust D20 stands out with its innovative child-resistant pod design and intelligent auto-wattage adjustment.
As a vape kit that punches above its weight, it features a unique dual airflow system—one for traditional vape liquid users and another optimized for nicotine salts.
What sets it apart is its smart coil detection, which automatically adjusts the power settings to prevent dry hits and extend coil life.
Key Features:
- Battery: 1500mAh built-in with 2A USB-C fast charging (0-80% in 30 minutes)
- Power Output: Smart variable wattage (13-20W) with automatic coil recognition
- Flavor Options: Works best with flavored nic salt e-liquids
- Build Quality: Zinc-alloy frame with magnetic pod connection and dual-sided airflow control
Price: Ranges between $24.99 - $29.99
C. Best Long-Lasting Vape Pens (Battery Life)
If you need a vape pen that won't quit before you do, these powerhouses offer the best battery life in the game.
7. Freemax Twister 80W
The Freemax Twister 80W is a powerful sub-ohm tube device for cloud chasers. It features a generous 5ml tank capacity and an advanced Fireluke 2 mesh coil system.
It has a unique twist-to-adjust control and a clear LED screen. The hefty vape battery and 5ml tank capacity ensure a premium vaping experience throughout the day.
Key Features:
- Battery: 2300mAh built-in vaping battery
- Power Output: Variable wattage 5-80W with twist control mechanism
- Flavor Options: Compatible with standard vape juice
- Build Quality: Durable zinc alloy construction with scratch-resistant coating
8. Geekvape Mero AIO
The Geekvape Mero AIO is a pod vape device with a classic cylindrical design. This starter kit combines a slim, pen-like profile with durable 304 stainless steel construction.
It has a refillable pod system with an integrated tank design.
Key Features:
- Battery: 2100mAh built-in vape battery
- Power Output: 3.8V maximum output with variable settings
- Flavor Options: Compatible with Geekvape B Series coil
- Build Quality: Premium 304 stainless steel construction
Price: $24.99
9. Aspire Tigon
The Aspire Tigon is a hybrid MTL/DTL pen-style vape device that works as an all-in-one system.
It combines a powerful 2600mAh vape battery with a top-fill vape cartridge that can be easily filled with any vape liquid.
The adjustable airflow system and interchangeable coils (0.4Ω DTL & 1.2Ω MTL) are great for tight and airy draws.
Key Features:
- Battery: 2600mAh built-in vape battery
- Power Output: Variable voltage with automatic coil detection (max 28W)
- Flavor Options: Compatible with both high PG (MTL) and high VG (DTL) e-liquids
- Build Quality: Zinc alloy frame with protective coating
Price: $34.99
D. Best Portable and Travel-Friendly Vape Pens
Portable vaporizers slip easily into your pocket while delivering consistent vapor quality throughout your day.
10. Shanlaan Laan Lite Starter Kit
The Shanlaan Laan Lite Starter Kit is a compact all-in-one (AIO) vape device with a slim, pen-like profile. It houses a 320mAh rechargeable vape battery and a 1.4mL refillable pod with a 1.3Ω ceramic coil.
The cylindrical design makes it comfortable for all-day carry, though the small size may not be ideal for heavy users.
It also features interchangeable color panels, allowing for personalization.
Key Features:
- Battery: 320mAh built-in vape battery
- Power Output: 7.4W
- Flavor Options: Compatible with high PG (MTL) e-liquids
- Build Quality: Lightweight materials with interchangeable color panels
Price: $20-$30 (based on US retailers)
11. Kandypens Rubi
The Kandypens Rubi is a compact vape pen with an air-activated design and refillable 1ml pod vape cartridge.
Notably, the Rubi is compatible with a variety of vape liquids, including vape juice and oils like cannabis oil and THC oil.
Key Features:
- Battery: Rechargeable vape battery
- Power Output: N/A
- Flavor Options: Compatible with e-liquids and liquid concentrates, including oils like cannabis oil and THC oil
- Build Quality: Stainless Steel and plastic build, with a ceramic coil and organic Japanese cotton
Price: $49-$69 (US retailers)
Now, let's examine what you should look for when buying vape pen starter kits.
How Do I Choose the Right Type of Vape Pen? (4 Factors to Consider)
Focus on these four factors to pick the best vaporizer for your needs:
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Battery Life: A 300-400mAh battery should last a full day for casual users, while heavy users might want to look for something 650mAh or higher. Also, check if the device has USB-C charging—it's a game-changer for quick power-ups.
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Refillable vs. Disposable: Refillable vape devices are cost-effective in the long run and let you experiment with different vape juice and oil options. While they require some maintenance (like cleaning and replacing the coil), you'll save money over time. Disposable vape pens are super convenient and perfect for trying new flavors or traveling, but they'll cost more over time and create more waste.
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Ease of Use: If you're new to vaping, look for devices with simple, one-button operations or draw-activated systems (where you just inhale to activate). Features like magnetic vape cartridge connections and top-fill designs make refilling and maintenance much easier. Avoid devices with complicated menu systems unless you're ready to deal with a learning curve.
- Vapor Quality and Flavor: This factor greatly affects your vaping experience. Ceramic coils typically provide a cleaner flavor and last longer than traditional cotton wicks. For smoother vapor, look for devices with adjustable airflow - it lets you fine-tune your experience from tight draws to airy hits. Some premium vaporizers offer temperature control, which helps prevent burnt hits and preserves flavor.
Got more questions about choosing and using a vape pen? Let's address them.
Other FAQs Related to Vape Pens
1. Can Vape Pens Be Used With CBD Oils?
Yes, many vape pens are compatible with CBD oils, but you'll have to use the right type of device. While some are specifically designed for CBD and other oils, others only work best with regular vape juice.
Look for vape devices that explicitly mention oil compatibility or come with special cartridges designed for oils. The best options usually feature ceramic coils since they handle oils better than traditional cotton wicks and provide smooth puffs.
Just remember that CBD oil needs to be specifically formulated for vaping - regular CBD tinctures aren't suitable for vaping and could damage your device.
2. What Is the Difference Between a Vape Pen for Nicotine and One for Cannabis?
The main differences come down to design and functionality.
Vape pens for nicotine are typically designed to work with vape juice or e-liquid, while cannabis vape devices come in several specialized forms:
- Wax vaporizer or wax pens and dab pens are built specifically for cannabis concentrates like live resin and waxes.
- Dry herb vaporizers are designed to work with ground cannabis flowers.
- Oil vape cartridges work with cannabis oils and distillates.
The heating systems also differ—cannabis vaporizers often use ceramic coils or convection vaporizers to handle thicker concentrate, while nicotine devices usually use simpler cotton-wicked coils.
A cannabis or THC vape also tends to operate at lower temperatures to preserve cannabinoids and terpenes, while nicotine vapes run hotter for bigger clouds.
If you're just starting, you may find that disposable vape pens are an easy way to try either type, as they come ready to use right out of the box.
3. What Are Some Good Cannabis Pen Options?
Here are three reliable options for pen-shaped cannabis vaporizers (aka weed pen or weed vape):
- Vessel Craftsman Series: A 510-thread vape battery with adjustable voltage settings and exceptional build quality, known for its long battery life and compatibility with most oil cartridges.
- PAX PLUS: A portable dual-use vaporizer that works well with both dry herbs and concentrates. The PAX PLUS features superior oven technology for faster heating and better flavor, and a range of customizable settings via the PAX mobile app.
- G Pen Dash dry herb vaporizers: A compact dry herb vaporizer with three temperature settings and a ceramic heating chamber, offering good value for those who prefer ground material over oils.
Disclaimer: THC and Cannabis vaping can have significant side effects and may be illegal in certain regions. Cyclone Pods does not endorse, manufacture, or sell cannabis or THC-related products.
4. How Does Vapor Quality Vary Between Nicotine and Cannabis Use?
The vapor quality differs significantly between nicotine and cannabis products, primarily due to their different heating requirements and delivery methods:
A. Nicotine Vaping:
- Typically produces thicker clouds due to the vape liquid base (PG/VG mix)
- Usually operates at higher temperatures
- Offers more flavor variety through vape juice options
- Generally provides a smoother throat hit
B. Cannabis Vaping:
- Vapor tends to be lighter and less dense
- Uses lower temperatures to preserve active compounds
- Different vaping experience based on the type of device:
- Dry herb vaporizers produce pure, clean vapor from the cannabis flower
- Wax pens and concentrate devices create potent, flavorful hits
- Cannabis oil cartridges deliver consistent vapor quality
Pro Tip: Look for devices with temperature control features and quality heating elements.
5. How Often Should I Clean My Vape Pen?
Clean your vape device regularly to ensure optimal performance and safety.
Here's a straightforward cleaning schedule:
- If you’re a regular user, clean your vaporizer thoroughly about once per week.
- If you're switching vape juice flavors, clean the tank between changes to prevent flavor mixing. For dry herb vaporizers and concentrate devices, clean more frequently as residue builds up faster.
A quick daily wipe-down of connections and the mouthpiece helps maintain vapor quality, while coils and tanks should be deep-cleaned weekly.
This regular maintenance not only improves your vaping experience but also extends the life of your device.
Pro Tip: Watch for signs that indicate your device needs cleaning sooner:
- Reduced vapor production
- Burnt taste
- Gurgling sounds
- Leaking
Remember, a clean vape is a happy vape - and your lungs will thank you for it!
Pick the Right Vape Pen For Your Needs
You could try out any of the devices we recommended above.
And, if you want to vape clean, you can't get a better deal than Cyclone Pods. Our entire vape range, including disposable and pod vapes, is free from nicotine and other nasties like diacetyl, formaldehyde, and vitamin E acetate. That means no health hazards or risk of addiction.
How about trying our Lightning rechargeable device to start with?