Choosing the right vape tank for your mod can completely transform your vaping experience, whether you're chasing intense flavors, huge clouds, a tight draw, or something in between.
Read on for the best vape tank options (broken down by type) and enlightening FAQs.
Further Reading:
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This Article Contains:
- What Is a Vape Tank? (Components + 4 Types)
- 10 Best Vape Tanks for Flavor Purists and Cloud Enthusiasts
- 6 FAQs About Choosing and Using Vape Tanks
Let’s start with some essential info about vape tanks.
What Is a Vape Tank? (Components + 4 Types)
A vape tank is the part of a refillable vape device that holds the e-liquid and the heating coil, which together produce the vapor you inhale. It’s an essential component in refillable devices like box mods and pod systems.
Vape tanks come in various sizes and styles, and they can significantly impact your overall vaping experience—from flavor intensity to the amount of vapor (clouds) produced.
The main components of a vape tank include:
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Mouthpiece (Drip Tip): The mouthpiece is where you take your hits. It usually has a size of 510 (8.5mm wide bore), 710 (10.5mm), or 810 (12.5mm). You can switch out any removable mouthpiece with one of the same size.
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Top Cap: This is the part of the tank you open to put liquid inside. They commonly have a ½ or ¼ swivel or sliding design and might have different locking mechanisms to keep them closed securely.
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Glass or Tank: The e-liquid container, often called a "glass" or "tank," can be made of glass or plastic. The term "glass" is commonly used regardless of the actual material.
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O-rings and gaskets: An O-ring is an O-shaped piece of plastic seal that keeps everything tight around the connection points, preventing tank leaks. Gaskets do the same job, but are flat and can be molded in any shape. Gaskets often stop leaking at the top fill or around the coil.
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Coils and Wicks: The wick is an absorbent material that soaks up e-liquid and delivers it to the coil, which heats up to create vapor. The coil itself is a separate, usually removable component. Most tanks come with a compatible coil but allow you to pick from a range of coils with different resistance ratings.
- Base Connection: This is where the tank connects to the battery, powering the coil. Most tanks have a “thread” size 510. This number lets you know the tank is compatible with most battery mods. Other connector types include the KR-808 (mostly in older e-cigs and pens), 601 (mainly wax and herbal pens), and magnetic (for pods and some oil cartridges).
Now, there are four types of tanks.
You’ll want to pick a tank type that suits your mod vape kit and preferences:
1. Sub-Ohm Tanks (or DTL Tanks)
A sub ohm tank is designed for direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping, where you inhale vapor directly without holding it in your mouth.
This coil type uses a resistance of less than 1 ohm (hence, sub-ohm), which allows the coil to handle high wattages and produce massive clouds and intense flavor.
A sub ohm vape tank is perfect for those who enjoy big, bold hits and a more open airflow.
2. MTL Tanks
A Mouth-to-lung or MTL vape tank mimics the feel of smoking a traditional cigarette, where you take a smaller pull into the mouth before a deep inhale into the lungs.
They produce less vapor but focus on delivering a strong, flavorful hit. They're great if you're into higher-nicotine liquid or nic salts and want a hit that feels closer to smoking.
3. Rebuildable Tank Atomizers (RTAs)
Rebuildable tanks allow you to construct your own coils for customized performance. If you love to geek out about vaping devices, this is the route for you.
You can experiment with different coils, wire types, coil sizes, resistances, wicking materials, and more to find the perfect balance of flavor and vapor production.
4. Disposable Vape Tanks
These tanks come with built-in coils for a limited number of puffs. When the vape coil dies, you throw the whole tank away. They allow for hassle-free vaping without the need for maintenance or refills.
Disposable vapes are also popular with users who don’t want to commit to buying a vape device for the long run (e.g. if you’re a casual smoker or trying to quit).
They’re often much more affordable. Unfortunately, since you aren’t using all components to the end of their lifespans, the tradeoff with a disposable tank is that you’ll create more e-waste.
Okay, so let’s get into it!
What are the best vape tanks out there?
10 Best Vape Tanks for Flavor Purists and Cloud Enthusiasts
Here are the best vape tank options in the four tank types.
Best Sub-Ohm Tanks
For the DTL vapers out there, here are the four best vape mod tanks you can’t go wrong with:
1. Geekvape Z FLI Tank (Zues)
The Geekvape Z FLI Tank (also known as the Zeus FLI) is a sub ohm vape tank with some cool, user-friendly features. It features a flip-top cap for easy refills and a leak-preventing top airflow system.
The tank is compatible with the well-known Z Series coils – perfect if you’re looking for longevity and consistent flavor performance.
Features:
- Size: 29mm x 51.5mm
- Capacity: 5.5ml (2ml TPD)
- Thread: 510
- Drip Tip (Mouthpiece): 810
- Weight: 74g
- Price: $32.50
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2. Vaporesso iTank 2
The Vaporesso iTank 2 is a large-capacity DTL tank, excellent for longer sessions.
The sub-ohm tank opens automatically at the push of a button, making refills a dream.
What’s more? It’s compatible with several Vaporesso coil options, ranging from 0.15ohm to 0.5ohm.
Features:
- Size: 30mm x 59.8mm
- Capacity: 8ml standard, 2ml (TPD)
- Thread: 510
- Drip Tip (Mouthpiece): 810
- Weight: 83g
- Price: $29.90
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3. Freemax M Pro 3
The Freemax M Pro 3 is the latest upgrade in the popular M Pro series, specifically designed for Direct-to-Lung (DTL) vaping. It comes with a 0.2ohm mesh coil, but is also compatible with three other M-series coils (including RBA).
Enjoy a convenient child-resistance-certified top-fill system, sleek stainless steel body, and top-notch performance.
Features:
- Size: 28mm x 58.85mm
- Capacity: 5ml (2ml TPD)
- Thread: 510
- Drip Tip (Mouthpiece): 810
- Weight: 72g
- Price: $40
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4. HorizonTech Falcon Legend
The HorizonTech Falcon Legend tank has five vibrant color options and features a convenient top-fill design with a ¼ turn cap.
The Falcon Legend tank is compatible with all Falcon M and F series coils, which support between 65 and 85 Watts.
And you’ll love this — the kit generously includes a spare glass, coil, O-ring, and gasket.
Features:
- Size: 28×54.8mm
- Capacity: 5ml (2ml TPD)
- Thread: 510
- Drip Tip (Mouthpiece): 810
- Weight: 73g
- Price: $20 to $25
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Best MTL Tanks
The best MTL tanks balance ease of use, flavor clarity, and airflow control, allowing you to fine-tune your vaping experience.
Here are the best MTL vape tanks you should try:
5. Aspire Nautilus 3
The Aspire Nautilus 3 is a mess-free and easy-to-use tank thanks to the sliding top-fill cap and a press-fit coil system.
It offers adjustable airflow with seven different settings and compatibility with six coil options to customize your draw. The Nautilus 3 is compatible with all Nautilus series coils of varying resistances (0.4 to 1.8 ohms), making it suitable for an MTL or sub ohm vaping setup.
Features:
- Size: 24mm x 48.5mm
- Capacity: 2ml
- Thread: 510
- Drip Tip (Mouthpiece): 510
- Weight: 74g
- Price: $26
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6. Innokin Zlide
The Innokin Zlide is a popular MTL vape tank known for its sleek design, affordability, and ease of use.
It features a slide-to-open top, where the mouthpiece acts as a child lock and must be removed to open it.
The tank is compatible with six Z-series Innokin coils. It also allows coil replacement without emptying the tank, which adds to its hassle-free appeal.
Features:
- Size: 22.7 x 49.5mm
- Capacity: 2ml
- Thread: 510
- Drip Tip (Mouthpiece): 510
- Weight: 70g
- Price: $10 to $20
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Best Rebuildable Vape Tanks (RTAs)
Rebuildable vape tanks offer seasoned vapers the ultimate control over their vaping experience.
Here, we’ll highlight two top picks you can enjoy, whether you’re familiar with rebuildable tanks or just getting started.
7. Innokin ARES FINALE
The Innokin Ares Finale is a versatile RTA (Rebuildable Tank Atomizer) designed for MTL and RDL vaping.
The tank has a user-friendly build deck for easy coil installations, a convenient quarter-turn top-fill system, and dual airflow adjustment to tailor your draw.
This RTA’s simplicity makes it ideal for beginners, but it may not be as enticing for vape-building experts and enthusiasts.
Features:
- Size: 24mm x 56.35mm
- Capacity: 4.5ml (2ml TPD)
- Thread: 510
- Drip Tip (Mouthpiece): 510
- Weight: 57g
- Price: $30
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8. Wotofo Profile X RTA
With a huge tank and a range of color options, the Wotofo Profile X RTA allows you to vape for longer without refilling and enjoy a bold aesthetic.
This single-mesh rebuildable atomizer lets you choose between a single coil for a simple, smooth experience, or a dual coil for bigger clouds and a stronger hit.
Features:
- Size: 28mm x 43.7mm
- Capacity: 5ml or 8ml with bubble glass (2ml TPD)
- Thread: 510
- Drip Tip (Mouthpiece): 510
- Weight: 60g
- Price: $30.95 to $37.95
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Best Disposable Vape Tanks
Disposable vape tanks are convenient if you want a more advanced vape mod without the hassle of regular cleaning or replacing coils.
Here are your best options:
9. Innokin GoMax
The Innokin GoMax is a disposable DTL tank for sub ohm vaping.
It features an impressive 5.5ml e-liquid capacity and a built-in 0.16-ohm mesh coil (60 - 80W) for dense cloud production. The durable plastic tank has a top-sliding top-fill system and adjustable airflow.
It’s a solid choice for users who want a low-maintenance, high-performance tank.
Features:
- Size: 29mm x 45.5mm
- Capacity: 5.5ml
- Thread: 510
- Drip Tip (Mouthpiece): Fixed 810
- Weight: 20g
- Price: $3 to $6
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10. Freemax GEMM
The Freemax GEMM Disposable Tank is compatible with several mesh coils, ranging from 0.12ohm to 0.5ohm (supporting anywhere from 20W to 90W).
It has a silicone plug top-fill system and a 90% tea fiber cotton and 10% organic cotton wick.
Features:
- Size: 25mm x 51.35mm
- Capacity: 4ml or 5ml (2ml TPD)
- Thread: 510
- Drip Tip (Mouthpiece): fixed 810
- Weight: 20g
- Price: $5 to $10 (2-pack)
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So many great options out there!
Still undecided?
This next section should give you the answers you need.
6 FAQs About Choosing and Using Vape Tanks
If you have lingering queries about vape tank performance and compatibility, read on.
1. Why Do Some Vape Tanks Produce Better Flavor?
The flavor produced by a vape tank depends on many factors:
- Airflow design: More airflow creates a cooler vapor with a milder flavor, while less airflow intensifies flavor and hit sensation.
- Coil type: Higher wattages intensify taste, while lower settings preserve delicate flavors.
- Wicking material: Coils using high-quality organic cotton or special blends (like bamboo fiber) often deliver cleaner, richer flavors.
- Mouthpiece design: A short and narrow mouthpiece concentrates flavor, while a wide and long one dilutes it.
- E-liquid quality and ratio: High-quality e-liquid usually performs better flavor-wise. The VG/PG ratio also plays a role, with high PG boosting flavor and high VG creating smoother clouds. You may also have a flavor preference for nic salts or freebase liquid.
- Cleanliness and coil age: A dirty tank or burnt coil will negatively affect taste.
- Vaping preference: MTL tanks can produce a stronger flavor than DTL tanks if you’re willing to trade off the cloud chasing.
2. What Vape Tank Has the Longest Lasting Coils?
Many vape tanks do not have pre-installed coils, allowing you to choose from a range of compatible coils.
That said, from the compatible coils for tanks on our list, the Geekvape Z, Vaporesso GTi, and Innokin Z coils are well-known for being long-lasting.
3. Are Vape Tanks Interchangeable?
Yes, many vape tanks are interchangeable, but there are important things to consider:
- Connection: Most tanks use a standard "510" connection, which fits many mods. This means you can often mix hardware brands.
- Size: Tanks that are too tall or too wide for your mod might look odd or be impractical. Common diameter sizes are 22mm, 24mm, and 26mm.
- Power: Your mod must provide the right amount of power for your tank’s coils. For example, if your tank has a coil that needs 70 watts, the best vape mod for that tank should deliver 70 watts of power. Mismatched coils and mods can lead to poor flavor and burnt coils.
- Coil compatibility: Tanks usually work only with specific coil types from the same brand. Some brands share coils (like SMOK and Vaporesso in some models), but this is rare.
- Vaping style: Match your tank to your preferred style (mouth-to-lung or direct-to-lung). For example, an MTL tank won't work well on a high-power mod meant for cloud chasing.
Remember, just because a tank fits doesn't mean it's the best or safest choice for your mod. Always check that your tank, coil, and mod are properly compatible. If certain hardware brands are hard to come by at your local vape shop, choose a tank that works with what you can access.
4. How Do You Clean Vape Tanks?
To clean a vape tank:
- Take it apart, removing the drip tip, O-rings, glass, and coil.
- Set the vape coil aside if it’s still usable.
- Rinse the other parts under warm water, scrubbing gently with a cotton swab to remove juice residue.
- Let everything air dry completely before reassembling.
Important: Not all tanks, like some simpler or disposable vape tanks, can be taken apart. Make sure you follow the instructions for your specific components.
5. How Do I Prevent My Vape Tank From Leaking or Spitting?
Leaking occurs when e-liquid escapes from the top or bottom of the tank, usually due to a bad seal. Spitting is when the vape shoots out hot e-liquid while firing, which can be unpleasant or even painful. These are two common frustrations you could encounter, even if you have the best vape out there.
It could be down to user error, faulty components, or low-quality tanks. Here are some tips to prevent your vape tank from leaking:
- Make sure it's assembled correctly and all parts, including the coil and O-rings, are securely tightened.
- Only fill your tank to the recommended line to avoid overflowing.
- Store your vape upright to prevent e-liquid from seeping out.
- Replace any worn-out O-rings or gaskets.
- Use e-liquid with the recommended VG/PG ratio for your tank.
If your vape is spitting, try these fixes:
- Reduce the wattage on your device to prevent overheating the coil.
- Avoid overfilling the tank, as this could flood the coil and lead to spitting.
- Use a more open airflow setting, as a tight airflow can pull excess juice through the coil and into the mouthpiece.
- Clean your mouthpiece and other components to get rid of any built-up e-liquid that could pop out when you smoke.
- If your tank has been sitting with e-liquid in it for a long time, clean it out and replace the coil. Over time, your coil can soak up excess liquid, which can get pulled into your mouth the next time you inhale.
6. Are Vape Tanks Suitable For Beginners?
Things can get pretty complicated when picking a tank and setting up a mod. Compatibility issues, challenging assembly, cleaning, etc. — all these factors stand between you and a satisfying hit.
Luckily, there are beginner-friendly devices that you can smoke right out the box while still enjoying flavor and experience.
For example, Cyclone Pods produces high-quality, nicotine-free vape pod and disposable vape kits.
Devices like these are best for beginners because there’s no need to fuss over coils, cleaning, or refilling.
All our vapes are:
- Long-lasting and rechargeable to reduce e-waste.
- Pre-filled with your choice of mouthwatering fruity, menthol, and tobacco flavoring.
- Free from harmful additives like diacetyl, vitamin E acetate, and formaldehyde — e-liquid only contains VG, PG, and flavoring.
You’ll love our Cyclone Surge Pod system, for instance.
The starter vape kit includes a device, charger, and a 15ml pre-filled vape pod (six flavors). You can purchase replacement pods in 24 delicious flavors, including pineapple mango, mint, cotton candy, and tobacco.
And the best part?
All Cyclone Pods products are tobacco and nicotine free. This means you can enjoy vaping without developing a nicotine addiction.
They’re not just for beginners, either. Our devices can be the perfect replacement for cigarettes and nicotine vapes for long-time smokers looking to quit.
Your Ideal Vape Tank Awaits
Picking the right vape tank is key to unlocking the full potential of your vape mod.
Ultimately, it’s all about finding what best matches your style, like an MTL tank for a tight draw or sub ohm tank for fuller vapor.
This guide can help you find the best vape tank for you. But, if you’re looking for a simpler and healthier alternative, check out Cyclone Pods’ for the best disposable vape and pod options, free from nicotine.