Blu vs Aspire: Features, Price + More (2024)
The epic showdown: Blu vs Aspire. We're here to dissect every puff, flavor, and cloud.
But how do they compare against each other in terms of product range, performance, flavors, value, and more?
Whether you're on team Blu or rooting for Aspire, this detailed comparison guide is packed with juicy details!
And stick around, because we've got a twist for you – nicotine-free vapes from Cyclone Pods. Safer, smoother, and even more satisfying.
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Further Reading: Explore these resources: Discover more through: |
A Quick Intro to Blu and Aspire
Blu, headquartered in North Carolina, USA, serves up a sleek range of e-cigarettes and vaping products that cater to the curious newbies and veterans. With a lineup that spans from their myBlu device to a variety of liquid pods and disposables, they've got your back whether you're in it for the taste or the convenience.
One of the global leaders in vape brands, Aspire boasts more than a decade of R&D and manufacturing in electronic atomization products. Aspire offers a wide range of vaping devices, including pods, tanks, and mods, in over 30 countries, including the USA, through a network of over 150 distributors.
Brand History and Background of Blu and Aspire
Let’s look at how the two brands evolved.
Blu vapes, launched in 2009 by Fontem Ventures, quickly made its mark with user-friendly designs, though its journey has seen its share of ups and downs, including regulatory challenges. After being acquired by Lorillard Inc. in 2012 and later by Imperial Brands in 2015, some argue Blu lost some of its pioneering edge amidst corporate shifts. Recent efforts to expand flavor choices and enhance device technology in 2023 and 2024 have kept Blu in the game. However, in Feb 2024, the US FDA issued marketing denial orders (MDOs) for four Blu Disposables (Menthol 2.4%, Vanilla 2.4%, Polar Mint 2.4%, Cherry 2.4%) and one Myblu product (Menthol 1.2%.) Fontem Ventures cannot market or distribute these products in the US.&
Established in 2010, Aspire traces its origins back to Shenzen, China. It is a brand owned by Shenzhen Eigate Technology Co., Ltd. The company is famous for developing several of the industry’s first technologies, such as the ‘Capillary System E-liquid Conduction.’ In 2021, Aspire was among the four e-cigarette brands that the US FDA requested social media marketing details from, due to concerns about vape marketing practices targeting youth.
Blu vs Aspire Comparison Summary
Take a quick look at the features of Blu and Aspire vapes before we get into the details:
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Blu |
Aspire |
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Product Range |
Blu 2.0 rechargeable device & pods |
Pod systems: Raga AIO (All-In-One), Flexus, Cyber, Gotek, and Fluffi Series Sub-ohm tanks and mods: Huracan, Veynom, and Proteus Series
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Nicotine-free options available? |
No |
No (most Aspire vapes are recommended to be used with nic salt e-liquids) |
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Device Quality & Build |
Sleek, minimalist design with a durable, lightweight aluminum body. Ergonomic shape for comfortable handling. |
Classic design theme, tactile PU and modern metal aesthetics, ergonomic design, vibrant colors, TFT Color/OLED screen (in select devices) |
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Battery Capacity |
Blu 2.0: 400mAh Blu Bar: 400mAh Blu Pro: 1100mAh |
Minican 3 Pro Vape Kit: 900mAh Cyber X Pod Kit: 1000mAh Flexus Blok: 1200mAh BP Stik: 2500mAh R1 Disposable: 650mAh |
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Pod Capacity, Nicotine Strength |
Blu 2.0: 1.9ml pods, 18 mg/ml Blu Pro: 9 mg/ml and 18 mg/ml (0.8% and 1.6%). Blu Bar: 20 mg/ml |
Raga AIO: 4.5ml BP Stik: 5ml PCTG reservoir Cyber S: 2ml/3ml (depending on the limit set by local regulations like TPD and CRC) Aspire typically recommends using their vapes with nicotine salt e-liquids ranging from 5-20mg nicotine strength |
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Number of Puffs per Pod |
Blu 2.0: 262 puffs per charge Blu Bar: 600 puffs Blu Pro: 600 puffs |
Raga AIO, BP Stik, Cyber S: 500 puffs Aspire R1 Refillable Disposable Vape: 3500 puffs |
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Charging Time |
Blu 2.0, Blu Bar: 1 hour Blu Pro: 2 hours |
Raga AIO: Around 1-1.5 hours |
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Safety Features |
Blu 2.0 has a magnetic pod retention system that secures the pods in place while you use it. This eliminates the risk of unintended pod detachment. Blue Pro has a 10-second cut-off protection, overcharge protection |
Precision airflow, Aspire ASP chipset, overheat protection, low voltage protection |
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Device and Pod Cost |
Blue 2.0: £9.99 (UK) Blu Pro kit: £17.99 (UK) Blu Bar 600: £3.99 (UK) Blu Bar 1000: £5.99 (UK) Pods: £3.99 - £6.99 (UK), $9.99 (2-pack) |
P Stik: $24.57 Flexus AIO Kit: $32.40 Gotek Pro: $20.25 Cyber G Pod Kit: $18.99 Onemore X1: $13.98 (prices from online Aspire store) |
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Customer Support and Warranty |
1 year |
90 days |
Now let’s compare these brands in detail:
1. Design and Aesthetics
Blu's design is sleek, minimalistic, and compact. The Blu 2.0 comes with a satin and gloss finish and has a PowerTap feature for checking your battery on the go. It has a closed pod system, rapid recharging, and uses PURLAVA™ heating technology with ceramic wicks. This prolongs the life of the coil, ensuring all of the e-liquid in each pod is vaporized before the coil expires. Each Blu device has unique configurations that contribute to their vapor output. For example, the Blu Pro is designed for a more direct-to-lung vaping style, which typically produces more vapor compared to the more discreet, mouth-to-lung style of the Blu 2.0 and Blu Bar disposables.
Aspire vapes are sleek with a modern design, with a focus on sustainability and performance. For instance, the Raga AIO is built from sustainable nylon ceramic material which is strong, durable, and sports a high-end look and feel. Some Aspire vapes, such as the Hurricane series, feature ergonomic, metal aesthetics with TFT color screens for added visual appeal. A few drawbacks include the stiffness of the airflow control ring in the Aspire Nautilus 2, which could affect the vaping experience. Also, having to remove the Breeze 2’s mouthpiece for airflow adjustment makes the design less intuitive than it could be.
2. Performance and Battery Life
The Blu 2.0 and Blu Bar, both with 400mAh batteries, provide adequate power for light to moderate users. But, they need to be recharged frequently and may fall short for heavy vapers. The Blu Pro, with its 1100mAh battery, stands out for longer-lasting performance, catering well to more demanding users. However, across the board, Blu's battery life can be a limiting factor, especially when compared to competitors offering higher capacity options for extended use.
Aspire vapes offer reliable performance and battery life. For instance, the Aspire AVP features a 700mAh battery that lasts a full day on medium to high strength nic salts. The device provides consistent output and charges in about 50 minutes, offering pass-thru vaping while charging. However, some users may find the lack of adjustable airflow a drawback. Similarly, the Cyber G vape pen comes with an 850mAh battery, offering nearly two full pods of vaping on a single charge, showcasing impressive battery life for its size.
3. Longevity
Blu vapes' longevity varies, with the Blu 2.0 offering 262 puffs per charge, falling short for heavy users. Meanwhile, Blu Bar and Blu Pro provide a more robust 600 puffs, catering better to frequent vapers. This range indicates a moderate lifespan, positioning Blu as a practical option for daily vaping needs.
Most of the Aspire vapes, like Raga AIO, BP Stik, and Cyber S, offer close to 500 puffs per pod. Similarly, the R1 Refillable Disposable Vape offers up to 3500 puffs per pod. Aspire coils are designed to last longer than traditional ones, with users reporting extended periods of use before needing a replacement, depending on their vaping habits and type of e-liquid used. With proper care and maintenance, Aspire devices can last between 6 and 24 months.
4. Flavor Selection and Nicotine Options
Blu vapes' flavor selection ranges from classic Tobacco and Menthol to more exotic ones like Pina Colada and Java in Blu 2.0. Blu Bar flavors lean into fruit-based flavors like Banana Ice and Peach Ice, appealing to users who favor sweet, refreshing tastes. The Blu Bar variety pack allows you to try multiple flavors before committing to a single one.
Aspire offers a diverse range of flavor selections to cater to different preferences and tastes. Some popular flavor categories include fruit, beverages (tea and coffee), tobacco, and menthol.
5. Vaping Experience
Blu vapes are generally known for moderate vapor production and a discreet and satisfying experience. The vapor output is sufficient for casual vaping, providing a smooth and consistent draw. The throat hit from Blu vapes is notably satisfying, especially for former smokers or users who prefer a stronger sensation reminiscent of traditional cigarettes. This is achieved through their nicotine formulation and the device's design, which ensures a sharp, clear hit at higher nicotine strengths, such as the 20 mg/ml offered in Blu Bars.
Aspire vapes have innovative coil technologies like the BVC (Bottom Vertical Coil) and mesh coils, which lead to efficient e-liquid absorption and heating. So, you get a consistent and satisfying vaping experience. In terms of throat hit, Aspire vapes cater to diverse preferences, offering options for mouth-to-lung (MTL), direct-to-lung (DTL), and restricted direct-to-lung (RDTL) vaping. But, there are a couple of issues too. The limited 2ml capacity of the Nautilus 2 might frustrate heavy users due to frequent refills. The Aspire AVP is often criticized for lacking adjustable airflow and difficulty in filling with thicker nozzles, and so on.
6. Health and Safety Concerns
Blu has been in the hot seat for health concerns, especially with its high nicotine content leading to worries about addiction and cardiovascular impact. There's also the buzz about exposure to harmful substances like benzoic acid in their pods, though they're generally considered less harmful than traditional cigarettes.
Aspire claims to conduct rigorous safety checks to ensure a safe vaping experience. However, most of their products are recommended to be used with nicotine e-liquids. And nicotine is known to be a highly addictive stimulant that can harm respiratory and cardiovascular health.
7. Regulatory Compliance and Legal Issues
The FDA’s marketing denial orders (Feb 2024) against some flavored Blu vapes, including menthol are mainly due to insufficient evidence on their public health impact. Concerns highlighted include the lack of data on harmful ingredients in the aerosol and battery safety issues.
Aspire has faced some regulatory compliance and legal issues in the US market. For instance, the FDA raised concerns about Aspire importing new tobacco products, such as Aspire Breeze, without premarket authorization. In the UK market, Aspire vape pods were found non-compliant with certain vape regulations that mandate tanks with a maximum of 2ml capacity, nicotine strength under 20mg/ml, and display of manufacturer details and health warnings.
Note: Consumers must also verify adherence to the latest local laws prior to any purchase of devices from these brands.
8. Nicotine Content Potential
Blu vapes offer nicotine levels that vary across their product range, including 18 mg/ml for their pods and up to 20 mg/ml for Blu Bar disposables, providing a potent nicotine delivery that can satisfy cravings effectively. However, these higher nicotine concentrations also raise considerations for addiction potential.
Most Aspire vapes are recommended to be used with nicotine salt e-liquids ranging from 5-20mg in strength. Some of Aspire’s sub-ohm devices, such as Revvo Mini Tank, are more compatible with low nicotine e-liquid. But, vape pods, such as Cobble and Breeze 2, with high ohm ratings and low wattage, can also be used for low-nicotine e-liquids.
9. Compatibility with Other Products
Blu vapes' proprietary design restricts cross-compatibility with third-party options. This exclusivity ensures a consistent experience but narrows customization options.
Many Aspire are compatible with third-party pods and accessories, allowing you to customize your vaping setup according to your preferences.
10. Availability and Accessibility
Blu vapes are widely available in both the US and UK in online and retail stores. Availability in other regions may vary due to local regulations and market presence.
Aspire vapes are easily available online and in local vape stores in the US, UK, and other regions. While location-based restrictions may apply in other areas, Aspire products are generally accessible to vapers worldwide through authorized retailers and online platforms.
11. Cost vs. Quality
Blu vapes offer a competitive price range, from the affordable Blu Bar disposables at £3.99 to £5.99 in the UK, to the more comprehensive Blu Pro kit at £17.99. This offers a good cost-to-quality ratio, with an affordable and reliable vaping experience despite limitations like restricted third-party compatibility and variable vapor production. Their wide flavor range and user-friendly design make them an attractive option, though higher nicotine levels may deter those seeking lower intake.
Aspire balances cost and quality, providing durable and reliable products at competitive prices. For example, devices like the Aspire Minican and the AVP series, are well-known in the vaping community for their reasonable prices and reliable performance. However, users must note that Aspire warranty coverage may not include coils or accessories, which may lead to additional replacement costs.
Pros and Cons of Blu and Aspire
To summarize, here are the benefits and drawbacks of both these brands:
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Pros of Blu |
Cons of Blu |
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Pros of Aspire |
Cons of Aspire |
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In short, both Blu and Aspire stand out in the vaping market with their unique strengths and offerings.
However, both Blu and Aspire are not without their regulatory challenges.
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