Blu vs VAPORESSO: Features, Price + More (2024)
The epic showdown: Blu vs VAPORESSO. 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 VAPORESSO, 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: Discover more through: Learn more with these references: |
A Quick Intro to Blu and VAPORESSO
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.
Headquartered in Shenzhen, China, VAPORESSO offers a wide array of flavored pods, vape pens, tank mods, and accessories. Their sleek, portable gadgets are ideal for both amateur and seasoned vapers.
Brand History and Background of Blu and VAPORESSO
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 2015 by parent company SMOORE, VAPORESSO launched its first product from the TARGET Series in 2016. In 2020, VAPORESSO’s first round of PMTA (Premarket Tobacco Product Application) applications were accepted by the FDA, within three days of submission. However, in 2021, the FDA inquired into the brand's marketing strategies, scrutinizing its social media presence, reach, and the implementation of age restrictions online. In 2023, VAPORESSO won the prestigious Golden Leaf Award for Innovation for its product VAPORESSO COSS.
Blu vs VAPORESSO Comparison Summary
Take a quick look at the features of Blu and VAPORESSO vapes before we get into the details:
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Blu |
VAPORESSO |
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Product Range |
Blu 2.0 rechargeable device & pods |
XROS CUBE, XROS 3, XROS 3 NANO, XROS 3 MINI, XROS 2, XROS NANO, XROS, XROS MINI, LUXE X/XR, LUXE Q2, LUXE Q2 SE, LUXE QS, LUXE Q, ZERO 2, ZERO, ECO NANO, VAPORESSO COSS, OSMALL 2, X MINI, BARR, OSMALL (Rechargeable pods) LUXE X PRO, LUXE XR MAX, GEN PT60 | 80S, GEN AIR 40, LUXE PM40, TARGET PM80 (Rechargeable pod mods) ARMOUR MAX | S, GEN 200 I 80S iTank 2, GEN 200 | 80S, GEN 200/80S MOD, GEN FIT 40, TARGET 200, TARGET 100/80 (iTank), TARGET 80, TARGET 200 MOD, TARGET 100/80 MOD, LUXE 2 MOD, GEN X MOD, GEN NANO MOD, GTX ONE MOD (Tank mods) VECO GO, GTX GO, Sky Solo | Plus, Orca Solo Plus, Veco Solo | Plus, Veco One | Plus (Rechargeable pen styles)
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Nicotine-free options available? |
No |
Yes (VAPORESSO XROS) |
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Device Quality & Build |
Sleek, minimalist design with a durable, lightweight aluminum body. Ergonomic shape for comfortable handling. |
Sleek devices with an ergonomic body, a glossy exterior, and polished aluminum finish |
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Battery Capacity |
Blu 2.0: 400mAh Blu Bar: 400mAh Blu Pro: 1100mAh |
XROS CUBE: 900 mAh LUXE Q2: 1000 mAh ZERO 2: 800 mAh ECO NANO: 1000 mAh OSMALL 2: 450 mAh LUXE X PRO: 1500 mAh TARGET PM80: 2000 mAh ARMOUR MAX | S: 21700 mAh GEN FIT 40: 2000 mAh VECO GO: 1500 mAh Sky Solo | Plus: 1400/3000 mAh Orca Solo Plus: 1200 mAh |
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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 |
XROS CUBE: 2 ml LUXE Q2: 2 ml/3 ml ZERO 2: 2ml/3 ml ECO NANO: 6 ml/2 ml OSMALL 2: 2 ml LUXE X PRO: 5 ml/2 ml GEN AIR 40: 4.5 ml/2 ml TARGET 80: 5 ml/2 ml VECO GO: 5 ml Sky Solo | Plus: 8 ml/2 ml Orca Solo Plus: 2ml |
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Number of Puffs per Pod |
Blu 2.0: 262 puffs per charge Blu Bar: 600 puffs Blu Pro: 600 puffs |
TARGET 200: 200-240 |
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Charging Time |
Blu 2.0, Blu Bar: 1 hour Blu Pro: 2 hours |
ZERO 2: 45 minutes LUXE Q2: 30 minutes |
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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 |
LED light indicator, auto-shutoff, short circuit protection, low voltage protection, over charge protection, and age verification at purchase |
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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) |
XROS CUBE: $27.90 LUXE Q2: $33.90 ZERO 2: $29.90 ECO NANO: $14.90 - $16.90 OSMALL 2: $15.90 LUXE X PRO: $47.90 GEN AIR 40: $36.90 TARGET 80: $69.90 VECO GO: $24.90 Sky Solo | Plus: $28.90 Orca Solo Plus: $20.90 |
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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.
VAPORESSO devices are slim yet sturdy and available in translucent colors (ice blue, rose pink, neon sunset, etc.) and monotones (black and gray). Most devices are slender with rounded edges but a few devices (ECO NANO, XROX CUBE, and others) have a cube-like shape. On the other hand, XROS 3 and LUXE X PRO may have practical issues like tinted pods that make it hard to see juice levels. The GEN mod's extensive feature set and modes can be overwhelming for beginners.
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.
VAPORESSO devices like TARGET 80 and ARMOUR MAX have a battery capacity of 3000 mAh and 21700 mAh, promising extended vape sessions. However, OSMALL 2's 450 mAh will need frequent charging and can be a letdown for heavy users. But, most models like the XROS series and LUXE line hit the sweet spot with around 1000 mAh, balancing portability with decent battery life.
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.
VAPORESSO TARGET 200's reliance on dual 18650 batteries offers a solid foundation for longevity, allowing users to easily replace batteries and extend the device's life. However, its puff count range of 200-240, may not impress heavy users seeking all-day vaping without interruptions.
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.
VAPORESSO doesn’t produce its own line of flavored e-liquids. You have to choose e-liquids from other brands, going for fruity or tobacco flavors, whatever floats your boat.
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.
VAPORESSO devices are equipped with COREX heating technology, helping you capture the true taste of different e-liquids. These devices also offer adjustable airflow to deliver a customizable MTL (mouth-to-lung) vaping experience. They also deploy the SSS leak-resistant technology where the e-liquid is locked inside the pod securely. Further, the AXON chipset in VAPORESSO devices act like the discreet assistant that makes sure every puff is just right.
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.
VAPORESSO products may pose health risks, including nicotine addiction and exposure to harmful ingredients, such as diacetyl and vitamin E acetate. However, the brand also offers nicotine-free options for those seeking a safer vaping alternative.
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.
In 2021, the FDA looked closely at VAPORESSO's marketing methods — how it used social media and promoted their products, especially amongst the younger demographic. The agency asked for documents related to the brand's social media ads and marketing strategies, such as what they post, how much they spend, and how they plan to keep underage kids from seeing their advertisements, among other things. As of 2024, VAPORESSO has completed the FDA Remote Regulatory Assessments.
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.
VAPORESSO products offer a range of pod capacities from 2 ml in XROS CUBE to 8 ml in Sky Solo | Plus, accommodating varying nicotine levels based on your preference and choice of e-liquid.
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.
VAPORESSO offers refillable pod systems that are compatible with e-liquids from other brands. However, these devices shouldn’t be paired with third-party pods and chargers as the design and dimension of products may vary from brand to brand, making them incompatible and rendering the device non-functional.
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.
VAPORESSO products are available from retailers worldwide, including countries in Asia Pacific, North America, South America, and Europe. You can also purchase these products online in the UK, US, various European countries, and other parts of the world. The availability and shipping of vaping products can be impacted by location-specific regulations and restrictions.
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.
Some may find VAPORESSO's pricing to be on the premium side, compared to other brands that offer rechargeables under $10. While ECO NANO and OSMALL 2 are priced under $20, TARGET 80 and GEN FIT 40 command prices up to $69.90 — thanks to their powerful battery life, superior build quality, and different pod capacity options. It may not be the best choice for those on a tight budget, but it is of value to those in search of a great vaping experience, thanks to its cutting-edge technology.
Pros and Cons of Blu and VAPORESSO
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 VAPORESSO |
Cons of VAPORESSO |
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In short, both Blu and VAPORESSO stand out in the vaping market with their unique strengths and offerings.
However, both Blu and VAPORESSO are not without their regulatory challenges.
Now, if you’re on the lookout for a nicotine-free alternative without compromising on the vaping experience, we’ll tell you what’s best.
Cyclone Pods: The Safest, High-Quality, Nicotine-Free Alternative
Cyclone Pods is a game-changer for vapers looking to ditch nicotine without losing the vaping experience. We offer a wide range of nicotine-free vapes, making it easier than ever to cut down or stop nicotine consumption.
Our innovative products include the Surge, and the Gust Super disposable range. Pick from our stunning range of:
- Fruity vapes, including banana vapes, raspberry vapes, watermelon vapes, and more
- Classic vapes, such as menthol vapes and mint vapes
- Exotic flavor blends
We use only high-quality flavorings, vegetable glycerin, and propylene glycol in our vape juice giving you big clouds and the purest of flavors. There’s absolutely no vitamin E acetate, diacetyl, or any other addictive substances, including nicotine.
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