Gold Bar vs FreeMax: Comparing Devices, Price, Performance (2025)
The epic showdown: Gold Bar vs FreeMax. 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 Gold Bar or rooting for FreeMax, 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: Check out these links: Learn more with these references: |
A Quick Intro to Gold Bar and FreeMax
Crafted by the UK-based manufacturer Vape Gold, Gold Bar is known for their opulent vaping devices with a recognizable gold finish. Their lineup includes sleek disposable vapes and pod systems, available in a variety of flavors and a 20mg to 50mg nicotine strength. They’re simple (with few frills) but user friendly and highly portable for the everyday, casual vaper.
FreeMax, based in Shenzhen, China, creates high-performance vape devices and innovative coil technologies. Their lineup includes sleek pod systems, powerful box mods, and tanks featuring mesh coil designs. FreeMax states that their vapes are exported to over 100 countries, serving more than 20 million customers worldwide.
Brand History and Background of Gold Bar and FreeMax
Let’s look at how the two brands evolved.
Gold Bar is a relatively new brand founded in 2023 by Patrick James Taylor. The brand emphasizes elegance and sophistication, alongside high performance and careful quality control. Specific details about their regulatory compliance are limited. They seem to comply with the United Kingdom’s TPD (Tobacco Products Directive), and haven’t received any publicly available warnings from the US FDA. However, this lack of information doesn't guarantee product safety. It may indicate that Gold Bar, being a young brand, hasn’t yet attracted FDA scrutiny or received premarket tobacco product application (PMTA) approval.
FreeMax was founded in 2013 by Yao Wang in Shenzhen, China. They introduced the Fireluke—the world’s first sub-ohm tank with a mesh coil—in 2017. In 2020, they launched the Maxus series with SmartLoad technology for easier battery installation. FreeMax has received industry recognition, with its Twister 80W Kit named Best Vape Pen and the M Pro (Mesh Pro) ranking second in Best Sub-ohm Tanks in Vaping360 Awards. In 2022, they released the Galex series, followed by Friobar disposables in 2024. That said, FreeMax has encountered regulatory challenges, including an FDA warning letter for marketing products in the US without official approval.
Gold Bar vs FreeMax Comparison Summary
Take a quick look at the features of Gold Bar and FreeMax vapes before we get into the details:
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Gold Bar |
FreeMax |
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Product Range |
Gold Bar 600 Disposables (TPD) Gold Bar Reload Prefilled Pod Kit (TPD) Gold Bar Apollo Prefilled Pod Kit (TPD) Gold Bar 24Seven Disposables (Note: Availability differs by country) |
Galex Series, Maxus Series, Marvos Series (Kits, Pods, Coils, Tanks) Disposable vapes: Sold under the brand Friobar
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Nicotine-free options available? |
No |
No |
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Device Quality & Build |
Sleek, matte gold finish, ergonomic black mouthpiece, aluminium and plastic construction |
Compact, leak-proof design, zinc-alloy, and aluminum-alloy body, user-friendly interface |
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Battery Capacity |
Gold Bar 600 Disposables: 500mAh Gold Bar Reload Prefilled Pod Kit: 650mAh Gold Bar Apollo Prefilled Pod Kit: 1000mAh Gold Bar 24Seven Disposables: 850mAh |
Galex Series: 800mAh - 900 mAh Maxus 50W: 2000mAh Marvos T 80W: 3000mAh |
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Pod Capacity, Nicotine Strength |
Gold Bar 600 Disposables: 2ml, 20mg/ml (2%) Gold Bar Reload Prefilled Pod Kit: 2ml, 20mg/ml (2%) Gold Bar Apollo Prefilled Pod Kit: 2ml + 5ml refill tank, 20mg/ml (2%) Gold Bar 24Seven Disposables: 20ml, 50mg/ml (5%) |
Galex Series: 2ml - 3ml XFILL Pod Kit: 5ml (TPD 2ml) |
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Number of Puffs per Pod |
Gold Bar 600 Disposables: 600 puffs Gold Bar Reload Prefilled Pod Kit: 600 puffs Gold Bar Apollo Prefilled Pod Kit: 20,000 puffs Gold Bar 24Seven Disposables: 24,000 puffs |
FreeMax Twister 80W Mod: 150 puffs |
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Charging Time |
Gold Bar Reload Prefilled Pod Kit: 1 hour 45 mins Gold Bar Apollo Prefilled Pod Kit: Fast charging time not specified Gold Bar 24Seven Disposables: Fast charging time not specified |
Galex Nano: 50 minutes |
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Safety Features |
LED indicator, no firing button (inhale activation), short-circuit protection, overcharge protection, age verification at purchase, batch number product verification |
Child-resistant Certified, |
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Device and Pod Cost |
Gold Bar 600 Disposables: £6 or $8 Gold Bar Reload Prefilled Pod Kit: £6 (~$8) for the starter kit; £6 (~$8) for 2 x pods Gold Bar Apollo Prefilled Pod Kit: £9 (~$12) for the starter kit; £5 (~$7) per refill pack Gold Bar 24Seven Disposables: ~$13 to $19 |
Galex Series: $9.99 - $29.99 Replacement pods |
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Customer Support and Warranty |
6 months (devices) |
90 days |
Now let’s compare these brands in detail:
1. Design and Aesthetics
Gold Bar devices feature a sophisticated gold finish and a compact, rectangular shape with rounded edges for ergonomic handling. They’re highly portable and hassle free, with no buttons or screens, making them very user-friendly. However, the simple design won’t impress users who enjoy bells and whistles like digital displays and advanced safety protections.
FreeMax offers a range of compact pods and advanced mods. The Galex Nano, a square-shaped pod system, is small, lightweight, and designed for daily use. If you want something more refined, the mid-sized Marvos X steps in with a symmetrical design and a leather panel on the battery cover. Both devices feature semi-transparent front panels with LED lights, adding a modern touch. With multiple color options, you can pick a style that matches your vibe.
2. Performance and Battery Life
Gold Bar’s battery capacities range from 500mAh (non-rechargeable) to 1,000mAh (rechargeable), offering decent longevity for casual use. However, some users report slower charging times compared to similar devices. The reusable batteries in Reload and Apollo kits support environmental sustainability. They use USB-C charging for convenience. Meanwhile, the disposables are single-use, including the batteries.
The battery life of FreeMax vapes varies significantly across models. Devices like the Marvos T 80W with a 3000 mAh battery can last you a full day. However, you may have to recharge pod systems like the MAXPOD 3 with a 480mAh battery frequently to keep it going. Mid-range options like the Maxus 50W (2000mAh) strike a good balance. Heavy users may find smaller batteries frustrating, but the fast charging feature in models like Galex Nano (50 minutes) helps mitigate downtime.
3. Longevity
The average puff count per ml for pod-based vapes is around 300 puffs. So, the Gold Bar 600 Disposable and Reload are right on par with industry standards and offer decent longevity. The 24Seven Disposable is packed with puffs but it only sports an 850mAh battery, which could mean frequent recharging. Meanwhile, the Gold Bar Apollo shines with an impressive 20,000 puffs and the highest battery capacity (from this brand) at a relatively low price.
FreeMax devices vary in longevity based on the model and your usage. A single FreeMax pod typically provides around 150 puffs, roughly equivalent to a pack of cigarettes. High-capacity mods like the Twister 2 80W (3000mAh) are good for prolonged use, while coil lifespan is an average of one to three weeks, depending on your vaping habits and e-liquid viscosity. In terms of build quality, most devices—like the Maxus MAX 168W and Galex Nano—use zinc or aluminum alloy, which makes them durable and resistant to wear.
4. Flavor Selection and Nicotine Options
Gold Bar offers an extensive flavor selection across its product ranges: Across the devices, you can find mainly fruity flavors with some minty and tobacco profiles in the mix. However, users may find the pod vape and 24Seven flavor ranges disappointing compared to their vast 600 Disposable range.
FreeMax vapes are available in a variety of fruit-based and minty flavors, such as: Passion Fruit
Strawpina
Blue Razz
Pineapple Ice
Pink Lemonade
Menthol
5. Vaping Experience
Gold Bar vapes provide a smooth throat hit and consistent vapor production with a relatively airy draw. They’re great if you enjoy simplicity and ease-of-use. However, if you are a cloud head or love to customize your vaping experience (such as adjustable airflow or power), you may find the experience less satisfying.
FreeMax vapes deliver dense vapor and a smooth throat hit, largely due to their advanced mesh coil technology. The mesh coil design ensures even heat distribution and efficient e-liquid absorption, enhancing both flavor and coil longevity. However, some users have reported inconsistent flavor delivery in models like the Maxus 200W and Fireluke Mesh Tank. They noted a cotton or metallic taste instead of the intended flavor, which impacted their overall experience. Despite these concerns, FreeMax devices are usually easy to use and safe. Models like the MARVOS X PRO 100W come with an LED display, so you can check your battery life and tweak the power settings. Additionally, FreeMax’s intelligent chipset technology offers features such as overheating protection, ensuring you have a safe vaping experience.
6. Health and Safety Concerns
Gold Bar vapes offer devices with 20mg (UK) or 50mg (US) nicotine strength, lacking nicotine-free options, which may not suit users seeking to avoid nicotine. Nicotine is highly addictive and can pose a risk to cardiovascular health. The brand also doesn't clearly share what's in their e-liquids, which might worry vapers who prioritize their health.
Since FreeMax offers products with varying pod capacity, high-power mods like the Marvos (4.5ml - 5ml) can put heavy vapors at risk of increased nicotine exposure. Nicotine is a toxic substance that can put you at risk of high blood pressure and make you vulnerable to heart ailments.
7. Regulatory Compliance and Legal Issues
Gold Bar complied with TPD regulations, which, among other points, limits tanks to 2ml. However, they have used a common loophole for their Apollo pod kit, providing multiple 2ml tanks that can attach to the device at once. The TPD regulations are enforced for consumer protection, so this workaround may be something to take note of. But, there’s little information regarding Gold Bar’s compliance with the US FDA.
FreeMax complies with TPD regulations, meeting the required standards to sell their products legally in the EU market. However, their products have not received FDA marketing authorization in the US.
Note: Consumers must also verify adherence to the latest local laws prior to any purchase of devices from these brands.
8. Nicotine Content
Gold Bar vapes use nicotine salts, offering a smooth and satisfying hit with a nicotine strength of 20mg/ml for all TPD devices. The 24Seven vape is not TPD compliant (not sold in the UK), and contains 50mg/ml (5%) nicotine.
FreeMax has vapes in a range of nicotine strengths. Devices like the Onnix 2 15W (2ml) can handle 6-12mg freebase or 20-50mg nic salt, making them ideal for stronger nicotine delivery in a compact form. Meanwhile, the Onnix 20W (3.5ml, TPD 2ml) is better suited for 3-6mg freebase—perfect if you prefer lower nicotine concentrations.
9. Compatibility with Other Products
Gold Bar products are designed as standalone systems, meaning their pods and devices are not compatible with other brands. However, the rechargeable devices use a standard USB-C charger, making charging convenient and compatible with commonly available cables.
FreeMax is compatible with other devices, especially in 510-threaded models like the Maxus 50W and Twister Series, allowing you to swap coils. However, pod systems like the MAXPOD 3 use proprietary pods and coils, limiting third-party options. While this gives you consistent performance, it limits customization. You may find FreeMax replacement parts online, but if you’re looking for non-brand accessories, you may have fewer choices.
10. Availability and Accessibility
Gold Bar vapes are primarily available in the UK through online retailers and select vape shops. They can be hard to come by in the US, though some online wholesalers sell the 24Seven disposable.
FreeMax vapes are widely available in the US, UK, and other global markets, though accessibility varies by region. In the US, online and physical retailers carry FreeMax products, but their availability is limited without FDA approval. Buying in the UK is straightforward, though TPD regulations enforce a 2ml tank capacity limit, affecting product options. Globally, FreeMax has partnerships with distributors in regions like Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, enhancing product accessibility. Nonetheless, you should research regional guidelines before you make a purchase.
11. Cost vs. Quality
Gold Bar vapes generally align with standard market value, offering 600-puff disposables for $8 to 24,000 puff disposables for around $13 to $19. However, a few factors (like limited customizability and lack of transparency around ingredients) can make alternatives appealing at a similar price point.
FreeMax offers good value for money, balancing performance, capacity, and durability across its products. If you’re a light vaper after an affordable, compact vape, the Galex Series ($9.99 - $29.99, 2ml-3ml, up to 50mg salt nic) is a solid pick. While the Maxus Series ($26.99 - $62.99, 3.5ml-5ml, lower nicotine) provides longer battery life and durability. For vapers seeking high vapor production at an affordable price, the Marvos X 100W ($29.99, 4.5ml-5ml) offers powerful performance without a high cost.
Pros and Cons of Gold Bar and FreeMax
To summarize, here are the benefits and drawbacks of both these brands:
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Pros of Gold Bar |
Cons of Gold Bar |
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Pros of FreeMax |
Cons of FreeMax |
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In short, both Gold Bar and FreeMax stand out in the vaping market with their unique strengths and offerings.
However, both Gold Bar and FreeMax are not without their regulatory challenges.
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