IJOY vs Gold Bar : Comparing Devices, Price, Performance (2025)
The epic showdown: IJOY vs Gold Bar . 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 IJOY or rooting for Gold Bar , 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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A Quick Intro to IJOY and Gold Bar
IJOY, based in Shenzhen, China, offers disposables, pod systems, and mods designed for beginners and advanced vapers alike. With a global presence across five continents, IJOY products are available in countries like the USA, UK, France, Japan, and South Africa.
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.
Brand History and Background of IJOY and Gold Bar
Let’s look at how the two brands evolved.
The IJOY brand, launched in 2012, is a leading name in the electronic vape industry. In 2015, they launched the Asolo 200W box mod, noted for its temperature control features. By 2017, it expanded the product line to include the Captain series, and in 2019, it introduced the LIO brand, focusing on disposable vapes. Continuing its innovations, it launched the IJOY Uranus Mate in 2024, one of the first AI-automated vaping devices. However, the brand’s journey hasn't been without hurdles. In November 2023, the FDA issued a warning letter against IJOY for illegally marketing and selling its products in the US.
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.
IJOY vs Gold Bar Comparison Summary
Take a quick look at the features of IJOY and Gold Bar vapes before we get into the details:
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IJOY |
Gold Bar |
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Product Range |
IJOY Uranus Mate, IJOY Mercy 10000, IJOY Mars Cabin 20000, IJOY PUNK (Disposables) LIO Stone 12000, LIO CAPO, LIO Mini, LIO NANO X2 (Disposables from LIO series) Cigpet CAPO Mod kit (mod kit) |
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)
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Nicotine-free options available? |
Yes (LIO NANO X2) |
No |
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Device Quality & Build |
Ergonomic design with rounded edges and a smooth outer finish |
Sleek, matte gold finish, ergonomic black mouthpiece, aluminium and plastic construction |
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Battery Capacity |
IJOY Uranus Mate: 1100mAh LIO Stone 12000: 550mAh Cigpet CAPO Mod kit: Dual 18650mAh batteries |
Gold Bar 600 Disposables: 500mAh Gold Bar Reload Prefilled Pod Kit: 650mAh Gold Bar Apollo Prefilled Pod Kit: 1000mAh Gold Bar 24Seven Disposables: 850mAh |
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Pod Capacity, Nicotine Strength |
IJOY Uranus Mate: 20ml, 5% LIO Stone 12000: 18ml, 5% Cigpet CAPO Mod kit: 3ml/2ml |
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%) |
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Number of Puffs per Pod |
IJOY Uranus Mate: 40,000 LIO Stone 12000: 12,000 |
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 |
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Charging Time |
IJOY Captain AirGo: 60 minutes approx |
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 |
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Safety Features |
Overcharge protection and child safety lock |
LED indicator, no firing button (inhale activation), short-circuit protection, overcharge protection, age verification at purchase, batch number product verification |
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Device and Pod Cost |
IJOY Uranus Mate: $14.99 LIO Stone 12000: $9.09 Cigpet CAPO Mod kit: $27.99 |
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 |
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Customer Support and Warranty |
Not mentioned on the website |
6 months (devices) |
Now let’s compare these brands in detail:
1. Design and Aesthetics
IJOY devices predominantly feature a rounded box shape with integrated mouthpieces. Models like IJOY Mercy 10000 have a glossy finish whereas others like IJOY Bar 1500 have a smooth matte exterior. However, portability can be a downside, with models like the IJOY SD10000 being noticeably bulkier than standard disposables. On the plus side, some IJOY devices include animated screens, providing you real-time updates on battery and e-liquid levels.
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.
2. Performance and Battery Life
If you're after all-day reliability, IJOY devices like the PUNK (1200mAh) and Uranus Mate (1100mAh) won’t let you down. But if you're a heavy vaper, you’ll find the LIO Mini (400mAh) frustratingly short-lived. Disposables like the LIO Stone 12000 (550mAh) and Mercy 10000 (650mAh) are underwhelming given their puff claims. However, mods like the Cigpet CAPO, powered by dual 18650 batteries can be a good choice for advanced users.
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.
3. Longevity
IJOY’s high-capacity devices like the Uranus Mate (40,000 puffs, 1100mAh) and Mars Cabin 20000 (20,000 puffs, 850mAh) are designed for extended use. However, their battery sizes may be limiting for such high puff claims. Disposables like the LIO Mini (600 puffs, 400mAh) and LIO NANO X2 (800 puffs, 500mAh) may fall short for frequent vapers. For durability and power, you can go for the Cigpet CAPO mod kit with dual 18650 batteries.
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.
4. Flavor Selection and Nicotine Options
IJOY disposables are available in a variety of fruit-based, and other flavors, including: Blueberry Watermelon
Strawberry Ice
Sour Apple
Pink Lemonade
Mexico Mango
Peach Plum
Summer Coconut, and more
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.
5. Vaping Experience
IJOY devices like Uranus Mate and Mars Cabin 20000 are equipped with dual mesh coils, enhancing flavor intensity and vapor production. Models like SD 40000 and CYBER have adjustable airflow functionality, allowing you to customize your draw. Additionally, advanced models like SD 22000 and SD 40000 include smart screens, providing real-time updates on battery percentage and e-liquid levels.
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.
6. Health and Safety Concerns
IJOY products contain nicotine, which can pose health risks and lead to addiction. Additionally, nicotine vapes may contain vitamin E acetate, diacetyl, and other harmful chemicals. However, LIO NANO X2 is one of those rare models from this brand offering you a zero-nicotine vaping option.
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.
7. Regulatory Compliance and Legal Issues
IJOY is yet to receive marketing authorization from the FDA for selling their products in the U.S market. The FDA has flagged specific products, including the IJOY Bar IC8000 Disposable in Apple Juice flavor and the IJOY Bar SD10000 in Blue Razz Ice flavor, for non-compliance.
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.
Note: Consumers must also verify adherence to the latest local laws prior to any purchase of devices from these brands.
8. Nicotine Content
IJOY models like the Mars Cabin 20000 (20ml pod capacity, 50mg nicotine strength) and LIO CAPO (12ml pod capacity, 50mg/30mg nicotine strength) are suited for heavy nicotine users. Conversely, the LIO Mini (2ml pod capacity, 20mg nicotine strength) caters to those seeking lower nicotine options, while the LIO NANO X2 (2ml pod capacity, 0mg/16mg/19mg nicotine strength) offers both low-strength and nicotine-free vaping choices.
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.
9. Compatibility with Other Products
Being disposable, IJOY vapes are incompatible with third-party e-liquids and accessories.
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.
10. Availability and Accessibility
A number of retail shops and online stores allow you to order IJOY products across Asia, North America, Europe, and Oceania. However, the availability and shipping of these products can be impacted by location-specific regulations and restrictions.
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.
11. Cost vs. Quality
IJOY devices like the Uranus Mate ($14.99 for 40,000 puffs) and Mars Cabin 20000 ($25 for 20,000 puffs) offer commendable longevity but at a premium pricing. The LIO Stone 12000 ($9.09 for 12,000 puffs) is an affordable yet high-capacity option. Meanwhile, the LIO Mini ($5.19 for 600 puffs) and NANO X2 (approximately $5.99 for 800 puffs) are affordable but underwhelming in puff count, limiting their appeal to light or occasional vapers.
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.
Pros and Cons of IJOY and Gold Bar
To summarize, here are the benefits and drawbacks of both these brands:
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Pros of IJOY |
Cons of IJOY |
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Pros of Gold Bar |
Cons of Gold Bar |
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In short, both IJOY and Gold Bar stand out in the vaping market with their unique strengths and offerings.
However, both IJOY and Gold Bar are not without their regulatory challenges.
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