Juul vs Innokin: Features, Price + More (2024)
The epic showdown: Juul vs Innokin. 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 Juul or rooting for Innokin, 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.
Further Reading: Learn more with these references: Learn more with these references: |
A Quick Intro to Juul and Innokin
Hailing from San Francisco, USA, Juul is the go-to for sleek, minimalist vape pens and pods. Their arsenal includes a range of enticing flavors and varying nicotine strengths, tailored for the modern, style-conscious vaper. These are perfect for those seeking a user-friendly, portable vaping experience with a touch of class.
Innokin is a vape brand based in Shenzhen, China with a global reach in over 80 countries. Its manufacturing base in China is supported by an after-sales service center in California, USA. Its product range includes pod systems, vape kits, tanks, and more.
Brand History and Background of Juul and Innokin
Let’s look at how the two brands evolved.
Founded in 2015 by James Monsees and Adam Bowen, Juul was initially marketed as an alternative to traditional cigarettes for adult smokers. It later faced criticism for attracting teenagers with its advertising and fruity flavors. Despite the controversy, Juul's market share and revenue grew significantly, making it a major player in the US e-cigarette industry. In Jun ‘22, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a ban on Juul products from being sold in the US. It is on hold until the FDA reviews Juul’s marketing application again. (Juul products are available to buy on their website and in retail stores while the stay is in effect.)
Innokin, established in 2011, has emerged as a significant player in the vaping industry. The company holds over 170 patents across design, utility, and processing. The launch of their iTaste VV pen-style vape in 2013, the Cool Fire box mod series in 2014, the Platform starter kits in 2019, and others cemented their reputation. In May 2023, Innokin received a warning letter from the FDA, highlighting regulatory concerns over certain products that were not authorized for sale in the US.
Juul vs Innokin Comparison Summary
Take a quick look at the features of Juul and Innokin vapes before we get into the details:
|
Juul |
Innokin |
Product Range |
Juul2 (Rechargeable) |
Pod Systems: Klypse, Kroma, Sceptre, EZ.WATT, EQ, EQ S, Go S Pod Vape Kits: Adept Series, Coolfire Z Series, Endura T Series, Go S Series Vape Tanks: Zenith Series, Z Force Series, GoMax Series, GO Z Tank Disposable Vapes: Innobar Series
|
Nicotine-free options available? |
No |
Yes (can be paired with 3rd party nicotine-free e-liquids) |
Device Quality & Build |
Sleek, minimalist design, sharp edges, aluminum body, user-friendly interface. |
Solid build quality and sleek design, often using durable metal, carbon fiber, glass, and stainless steel |
Battery Capacity |
Juul2: 350 mAh |
700mAh - 6000mAh (depending on the device) MVP5 Ajax: 5200mAh |
Pod Capacity, Nicotine Strength |
Juul2: 1.2ml, 18mg/ml (3-5%) |
0.8ml - 18ml (varies with device type), and typically 10-50 mg/ml nicotine for disposable vapes. (Other devices are compatible with e-liquids with varying nic strengths.) Endura S1: 2ml, available in 10-20 mg/ml nicotine Innobar S3: 12ml, available in 50 mg/ml nicotine Innobar 8000: 17.5ml, 50mg/ml nicotine |
Number of Puffs per Pod |
200 puffs |
600-8000 puffs per pod or refill, depending on the type of device Innobar C1: 600 puffs Innobar S3: 5000 puffs Innobar 8000: 8000 puffs |
Charging Time |
Around 1 hour |
Endura T18 Kit: 2-3 hours Innobar C1: 1 hour |
Safety Features |
LED indicator, auto-shutoff, and age verification at purchase |
Temperature control, auto-cut-off, leakproof design, overcharge protection |
Device and Pod Cost |
Juul device: $9.99 Pods: $13.49 (2-pack), $21.99 (4-pack) |
Klypse Zip Pod System Kit: $9.99 Arcfire Pod System Kit: $14.99 Kroma-R Starter Kit: $69.99 Proton 235W Kit ((w/ Scion 2): $89.99 |
Customer Support and Warranty |
1 year |
90 days (plus an additional 90 days with Innokin’s extended warranty program) |
Now let’s compare these brands in detail:
1. Design and Aesthetics
Juul's design is sleek and minimalistic, with a slender rectangular shape and a range of trendy color options. It's incredibly portable, fitting easily in your pocket. It has no buttons to turn it on – you simply draw on the mouthpiece. Some might find its lack of buttons less user-friendly.
Innokin products are generally known for their sleek and compact designs, with user-friendly features like easy filling and buttonless operation on some models. They typically use stainless steel for durability and PCTG plastic for specific components. While their designs are visually appealing, the glossy finishes can be prone to fingerprints and smudges, which may detract from the overall look over time.
2. Performance and Battery Life
Juul's sleek stick comes with a 200mAh battery, small but mighty like a caffeine shot in your morning espresso. It charges up in a swift 60 minutes, ready to deliver about 200 puffs. It's got a temperature-regulation tech to prevent overheating. It comes with a JUULid system to help you detect counterfeit pods.
Innokin devices are generally known for their consistent performance and long battery life, with some models lasting a full day on a single charge. Popular models like the Sceptre Tube feature a 1300mAh battery, supporting all-day vaping with efficiency across different coil resistances. Similarly, devices like the Adept offer variable wattage, letting you tailor your vaping experience, while some, like the Proton Mini boast fast charging capabilities.
3. Longevity
For the vaper who needs both cost-efficiency and device longevity, Juul offers a mixed bag of pros and cons. A single Juul pod generally delivers around 200 puffs, equivalent to a traditional pack of cigarettes. However, the cumulative cost can become significant, especially given that a 4-pack of Juul pods is priced at about $21.99.
Innokin vapes, crafted from quality materials like stainless steel and zinc alloy, stand out for their durability and reliability across device types. They deliver impressive puff counts, with certain ranges capable of achieving over 7,000 to 8,000 puffs. Users often report these devices surpassing one year of lifespan under regular use. On the downside, some reviewers mention occasional coil inconsistencies (especially in Sceptre devices) that can lead to needing replacements sooner.
4. Flavor Selection and Nicotine Options
Juul's flavor game has been a rollercoaster, especially with regulatory clampdowns. Once boasting a vibrant array of options, they've now streamlined to tobacco and clear flavors.
Innokin offers a wide variety of flavors, from refreshing spearmint to fruity and dessert-inspired choices. Moreover, their devices are designed to be compatible with third-party e-liquids, enabling you to choose your preferred flavors.
5. Vaping Experience
Juul offers a great vaping experience, with its vapor production being 30% more efficient than its predecessor Juul1, giving you bigger clouds. It offers a smooth throat hit for casual users, while more experienced vapers love the nicotine delivery system that mimics the sensation of traditional smoking, delivering about 59 mg of nicotine per ml of liquid.
Innokin devices are engineered to deliver satisfying clouds and a smooth throat hit, adjustable to suit both mouth-to-lung (MTL) and direct-to-lung (DTL) vapers. For instance, the Innokin Sceptre allows you to switch between MTL and RDL styles easily, providing a customizable experience. Some of their products, like Innobar C1, come with exclusive water-based e-liquids that satisfy cravings more quickly. Some devices lack a clear battery or e-liquid level indication, which could be frustrating for some users.
6. Health and Safety Concerns
Juul has been in the hot seat for health concerns, especially with its high nicotine content leading to worries about addiction and potential cardiovascular impact. It's a go-to for smokers switching over but raises concerns for those trying to cut down on nicotine. 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.
Innokin has run into issues with the FDA due to the use of unauthorized flavors in its Esco Bars disposable vape line. Unchecked and unauthorized flavors can contain harmful chemicals, like diacetyl, which has been linked to lung disease. Additionally, they may contain high quantities of sweeteners to lure in teens, potentially starting them on a habit with negative health consequences. Besides, nicotine in e-liquids in Innokin devices is addictive and can mess with your lungs and heart health, and impair brain development in teens.
7. Regulatory Compliance and Legal Issues
Juul has faced hefty FDA scrutiny and legal challenges, particularly over marketing tactics, leading to a restricted flavor lineup and tighter sales regulations. This regulatory heat has notably squeezed Juul's market presence and product range.
As we saw above, Innokin got a warning from the FDA in May 2023 for some flavorings in their Esco Bars that weren't approved.
Note: Consumers must also verify adherence to the latest local laws prior to any purchase of devices from these brands.
8. Nicotine Content Potential
Juul packs a punch with its nicotine salt formula, offering pods in 3% and 5% nicotine strengths. They’re known for their rapid nicotine delivery.
Innokin’s pre-filled vapes come with e-liquid up to 50mg/ml nicotine (up to 20mg/ml in the UK after the latest regulations.) The brand recommends using their refillable vapes with 5-20 mg nic salt juice or 3-12mg freebase nicotine e-liquids.
9. Compatibility with Other Products
Juul's proprietary design limits its cross-compatibility, but its popularity has spurred a market of third-party pods and accessories, though these can be hit or miss in terms of quality.
Most Innokin devices are compatible with a wide range of third-party accessories, including tanks, coils, and e-liquids, enhancing their appeal among users who value versatility.
10. Availability and Accessibility
Juul products are available in some retail stores, online stores, and on the website in the US. But, look out for specific location-based restrictions, especially in regions with strict e-cigarette regulations or flavor bans.
Innokin vape devices are available in online and offline stores across the US. However, the Innokin Store Locator is unavailable for users in the USA. Moreover, Innokin does not have any explicit marketing authorization from the US FDA — a must for vape brands in the country.
11. Cost vs. Quality
Juul's rechargeable device, priced at an accessible $9.99, offers a user-friendly vaping experience, complemented by its pods ($13.49 for 2-pack, $21.99 for 4-pack) known for consistent flavor and quality. However, with a 4-pack of Juul pods priced at $21.99, the cumulative cost can become significant.
Innokin delivers durable and dependable devices that offer good value for money. On the positive side, devices like the Endura T20 and the Coolfire series are lauded for their build quality and reliability, offering solid performance at a competitive price point. However, the battery life on smaller models may seem inadequate, especially if you’re a heavy vaper. They could also add more innovative features in the entry-level market segment.
Pros and Cons of Juul and Innokin
To summarize, here are the benefits and drawbacks of both these brands:
Pros of Juul |
Cons of Juul |
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Pros of Innokin |
Cons of Innokin |
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In short, both Juul and Innokin stand out in the vaping market with their unique strengths and offerings.
However, both Juul and Innokin 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 guava vapes, watermelon vapes, mango vapes, and more
- Classic vapes, such as coffee vapes and menthol 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.
We're committed to providing choices that make your nicotine-free journey both enjoyable and satisfying.
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