NJOY vs FreeMax: Comparing Devices, Price, Performance (2025)
The epic showdown: NJOY 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 NJOY 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: Discover more through: Check out these links: |
A Quick Intro to NJOY and FreeMax
NJOY is a vaping brand based in Arizona, US, offering disposable e-cigarettes, flavored pods, and e-liquids. Their products are designed to cater to both novice and experienced vapers, focusing on ease of use and satisfying experiences.
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 NJOY and FreeMax
Let’s look at how the two brands evolved.
Founded in 2006 by Mark Weiss and his brothers, NJOY was one of the first major e-cigarette brands in the US. In 2010, NJOY won a lawsuit against the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in which the court decided that the FDA couldn't regulate e-cigarettes like drugs or medical devices unless they were marketed for therapeutic purposes. By 2014, NJOY was ranked number one by the market research company, IRI in US vaping retail sales with over 90,000 points of distribution. Later, the company stopped the production and sale of fruit-flavored e-liquids as legal authorities were concerned about underage people getting addicted to them. In 2023, Altria Group acquired 100% control of NJOY.
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.
NJOY vs FreeMax Comparison Summary
Take a quick look at the features of NJOY and FreeMax vapes before we get into the details:
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NJOY |
FreeMax |
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Product Range |
NJOY Ace (Rechargeable) NJOY Ace Pods NJOY Daily (Disposable) |
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, compact design, easy to grip, with soft-touch finger pads and oval-like shape. |
Compact, leak-proof design, zinc-alloy, and aluminum-alloy body, user-friendly interface |
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Battery Capacity |
NJOY Daily: 1000 mAh |
Galex Series: 800mAh - 900 mAh Maxus 50W: 2000mAh Marvos T 80W: 3000mAh |
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Pod Capacity, Nicotine Strength |
NJOY Daily Rich Tobacco and Daily Menthol: 4.5% NJOY Daily Extra Rich Tobacco and Daily Extra Menthol: 6% NJOY Ace Pods Classic Tobacco: 2.4% and 5% (1.9 ml) NJOY Ace Pods Menthol: 2.4% and 5% (1.9 ml) NJOY Ace Pods Rich Tobacco: 5% (1.9 ml) |
Galex Series: 2ml - 3ml XFILL Pod Kit: 5ml (TPD 2ml) |
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Number of Puffs per Pod |
NJOY Daily: 300 puffs |
FreeMax Twister 80W Mod: 150 puffs |
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Charging Time |
NJOY Ace: Under 1 hour |
Galex Nano: 50 minutes |
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Safety Features |
LED indicator, age verification at purchase |
Child-resistant Certified, |
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Device and Pod Cost |
NJOY Ace device: $9.99 NJOY Ace Pods Menthol and Classic Tobacco: $6.99 (1-pack), $9.99 (2-pack) NJOY Ace Pods Rich Tobacco: $5.99 (1-pack), $9.99 (2-pack) NJOY Daily Rich Tobacco, Daily Extra Rich Tobacco, Daily Menthol, and Extra Daily Menthol: $5.99 |
Galex Series: $9.99 - $29.99 Replacement pods |
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Customer Support and Warranty |
1 year |
90 days |
Now let’s compare these brands in detail:
1. Design and Aesthetics
NJOY's vaping device is a sleek blend of form and function. It’s lightweight design makes it portable and perfect for on-the-go vaping. However, it doesn’t have any buttons and comes in only one color combination — black and grey.
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
NJOY devices charge up to 100% battery capacity in under an hour. It’s equipped with the pass-through charging feature so you can use it while it’s plugged in. Typically, a fully charged NJOY Ace device can last you approximately 24 hours, unless you’re a heavy vaper. The device comes with a light that turns off once it's fully charged, helping you prevent overcharging.
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
NJOY devices offer around 300 puffs, with a robust 1000 mAh battery, ensuring value per use. However, the non-refillable nature of its pods and disposables might lead to high long-term expenses compared to refillable systems. The brand offers a cost-effective entry point but a seasoned, heavy vaper may want to consider pod costs for the long haul.
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
NJOY Ace Pods come in three flavors – Classic Tobacco, Rich Tobacco, and Menthol, with 5% and 2.4% nicotine. Earlier the brand offered other fruity flavors, like blueberry, watermelon, and mint. However, those were discontinued due to regulations tightening around flavor offerings.
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
NJOY uses ceramic coil heating technology to provide you a smooth vaping experience – so lesser chances of leaking, poor flavor, or burnt hits due to insufficient wicking. Its vapor output is comparable to smoke from a cigarette. For the best draw, hold the vaping device at 45 degrees with the airway pointing to your mouth and the charging port pointing to the ground.
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
NJOY, like all vaping products, comes with health implications — from potential nicotine addiction to exposure to chemicals like glycerin and propylene glycol. The higher concentrations, especially the 6% options, pose a significant addiction potential.
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
NJOY’s tug of war with the FDA continues even after the vaping company won the lawsuit in 2010. In 2022, the FDA allowed multiple NJOY Ace products to be legally marketed in the US. At the same time, they passed Marketing Denial Orders (MDOs) for some NJOY Ace products. Consequently, two menthol-flavored Ace e-liquid pods remained under FDA review.
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
NJOY offers varied nicotine strengths in its pods (2.4% and 5%) and disposable vapes (4.5% or 6%). This caters to varying preferences and nicotine tolerances.
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
NJOY Ace Pods are designed to work with their own branded e-liquids for a better vaping experience and consistency. Using third-party pods, e-liquids, or accessories with NJOY devices is not recommended, as compatibility and functionality isn’t guaranteed.
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
NJOY products can be bought at select retail stores in the US and through authorized online retailers. However, location-based restrictions can apply due to varying state and country regulations on vaping products, affecting availability and shipping.
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
NJOY's rechargeable device, sold at an affordable rate of $9.99, offers a premium vaping experience. The pods ($6.99 for 1-pack and $9.99 for 2-pack) come in a few different flavors and nicotine strengths, allowing vapers to find their match for a satisfying vape session. However, similar rechargeable vapes in the market might offer lower long-term costs with refillable options.
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 NJOY and FreeMax
To summarize, here are the benefits and drawbacks of both these brands:
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Pros of NJOY |
Cons of NJOY |
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Pros of FreeMax |
Cons of FreeMax |
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In short, both NJOY and FreeMax stand out in the vaping market with their unique strengths and offerings.
However, both NJOY and FreeMax 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.
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