SMOK vs Eleaf: Features, Price + More (2024)
The epic showdown: SMOK vs Eleaf. 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 SMOK or rooting for Eleaf, 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: Learn more with these references: Discover more through: |
A Quick Intro to SMOK and Eleaf
Headquartered in Shenzhen, China, SMOK offers a bevy of products including vape pens, starter kits, advanced mods, and disposables. Their products are ideal for the cloud-chasing enthusiast and the discreet, on-the-go user.
Eleaf is a China-based vaping company that offers a wide range of electronic cigarettes, including mods, tanks, and starter kits, catering to both novice and experienced users. They’re known for simple designs at affordable prices.
Brand History and Background of SMOK and Eleaf
Let’s look at how the two brands evolved.
Founded in 2010, SMOK is known for its high-quality disposable vapes, mods, pod mods, vape pens, and accessories. In the Vapouround Global Awards 2021, SMOK’s RPM 4 Kit bagged the award for the Best Pod System. Early in 2024, the FDA issued marketing denial orders (MDOs) for 22 SMOK e-cigarette products (including devices, pods, atomizers, and cartridges) in the US. In response, SMOK has submitted an appeal in the US Court claiming that the MDO is arbitrary and lacks substantial evidence.
Eleaf was founded in Shenzhen in 2011. The 2014 launch of the iStick series, known for its compact design and ease of use, bolstered the company’s reputation among a diverse user base. As the brand evolved, it broadened its offerings with various mods, tanks, and starter kits, prioritizing tech advancement and customer satisfaction. Eleaf has faced regulatory scrutiny from the US FDA and has been subject to health debates, but the company remains focused on product safety and compliance.
SMOK vs Eleaf Comparison Summary
Take a quick look at the features of SMOK and Eleaf vapes before we get into the details:
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SMOK |
Eleaf |
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Product Range |
SPACEMAN TURBO, MAVIC S9000, NOVO BAR B600, RAINBOW BAR 5000, AL6000, ETO BAR, RAINBOW BAR, STICK BAR, MINIONE, NORD BAR, MBAR, VVOW, MBAR PRO, and NOVO BAR (Disposable) ISPEED, IGEE, and IGEE PRO (Closed systems) NOVO PRO, NORD GT, NOVO MASTER BOX KIT, NOVO MASTER KIT, PROPOD GT KIT, NORD C KIT, NOVO 2C KIT, NOVO 5 KIT, SOLUS G-BOX, SOLUS G, PROPOD, IGEE A1, and more (Pods) tech 247, RPM C KIT, RPM 25W, RPM 4, and more (Pod mods) MAG SOLO KIT, MORPH 3 KIT, MAG-18 KIT, FORTIS KIT, and more (Advanced mods) VAPE PEN V2 KIT, STICK 80W, VAPE PEN NORD 19 & 22, STICK PRINCE, and more (Vape pens) |
iStick Series, iJust Series, Pico Series (mod and tank mod vapes) IORE Series, iSOLO Series (pod mods) IORE 500 Disposable, iStick D Disposable (disposable vapes) EN Series, EP Series, GTL Series, MELO Series, GS Series, iJust Series, ELLO Series (tanks) EN Series, EP Series, GTL Series, EC Series, GX Series, GZ Series, HW Series, GT Series, EF Series (coils) (Note: Availability differs by country)
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Nicotine-free options available? |
Yes (SMOK NOVO 2 KIT, SMOK NOVO BAR, SMOK NOVO 5 Pod Kit, and more) |
No |
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Device Quality & Build |
Innovative design, incorporating high-quality materials like zinc alloy and stainless steel |
High-quality, smooth, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, leather (on select products only), and plastic construction |
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Battery Capacity |
SPACEMAN TURBO, MINIONE: 800 mAh AL6000, ETO BAR: 650 mAh NORD BAR, NOVO BAR: 600 mAh RAINBOW BAR 5000, STICK BAR: 550 mAh MAVIC S9000, NOVO BAR B600, VVOW, MBAR PRO: 500 mAh RAINBOW BAR: 400 mAh MBAR: 280 mAh ISPEED, IGEE, and IGEE PRO: 400 mAh |
Varies between 1050mAh to 5000mAh, depending on the device Mini iStick 10W: 1050mAh iStick (standard): 2200mAh iStick Power 2: 5000mAh |
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Pod Capacity, Nicotine Strength |
SPACEMAN TURBO: 5% (16 ml) MAVIC S9000: 18 ml NOVO BAR B600, VVOW, MBAR PRO, NOVO BAR: 2% (2 ml) RAINBOW BAR 5000: 20 mg nicotine (13 ml) AL6000: 13 ml RAINBOW BAR: 3% (2.5 ml) MINIONE: 4.5 ml NORD BAR: 5% (8.5 ml) MBAR: 20 mg (1.3 ml) IGEE, IGEE PRO: 2.5 ml |
Disposable vape range: 1.5-2.3ml, comes with 50mg (5%) nic salt vape juice Reusable tanks: typically 2-5ml, recommended to be used with 5mg - 20mg nic salt vape juice Reusable pods: 2ml, recommended to be used with 5mg - 20mg nic salt vape juice Disposable pods: 1.5ml, used with 20mg nic salt vape juice |
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Number of Puffs per Pod |
SPACEMAN TURBO: 10,000-15,000 MAVIC S9000: 9000 NOVO BAR B600, RAINBOW BAR, VVOW, NOVO BAR: 600 RAINBOW BAR 5000: 5000 AL6000: Up to 6000 ETO BAR: 8000 STICK BAR: 1000 MINIONE: 1600 NORD BAR: 4000 MBAR: Up to 300 MBAR PRO: 550 |
IORE 500 Disposable: 500 puffs IORE Lite Disposable pod: 3000 puffs GX Series and MELO series coils: 2000 puffs |
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Charging Time |
ISPEED, IGEE, and IGEE PRO: 40 mins |
Stick Power 2: 120 minutes iStick 30W: 120 minutes iJust Start: 180 minutes |
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Safety Features |
Low voltage detection, short circuit detection, LED indicator, age verification on website |
Short circuit protection, battery level indicator, automatic shut off, low-voltage protection |
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Device and Pod Cost |
SMOK SPACE MAN TURBO: $11.50 SMOK IGEE AI KIT: $23.99 SMOK NOVO 5 KIT: $39.99 SMOK RPM 100 KIT: $57.99 SMOK MAG-18 KIT: $99.99 VAPE PEN 2 KIT: $34.99 |
iStick range: $22.99 -$53.99 IORE range: $10.09 - $16.09 |
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Customer Support and Warranty |
6 months |
90 days limited warranty |
Now let’s compare these brands in detail:
1. Design and Aesthetics
SMOK devices have an intuitive interface with LED display, battery life percentage indicator, and touch screens. They usually come in cylindrical or plump shapes and tend to be lightweight and portable. They’re available in various color options.
Eleaf vapes are known for their innovative designs and aesthetics across the board. Most Eleaf vapes incorporate tanks into their designs, as well as smooth, flush finishes that give off a sophisticated feel and tone. The IORE range introduced ultra-lightweight pod-based vapes that pack a punch with fast charging and sleek, minimalistic designs. But users have raised some functional issues like inconvenient refill mechanisms on some models, like in the iJust's atomizer design and the iStick P100's overly turbulent and noisy airflow. So, while Eleaf excels in functionality and affordability, there's room for enhancing design, convenience, and overall aesthetic appeal.
2. Performance and Battery Life
SMOK devices offer different battery capacities, catering to the needs of both heavy-duty users and casual vapers. The SPACEMAN TURBO and MINIONE lead with an 800 mAh battery, designed for longer vaping sessions. Whereas MBAR's 280 mAh is the more portable option but won't last as long before needing a recharge.
The battery life of Eleaf products varies depending on the specific model and usage patterns. The Eleaf iStick, for example, features a compact design with a 2200mAh capacity, reaching up to 20W output wattage and adjustable voltage settings. On the other hand, the iStick Power has an impressive 5000mAh battery capacity, supporting up to 80W output and various modes like VW, Bypass, Smart, and TC for different vaping experiences.
3. Longevity
SMOK’s product lineup includes the high-capacity SPACEMAN TURBO offering up to 15,000 puffs and also the low-capacity model of MBAR with up to 300 puffs. The longevity is also influenced by battery capacity, ranging from 800 mAh in models like the SPACEMAN TURBO, ensuring extended use, down to 280 mAh in the MBAR, indicating shorter usage intervals. So, while some SMOK models are designed for durability and prolonged sessions, others prioritize compactness and convenience.
Eleaf incorporates leather, aluminum, and ABS plastic in its vapes to boost its longevity. However, the longevity of Eleaf products, such as the Eleaf iStick and iCare, varies depending on usage and maintenance. Fortunately, repair and maintenance is easy and convenient, as replacement parts like coils and tanks, pods, and glass tubes are readily available and easy to install.
4. Flavor Selection and Nicotine Options
SMOK disposables and rechargeables come in different flavors, including watermelon, peach, mango, kiwi, mint, blueberry, strawberry, and more.
Eleaf offers a diverse range of e-liquid flavors and products designed to enhance the vaping experience:
5. Vaping Experience
With several fruit-flavored e-liquids and nicotine strengths as high as 50mg, SMOK offers a vaping experience that meets the satisfaction levels of heavy smokers looking to switch and casual vapers seeking to try different flavors. It offers a range of products featuring mesh coils – key to enhanced flavor production and vapor output.
Eleaf vapes allow you to select from a wide range of personalized coils and cutting-edge features like temperature control and power outputs. You can personalize your vape's taste, vapor production, and power output – whether you prefer large, smooth clouds or chasing that throat kick.
6. Health and Safety Concerns
SMOK, like other vaping products, comes with health implications — from potential nicotine addiction to exposure to substances like vegetable glycerin and propylene glycol. However, the vapes with higher nicotine content, especially the 5% options, pose a significant addiction potential. The brand also provides nicotine-free vapes for those looking for a less risky vaping experience in the UK and South Africa.
The Eleaf brand's official website and product pages are upfront about the addictive qualities of nicotine, making it clear that their offerings are strictly for adult users. But, nicotine use is widely associated with addiction, nausea, breathing difficulties, and cardiovascular issues.
7. Regulatory Compliance and Legal Issues
The FDA issued marketing denial orders (MDOs) for 22 SMOK e-cigarette products (including devices, pods, atomizers, and cartridges) in 2024. The federal agency claims that SMOK failed to provide adequate data related to “product stability and product abuse liability”. SMOK has challenged these MDOs by submitting an appeal in the US Court.
In 2020, The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning letter to Eleaf USA regarding health and safety concerns associated with their Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS). This letter highlighted issues related to new tobacco products without required marketing authorization, which are considered adulterated and misbranded. Since then, Eleaf has abided by US regulations and continues to sell 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 Potential
SMOK vapes offer a range of nicotine levels, from 2% in devices like the NOVO BAR B600 and MBAR PRO, up to 5% in the SPACEMAN TURBO and NORD BAR, catering to varying user preferences for nicotine intake. Nicotine delivery is also varied, with pod sizes ranging from 1.3 ml in the MBAR to 18 ml in the MAVIC S9000 – quite a broad spectrum of vaping durations and intensities to choose from.
Eleaf’s disposable vapes contain either 17mg, 30mg, or 50mg (1.7%, 3%, and 5%) nic salt vape juice in 2.3-4ml capacities. Note: Eleaf pod and mod vapes are compatible with third-party e-liquids of varying strengths (check coil compatibility before use).
9. Compatibility with Other Products
SMOK’s refillable pod systems like SMOK NOVO 2, NORD 2, RPM40, and POZZ X can be paired with any high-quality e-liquid of your choice. The brand recommends nicotine salt liquids for optimal performance.
Eleafs’ proprietary design limits its cross-compatibility with other pods. However, Eleaf devices are compatible with third-party e-liquids.
10. Availability and Accessibility
SMOK products can be bought in their official website store and are available in more than 50 countries. However, none of the disposable products are for sale in the US. Further, location-based restrictions can apply due to regulations on vaping products, affecting availability and shipping.
Eleaf products are widely available through various online vape stores and their official online stores across the US and the UK.
11. Cost vs. Quality
The pricing of SMOK products, ranging from $11.50 for the SPACEMAN TURBO to $99.99 for the MAG-18 KIT, cater to various budgets and preferences. The brand offers options for entry-level vapers looking for affordability and seasoned users seeking advanced features. SMOK is priced higher than some competitors, especially for their feature-rich kits.
Eleaf vapes offer a variety of vaping options across different price points. For example, the Eleaf iStick range is priced between $24 and $47. Other Eleaf products with limited features, such as the IOre range, are more cost-effective and are priced between $10 - $16. Eleaf’s disposable vapes are typically around $6.
Pros and Cons of SMOK and Eleaf
To summarize, here are the benefits and drawbacks of both these brands:
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Pros of SMOK |
Cons of SMOK |
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Pros of Eleaf |
Cons of Eleaf |
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In short, both SMOK and Eleaf stand out in the vaping market with their unique strengths and offerings.
However, both SMOK and Eleaf are not without their regulatory challenges.
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