SMOK vs FLUM: Features, Price + More (2024)
The epic showdown: SMOK vs FLUM. 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 FLUM, 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: Check out these links: Explore these resources: |
A Quick Intro to SMOK and FLUM
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.
FLUM, based in Shenzhen, China, offers a range of disposable vapes in different flavors. These devices are perfect for both new vapers looking for an easy-to-use option and experienced users seeking a portable vape.
Brand History and Background of SMOK and FLUM
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.
FLUM was founded by Flumigo Technology Ltd., a company based in China. It became popular after launching the FLUM Float series, the first disposables introduced by this vaping brand. As of 2024, FLUM hasn’t received FDA approval to sell their disposables in the USA. But, the products are widely available on various e-commerce platforms and specialized vape shops across the US.
SMOK vs FLUM Comparison Summary
Take a quick look at the features of SMOK and FLUM vapes before we get into the details:
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SMOK |
FLUM |
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) |
FLUM Float, FLUM Gio, FLUM Pebble, FLUM Pebble X, FLUM Mello (Disposables)
|
Nicotine-free options available? |
Yes (SMOK NOVO 2 KIT, SMOK NOVO BAR, SMOK NOVO 5 Pod Kit, and more) |
Yes (FLUM Float 3000 Disposable) |
Device Quality & Build |
Innovative design, incorporating high-quality materials like zinc alloy and stainless steel |
Ergonomic design with rounded edges and a smooth outer finish |
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 |
FLUM Float: 650 mAh |
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 |
FLUM Float: 6.1ml, 5% and 0% |
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 |
FLUM Float: Up to 3000 |
Charging Time |
ISPEED, IGEE, and IGEE PRO: 40 mins |
FLUM Pebble: 1-2 hours |
Safety Features |
Low voltage detection, short circuit detection, LED indicator, age verification on website |
LED indicator, short-circuit protection, over-charging protection, and age verification at purchase |
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 |
FLUM Float: $13.99 |
Customer Support and Warranty |
6 months |
Not mentioned on the website |
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.
The FLUM Float and the Gio series are pen-style, cylindrical vape devices in a range of soft colors. In contrast, the Pebble, Pebble X, and Mello series feature rectangular-shaped gadgets with a smooth, matte-like exterior. The Mello lineup offers animated screens that allow easy monitoring of e-liquid capacity and battery life status.
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 FLUM Float, Gio, and Mello devices, each with a 650 mAh battery, provide reasonably good longevity but might not satisfy heavy users. The Pebble devices, with a 500 mAh battery, fall short in endurance. However, the Pebble X devices come with a robust 2000 mAh battery, ensuring you enjoy extended vape sessions. Overall, some models excel and others require frequent recharging, making battery life a critical consideration for potential buyers.
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.
The FLUM Float and Gio devices, with up to 3000 puffs and 650 mAh batteries, are suitable for moderate users and might require frequent recharging. The Pebble and Pebble X devices, offering up to 6000 puffs, show better durability. Besides, the Pebble X's 2000 mAh battery provides extended use. The Mello lineup stands out with an impressive 20,000 puffs. However, its small 650 mAh battery may require more frequent charging than you’d like.
4. Flavor Selection and Nicotine Options
SMOK disposables and rechargeables come in different flavors, including watermelon, peach, mango, kiwi, mint, blueberry, strawberry, and more.
FLUM disposables are available in a variety of fruit-based, and other flavors, including:
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.
The Flum Mello devices are equipped with hybrid 2.0 mesh coils, which deliver consistent flavor from the first draw to the last. The adjustable airflow button allows for precise control over the air-to-e-liquid mix, providing a personalized vaping experience. You can also view essential information, such as remaining e-liquid and battery levels, on an HD display screen.
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.
FLUM 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.
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.
FLUM hasn’t yet received FDA approval to sell their disposable vapes in the USA. It’s likely due to stringent regulatory requirements and the comprehensive review process that the FDA mandates for all tobacco and vape products.
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.
FLUM vapes offer varying nicotine strengths and pod capacities, with most models featuring a 5% nicotine concentration. Only the FLUM Float devices provide a 0% nicotine option. The pod capacities of FLUM disposables range from 6.1ml in the Float and Gio series to 15ml in the Mello series, ensuring prolonged use and consistent delivery.
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.
FLUM vapes are designed as disposables, making them incompatible with third-party e-liquids and accessories. While this gives you a hassle-free experience, it limits customization options if you prefer to mix and match components.
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.
A number of third-party websites allow you to order FLUM products online. However, the availability and shipping of these products can be impacted by location-specific regulations and restrictions.
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.
The FLUM Float and Gio devices, priced at $13.99 and $11.99 respectively, provide a good entry-level experience with 5% nicotine and a 6.1ml pod capacity. The Pebble and Pebble X devices, at $14.99 and $15.99, offer 10ml pods and up to 6000 puffs, justifying the slightly higher cost. The Mello device, priced at $15.99, stands out with its 15ml pod. It also has advanced features like an HD display and hybrid mesh coils, offering superior quality for its price.
Pros and Cons of SMOK and FLUM
To summarize, here are the benefits and drawbacks of both these brands:
Pros of SMOK |
Cons of SMOK |
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Pros of FLUM |
Cons of FLUM |
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In short, both SMOK and FLUM stand out in the vaping market with their unique strengths and offerings.
SMOK finds itself navigating through some regulatory hurdles, unlike FLUM.
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