SMOK vs STLTH: Features, Price + More (2024)
The epic showdown: SMOK vs STLTH. 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 STLTH, 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: Discover more through: Learn more with these references: |
A Quick Intro to SMOK and STLTH
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.
STLTH, based out of Waterloo, Canada, offers disposables and closed pod systems ideal for those looking to switch from smoking to vaping. Their portable, rechargeable devices are convenient and easy to use, appealing to users who are looking for a straightforward vaping experience.
Brand History and Background of SMOK and STLTH
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.
STLTH was founded by a bunch of ex-smokers, with the aim to create affordable alternatives to tobacco products. The brand contributes to the tree-planting efforts of Tree Canada, a non-profit organization, and runs a recycling program where you can drop used vapes in drop-off locations across the country. STLTH vapes meet the regulatory and quality standards established under the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act (TVPA) in Canada. However the products don’t necessarily fulfill the US FDA regulations, which significantly differ from Canada’s vaping laws.
SMOK vs STLTH Comparison Summary
Take a quick look at the features of SMOK and STLTH vapes before we get into the details:
|
SMOK |
STLTH |
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) |
STLTH TITAN, STLTH 8K PRO, STLTH 8K, STLTH 5K, STLTH 3K, STLTH 1K (Disposables) STLTH Loop 2 System, STLTH Loop System, STLTH Vertical Pods, STLTH Original System, STLTH PRO System (Pod systems)
|
Nicotine-free options available? |
Yes (SMOK NOVO 2 KIT, SMOK NOVO BAR, SMOK NOVO 5 Pod Kit, and more) |
No |
Device Quality & Build |
Innovative design, incorporating high-quality materials like zinc alloy and stainless steel |
Sleek, rectangular devices with rounded edges and a matte 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 |
STLTH TITAN: 900 mAh STLTH Loop 2 device: 850 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 |
STLTH TITAN: 19 ml STLTH Loop 2 device: 17 ml |
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 |
STLTH TITAN: Up to 10,000 STLTH Loop 2 device: Up to 9000 |
Charging Time |
ISPEED, IGEE, and IGEE PRO: 40 mins |
STLTH Vertical Pods: 1.5 hours Other devices: 45 minutes - 1 hour |
Safety Features |
Low voltage detection, short circuit detection, LED indicator, age verification on website |
LED light indicators, short circuit 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 |
STLTH TITAN: $29.99 STLTH Loop 2 device: $11.99 |
Customer Support and Warranty |
6 months |
1 year |
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.
Most STLTH devices come in a sleek, rectangular shape with rounded edges and a non-glossy exterior. The 3K disposables are elongated and slim with a grazed metal finish, giving you an easy grip. These pre-filled pods are available in a range of colors and feature LED indicators to help you keep track of your device’s battery and e-liquid level.
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.
STLTH vapes offer different battery capacities, yet their performance often falls short of expectations for heavy users. The TITAN leads with 900 mAh, providing decent endurance, but models like the 1K and Vertical Pods, at just 400 and 470 mAh respectively, struggle to keep up through a heavy day’s use.
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.
STLTH models like the TITAN and Loop 2 pod system stand out, offering up to 10,000 and 9,000 puffs respectively, making them suitable for long-term use. However, lower-end models like 1K and STLTH PRO, with only 1000 puffs per pod, may require frequent replacements. The overall longevity varies significantly across the STLTH lineup, making some models more suitable for light users or those seeking a temporary solution.
4. Flavor Selection and Nicotine Options
SMOK disposables and rechargeables come in different flavors, including watermelon, peach, mango, kiwi, mint, blueberry, strawberry, and more.
STLTH offers a variety of fruit, fruity ice, mint, and tobacco flavor profiles. Additionally, flavor-free options are available in their 3K, 5K, 8K, and 8K PRO series disposables.
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.
Powered by a dual vertical mesh coil system, STLTH TITAN devices give you rich flavors and a decent throat hit. The 8K PRO and 8K series also come with adjustable airflow functionality to enhance your vaping experience.
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.
STLTH products contain nicotine, and nicotine usage can lead to health concerns and addiction. Nicotine vapes may also contain Vitamin E Acetate, Diacetyl, and other harmful substances.
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.
STLTH products are designed in compliance with Canada’s vaping laws and regulations.
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.
Currently, STLTH pods are only available in 20 mg/ml nicotine concentration. The previously offered nicotine strength options, including 0 mg/ml and 12 mg/ml, are no longer available.
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.
STLTH pods come pre-filled with e-liquid. Using third-party chargers or accessories can void warranties and potentially damage the device. To maintain optimal performance and safety, it's best to use official STLTH accessories and products.
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.
STLTH pods are available across Canada with online and offline retailers, ensuring easy access and quick home delivery. They are available in various countries outside of Canada, but the legality and availability can vary significantly based on local vaping laws and regulations in your city or country.
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.
Priced at $29.99, STLTH TITAN represents a higher upfront cost but offers up to 10,000 puffs, which offers good value for frequent users. On the other hand, STLTH 8K is priced at $17.40 and offers up to 8000 puffs, making it a suitable option for users looking for good performance without a high price tag. One of their cheapest options (STLTH 1K) is priced at $10.99 for up to 1,000 puffs. It's ideal if you’re an occasional user or a beginner. But not something that experienced vapers would want to consider.
Pros and Cons of SMOK and STLTH
To summarize, here are the benefits and drawbacks of both these brands:
Pros of SMOK |
Cons of SMOK |
|
|
Pros of STLTH |
Cons of STLTH |
|
|
In short, both SMOK and STLTH stand out in the vaping market with their unique strengths and offerings.
SMOK finds itself navigating through some regulatory hurdles, unlike STLTH.
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, banana vapes, watermelon vapes, and more
- Classic vapes, such as mint vapes and tobacco 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.
So, why wait?
Find out which nicotine-free vape you’d like to start with now.