UWELL vs GEEK BAR: Features, Price + More (2024)
The epic showdown: UWELL vs GEEK BAR. 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 UWELL or rooting for GEEK BAR, 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: Check out these links: Check out these links: |
A Quick Intro to UWELL and GEEK BAR
UWELL, a Shenzhen, China-based company, offers a large line of innovative vape products, from sleek and discreet pod systems to robust and stylish pod-mod vapes – all packed with new tech. With products marketed in over 80 countries, UWELL has quickly established itself as a leading global vape brand focused on innovation and optimizing user experience. Some of its popular products include the Caliburn series, the Crown series, and the Nunchaku series.
Headquartered in Shenzhen, China, GEEK BAR is a brand under the umbrella of Geek Vape Technology Co. Ltd., a popular vape company. GEEK BAR is known for its disposable vapes, which come in various colors and are pre-filled with nic salt e-liquid. These devices are a favorite among beginners.
Brand History and Background of UWELL and GEEK BAR
Let’s look at how the two brands evolved.
UWELL, established in 2015, became well-known in the vaping world after launching its Caliburn vape kits in 2019. These kits are designed to provide varied vaping experiences and feature advanced technologies like Pro-FOCS to improve the taste. The company has been recognized for its technological innovations and awarded with designations like "NATIONAL HIGH-TECH ENTERPRISE" and "SHENZHEN HI-TECH ENTERPRISE" in China. It received a warning from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2010 against selling products with stealth pockets that can conceal e-cigarettes.
GEEK BAR, founded in 2015, has a distribution network spanning several countries, including the USA and the UK. In order to expand its business in the UK, it’s setting up an advanced manufacturing facility in China’s Guangdong province. However, the brand has encountered significant challenges with its counterfeits in the market, impacting brand integrity and consumer safety. In 2021, the company faced controversy when a 12-year-old TikTok user claimed to have sampled GEEK BAR products and posted videos and posts with the hashtag #geekbar. In 2022, the brand launched an online platform called Vapewatch to help wholesalers, retailers, and distributors comply with UK regulations and ensure that they are selling vapes only to adults.
UWELL vs GEEK BAR Comparison Summary
Take a quick look at the features of UWELL and GEEK BAR vapes before we get into the details:
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UWELL |
GEEK BAR |
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Product Range |
Crown, Caliburn, Kalmia, Sculptor, Cravat, Whirl, Popreel, Valyrian SE, Tripod (Pod Vapes) Crown (M & D), Nunchaku, Havok V1 (Pod Mods) Crown IV, Valyrian 2 & 3 (Mod Kits) (Note: Availability differs by country) |
Disposable Vapes: Pulse, Meloso, Wondar 1, DF8000 Pod Kit: J1 Pod Kit
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Nicotine-free options available? |
No |
No |
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Device Quality & Build |
High-quality, rugged, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, and plastic construction |
Brightly colored, ergonomic, soft mouthpiece, innovative designs, full-screen displays with animations (for certain devices) |
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Battery Capacity |
Varies between 500mAh to 1500mAh, depending on the device Caliburn Explorer: 1000mAh Valyrian Pod: 1250mAh |
Wondar 1: 650mAh Meloso Mini: 550mAh DF8000: 600mAh Meloso Ultra: 630mAh J1 Pod Kit: 500mAh |
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Pod Capacity, Nicotine Strength |
Disposable range: 4-20ml, come with 20-50mg nic salt vape juice Reusable pod vapes: typically 2-4ml, recommended to be used with 5mg - 20mg nic salt vape juice |
J1 Pod Kit: 2ml (2% nic salt) Meloso Pro: 12ml (2% nicotine) Pulse: 16ml (5% nicotine) DF8000: 14ml (2%, 5% nicotine options) Meloso Ultra: 18ml (5% nicotine) |
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Number of Puffs per Pod |
Caliburn Bar: 12,000 puffs |
Meloso Pro: 4000 puffs DF8000: 8000 puffs J1 Pod Kit: 600 puffs Meloso Ultra: 10000 puffs Pulse: 15000 puffs (regular mode), 7500 puffs (pulse mode) |
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Charging Time |
Caliburn GK3, A3, AZ3 Grace, GZ2: 15 mins (2A fast charging) |
Wondar 1: 45 minutes (Type C-quick charge) Pulse (standard version): 60 - 90 mins (Type C-quick charge) |
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Safety Features |
Childproof, leak prevention, temperature regulation, auto-shutoff |
Short circuit protection, overcharging protection, low-voltage protection, VPU for a more balanced atomization effect |
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Device and Pod Cost |
Caliburn range: $17 - $44.99 Crown X Pod Kit: $44.99 Whirl: $17.99 Gabriel BF8000: $17.99 (Prices from online retailers) |
Pulse: $12.99 Meloso Max: $11 - $13 Meloso Ultra: $15 - $16 |
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Customer Support and Warranty |
6 months |
14 days (quality warranty) |
Now let’s compare these brands in detail:
1. Design and Aesthetics
UWELL vapes are designed to have a minimalistic aesthetic. Most of UWELL’s products contain translucent shells that display LED lights when in use and side-mounted fillings for easy refills. To add a playful twist to their collection, their Valyrian range was created as a tribute to the hit TV series Game Of Thrones, with the design resembling the sigil of House Stark.
GEEK BAR vapes are known for their vibrant colors (gradient color schemes in some devices) and metallic accents. This design aesthetic adds to the visual appeal of their vapes but could deter those preferring a subtler, understated look. Some of the devices, such as Pulse, feature sleek cosmic graphics and a full-screen display with animations.
2. Performance and Battery Life
The battery life of UWELL products varies depending on the specific model and usage patterns. For instance, the UWELL Caliburn GK3 features a 900mAh internal battery, with reviews indicating it can last through a day of moderate vaping. Conversely, the UWELL Crown X Pod Kit offers a 1500mAh battery capacity designed for long-lasting use that can potentially extend over a day for heavy vapers. Moreover, some UWELL devices, like Caliburn Tenet, feature a built-in rechargeable battery, while others, like Crown 5 Tank, require external batteries that can be replaced as needed.
The pre-charged batteries of the GEEK BAR disposables have smaller capacities compared to reusable vapes. However, the battery performance of most of its products is at par with the industry standards. For instance, the Wondar 1 comes with a 650 mAh battery and tops up from 0 to 100% in 45 minutes. That said, some models, like the Pulse, face battery life issues as screen animations drain the battery much faster.
3. Longevity
UWELL implements multiple quality control systems to ensure consistent product reliability. This is done per their commitment to providing long-lasting, high-performance vaporizers.
GEEK BAR offers a range of disposable devices with varying degrees of longevity depending on the model and your vaping habits. For instance, the J1 Pod Kit offers up to 600 puffs on its 500 mAh single-use battery. On the other hand, Meloso Ultra delivers as many as 10000 puffs per pod. The Pulse series offers you the option of switching between regular and pulse modes that guarantee 15000 and 7500 puffs, respectively. The standard GEEK BAR will last you anywhere between one and three days. While regular draws will ensure your device delivers close to the estimated puff count, longer draws will likely deplete your device faster.
4. Flavor Selection and Nicotine Options
UWELL offers a diverse range of e-liquid flavors and products designed to enhance the vaping experience. Some of the flavors available for UWELL products include:
GEEK BAR disposables come with pre-filled liquids in a variety of flavors to suit your unique taste preferences. You can find a range of tropical, refreshing, and dessert-inspired flavors such as watermelon ice, mango smoothie, chocolate mint ice cream, blue cotton candy, and more. A few GEEK BAR devices, like Wondar 1, feature a refillable pod that you can fill with 3rd party e-liquids for a more personalized flavor selection.
5. Vaping Experience
UWELL vapes are highly regarded for their excellent flavor experience and vapor production. Several UWELL products boast the patented “Pro-FOCS Flavor Technology” - a feature that promises a pure and consistent vaping experience.
Given that they require no filling or maintenance, GEEK BAR vapes are a convenient, hassle-free option for vaping enthusiasts. Their vapes operate on the VPU (vape processing unit) technology which claims to boost cloud volume by 23.7%. GEEK BAR vapes feature FDA-certified food-grade shells for a safe and hygienic vaping experience. However, the lack of customization options (e.g., no adjustable wattage) on GEEK BAR vapes might leave experienced users wanting more.
6. Health and Safety Concerns
The UWELL 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. It's important to note that nicotine use is widely associated with addiction, nausea, breathing difficulties, and cardiovascular issues.
GEEK BAR vapes come pre-filled with e-liquids ranging from 2% to 5% nicotine strength. Nicotine can be highly addictive and have damaging effects on respiratory and cardiovascular health. Additionally, GEEK BAR primarily offers disposable vapes that raise environmental concerns over the waste they generate.
7. Regulatory Compliance and Legal Issues
In 2020, The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning to UWELL regarding a few products, including the Caliburn, stating that they did not have proper marketing authorizations and were thus considered adulterated and misbranded. As a result, UWELL has faced regulatory actions and has had to address these violations to remain compliant with US laws. Since then, legal scrutiny has eased up, and UWELL continues to sell its products in line with legal regulations.
There have been concerns about the “super-strength GEEK BAR” vapes in the US market being equivalent to smoking 125 cigarettes. And as we mentioned earlier, there have been reports of underage individuals using GEEK BAR devices. This is due to the influx of counterfeit products that are sold irresponsibly to minors and can lead to serious health and addiction issues associated with nicotine use. Additionally, the 2024 UK regulations — like the ban on disposable vapes and the limit on e-liquid capacity (max 2ml) and nicotine content (max 20mg/ml) — might lead to the discontinuation of many Geek Bar products. For instance, devices like the GEEK BAR Pro have 5% nicotine and a tank capacity of 4.5ml.
Note: Consumers must also verify adherence to the latest local laws prior to any purchase of devices from these brands.
8. Nicotine Content Potential
UWELL’s disposable vapes pack a punch with 20-50mg nic salt vape juice in 4-20ml capacities, catering to those who prefer a stronger nicotine hit with the convenience of disposability. Their reusable pod vapes, holding 2-4ml, are best paired with 5mg to 20mg nic salt vape juice, offering a customizable nicotine delivery to suit your vaping style.
GEEK BAR vapes are prefilled with e-liquid that have nicotine strengths varying from 2% to 5%. Devices like Meloso Pro and J1 Pod Kit offer beginner-friendly 2% nicotine in their e-liquids. On the other hand, with their 5% nicotine strength, Pulse and Meloso Ultra pack a punch for heavy users.
9. Compatibility with Other Products
UWELL’s proprietary design limits its cross-compatibility with other pods. However, UWELL devices are compatible with third-party e-liquids. UWELL makes replacement pods that may be compatible with more than one UWELL product range.
Most disposable GEEK BAR vapes are prefilled with flavored e-liquids. They are not designed to be modified or re-filled.
10. Availability and Accessibility
UWELL's products are widely available in most vape store chains across the US and available online.
GEEK BAR products are available in retail and online stores worldwide, including the US, UK, and China. However, look out for specific location-based restrictions, especially in regions with strict e-cigarette regulations or flavor bans.
11. Cost vs. Quality
UWELL vapes offer a variety of high-quality options across different price points. For example, the UWELL Caliburn A3 and AK3 are priced at approximately $30 and $32, respectively. Other UWELL products, such as the Caliburn X, are more expensive due to additional features like an OLED screen and adjustable wattage. Across the board, UWELL maintains a reputation for producing reliable and well-designed e-cigarettes, making them a popular choice among vapers.
GEEK BAR vapes are competitively priced and offer decent value for money. While they may be a good option as your backup device or travel companion, their disposable nature makes them less cost-effective in the long run than refillable and rechargeable vapes.
Pros and Cons of UWELL and GEEK BAR
To summarize, here are the benefits and drawbacks of both these brands:
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Pros of UWELL |
Cons of UWELL |
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Pros of GEEK BAR |
Cons of GEEK BAR |
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In short, both UWELL and GEEK BAR stand out in the vaping market with their unique strengths and offerings.
However, both UWELL and GEEK BAR are not without their regulatory challenges.
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