UWELL vs Innokin: Features, Price + More (2024)
The epic showdown: UWELL vs Innokin. 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 Innokin, 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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A Quick Intro to UWELL and Innokin
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.
Innokin is a vape brand based in Shenzhen, China with a global reach in over 80 countries. Its manufacturing base in China is supported by an after-sales service center in California, USA. Its product range includes pod systems, vape kits, tanks, and more.
Brand History and Background of UWELL and Innokin
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.
Innokin, established in 2011, has emerged as a significant player in the vaping industry. The company holds over 170 patents across design, utility, and processing. The launch of their iTaste VV pen-style vape in 2013, the Cool Fire box mod series in 2014, the Platform starter kits in 2019, and others cemented their reputation. In May 2023, Innokin received a warning letter from the FDA, highlighting regulatory concerns over certain products that were not authorized for sale in the US.
UWELL vs Innokin Comparison Summary
Take a quick look at the features of UWELL and Innokin vapes before we get into the details:
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UWELL |
Innokin |
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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) |
Pod Systems: Klypse, Kroma, Sceptre, EZ.WATT, EQ, EQ S, Go S Pod Vape Kits: Adept Series, Coolfire Z Series, Endura T Series, Go S Series Vape Tanks: Zenith Series, Z Force Series, GoMax Series, GO Z Tank Disposable Vapes: Innobar Series
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Nicotine-free options available? |
No |
Yes (can be paired with 3rd party nicotine-free e-liquids) |
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Device Quality & Build |
High-quality, rugged, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, and plastic construction |
Solid build quality and sleek design, often using durable metal, carbon fiber, glass, and stainless steel |
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Battery Capacity |
Varies between 500mAh to 1500mAh, depending on the device Caliburn Explorer: 1000mAh Valyrian Pod: 1250mAh |
700mAh - 6000mAh (depending on the device) MVP5 Ajax: 5200mAh |
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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 |
0.8ml - 18ml (varies with device type), and typically 10-50 mg/ml nicotine for disposable vapes. (Other devices are compatible with e-liquids with varying nic strengths.) Endura S1: 2ml, available in 10-20 mg/ml nicotine Innobar S3: 12ml, available in 50 mg/ml nicotine Innobar 8000: 17.5ml, 50mg/ml nicotine |
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Number of Puffs per Pod |
Caliburn Bar: 12,000 puffs |
600-8000 puffs per pod or refill, depending on the type of device Innobar C1: 600 puffs Innobar S3: 5000 puffs Innobar 8000: 8000 puffs |
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Charging Time |
Caliburn GK3, A3, AZ3 Grace, GZ2: 15 mins (2A fast charging) |
Endura T18 Kit: 2-3 hours Innobar C1: 1 hour |
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Safety Features |
Childproof, leak prevention, temperature regulation, auto-shutoff |
Temperature control, auto-cut-off, leakproof design, overcharge protection |
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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) |
Klypse Zip Pod System Kit: $9.99 Arcfire Pod System Kit: $14.99 Kroma-R Starter Kit: $69.99 Proton 235W Kit ((w/ Scion 2): $89.99 |
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Customer Support and Warranty |
6 months |
90 days (plus an additional 90 days with Innokin’s extended warranty program) |
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.
Innokin products are generally known for their sleek and compact designs, with user-friendly features like easy filling and buttonless operation on some models. They typically use stainless steel for durability and PCTG plastic for specific components. While their designs are visually appealing, the glossy finishes can be prone to fingerprints and smudges, which may detract from the overall look over time.
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.
Innokin devices are generally known for their consistent performance and long battery life, with some models lasting a full day on a single charge. Popular models like the Sceptre Tube feature a 1300mAh battery, supporting all-day vaping with efficiency across different coil resistances. Similarly, devices like the Adept offer variable wattage, letting you tailor your vaping experience, while some, like the Proton Mini boast fast charging capabilities.
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.
Innokin vapes, crafted from quality materials like stainless steel and zinc alloy, stand out for their durability and reliability across device types. They deliver impressive puff counts, with certain ranges capable of achieving over 7,000 to 8,000 puffs. Users often report these devices surpassing one year of lifespan under regular use. On the downside, some reviewers mention occasional coil inconsistencies (especially in Sceptre devices) that can lead to needing replacements sooner.
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:
Innokin offers a wide variety of flavors, from refreshing spearmint to fruity and dessert-inspired choices. Moreover, their devices are designed to be compatible with third-party e-liquids, enabling you to choose your preferred flavors.
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.
Innokin devices are engineered to deliver satisfying clouds and a smooth throat hit, adjustable to suit both mouth-to-lung (MTL) and direct-to-lung (DTL) vapers. For instance, the Innokin Sceptre allows you to switch between MTL and RDL styles easily, providing a customizable experience. Some of their products, like Innobar C1, come with exclusive water-based e-liquids that satisfy cravings more quickly. Some devices lack a clear battery or e-liquid level indication, which could be frustrating for some users.
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.
Innokin has run into issues with the FDA due to the use of unauthorized flavors in its Esco Bars disposable vape line. Unchecked and unauthorized flavors can contain harmful chemicals, like diacetyl, which has been linked to lung disease. Additionally, they may contain high quantities of sweeteners to lure in teens, potentially starting them on a habit with negative health consequences. Besides, nicotine in e-liquids in Innokin devices is addictive and can mess with your lungs and heart health, and impair brain development in teens.
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.
As we saw above, Innokin got a warning from the FDA in May 2023 for some flavorings in their Esco Bars that weren't approved.
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.
Innokin’s pre-filled vapes come with e-liquid up to 50mg/ml nicotine (up to 20mg/ml in the UK after the latest regulations.) The brand recommends using their refillable vapes with 5-20 mg nic salt juice or 3-12mg freebase nicotine e-liquids.
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 Innokin devices are compatible with a wide range of third-party accessories, including tanks, coils, and e-liquids, enhancing their appeal among users who value versatility.
10. Availability and Accessibility
UWELL's products are widely available in most vape store chains across the US and available online.
Innokin vape devices are available in online and offline stores across the US. However, the Innokin Store Locator is unavailable for users in the USA. Moreover, Innokin does not have any explicit marketing authorization from the US FDA — a must for vape brands in the country.
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.
Innokin delivers durable and dependable devices that offer good value for money. On the positive side, devices like the Endura T20 and the Coolfire series are lauded for their build quality and reliability, offering solid performance at a competitive price point. However, the battery life on smaller models may seem inadequate, especially if you’re a heavy vaper. They could also add more innovative features in the entry-level market segment.
Pros and Cons of UWELL and Innokin
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 Innokin |
Cons of Innokin |
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In short, both UWELL and Innokin stand out in the vaping market with their unique strengths and offerings.
However, both UWELL and Innokin 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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