VAPORESSO vs GEEK BAR: Features, Price + More (2024)
The epic showdown: VAPORESSO 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 VAPORESSO 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: Discover more through: Discover more through: |
A Quick Intro to VAPORESSO and GEEK BAR
Headquartered in Shenzhen, China, VAPORESSO offers a wide array of flavored pods, vape pens, tank mods, and accessories. Their sleek, portable gadgets are ideal for both amateur and seasoned vapers.
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 VAPORESSO and GEEK BAR
Let’s look at how the two brands evolved.
Established in 2015 by parent company SMOORE, VAPORESSO launched its first product from the TARGET Series in 2016. In 2020, VAPORESSO’s first round of PMTA (Premarket Tobacco Product Application) applications were accepted by the FDA, within three days of submission. However, in 2021, the FDA inquired into the brand's marketing strategies, scrutinizing its social media presence, reach, and the implementation of age restrictions online. In 2023, VAPORESSO won the prestigious Golden Leaf Award for Innovation for its product VAPORESSO COSS.
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.
VAPORESSO vs GEEK BAR Comparison Summary
Take a quick look at the features of VAPORESSO and GEEK BAR vapes before we get into the details:
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VAPORESSO |
GEEK BAR |
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Product Range |
XROS CUBE, XROS 3, XROS 3 NANO, XROS 3 MINI, XROS 2, XROS NANO, XROS, XROS MINI, LUXE X/XR, LUXE Q2, LUXE Q2 SE, LUXE QS, LUXE Q, ZERO 2, ZERO, ECO NANO, VAPORESSO COSS, OSMALL 2, X MINI, BARR, OSMALL (Rechargeable pods) LUXE X PRO, LUXE XR MAX, GEN PT60 | 80S, GEN AIR 40, LUXE PM40, TARGET PM80 (Rechargeable pod mods) ARMOUR MAX | S, GEN 200 I 80S iTank 2, GEN 200 | 80S, GEN 200/80S MOD, GEN FIT 40, TARGET 200, TARGET 100/80 (iTank), TARGET 80, TARGET 200 MOD, TARGET 100/80 MOD, LUXE 2 MOD, GEN X MOD, GEN NANO MOD, GTX ONE MOD (Tank mods) VECO GO, GTX GO, Sky Solo | Plus, Orca Solo Plus, Veco Solo | Plus, Veco One | Plus (Rechargeable pen styles) |
Disposable Vapes: Pulse, Meloso, Wondar 1, DF8000 Pod Kit: J1 Pod Kit
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Nicotine-free options available? |
Yes (VAPORESSO XROS) |
No |
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Device Quality & Build |
Sleek devices with an ergonomic body, a glossy exterior, and polished aluminum finish |
Brightly colored, ergonomic, soft mouthpiece, innovative designs, full-screen displays with animations (for certain devices) |
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Battery Capacity |
XROS CUBE: 900 mAh LUXE Q2: 1000 mAh ZERO 2: 800 mAh ECO NANO: 1000 mAh OSMALL 2: 450 mAh LUXE X PRO: 1500 mAh TARGET PM80: 2000 mAh ARMOUR MAX | S: 21700 mAh GEN FIT 40: 2000 mAh VECO GO: 1500 mAh Sky Solo | Plus: 1400/3000 mAh Orca Solo Plus: 1200 mAh |
Wondar 1: 650mAh Meloso Mini: 550mAh DF8000: 600mAh Meloso Ultra: 630mAh J1 Pod Kit: 500mAh |
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Pod Capacity, Nicotine Strength |
XROS CUBE: 2 ml LUXE Q2: 2 ml/3 ml ZERO 2: 2ml/3 ml ECO NANO: 6 ml/2 ml OSMALL 2: 2 ml LUXE X PRO: 5 ml/2 ml GEN AIR 40: 4.5 ml/2 ml TARGET 80: 5 ml/2 ml VECO GO: 5 ml Sky Solo | Plus: 8 ml/2 ml Orca Solo Plus: 2ml |
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 |
TARGET 200: 200-240 |
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 |
ZERO 2: 45 minutes LUXE Q2: 30 minutes |
Wondar 1: 45 minutes (Type C-quick charge) Pulse (standard version): 60 - 90 mins (Type C-quick charge) |
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Safety Features |
LED light indicator, auto-shutoff, short circuit protection, low voltage protection, over charge protection, and age verification at purchase |
Short circuit protection, overcharging protection, low-voltage protection, VPU for a more balanced atomization effect |
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Device and Pod Cost |
XROS CUBE: $27.90 LUXE Q2: $33.90 ZERO 2: $29.90 ECO NANO: $14.90 - $16.90 OSMALL 2: $15.90 LUXE X PRO: $47.90 GEN AIR 40: $36.90 TARGET 80: $69.90 VECO GO: $24.90 Sky Solo | Plus: $28.90 Orca Solo Plus: $20.90 |
Pulse: $12.99 Meloso Max: $11 - $13 Meloso Ultra: $15 - $16 |
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Customer Support and Warranty |
90 days |
14 days (quality warranty) |
Now let’s compare these brands in detail:
1. Design and Aesthetics
VAPORESSO devices are slim yet sturdy and available in translucent colors (ice blue, rose pink, neon sunset, etc.) and monotones (black and gray). Most devices are slender with rounded edges but a few devices (ECO NANO, XROX CUBE, and others) have a cube-like shape. On the other hand, XROS 3 and LUXE X PRO may have practical issues like tinted pods that make it hard to see juice levels. The GEN mod's extensive feature set and modes can be overwhelming for beginners.
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
VAPORESSO devices like TARGET 80 and ARMOUR MAX have a battery capacity of 3000 mAh and 21700 mAh, promising extended vape sessions. However, OSMALL 2's 450 mAh will need frequent charging and can be a letdown for heavy users. But, most models like the XROS series and LUXE line hit the sweet spot with around 1000 mAh, balancing portability with decent battery life.
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
VAPORESSO TARGET 200's reliance on dual 18650 batteries offers a solid foundation for longevity, allowing users to easily replace batteries and extend the device's life. However, its puff count range of 200-240, may not impress heavy users seeking all-day vaping without interruptions.
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
VAPORESSO doesn’t produce its own line of flavored e-liquids. You have to choose e-liquids from other brands, going for fruity or tobacco flavors, whatever floats your boat.
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
VAPORESSO devices are equipped with COREX heating technology, helping you capture the true taste of different e-liquids. These devices also offer adjustable airflow to deliver a customizable MTL (mouth-to-lung) vaping experience. They also deploy the SSS leak-resistant technology where the e-liquid is locked inside the pod securely. Further, the AXON chipset in VAPORESSO devices act like the discreet assistant that makes sure every puff is just right.
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
VAPORESSO products may pose health risks, including nicotine addiction and exposure to harmful ingredients, such as diacetyl and vitamin E acetate. However, the brand also offers nicotine-free options for those seeking a safer vaping alternative.
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 2021, the FDA looked closely at VAPORESSO's marketing methods — how it used social media and promoted their products, especially amongst the younger demographic. The agency asked for documents related to the brand's social media ads and marketing strategies, such as what they post, how much they spend, and how they plan to keep underage kids from seeing their advertisements, among other things. As of 2024, VAPORESSO has completed the FDA Remote Regulatory Assessments.
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
VAPORESSO products offer a range of pod capacities from 2 ml in XROS CUBE to 8 ml in Sky Solo | Plus, accommodating varying nicotine levels based on your preference and choice of e-liquid.
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
VAPORESSO offers refillable pod systems that are compatible with e-liquids from other brands. However, these devices shouldn’t be paired with third-party pods and chargers as the design and dimension of products may vary from brand to brand, making them incompatible and rendering the device non-functional.
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
VAPORESSO products are available from retailers worldwide, including countries in Asia Pacific, North America, South America, and Europe. You can also purchase these products online in the UK, US, various European countries, and other parts of the world. The availability and shipping of vaping products can be impacted by location-specific regulations and restrictions.
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
Some may find VAPORESSO's pricing to be on the premium side, compared to other brands that offer rechargeables under $10. While ECO NANO and OSMALL 2 are priced under $20, TARGET 80 and GEN FIT 40 command prices up to $69.90 — thanks to their powerful battery life, superior build quality, and different pod capacity options. It may not be the best choice for those on a tight budget, but it is of value to those in search of a great vaping experience, thanks to its cutting-edge technology.
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 VAPORESSO and GEEK BAR
To summarize, here are the benefits and drawbacks of both these brands:
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Pros of VAPORESSO |
Cons of VAPORESSO |
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Pros of GEEK BAR |
Cons of GEEK BAR |
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In short, both VAPORESSO and GEEK BAR stand out in the vaping market with their unique strengths and offerings.
However, both VAPORESSO and GEEK BAR are not without their regulatory challenges.
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