Vuse vs Gold Bar : Comparing Devices, Price, Performance (2025)
The epic showdown: Vuse vs Gold 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 Vuse or rooting for Gold 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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A Quick Intro to Vuse and Gold Bar
Based in North Carolina, USA, Vuse brings a robust lineup of e-cigarettes and a diverse palette of flavors to the table. Their products, ranging from compact devices to more advanced options, cater to both beginners and seasoned vapers. Ideal for anyone looking for versatility and a customizable vaping journey.
Crafted by the UK-based manufacturer Vape Gold, Gold Bar is known for their opulent vaping devices with a recognizable gold finish. Their lineup includes sleek disposable vapes and pod systems, available in a variety of flavors and a 20mg to 50mg nicotine strength. They’re simple (with few frills) but user friendly and highly portable for the everyday, casual vaper.
Brand History and Background of Vuse and Gold Bar
Let’s look at how the two brands evolved.
Was launched in 2013 by R.J. Reynolds Vapor Company, a subsidiary of Reynolds American. Vuse's original digital vapor cigarette had a high nicotine content of 4.8% and was introduced in Colorado before expanding nationwide. It faced a lawsuit related to health risks in 2015. In 2018, Vuse launched the Vuse Alto, a competitor to Juul. However, the US FDA banned the sale of Vuse Alto menthol-flavored and mixed berry-flavored products in Oct ‘23 because “the risk to kids outweighs any benefit to adult smokers.” Despite regulatory scrutiny and chemical concerns, Vuse remains a significant player in the e-cigarette market.
Gold Bar is a relatively new brand founded in 2023 by Patrick James Taylor. The brand emphasizes elegance and sophistication, alongside high performance and careful quality control. Specific details about their regulatory compliance are limited. They seem to comply with the United Kingdom’s TPD (Tobacco Products Directive), and haven’t received any publicly available warnings from the US FDA. However, this lack of information doesn't guarantee product safety. It may indicate that Gold Bar, being a young brand, hasn’t yet attracted FDA scrutiny or received premarket tobacco product application (PMTA) approval.
Vuse vs Gold Bar Comparison Summary
Take a quick look at the features of Vuse and Gold Bar vapes before we get into the details:
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Vuse |
Gold Bar |
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Product Range |
Vuse Go, Vuse Go XL, Vuse GO 5000, and Vuse Go Max Zero Nicotine (Disposable) |
Gold Bar 600 Disposables (TPD) Gold Bar Reload Prefilled Pod Kit (TPD) Gold Bar Apollo Prefilled Pod Kit (TPD) Gold Bar 24Seven Disposables (Note: Availability differs by country)
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Nicotine-free options available? |
Yes |
No |
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Device Quality & Build |
Robust design, rounded edges, stainless steel and plastic construction. |
Sleek, matte gold finish, ergonomic black mouthpiece, aluminium and plastic construction |
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Battery Capacity |
Vuse GO Edition 01: 350mAh Vuse GO 700: 370mAh Vuse GO Edition 5000: 560mAh |
Gold Bar 600 Disposables: 500mAh Gold Bar Reload Prefilled Pod Kit: 650mAh Gold Bar Apollo Prefilled Pod Kit: 1000mAh Gold Bar 24Seven Disposables: 850mAh |
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Pod Capacity, Nicotine Strength |
Vuse GO Edition 5000: 20 mg/mL (1.8%) Vuse ePods come in 1.6% (18mg/ml), 1.8% (20mg/ml), 3% (34mg/ml) and 4% (47mg/ml) strength |
Gold Bar 600 Disposables: 2ml, 20mg/ml (2%) Gold Bar Reload Prefilled Pod Kit: 2ml, 20mg/ml (2%) Gold Bar Apollo Prefilled Pod Kit: 2ml + 5ml refill tank, 20mg/ml (2%) Gold Bar 24Seven Disposables: 20ml, 50mg/ml (5%) |
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Number of Puffs per Pod |
Vuse GO: 500 puffs Vuse GO XL: 1,500 puffs Vuse GO Edition 5000: 5,000 puffs ePod2+: 950 puffs |
Gold Bar 600 Disposables: 600 puffs Gold Bar Reload Prefilled Pod Kit: 600 puffs Gold Bar Apollo Prefilled Pod Kit: 20,000 puffs Gold Bar 24Seven Disposables: 24,000 puffs |
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Charging Time |
ePod2+: 50 mins |
Gold Bar Reload Prefilled Pod Kit: 1 hour 45 mins Gold Bar Apollo Prefilled Pod Kit: Fast charging time not specified Gold Bar 24Seven Disposables: Fast charging time not specified |
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Safety Features |
LED indicator, auto-shutoff |
LED indicator, no firing button (inhale activation), short-circuit protection, overcharge protection, age verification at purchase, batch number product verification |
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Device and Pod Cost |
Vuse GO: $9.99 Vuse GO XL: $19.99 Vuse GO Edition 5000: $25.99 ePod2+: $14.99 Vuse Pods: $17.49 (2-pack) |
Gold Bar 600 Disposables: £6 or $8 Gold Bar Reload Prefilled Pod Kit: £6 (~$8) for the starter kit; £6 (~$8) for 2 x pods Gold Bar Apollo Prefilled Pod Kit: £9 (~$12) for the starter kit; £5 (~$7) per refill pack Gold Bar 24Seven Disposables: ~$13 to $19 |
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Customer Support and Warranty |
1 year |
6 months (devices) |
Now let’s compare these brands in detail:
1. Design and Aesthetics
Vuse boasts a more robust and ergonomic design, making it comfortable to hold and use. Its slightly larger size means it's not as pocket-friendly as the Juul, but it compensates with a user-friendly button interface and a stylish finish.
Gold Bar devices feature a sophisticated gold finish and a compact, rectangular shape with rounded edges for ergonomic handling. They’re highly portable and hassle free, with no buttons or screens, making them very user-friendly. However, the simple design won’t impress users who enjoy bells and whistles like digital displays and advanced safety protections.
2. Performance and Battery Life
Vuse ePod2+ steps up the game with a bigger and more powerful battery. It boasts a fast-charging feature reaching 80% battery in just 30 minutes. It features a power/lock button and Bluetooth connectivity.
Gold Bar’s battery capacities range from 500mAh (non-rechargeable) to 1,000mAh (rechargeable), offering decent longevity for casual use. However, some users report slower charging times compared to similar devices. The reusable batteries in Reload and Apollo kits support environmental sustainability. They use USB-C charging for convenience. Meanwhile, the disposables are single-use, including the batteries.
3. Longevity
Vuse is a strong contender, notable for its cost-effectiveness, a higher puff count per pod, with a 2-pack of Vuse pods priced at $17.49. Coupled with Vuse's extensive retail availability, this makes for a compelling choice for those seeking both value and convenience.
The average puff count per ml for pod-based vapes is around 300 puffs. So, the Gold Bar 600 Disposable and Reload are right on par with industry standards and offer decent longevity. The 24Seven Disposable is packed with puffs but it only sports an 850mAh battery, which could mean frequent recharging. Meanwhile, the Gold Bar Apollo shines with an impressive 20,000 puffs and the highest battery capacity (from this brand) at a relatively low price.
4. Flavor Selection and Nicotine Options
Vuse offers a broad flavor spectrum, including fruity and exotic options.
Gold Bar offers an extensive flavor selection across its product ranges: Across the devices, you can find mainly fruity flavors with some minty and tobacco profiles in the mix. However, users may find the pod vape and 24Seven flavor ranges disappointing compared to their vast 600 Disposable range.
5. Vaping Experience
The Vuse ePod 2+ allows for customizable vapor production up to 6.5w and features a recharge reminder and usage tracker, providing a more tailored experience for users who want more control over their devices. Vuse Go has a weaker throat hit than the refillable device.
Gold Bar vapes provide a smooth throat hit and consistent vapor production with a relatively airy draw. They’re great if you enjoy simplicity and ease-of-use. However, if you are a cloud head or love to customize your vaping experience (such as adjustable airflow or power), you may find the experience less satisfying.
6. Health and Safety Concerns
Vuse, while sharing similar health implications due to nicotine, has faced fewer public controversies. However, like all vaping products, it's not free from risks, including exposure to chemicals like glycerol, whose long-term effects are still under scrutiny.
Gold Bar vapes offer devices with 20mg (UK) or 50mg (US) nicotine strength, lacking nicotine-free options, which may not suit users seeking to avoid nicotine. Nicotine is highly addictive and can pose a risk to cardiovascular health. The brand also doesn't clearly share what's in their e-liquids, which might worry vapers who prioritize their health.
7. Regulatory Compliance and Legal Issues
Vuse, in contrast, has managed smoother FDA interactions but still adapts to changing laws affecting flavors and availability. Their steadier regulatory path has allowed Vuse to maintain a more consistent market position.
Gold Bar complied with TPD regulations, which, among other points, limits tanks to 2ml. However, they have used a common loophole for their Apollo pod kit, providing multiple 2ml tanks that can attach to the device at once. The TPD regulations are enforced for consumer protection, so this workaround may be something to take note of. But, there’s little information regarding Gold Bar’s compliance with the US FDA.
Note: Consumers must also verify adherence to the latest local laws prior to any purchase of devices from these brands.
8. Nicotine Content
Vuse offers pods with 1.8% to 4% nicotine strengths and delivers a quick nicotine hit. But its range of devices offers more control over intake, a plus for those managing their nicotine consumption.
Gold Bar vapes use nicotine salts, offering a smooth and satisfying hit with a nicotine strength of 20mg/ml for all TPD devices. The 24Seven vape is not TPD compliant (not sold in the UK), and contains 50mg/ml (5%) nicotine.
9. Compatibility with Other Products
Vuse devices generally boast closed pod systems, meaning only their branded e-liquids are compatible. While third-party pod options are scarce, some accessories like cases and charging cables can be found from independent vendors.
Gold Bar products are designed as standalone systems, meaning their pods and devices are not compatible with other brands. However, the rechargeable devices use a standard USB-C charger, making charging convenient and compatible with commonly available cables.
10. Availability and Accessibility
Vuse vapes are available for purchase on vuse.com and through various retail channels. The FDA has granted marketing authorization for some Vuse products with specific restrictions and ongoing review processes.
Gold Bar vapes are primarily available in the UK through online retailers and select vape shops. They can be hard to come by in the US, though some online wholesalers sell the 24Seven disposable.
11. Cost vs. Quality
Vuse Go packs a budget-friendly punch at $9.99. The ePod 2+ rechargeable device at $14.99 gives you smoother vapor, leak-resistant pods, and a wide flavor variety. Consider Go for occasional use, and ePod 2+ for better cost per puff and a premium experience.
Gold Bar vapes generally align with standard market value, offering 600-puff disposables for $8 to 24,000 puff disposables for around $13 to $19. However, a few factors (like limited customizability and lack of transparency around ingredients) can make alternatives appealing at a similar price point.
Pros and Cons of Vuse and Gold Bar
To summarize, here are the benefits and drawbacks of both these brands:
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Pros of Vuse |
Cons of Vuse |
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Pros of Gold Bar |
Cons of Gold Bar |
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In short, both Vuse and Gold Bar stand out in the vaping market with their unique strengths and offerings.
Vuse operates free from regulatory limitations, unlike Gold Bar , which is subject to restrictions.
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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