Vuse vs SMOK: Features, Price + More (2024)
The epic showdown: Vuse vs SMOK. 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 SMOK, 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 SMOK
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.
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.
Brand History and Background of Vuse and SMOK
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.
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.
Vuse vs SMOK Comparison Summary
Take a quick look at the features of Vuse and SMOK vapes before we get into the details:
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Vuse |
SMOK |
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Product Range |
Vuse Go, Vuse Go XL, Vuse GO 5000, and Vuse Go Max Zero Nicotine (Disposable) |
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)
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Nicotine-free options available? |
Yes |
Yes (SMOK NOVO 2 KIT, SMOK NOVO BAR, SMOK NOVO 5 Pod Kit, and more) |
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Device Quality & Build |
Robust design, rounded edges, stainless steel and plastic construction. |
Innovative design, incorporating high-quality materials like zinc alloy and stainless steel |
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Battery Capacity |
Vuse GO Edition 01: 350mAh Vuse GO 700: 370mAh Vuse GO Edition 5000: 560mAh |
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 |
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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 |
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 |
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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 |
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 |
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Charging Time |
ePod2+: 50 mins |
ISPEED, IGEE, and IGEE PRO: 40 mins |
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Safety Features |
LED indicator, auto-shutoff |
Low voltage detection, short circuit detection, LED indicator, age verification on website |
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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) |
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 |
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Customer Support and Warranty |
1 year |
6 months |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
4. Flavor Selection and Nicotine Options
Vuse offers a broad flavor spectrum, including fruity and exotic options.
SMOK disposables and rechargeables come in different flavors, including watermelon, peach, mango, kiwi, mint, blueberry, strawberry, and more.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Note: Consumers must also verify adherence to the latest local laws prior to any purchase of devices from these brands.
8. Nicotine Content Potential
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pros and Cons of Vuse and SMOK
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 SMOK |
Cons of SMOK |
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In short, both Vuse and SMOK stand out in the vaping market with their unique strengths and offerings.
Vuse operates free from regulatory limitations, unlike SMOK, 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.
Cyclone Pods: The Safest, High-Quality, Nicotine-Free Alternative
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Our innovative products include the Surge, and the Gust Super disposable range. Pick from our stunning range of:
- Fruity vapes, including watermelon vapes, banana vapes, raspberry vapes, and more
- Classic vapes, such as menthol 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.
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