Vape Reviews: Kits, Pods & E-Liquids Tested

The UK vape pod kit scene continues to evolve, and manufacturers are working hard to make their branded products as compelling as possible. But with so many new options on the market, it can be challenging to know which are best and why you should choose them.

This guide provides insight into the newest and best vape pod kits available in 2026. Think of this as our rundown of your top options in terms of flavour, convenience, and pricing. By the end, you should know whether a particular product is right for you and if you should go ahead and include it in your collection.

So, without further ado, let’s dive right in.

Vaporesso XROS 6

The Vaporesso XROS 6 is the sixth generation of one of the most imitated and popular refillable pod platforms currently on the market. Vaporesso continues to iterate on its successful formula, further developing the pod kit every few months to provide even more utility to vapers.

The biggest change for the XROS 6 is the 1,800 mAh internal cell, one of the largest ever fitted to a conventional pen-format device. It provides a significant jump in cell duration compared to Vaporesso's previous products and other products across the market, making it ideal for someone looking for a vape device that allows them to extend beyond conventional light usage.

The device measures 122.2 by 24.5 by 14.4 mm and weighs just 71 g. This sizing and weight allow it to retain its sleek pen format, which is the direction the industry is currently going in.

The PC-TG pod housing and aluminium alloy construction give the device a premium feel. The TFT screen on the front face displays battery level and installed pod resistance, providing informative metrics that keep vapers up to date on the state of their device.

One of the things we particularly like about these vape pods is the ability to choose themes and animations if wanted. The 0.88-inch colour screen is a versatile display that can reflect the user's visual tastes and preferences if necessary, or provide detailed output on usage time.

Of course, output tops out at around 30 W, but you are offered Eco, Normal, and Power modes. You can cycle quickly between modes via button presses, which adjust the level of output you receive depending on the pod installed. You can also adjust the wattage manually, but you can only unlock this with the 0.4-Ω pod. Other pods don't permit these on-the-fly changes.

What about charging? Again, Vaporesso has made some significant upgrades. The USB-C port now supports 9V/2A or 5V/3A input, which Vaporesso says is delivering around 50% more charge for every 10-minute charging session. The ability to charge the device faster means less waiting between vapes and reduces the need to have a backup device.

Of course, like other businesses in the vaping space, Vaporesso is keen on marketing the new technology now embodied in the XROS 6 vape device.

• One of its core technologies in the Vaporesso XROS COREX 3.0 Replacement Pods is the mesh heating platform that uses a hive mesh structure combined with nano microfiber processing. Vaporesso claims that this provides the vape with a cleaner and better consistency and mouthfeel while also improving the pods across the pod's life.

• SSS 2.0 is its leak-resistant system to prevent pocket leakage that some users complained about in previous devices. Reducing pocket leakage is challenging in a liquid-using device like the Vaporesso XROS, but early indications seem to indicate that the issue has been solved substantially.

• The Venturi Airflow is a genuinely new addition. Vaporesso says that this delivers a 30% smoother and quieter mouthfeel while also offering 20% more flavour. There is also an airflow slider, which is smooth and holds position when in transit.

Perhaps the largest benefit of the new platform is its compatibility with the rest of the XROS range. Instead of gatekeeping, the XROS 6 can be fitted with pods from any other XROS product and can operate across a range of resistance levels, including:

• 0.4 Ω at 30 W

• 0.6 Ω at 21 W

• 0.8 Ω at 16 W

• 1.0 Ω at 12 W

• 1.2 Ω at 10 W

This means that a single pod inventory can cover every device in the family, and the XROS 6 is simply adding to this existing capability. Of course, the kit only ships with the 0.6 Ω and 0.8 Ω pod options for direct lung and mouth-to-lung preferences, but there is additional flexibility if you decide to order other pods separately from the XROS range. It's worth mentioning that the XROS 6 sits below the XROS Pro 2, which has the larger 2,000 mAh cell and a bigger screen with magnesium alloy construction.

Ultimately, the Vaporesso XROS 6 is the strongest all-round recommendation that we're going to make on this list. Not only does it sit at a reasonable price point, but it also has a multi-day battery and exceptional screen control. The main criticism is the wattage restriction to specific types of pods.

Vaporesso XROS 6 Mini

The XROS 6 Mini belongs to the same spiritual family as the XROS 6. Being a smaller device, it comes with the usual trade-offs, but we feel that Vaporesso has chosen these well.

For example, the standard XROS 6 has a colour screen and mode selection, but the Mini removes this in favour of a buttonless draw system. This reduces the user's ability to configure the device to their preferences, but it enables a more efficient vaping experience that could be preferable for some people, especially those who enjoy sleek, elegant, and automated designs.

The Mini measures 110 mm by 14.65 mm, about 12 mm shorter than its larger brother. It has a modestly reduced battery capacity at 1,600 mAh, and it is also significantly lighter. Charging is via USB-C instead of the 3A that the XROS 6 uses, and charging occurs at 5V/2A, which is a significant downgrade if you are interested in rapid charging. There is still an LED indicator on the device's screen that tells you the charging level, but this is now a 5-segment display rather than the continuous option on the XROS 6.

Fortunately, the output range is the same, varying from 5 to 30 watts, which matches the flagship product. The Mini downgrades the number of modes available by offering a smart power output system instead, which detects the resistance of the pod that you have installed and automatically sets the power output accordingly. We like the fact that switching between these modes is done efficiently via two short puffs. This auto-configuration is handy for anybody who prefers sleek devices and wants to avoid pressing buttons.

Other than that, the pod platform is essentially identical to the XROS 6. It comes with this COREX 3.0 mesh, the SSS leak resistance technology, and the Venturi airflow system. That means it offers the same level of pocket protection as the regular XROS 6. It's worth noting that the Mini is a noticeable upgrade from a standard disposable, and it's an obvious choice for anybody who wants to avoid the regular XROS 6's mode switching.

Compared to the XROS 5 Mini - the previous-generation device - the Vaporesso XROS 6 Mini is a significant upgrade. It carries a larger cell, and it moves over to the COREX 3.0 and SSS platform, giving it Vaporesso's latest technology. Reviewers generally confirm that it is a clear generational improvement, but there is a slight size creep compared to the previous iteration of the model. This is worth noting going forward, since this has become a trend across the vape industry, especially among products classified as "mini."

So, who is the Vaporesso XROS Mini for? Ultimately, it's for individuals who are looking for a better value proposition than the regular XROS 6 or the XROS 5 Mini that it replaces. Losing the 3A charging is a genuine cost of opting for the XROS Mini, but in return you get a product that can automatically switch between vaping modes while also offering far greater affordability.

Uwell G4 Pro

The Uwell G4 Pro is one of the most ambitious devices covered in this review. Now part of the Caliburn line, it is notable among seasoned vapers for its touchscreen-first operating model. The device features a 2.51-inch ultra-shatterproof display that completely dominates the front side.

The screen replaces the multi-click button interfaces that Uwell used for many years, allowing vapers to adjust puff counts, brightness, screen timeouts, wattage output mode, and more, including languages. The interface is a significant selling point, particularly due to its multi-language support.

The device is more accessible than many options from existing manufacturers, and the large screen size makes it a suitable option for people who struggle to see small characters on conventional vape displays. The device also comes with a range of themes and day/night brightness modes to support circadian rhythm, and a sharp, responsive screen with a high pixel density.

The battery performance is also significant at 1,800 mAh, although it is not quite industry-leading. Even so, the G4 Pro has a significant 500 mAh increase in cell capacity over the standard G4. The output is adjustable up to 35 W via USB charging, and the dimensions are roughly in line with the Vaporesso XROS 6 at 120.7 mm in length, 30 mm by 18.5 mm. The Uwell G4 Pro comes in three output modes, which have slightly unusual naming conventions:

• Storm: delivers the most intense flavour

• Waves: a softer setting for a smoother and more balanced draw

• Custom: independently set power from the start, middle, and end of each path.

The ability to independently set power in this way and exert this level of ramp control on a pod system is something that vapers have been asking for for some time. It's only recently that manufacturers, including Uwell, have begun offering it.

As for pod compatibility, we're pleased to see that the Uwell G4 Pro runs on Uwell's GPP platform, offering cross-compatibility with both new Uwell Caliburn GPP Replacement Pod cartridges and earlier Caliburn G3 pods. This cross-generational compatibility has not been Uwell's strongest selling point historically, but we are pleased to see that the company is now adjusting its approach and reducing costs for people who are looking to upgrade and still use their existing pods.

We like the fact that TPD compliant pods hold 2 mL via a side-fill system with a silicone plug that connects magnetically. There is also a droplet-shaped e-liquid window that allows for quick level monitoring.

However, underlying these specifications are two technologies that make Uwell's G4 Pro and the rest of the platform stand out. One is its PRO-FOCS 4.0, which delivers greater flavour experiences and cartridge lifespan by around 35%, according to the brand. The other is its U-squared technology, which combines a U-shaped channel that improves leak resistance with ultrasonic welding. The goal is to provide a genuinely leak-proof system that remains robust even in challenging environments, such as backpacks or users' pockets.

It's worth noting that earlier Caliburn generations received persistent complaints from users around spillage and seepage. Uwell's G4 Pro deals with many of these issues by implementing sophisticated and innovative technology that aims to improve leak resistance by upwards of 90% over the previous generation.

What do we think about the mouthpiece? Ultimately, we felt that this was more ergonomically contoured and improved mouthfeel. The curvature makes it more comfortable for regular vapers who want to return to their device regularly throughout the day. It's worth noting that a G4 Pro Koko variant exists, but this comes in Uwell's Koko format rather than the pen silhouette of the G5 Pro. Sometimes reviews and online content can confuse the two.

Ultimately, the Uwell G4 Pro is for vapers looking for the most screen real estate and battery capacity from this particular brand. As the company's flagship product, you expected it to offer unique features like the custom power curve and advanced touchscreen. The downside, of course, is the size and weight. It's significantly chunkier than the regular G5, and the fact that you still have to click buttons makes it less usable than some of the more streamlined mini devices with gesture- and draw-controlled adjustments.

Uwell G5 Lite

The Uwell G5 Lite is the smallest member of the G5 family, analogous to Vaporesso's XROS Mini. It's worth noting that the G5 Lite is a more pared-back version of the flagship model. There's no wattage adjustment screen or fire buttons, and the device self-configures depending on the pod you attach.

The internal cell is 1,600 mAh, which matches the standard Uwell Caliburn G5, while also being significantly below the G4 Pro's 1,800 mAh cell. As you might expect, it is physically the lightest device in the family at around 46 g. It's made from PCTG and polycarbonate, rather than the aluminium or aluminium-magnesium alloys seen on premium devices from Uwell and other leading brands.

The maximum design wattage output is 35 W, which matches the rest of the family, but there is no manual control over wattage levels. Fortunately, Uwell did not cut the airflow feature in the G5 Lite. The device features two independent airflow adjustment methods:

• The slider on the side of the device

• Rotating the pod in its housing to change draw characteristics further

While further calibration is limited on the Uwell G5 Lite, combining these two airflow options provides the ability to adjust from a restricted direct lung to a cigarette-like MTL inhale on the fly.

The Uwell G5 Lite has significant pod compatibility. It works with the full GPP platform and is compatible with earlier Caliburn G3 cartridges from 0.4 Ω to 1.2 Ω. Capacity 2 mL in the UK. The kit ships with a single 0.6 Ω pod.

We were pleased to see that the Uwell G5 Lite came with the same integrated technologies as the Uwell G5 Pro, including PRO-FOCS 4.0 FlavorTech and the U-squared technology. For us, this is the key selling point of the device. While it is significantly pared back from the regular Uwell G5 and the Uwell G5 Pro, it retains the same flavour experience. The G5 Lite is not a downgrade in that regard because the pod technology is identical to models high in the range. While you lose some control over the experience and the capacity of the battery is not as high, you should not notice any significant difference in taste.

As with other models in the range, charging is by USB-C, and battery status is indicated by an LED instead of on the display.

How does it compare to the standard Caliburn G5? The G5 has a 1,600 mAh cell and an aluminium alloy chassis with a 0.5-inch HD colour screen with a themed UI. The only one of which that is available on the G5 Lite, is the 1,600mAh cell. At the same time, the regular G5 offers both Storm and Waves settings inherited from the Pro, but the Lite does not.

Who is this product for? Ultimately, it's for people stepping off disposables who are looking for a refillable without the usual learning curve. It's an affordable entry point and offers convenient technologies without the need to calibrate the experience to taste. The primary value the G5 Lite offers is the upgrade it offers over the previous Caliburn generations. Flavor is strong and well controlled, and the airflow adjustments enable direct lung and MTL experiences.

The main weakness is the battery endurance relative to the stated capacity. Some users may also dislike plastic construction, especially those who have used metal or alloy devices in the past.

OXVA NeXLIM 2

Reviewers heralded the first-generation Oxva NeXLIM as one of the standout pod systems of 2025. While it was more of an evolution than a revolution, the individual upgrades provided by that system were significant.

In 2026, the OXVA NeXLIM 2 is now on the market, offering several improvements. Most exciting for regular vapers is the shift from the 1,500 mAh battery found in the original model to a 2,000 mAh capacity. This provides a significantly extended vaping range and enables multi-day use without charging.

What's even more remarkable is that the chassis dimensions and weight barely changed with this battery upgrade. The device now measures 120 x 17.5 mm at 88 g, which is almost identical to its predecessor. PU leather panels are also optional as a finish, along with the zinc alloy frame. Charging has been upgraded significantly from 2A to 5V/3A, with OXVA claiming that the device can charge to full in under 30 minutes and 80% in just 20 minutes.

We like the fact that the OXVA NeXLIM offers one of the highest wattage ranges of any device currently on the market, running from 5 to 40 W with a smart VW mode for greater manual adjustment within the range for installed pods. You also get two aptly named power profiles:

• Boost for maximum flavour and vapour

• Eco for lower power usage and battery efficiency

We like OXVA's new proprietary super pulse system, which boosts coil activation and has a faster ramp-up. For experienced vapers, this product will provide noticeably denser vapour than conventional pod systems and is also able to hold up under higher resistance loads.

What about the screen? The OXVA NeXLIM has a 0.5-inch colour display with 10 switchable themes, which is slightly more than other flagship products in this range. That's not the real story.

The standout feature is the UNITECH 3.0, where OXVA NeXlim Replacement Pods hold up to 2 mL and use a next-generation dual-mesh coil suspended in a five-layer cotton matrix. This increases saturation and flavour intensity significantly while boosting coil lifespan compared to the company's previous generation products. Furthermore, UNITECH 3.0 significantly improves on the leak protection of the earlier UNITECH 2.0 system, which is one of the main motivations for upgrading.

Of course, these improvements are still waiting for confirmation from the vaping community, but it's clear that OXVA has invested significantly in the NeXLIM, providing a smoother draw across various resistances (running from 0.6 Ω to 1.2 Ω).

We liked that UNITECH 3.0 pods were shipped with the original kit in 0.6 Ω and 0.8 Ω varieties. One pod was pre-installed, and the other was a spare for instant vaping.

For vapers who are interested, OXVA offers 9 colorways on the NeXLIM, and a limited World Cup edition. The NeXLIM 2 is the natural follow-on from the original NeXLIM, but it was not expected to arrive so quickly. Now that it's here, it's clear that it follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, which was a lighter and more streamlined variant, while raising battery capacity substantially and retaining its 40 W output.

With that said, we like the fact that OXVA spent 18 months working on the NeXLIM 2 and ensuring that it was a genuine successor with more advanced capabilities. Ultimately, that's what's happened, and the improvement in the experience goes beyond changes to the spec sheet.

Ultimately, we view this device as the most technically capable option currently available in the OXVA range. The fact that it offers a 30-fill lifespan is substantial, with many platforms turning over pods every 10 to 15 fills.

The downside, of course, is that OXVA had to cut costs somewhere. The NeXLIM retains many of the NeXLIM's original features, including its screen and chassis.

OXVA NeXLIM 2 Mini

Finally, we come to the OXVA NeXLIM 2 Mini. Ultimately, this is a thorough simplification of the OXVA NeXLIM 2, with a clear divide between this product and the flagship. The OXVA NeXLIM 2 Mini does not have a screen or a manual wattage adjustment option. Instead, there’s a tri-colour LED indicator which looks more like something you would expect to find on an entry-level product.

Even so, we were pleased to see that OXVA did not want to compromise the flavour experience on the OXVA NeXLIM 2 Mini. It comes with UNITECH 3.0 coil technology and the 2 mL pod capacity used on the other devices in the range.

The primary benefit of these feature losses is reduced size. The OXVA NeXLIM 2 Mini is 113.5 mm long and 18mm in diameter, 14mm shorter than its full-sized counterpart. It also retains its premium aluminium chassis, which is a departure from the usual inexpensive plastic budget shells that many brands use to bring product prices down.

The battery is still 1,500mAh, which is the same as the original NeXLIM, which is something that many users will find surprising. However, the power ceiling drops to 30 W - less than the full-size version - because of this, although real-world usage endurance is roughly the same between the OXVA NeXLIM 2 Mini and the OXVA NeXLIM 2.

Despite being a smaller product, the OXVA NeXLIM 2 Mini is all-day capable. The brand even claims it will last up to 7 days in Eco mode.

Charging the OXVA NeXLIM 2 Mini is via 5 V/2 A, rather than the 3 A option used on some flagship models. Charging gets to around 80% in 30 minutes, and the device is full after an hour. This is the biggest downgrade between the OXVA NeXLIM 2 and the OXVA NeXLIM 2 Mini.

If you're somebody who's impatient and doesn't want to wait between charges, the OXVA NeXLIM 2 is probably the superior option for you. It's also worth noting that the OXVA NeXLIM 2 Mini only has draw-activated operation. You can switch between boost and Eco modes using the on-device touch control, with the LED screen communicating battery status. Airflow adjustments can be made via a slider, and they cover the range from direct all the way to direct lung.

If you are interested in this device, you might want to stick to the tighter end of that range because of the 30 W ceiling. You'll get a slightly cooler and smoother vape than the flagship.

Fortunately, the pods are identical to the ones the OXVA NeXLIM 2 flagship model uses. The device is compatible with UNITECH 3.0 cartridges with dual mesh coils and a five-layer cotton matrix. Pods have a 2 mL capacity, top fill, and a resistance range of 0.6 Ω to 1.2 Ω. The OXVA NeXLIM 2 Mini offers an impressive 30 refills per cartridge option. This is due to the superior construction of the pods and their anti-leakage technology.

Operating options for the OXVA NeXLIM 2 Mini are minimal. The only interactions required include:

• Charging the device

• Peeling the sticker from the base of a new cartridge

• Removing the cap and filling

• Re-inserting and waiting for the coil to wick the e-liquid

Unlike vaping devices of the past, there's no need to wait for a power-on sequence or mode menu to navigate and there are no complicated vape hardware maintenance needed to be carried out.

Who is this device for?

Ultimately, it is for anybody who wants to pick up a pod-based system and start vaping straight away. The OXVA NeXLIM 2 Mini offers a flagship-grade flavour experience, although it doesn't come with all the bells and whistles you would usually associate with a flagship. It is genuinely pocketable, made of high-quality aluminium, and doesn't have any setup time or complicated menus to navigate.

It is a sound competitor to the Vaporesso XROS 6 Mini and the Caliburn G5 Lite. The main disadvantage is the slightly lower battery capacity compared to some other products in this category. It also has a heavier chassis than mini options, which is worth considering if you're looking for a lightweight vape device.

Be aware that sometimes the OXVA NeXLIM 2 Mini is positioned as a stealth vape option. It has no screen and no lights beyond a small LED, so it may also be suitable for vapers looking for this option.