Vape pens come in many shapes, styles, and functions—making it tough for beginners and even regular users to figure out which one fits best. From pre filled pods to refillable cartridges, each design has its own purpose and audience. Understanding the different types of vape pens can help improve your vaping experience and even save you money in the long term.
Whether you’re after simplicity or advanced features, there’s something for everyone. This guide breaks down the major categories, including pros and cons, common uses, and what kind of battery powers each type. We’ll also cover which options work best for nicotine e-liquids, wax, or dry herb. Let’s get started.
What Is a Vape Pen?
A vape pen is a compact vaping device powered by a small battery. It heats up a material—like oil, e-liquid, wax, or dry herb—to produce vapor instead of smoke. Vape pen designs vary, but they usually include a battery, heating element, and a mouthpiece.
Some pens use disposable vape cartridges while others work with refillable pods or tanks. They’re often part of starter kits or pod systems, which makes them easy to use right out of the box.
Types of Vape Pens
1. Disposable Vape Pens
Disposable vapes are the most beginner-friendly type. They come pre filled with e-liquid, ready to use with no charging or refilling required.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Compact and portable
- No maintenance
Cons:
- Short battery life
- Limited flavor options
- Not eco-friendly
These are great for occasional users or anyone testing out vaping for the first time. The downside is they’re not ideal for long term use due to cost and waste.
2. Refillable Vape Pens
Refillable vape pens are reusable devices that allow you to refill cartridges or pods with your choice of e-liquid. They typically offer better vapor quality and more advanced features.
Pros:
- Cost-effective over time
- More control over flavors and nicotine levels
- Higher-quality components
Cons:
- Requires charging and cleaning
- Can leak if not assembled correctly
Refillable vape pens are great for users who want flexibility. Whether you’re vaping nicotine e-liquids or CBD oils, this type gives more control over your vaping experience. At KING’s Pipe, for example, you’ll find a wide range of refillable vape options suited for both beginners and experienced users looking to upgrade from disposable models.
3. Pod Systems and Pod Mods
Pod systems are compact and simple, often using pre filled or refillable pods. Pod mods are a step up, combining the portability of pods with some of the power and settings you’d find in vape mods.
Pod Systems:
- Sleek, pocket-friendly
- Auto-draw activation
- Great for tight draws and a solid throat hit
Pod Mods:
- Variable wattage and airflow control
- Better flavor and cloud production
- Suitable for both salt nic and freebase liquids
Many of these devices work well with refillable pods, letting users swap flavors or adjust nicotine strength without needing multiple devices.
4. Vape Mods
Vape mods are larger, more powerful vaping devices. They often include adjustable wattage, temperature control, and external batteries. These are favored by experienced users chasing clouds and strong throat hits.
Pros:
- Advanced features
- Longer battery life
- Great for powerful vaping and custom setups
Cons:
- Bulky and less discreet
- Steeper learning curve
- More maintenance
Mods are not ideal for beginners, but for those who want full control and serious performance, they deliver unmatched flexibility.
5. Dab Pens / Wax Pens
Dab pens are built for concentrates like wax or shatter. These pens heat up quickly and produce dense vapor, offering a different kind of experience from traditional nicotine vapes.
Key Features:
- Coil-based heating (quartz or ceramic)
- Button-activated power
- Small, pocketable design
Pros:
- Strong vapor with high potency
- Portable dab option
- Simple design for concentrate use
Cons:
- Not suitable for e-liquid or oil
- Coils need frequent replacement
These pens are popular in legal cannabis markets and ideal for people who want a compact yet strong device for dabbing on the go.
6. Dry Herb Vape Pens
Dry herb vape pens allow you to vaporize ground cannabis flower instead of burning it. They are often larger than other vape pens because they need a separate oven chamber to heat the herb evenly.
Pros:
- Healthier alternative to smoking
- Preserves flavor and aroma
- No need for oil or wax
Cons:
- Requires grinding and packing
- Higher cost
- More cleaning required
If you prefer the natural form of cannabis and want a smoother experience, dry herb vape pens offer a smart alternative with fewer toxins.
Battery Types and Threading Explained
The battery is the heart of any vape pen. It powers the heating element and determines how much vapor your device produces, how fast it heats up, and how long it lasts. Understanding battery types and connections can help you avoid compatibility issues and improve your overall vaping experience.
510 Thread Battery vs. Proprietary Connections
Most vape pens today use a 510 thread battery, which is a universal connection compatible with a wide variety of cartridges. This threading makes it easy to mix and match batteries and cartridges from different brands. On the other hand, some devices use proprietary connections—usually found in closed pod systems. These are only compatible with the brand’s own cartridges or pods, limiting flexibility.
If you want the option to use different pre filled carts or refill cartridges, a 510 thread battery offers more freedom. It’s the standard choice for many dry herb vape pens, dab pens, and oil pens.
Fixed vs. Variable Voltage
Some pens come with a fixed voltage, offering simplicity for beginners. Others allow you to adjust the voltage, giving you more control over flavor, throat hit, and vapor thickness.
- Lower voltage = smoother hits and better flavor
- Higher voltage = stronger throat hit and bigger clouds
If you’re vaping nicotine e liquids or delicate concentrates, variable voltage gives you the ability to fine-tune your session. Many refillable vape pens and pod mods come with this feature built in.
Auto-Draw vs. Button-Activated
There are two main ways to activate a vape pen:
- Auto-draw: Simply inhale, and the device starts heating. This style mimics the draw of a cigarette and is popular in pod systems and disposable vapes.
- Button-activated: You need to press the button while inhaling. This offers more control and is common in dab pens and vape mods.
Some pens even combine both methods, giving you added flexibility depending on your preferences.
USB-C vs. Micro-USB Charging
Charging ports matter more than you might think. USB-C charging is faster, more durable, and quickly becoming the industry standard. It’s common in newer vape pen designs, especially those with advanced features. Micro-USB, found in older models, is slower and less reliable over time.
If you’re planning on using your pen regularly or for long term, choosing one with USB-C is a smart move for better convenience and quicker recharge times.
Battery Capacity and Power Considerations
Battery powers vary widely depending on the type of vape. Disposable vapes usually have small, low-capacity batteries, while dab pens and vape mods come with larger, long-lasting cells.
Look at mAh (milliamp hours) when comparing battery capacity:
- 300–500mAh = small pens, lighter use
- 600–1000mAh = good for most refillable vape pens
- 1000mAh+ = great for powerful vaping and extended sessions
Higher capacity batteries are ideal if you vape frequently or use more energy-demanding materials like wax or dry herb.
How to Choose the Right Vape Pen
When picking a vape pen, consider:
- What you’re vaping – nicotine e liquids, oil, wax, or dry herb
- How often you vape – casual users may prefer disposable vape pens, while regular users might need a refillable vape
- Your budget – pod systems are affordable, but vape mods cost more upfront
- Battery powers – smaller devices may not last all day
- The feel of the hit – look for options that match your desired throat hit and vapor production
The right pen enhances your vaping experience without adding hassle. Choose based on your needs, not just looks or brand.
Final Thoughts
With so many types of vape pens available today, it’s easier than ever to find one that fits your lifestyle. Whether you go for a sleek disposable vape or a customizable vape mod with refill cartridges, each option offers different pros and cons. For new users, starter kits and pod systems provide a gentle entry point. More advanced users might enjoy the power and control of refillable vape pens, dab pens, or dry herb vape pens.
Knowing what to expect from each design—from battery type to vapor production—helps you make an informed choice. And that leads to a smoother, safer, and more satisfying vaping experience.