How Much Do Vapes Cost

How Much Do Vapes Cost in the UK?

The cost of vaping in the UK can vary widely depending on the type of device you choose, how often you vape, and what kind of e-liquid or accessories you prefer. Some people get started for less than a tenner, while others invest in advanced kits and custom setups that cost significantly more. Whether you're a beginner or looking to upgrade, understanding the typical price ranges will help you make better choices for both your wallet and your vaping experience.

Vapes generally fall into three main categories: disposable vapes, pod systems, and refillable vape kits. Each has a different upfront cost and long-term price structure.

How Much Do Disposable Vapes Cost?

Disposable vapes are the cheapest and most accessible entry point into vaping. In most UK shops, a standard disposable vape costs between £4 and £6. These devices are pre-filled with e-liquid and come ready to use, offering between 300 to 600 puffs on average, depending on the brand and model.

Some high-capacity disposables, which offer up to 1000 or 1500 puffs, may cost closer to £7 to £10, but many of these exceed UK legal limits and should be avoided if they're not compliant with Trading Standards regulations. While the low upfront cost is appealing, disposables are more expensive over time if you use them regularly—especially if you’re going through more than one a day.

How Much Do Pod Systems Cost?

Pod vapes sit in the middle ground between disposables and full kits. They typically cost between £10 and £30 for the device, with replacement pods or cartridges ranging from £2 to £5 each. Some pod systems use closed pods—pre-filled and disposable once empty—while others use open pods that you refill yourself with bottled e-liquid.

The long-term cost depends on your usage. For light or moderate vapers, pod systems are significantly cheaper than using disposables. The ability to refill pods with your own e-liquid brings costs down, while still offering a compact and user-friendly device.

How Much Do Refillable Vape Kits Cost?

Refillable kits, including vape pens and box mods, can range anywhere from £20 to over £60 depending on the brand and features. These kits include a rechargeable battery and a tank that can be filled with e-liquid of your choice. Some come with adjustable wattage, airflow controls, and advanced coil systems.

While the initial cost is higher, refillable kits tend to be the most cost-effective option over time. Bottled e-liquids cost between £3 and £5 for a 10ml bottle, or less if bought in multipacks or shortfills. Coils or replacement parts may cost another £2 to £4 every week or two, depending on how heavily you vape.

For frequent users, refillable kits offer the best value. They also provide more flexibility in terms of flavour, nicotine strength, and performance.

Ongoing Costs Beyond the Device

When budgeting for vaping, it’s important to consider the ongoing costs beyond just the device. This includes replacement coils, refill pods, chargers, and accessories like drip tips, cases, or cleaning tools. Coils typically need replacing every 7 to 14 days, and costs can add up over time—especially for higher-wattage devices that burn through coils faster.

E-liquid is another ongoing cost. While 10ml bottles are common and legally capped for nicotine-containing liquids in the UK, shortfill bottles (which contain nicotine-free e-liquid) are available in larger sizes like 50ml or 100ml and require separate nicotine shots. While these offer better value per ml, they also require more effort and upfront purchase.

For someone vaping regularly, these extras can bring the monthly cost to anywhere from £20 to £50 or more, depending on how much you use and the type of setup you prefer.

Brand vs Generic Pricing

Just like with phones or trainers, brand recognition affects price. Premium vape brands often charge more for devices, accessories, and pods—even if the performance is similar to lower-cost competitors. Popular names like Vaporesso, SMOK, Voopoo, and Elf Bar often come with premium price tags for certain models.

However, many lesser-known brands offer similar performance at lower cost. Some budget pod systems and refillable kits use universal coils or open systems that give you more flexibility and help cut down on long-term expenses.

That said, choosing cheaper brands can sometimes come with trade-offs in terms of coil life, battery reliability, or build quality. It’s worth researching product reviews and considering how long you want your device to last before deciding what’s “cheap” and what’s “good value.”

Cost Comparison to Smoking

For smokers switching to vaping, cost savings are one of the biggest motivations. The average smoker spending £10 to £15 a day on cigarettes could easily spend £300 to £400 a month. In contrast, most regular vapers spend £30 to £70 monthly, depending on usage and device type. Even heavy vapers using top-tier kits rarely exceed that unless they’re constantly upgrading hardware.

Over the course of a year, switching from cigarettes to a refillable vape setup could save hundreds, if not thousands, of pounds—especially if you buy e-liquid in multipacks, avoid disposables, and look after your coils and batteries properly.

Are Cheap Vapes Worth It?

Very low-cost vape kits (under £10) or ultra-budget disposables found online or in some convenience shops can be tempting, but they often come with compromises. Poor build quality, leaky tanks, weak batteries, or non-compliant nicotine strengths can all become issues. In the worst cases, cheap imports may not meet UK safety standards or TPD regulations, which could put your health or the legality of the product at risk.

For most people, spending a little more upfront on a trusted, compliant device ends up saving money and hassle in the long run.

Final Word

Vape costs in the UK range from as little as £4 for a disposable to £60 or more for a premium refillable kit. Disposables are cheap to buy but expensive over time. Pod systems offer a balance of convenience and savings, while refillable kits have a higher upfront price but the lowest ongoing cost. Choosing the right vape depends on how often you use it, your budget, and whether you’re in it for the long haul or just starting out. Taking time to compare the costs can save you money and help you find the setup that suits you best.