Are vape starter kits legal in the UK?

Yes, vape starter kits are legal in the UK for adults over 18. Since June 2025, single-use disposable vapes cannot be sold, so rechargeable and refillable starter kits are recommended.

Which vape kit is best for beginners?

Beginner-friendly kits include the V2 Vsavi Beginner Kit, Vaporesso XROS Mini, OXVA XLIM Pro 3, Innokin Zlide pen kits, and rechargeable Elf-style pod kits. They are simple, reliable, and easy to maintain.

Can I use zero nicotine e-liquids in starter kits?

Yes. Most beginner pod kits are compatible with 0mg e-liquids, allowing you to vape without nicotine if you prefer.

How long does a beginner pod last?

Pod lifespan varies by device and e-liquid usage. Typically, a pod lasts 3–7 days, and coils in refillable pods may last 1–2 weeks before needing replacement.

Do I need to charge my vape kit before first use?

Yes. Always charge the device fully before first use to ensure optimal performance and battery longevity.

Best Vape Kits for Beginners in 2026: Affordable, Reliable & Easy to Use

19th Feb 2026

Have you wondered which vape kit will save you money whilst being easy to use? Beginner kits are designed to cut out the fuss when replacing smoking with vaping.

Why choose a beginner vape kit in 2026?

With the UKs move away from single-use disposable vapes, rechargeable and refillable starter kits are now the smarter and more sustainable choice. They are better value over time, produce less waste and give you more control over flavours and nicotine strengths.

Deciding on a beginner kit, whether brand new to vaping or a shift towards simplicity, is a prioritisation to take the stress and confusion out of technologically advanced vape kits, with too many features or settings.

Below, we highlight our top five picks that do just that.

Top beginner vape kits for 2026

1. V2 Vsavi Beginner Kit — Best all-in-one starter

The V2 Vsavi Beginner Kit is the ideal first kit for new and existing vapers who appreciate cigalikes. Similar in appearance and size to cigarettes, at dimensions of only 11cm (H) x 1cm (W) x 0.5cm (D) and 17g weight, this lightweight device fits perfectly in the hand or pocket.

It combines a simple, rechargeable device with carefully selected e-liquid options. Vapers can choose for ultimate customisation between refillable Ex-Blank tanks with ceramic wicking or prefilled cartridges (0.9ml each) available in packs of five.

There are 14 different flavours to choose from, including tobacco, menthol and fruit pairings. Four different nicotine strengths or the option to fill in the Ex-Blank with unlimited options provides a quick and simple way to vape.

Best for: Complete beginners who want a reliable, affordable introduction to vaping.

Recommended pairing: The prefilled cartridges if you want a quick solution to cigarettes or disposable vapes with no guesswork needed. Just screw on and vape as required. Alternatively, you can fill the Ex-Blanks with Vsavi Platinum (17 flavours) or a wide range of nic salts.

2. Vaporesso XROS Mini — Best compact pod kit

The Vaporesso XROS series with Xros vape pods remains one of the most dependable pod systems on the market. For a comfortable-to-hold compact device as light as a feather, the Xros 3 Mini delivers with a 1000mAh battery capacity and a fixed wattage output. Just as stylish and user-friendly is the bestselling Vaporesso Xros 4 pod kit. It boasts four different resistance pods with 0.6, 0.8, 1.0 and 1.2 Ohm pods for freebase and nic salt vape juice.

Both kits are slim, available in a variety of colours from dark to light and discreet for vaping on the go, whether at work or at home.

Best for: Commuters and discreet everyday vapers.

Recommended pairing: Look no further than Vaporesso’s own Deliciu collection. This nic salt is available in 10mg and 20mg strengths, for vapers with different needs. There is a mixture of quirky and traditional flavours to suit all taste preferences, including Strawberry Raspberry Cherry Ice.

3. OXVA XLIM Pro 3 — Best for flavour performance

f flavour is your priority, the OXVA XLIM Pro 3 stands out. With its unique ‘Pulse System’ technology, the Pro 3 flavour remains stable and consistent throughout. In comparison to other kits where flavour can drop when the battery is below 50%, this pod system operates at 80%+ consistency even on a 20% battery life.

Other features, including a large 1500mAh battery, which only takes 30 minutes to fully charge, are a welcome bonus for beginners seeking reliability. Smart colour schemes such as Cherry Pink or Midnight Black highlight the range's design to match high-performing functionality.

Best for: Beginners who want a premium flavour without complexity.

Recommended pairing: Oxva is another major brand that has diversified away from just vape kits and accessories to bring you their vape juice range – called Oxva Ox Passion. This nic salt in 20mg and 10mg complements the Xlim Pro 3 perfectly.

4. Innokin EZ Tube — Best pen-style vape

For new vapers, a slimline vape pen is still a popular choice, for different generations of former smokers and disposable vape users familiar with emerging technologies.

Pen-style kits from Innokin offer a more traditional feel, appealing to former smokers who want something familiar in the hand. These kits are sturdy, dependable and easy to maintain.

The EZ Tube Zenith Minimal is an approved option for those who want a cylindrical-shaped device that fits in the palm and fires up to 40W. It features a filter-tip shape mouthpiece to resemble smoking habits and a dependable 2100mAh battery.

To adjust the wattage, simply twist the bottom of the pen for a unique control system. Overall, this OLED-display vape pen in eight colour schemes is a great choice for beginners.

Best for: Ex-smokers who prefer a classic vape pen format.

Recommended pairing: A vape pen like the EZ Tube Zenith Minimal works best with a high PG vape juice for a discreet throat hit. Vsavi Platinum works excellently and, with its focus on tobacco and menthol flavours, provides a welcome alternative to cigarettes, in addition to new fruity options like Blue Raspberry and Strawberry Watermelon.

5. Rechareable Disposable-Style Pod Kits - Pyne Pod

Rechargeable pod kits with bigger puff capacities, like the Pyne Pod Click 50K, inspired by disposable vapes, offer the ultimate simplicity. There’s no filling or coil changing — just replace the pod when it’s empty. With 15 different fruit and beverage flavours to choose from, there is something for everyone who has only known disposables previously or cigarettes.

With their kit technology and excellent value for under £10, providing up to 50,000 puffs (please note that the device puff count varies based on usage and draw), it is a huge saving on regular cigarette smoking or banned non-rechargeable single-use disposables.

These prefilled pods click into place effortlessly and can be swapped with a fresh Pyne Pod Click refill pack when empty to go again at 20mg nic salts whenever needed on the move.

Best for: Absolute beginners who want zero setup

Recommended pairing: With prefilled pod kits that match the convenience of disposables, examples like the Big Puff Pyne Pod can not be refilled with any vape juice. Only their approved replacement Pyne Pod packs can be utilised in this kit. For the best of both worlds – prefilled and refillable – the Vsavi Beginner Kit is the best option.

How to Refill a Vape Kit Tank

Alternatively, some beginner-friendly vape kits use refillable tanks. These require you to add e-liquid manually and wait a few minutes for the coil to absorb it (as shown in the diagram), but they offer more flexibility and lower long-term costs than prefilled pods.

Diagram showing how to fill a vape

UK safety & Legal Considerations

Rest assured that the UK vape industry is heavily regulated and all approved devices in the UK are stringently examined and tested before approval by the MHRA. If the device is not on their list, it is not legally available for sale.

As a top tip, ensure you do the research into the device before buying. Read reviews and gather product information details. Always purchase vape products from a reputable UK retailer with trusted signals, such as a membership from a recognised UK trade association or body like the UKVIA.

Rechargeable starter kits are now the preferred option following restrictions on disposable vapes, making pod and refillable systems the future-proof choice.

Final Thoughts

Whether you choose the V2 Vsavi Beginner Kit or a compact pod system, starting with the right device makes all the difference.

If you’re unsure where to begin, the V2 Beginner Kit remains one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to start vaping in the UK.

Better to keep it simple with a straightforward cigalike or pod system than overcomplicate proceedings or be confused by the operation of the device and return to cigarettes.

For 2026, expect more of the same great technology innovation for beginners, with a focus on reusable and rechargeable vape kits to support adult smokers quitting and deter illegal underage vaping, while also improving sustainability in the UK with a focus on the environment.

Vape Kits for Beginners FAQs

What makes a vape kit beginner-friendly?

Simple operation — inhale-activated or one-button use
Low maintenance — replaceable pods or easy coil changes
Reliable battery life — lasts a full day for most users
Affordable running costs — budget-friendly pods and e-liquids
Mouth-to-lung draw — similar feel to smoking

How we chose the best beginner vape kits

Our recommendations focus on real-world usability rather than flashy features. Each kit was assessed based on ease of setup, build quality, pod or coil availability in the UK and compatibility with popular e-liquids.

We’ve also prioritised devices that pair well with UK-approved and V2 recommended vape juice, including nic salts, freebase and zero nicotine options.