Die 6 main types of e-cigarettes: The ultimate guide for beginners (2025)
Although there are many reasons, start vaping, The main goal for most people is to stop smoking. But with the huge range of vaporizers and accessories on the market, things can quickly become confusing, to find the right device.
In this article we explain the different types of e-cigarettes and their specific benefits. For beginner, who are just making the switch, we recommend: Keep it simple. You have the best chance of success with one device, that is intuitive and easy to use.
1. Cigalikes (The classic e-cigarette)
Cigalikes are designed this way, that they resemble a conventional tobacco cigarette in shape and size. They are often the first point of contact for smokers. They usually come in one- or two -part execution. One-piece models are often disposable products (Disposables), while two-piece models with replaceable cartridges (Cartridges) work.
We particularly recommend these devices for users, who are looking for a haptic experience, which is as close as possible to smoking.
The anatomy of a cigarette like
Before- and disadvantages of Cigalikes
Advantages:
- Klein, light and inconspicuous
- Very easy to use (often automatic train)
- Cheap entry-level price
- Similar to the feeling of a cigarette
Disadvantages:
- Shorter battery life than larger devices
- Less steam development
- Taste often less intense
2. Pod systems (Under Vapes)
Pod systems are some of the most convenient and popular devices on the market today. They are usually more powerful than Cigalikes and are perfect for e-liquids Nicotine salt (Nic Salt), what a gentle one, but enables efficient nicotine absorption.
A pod system consists of two parts: the battery and the pod (the tank and mouthpiece combine). There are systems with prefilled pods (Closed Pods) or refillable pods (Open Pods).
The anatomy of a pod system
Before- and disadvantages of pod systems
Advantages:
- Operation at the push of a button or automatic pull
- Ideal for discreet vaping (“Stealth Vaping”)
- Very user friendly
- Compact form factor
- Refillable or replaceable pods available
Disadvantages:
- Battery life is shorter than large box mods (but better than Cigalikes)
3. Vape Pens (E-cigarettes in pen format)
Vape pens are cylindrical in shape like a pen. They are larger than Cigalikes and offer significantly better performance. A vape pen usually consists of an internal battery and a tank. Many modern pens have a tank and battery that can be separated, for AIO devices (All-In-One) they are firmly installed.
The Anatomy of a Vape Pen
Before- and disadvantages of vape pens
Advantages:
- Compact enough, to fit well in the hand
- Longer battery life than pods or cigalikes
- Refillable tank
- Interchangeable coils (Evaporator heads)
- Better taste- and steam development
Disadvantages:
- Limited tank capacity compared to box mods
4. Box Mod Kits
Box Mod Kits are ideal for advanced vapers or beginners, who directly want more performance. Once you have developed a taste for vaping, this is often the next step.
Due to their size, they offer space for powerful batteries (oft extern 18650 or 21700), which allows for a long runtime and large vapor clouds. They offer many setting options such as variable wattage (VW) or temperature control (TC).
The anatomy of a box mod kit
Before- and disadvantages of box mods
Advantages:
- Huge selection of devices
- Long-lasting internal or external batteries
- High performance and steam production
- Universally compatible with most tanks (510he thread)
Disadvantages:
- Not as compact as pods or pens
- Requires a little more technical understanding
5. High-Wattage Starter Kits (Sub-Ohm)
This category is aimed at users, look for maximum performance („Cloud Chaser“). These devices often work with two or even three batteries, for services of over 200 Watts to reach.
Basic knowledge about battery safety is important here. These mods are often included Sub-Ohm-Tanks (low resistance for direct lung pull) or self-winding evaporators (RDAs, Beyond) combined.
The anatomy of a high-wattage kit
Before- and disadvantages
Advantages:
- Maximum performance and technology
- Tanks and coils are interchangeable
- Excellent battery life thanks to multiple batteries
- Intense taste and huge clouds
Disadvantages:
- Big and heavy
- Not suitable for discreet vaping
Which device is right for you?
For smokers, who want to make the switch, We recommend simple and hassle-free devices such as pod systems or vape pens. They best simulate the puffing behavior of a cigarette (MTL – Mouth to Lung).
Anyone who has already gained experience and wants more taste or steam, should use a box mod kit. Our professional community mostly prefers high-wattage mods or squonks, where you can wind the coils yourself.
No matter whether you are looking for comfort or performance: With today's variety of e-cigarettes, there is guaranteed to be the right device for your needs.
