Best Vape Starter Kits for 2026

• Top 5 vape starter kits to help quit smoking
• Easy to use and convenient big puff vapes
• Simple to set up customisable starter vape kits
• How to Vape now you’ve got your new kit

Finding the best vape starter kit in 2026 has never been easier, but with so many options out there, knowing where to begin can still feel overwhelming, especially if you’re making the switch from smoking.

The good news? You don’t need to be a vape expert to find something that works brilliantly for you. Whether you want something dead simple that you just pick up and puff, or a kit with a little more control over your experience, there’s a starter kit on this list that’ll suit you perfectly.

I’ve hand-picked our top choices based on ease of use, build quality, customer reviews, and how well each kit performs for people who are new to vaping. Pod kits lead the way for beginners, with fixed coils, minimal settings, and some even come with pre-filled pods, so there’s virtually nothing to think about. Just vape.

Best Vapes to Quit Smoking

To help you on your journey, I’ve compiled a list of what I believe to be the best vape starter kits based on convenience, ease of use, video reviews and guides, plus scrolling through the hundreds of reviews – because our customers know a good vape when they use it.

If you’re using vaping to quit smoking, I’d always recommend starting with a mouth-to-lung kit, as it most closely replicates the feel of a cigarette draw. We’ll flag which kits are MTL as we go.

VLTZ flex Pro – Your New Favourite Vape Starter Kit

Video: VLTZ flex Pro

First up is the massively popular VLTZ flex Pro Bar. This vape starter kit can work great with both the flex Pro Pre-filled Pods and flex Pro Refillable Pod. There are no buttons to press or settings to change, it’s a simple mouth to lung (MTL) draw which resembles that of smoking a cigarette.

The next on my list is the flex Pro Box. With this kit you can change the airflow which is a great first step into customising your vaping experience. Similar to the flex Pro Bar, the device is MTL with draw activated vaping, and the box shape fits nicely in the palm of your hand. The flex Pro Box is also compatible with both the Refillable and Pre-filled flex Pro Pods.

VLTZ flex Pro Review

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Lumina

Video: How to Set Up Your Lumina

The Lumina vape starter kit offers a little more control thanks to changeable settings, but you don't have to. Firstly, you can change the wattage on the device, but it has a smart detection system that will reset back to the optimised setting every time you insert the Lumina LX Pod. It has an airflow control on the front to tailor your vaping style. Another addition in comparison to the flex Bar is the LED screen on the front. This gives a digital representation of the device’s battery level, current wattage, and a puff counter.

Lumina Review

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VLTZ Max 12

Video: VLTZ Max 12

The VLTZ Max 12 is a game-changer for flexibility. What I love about this kit is the integrated 12ml refill bottle. You simply fill the internal bottle with your favourite e-liquid, like VLTZ Bar Salts, and it feeds directly into the pod. It's perfect if you’re out all day and don’t want to carry extra bottles around.

It's powered by a long-lasting 1350mAh battery that can last the average user up to two days. Plus, it's smart; it automatically toggles between 'boost' and 'balance' modes depending on your pod's resistance.

VLTZ Max 12 Review

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Tornado GTL – Best Selling Vape Starter Kit

Video: Tornado GTL

The Tornado GTL launched in 2022 and has been a fan favourite for new vapers ever since. This vape starter kit does require a little more maintenance than pod vapes that use pre-filled or refillable pods with pre-fixed coils. But I wouldn’t let that get in the way of a great vape kit. In the long run, simply only replacing coils is much cheaper and allows you to choose from a wider range of ohm resistance, ultimately finding your own vape style.

Tornado GTL Review

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Aeromax Boost

Video: Aeromax Boost

If you want a pod kit that grows with you, the Aeromax Boost is worth a serious look. It takes everything that made the original Aeromax popular and turns it up a notch, with smarter technology, a bigger 1300mAh battery, and a dual mesh coil system that keeps your flavour consistently brilliant right through to the end of the pod. The headline feature is Boost Mode, which unlocks enhanced performance when paired with Aero Boost Pods.

Smart pod detection automatically recommends the right wattage for your pod, and the memory function locks in your preferred setting after two consecutive puffs. Wattage is adjustable from 8W to 40W for those who want to fine-tune further, and the adjustable airflow slide lets you dial in your draw from a tighter MTL right through to something more open.

• Customisation: Slide the airflow toggle on the front to find your perfect draw.
• Battery: 1300mAh for full-day use.
• Convenience: Side-fill pods mean you don't even have to remove the pod to top up your juice.

Aeromax Boost Review

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What to Look for in a Vape Starter Kit (Buying Guide)

Not all starter kits are created equal. Here’s what’s worth paying attention to before you buy:

Ease of Use

If you’re brand new to vaping, simplicity is your best friend. Look for draw-activated devices (no buttons to press, just inhale) or kits with fewer settings. Pod systems are ideal for this case.

MTL vs DTL (Mouth-to-Lung vs Direct-to-Lung)

This is one of the most important choices you’ll make as a new vaper.

• MTL replicates the tighter draw of a cigarette. It’s the most natural starting point for smokers, and works best with higher nicotine strengths (10mg-20mg nic salt e-liquids).
• DTL uses a more open draw, producing bigger clouds and is typically used with lower nicotine at higher wattages. Not recommended as your first port of call if you’re quitting smoking.

Most starter kits on this list are MTL, and that’s intentional.

Pod System vs Tank (more on this below)

Pod kits use replaceable or refillable pods with built-in coils. Tanks use separate replaceable coils. Both have their pros and cons, and we’ll break it down properly in its own section.

Battery Life

Check the mAh (milliamp hours) rating. For all-day use, anything 1000mAh or above is solid. If you’re a heavier user or out all day, look for 1200mAh+.

Coil Longevity & Running Costs

The device itself is just the beginning. Think about the ongoing cost of pods or coils. Pre-fixed coil pods are convenient but typically replaced as a whole unit. Separate replacement coils in tank-style kits tend to work out cheaper over time.

Build Quality & Portability

You want something that can take a knock without falling apart. Compact, pocket-friendly devices are ideal for day-to-day use, especially if you’re replacing cigarettes on the go.

Pod Systems vs Tanks: Which Is Right for You?

This is one of the most common questions we get from beginners, so let’s clear it up.

Pod Systems

Pod kits are the go-to recommendation for new vapers, and for good reason. They’re simple, compact, and low-maintenance. Pods slot in and out easily, and many come with the coil already built in. When the coil is done, you just swap the pod.

Some pod kits (like the VLTZ flex Pro) go even further with pre-filled pods, meaning there’s no filling involved at all. Ideal if you want a completely fuss-free experience.

Best for: Complete beginners, ex-smokers, anyone who wants simplicity and convenience.

Things to consider: Pre-filled pod costs can add up. Refillable pods give you more e-liquid choice and better value.

Tanks

Tank-style kits (like the Tornado GTL) give you more flexibility. You fill the tank with your e-liquid of choice and replace only the coil when it wears out, not the whole pod. This makes them more cost-effective in the long run and opens up a much wider range of e-liquid options.

The trade-off is that there’s slightly more to learn upfront (priming coils, filling techniques), but it’s genuinely not complicated once you’ve done it once or twice.

Best for: Vapers who want more control, better value over time, and a wider flavour selection.

Things to consider: Slightly more hands-on than pod systems. Coils need priming before first use.

Quick Comparison

Get in touch for more support

Getting started with vaping is made easier with a little help and guidance. If you're struggling with anything technical or looking for more information and advice, then why not pop into one of our local stores or contact our customer service. We're here to help, every step of the way.