TL;DR: What’s The Best JUUL Alternative Right Now?
JUUL had one job and somehow fumbled it. The Vaporesso XROS Pro 2 and OXVA XLIM Pro 3 are cheaper to run, last all day on a charge, and let you use whatever juice you want — instead of locking you into tiny overpriced pods like it’s 2018 and you enjoy being ripped off. Just buy one of these instead.
- You get better flavor
- Better battery life (like 10x better)
- Better performance literally across the board
- And you’ll save hundreds and hundreds of bucks a year by not having to buy over-priced JUULpods
Me? I prefer the Vaporesso XROS Pro 2 because its pods last around 4-6 weeks between changes which, over the course of a year, means you spend WAY less on replacement pods. Performance-wise, both the XLIM Pro 3 and XROS Pro 2 are fairly evenly matched.
JUUL is one of the most well known vape brands on the PLANET, but I’d argue there are plenty of better options. So what’s the Best JUUL Alternative right now?
There’s no nice way to say this, so I’ll just come out with it: JUUL sucks.
Even compared to the newly FDA-authorized Glas G2 vape, the first vape to get approval for flavored nicotine, runs rings around it.
- The Glas G2 is cheaper than JUUL
- It runs nearly 2x as much juice
- And its flavors are much better too.
I bought and used a bunch of JUUL vapes when they first came out and every man and his dog was shilling them online. I also tried the new JUUL2 when that launched, and both left me seriously unimpressed.
Why? Here’s the spark notes version:
- As a vape, it is supremely limited, both in terms of what it does and its flavors;
- It is massively overpriced for what it is – a bit of plastic and a battery;
- JUULpods cost a bomb for what is essentially around 8ml of vape juice;
- The battery life is utterly appalling, requiring multiple top-ups throughout the day;
- And if that wasn’t bad enough, YOU HAVE to use its janky propriety charger which is fiddly and very easy to lose.
Bottom line? You can do A LOT better with your first vape.
I know because I’ve been doing this since 2015.
Below are my recommendations for what you should get INSTEAD of JUUL in 2026. I’ve included disposable vapes and refillable pod vapes but if you want my advice, I’d say to go with a refillable pod vape – they’re cheaper to run and much, much better performance-wise.
They’re also way more reliable and less wasteful which are both good things to look for in a vape.
What’s The Best JUUL Alternative In 2026
If you’re coming off JUUL, start here: the Vaporesso XROS Pro 2. It’s a refillable MTL vape, so the draw feels familiar from day one. The 2000mAh battery handles all-day use without a top-up. And because you’re filling it yourself, you’re spending a fraction of what JUUL pods cost you.
I’ve included all our current recommended options below, if you need more options or want to see what else is available. I would advise you to go with a refillable pod over a disposable, though, because the running costs are much more economical (and they’re better for the environment too).
JUUL Is A TERRIBLE Vape – Here’s Why…
- Limited Flavors: JUUL now only offers tobacco flavors, severely limiting your options.
- Outdated Charging: JUUL doesn’t use USB-C for charging, making it less convenient.
- Poor Battery Life: JUUL’s battery life is notoriously bad, requiring frequent recharges.
- High Running Costs: Non-refillable pods make JUUL expensive to maintain.
- Better Alternatives: Refillable pod vapes outperform JUUL in every aspect, from cost to functionality.
JUUL may have been a game-changer when it first hit the market, thanks to significant financial backing and a wave of positive reviews. It even made its way to the UK, riding on a wave of hype.
However, the reality is that JUUL falls short in several key areas, making it far from the best option available today.
Firstly, let’s talk about flavors. JUUL has restricted its flavor options to just tobacco. This severely limits your choices and takes away one of the most enjoyable aspects of vaping—experimenting with different flavors.
Charging is another issue. While most modern devices have adopted USB-C for faster and more convenient charging, JUUL still relies on an outdated charging method. This makes it less user-friendly and more cumbersome to keep charged, especially when you’re on the go.
And speaking of charging, let’s not forget JUUL’s abysmal battery life. If you’re a regular vaper, you’ll find yourself needing to recharge the device frequently, which is far from ideal.
The non-refillable nature of JUUL’s pods also makes it an expensive option in the long run. You’re locked into buying their pods, which can add up quickly.
This is why I always recommend open or refillable pod systems. With these, you can use your own Nic Salts E Juice, offering you a wider range of flavors and significant cost savings.
Refillable pod vapes are not just cheaper; they’re better in every conceivable way. They offer better battery life, more flavor options, and the convenience of USB-C charging.
Plus, they give you the freedom to choose your e-liquid, allowing you to experiment with flavors and nicotine strengths.
What Vapes Are Similar To JUUL?
If you’re a fan of how JUUL operates but are frustrated with its limited flavor options, poor battery life, and costly pods, there’s good news: a better alternative exists.
Enter RELX, a rapidly ascending star in the vaping universe. Their mission is simple: take what JUUL did and just do it A LOT better.
That means offering a device with enhanced battery life, a wider array of flavors, and more affordable pods.
Even better, RELX offers a free device when you enroll in their auto-shipping program. I’ve personally put all of RELX’s current vape models through their paces, and each one has proven to be top-notch.
But if you’re looking for the ultimate control over your vaping experience, along with immediate cost savings, a refillable pod vape is the way to go.
Wrapping Up / Final Thoughts
If you appreciate JUUL’s simplicity but are let down by its limitations, you’re not alone. While JUUL may be easy to use, making it a viable option for smokers looking to quit, it’s far from the best device on the market.
- 🔋 JUUL’s Battery Life is a Letdown: Let’s start with the battery life, which is, frankly, disappointing. You’re looking at a maximum of four to five hours of use, thanks to its small battery. That’s not ideal for anyone, especially if you’re out and about.
- 🚫 Limited Flavor Options: JUUL has also severely restricted its flavor options to just tobacco and menthol, due to federal regulations. And it seems menthol might be on its way out too.
- 💸 Overpriced and Underperforming: When it comes to value, JUUL is overpriced and under-specced. Even basic disposable vapes outperform JUUL in terms of battery life, vapor quality, and flavor options.
- 🤷♂️ Why Use JUUL in 2023? Given these drawbacks, it’s baffling that anyone would opt for JUUL in 2023. There are far better alternatives, like RELX, that offer improved battery life, more flavors, and cheaper pods. I’ve personally tested RELX’s line-up, and they’re all excellent.
- 🔄 The Case for Refillable Pod Systems: I can’t stress this enough: refillable pod systems are the way to go. They’re not only more cost-effective but also offer you the freedom to choose your vape juice. With Nic Salt E Juice widely available, you have plenty of options.
Bottom line? JUUL may be straightforward and easy to use, but it is weak AF in nearly every other area that matters – battery life, flavors, choice, and running costs.
There are numerous other options that are just as simple and, in most cases, significantly better than JUUL in every aspect. So, if you’re still using a JUUL, it might be time to explore these superior alternatives.
