Vaping Pods Warning Note: Vaping products contain nicotine, a highly addictive chemical (from Health Canada).
 Vaping Pods Warning Note: Vaping products contain nicotine, a highly addictive chemical (from Health Canada).

What are the Different Types of Vapes?

July 10, 2026 • 4 min read

Quick answer

There are five main categories of vaping devices available in Canada: disposable vapes, pod systems (closed and open), vape pens, box mods (regulated mods), and all-in-one (AIO) devices. Each category differs in battery size, e-liquid capacity, coil configuration, power output, and manual control.

Disposable vapes

A disposable vape is a self-contained, single-use device. The battery, e-liquid reservoir, and coil are integrated into one unit that is discarded when the e-liquid is depleted or the battery expires.
 

  • E-liquid capacity: typically 1.2–5 mL, delivering 300–2,000+ puffs.
  • Battery: built-in, non-rechargeable in most models; some newer disposables include a USB-C charging port.
  • Nicotine format: usually nicotine salt (20 mg/mL in most Canadian-compliant versions).
  • Best for: adult nicotine consumers who want a low-maintenance, carry-anywhere device with no setup.
  • Limitations: not refillable, not repairable; produces more single-use waste than reusable systems.

Pod systems

Pod systems use a two-part design: a rechargeable battery unit (the device or "mod") and a pod (the cartridge containing e-liquid and coil). Pods are either pre-filled or refillable.
 

Closed-system pods (pre-filled pods)
 

Pre-filled pods are factory-sealed and proprietary to a specific device brand. They cannot be refilled. When empty, the pod is removed and replaced with a new one.

  • Pod capacity: typically 1.5–2 mL
  • Nicotine options: varies by brand, commonly 12 mg/mL and 20 mg/mL (TVPA maximum)
  • Device battery: 200–1000 mAh, rechargeable via USB-C or micro-USB
  • Best for: adult nicotine consumers who value consistency, portability, and convenience without managing e-liquid
  • Examples: Vuse Pods, Vuse Go
     

Open-system pod devices (refillable pods)
 

Refillable pods have a fillable port and a replaceable coil. Adult nicotine consumers purchase bottled e-liquid separately and refill the pod as needed. Coils are replaced periodically.

  • Pod capacity: typically 2–5 mL
  • E-liquid choice: compatible with any PG/VG e-liquid at appropriate VG viscosity for the coil
  • Coil resistance: usually 0.6–1.2 ohm for pod systems.
  • Best for: adult nicotine consumers who want more control over flavour and nicotine level, or prefer open-system flexibility

Vape pens

Vape pens are slim, cylindrical devices that resemble a large pen. Most use a built-in or replaceable battery in a tube form factor and a clearomizer or refillable tank with a replaceable coil head.

  • Battery: 650–1100 mAh, internal or external 18650 cell
  • Tank capacity: tyipically 1.8–3 mL
  • Output: fixed or single-button voltage adjustment
  • Best for: adult nicotine consumers who want a step up from pods in vapour production with a portable form factor
  • Limitations: less compact than pod systems; tanks require more maintenance
     

Box mods (regulated mods)
 

Box mods are rectangular devices housing one or more battery cells and an advanced chipset. They offer full manual control over wattage, temperature, and coil firing curve. They pair with sub-ohm tanks or rebuildable atomizers.
 

  • Battery: single or dual 18650/21700 cells, 1500–5000+ mAh total
  • Output range: typically 5–220+ W
  • Features: variable wattage, temperature control, preheat modes, OLED displays
  • Coil resistance: 0.1–1 ohm (sub-ohm capable)
  • Best for: experienced adult nicotine consumers who prioritise high vapour production and full control
  • Limitations: larger form factor, heavier, requires knowledge of battery safety and coil building if using rebuildables
     

All-in-one (AIO) Devices
 

BAIO devices integrate the battery, coil, and tank into a single unit with a refillable top or bottom-fill system. They occupy a middle ground between pod systems and box mods in terms of complexity and vapour output.
 

  • Battery: typically 1000–2000 mAh
  • Tank capacity: 2–4 mL
  • Output: often adjustable with a basic chipset
  • Best for: adult nicotine consumers wanting more output than a pod system with less complexity than a box mod

Comparison at a glance

  • Device type: pod system
    • Typical battery capacity: 300–1000 mAh
    • E-liquid capacity: 2–5 mL
    • Customization level: moderate
    • Maintenance: refill; replace coils; charge
  • Device type: vape pen
    • Typical battery capacity: 650–1100 mAh
    • E-liquid capacity: 1.8–3 mL
    • Customization level: low–moderate
    • Maintenance: fill; replace coils; charge
  • Device type: box mod
    • Typical battery capacity: 1500–5000+ mAh
    • E-liquid capacity: 2–8 mL (tank)
    • Customization level: full
    • Maintenance: fill; replace coils; manage batteries
  • Device type: AIO device
    • Typical battery capacity: 1000–2000 mAh
    • E-liquid capacity: 2–4 mL
    • Customization level: moderate
    • Maintenance: refill; replace coils; charge


Vuse device types in Canada
 

Vuse Canada offers closed-system pod-based devices and disposables designed for simplicity and consistent performance. Current Vuse devices in Canada include the Vuse Ultra and Vuse Go. For the current product range, compatible pods, and technical specifications, visit vuse.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Closed-system pod devices and disposables are among the most widely used types by adult vapers in Canada, valued for their convenience and compact form factor.

A pod system uses removable pods (pre-filled or refillable) with an integrated coil. A vape pen uses a cylindrical clearomizer or tank with a separate coil head and typically offers slightly higher vapour output.

Closed-system pod devices and disposables require no setup, filling, or coil management, making them the most accessible formats for new adult vapers.

No. Closed-system pods are brand-specific and proprietary — a Vuse pod will only work with a compatible Vuse device. Open-system pods have more universality but must still match the device's connector type and coil specification.

Most pod systems operate at a fixed wattage between 7 W and 20 W, pre-optimised for their specific coil resistance. Some open-system pod devices allow manual wattage adjustment within a set range.

Yes. Box mods and all regulated vaping devices are legal for adults in Canada when purchased from licensed retailers. All vaping products are subject to TVPA regulations regardless of device type.

 

Disclaimer: This article is for general information and educational purposes only, intended for adult nicotine consumers (18+, 19+, 21+) in Canada, and does not constitute legal advice or a legal opinion. Some of the information in this article is based on external, third-party sources, and we make no representations or warranties of any kind regarding the accuracy, validity, or completeness of such information.