Best Alternatives to Disposable Vapes

Best Alternatives to Disposable Vapes

As the UK’s ban on single‑use disposable vapes came into effect on 1 June 2025, vapers across the nation have been searching for the best alternatives to disposable vapes.

At Tidal Vape, our goal is to offer sustainable, cost‑effective and easy‑to‑use alternatives that deliver the same satisfying experience as disposable devices.  

In this blog, we'll explain why disposables are being phased out, explore the advantages of reusable and pre‑filled pod kits, and share our top ten alternatives, all available in our “Disposable Alternatives” collection.

Why the shift away from disposable vapes matters 

1. Environmental impact

Disposable vapes contain batteries, plastic casings and electronic components that are not easily recycled. In 2023 alone, an estimated five million disposables were discarded every week in the UK. These items end up in landfills or even green spaces, where they can leach toxic substances for years. 

2. Rising costs

At around £4 to £5 per device, a single disposable vape offers approximately 600 puffs. A Weekly habit quickly becomes expensive. By contrast, reusable systems can reduce the cost per puff significantly over time. 

3. Regulatory environment

To reduce youth vaping and e‑waste, the UK has outlawed disposable vapes. Only refillable and pre‑filled pod systems remain legal. Tidal Vape’s range of alternatives complies with all UK regulations, ensuring a future‑proof choice for vapers

Two smart routes to replace your disposable 

Refillable pod kits

These devices feature a rechargeable battery and a pod that you fill with nic‑salt e‑liquid. They offer:

  • Lower cost per puff
  • Reduced waste, as the pods and battery are reused
  • Flexibility, allowing you to choose from a wide range of flavours and nicotine strengths
  • Ease of use - a simple top‑fill style ensures fast, clean refills

Popular refillable systems include models from OXVA and Vaporesso, which offer familiar mouth‑to‑lung (MTL) draw and easy maintenance.  

Pre‑filled pod kits

These resemble disposables in shape and function, but use rechargeable batteries and pre‑filled pods that simply click in. Advantages include:

  • Swap‑and‑go convenience, with no messy refilling
  • Lower ongoing cost, thanks to reusable batteries
  • Consistent flavour, with factory‑sealed pods
  • Ease of carry and use, for those familiar with disposables

Brands like Elf Bar, Lost Mary and SKE quickly responded to the ban with high‑quality products that mimic the draw and taste of disposables.

Our Top 10 Best Alternatives to Disposable Vapes 

Here are ten standout products in Tidal Vape’s "Disposable Alternatives" collection: 

  1. Elf Bar 4 in 1 Pre‑filled Pods -delivers four flavours in a single pack, sealed and ready to go.
  2. Lost Mary BM6000 Pre‑filled Pod Kit - large puff count, rechargeable, with bold fruit and menthol flavours.
  3. IVG 2400 Pre‑filled Pod Kit -up to 2,400 puffs, comes in a range of nic‑salt blends.
  4. IVG Smart Max Pre‑filled Pod Kit -sleek rechargeable device with consistent flavour delivery.
  5. Titan X Pre‑filled Pod Kit - rechargeable with a compact form and familiar draw.
  6. Snowplus Swift Pre‑filled Pod Kit - modern design, reliable performance, wide flavour choice.
  7. Pixl Duo 12 6K Pre‑filled Pod Kit - dual pack that offers up to 6,000 puffs, ideal for heavy use.
  8. Lost Mary NERA 30K FULLVIEW Pod Kit -premium device with a 30,000‑puff lifespan and pod window.
  9. SKE Crystal BAR 600 Pre‑filled Pod Kit - refined design, up to 600 puffs, easy for beginners.
  10. Vapes Bars (Gold Bar) Pre‑filled Pods - durable battery plus sealed flavour pods.  

Each option offers a familiar experience similar to disposables, while being legal, cost‑effective and easier on the planet.

Cost comparison: reusable vs disposable

Switching from disposable vapes to reusable options can seem like a big change at first, but when you break down the costs, the benefits are clear. Refillable and pre-filled pod kits offer much better value over time, especially for regular vapers. Here's how they compare:

  • Device cost
  1. Disposable: £4 to £5 per device
  2. Refillable kit or vape kit: £20 to £40 upfront
  3. Pre-filled pod kit: £5 to £15 upfront, reusable battery 
  • Pods or e-liquid cost
  1. Disposable: Not applicable
  2. Refillable kit: £2 to £4 per 10ml bottle
  3. Pre-filled pod kit: £3 to £6 per pod 
  • Puffs per unit
  1. Disposable: Around 600 puffs
  2. Refillable kit: 10ml bottle offers 1,000+ puffs
  3. Pre-filled pod kit: 600 to 6,000 puffs depending on model 
  • Cost per puff
  1. Disposable: Highest
  2. Refillable kit: Lowest
  3. Pre-filled pod kit: Somewhere in between 
  • Waste impact
  1. Disposable: High, single-use with battery and plastic
  2. Refillable kit: Low, battery and pod reused
  3. Pre-filled pod kit: Low, pods replaceable, battery reused  
  • Ease of use
  1. Disposable: Very easy
  2. Refillable kit: Slight learning curve
  3. Pre-filled pod kit: Very easy 

Matching the right system to you 

Not sure what’s best for you?

  • Refillable kit is ideal if you enjoy mixing flavours or occasionally vaping
  • Pre‑filled pod kit suits those who want the disposable vape feel without the single‑use waste
  • Select nicotine level thoughtfully. Most favoured disposables were at 20 mg (2 %) nic‑salt, so choose 10–20 mg in your new system for similar satisfaction

Tips before you switch

  1. Charge fully before first use
  2. Prime pod or coil if refillable and add a few drops of juice, and wait 2–3 minutes
  3. Store pods and bottles in a cool, dry place
  4. Dispose of responsibly used pods and bottles that contain nicotine and electronics: drop them at a recycling point
  5. Adjust nicotine over time, try 10 mg if 20 mg felt too strong, or vice versa

Beyond pods: Nicotine pouches

If you want a nicotine hit without any vapour or vaping device, nicotine pouches are another legal, convenience‑oriented alternative. Tidal Vape stocks popular brands like IVG, Killa and Melta, featuring nicotine strengths starting from 0mg to 20 mg and more.

Why you can trust Tidal Vape

  • Wide selection of all major brands and formats
  • Compliance with UK rules, so products are legal and of high quality
  • Expert support, available every day to help you pick the right device and flavour
  • Competitive prices, with bundles and deals that beat disposable costs
  • Fast dispatch, next‑day delivery on orders over £24

Final Thoughts

The phase‑out of disposable vapes is a positive step for the environment, public health and cost savings. But giving up your vape does not mean giving up convenience or satisfaction. 

At Tidal Vape we believe that switching is easy: 

  • Choose refillable pod kits if you like variety, affordability and care about waste
  • Opt for pre‑filled pod kits if you want a familiar style and instant usability
  • Consider nicotine pouches for a tobacco‑free, device‑free option

Explore our ten top picks above and browse the full Disposable Alternatives section on tidalvape.co.uk to find your best fit. Our team is here to support you seven days a week, from choosing the right nicotine strength to selecting flavour matches for your old favourites. 

Make the switch today and enjoy greater value, fewer discarded vapes in our environment, and a vape experience that suits your lifestyle.

Back to blog

Blog Categories

Recent Blogs

View All

Related Product