Vaporesso Pods vs Tanks: What's the Difference and Which Should You Use?

By shane margereson

The vape market's gone through some pretty big changes in the last few years. Sub-ohm tanks used to be the go-to for everyone, but pod systems have muscled in and taken over the show, especially around our way in the UK.

That said, companies like Vaporesso haven't completely ditched tanks - they're still updating their iTank series, even while their pod range gets bigger and bigger.

But which is right for you? Is there still any point in getting a sub-ohm tank in 2025, or should you just join the pod revolution like everyone else? Let's break it down and help you figure out which bit of Vaporesso kit will suit you best.

The Pod Revolution: Why They've Taken Over

Pods have gone mental in popularity, and for good reason. They're dead easy to use, fit in your pocket, and these days they taste as good as much fancier setups. Vaporesso's XROS and Vibe pods have been right at the front of this shift.

What Makes Pods Different?

Pod systems have the coil and tank (or "pod") as one unit that you chuck away and replace when it's done. Here's how they're different from traditional tanks:

Dead Simple: Just stick a pod in, fill it up, and off you go - no messing about with separate coils or taking tanks apart.
Proper Small: Even Vaporesso's bigger pod systems won't weigh your pocket down like a mod and tank.
Auto-Draw: Many pods like the XROS and Vibe SE fire when you puff on them - no buttons needed.
Less Power: Most pod systems run between 10-30W, so they use less battery than bigger setups.
MTL Focused: While some newer pods can do direct-lung, most are made for that tight, ciggie-like draw.

Vaporesso's Pod Systems: A Quick Overview

Vaporesso's put a lot of work into their pod range, and it shows. They've got:

XROS Series: Their main pod line with the XROS 4, XROS 4 Mini, XROS 5 Mini, and others. These use their COREX coil tech and that SSS leak-resistant design. Spot on for MTL vaping, especially if you're coming off the fags.

Vibe Series: Fancy-looking pod systems that actually perform as good as they look. The Vibe SE at just £8.99 is a proper bargain with its 1100mAh battery and COREX coil.

Luxe XR Max: A more serious pod system that goes up to 80W and works with GTX coils, sitting somewhere between a pod and a full-on sub-ohm setup.

Armour Series: The Armour G and that lot use pods but can pump out up to 80W, for folks who want pod simplicity but sub-ohm power.

Sub-Ohm Tanks: Still Hanging In There

While they're not as popular as they were, sub-ohm tanks still have their die-hard fans. Vaporesso keeps updating the iTank series because there's still plenty of vapers who want that high-power, cloudy experience.

What Makes Tanks Different?

Traditional tanks like the iTank screw onto a mod, and you replace just the coil inside the tank. Here's what makes them different from pods:

More Power : Sub-ohm tanks usually run from 40W up to 100W+, making more clouds.
Separate Bits : The tank, coil, and mod are all different pieces that work together.
Bigger Tanks : More juice capacity means less refilling throughout the day.
Fully Serviceable : You can take tanks completely apart for cleaning or to replace just one bit.
DTL Focused : Most sub-ohm tanks are made for those airy, direct-to-lung hits.

Vaporesso's Tank Systems: The iTank Family

Despite the pod takeover, Vaporesso's kept their tank game strong. Their main offerings are:

iTank Series : Uses GTi coils for big clouds and flavour. Perfect for vapers who like thick, high VG juices and cranking the watts up.

GTi Coils : These mesh coils are what make the iTank worth having. They come in different resistances (0.2Ω, 0.4Ω, etc.) and they last ages while giving great flavour.

Making Your Choice: Pods or Tanks?

S,o which should you go for? It depends on what matters most to you. Here's who each option is best for:

Choose Pods If:

You Want Something Dead Easy : Pods are just simpler. No coil fitting, easier filling, and less faffing about. The XROS series, especially, is proper straightforward - ideal if you're coming from disposables or cigs.

You Like MTL Vaping : If you want that tight, ciggie-like draw, pod systems do it better. The XROS and Vibe are spot on for this.

You're Always Out and About : If you need something pocket-sized, pods win hands down. The XROS 4 Mini and XROS 5 Mini barely take up any pocket space.

You're New to Vaping : With pods, there's basically no learning curve. Fill it up, wait a few minutes, and puff away. No settings to worry about.

You Hate Leaks : Vaporesso's SSS tech in their pods makes them much less likely to leak than tanks. Not completely leak-proof, but miles better.

Choose Tanks If:

You're After Massive Clouds : Sub-ohm tanks at 60-80W will always make more vapor than pods. If you want to fog up a room, the iTank with a 0.2Ω GTi coil is your best bet.

You Prefer DTL Vaping : While some pod systems can do direct-lung hits now, proper sub-ohm tanks like the iTank were built specifically for that style.

You Use Really Thick Juice : If you love those super high VG juices (80/20 or more), tanks handle them better than most pods.

You Want a Separate Battery and Tank : Tank systems let you upgrade or replace either bit independently, which can save you money long-term.

You Like Tinkering : If you enjoy messing about with your setup and having loads of control, tanks give you more to play with.

Hybrid Options: Best of Both Worlds?

Vaporesso's cottoned on that some vapers want pod simplicity with tank performance, so they've made some middle-ground options:

Luxe XR Max : It's technically a pod system, but it goes up to 80W and uses GTX coils, giving you bits of both worlds.

Armour G : Also goes up to 80W and works with low-resistance GTX coils, sitting somewhere between pods and traditional tanks.

These are ideal if you want more oomph than typical pods but can't be bothered with the faff of a full mod and tank setup.

Real-World Performance Comparison

I've used loads of both Vaporesso's pods and tanks, so here's how they actually stack up in day-to-day use:

Flavour Production

Used to be that tanks had way better flavor, but that gap's nearly gone now. The COREX tech in Vaporesso's pods gives flavor that's as good as or sometimes better than many sub-ohm tanks.

The iTank with GTi coils still has a slight edge with certain juices, especially desserts and complex stuff that needs higher watts. But for fruits and menthols, I often find the XROS series just as good if not better.

Battery Life

This is where tank setups still win easily. A dual-battery mod with an iTank will last all day even for chain vapers. Pod systems have got better batteries now, but they still can't match up.

That said, the 1100mAh in the Vibe SE is impressive for such a small device and will see most normal vapers through a day. The trade-off is size - those dual 18650 mods are chunky beasts in comparison.

Coil Longevity

Weirdly, I've found GTi coils and XROS pods last about the same time - typically 1-2 weeks, depending on your juice and how much you vape. The GTi coils might edge ahead slightly with clearer juices, but not by much.

The main difference is price - a GTi coil costs less than a whole XROS pod, but you do have the extra job of fitting it.

Leak Resistance

Pods absolutely smash tanks here. Vaporesso's SSS tech in the XROS series has made leaking much less common. While nothing's completely leak-proof, you're way less likely to find juice in your pocket with an XROS than with an iTank.

The iTank is actually one of the better sub-ohm tanks for not leaking, but it still can't touch pod systems in this department.

Cost Considerations

The price tag only tells half the story:

Starting Price : Pod systems are cheaper to buy at first. The Vibe SE at £8.99 or even the XROS 4 Mini at £17.99 cost less than a decent mod and tank combo.

Running Costs : Pod replacements (about £8.99 for 2) usually cost more than individual coils (around £10-12 for 5), so tanks can work out cheaper long-term.

Juice Consumption : Sub-ohm tanks at high watts go through juice much faster than pods, which adds up over time.

When you add it all up, pod systems usually work out cheaper for casual vapers, while heavy vapers who go through loads of juice might find tanks more economical despite costing more up front.

The Future: Pods or Tanks?

The trend's clear: pods are taking over, especially in the UK, where people value simplicity and convenience. With the 2025 disposable ban coming, even more vapers will be looking for easy transition devices, which pods provide.

That said, sub-ohm tanks aren't disappearing completely. Vaporesso keeps developing the iTank line because there's still a solid group of vapers who prefer that traditional tank experience.

I reckon we'll keep seeing new stuff in both categories, with the line between them getting blurrier as pods get more powerful and tanks get more user-friendly.

Final Thoughts: My Recommendation

If you're asking which to pick in 2025, here's my honest take:

For most vapers, especially those new to refillables or coming from disposables, a pod system like the XROS 4 or Vibe SE makes the most sense. They're simple, portable, and give a satisfying vape without the faff.

For cloud chasers, tinkerers, and those who prefer direct-lung vaping with thick juices, the iTank on a decent mod is still worth a look. Just be ready for a bit more of a learning curve and maintenance.

And if you're somewhere in the middle? The Luxe XR Max or Armour G might be just right - more powerful than regular pods but simpler than traditional tanks.

The good thing about Vaporesso's range is that whatever you pick, you're getting solid tech that's been through multiple generations of improvements. Whether it's the leak-resistant design of their pods or the flavour-focused mesh in their GTi coils, you're in good hands either way.

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Pods Tanks Vape Kits Vaping