Best Vape Starter Kits to Quit Smoking 2025

A Simple UK Guide

By shane margereson

So you want to quit smoking and try vaping? Well there are some great options that make switching really easy. Today we'll be looking at the best starter vape kits that really work if you’re interested in stopping smoking, but if you’re completely new to the vape industry and you’re looking for something with more detail, we've also got a beginner guide to vaping that explains everything.

Going from cigarettes to vaping doesn't need to be hard or confusing. The best vape kits for beginners are made to make switching as simple as possible. They give you the nicotine satisfaction you need and feel similar to smoking, which is what will help you to quit successfully. So whether you smoke 10 cigarettes a day or 30+, there's a starter vape kit that will work for you.

Prefilled vape kits, or as some people like to call them, disposable vape alternatives, are the most simple way to start vaping. These vape kits use prefilled pods already filled with your e-liquid. When the liquid runs out, all you need to do is throw away the old pod and swap in a new one. Give your device recharge and you're ready to go - no buttons required, just inhale like a cigarette.

Refillable pod vape kits are still easy to use, but they don't compromise on quality. The main difference is you can fill the vape pod yourself with any vape juice you like until the pod needs to be replaced. This gives you more choice and better value once you know what you prefer.

For ex-smokers it's important that they are using a vape kit that supports mouth-to-lung vaping (MTL), because it's this type of vaping style that will feel the closest to smoking cigarettes. The best beginner vape kits will focus on mirroring that cigarette-like inhale whilst also delivering the same nicotine satisfaction.

Nicotine salts have made a big change when it comes to quitting smoking through vaping as most starter kits work great with nic salt liquids. With their higher nicotine strengths, usually ranging from 10mg up to 20mg, even heavy smokers can still get enough nicotine without any of the harshness that might put them off.

The mental side of things when you’re quitting smoking is just as important as the nicotine. Prefilled pod systems help with smoking habits - the hand movement, inhaling, and throat hits. Many ex-smokers find vaping helps with both their nicotine cravings and the habits that make cigarettes hard to quit.

Being aware of battery life is crucial when quitting smoking, because if it dies, you might find yourself reaching for cigarettes instead. The best starter vape kits have good batteries ranging from 450mAh - 1500mAh and charge fast. Most modern vape kits charge up to 80% in about 20 - 30 minutes, so you'll never really be without your smoking alternative.

Cost is another thing that matters for successful quitting. A starter vape kit might cost more than cigarettes at first, but you’ll save loads in the long-term. Prefilled pods usually cost between £3 - £5, but will deliver the equivalent of 2 - 3 cigarette packs. Refillable systems will save you even more once you're comfortable, with most ex-smokers saving from 60 - 80% when compared to the cost of cigarettes.

Your flavour choice is another factor that can really help you quit smoking successfully. Unlike the taste of cigarettes, vape flavours include tobacco (for easy switching), fruits, desserts, and menthols that make vaping more enjoyable than smoking. Many ex-smokers have found that the right flavours can make them lose interest in the taste of cigarettes completely.

The UK vaping rules also make sure that all starter vape kits are safe to use and of a good quality. These TPD rules mean that every device and liquid is safety tested, with 2ml pod limits, and 20mg max nicotine strength to keep things sensible. This gives smokers the confidence that they're choosing safe products which have been tested to medical standards.

Best Starter Vape Kits

1
Elf Bar 600 Prefilled Pod Kit
Elf Bar 600 Prefilled Pod Kit
£2.49
2
Lost Mary BM600 Prefilled Pod Vape Kit
Lost Mary BM600 Prefilled Pod Vape Kit
£4.99
3
SKE Crystal Vape Pro 600 Pod Kit
SKE Crystal Vape Pro 600 Pod Kit
£3.99
4
OXVA Xlim GO 2 Pod Vape Kit
OXVA Xlim GO 2 Pod Vape Kit
£8.99
5
Vaporesso XROS 5 Mini Pod Vape Kit
Vaporesso XROS 5 Mini Pod Vape Kit
£15.29
6
Uwell Caliburn G4 Mini Pod Vape Kit
Uwell Caliburn G4 Mini Pod Vape Kit
£8.99

Elf Bar 600 Prefilled Pod Kit

Elf Bar 600 Prefilled Pod Kit

Pros

  • Rechargeable but feels like a disposable
  • Perfect for heavy smokers with 20mg nic salt
  • Easy auto-draw activation

Cons

Only 600 puffs per pod

Only£2.49

The Elf Bar 600 Pod Kit is an easy way to switch from smoking to vaping. It works exactly like the popular Elf Bar disposables, but you can recharge it. With a 500mAh battery and prefilled pods with up to 600 puffs each, this starter kit delivers consistent MTL vaping with 20mg nic salt - perfect for matching the nicotine satisfaction of cigarettes.

Each prefilled pod is filled with an ElfLiq nic salt in popular fruit and tobacco flavours that taste natural. They provide a gentle throat hit and enough nicotine to properly satisfy cravings. Their Auto-draw function means no buttons - just breathe in like smoking. When the pod is empty, simply swap it for a fresh one.

USB-C charging ensures quick recharges, and the battery light shows you the power level clearly. They’re available in 17 popular flavours, including tobacco options that are perfect for smokers who want a familiar taste when switching.

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Lost Mary BM600 Prefilled Pod Vape Kit

Lost Mary BM600 Prefilled Pod Vape Kit

Pros

  • Mesh coil technology for better flavour
  • Fast charging and battery light
  • 16 different flavours

Cons

  • Costs a bit more
  • Limited puffs per pod
Only£4.99

The Lost Mary BM600 Kit is the next step in disposable alternatives. It features best-selling Lost Mary flavours in a rechargeable prefilled pod vape with mesh coil technology. Their slim design feels like the original BM600 disposable, but saves you money and is better for the environment.

Mesh coil heating makes every flavour better, from fruits to menthols, and ensures consistency through all 600 puffs. USB-C fast charging means a quicker recharge time, while the LED light shows the battery level clearly. Each MTL draw feels exactly like a cigarette, making this an ideal alternative for recent ex-smokers.

Available in 16 popular flavours including fruit, menthol, and fizzy drinks, smokers can discover tastes they never had with cigarettes, while the 20mg of nic salt delivers smooth, satisfying nicotine without any harshness.

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SKE Crystal Vape Pro 600 Pod Kit

SKE Crystal Vape Pro 600 Pod Kit

Pros

  • Premium Crystal Bar flavours
  • Pocket-friendly design

Cons

  • Smaller 450mAh battery
  • Fewer flavours than competitors
Only£3.99

The SKE Crystal Vape Pro 600 brings the premium taste of Crystal Bar to prefilled pods. It has a 450mAh battery and mesh coil technology for consistent flavour. This starter kit delivers the same great flavours that made Crystal Bar disposables popular with UK smokers wanting to quit.

Their compact design fits nicely in your hand, with a simple auto draw activation, and quick USB-C charging. Each 2ml prefilled pod is filled with a 20mg nic salt and provides up to 600 puffs per pod, while a built-in mesh coil ensures the flavour stays consistent from the first puff to last.

Crystal Bar focuses on fruit flavours and refreshing menthols that are satisfying alternatives to the taste of cigarettes. With an MTL vaping style for smooth throat hits and a nicotine satisfaction that matches smoking, this prefilled pod kit is excellent for quitting smoking.

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OXVA Xlim GO 2 Pod Vape Kit

OXVA Xlim GO 2 Pod Vape Kit
Free Tag
In Stock Now

Pros

  • Massive 1500mAh battery for all-day use
  • 50% better flavour with uniTech 2.0
  • Works with nic salts and 50/50 liquids

Cons

  • Needs pod refilling
  • Costs more initially
Only£8.99

The OXVA Xlim Go 2 is perfect for stepping up from prefilled systems when ex-smokers are ready for refillable vaping. With a big 1500mAh battery and uniTech 2.0 coil technology delivering 50% more flavour and a 30% longer coil life, this starter kit offers great value if you’re looking to stop smoking.

Smart power automatically picks the best power for your pod, and an adjustable airflow lets you fine-tune your draw from tight MTL (like cigarettes) to slightly looser. Auto-draw activation keeps things simple, though you can use the fire button too, while 2A USB-C charging gets your device to 80% battery in under 30 minutes.

This refillable pod kit is compatible with all of the Xlim pods, including the top-fill and EZ versions, and works great with nic salts and 50/50 shortfills. The 5-layer leak-proof design means reliable performance, and the subtle breathing light shows your battery life without being annoying.

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Vaporesso XROS 5 Mini Pod Vape Kit

Vaporesso XROS 5 Mini Pod Vape Kit
Free Tag
New Colours

Pros

  • Huge 1500mAh battery with fast charging
  • COREX 3.0 technology for better flavour
  • Smart mode power

Cons

  • Need manual refilling
  • Some pod limits
Only£15.29

The Vaporesso XROS 5 Mini seamlessly blends a user-friendly design with smart technology. It has a 1500mAh battery (50% bigger than older models) and COREX 3.0 pod technology delivering 30% more flavour, 40% more vapour and a longer coil life. This beginner vape kit also has a smart mode that automatically picks the right power for your pod.

Auto-draw activation keeps the cigarette-like feel ex-smokers want, while an adjustable airflow lets you fine-tune from tight MTL to more open draws. The USB-C fast charging gets you back up to 80% battery in just 20 minutes.

Compatible with the XROS pods (except 0.4ohm), this system offers more adaptability as your vaping style develops. The included 0.8ohm pod works perfectly with 50/50 nic salts which are ideal for ex-smokers, and the LED battery light shows you its power level clearly.

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Uwell Caliburn G4 Mini Pod Vape Kit

Uwell Caliburn G4 Mini Pod Vape Kit
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Pros

  • 1100mAh battery that lasts all day
  • Smart mode picks power automatically
  • Works with G3 and GPP pods

Cons

  • Need to refill pods yourself
  • Learning curve for beginners
Only£8.99

The Uwell Caliburn G4 Mini is the smallest addition in the famous Caliburn vape range, packing an 1100mAh battery and up to 25W power into a slim, pocket-sized vape. Perfect for MTL vaping, this starter vape kit also has a smart mode that automatically picks the right power for your Caliburn pod, and auto-draw activation so no buttons are needed.

An adjustable airflow lets you change how tight or loose your draw feels by sliding a valve, whilst its compatibility with both the new GPP pods and older Caliburn G3 pods gives you more flexibility and choice.

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Understanding Nicotine Levels for Ex-Smokers

  • Picking the right nicotine level is crucial for successful smoking cessation. Light smokers (1-10 cigarettes daily) usually succeed with 10mg nic salts, moderate smokers (10-20 daily) typically need 15-18mg. Heavy smokers (20+ daily) often need 20mg nic salts at first, though many successfully reduce over time.
  • Nic salt liquids have a smoother delivery at higher nicotine levels compared to normal nicotine, making them ideal for starter kits. They also provide a quicker craving relief similar to that of cigarettes. Most ex-smokers find 20mg nic salts work well for them initially, and then will gradually reduce to 10mg.
  • Throat hit preferences vary among ex-smokers. Some prefer a stronger sensation like the harshness of cigarettes, while others appreciate a more smoother delivery. Most 50/50 mixes are compatible with a starter kit, and deliver a good balance between a tight throat hit and flavour, perfect for MTL vaping that feels like smoking.

Looking After Your Starter Kit

  • Prefilled pod devices need minimal care beyond regular charging and pod replacement. Keep battery contacts clean with a dry cotton bud, charge it regularly, and store it at a normal room temperature. Signs for when it’s time for a pod replacement include reduced flavour, gurgling sounds, or visible liquid leakage.
  • Refillable pod vape kits need slightly more attention but are still beginner-friendly. After refilling your pods, you’ll need to prime new coils by letting your pods sit for 5-10 minutes before first use. You should also start with a lower power and then gradually increase it to avoid burning new coils. Make sure that you clean the device weekly with a damp cloth, and avoid the charging port and sensors.
  • Battery care helps devices to last longer. So make sure to use the right charging cable (usually USB-C), avoid overcharging by unplugging it when the battery is full, and don't regularly let the battery die completely. Most starter kit batteries last 300-500 charges with proper care, typically 12-18 months of regular use.

Successfully Switching from Cigarettes to Vaping

  • Week 1-2: Expect some adjustment as your body adapts to a different style of nicotine delivery. Keep your starter kit charged and carry backup pods or liquid. Many ex-smokers find they vape more often initially, but for shorter periods of time than cigarette breaks.
  • Week 3-4: Your vaping patterns will usually stabilise as you find your preferred nicotine level and flavours. This is a great time to try different flavours that might help to reduce any cigarette cravings. Some find that fruit or dessert flavours make cigarettes taste horrible by comparison.
  • Month 2+: Consider whether your current starter kit meets your needs, or if upgrading might improve your experience. Many ex-smokers move to refillable systems for better value and flavour variety, though prefilled pods are still convenient for busy lifestyles.

Cost Comparison: Vaping vs Smoking

  • The initial cost for a quality starter kit ranges from £15 - £40, with prefilled pods costing £3 - 5 each (equal to 2 - 3 cigarette packs). Refillable pod vapes offer better long-term value, with 10ml liquids costing £3 - £6 and lasting equal to 4 - 6 cigarette packs depending on use.
  • Monthly savings for average smokers typically range from £100 - £200 when switching to vaping. A 20-a-day smoker spending £300+ monthly on cigarettes can have the same nicotine satisfaction for just £60 - £80 per month with prefilled pods, or £30 - £50 with pod vapes.
  • Yearly savings often exceed £2000 for heavy smokers, making the switch financially beneficial within the first month. These savings increase over time as nicotine dependence often decreases, resulting in reduced use or lower nicotine levels.

Health Benefits and Harm Reduction

Public Health England says vaping is 95% safer than smoking, which is why starter kits work so well for cutting down harm. When you vape, there's no burning happening, so you avoid all the tar, carbon monoxide, and nasty chemicals that come from cigarette smoke. Most ex-smokers noticed that their breathing, sense of taste and sense of smell improved within just a few days of switching.

Your heart health can also improve surprisingly fast when you stop smoking - blood pressure drops and circulation gets better within a few weeks. Your lungs might take a little bit longer to recover, but you'll notice that breathing gets easier within a couple of months. How quickly this all happens will depend on how long you smoked for and how heavily.

Long-term studies have continued to show that vaping works well as a smoking cessation tool, with starter kits making it really easy to get going. The NHS now recommends that those who would like to quit smoking should also try vaping alongside other nicotine alternatives like patches and gum to quit smoking.

Conclusion: Your Journey to Smoke-Free Living

Switching from cigarettes to vaping really isn't as hard as it used to be, especially with these devices like starter vape kits which have been built specifically with smokers in mind. Prefilled options like the Elf Bar 600 and Lost Mary BM600 help to make switching from cigarettes painless, whilst kits like the OXVA Xlim Go 2, Vaporesso XROS 5 Mini, and Uwell Caliburn G4 Mini will save you money long-term and give you more options.

The trick is choosing something that fits with how you smoke, and how much control you want when it comes to adjusting your vape to better suit you. For heavy smokers, go for a prefilled pod kit filled with 20mg of nic salt. But if you’re ready for more? Opt for refillable pod kits with an adjustable airflow. The main thing is picking something you'll actually reach for instead of cigarettes.

Everyone's different when it comes to quitting smoking, and these starter kits give you what you need to make it stick. Whether you go for prefilled pods or something you refill yourself - you're doing something good for your health and your wallet. So pick something that feels right, and remember every day you don't smoke counts as a win!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which starter kit is the best for heavy smokers trying to quit?

Heavy smokers are typically under the umbrella of smoking up to 20+ cigarettes a day. They usually do best with a pre-filled pod kit that offers a 20mg Nic Salt strength. Ex-smokers might prefer devices that offer a more discreet way to vape. So maybe look at options like the Elf Bar 600 or the Lost Mary BM600 that are small pen-style devices that are handy to keep in your pocket but will also last all day and give you a very similar throat hit to a cigarette.

How much nicotine do I need to replace cigarettes successfully?

Ex-smokers would be better trying a higher nicotine strength initially, which would be closer to the familiar cigarette consumption they’re used to. So ideally 20mg nic salts would be the best. Nic salt absorption does differ from cigarette nicotine, so we recommend to start higher and gradually come down rather than trying to match cigarette levels exactly.

Are prefilled pods or refillable systems better for beginners?

Prefilled pods are easier for complete beginners, as they don’t require a learning curve or maintenance. Refillable systems offer better value long-term, but require you to learn how to refill pods and replace coils. Most ex-smokers benefit from starting with prefilled and then upgrading later.

How long should a starter kit battery last throughout the day?

Some of the best starter kits come with a 1000mAh battery. This might not seem a lot, but it should easily last a full day of vaping. Refillable pod kits are what we'd highly recommend And what seem more popular are the OXVA Xlim Go 2, Vaporesso XROS 5 mini, the Uwell Caliburn G4 Mini. These all have a 1000 mAh+ battery that provides between at least one to three days of vaping, depending on how frequently you use it, but that's typical of an average vaper.

Can I use any e-liquid in refillable starter kits?

Depending on the coil options of the starter kit, you will find that most refillable starter kits will be best suited to 50/50 VG/PG vape juice and nic salts, purely because they are lower powered for an MTL vaping experience. We'd advise against higher VG liquids (70/30 VG/PG and higher). They wouldn't offer an MTL vaping experience and would be more suitable for a DTL experience, which wouldn't reflect the power a typical starter kit could give.

How much money will I save switching from cigarettes to a starter kit?

Savings vary by smoking habits, but most ex-smokers save 60 - 80% monthly. A 20-a-day smoker spending £300+ monthly can save from £60 - £80 with prefilled pods or £30 - £50 with refillable systems.

What's the difference between auto-draw and button activation?

So auto draw activation works when you inhale - similar to smoking a cigarette, there is no need to press any fiddly buttons. Just simply breathe in, which is why this is great for ex-smokers or anybody coming off a disposable vape. And button activation requires pressing while breathing in, offering a little bit more control but feels less like a cigarette. You will typically find that most starter vape kits will offer just an auto-draw function as it is much easier for the transition from smoking to a refillable pod vape kit without the fuss.

How do I know when to replace the pods or coils in my starter kit?

It’s time to replace prefilled pods when they're empty or when the flavour becomes weak or tastes burnt, most pre-filled vape kits will offer a warning of low liquid to give you the signal that you're ready to swap pods. Refillable pod coils typically last 1 - 2 weeks depending on use, and will show signs like reduced flavour, gurgling, or visible browning when it’s time for them to be changed. Most starter kits will have clear indicators for when you need any replacements.