Prefilled Vapes vs. Refillable Vapes: Which Offers the Best Cost Savings?

Choosing the right vaping setup can feel overwhelming, especially with so many devices, pods, and e-liquid options on the market. One of the most important decisions for both beginners and experienced vapers is whether to use prefilled vapes (including disposable vapes and prefilled pod systems) or refillable vapes.

At LJVapes, customers often ask which option is cheaper, easier, and better for long-term vaping. This detailed guide breaks down the differences between prefilled and refillable vape systems and explains the potential cost savings you can expect with each.

What Are Prefilled Vapes?

Prefilled vapes are vaping devices that come with e-liquid already installed. These include:

• Disposable vapes
• Closed-pod systems
• Prefilled vape pods

These devices are designed for ultimate convenience. You simply open the package, inhale, and enjoy. When the e-liquid runs out, you dispose of the device or replace the closed pod.

Key Features of Prefilled Vapes

• No refilling needed
• No coils to change
• Consistent and controlled nicotine delivery
• Portable and discreet
• Minimal maintenance

Prefilled vapes have become extremely popular, especially for beginners or smokers switching to vaping, due to their simplicity.

Benefits of Prefilled Vapes

Hassle-Free Experience

You don’t need to fill anything, prime coils, or understand wattage settings. Simply use and discard.

1. Great for New Vapers

For someone switching from cigarettes, prefilled vapes offer an easy transition with no learning curve.

2. Consistent Flavour

Because the pods are factory-sealed, flavour performance stays consistent from the first puff to the last.

3. Portable and Convenient

Most prefilled vapes are compact and can be carried anywhere without worrying about leaks or bottles of e-liquid.

Drawbacks of Prefilled Vapes

1. Higher Long-Term Cost

One of the biggest downsides is price. The cost per millilitre of e-liquid in a prefilled vape is significantly higher than bottled e-liquid.

2. Limited Flavour Selection

You’re restricted to whatever flavours the brand offers, which is usually far fewer than the options available for refillable devices.

3. Environmental Impact

Disposables & Prefilled create more waste since the Pod gets thrown away after use.

What Are Refillable Vapes?

Refillable vapes, also known as open-system vapes, include:

• Refillable pod systems
• Vape pens
• Box mods and tank systems

These devices allow you to manually fill the pod or tank with your favourite bottle of e-liquid, giving you more control over cost, flavour, and nicotine strength.

Benefits of Refillable Vapes

Major Cost Savings

This is the main reason many people switch from prefilled to refillable vapes.

A single bottle of e-liquid can cost the same as one disposable vape, but it lasts days or weeks, not hours. We’ll break down exact cost savings below.

1. Vast Flavour Options

Refillable devices allow you to choose from hundreds of flavours, including:

• Fruits
• Desserts
• Menthols
• Tobacco
• Beverage flavours
• Nic salts & freebase e-liquids

This makes it easy to customise the vaping experience.

2. Customisable Nicotine Strength

You control how strong or mild your vape is, making it easier to reduce nicotine levels over time.

3. Better Performance

Refillable devices produce stronger flavour, better vapour, and more consistent hits.

Drawbacks of Refillable Vapes

1. Requires Basic Maintenance

You need to refill pods, occasionally change coils, and keep the device charged.

2. Learning Curve

Beginners may need a day or two to get used to refilling and maintaining the device.

Cost Comparison: Prefilled vs. Refillable Vapes

One of the biggest concerns for customers here at LJVapes is how much money they can save by switching.

Here’s a clear breakdown.

Cost of Prefilled/Disposable Vapes

• Average price: £10–£20 per disposable
• Average lifespan: 1–3 days for regular users
• Monthly cost: £150–£300
• Annual cost: £1,800–£3,600

Since most disposable/ Prefilled vapes contain between 2–15 ml of e-liquid, you’re paying a premium for convenience.

Cost of Refillable Vapes

Initial device cost:

• £10–£50 one-time purchase
• Ongoing costs:
• E-liquid: £5–£20 per bottle (lasts a week or more depending on use)
• Replacement pods/coils: £3–£6 every 1–2 weeks

Typical monthly cost:

£40–£80 per month

Annual cost:
£480–£960

How Much Can You Save?

Switching from prefilled vapes to refillable vapes can save the average user:

• £100–£200 per month

• £1,200–£2,400 per year

That’s a huge difference, especially for daily vapers.

Even moderate vapers save significantly because refillable vapes offer a much cheaper cost per ml of e-liquid.

Which Vape Type Is Best for You?

Both types have advantages depending on your lifestyle. Here’s a simple breakdown:

Choose Prefilled Vapes If You Want:

• Zero maintenance
• A beginner-friendly device
• Something small, portable, and discreet
• Occasional or social vaping

Choose Refillable Vapes If You Want:

Maximum cost savings

• The best flavour and performance
• Access to hundreds of e-liquid choices
• Adjustable nicotine strengths
• Eco-friendly vaping

Why Many Vapers Switch to Refillable

Over time, most experienced vapers make the switch to refillable devices because they’re:

• More affordable
• More customisable
• Better performing
• More environmentally conscious

However, many new users still prefer starting with prefilled vapes because of how simple they are.

Final Thoughts: Prefilled vs. Refillable Vapes

Both prefilled vapes and refillable vapes offer their own benefits, but when it comes to true value and long-term cost savings, refillable devices are the clear winner.

If you're looking to save money, enjoy better flavour, and customise your experience, refillable vapes will give you the best results.

At LJVapes, we offer a full range of:

• Disposable/prefilled vapes
• Refillable vape kits
• Pod systems
• Premium e-liquids
• Replacement coils and pods