With new vapes seemingly hitting the market daily, keeping tabs on vape price trends and bargains is becoming increasingly difficult. After all, without some research, who knows if the price of the latest disposable is fair, a steal, or an inflated rip-off? So, how much do vapes cost, anyway?
For starters, the cost of a vape pen or mod kit will vary greatly depending on the type of vape, the brand you're choosing, the ingredients in the bundled vape juice, and a host of other factors.
In this article, we’ll provide some general guidelines for what you might expect to pay for different types of vapes.
Let’s get to it.
At a glance:
How Much Do Vapes Cost? — Different Vape Types
So, how much do vapes cost? Several factors come into play, the first of which is whether the vape you’re considering is disposable or one of the various reusable types.
Disposables
Sometimes called disposable vape pens or e-cigarettes, disposable vapes are, as the name suggests, single-use, prefilled devices that are ready to use right out of the box.
People generally choose disposable vapes because they’re convenient and largely hassle-free to use. Disposable vapes can also be relatively inexpensive (sometimes). A vape pen can cost anywhere from around $5 to $20 or even more for disposable vapes, depending mainly on what’s in the included vape juice.
If the disposable vape contains nicotine, the amount of nicotine in the device will affect the device’s price. When the disposable vape is nicotine-free but contains functional ingredients like vitamins or herbs, you can also expect to pay a bit more.
See What is in a Nicotine-Free Vape and Best Chemical-Free Vape for more insight into the various ingredients that vape companies are known to add.
Pod Vapes
Pod vapes are a step up from disposable vapes because you don't have to discard the device when the vape juice runs dry. Instead, you use a detachable container — called a pod — which you refill with vape juice and reattach to the vaping device itself.
For this setup, you need the primary device, which generally costs between $20 and $40 or $50. Then, of course, you'll need to buy the pods, which can range from $5 or less to over $20 for a pack that contains multiple pods.
Mod Vapes
Modified or “mod vapes” are more customizable and offer more refitting possibilities than other devices. They are generally larger and provide more ways to adjust settings like temperature or the amount of vapor created.
Because they offer more advanced features and generally appeal to buyers for whom vaping is more than an occasional hobby, mod vapes can be pretty expensive.
Although entry-level models can be found for around 20 or 30 bucks, some premium devices sell for $100, $200, or even more.
Dry Herb Vapes
Dry herb vapes are unique. They're specifically designed to work with dried herbs to deliver flavors and aromas that depend entirely on the natural oils in the herb blend you're using.
Prices for these devices are generally comparable to pod vapes and range from around $40 up to $200 or more for devices that offer many customization options.
Nicotine-Free Vapes
The fact that a vape contains nicotine-free e-liquid shouldn't affect its price much.
If the vaping device still acts like a nicotine vape — meaning it heats and vaporizes a liquid — you should expect your cost to be comparable to any of the abovementioned prices.
How Much Do Vape Accessories Cost?
If you’re adventurous and want to start customizing your vape with various accessories, buy your own vape juice and load up on custom vape gear; remember that each of these different components will add to your vaping and e-cigarette costs.
Here's a breakdown to give you an idea of what you can expect to pay for common vape accessories from your local vape shop or online:
Vape Juice
Vape juice will most likely be your highest-cost vaping budget line item simply because it will be the most frequently purchased component. You shouldn’t need to buy new vape devices as frequently as the e-liquid you fill them with.
The cost of vape juice can vary widely depending on the brand, the ingredients, and the bottle size you're buying.
In general, you might expect to pay anywhere from an affordable price of $5 to $20 or more for a bottle of vape juice that contains around 30 mL, depending again on the ingredients and the brand.
Pods
Pods, the “tanks” that hold the vape juice and attach to vaping devices, can be disposable or refillable.
You'll generally pay less for disposable pods — around $3 to $10. Refillable pods will cost more — generally between $5 and $20 per pack.
But remember, since refillable pods are reusable devices, you get multiple uses out of them, so they may wind up costing less in the long run.
Replaceable coils
The heating elements that induce vape juice to vaporize are called coils. In a reusable device, you'll have to replace coils occasionally to keep your device operating correctly.
A number of factors will determine the final price of any particular coil — factors like the material it is made of, the resistance it offers, and the manufacturing brand's market position. You should expect to pay between $5 and $15 for replacement coils.
Batteries
Batteries are among the most critical parts of any vape device. They power the vape’s other elements, allowing them to turn vape juice into the vapor you inhale.
Factors that might affect a battery’s price include the brand name and the battery’s capacity. Most vapes use a standard lithium-ion battery, ranging from $5 to $20.
Charging Cables
Just as you need a charging cable for your phone, you need one for a vape device (assuming it's rechargeable). Like phone charging cables, charging cables for vapes come in a range of prices.
Expect to pay anywhere from a couple of bucks to $10 for premium charging cables. You may also be able to use the same one you use for your phone.
Tanks
As with batteries, one of the main factors affecting the price of tanks is capacity. Larger tanks that can hold more e-juice are generally going to cost more. Basic tank prices range from under $10 to over $30, while specialty tanks may run $50 or more.
Wicks
Finally, we have wicks. Wicks are part of the diffuser that soaks up e-juice and delivers it to the heating element, where it can be turned into the vapor you inhale. A package of wicks will generally cost under $10 — although you should expect to pay more for premium products from some well-known brand names.
What are the Key Factors that Affect a Vape's Price?
Most critical factors affecting a vape's price are apparent, but some may be harder to pin down. Here are a few factors contributing to the cost of vape pens and other diffuser devices:
Battery Capacity
This one is pretty straightforward. With all other things equal, you should expect to pay more for a vape with a “better” battery. Better, in this case, means more capacity. With more capacity, you get longer between charges, which means less hassle and more convenience.
Quality of Vape Hardware and Juice
This cost differential is relatively self-evident and applies to everything else you buy. Vape costs should rise if the manufacturer uses higher-quality materials, such as stainless steel or high-quality screens, to construct the diffuser.
Then there are the ingredients in the e-liquid and that liquid’s nicotine strength (if your vape contains nicotine). Using organic ingredients in a device will cost more than using ingredients that aren’t certified.
And a higher nicotine strength generally increases the cost of vaping as well.
Technology
Take a look at the vaping landscape today, and you might be amazed to see some of the technology that’s been working its way into these devices over the past few years.
Some vape devices offer complete customization, allowing you to adjust settings like temperature, wattage, and draw speed.
This variability is why the sales pages on many of your favorite manufacturers’ websites often look like ads for the latest iPhone. As a general rule, the more customization you're allowed when using a vape device, the higher the vape device's price will be.
Brand Reputation
Just as you would expect to pay a little bit more for a can of Coca-Cola than a can of “Jack's Knockoff Cola Drink,” you should also expect to pay more for a vape with a sought-after brand name.
You'll have to decide if you want to pay premium vape costs for the reputation and reliability that often come with a well-known brand name or take chances with a lesser-known brand that may cost a bit less.
We must point out that just because a vape is from a smaller brand and costs less, this disparity does not necessarily mean the diffuser in question is of lower quality. The manufacturer could simply be setting a lower price point in an attempt to attract more customers and build a fanbase.
Availability of Accessories and Vape Mods
Some vapes come with a wide range of aftermarket accessories, like replacement coils, higher-end chargers, or upgraded replacement coils and pod systems, all of which can add to vaping costs, sometimes significantly.
You're paying for the ability to customize a vape according to your exact specifications. The more choices you have, the higher the price — that is the general rule.
Testing and Certification
Earning seals of approval is a costly undertaking. For example, having all of one’s vape juice ingredients certified organic is an expensive endeavor.
That cost is often passed on to consumers through higher prices. You should expect to pay a premium for vaping products and premium e-liquids that have gone through testing to earn certifications.
Location
Finally, consider your location. Depending on where you're located, vape manufacturers may have to pay high tariffs, import duties, or taxes, and often, those costs are passed on to you in the form of higher vaping costs.
These costs can vary from state to state, country to country, or region to region, and are just one of the reasons why we recommend shopping around to find that sweet spot for lower prices — and considering buying directly from manufacturers’ websites.
Five Ways to Save Money on Vapes
Nobody wants to pay more than they must. Here are five tips to help you save money when buying your vaping tools:
Buy in bulk when your favorites are on sale
This advice is pretty obvious, but any time your favorite vape pens or vape mods go on sale — which happens more often than you might imagine — it can make sense to buy in bulk or at least buy more than you usually would.
Buy online
Just as people often shop online to save money on pricey items in brick-and-mortar stores, you can do the same when sourcing vape supplies.
Most of the time, you'll be able to find discounts by scouring online retailers and brands’ own websites.
Choose reusable devices
It's not always the case, but there are certainly many times when it makes sense to forgo disposable vape pens in favor of reusable devices, which can be more cost-effective.
The upfront average prices are usually somewhat higher than for disposable devices — sometimes significantly higher — but in the long run, opting for a reusable and refillable device that allows you to use your own vape juice can be much cheaper.
If you go this way, your ongoing costs will generally be limited to buying more e-liquid.
Take advantage of manufacturer or retailer loyalty programs
Many vape manufacturers and some vape shops will offer loyalty programs to their repeat customers.
Just as your favorite coffee shop may offer points every time you buy a large latte, your favorite vape manufacturer may offer a frequent buyer program where each vape, vape mod, or vape juice purchase earns you points that can be redeemed for discounts.
Look at the websites of your favorite brands and see if you can sign up for a discount program for repeat purchasers. Some disposable vape producers also offer discounts if you return your used vapes for proper disposal instead of just throwing them out.
Shop around
Shopping around is the most obvious tip for reducing vape costs, so we've saved it for last.
Although this is not always the case, you can often find the best prices when you order directly from a manufacturer’s website.
However, if online retailers sell those same vapes, you can sometimes find discounts or specials resulting in lower costs.
Before you click buy, spend a few minutes searching to see if you can find a sale first.
Being Smart Can Help You Pay Less
Some of the same strategies you use to pay less for clothes, games, or even food also apply to vapes.
We’ve given you a good idea of the standard e-cigarette price range above and a few strategies that should help you pay less. Let us know how you do!
For more information on this subject, see our articles on Where to Buy Nicotine-Free Vapes, Are 0 Nicotine Vapes Safe?, the Best Nicotine-Free Vapes, and the Best Online Vape Stores.