If you're trying to get the most out of your vaping budget, you've probably asked yourself: should I stick with e-liquid, or switch to prefilled pods? Both have their place, but when it comes to pure cost effectiveness, the numbers tell a pretty clear story.
The Cost of Prefilled Pods
Prefilled pods are undeniably convenient. You pop one in, vape until it's done, and throw it away. No mess, no measuring, no fuss. But that convenience comes at a price.
A typical prefilled pod holds around 2ml of e-liquid and costs anywhere from £3 to £6 per pod. That works out to roughly £1.50–£3.00 per ml of e-liquid. For a moderate vaper getting through one pod a day, that's easily £90–£180 per month.
The Cost of E-Liquid
E-liquid in 10ml bottles is a very different story. A 10ml bottle typically costs £3–£4, giving you five times the volume of a prefilled pod for a similar or lower price. That works out to around £0.30–£0.40 per ml — a fraction of the cost of prefilled pods.
Buy in bulk and the savings get even better. Multi-buy deals (like 3 for £9.99, 6 for £17.99, or 10 for £26.99) bring the cost per bottle down further, making e-liquid one of the most economical ways to vape.
Side-by-Side Comparison
- Prefilled pods: ~£1.50–£3.00 per ml | High convenience | Low upfront cost | Higher long-term spend
- E-liquid (10ml): ~£0.30–£0.40 per ml | Requires a refillable device | Low cost per ml | Significant long-term savings
What About the Device?
To use e-liquid, you'll need a refillable pod kit or open-system device. These typically cost between £10–£30 as a one-off purchase. Even factoring in the device cost, most vapers who switch to e-liquid recoup that investment within the first month of vaping.
So Which Should You Choose?
If convenience is your priority and you don't mind paying a premium for it, prefilled pods are a perfectly valid choice. They're great for travel, beginners, or anyone who wants a no-fuss experience.
But if you want to maximise your budget, e-liquid wins hands down. The cost savings are significant, the flavour range is far wider, and with multi-buy discounts available, you can stock up and save even more.
At Vapours Club, we stock a wide range of 10ml freebase e-liquids — including the full VAPEcom range of original VIP flavours — starting from just £3.49 per bottle. Browse our collection and find your perfect all-day vape.