If you want a quick answer, most reusable vapes in the UK cost around £5 to £25 upfront, depending on the type of device you choose. In 2026, that's the most relevant way to understand the market. Single-use vapes have been banned from sale and supply in the UK since 1 June 2025, so most shoppers are now choosing between reusable kits, prefilled pod systems, and refillable devices.
How much do vapes cost?
For most UK shoppers, typical prices look like this: a sensible price guide looks like this:
|
Vape group |
Typical upfront cost |
Ongoing cost profile |
|
Beginner starter kit |
£6–£20 |
Usually moderate |
|
Refillable pod kit |
£8–£25 |
Usually lowest long-term |
|
Prefilled pod kit |
£5–£15 |
Usually higher than refillable |
That means the cheapest option to buy is often a basic pod kit, while the best long-term value usually comes from a refillable device paired with bottled e-liquid or nic salts. UK retailers clearly separate refillable pod kits from prefilled pod systems, with refillable kits starting from around £7.95 on major UK retailers and prefilled kits commonly available from low prices on specialist stores.
What does a vape cost upfront?
Beginner starter kits
If you are new to vaping, beginner kits typically fall within the £6 to £20 range. These products are designed to keep things simple: compact size, easy setup, and a lower first-purchase cost. That is why starter-style pod kits remain the most common entry point for new users.
Refillable pod kits
A refillable pod kit usually costs around £8 to £25 upfront, although premium models can cost more. These devices often offer the best long-term value devices for regular users, as you buy the device once, replace the pod or coil when needed, or refill with bottled liquid. In the UK market, refillable pod kits are widely positioned as the more cost-efficient option over time.
Prefilled pod kits
Prefilled pod kits are usually among the easiest reusable options to use, with upfront prices typically around £5 to £15. They appeal to shoppers who want convenience and minimal setup, without the need to refill e-liquid manually. Since the single-use vape ban, prefilled pod systems have become increasingly important in the UK market because they offer a familiar format in a compliant reusable form.
What are the ongoing costs of vaping?
Upfront cost matters, but long-term spend is where the biggest differences appear.
Replacement pods or coils
If you use a refillable or pod-based device, you will usually need replacement pods or coils. This is not usually the biggest cost, but it adds to the ongoing cost of vaping. The exact amount depends on the device, how often you use it, and how frequently the pod or coil needs replacing.
E-liquid or nic salts
For refillable devices, bottled e-liquid or nic salts account for most ongoing spending. Refillable vaping is often cheaper because bottled liquid typically offers better value than repeatedly buying prefilled pods. Multi-buy deals can reduce costs further for regular users.
How much regular users might spend over time?
Rather than focusing on a single monthly figure, it is more accurate to note that:
- refillable pod kits usually cost more upfront but often less over time
- prefilled pod kits are easier to use, but usually cost more to keep using than refillable devices
- heavier users will generally spend more regardless of device type. Usage level remains the biggest factor in overall cost.
That's the key pricing difference most shoppers should understand before buying.
Which type of vape is cheapest in the long run?
For most regular users, refillable pod kits tend to be the most economical option in the long term.
That is because:
- bottled e-liquid usually works out cheaper than buying prefilled pods repeatedly
- you replace only the pod or coil, not the filled cartridge every time
- there are often better multi-buy savings on e-liquids than on pods
Prefilled pod kits can still be a good choice if convenience is your priority or if you vape lightly. However, for long-term savings, refillable systems usually come out ahead.
In short:
- Cheapest upfront: basic pod kit or prefilled pod kit
- Cheapest in the long term: refillable pod kit
- Easiest for beginners: simple pod kit, especially closed or low-maintenance systems
Is vaping cheaper than smoking in the UK?
In many cases, yes.
Recent data from Office for National Statistics show cigarette prices in the UK remain in the mid-£16 range per pack of 20. That means a pack-a-day smoking habit can cost roughly £500 a month, far higher than what many reusable vape users are likely to spend.
That does not mean every vape setup is cheap. Heavy use of prefilled pod systems can still add up quickly. But overall, reusable vaping is often cheaper than smoking.
What affects the cost of a vape?
Several factors influence actual vaping costs in the UK:
Device type
Refillable pod kits generally offer better long-term value than prefilled systems.
Battery size and features
Larger batteries, screens, adjustable airflow and other extras usually push the purchase price up.
Pods or coils
Some devices are cheap upfront but cost more to maintain due to pricier replacement parts.
E-liquid usage
The more you vape, the more you spend. Usage is the biggest cost variable.
Brand choice
Well-known brands may cost more, but often provide better pod availability or wider retailer support.
Deals and multi-buys
Bundles and multi-buys can reduce long-term costs, particularly for e-liquids and replacement pods.
What should beginners buy to keep costs low?
If you want to minimise costs without complicating things, a simple refillable pod kit is usually the best starting point.
It offers:
- Reasonable upfront cost
- Lower long-term costs
- More flexibility on flavour and nicotine strength
- Easier access to better-value bottled e-liquids
If you prefer maximum convenience and don’t mind higher ongoing costs, a prefilled pod kit may be a simpler option.
So, how much do vapes cost in the UK? For most people, the answer is not just about the price of the device. It is about the total cost over time.
If saving money in the long term is your priority, refillable pod kits usually make the most sense. If ease of use matters more, prefilled systems may suit you better. In 2026, the UK market is firmly centred on reusable products rather than single-use vapes, so the best choice comes down to balancing upfront price, ongoing cost and convenience.
FAQs
How much does a vape cost in the UK?
Most reusable vapes in the UK cost roughly £5 to £25 upfront, depending on the type of device and brand.
How much are beginner vape kits?
Beginner vape kits are commonly priced at around £6 to £20, with budget options at the lower end.
What is the cheapest type of vape to use in the long term?
Refillable pod kits are usually the most economical over time.
How much do vape pods cost?
Vape pod costs vary by brand and vape type, but prefilled pod systems usually cost more to run than refillable devices.
How much does vape e-liquid cost in the UK?
Vape e-liquid prices vary by brand and retailer, but bottled e-liquid and nic salts usually offer the best value compared with prefilled pods.
Is vaping cheaper than smoking?
In many cases, yes. With cigarette prices around £16 per pack, smoking can cost substantially more over time than reusable vaping.
Do reusable vapes cost less over time?
Usually, yes. Reusable refillable devices tend to offer the best long-term value because you only replace pods or coils and buy bottled liquid separately.
What should a beginner buy on a budget?
What should a beginner buy on a budget?
A basic refillable pod kit is usually the smartest budget choice because it keeps the upfront cost reasonable and the long-term cost lower than most prefilled systems.
