We now know for sure that single-use vapes will be banned in June 2025 in England, Wales, and Scotland and in April 2025 in Northern Ireland. Although that seems a long way away, now is a good time to consider what disposable vape alternatives are available.
That’s why we’ve written this blog post - we want to help you switch from disposable vapes to something better. We’re here to give you the closest alternatives to your favourite disposable vapes that will be more cost-effective and just as tasty.
Why are disposable vapes getting banned?
There are plenty of reasons why disposable vapes are being banned, such as:
- To protect the environment. In 2023, five million disposable vapes were thrown away or littered each week, a rate of eight per second. The amount of lithium in these batteries could make 5,000 electric car batteries a year and cost £200m per year to collect and recycle.
- Rogue retailers selling to children. 18% of 11-17-year-olds tried a vape in 2024, and although they’re illegal for under-18s to buy, many teenagers report doing so in shops. Proving that already-in-place legislation is failing to be enforced.
Disposable vapes are great for first-time vapers looking to quit smoking. However, they are a flawed solution for people who regularly vape. Although cheaper individually, the cost adds up over time. Refillable and rechargeable vapes, like pod vape kits and starter kits, are a much better long-term option. Moreover, they don’t create nearly as much waste as disposables do.
If you’re moving away from single-use vapes, prefilled and refillable pod vape kits are often the best choice because they’re small, discreet, affordable, and can easily be recharged and refilled with a wide range of e-liquid flavours. Even prefilled pods significantly reduce waste - just plug a new one into the battery body and vape away.
The Best Disposable Vape Alternatives
We all have our favourite disposable vapes. Whether you prefer Elf Bars, Lost Mary, Crystal Bars or something else, we’ve outlined some alternatives to the most popular disposable vapes below. Each is similar to your favourite disposable but will enhance your vaping experience and keep you on a greener journey.
Elf Bar Alternatives
Elf Bar is a huge name in the disposable vape scene, but they have started to roll out reusable devices to get ahead of the ban. Check out some of the best Elf Bar 600 alternatives below.
1. Elf Bar Elfa PRO Prefilled Pod Vape Kit
The Elf Bar Elfa PRO is identical to the Elf Bar 600 but delivers an even better vaping experience for almost the same price. Not only do you get a rechargeable battery for convenient, long-term use, but you can also choose from 37 of Elf Bar’s most famous flavoured pods.
The QUAQ fine mesh coil technology improves flavour delivery for a better, smoother experience compared to disposables, and the rechargeable 500mAh battery will last you hours of vaping. Furthermore, if the 2ml prefilled pods are insufficient, you can opt for the refillable pod options and use Elf Bars ElfLiq line of nicotine salts for endless puffs.
2. Elf Bar ELFX Pod Vape Kit
The ELFX refillable device is a perfect alternative for those who want to continue to enjoy Elf Bar’s tantalising flavour concoctions. With a rechargeable 1000mAh battery, an airflow control system and refillable pods, you have a one-way ticket to flavour town. Utilising the same QUAQ coil technology, now in a dual mesh design, you can grab your favourite nic salt bottle from Elf Bar, fill up your pods, and you’re good to go.
The ELFX can last up to two days of vaping on a single charge, and a single refillable pod can last around a week of refills. That’s hours of use and thousands of puffs you can’t get from a disposable.
Lost Mary Alternatives
Lost Mary is another incredibly popular disposable vape brand, with their iconic Lost Mary BM600 offering a great mix of taste and affordability in a small product. If you’re looking for a Lost Mary alternative, we’ve got two great kits in mind.
1. Lost Mary Tappo Prefilled Pod Vape Kit
The Lost Mary Tappo pod vape kit is instantly recognisable. A sleek, compact and easy-to-use MTL vaping kit, it has a 750mAh battery and takes 2ml prefilled pods of nic salt e-liquid. Being draw-activated, it works in the same way as a disposable vape and is perfect for anyone looking to quit smoking or reduce their environmental impact. Using Elf Bar’s QUAQ mesh coil technology, it delivers a smooth, satisfying vaping experience.
You can choose from 25 different flavours of Lost Mary Tappo pods that deliver around 600 puffs each, or if you’d prefer, Elf Bar Elfa Pro pods are also fully compatible to open up an extra 35 flavours.
2. Lost Mary 4-in-1 Prefilled Pod Vape Kit
For something a bit different, the Lost Mary 4-in-1 uses four pods in one to unlock a world of flavours in a convenient kit. The rapid-recharging 850mAh battery features an intuitive display, dual firing modes (Eco and Normal) and an ingenious twist-to-switch flavour system to mix things up.
The replaceable prefilled 4-in-1 pods offer a mixture of Lost Mary’s most famous flavours, from fruity blends to icy hits, and are designed to deliver a flavourful, long-lasting and smooth MTL experience.
SKE Crystal Alternatives
If you love the SKE Crystal Bar, SKE has you covered with its pod kits. Renowned for delicious flavours and a streamlined vape experience, SKE has won numerous awards. Check out some of our SKE recommendations below.
1. SKE Crystal Plus Prefilled Pod Vape Kit
The SKE Crystal Plus vape kit is also available with refillable pods. This simple, compact, affordable pod kit features a closed mouth-to-lung system with adjustable airflow control and a 400mAh battery for quick charging. It has 15 different flavour replacement pods that last around 600 puffs and come with a 1.1Ω mesh coil for smooth flavour delivery.
2. SKE Crystal CL6000 Prefilled Pod Vape Kit.
Another premium SKE Crystal Bar alternative is the SKE Crystal CL6000 prefilled device. Similar in appearance to Lost Mary pod kits, the CL6000 delivers a streamlined, flavourful vaping experience.
The 800mAh rechargeable battery has an intuitive display, responsive auto-draw functionality and a whopping 6000 puff capacity. Vapers can choose from 10 flavours in 2ml pods and a 10ml auto-refilling tank. This is a real advantage for people who don’t want to keep recharging and refilling - you can do it once, and it’ll last. And when you’re out of puffs, replace the pod with a fresh cartridge.
IVG 2400 Alternatives
If you’re a fan of the IVG 2400 disposable vape, then IVG has developed some great alternatives to consider after the ban. People love the large 2400 puff capacity and multiple flavours available with the kit, and IVG has incorporated these into their prefilled pod vape kits.
1. IVG Air 4-in-1 Prefilled Pod Vape Kit
The IVG Air 4-in-1 kit is virtually an exact replacement for the IVG 2400. The 4-in-1 design features four prefilled flavours for versatility and convenience. A large rechargeable 1100 mAh battery means you can use the kit continually, and there are 27 flavours to pick from for replacement pods.
2. IVG Air 2-in-1 Prefilled Pod Vape Kit
A smaller alternative to the 4-in-1 is the IVG Air 2-in-1 vape kit. It boasts all the same benefits as its big brother but in a tinier package. Vapers still get the choice of two flavours in one device, and the rechargeable 850mAh battery ensures convenient, long-term use without the waste associated with disposable vapes.
Gold Bar Alternatives
One of the best and most recognisable disposable vapes, the Gold Bar sets the standard in the vaping industry with a premium design and construction that delivers a superior feel with great flavour. If you’re looking for a Gold Bar alternative, check out the two we’ve picked below.
1. Vape Gold Gold Bar Reload Prefilled Pod Vape Kit
The Gold Bar Reload prefilled kit is one of the best direct replacements for the disposable Gold Bar. It looks almost identical and costs virtually the same, saving you money immediately. The 500mAh USB-C fast-charging battery is super convenient to use on the go, and if you want to change the flavour, just click a new pod in and vape away. There are 12 nic salt flavours, and the built-in mesh coil provides a smooth, consistent vape experience. If you’re moving away from disposables, this is hard to beat.
2. Vape Gold Gold Bar Apollo 20K Prefilled Pod Kit
The Gold Bar Apollo 20K vape kit is a premium alternative for those who want the finest experience from every puff. With up to 4000 puffs from the 7ml (2ml tank + 5ml container) pod system fresh out of the box and a rechargeable 900mAh battery, you can expect to vape for days without worry.
The prefilled replaceable 2ml tank can be used with the replaceable refill e-liquid containers more than five times before you need to replace it. Amassing thousands of puffs per coil lifespan.
What’s Next?
Now you know the closest alternatives to your favourite disposable vape; you just have to see which one you like best. If you land on a refillable pod vape kit, check out our blog on the best disposable vape flavour e-liquid brands to see your options and learn more about how to make your reusable vape kit taste just like a disposable one.
If you haven’t found anything here that tickles your fancy, why not check out the rest of our pod vape kits? We have thousands of options; you will surely find an ideal alternative. If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out; one of our experts will be at hand.