What To Buy As a Vape Beginner: The Best Devices and Vape Juice

With all the vaping devices available these days, figuring out what to buy as a vape beginner can feel like scrolling through a never-ending menu—exciting but totally overwhelming. That’s why we put together this guide: to help you cut through the noise and get straight to the essentials. Whether you're looking to try your first disposable vape or dive into the world of refillable devices and the best vape juice, this blog has your back.

Let’s keep it simple, helpful, and to the point—because nobody wants to spend hours Googling “what’s a pod system” when you could be chilling with your new vape instead.

If you're new here and want to take your learning a step further, be sure to check out The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Vaping and How Do Vapes Work?: A Simple Guide for Beginners when you're done. But first, let’s get into the basics!

What You Need as a Vape Beginner

Let’s get one thing clear: you don’t need to break the bank or become a vape expert overnight. To start vaping, you just need a device and some vape juice—that’s it.

Now, depending on how hands-on you want to be, your ideal setup might vary. Some beginners like to keep things ultra simple with a disposable vape. Others prefer a little more control with a pod system and a bottle of their favorite vape juice (hello, flavor freedom!). Whatever your vibe, we’ve got you covered.

Types of Devices

All vapes do one core thing: turn vape juice into vapor. But they do it in slightly different ways—and choosing the right type can make all the difference for your first experience.

Let’s break down the two most beginner-friendly options: disposable vapes and pod systems.

Disposable Vapes

If you want something super low effort, disposable vapes are your new best friend. These are grab-and-go devices that come prefilled with vape juice and pre-charged. No buttons, no refilling, no recharging. When it’s done, just toss it (responsibly!).

These usually use nicotine salts, which give you a smoother hit and a faster nicotine fix—perfect if you’re switching from smoking. And flavor-wise? There’s a ton to try, from icy mint to fruity explosions.

Just keep in mind: disposables are single-use, so while they’re convenient, they can cost more in the long run compared to reusable devices.

Some disposables brands we recommend include Geek Bar, Lost Mary, RAZ Vape, VIHO, Adjust Vapes, and Spaceman Vapes. 

Want to know more about nicotine salts? We’ve got you covered with How To Pick Vape Juice: A Guide for Vape Beginners and How To Buy The Perfect Vape Liquid: A Foolproof Guide For Beginners.

Pod Systems

If you’re looking for something that’s still beginner-friendly but offers more flexibility, pod systems are a solid choice. They’re compact, travel-friendly, and easy to use—but unlike disposables, you can recharge and refill them.

There are two kinds of pod systems:

• Closed Pod Systems: Come with prefilled pods that snap into the device. Super convenient, but you're limited to the brand’s flavor lineup.
• Open Pod Systems: You fill these pods yourself with the vape juice of your choice. Way more flavor freedom and usually cheaper over time.

Our advice? Go for an open pod system. You get more bang for your buck, and you can explore everything from sweet cereal blends to icy menthols—especially when shopping for the best vape juice online.

To dive deeper into choosing the right device, don’t miss How To Choose an Atomizer: A Beginner’s Guide and What is A Replacement Pod? A Short Guide for Beginners.

Types of Vape Juice

Here’s where things get flavorful. Whether you're rocking a disposable or a pod system, the kind of vape juice you use makes a huge difference.

Let’s start with the basics:

Nicotine Salts vs Traditional Vape Juice

• Nicotine Salts: Smoother and stronger. These are what you’ll find in most disposable vapes and closed pod systems. Great for former smokers or anyone who wants a more satisfying nicotine hit.
• Traditional (Freebase) Vape Juice: Less intense, but great for big clouds and rich flavors. Usually works best with open pod systems or more advanced devices.

Still curious about nicotine strength and choosing your perfect flavor? Definitely check out How To Pick Vape Juice: A Guide for Vape Beginners and How To Steep Vape Juice: A Quick and Easy Beginner’s Guide.

Ingredient Ratios (VG/PG)

Every bottle of vape juice has four main ingredients: nicotine, vegetable glycerin (VG), propylene glycol (PG), and flavorings.

Here’s what you need to know:

• More VG = Bigger clouds, smoother vape

• More PG = Stronger flavor, sharper throat hit

• Common ratios include 50VG/50PG, 60VG/40PG, and 70VG/30PG

• For pod systems, stick to 50/50 blends to keep things smooth and device-friendly

Want to experiment with your own custom blends down the road? You might enjoy How To Mix Vape Juice: A Guide for Beginners.

Conclusion

Starting your vape journey doesn’t have to be complicated. If you're just testing the waters, grab a disposable vape and explore a few flavors. It’s simple, satisfying, and zero fuss.

But if you’re ready to commit, go with an open pod system and pair it with a bottle of your favorite vape juice. It’ll save you money, unlock more flavor options, and give you a smoother ride into the world of vaping.

Whether you're buying your first vape online or browsing a local shop, remember: keep it simple, start with the basics, and explore at your own pace.