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Disposable vs. Rechargeable Vape Pen - What’s The Difference?

When in the market for a new vape pen, it’s important to consider all your options. Weighing the difference between disposable vs. rechargeable vape pens is an essential step before purchasing a device. 


This article delves into the benefits and downfalls of disposable and rechargeable vape pens. Use this as a guide to determine which style is best for your lifestyle and smoking needs. 

Disposable vs. rechargeable vape pen


Disposable andrechargeable vape pens each have their own respective benefits and downfalls, as explored in the table below. 


Type

Pros

Cons

Best For

Disposable

  • Convenient
  • Low maintenance 
  • Low cost per device
  • Single-use battery
  • Less flavor variety 

Convenience and in-a-pinch situations

Rechargeable

  • Opportunity for variety
  • Lower long-term cost
  • More powerful battery


  • Higher maintenance 
  • Higher cost upfront 

Variety for everyday use 


Disposable vape pens

Disposable vape pens are single-use devices that vaporize oils, distillates, and concentrates. They are pre-filled and pre-charged. Upon purchasing one, you just simply have to take it out of its packaging. The device is ready to use right away.  

Rechargeable vape pens

Rechargeable vape pens also vaporize oils, distillates, and concentrates. However, they come with arechargeable battery and refillable cartridges. These devices are often made up of 3-4 parts: a battery, an atomizer/coil that heats your oil, a cartridge, and a mouthpiece. 

Pros and cons of disposable vape pens

With the good comes the bad, and disposable vape pens are no exception. Great for low maintenance, convenient vaping, these single-use devices are great for some but not for others. 

Pros

  • Convenient: Disposable vape pens come pre-filled and pre-charged. All you have to do is choose a flavor or strain, pay for it, and take it out of the package. Otherwise, you’re good to start vaping immediately upon purchase. 

  • Low maintenance: These devices are extremely low maintenance. To use them, simply purchase a device, vape until it runs out of juice, and throw it out. No refilling cartridges or charging is required. 

    • Low cost per device: Not only are disposable vapes very convenient, but they are also fairly affordable. You can typically purchase most disposable cannabis vapes at your local dispensary for around $15-20. 

    Cons

  • Single-use battery: Single-use material of almost any kind isbad for the environment

  • Less area for customization: When you purchase a disposable vape, you’re making a commitment to thatstrain, flavor, and potency. For however long your disposable vape pen lasts, you’re stuck with the variety you chose.

    • More money in the long run:Buying a new disposable vape pen every week can certainly add up. Most disposables range anywhere from $12 to $40, though most fall solidly in the $15-20 range. 

    Pros and cons of rechargeable vape pens

    Just as disposable vape pens have their pros and cons, so do rechargeable vape pens. While they can allow for a totally customizable smoking experience, they do require more maintenance for optimum use. 

    Pros

  • Opportunity for variety: Rechargeable vape pens give you the freedom to customize your entire smoking experience: from the flavor of your oil to your heat setting. These devices allow you to fill your cartridges with whatever type and flavor of oil or distillate that you please. If you’re vaping nicotine, interchangeable cartridges allow you to experiment with a variety of nicotine percentages. If you’re vaping cannabis, interchangeable cartridges allow you the freedom to play around with different strains and strengths. 

  • More powerful battery: Rechargeable vape pens can be used again and again: their batteries are typically bigger, longer-lasting, and carry more power. Take Vessel’srechargeable vape pen from their Vista series. This device lets you reap the benefits of a powerful battery. With four voltage settings, users can customize their smoking experience down to how hot their oil is heated--an experience not duplicated by disposable vapes. 

  • Lower long-term cost: Because you’re simply replacing the oil inside the cartridge, once you purchase a rechargeable vape pen, most of the cost is already taken care of. You don’t have to worry about replacing an entire device; rather, you simply have to replace the substance that you’re vaping.
  • Cons

  • Higher maintenance: With a more sustainable and powerful device, unfortunately, comes more work. Every rechargeable/refillable device requires some level of maintenance. Unlike their disposable counterparts, these deviceshave to be cleaned, charged and refilled. 

  • Higher cost upfront: Purchasing a more powerful, longer-lasting device is more cost- effective in the long run. Nevertheless, it can be painful to drop a decent chunk of change (think anywhere from $50 to $80) no matter what you’re spending it on. Rechargeable vapes cost more upfront than disposables. 
  • To sum it up


    Disposable and rechargeable vape pens have unique qualities that make them each perfect for different types of smokers: they each have their respective benefits and downfalls. If you’re looking for quick and convenient vaping--or need a vape in a pinch--disposable vapes are potentially your best bet. 


    If you don’t mind a little maintenance in exchange for more variety and a powerful battery, rechargeable vape pens may be more down your alley. Consider your options, and determine the vape type that best fits your smoking needs and desires. 

    FAQs

    Are disposable or rechargeable vapes better? 

    Disposable and rechargeable vape pens each have their respective pros and cons. Rechargeable vape pens are great for those who desire variety and want to save a little money in the long term. Disposable vape pens are convenient, low cost, and low maintenance. 

    How long does a disposable vape pen battery last?

    Depending on how often you use it and how many hits you take per day, disposable vape pen batteries typically last anywhere from 3-7 days. Many are measured by battery power and lifespan, while others’ lifespans are determined by the average number of hits you can take before you run out of juice. 

    How long do rechargeable vapes last?

    Rechargeable vapes can last anywhere from six months to two years, depending on how well you maintain your battery. Between charges,  your vape can last anywhere from 2-5 days, again depending on how frequently you use it and if you turn it off between uses. 

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