Disposable vapes are getting banned. Prices are climbing. And if you’re still buying a fresh Elf Bar every three days, you’re haemorrhaging money.
Pod systems are supposed to be the answer – refillable, rechargeable, cheaper long-term. But not all pod vapes cost the same. I spent two weeks tracking prices across Tesco, ASDA, online vape shops, and marketplace platforms to work out which systems actually save money and which are just expensive habits with fancier packaging.
I compared four pod systems currently available in UK shops: Pyne Pod Click, Vuse ePod 2, Juul2, and Uwell Caliburn G/GK2. I’m not a vaper myself, but I tracked the numbers like I was buying for a year. Here’s what the maths showed.
The Four Pod Systems I Tracked
Before diving into costs, here’s what each system actually is.
Pyne Pod Click (10K and 50K Models)
This is the newer kid on the block. The pyne pod vape system launched as a direct competitor to disposables – high puff counts (10,000 or 50,000 per device), rechargeable via USB-C, and refillable with pre-filled pods you swap out when empty.
The 10K version is cheaper upfront. The 50K is marketed as lasting months rather than weeks. Both use the same replacement pods.
I found these mainly through online vape retailers and marketplace platforms like Durity Distribution, which stocks verified Pyne Pod inventory. You won’t see them in Tesco yet, but they’re everywhere online.
Vuse ePod 2
Vuse is the Tesco and ASDA staple, and is also available at Vape Club UK. Walk into any major supermarket and you’ll see the ePod 2 sat next to the cigarettes. It’s a closed-pod system – you buy pre-filled Vuse pods, click them in, vape them dry, bin them, repeat.
Vuse is currently transitioning the ePod 2 into the “Vuse Pro” model, which is why device prices have dropped as retailers clear old stock. The pods work across both models.
Juul2
Juul used to dominate. Now it’s the premium option that costs more but doesn’t deliver more. Still widely available in pharmacies and corner shops, but the pricing’s stayed stubbornly high while competitors undercut it.
Like Vuse, it’s a closed-pod system. You buy Juul-branded pods, slot them in, chuck them when done.
Uwell Caliburn G and GK2
This is the only “proper” refillable system on the list. You buy the device, buy empty replacement pods or coils, and fill them yourself with bottled e-liquid.
It’s the most faff – you’re buying liquid separately, refilling pods, replacing coils every couple of weeks. But it’s also the cheapest to run if you don’t mind the extra steps.
Popular in dedicated vape shops, less so in supermarkets.
Upfront Cost: What You Pay on Day One
Here’s what it costs to walk out of a shop with a working pod system.
| Pod System | Device Price (Jan 2026) | What’s Included |
| Pyne Pod Click 10K | £6.99 – £8.99 | Device + pre-installed pod (10,000 puffs) |
| Pyne Pod Click 50K | £10.99 – £12.99 | Device + pre-installed pod (50,000 puffs) |
| Vuse ePod 2 | £4.99 – £6.99 | Device + 2 starter pods |
| Juul2 | £6.99 – £9.99 | Device only or starter kit with 2-4 pods |
| Caliburn G | £11.99 – £16.99 | Device + 2 coils |
| Caliburn GK2 | £14.99 – £19.99 (sales as low as £7.99) | Device + 2 coils |
First impressions: Vuse looks like the bargain at a fiver. Caliburn’s the most expensive upfront at £12-20. Pyne Pod sits in the middle at £7-13 depending on which model you grab.
But upfront cost is misleading. What matters is what you’ll spend over the next six months.
Ongoing Costs: Pods, Refills, and Reality
This is where the real money goes. Devices last months or years. Pods and refills are weekly or daily purchases.
Pyne Pod Click Refills
Replacement pods for both the 10K and 50K models cost £4.50 – £5.50 per pack. Most retailers do a deal at 3 packs for £12, which works out to £4 per pack if you buy in bulk.
Each pod gives you roughly 10,000 puffs (the same as the device’s initial pod). If you’re vaping moderately – say 200 puffs a day – one pod lasts you 50 days, or about seven weeks.
Monthly cost: £2-3 if you’re a light vaper, £5-8 for moderate use.
Vuse ePod 2 Pods
Vuse pods come in 2-packs for £6.49 – £6.99 at Tesco and ASDA. Online, you’ll find them at the same price unless you subscribe on Vuse’s official site, where they drop to around £5.10 per pack with a subscription discount.
Each pod contains 1.9ml of liquid and lasts roughly 600-700 puffs.
Monthly cost: If you’re doing 200 puffs a day, you’ll need about 9 pods per month. That’s 4.5 packs at £6.50 = £29 per month. With subscription pricing, it drops to £23.
Juul2 Pods
Juul pods are £6.99 for a 2-pack in most shops. No subscription discount in the UK like there used to be, though some online retailers occasionally run offers.
Each Juul2 pod holds 1.2ml and delivers around 400-500 puffs (less than Vuse despite similar pricing).
Monthly cost: At 200 puffs/day, you need 12 pods per month. That’s 6 packs at £6.99 = £42 per month.
Caliburn G/GK2 Refills
This one’s trickier because you’re buying components separately.
- Replacement coils: £7.95 – £9.99 for a 4-pack. Each coil lasts 1-2 weeks depending on how much you vape and what liquid you use.
- E-liquid: £2.99 – £3.99 per 10ml bottle. Most shops do 3 bottles for £10 or 4 for £10 deals.
If you vape 2ml per day (standard pod system usage), you’ll need:
- 60ml of liquid per month = 6 bottles at £3 each = £18, or £10-13 if buying in bulk deals
- 2-3 coils per month = £5-7
Monthly cost: £15-20 total for liquid and coils.
Annual Cost Breakdown (The Real Numbers)
Let’s assume you’re vaping 200 puffs per day, which is roughly what a moderate vaper does – half a pack-a-day smoker equivalent. Here’s what each system costs you over 12 months.
| System | Device Cost | Annual Refills | Total Year 1 | Monthly Average |
| Pyne Pod Click 10K | £8 | £60-96 | £68-104 | £5.70-£8.70 |
| Vuse ePod 2 | £6 | £276-348 | £282-354 | £23.50-£29.50 |
| Juul2 | £9 | £504 | £513 | £42.75 |
| Caliburn G | £15 | £180-240 | £195-255 | £16.25-£21.25 |
Breaking that down:
Pyne Pod Click is the cheapest by a mile
At £68 to 104 per year, there’s nothing like this system.Especially when you’re looking at the high number of refilled pods (10,000 per pod in a pack for £40), intervals vary from15 to 30 short months: that means to declares range widely even among similar cost models.
I found the best deals on Pyne Pod refills to be through online platforms such as Durity Distribution, which runs verified marketplace listings with bulk discounts. The “3 for £12” deal brings your individual pod cost down to £4, which is why the annual total costs remain so low.If you are changing from disposables–which would have cost €800 to 1,200 per year quitting Pyne Pod can save you €700-1,100 a year. That’s a week in the sun or even a new phone.
Caliburn is second-best for running costs
At £195-255 per year, Caliburn’s cheap to run but requires more effort. You’re refilling pods yourself, swapping coils every fortnight, and shopping for e-liquid. If you don’t mind the faff, it’s solid value.
The catch is availability. Caliburn coils and pods aren’t in Tesco – you’re ordering online or visiting dedicated vape shops. That’s fine if you plan ahead, annoying if you run out on a Sunday night.
Vuse is mid-range but convenient
£282-354 per year puts Vuse firmly in the middle. It’s not cheap, but it’s not extortionate either.
The advantage is convenience. Every Tesco, ASDA, and corner shop stocks Vuse pods. You can grab them with your weekly shop. No ordering online, no waiting for delivery, no specialist retailers.
For people who value “just works” simplicity, the extra £180-250 per year over Pyne Pod might be worth it. For bargain hunters, it’s money down the drain.
Juul is a ripoff
£513 per year is bonkers for a pod system. That’s £445 more per year than Pyne Pod and £258 more than Caliburn for the exact same vaping experience.
Juul pods give you fewer puffs per pod (400-500 vs Vuse’s 600-700 or Pyne’s 10,000), but they cost the same or more. You’re paying for the brand, not the value.
If you’re currently using Juul, switching to literally any other system on this list saves you £150-400 per year. That’s not a rounding error – that’s two months’ rent.
Hidden Costs Nobody Mentions
The pod price isn’t the only cost. Here’s what else you’ll spend.
Device Replacement
Pod system devices don’t last forever. Batteries degrade, charging ports get wonky, pods start leaking. Most devices die or become unreliable within 12-18 months.
- Pyne Pod Click: £7-13 replacement every 12-18 months
- Vuse ePod 2: £5-7 replacement every 9-12 months (cheaper build quality means more frequent replacement)
- Juul2: £7-10 replacement every 12-15 months
- Caliburn: £12-20 replacement every 12-18 months
Annual hidden cost:
- Pyne Pod: ~£5-9/year
- Vuse: ~£5-8/year (but more frequent replacements)
- Juul: ~£6-8/year
- Caliburn: ~£8-13/year
Charging Cables
All four systems use USB-C charging (thank god). No proprietary cables needed. If you’ve already got a phone charger, you’re sorted.
Pod Availability
This one’s harder to quantify but matters.
Vuse and Juul: Available everywhere. Tesco, ASDA, Boots, corner shops, petrol stations. If you run out, you can grab pods within 10 minutes.
Caliburn: Vape shops only, or online. If you run out and don’t have a vape shop nearby, you’re waiting 1-2 days for delivery.
Pyne Pod: Online mainly. I found stock on Durity Distribution and a few other vape marketplace platforms, but you won’t walk into Tesco and grab a pack. Plan ahead or you’re stuck.
Convenience tax: If you forget to order Pyne Pod or Caliburn refills in advance and panic-buy Vuse pods from Tesco instead, you’ve just blown your savings for the month.
Where to Actually Buy These (And Save Money)
Prices vary wildly depending on where you shop. Here’s what I found.
Pyne Pod Click
Best prices: Online vape retailers and marketplace platforms
- Durity Distribution: Verified Pyne Pod listings, bulk deals (3 for £12 on pods)
- Specialist vape shops: £6.99-£8.99 for 10K device, £4.50-£5.50 per pod
- Avoid: Paying full RRP at random online stores when bulk deals exist
Strategy: Buy 3-6 pods at once when the “3 for £12” deal is running. You’ll save £1-2 per pod and avoid running out.
Vuse ePod 2
Best prices: Supermarkets or Vuse subscription
- Tesco/ASDA: £6.49-£6.99 per 2-pack
- Vuse official site (subscription): £5.10 per 2-pack (saves £1.40 per pack, £8-10/month)
- Avoid: Corner shops charging £7.99 for the same pack
Strategy: If you’re committed to Vuse, subscribe and save 20%. If not, stock up during Tesco Clubcard deals (occasionally drops to £5.50-£6).
Juul2
Best prices: Online with bulk discounts (rare)
- Boots/Superdrug: £6.99 per 2-pack (standard)
- Online vape shops: Occasionally £6.50 on sale
- Avoid: Petrol stations charging £7.50-£8
Strategy: Honestly? Switch to a different system. Juul’s pricing is shite and there are no real deals.
Caliburn G/GK2
Best prices: Online vape shops for liquid, anywhere for coils
- Vape shops: £11.99-£16.99 for device, often bundled with free liquid
- E-liquid: Online “3 for £10” deals (saves £2-3 per bottle vs RRP)
- Coils: £7.95-£9.99 for 4-pack anywhere
Strategy: Buy e-liquid in bulk during sales. Stock up on coils when you see them under £8 per 4-pack.
Quality vs Price: Does More Expensive Mean Better?
Not really.
Pyne Pod’s Build Quality
The Pyne Pod Click feels solid for the price. USB-C charging is fast, the battery lasts a full day of moderate vaping, and I’ve not seen complaints about pods leaking (which plagued earlier disposables).
The 50K model is marketed as lasting months, which seems ambitious but the higher capacity battery backs it up. For £11-13, it’s decent kit.
Vuse’s Trade-off
Vuse devices are cheap because they’re built cheap. Plastic casing, basic internals, minimal frills. They work fine but don’t expect them to survive 18 months. Most die or get tatty around the 9-12 month mark.
That said, at £5 for a replacement, who cares? Chuck it and buy a new one.
Juul’s Premium Feel (That Doesn’t Justify the Cost)
Juul devices feel nicer – better weight, cleaner design, satisfying click when you insert pods. It’s Apple-level industrial design.
But that doesn’t make the pods worth £42 per month. You’re paying for aesthetics, not performance.
Caliburn’s Reputation
Caliburn’s been the go-to refillable pod system for years. The build quality is genuinely good – sturdy, reliable, decent battery life. The GK2 model improved on the original G with better airflow and longer-lasting coils.
If you want a system that’ll last 18 months without issues, Caliburn delivers. But you’re paying £12-20 upfront for that reliability.
The Verdict: Which Pod System Saves UK Vapers Money?
Cheapest overall: Pyne Pod Click
At £68-104 per year (including device replacement), Pyne Pod undercuts every competitor by a huge margin. The high puff count per pod (10,000) means you’re buying refills every 6-8 weeks instead of weekly, which slashes ongoing costs.
Best for: Vapers who want to spend as little as possible without compromising on quality. Anyone switching from disposables who wants maximum savings.
Where to buy: Online platforms like Durity Distribution for verified stock and bulk deals.
Best value for effort: Caliburn G/GK2
At £195-255 per year, Caliburn’s the second-cheapest option. You’re paying slightly more than Pyne Pod but getting a refillable system with proven long-term reliability.
Best for: Vapers who don’t mind refilling pods and want granular control over nicotine strength and flavour.
Where to buy: Online vape shops with “free liquid” bundles and e-liquid bulk deals.
Most convenient: Vuse ePod 2
At £282-354 per year, Vuse costs more but you can grab pods from any supermarket. If you value convenience over savings, this is your pick.
Best for: People who want zero hassle and don’t want to plan pod purchases in advance.
Where to buy: Tesco, ASDA, or Vuse subscription for 20% off.
Worst value: Juul2
At £513 per year, Juul costs 5x more than Pyne Pod and 2x more than Caliburn for the same vaping experience. There’s no justification for this unless you’re already locked into the Juul ecosystem and can’t be bothered to switch.
Best for: No one. Switch to literally anything else on this list.
Cost Comparison Summary Table
| Pod System | Year 1 Total | Year 2+ Annual | Cost Per Day | Savings vs Disposables |
| Pyne Pod Click | £68-104 | £65-100 | £0.18-£0.28 | £900-1,100 |
| Caliburn G | £195-255 | £185-245 | £0.53-£0.70 | £750-900 |
| Vuse ePod 2 | £282-354 | £280-350 | £0.77-£0.97 | £650-820 |
| Juul2 | £513 | £505 | £1.40 | £490-690 |
Disposables cost estimate: £1,000-1,200 per year for a moderate vaper buying a £5 disposable every 2-3 days.
Final Thoughts
If you’re still buying disposables, switching to any pod system on this list will save you money. But the gap between the cheapest (Pyne Pod) and most expensive (Juul) pod system is £400+ per year.
That’s not pocket change. That’s a holiday, a new laptop, or four months of council tax.
Pyne Pod Click wins on pure cost. It’s the cheapest upfront, the cheapest to run, and the easiest on your bank account long-term. The only downside is you can’t pop into Tesco and grab pods – you’re ordering online and planning ahead.
If that’s too much hassle, Caliburn’s your next-best bet. Slightly more expensive but still way cheaper than Vuse or Juul.
And if you’re currently using Juul? Mate, stop. You’re being robbed.
