SMOKO - THE BEST JUUL ALTERNATIVE

Seeking the best Juul alternative? Whether you’re after better battery life, more flavours, different nicotine levels or just a company you can trust, we’ve got you covered. This article explores options to suit various preferences, from nicotine-free to customisable vapes. Read on to find your perfect vape match.

Key Takeaways

• MELO and HELO provide nicotine-free vaping options, utilising melatonin for relaxation and caffeine for energy with flavourful choices. These are illegal in the UK as melatonin is a prescription medication and caffeine is prohibited from inclusion in e-liquids.

• Devices like the Elf Bar BC5000 and UWELL Caliburn A2 offer long-lasting performance and rich flavours, catering to both beginner and experienced vapers. The Elf Bar BC5000 is illegal in the UK as it is higher than 2% nicotine strength and contains more than 2ml of e-liquid.

• When choosing a JUUL alternative, consider factors like flavour variety, battery life, and whether you prefer nicotine-free options or customisable nicotine levels.

• SMOKO E-liquids are made in the UK, and refills are filled in the UK as well! Held to the high standards set out by the MHRA and government regulations, SMOKO E-Cigarettes and vapes are a cut above vapes made elsewhere!

SMOKO E-Cigarettes for Smokers Looking To Quit

Possibly the best like-for-like alternative to JUUL is SMOKO - with a few notable exceptions!

At SMOKO, we aim to make quitting smoking as easy as possible. With new evidence indicating that E-Cigarettes are more effective for quitting smoking than traditional forms of nicotine replacement therapy (1), such as nicotine patches and nicotine gum, there has never been a better time to quit smoking!

Our range of vapes all use rechargeable batteries and prefilled pods so you don't need to worry about messy filling, changing coils, or stocking up on disposable vapes! You can even recycle empty refills with us for free, and your batteries at your local battery recycling!

• Perfect for smokers is the SMOKO E-Cigarette: a cigalike style vape designed to mimic the look and feel of a traditional cigarette!
• The SMOKO VAPE POD is a more modern design, still small and discreet like the cigalike but uses more modern technology, features double the amount of e-liquid compared to the cigalike refills, and has more flavours in the range!
• The newest addition to the SMOKO family is the SMOKO VAPE MAX! Designed to look like a cylindrical disposable vape, it also boasts a rechargeable battery and removable pods that come prefilled. This new entry has enough battery to do more than your 2ml refill on a single charge, features a child-lock system and utilises mesh coil technology for a punchy flavour experience!

MELO & HELO: Nicotine-Free Relaxation and Energy

Seeking a nicotine-free option that provides vaping satisfaction? MELO and HELO might be the answer. MELO utilises melatonin, a natural ingredient that promotes relaxation, while HELO contains caffeine for an energy boost. Containing only natural ingredients, these disposable vapes offer a pure and clean experience.

MELO and HELO offer flavours like Rainbow Road and Georgia Peach for MELO, and Strawberry Ice and Tropic Slush for HELO. Each device delivers around 800 puffs, providing immediate effects compared to other relaxation and energy sources. These options allow vapers to enjoy a nicotine-free experience without sacrificing flavour or satisfaction.

These new devices are largely untested and not certified by the FDA or any health bodies in the UK (2) - in fact, caffeine is prohibited from being included in vape juice in the UK and EU, as is melatonin due to it being a prescription medication only.

Elf Bar BC5000: Long-Lasting and Flavourful

The Elf Bar BC5000 is favored for its long-lasting vaping experience. Supporting up to 5,000 puffs, its battery life ensures extended usage before replacement. Featuring a 650mAh battery and a 13ml e-liquid capacity, it promises reliable performance and longer sessions.

What sets the Elf Bar BC5000 apart is its impressive selection of 45 flavour options, catering to various taste preferences. Users can select from various nicotine strengths, including nicotine-free options, making it ideal for reducing or eliminating nicotine intake. A compact design and Type-C charging port enhance its convenience and portability.

While you may find online retailers who can send this product to the UK, the Elf Bar BC5000 is over the legal maximum nicotine strength of 2% for the UK, as well as containing more than the 2ml legal limit for e-liquid. Elf Bar do have legal versions available for the UK market, however with their flaunting of the UK rules with disposable vapes, they will be subject to the disposable vape ban coming into effect in the UK in 2025. (3)

UWELL Caliburn A2: Portable and Flavour-Rich

Prioritising portability and flavour? The UWELL Caliburn A2 is a top contender. This pod vape kit is compact and lightweight at 520 mAh, making it highly portable. Tighter airflow and mesh coils in the device ensure rich flavour delivery, enhancing the vaping experience.

A built-in LED indicator shows battery life through colour changes, adding convenience. Whether experienced or new to vaping, the UWELL Caliburn A2 provides a portable, flavour-rich option without compromising quality.

The disadvantages to this design is the need for manual filling of the pod, which can lead to spillages and the need to carry e-liquid bottles, and even carrying a spare pod with you in case the coil in your current refillable pod burns out.

Vuse Alto: Smooth Vaping Experience

Vuse Alto is favored for its smooth vaping experience. With 45 flavour options, there’s something for everyone. Ceramic wick coils enhance flavour delivery, ensuring consistent satisfaction with each puff.

A key feature, QuietDraw™ technology, minimises noise, making the Vuse Alto more discreet. Offering around 400 puffs per charge and over 8 hours of battery life, it ensures all-day vaping without frequent recharging. A proprietary charger simplifies the recharging process, adding convenience.

Known for its impressive build quality, the Vuse Alto effectively prevents leaking issues. The draw-activated design automatically activates upon inhalation, enhancing user convenience. A two-pack of Vuse Alto pods typically lasts four to six days with regular use.

Typically, any vape device indicating more than around 600 puffs is likely to contain illegal levels of e-liquid, so the Vuse Alto is interesting because they boast around 1000 puffs per 2ml pod. Vuse state that this is based on laboratory testing of a newly manufactured product and may vary depending on individual's usage behaviour - with a puff duration of 1 second for the test, there is a good chance the typical user will get around 600 puffs from these pods.

Additionally, Vuse manufacture their liquids in the United States, and while submitted to the MHRA it is well known that the United States laws and regulations on vaping have been slow to adjust compared with the EU and UK. At SMOKO, our e-liquids are made here in the UK and held to the standards set out by the MHRA.

VOOPOO Drag X Plus: Customisable and Stylish

Valuing style and customisation? The VOOPOO Drag X Plus is an excellent option. Made from zinc alloy and leatherette, this device combines durability with a stylish appearance. Customisable options like variable wattage and RBA mode for increased power output allow users to tailor their experience.

A crystal-clear display shows various vaping modes, enhancing user control. The 5ml refillable pods tank is designed for extended sessions and easy refilling.

The disadvantages to this device mirror those of the Caliburn - the refillable pod style means you need to carry an e-liquid bottle with you for refilling, and carrying a spare pod if the coil burns out is essential if you don't want to be caught without!

Additionally, it is worth noting that studies indicate that higher powered vapes produce more volatile organic compounds than low powered vapes which should lead any vaper who prioritises safety and harm reduction to a lower powered option. Further to this point, the vape juice used with higher powered devices usually contains a balance of at least 50/50 PG to VG, if not a higher balance in favour of VG, and studies show that VG is responsible for more toxins made in the vaping process - so, again, a vaper who is trying to maximise harm reduction would turn to liquids with a higher PG content and a lower VG content. (4)

HealthVape: Functional Nicotine-Free Vaping?

HealthVape provides nicotine-free disposable vapes as a functional alternative for avoiding nicotine. Delivering 450-500 inhales per device, HealthVape offers a convenient option for daily use.

Known for functional flavour combinations, this brand aims to offer health benefits and promote relaxation with great flavour. HealthVape allows users to enjoy a pure vaping experience without nicotine.

While this is a novel idea, the FDA hasn't authorised these devices containing vitamins and/or melatonin, and in the UK caffeine has been prohibited from use in e-liquids and melatonin is a controlled substance and is only available on prescription, making these vapes illegal in the UK. (5)

SMOK Novo 4: Versatile for All Vapers

The SMOK Novo 4 suits all vapers, from beginners to seasoned enthusiasts. A sleek all-in-one design ensures convenience and ease of use. Adjustable wattage up to 25 watts allows for a personalized experience.

A 2ml e-liquid capacity and 800mAh battery offer extended usage time. An intuitive control system and LED battery indicator enhance its user-friendly design.

This refillable pod device has a fill-port to reduce messy filling, but uses replaceable coils which means time spend fiddling with the device and you need to carry spares with you!

CAPNOS: Chemical-Free Throat Hit

CAPNOS provides a unique experience with a chemical-free throat hit. Utilising pressurised air instead of vape juice, CAPNOS mimics the sensation of smoking. This cleaner alternative to traditional vaping avoids delivering nasty chemicals.

A patented air delivery system allows users to adjust throat hit intensity by varying adjustable airflow, offering customisation. For those seeking the sensation of smoking without chemicals, CAPNOS is an excellent choice.

CAPNOS currently face issues with sending to the UK, so it would appear that these may not be available for UK based customers.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a JUUL Alternative

Selecting a JUUL alternative requires considering several factors to find the best fit. Flavour options and nicotine strength are crucial for your vaping experience. Choose devices offering a variety of flavours and customisable nicotine levels to match your preferences.

Battery life is also a key consideration. Frequent recharging and outdated charging methods have garnered criticism for JUUL, so opt for alternatives with better battery life performance and modern USB-C charging. Positive reviews and brand longevity are indicators of a reliable device.

While JUUL’s small, discrete design is popular, other options may better suit individual preferences. Exploring various brands and models helps in finding a device that meets specific needs and fits the desired form factor, including JUUL devices.

Exploring More JUUL Alternatives

Disposable vapes offer a convenient option for those who prefer to avoid refilling or recharging, including non refillable pods. Innovative devices combining refillable and disposable features offer users flexibility. The disposable vape market continues to grow, catering to various preferences. However, the disposable vape market has come under serious scrutiny in the UK due to failing to abide by regulations and marketing to youngsters - so the disposable vape ban due to come into effect will eliminate disposables as a choice for UK vapers.

So, why choose SMOKO? Well, our liquids are made in the UK and held to the high standards set out by the MHRA and Tobacco and Related Products Regulations (TRPR) and Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) laws. We utilise freebase nicotine, unlike JUUL who are renowned for using nic salt that provides a smoother inhale, but some nic salt formulations use benzoic acid, which can convert to benzene in the vaping process - a chemical known to be toxic to humans. Nic salt liquids typically contain 3 to 4 times the amount of flavouring used in freebase nicotine liquids, increasing the amount of volatile compounds produced in the vaping process. (6)

SMOKO has a range of devices to suit almost every vaper, with the cigalike being a favourite for many customers who used it to quit smoking. Our prefilled pod system has a great range of flavours and strengths in a more modern design, and even features a 'SMOOTH' range that departs from our usual 80/20 PG to VG liquid and instead uses a 50/50 PG VG balance for a smooth inhale experience.

Finally, the new VAPE MAX offers more variety for vapers who favour the 50 50 PG VG balance - with our fruit flavours at the higher strength (1.8%) using 50 50 VG to PG, but using 80/20 PG to VG for the 1.1% strength! 

Summary

In summary, finding the best JUUL alternative requires exploring various options and considering factors like flavour, nicotine strength, battery life, and design. From nicotine-free options like the SMOKO VAPE POD refills to long-lasting and flavourful devices like the SMOKO VAPE MAX, there’s something for every vaper.

So, many of the options discussed in this article are unavailable in the UK. Some may see this as a bad thing, however many of the new wellness vapes are largely untested, and so many disposable vapes breaking UK regulations and ending up in the hands of underage teens, it is a necessary precaution to avoid similar issues seen in the United States when E-Cigarettes were first introduced without any regulations to guide them!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best JUUL alternative for long battery life?

The SMOKO VAPE MAX stands out as a top JUUL alternative with its impressive battery, ensuring you won't be recharging often. It's a great pick if you're looking for something simple and hassle-free that lasts all day!

Are there nicotine-free JUUL alternatives?

Absolutely! The SMOKO VAPE POD is a JUUL alternative that features nicotine-free refills!

What factors should I consider when choosing a JUUL alternative?

When choosing a JUUL alternative, focus on flavour options, nicotine strength, battery life, and design to ensure it fits your preferences. It's all about finding what works best for you! 

JUUL Use nicotine salt for their e-liquid, does SMOKO?

At SMOKO, we use freebase nicotine in our UK-made e-liquids. Freebase nicotine contributes to the throat hit, which we think creates a realistic smoking sensation when you vape. While there are a lot of claims made about nicotine salt, like nic salt liquids provide more of a nicotine hit, there is conflicting evidence. One thing we can tell you is that we have several customers who came to us after developing pneumonia from nic salt vapes! 

REFERENCES

(1) Latest Cochrane Review finds high certainty evidence that nicotine e-cigarettes are more effective than traditional nicotine-replacement therapy (NRT) in helping people quit smoking

(2) Understanding “Healthy Vapes”

(3) Disposable vapes banned to protect children's health

(4) Sub-ohm vaping increases the levels of carbonyls, is cytotoxic, and alters gene expression in human bronchial epithelial cells exposed at the air–liquid interface

(5) NHS: Common questions about melatonin

(6) Comprehensive Dutch market data analysis shows that e-liquids with nicotine salts have both higher nicotine and flavour concentrations than those with free-base nicotine

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Written by Dan Overgage

Dan Overgage is a former smoker of 10 years until he became a client of SMOKO E-Cigarettes.  Dan started working with SMOKO 5 years ago after successfully quitting using our e-cigarettes and works across our Customer Service and heads up our content creation and research with a strong focus on all things quitting smoking.  During his tenure with SMOKO, Dan has written countless blogs and consults with countless clients every day to help them to stay smoke-free.