If you are looking into e-cigarettes for the first time, you quickly face a wide range of devices, technologies and brands. Without guidance, the choice can feel overwhelming. This overview shows you which device types exist, what sets them apart, which rules apply in Switzerland and which system may suit your everyday life.
In short: vapes differ mainly in draw style (MTL or DTL), refillability and power. Simple systems such as disposable vapes and pod systems require hardly any prior knowledge, while powerful mods call for more experience. Whatever the device, look for tested quality and a reputable retailer.
Key points
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Five main categories | Disposable vapes, vape pens, pod systems, pod mods and box mods |
| Clarify draw style first | MTL or DTL determines which device type is an option at all |
| Think long-term costs | Disposables seem cheap, rechargeable systems are usually cheaper over months |
| Check quality | CE marking, complete product information and a retailer with age verification |
| Know the law | Sale only from age 18, tax on disposables and liquids, cantonal bans on disposables |
Selection criteria before you buy
Before buying a device, it is worth answering a few basic questions. The most important is draw style. MTL (mouth-to-lung) means you first draw the vapour into your mouth and then inhale – the draw is fairly tight. DTL (direct-to-lung) is more direct, produces more vapour and tends to be used by experienced vapers.
The second decision is disposable versus reusable. Rechargeable pod systems are usually cheaper than disposables in the long run and create less electronic waste, but need a little more care.
Further criteria:
- Power and adjustability: for simple use you do not need adjustable wattage. If you want to fine-tune your vapour, you need a device with more settings.
- Size and weight: compact devices fit in any pocket. Box mods are larger but offer more battery life and power.
- Battery and charging: USB-C charging is standard on good devices today.
- Build quality: clean workmanship and tight pods prevent leaks and ensure consistent flavour.
- Long-term costs: the cheapest device is rarely the cheapest system. Pods, coils and liquids belong in the calculation. Our article Vape tax in Switzerland: disposable vs. pod shows how the tax affects the price per ml.
Tip: before buying, think about how often and where you vape. If you are mostly on the go, prioritise compactness and battery capacity over maximum power.
1. Disposable vapes: simple and ready to go
Disposable vapes come prefilled and ready to use: remove the cap and vape. No refilling, no settings, no coil changes. In Switzerland, the tank of a disposable e-cigarette may hold no more than 2 ml. Devices whose volume is extended by a connected cartridge or additional tank (“big puff” or hybrid) may no longer be sold since the Federal Supreme Court ruling of 14 April 2026.
The downside: you throw away the whole device when the battery or liquid runs out. Over time this costs more and creates electronic waste – so take empty devices back to the point of sale or to an e-waste collection point. In addition, some cantons have banned the sale of disposable e-cigarettes. You will find the current status in the article Disposable vape ban: which cantons ban puff bars?. The overview of disposable vapes explains the technology. Our current range is available under Disposable vapes.
2. Vape pens: slim and uncomplicated
Vape pens are the slim version of a refillable system. They are cylindrical, light and usually work with a fixed resistance and without adjustable power. Compared with disposables, you can change the liquid and do not have to throw the device away. The downside is limited adjustability.
3. Pod systems: the everyday middle ground
Pod systems are among the most popular device categories. They consist of a rechargeable battery and an exchangeable pod. They come as closed systems with prefilled pods that you simply swap, and as open systems that you fill yourself. Devices such as the Elf Bar ELFA Pro or Aroma King SMART are rechargeable pod systems of this kind – not disposable vapes.
The guide What is a vape pod? explains how a pod is built. The article Liquid or pod? offers a direct comparison. You will find all devices and pods in the Pod systems collection.
4. Pod mods: more power, still compact
Pod mods are more powerful developments of classic pod systems. They offer more wattage, often adjustable airflow and larger batteries while staying handy. You should understand how resistance (ohms) and power relate, but you do not need in-depth technical knowledge.
5. Box mods: maximum power for experienced users
Box mods offer high power, adjustable wattage and often temperature control. They are larger and heavier, but let you choose airflow, coils and batteries individually. They are usually too complex for getting started.
Devices compared
| Device type | Advantages | Disadvantages | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disposable vape | No setup, ready to go | High long-term costs, e-waste, cantonal bans | Occasional use |
| Vape pen | Simple, refillable | Little adjustability | Uncomplicated use |
| Pod system | Good balance of convenience and cost | Pods need replacing | Everyday use |
| Pod mod | More powerful, adjustable | More learning required | Advanced users |
| Box mod | Maximum power, full control | Large, heavy, complex | Experienced vapers |
Which device suits you?
- Switching from cigarettes: closed pod system with nicotine salt liquid and a tight MTL draw. The article Nicotine salt vs. freebase explains the difference between liquid types.
- Occasional vapers: a simple pod system or – where permitted – a disposable vape.
- Everyday vapers: pod system with exchangeable pods or an open system with liquids of your choice.
- Heavy vapers and advanced users: pod mod or box mod for more control over vapour and flavour.
- Budget-conscious: a rechargeable system – running costs per ml are lower than with disposables.
What to look for in safety and quality
Cheap devices without tested batteries and without traceable origin can cause problems – from leaking pods to faulty batteries. Look for complete product information and clean workmanship, and only charge devices with a suitable cable and never unattended. Find out more in the guide Vape safety: understanding the risks.
Important: e-cigarettes are not risk-free either. Nicotine is addictive. If you do not smoke, do not start vaping. In case of poisoning (for example if a child has swallowed liquid), contact Tox Info Suisse on 145, and in an emergency the ambulance on 144.
Legal situation in Switzerland
- Age: the Tobacco Products Act has been in force since 1 October 2024. E-cigarettes with and without nicotine may only be sold to people aged 18 and over, including online.
- Tax: since 1 October 2024, a tax of CHF 1.00 per ml applies to disposable e-cigarettes (including nicotine-free ones) and CHF 0.20 per ml to nicotine-containing liquids and refills, plus 8.1 % VAT.
- Bans on disposables: disposable e-cigarettes are not banned nationally. However, the cantons of Valais and Geneva have bans, and other cantons are discussing them.
- Tank volume: disposables 2 ml at most, no extension by connected cartridges or additional tanks.
Our assessment
Many people start with a device that does not fit their everyday life because they are guided by performance figures. What matters is daily use: a compact pod system that works reliably and tastes good is often the more practical choice than a large mod that is too bulky to carry. Start simple and only switch once you know exactly what you are missing.
Buying vapes at Snustrend
At Snustrend you will find pod systems, disposable vapes and liquids from brands such as Elf Bar and Aroma King – with age verification and shipping from Switzerland. The product pages show strength, fill volume and flavour so you can compare devices directly.
FAQ
What are the five main types of vape devices?
E-cigarettes can be divided into disposable vapes, vape pens, pod systems, pod mods and box mods. Each category has different strengths and suits different user profiles.
Which device is suitable for getting started?
A closed pod system is usually suitable for getting started because it can be used without technical knowledge, is rechargeable and costs less than disposables in the long run.
How do I recognise a reputable vape device?
Look for complete product information and clean workmanship, and only buy from retailers with age verification and traceable origin of the goods.
What is the difference between MTL and DTL?
MTL (mouth-to-lung) is a tight draw in which the vapour is first drawn into the mouth. DTL (direct-to-lung) is inhaled directly and produces more vapour. The draw style determines which device type and which coil resistance make sense.
Are rechargeable vapes cheaper than disposables?
In the long run, usually yes. Rechargeable pod systems cost a little more to buy, but pods and liquids are cheaper per ml – partly because of the lower tax on liquids compared with disposables.
Note: Nicotine products are for adults aged 18 and over only. Nicotine is addictive. This is not legal or tax advice.
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