Are Cheap Vapes Worth It? What You Need to Know?

The vaping industry is expected to grow more in the future with huge demand. People of various ages now believe that vaping is less harmful than traditional cigarettes. So, this shift in thinking pattern is growing the popularity of vaping day by day. 

Vapers always have a common confusion about whether cheap vapes are worth it or not. Do the $10 vapes come with any risks or benefits? Or are they all safe and secure? 

Understanding Cheap Vapes

What Qualifies as a “Cheap” Vape?

A cheap vape means vaping devices that are priced affordably, targeting beginners or budget-conscious vapers. 

Cheap vaping devices do not have any advanced functionalities, only the basic features. 

Common Price Ranges and Types Available in the Market

• Disposable E-Cigarettes – $5 to $10.​
• Pod Systems – $15 to $30.​
• Pen-Style Vapes – $20 to $40.

Pros and Cons of Inexpensive Vaping Devices

Pros	Cons
Affordable, so accessible for the masses or beginners.	Short lifespans and face malfunction issues.
Simple and user-friendly, best for new vapers.	No advanced features and functionalities like temperature control.
Always very lightweight and easy to carry.	Less vapor production and flavor quality.
Saves costs due to lower e-liquid consumption.	Requires frequent recharging.

Insights from Users and Experts

Community Experiences

Discussions of community people from multiple quality forums show both positive and negative experiences of using inexpensive vaping devices. 

Positive Experiences

A vaper from the E-Cigarette Forum said that the Vaporesso XROS Mini Pod Kit is an affordable option. And 57.1% of poll participants agreed with the statement. [Source: E-Cigarette Forum]

On Reddit, a vaper talked positively about the Arizer Solo II. The vaper shared praise for its affordability, long battery life, portability, and ease of cleaning.

Negative Experiences

In an online vaporiser discussion, A person reported about a budget-friendly vape of his friend emitting a burnt plastic smell while in use, showing safety issues. [Source: budget-herb-vaporizer-for-microdosing]

A vaper showed dissatisfaction with the longevity of a low-cost vape pen. The vaper also mentioned that the battery had issues after being used for only a few months. 

Expert Opinions

After researching a lot, doctors have concerns about the safety of vaping after seeing the risks associated with it:​

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention alert people that the majority of e-cigarettes contain nicotine. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance that brings major health dangers, for example, to developing fetuses and youth. E-cigarette aerosol contains harmful substance that causes cancer, chemicals, and tiny particles bad for the lungs. 

Johns Hopkins Medicine states that vaping increases blood pressure and spikes adrenaline. This increment might lead to a heart attack by elevating the heart rate.

Comparing Budget vs. Premium Vapes

Aspect	Budget Vapes	Premium Vapes
Price	$5 – $40	$50 – $200+
Build Quality	Made with lower-grade materials, with weak durability.	Made with high-quality materials, providing longevity and a smooth vaping experience.
Features	Basic functionalities, nothing advanced.	Advanced functionalities can be customized according to the vaper.
Performance	Less flavor quality and inconsistent production or vapor.	Dense vapor quality and huge ranges of flavor options.
Battery Life	Batteries require frequent charging.	Huge battery capacity, providing extended usage.

Recommendations for Budget-Conscious Vapers

Research Before Purchase

You must conduct thorough research, taking time when picking a vaping device, especially when you are on a budget. 

Read customer reviews to get insights into the performance, reliability, and satisfaction from using the vape. 

Surveys say that 95% of people read reviews online before buying a vape and use them in their decision-making process. 

Tips for Effective Research

• Research on websites, forums, social media, and watch videos to gather information. 
• Read pros and cons of the vapes and detailed experiences of the users. 
• Experiences with vapes might vary among users, but feedback patterns might indicate common issues.
  

Trusted Brands

Here are some reputable and trusted inexpensive vape brands and models for you:

1. Orion Bar 

[Source Lost Vape Orion Bar 7500 – $4.79 | PerfectVape]

2. Smok

[Source Smok TFV12 Prince Replacement Coils | 3 Pack | Vapedeal.com]

3. Yami Bar

[Source: Yami Bar Air 6000 Disposable 6000 Puffs – Rainbow Berry – VapeDeal.com]

Inexpensive Vape Maintenance Tips 

Maintaining cheap vapes is important; it enhances the vaping experience plus prolongs the device’s lifespan. 

Key Maintenance Practices

• Clean your vape tank and parts once a week. This helps stop residue from building up and keeps the flavor and performance strong.
• Don’t overcharge your vape battery, and don’t let it fully die before charging it again. Always use the charger that’s made for your device to keep the battery healthy.
• Store your vape in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight and extreme cold. This protects the battery and other parts from damage.
• Take care of your coil regularly to get the best flavor and vapor.

Health and Safety Considerations

Recognizing Potential Hazards

Cheap vaping devices compromise on build quality, leading to potential hazards:

• A few cheap vape pens use substandard metals and plastics. These materials release harmful toxins when it is heated. 
• Battery issues are found in cheap vapes lacking safety features, resulting in overheating, fires, or explosions. 
• Cheap vapes use unregulated or contaminated e-liquids, and they contain harmful chemicals. 

Staying Informed

Ongoing research tells us about the health effects of vaping: 

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) says vaping has damaging effects on blood vessels, leading to cardiovascular risks.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nicotine is found in e-cigarettes. It is very addictive and can be harmful for adolescent brain development.  

FAQ

What is the difference between cheap and expensive vapes?

The main differences between cheap and expensive vapes are in build quality, performance, and features. Expensive vapes are durable and safe due to high-quality materials. Great vapor production and flavor accuracy. There are also advanced features in expensive vapes, like customization, long battery life, and temperature control. 

What is the best cheap vape to buy?

Right now, the best cheap vape to buy is: 

• Uwell Caliburn G3 Lite
• Voopoo Argus Bar Prime
• Vaporesso Deliciu Mate

Are cheap vape pens safe?

While some cheap vape pens are safe, most are risk-associated due to poor manufacturing. Cheap vape pens are made with low-quality materials, creating safety concerns. It also uses poor batteries, which is also very dangerous. 

What are the 5 risks of vaping?

The Cleveland Clinic talks about the potential risks of vaping, including:​

1. Inhaling vapor leads to persistent coughing after some time of usage. 
2. You might find it difficult to breathe after vaping. 
3. If you are exposed to vapor too much, it can lead to discomfort or irritation in your eyes. 
4. Some people face headache issues due to nicotine and other chemicals in the e-liquids. 
5. You might suffer from dryness and irritation in your oral and throat regions due to vaping.