Vaping has evolved to include many different formats, but two of the most popular are 100ml vape juice shortfills and prefilled pod kits. Both have their advantages, yet they appeal to different types of vapers. One focuses on cost and flavour variety, while the other offers convenience and ease of use. Understanding the differences can help you decide which option best fits your needs.
Cost comparison
Cost is often the biggest deciding factor. A 100ml shortfill costs around £10 and usually comes with two free nic shots. This gives you about 100ml of ready-to-vape liquid with a final nicotine strength of up to 3mg. At roughly 10,000 puffs per bottle, the cost works out at around 0.10p per puff. For a regular vaper, this is excellent value and provides weeks of use depending on consumption.
Pod kits, on the other hand, use prefilled cartridges that are quick to swap out but more expensive in the long run. A pack of two pods may cost around £6 and usually provides the equivalent of a few millilitres of liquid. While this is convenient, the price per puff is far higher than with shortfills. For heavy users, pods quickly add up to a larger monthly spend compared to buying larger bottles.
If value is important to you, exploring our 100ml vape juice collection shows why many vapers choose shortfills as their main supply.
Flavour variety
Flavour is another area where 100ml shortfills stand out. Because they are sold in larger bottles, manufacturers often offer them in a wider range of flavours. From fruits and desserts to menthols and tobaccos, shortfills give you the freedom to find your perfect all-day vape or rotate between multiple bottles for variety. The consistency across a single 100ml bottle also means the flavour remains the same for thousands of puffs.
Pod kits are more limited. Brands release a set range of flavours for each device, and while they may cover popular choices like mint, tobacco, and fruit blends, the variety is smaller compared to shortfills. Some pods may also feel less intense in flavour because of the smaller liquid capacity and different coil design.
Nicotine flexibility
Shortfills allow you to customise nicotine strength by adding nic shots. For example, adding two 18mg nic shots to a 100ml bottle creates a final strength of 3mg. If you want a lower strength, you can add just one shot for 1.5mg. You can even choose to vape nicotine-free if you prefer. This flexibility makes shortfills ideal for vapers who want to reduce their nicotine gradually or adjust strength to match different devices.
Pod kits usually come with a fixed nicotine level. Most prefilled pods contain nic salts at around 20mg strength, which is suitable for new vapers or those who need a stronger hit. However, it leaves no room for adjustment. If the strength is too high or too low for your liking, your only option is to switch pods or brands. For those who prefer control over nicotine intake, shortfills are clearly the better choice.
If you want detailed guidance on how to mix shortfills and calculate nicotine levels, our 100ml shortfill guide explains the process clearly.
Convenience
Pod kits excel when it comes to convenience. They are designed for simplicity, with no mixing, measuring, or bottle handling required. You just click in a pod and start vaping. This makes them especially attractive to beginners or those who want a hassle-free option for on-the-go use.
Shortfills require a little more effort. You need to add nicotine shots, shake the bottle, and sometimes let it steep for the flavour to settle. For experienced vapers this is second nature, but for beginners it may feel like an extra step compared to the plug-and-play nature of pods.
Device compatibility
Pod kits are compact, lightweight, and discreet, making them easy to carry around. However, they are not designed for cloud production or large vapour output. If you want big clouds and more powerful flavour delivery, pod kits may feel limiting.
Shortfills are best suited to larger refillable devices, especially sub ohm kits. These devices are built to handle high VG juices and deliver the vapour and flavour performance many experienced vapers enjoy. While not as discreet as pods, they offer a fuller and more satisfying experience.
Which should you choose?
The decision comes down to priorities. If cost, flavour variety, and nicotine flexibility are most important, 100ml shortfills are the clear winner. They deliver thousands of puffs for a low price, give you the freedom to customise nicotine levels, and come in a huge range of flavours.
If convenience and simplicity are what you value most, pod kits may be the better option. They are easy to use, discreet, and ideal for those who want a straightforward vaping experience without any preparation.
Final thoughts
Both 100ml vape juice and pod kits have their place in the vaping world. Shortfills are unmatched when it comes to value and variety, while pod kits win on simplicity. Many vapers even use both, relying on pod kits for quick, on-the-go vaping and keeping 100ml bottles at home for longer sessions.
For those who want maximum value and freedom of choice, 100ml bottles remain the most practical and cost-effective option.
If pods are your preference, find suitable blends in best 50 50 vape juice 100ml. If you want to chase richer taste in bigger kits, sharpen technique with best vape liquid for flavour.