​Top 9 Best Budget Vapes Under £45 for 2023

While a top-of-the-range Sub-Ohm vape mod kit is great for huge clouds of flavour and a variety of different adjustable settings, that level of power often leads to a heftier price tag. Particularly after you add a 18650 battery or two and a few VG e-liquids into the mix. The flavour may be great but sometimes you can find everything you need within budget with a cheaper vape kit that ticks all the boxes. Here we look at a few options for vapers in 2023 that do everything you need but save you a few pounds in the process.

1) Elf Bar 600 Disposable Bundle

The Elf bars remain a popular puff-and-throw disposable vape in 2023 because of their design and simplicity. You don’t need to worry about charging up when it runs low. Or knowing the ins and outs of filling with e-liquid as it’s not refillable. The disposable is solely created to ease new vapers into the industry from smoking. As it costs more than a standard pod kit, you pay a little extra for the convenience. But they’re still cheaper than a standard pack of cigarettes and available in so many different flavours! Plus, with this bundle for under £40, it works out as great value at £3.89 per bar, with each containing roughly 600 puffs. With a tight MTL draw, not a lot of clouds and a high PG nic salt content, Elf bars provide the necessary throat hit to quit smoking with ease.

2) Xeo Void

Some vapers may be still undecided about whether to stick with an MTL vape style similar to smoking or vape directly into the lungs with a Sub-Ohm coil. The fantastic versatility of the Xeo Void and the reason for its popularity (one of our best sellers) is that it caters to both. You can switch effortlessly between the Sub-Ohm 0.6 coil or the 1.0 Ohm MTL coil. Therefore it’s possible to puff larger clouds of vapour or get a tighter throat hit. Easy to grip in the hand and simple to fill, it’s the user-friendly vape pen any experience level will appreciate. Read why it’s such a popular choice with our full review.

3) Elf Bar Mate 500

The Elf Bar Mate 500 is the popular refillable option that steers away from disposables and towards a more sustainable future for the vaping industry and the environment. While disposables have their use and definite market for beginners, they’re not as cost-effective as a refillable option. That’s why Elf Bar has created the Elf Bar Mate 500. When paired with their Elfliq e-liquids or another high PG or nic salt option, you get a decent throat hit and a smooth intake of nicotine. You can charge it with the type-c cable so it doesn’t run out of battery at an inconvenient time. Containing a 500mAh capacity, it should last an MTL vaper one day but may need to be charged depending on use. Nevertheless, with the P1 pods that offer leak-free technology and a wide range of flavours (22 different ones) which attach easily, vaping couldn’t be more simple. Discover more about the pod kit with our in-depth review.

4) Vaporesso Xros 3 Mini

The Vaporesso Xros 3 Mini is the latest in the series and one that doesn’t disappoint - particularly for new vapers. With a battery capacity of 1000mAh, it comfortably lasts at least one day when MTL vaping. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about charging too often. You can easily switch between 1.2 Ohm coils or 0.6 Ohm restrictive direct lung coils, depending on personal preference. The former coil offers a tighter MTL draw, which brings decent flavour from your chosen e-liquid. It’s impressive because of its leak-free pod technology and easy-to-see e-liquid levels. As a compact and reliable vape on a budget with secure magnetic connections, you can’t fault its design and practicality. Ideal for beginners and experienced MTL & RDL vapers, the versatility is clear to see, supporting both nic salts with the MTL coil or 70/30 VG/PG with the 0.6 Ohm coil.

5) Smok Nord 5

With the Smok Nord 5, it’s a surprising move but a welcome one away from the classic MTL experience you’ve got from the previous pod kits in the series. Slowly they’ve introduced Sub-Ohm vaping into the mix, which we reviewed with the previous Nord 4. Now with the compact Nord 5, it’s a step in a different direction by boasting excellent Sub-Ohm clouds with this diminutive and stylish pod kit. Capable of supporting high VG e-liquids and shortfills, you can vape low resistance coils of a Sub-Ohm nature and even with a tighter restrictive direct lung performance too. Adjust the airflow with the ring to suit your preferred experience. It fires up to 80W of power which is intriguing considering the size of the device and also has a huge 2000mAh battery. Therefore, even with large clouds and going through lots of e-liquid, you won’t need to charge as quickly as you would other small Sub-Ohm kits. Overall, it’s a fantastic bargain that takes your Sub-Ohm experience to the next level.

6) Freemax Galex Nano

This makes the list for its compact nature and fun galactic theme, offering something different to others on the top 9 budget vapes. Easily fitting in your pocket or bag, it produces excellent flavour in MTL or RDL format at just over £20. The 800mAh battery supports vapers with enough capacity to last the majority of the day and looks the part too. While it’s not overwhelming with features, the front panel provides a full spectrum light design that’s something to behold.

7) Vaporesso Luxe QS

Another simple MTL & RDL device that’s easy to pick up and use on the go, the Luxe QS from Vaporesso is a handy kit for just over £20. One of the best aspects of this compact pod kit is the design. With grooved panels, stylish colour schemes and no screen taking up the majority of the space, it’s your back-to-basics pod vape. Available in blue, flame red or silver, each colour stands out in its own right. And in terms of performance, Vaporesso has produced a vape that creates an accurate flavour that lasts longer thanks to its Corex technology and a comfortable 1000mAh battery too. For new vapers at an affordable price, it’s the perfect starter kit with style. You can read more about it here in our review.

8) Uwell Caliburn A3

The Uwell Caliburn A3 is one of the best vapes you could get in 2023 that delivers reliable consistent flavour time after time regardless of e-liquid. With a sleek design, user-friendly interface and easy top-fill pods, you can’t go wrong! All of this is available for under £20 and offers a tight mouth-to-lung draw which is ideal for those who have recently quit smoking and need an alternative. Capable of supporting high PG e-liquids and nic salts, it’s the best device for mouth-to-lung vaping. For the full specs, our blog on its key features and functions is here.

9) Smok RPM 85

Last but not least we have the brilliantly valued Smok RPM 85 kit, which is geared towards Sub-Ohm vaping. At £35, you have a reliable mod device that fires up to 85W of power. And best of all, it’s got a whopping 3000mAh internal battery, meaning you don't need to worry about charging however much VG e-liquid you vape. It also boasts an impressive 0.96-inch TFT display and a smart honeycomb design pattern synonymous with the Smok brand.