Cheap electronic cigarettes for beginners

At Arômes et Liquides, we've been specialists in e-cigarettes since 2012. Every day, we select the best vape kits to offer reliable equipment at the best prices.

Finding an affordable e-cigarette to get started is no longer an impossible task. Today's vaping market offers many budget-friendly options that allow you to begin your vaping journey without compromising on quality. This guide will help you choose a vape device that suits your needs, budget, and usage habits.

Different types of affordable e-cigarettes

Generally speaking, there are two main categories of affordable e-cigarettes, particularly well-suited for beginners.

AIO e-cigarettes

AIO e-cigarettes, short for All-In-One, have been on the market for many years. Usually consisting of a single unit, they appeal to users for their ease of use, ergonomic design, and reliability. Their compact size and minimal settings allow new vapers to quickly get the hang of them.

Podmods e-cigarettes

Podmods have significantly changed the vaping market. Very compact, lightweight, and easy to use, they offer an excellent alternative for smokers who want to discover e-cigarettes without any complications. Many models use refillable cartridges that are easy to replace, which further simplifies their daily use.

Why are these models more affordable?

AIO e-cigarettes and podmods are generally less expensive than advanced mod devices. Their simplified electronics, minimal settings, and compact design allow manufacturers to offer particularly attractive prices. This simplicity is often an advantage for beginners who are primarily looking for an effective and easy-to-use vape.

How to choose an affordable e-cigarette?

Choosing an e-cigarette depends primarily on your tobacco consumption.

For light smokers

People who smoke fewer than 10 cigarettes a day may want to consider a podmod system or an all-in-one (AIO) e-cigarette. These models prioritize mouth-to-lung (MTL) inhalation, with a tight draw similar to that of a traditional cigarette. They offer an intuitive user experience and sufficient battery life for moderate use.

For regular smokers

Smokers who consume more than 10 cigarettes a day can also use a podmod, provided they adjust their nicotine level correctly. A strength between 6 and 12 mg/ml is generally suitable for this profile. It is also possible to opt for a kit with a larger battery and a clearomizer offering greater battery life.

For heavy smokers

People who smoke more than a pack a day often need more powerful equipment. Mod-style kits offer longer battery life, more power, and customization options that allow you to precisely tailor the vape to your needs.

Built-in battery or removable batteries?

Built-in batteries are easy to use and perfectly suited for beginners. Removable batteries, on the other hand, offer greater flexibility since you simply swap the battery for a fully charged one. This solution is particularly popular among heavy vapers.

Is it possible to find a good vape without breaking the bank?

Yes, and it has become the norm. Major brands now offer reliable kits at very affordable prices. Aspire, Innokin, Geekvape, Smok, and Eleaf sell high-performance models that allow you to get started without making a major investment. Beginners often choose Aspire or Vaporesso kits, which are known for their value for money.

The key is to prioritize equipment with long-term availability. The availability of coils, cartridges, and replacement parts is often more important than a few euros' difference in price at purchase.

Which model should you choose based on your needs?

The podmod remains the ideal solution for vapers looking for simple, discreet, and portable equipment.

Users who want more battery life or plan to upgrade their vaping setup can opt for more feature-rich mod devices. Some models even allow you to gradually transition from indirect to direct inhalation without changing your setup completely.

The key is to choose equipment that can grow with you while still meeting your daily needs.

Which e-liquid should you use with your affordable e-cigarette?

A successful transition to vaping depends as much on the device you choose as on the e-liquid you use.

What nicotine level should you choose?

The nicotine strength should match your cigarette consumption. To make things easier, we've written a guide to help you pick the right nicotine level. The heavier your smoking habit, the higher the nicotine level should be to avoid cravings and make the transition to vaping easier.

Which flavors should you choose?

Former smokers often prefer tobacco or menthol flavors during their first days of vaping. However, don't hesitate to explore other flavor profiles, such as fruit or dessert flavors, to avoid getting bored.

What PG/VG ratio should you use?

For podmods and compact e-cigarettes, 50PG/50VG e-liquids remain the most versatile. They provide a good balance between flavor delivery, vapor production, and coil lifespan.

Choosing the right e-liquid is just as important as choosing the right device

An excellent kit paired with an unsuitable e-liquid is likely to result in a disappointing experience. Conversely, a well-chosen e-liquid can often maximize the performance of an entry-level e-cigarette.

Users of MTL devices generally prefer thinner e-liquids and higher nicotine levels, while fans of airy vaping will opt for e-liquids with a higher vegetable glycerin content and lower nicotine levels.

Podmods and all-in-one (AIO) e-cigarettes are also particularly well-suited for nicotine salts and CBD e-liquids. A well-chosen e-liquid in a suitable clearomizer produces consistent vapor, whether you opt for a tobacco or fruity flavor.

How much does vaping actually cost?

The price of a starter kit is generally between €20 and €40. On top of that, there are consumables: coils, cartridges, and e-liquids.

Most coils need to be replaced every one to three weeks, depending on usage. E-liquids are the main expense, but their cost is generally lower than that of traditional tobacco.

Even when factoring in consumables, vaping remains a long-term economical alternative for many users.

DIY: The solution for cutting costs even further

DIY involves making your own e-liquids using a PG/VG base, a flavor concentrate, and, if desired, a nicotine booster.

This method significantly reduces the cost per milliliter while allowing you to fully customize your recipes. Fans of fruit, classic, mint, or dessert-style flavors now have an extremely wide selection of concentrates to choose from.

After mixing, a maturation period is generally necessary to achieve optimal flavor.

Mistakes to avoid when starting out

Certain mistakes are common during the first few weeks of vaping:

Choosing an inappropriate nicotine level;
Using an e-liquid with too high a VG content in a small podmod;
Forgetting to prime a new coil;
Waiting too long before replacing a worn-out coil.

A few good habits are usually enough to extend the lifespan of your equipment and significantly improve the vaping experience.

MTL vaping vs. DL vaping: what's the difference?

MTL vaping, or indirect inhalation, mimics the draw of a traditional cigarette. It's ideal for beginners and users of high-nicotine e-liquids.

DL vaping, or direct inhalation, produces more vapor thanks to more powerful coils and a higher airflow. It's better suited for experienced vapers or those who love big clouds.

For beginners, MTL is generally the simplest and most effective choice.

Why check reviews before buying?

User reviews provide concrete feedback on actual battery life, draw quality, coil lifespan, and the overall reliability of a kit.

They are an excellent complement to technical specifications and often help identify models offering the best value for money.

Our kits and great deals for your purchase

To help you get started with vaping, we regularly offer complete starter kits that include an e-cigarette, e-liquids, and sometimes extra coils.

You'll also find deals all year round, along with clearomizers, atomizers, flavor concentrates, and e-liquids. Joyetech, Aspire, Smok, and Eleaf are just some of the brands that offer affordable vaping equipment.

FAQ on affordable e-cigarettes

What is the best affordable e-cigarette?

The best choice depends on your smoking habits, your expectations regarding battery life, and the type of vape experience you're looking for. Models such as the Centaurus range from Lost Vape and starter kits from Innokin are frequently recommended for beginners.

What budget should you plan for when starting?

A budget of between €20 and €40 is enough to get a reliable starter kit to begin vaping. This price generally includes the complete product with a built-in battery and starter coil.

Podmod or mod: which should you choose?

The podmod prioritizes simplicity and discretion, with a refillable tank and readily available replacement cartridges. The mod offers greater battery life, power, and upgrade options, with USB charging.

Which e-liquid should you choose to start?

Tobacco, mint, or fruit flavors are often the best options to begin with. A tobacco or menthol e-liquid in a standard clearomizer remains the most natural starting point for a beginner.

Is a cheap e-cigarette reliable?

Yes, provided you choose a reputable brand and verify the availability of associated consumables. There is a wide range of reliable, low-cost models available, particularly from brands whose podmod systems and coils remain available over time, such as the Aegis series from Geekvape.