As most vapers will now be aware, the Vaping Products Duty came into effect on 1st of October 2026, and now is the perfect time to start thinking about ways you can save. Small actions like moving to a higher nicotine strength, switching from prefilled to refillable vapes, and utilising bulk buying deals can all offer a cheaper way to vape after the Vaping Products Duty.
The vape tax will add a levy to all vaping products that contain e-liquid and in this handy guide, we will break down relevant information, like the fact that the ‘cheapest’ vaping method is dependent on a number of factors.
What is the cheapest type of vape to use?
To work out the cheapest type of vape for you, it is important to look past the initial price and consider how much it will cost in the long run. For most vapers, a refillable vape kit will be the most cost effective option long-term.
Prefilled vs refillable pod kits
Although the price increases can make it tempting to switch to the vape kit that offers the lowest initial cost, like a prefilled pod kit that only comes with 2ml of e-liquid, this is actually likely to be more expensive in the long run. While the individual purchase of 2ml prefilled pods may be more affordable, they will need to be replaced much more often than a big puff pod & refill or 10ml bottle of e-liquid, meaning the price can quickly add up.
Opting for a big puff vape kit or a refillable vape kit means you will not only need to make less frequent purchases, but also means you are getting more e-liquid for your money and are often utilising the e-liquid more effectively, meaning it lasts longer.
In the below tables we have worked out the average price of a variety of vape kits based on the estimate of a vaper using around 8ml of e-liquid per week, to give you an idea of the difference in cost per method of vaping. We have based the prices on the expected price of products once the VPD and additional costs have been applied.
Approximate cost of standard prefilled vape kit
| Units per week | Cost per week | Units per 12 weeks | Cost per 12 weeks | Units per year | Cost per year | |
| One reusable 2ml prefilled pod device | 1 | £5.99 | ||||
| Prefilled pod 2ml 2 pack | 2 | £12.98 | 24 | £155.76 | 104 | £674.96 |
| Total | £680.95 |
Approximate cost of a big puff prefilled vape kit
| Units per week | Cost per week | Units per 12 weeks | Cost per 12 weeks | Units per year | Cost per year | |
| One reusable prefilled big puff pod device | 1 | £13.49 | ||||
| Prefilled pod packs 12ml | 1 | £11.49 | 8 | £91.92 | 35 | £402.15 |
| Total | £415.64 |
You will notice that there are some big differences in the initial price of a prefilled vape kit. This is because the vaping product duty is taxing per ml of e-liquid included with the device. So, a standard prefilled kit will be subject to tax on its 2ml pods, while a big puff prefilled pod kit will contain more e-liquid and therefore be subject to more tax.
Approximate cost of a refillable vape kit over a year
| Units per week | Cost per week | Units per 12 weeks | Cost per 12 weeks | Units per year | Cost per year | |
| One refillable device | 1 | £22 | ||||
| 10ml e-liquids | 1 | £6.99 | 10 | £69.90 | 42 | £293.58 |
| Coils/pods (if changed every 2 weeks) | 1 | £3 | 6 | £18 | 26 | £78 |
| Total | £393.58 |
While a refillable kit will cost you more initially, it is clear that for many vapers, they will have lower running costs. This means that in most cases, a refillable kit is the most cost-effective option.
Choose a higher nicotine strength to use less e-liquid
Choose a higher nicotine strength to use less e-liquid
Choosing the right nicotine strength is another important step in saving money long-term. Many vapers may find they are actually spending more on e-liquid than they need to be, simply because they are using a nicotine strength that is too low.
The most effective way to save money after the VPD is to reduce your e-liquid consumption, as the vape duty is charged per ml of e-liquid. By switching to a higher nicotine strength, you can ensure your nicotine cravings are still satisfied, but with fewer puffs and less e-liquid use.
This does not mean increasing your overall nicotine intake, but rather to get the same nicotine delivery from fewer puffs. For example, switching from a 5 mg/ml e-liquid to a 20 mg/ml and adjusting your vaping style to reduce your use could reduce the amount you spend on e-liquid by three quarters with the same nicotine delivered. Choosing nic salt e-liquids can also help with this, as the nicotine absorbs faster than freebase nicotine so can satisfy cravings quicker.
That being said, it is important to choose the right nicotine strength to suit your needs, and not all vapers would be suited to a high nicotine strength. If you are currently using a low nicotine strength you may want to increase your nicotine strength slightly to see how it works for you and adjust as needed.
Should you compare vape size or puff count?
When it comes to picking out the cheapest way to vape, you might be wondering which of the factors is most likely to make a difference once the Vaping Product Duty comes in and, in this case, the biggest impact will always be in the amount of e-liquid included with a product.
Because the new levy introduces a price increase of £2.20, plus VAT, per 10ml of e-liquid, the higher the volume of e-liquid you are buying, the bigger the overall increase in price will be.
Puff counts are also worth taking into consideration, with the assumption that higher puff counts will mean vape that lasts longer. But these counts should be treated more like estimates, due to the fact that everyone has a different vaping style and puff depth and duration will vary.
How can you reduce the cost of vaping?
Be prepared for the change by running through our checklist of ways to reduce the cost of vaping.
- Have a look at your current vaping habits and work out how much e-liquid you actually use on a weekly or monthly basis. Now you can consider whether this could be reduced by using a slightly higher nicotine strength or a higher resistance coil. A higher nicotine strength may satisfy your cravings more quickly, therefore requiring less e-liquid, while a higher resistance coil and/or a lower wattage setting will also use less e-liquid.
- Next, consider the type of device you are using and the various costs it accounts for. How much did it cost initially and what is the average running cost? Does it offer you the option to use e-liquid more efficiently by offering adjustable wattage or a lower power setting? And if not, might a more adjustable device help you save in the long run?
- You can also think about how often you vape and how connected that is to managing your nicotine cravings. It could be that by using a higher nicotine strength e-liquid, you are able to vape less and therefore better manage the amount of e-liquid you are using – which would result in savings overall.
- Once you have weighed up and considered all the various reasons for choosing one vape or another, make sure you always follow the manufacturers’ advice and also Evapo guides for looking after your device. Following guidelines and making sure you know the right maintenance routine can help you keep your device in good condition so that it lasts for longer. It can also help you avoid prematurely burning coils or wasting e-liquid – helping you save as you go.
You can also save ahead of time, by looking at bulk buys and multipacks for your favourite vaping products that allow you to stock up before the VPD comes into play.
Which vape setup offers the best value?
Finding the best value vape setup means looking at your own vaping habits and what you are looking for from a kit.
The best value vape setup for a heavy vaper
If you are a heavy vaper, then the main costs to keep in mind are:
- Your higher monthly e-liquid consumption
- More monthly pod/coil purchases
These factors mean that a refillable system could be the one that allows you to save. Even though VPD will be applied for every ml of e-liquid and that will apply per ml whether you are buying 2ml or 100ml at a time, there are savings to be made when buying larger quantities of e-liquid in one go. This is because manufacturers can save on packaging, storage space, and other associated costs.
There may also be an opportunity to save by switching to a higher nicotine strength e-liquid and choosing to vape less frequently, while also managing your cravings.
The best value vape setup for an occasional vaper
If you are an occasional vaper, then you will want to think about the fact you:
- Have a lower monthly e-liquid consumption
- May benefit from the convenience of prefilled systems
With these things in mind, you may be better suited to a system that uses prefilled pods and has a lower up-front cost.
Overall, finding the product that best helps you save after the Vaping Products Duty will mean paying close attention to your personal vaping habits and finding the solution that best matches those.
Making the switch with Evapo
Here at Evapo we have a huge range of products that can help support people make the switch from smoking. We also have many different options for those who are looking at their current vaping setup and are wondering whether they might be better served by a different device or setup when the VPD comes into play.
Conclusion
While the VPD will influence the prices of all vaping products containing e-liquid, there are a few cheaper ways to vape to keep in mind. Be sure to look at your own current habits and see which type of kit fits them best. If you would like any help or advice on this, pop into your local Evapo store or get in touch – we will be happy to help.
FAQ
Will all vape prices increase by the same amount?
No, all vape prices will not increase by the same amount. While the cost of all e-liquids and products containing e-liquids will now be taxed by £2.20 (plus VAT) for every 10ml of e-liquid, there will also be other manufacturer costs to consider, which will mean that all increases will not be the same.
What is the cheapest way to vape after the VPD?
There are a few ways to vape after the VPD that could be cheaper overall. For example, using a higher nicotine strength e-liquid or setting your device to a lower wattage and using a higher resistance coil could all reduce the amount of e-liquid you use and therefore reduce your costs overall. Stocking up before prices increase will also mean that it is cheaper to vape once the levy is introduced.
Will vape prices increase immediately on 1 October 2026?
While you may notice that some vape prices increase immediately on the 1st of October 2026, it is more likely that you will see a gradual price increase as retailers sell off their existing stock and the new products with stamp duty make their way into the market.
Will I need to replace my current vape when VPD starts?
No, there is no reason that you would have to replace your current vape when VPD starts. You may want to consider the setup you currently use and could find that it will be cheaper for you in the long term if you switch to a different device, but this will be at your own discretion.
Will vape prices be the same online and in shops?
No, vape prices will not be the same online and in shops. While the new levy will be applied to e-liquid no matter whether it is sold in physical or digital shops, there are other factors that can affect prices, such as the cost of renting a premises. This is why you will often see online exclusive deals, such as the many exclusives offered by Evapo.
Can vape discounts and promotions still save money after VPD?
Yes, vape discounts and promotions will still offer opportunities to save money after VPD. While all e-liquid will be subject to VPD, retailers will continue to have special offers that can make sure you have the opportunity to save.
Is the cheapest vape always the best-value option?
No, sometimes the cheapest vape will not always the best-value option – especially when you consider the long term. For example, a prefilled pod vape kit that only includes 2ml of e-liquid is likely to be available for a low price, but you may end up spending more on replacement pods over time in comparison to a kit that uses refillable pods or a tank.
Sources:
Gov.uk – 9/7/26
Export.org.uk – 10/02/26
Gov.uk – 26/11/2025
