How Long Does a Vape Last?
A guide to vape lifespan covering disposables, pod kits, batteries and e-liquid.
Shop Pod Kits Shop E-LiquidsQuick answer: It depends on the type of vape. A 600 puff disposable typically lasts 1 to 3 days. A rechargeable pod kit can last months or years as a device, with pods or e-liquid needing regular replacement. The battery in a rechargeable device usually lasts 200 to 500 charge cycles.
The question of how long a vape lasts has several different answers depending on whether you are asking about the e-liquid, the battery, the coil or the device itself. Here is a breakdown of each.
Lifespan by Vape Type
| Vape type | E-liquid lifespan | Battery lifespan | Device lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| 600 puff disposable | 1 to 3 days (average user) | Single use, not rechargeable | Disposed of when empty |
| 2500 puff disposable | 4 to 10 days | Usually rechargeable until liquid runs out | Disposed of when empty |
| Prefilled pod kit | Per pod: 2 to 5 days | 200 to 500 charge cycles | 6 to 24 months with care |
| Refillable pod kit | Per 10ml bottle: 3 to 7 days | 200 to 500 charge cycles | 12 to 36 months with care |
| Coil (mod/tank) | Coil lasts 1 to 4 weeks | External battery: 300 to 500 cycles | Mod: 2 to 5 years with care |
How Long Does the Battery Last?
Lithium-ion batteries degrade with each charge cycle. A charge cycle counts as one full discharge and recharge. Most vaping device batteries are rated for between 200 and 500 full cycles before capacity noticeably drops. In practical terms, charging your device daily, that is 200 to 500 days of use before the battery starts to hold less charge.
Approximate device lifespan with daily use (charging once per day)
Bars represent months of use before battery capacity noticeably reduces.
How Long Does E-Liquid Last?
Unopened e-liquid has a shelf life of around 1 to 2 years from manufacture, depending on storage conditions. Once opened, e-liquid is best used within 3 to 6 months. After this, the nicotine can oxidise, flavour compounds degrade and the liquid may change colour. It does not become dangerous, but the taste and nicotine delivery will be noticeably worse.
In terms of daily use, a 10ml bottle of e-liquid lasts most vapers between 3 and 7 days depending on frequency and device output.
Signs Your Vape or Component Needs Replacing
- Burnt or harsh taste: the coil needs replacing
- Reduced vapour production: coil, battery or pod nearing end of life
- Battery not holding charge: battery degradation after many cycles
- Leaking: pod or tank seal has failed, replace the pod or tank
- E-liquid gone dark or smells off: liquid has oxidised, replace it