The differences between an open vs closed pod vaping system

By JC Connington

If you’re considering vaping, there are many different options available and a lot of information out there to take in – including the difference between open and closed vaping systems. Below, we take a look at what sets them apart and which system might be the best option for you? 

Whether a device is ‘open system’ or ‘closed system’ refers to the method used to refill the e-liquid. With open system vapes, the user will manually refill the e-liquid after it has been depleted. Closed system vapes, on the other hand, are not refillable and the e-liquid cartridge, pod or device must be replaced entirely. 

Open system vapes also have a removable mouthpiece, whereas on closed system vapes the mouthpiece is built into the cartridge itself. Open system vapes tend to be larger and bulkier than closed system vapes, which have a simpler design and a smaller heating unit. 

So, which system is best? There’s no easy answer here, as they both have benefits and disadvantages. Ultimately, the decision between a closed and open system vape will depend on your vaping preferences.

Why Would Someone Switch to an Open System?

There are a wide range of open system vapes available. Both sub-ohms and mods are types of open systems. 

Advantages:

• E-liquid customisation: As open vape systems are customisable and require the user to fill the e-liquid tank manually, you have a wide range of e-liquid options that are compatible with your device.

• Battery power: Because open system vapes are typically larger than closed systems, they have stronger batteries, meaning less charges between use. 

• Cloud production: Sub-ohm vaping, supported by types of open system devices, produce larger clouds of vapour due to the low resistance of their coils. For more information on vape wattages, visit our guide here. 

• Personalisation: Some open system vapes are rebuildable and allow users to customise different components of the device, including the coils, wicks and tanks. Users should only attempt rebuildable devices if they have a solid understanding of vaping technology. 

Disadvantages:

• Flavour ghosting: When manually refilling the tank with e-liquid, remnants of the previous flavour will remain in the tank. When this happens, you might taste hints of the previous flavour while vaping. 

• Portability: Open systems are often bulkier than closed systems and users will need to carry separate e-liquid containers to refill their device. 

• E-liquid compatibility: Not all e-liquids and open system vapes are compatible. Some e-liquids are suited to specific atomiser and device types. For example, if you use a sub-ohm device (meaning the coils contain a resistance below 1.0 ohm),  you will require e-liquids higher in VG than PG. 

• Maintenance: Open system vapes contain removable and refillable components. These components will need to be maintained and cleaned, suitable for users who don’t mind additional upkeep.

Why Would Someone Switch to a Closed System?

Advantages:

• Convenience: Closed pod systems are easy to get started with, so might be best for smokers who have recently switched to vaping. With a closed system, pods are pre-filled with e-liquid. When your pod is empty, you can simply replace it with another one. 

• Alternating flavours: If you are a vaper who likes to switch between different e-liquid flavours and intensities, closed pod systems are advantageous. You can switch between pods as you like without risking flavour ghosting. 

• Portability: Closed system vapes are typically more compact than open systems and do not require users to carry separate bottles of e-liquid.

Disadvantages:

• E-liquid options: E-liquids in closed systems are contained in pre-filled cartridges or pods that are device-dependent. This means your e-liquid flavour and nicotine concentration options are limited to those provided by the same manufacturer as your device, with the most common flavour options being fruit, menthol and tobacco.

• Customisation: Closed pod systems do not support as many personalisation options. This means the integrated components are fixed and things such a vapour production cannot be tweaked. 

Hopefully we have helped to set out the main difference between open and closed system vapes. If you are finding it tricky to choose between the two, you might want to do some more reading. Why not find out more about what vape mods are or simply about the various different types of vapes and e-cigarettes to help you with your decision?