Best Vape Starter Kits UK 2026: Our Top 3 Picks for Beginners & Switchers
Choosing your first vape kit can feel overwhelming. With hundreds of devices on the market, how do you find the right one? Whether you’re looking for a vape starter kit in the UK, switching from disposables after the 2025 ban, or searching for the best pod kit for 2026, we’ve done the hard work for you.
At White Vape Co – Southampton’s trusted vape shop with three stores across Totton, Hythe and Holbury – we help hundreds of people start their smoke-free journey every month. As an official Smoke Free Hampshire partner, we know what works for beginners. Our team has tested and recommended countless devices, and we’ve narrowed it down to three standout starter kits that consistently deliver for new vapers across Hampshire and the wider UK.
Every device below is available to buy online with free UK delivery or to try in-store at any of our Southampton-area locations. And if you want everything in one box – device, coils and e-liquids – check out our Device Package Deals for unbeatable value.
#1 Best Overall: OXVA Xlim Go 2
Battery: 1,500mAh | Style: MTL/RDL Pod Kit | Best For: Absolute beginners & budget-conscious vapers
👉 View the OXVA Xlim Go 2 | Xlim Go 2 Starter Bundle
Why We Recommend It
If there’s one device we recommend more than any other to people walking into our vape shops in Southampton for the first time, it’s the OXVA Xlim Go 2. Building on the wildly popular original Xlim Go, the Go 2 takes everything that made its predecessor brilliant and adds meaningful upgrades – a 50% bigger battery, faster charging, and OXVA’s latest UniTech 2.0 coil technology for dramatically improved flavour.
The Xlim Go 2 is designed with one thing in mind: simplicity. It’s a draw-activated device with no buttons and no menus – you fill the pod with your chosen e-liquid or nic salt, pop it in, and start vaping. The adjustable airflow lets you dial in a tight cigarette-like draw for MTL vaping or open it up for a slightly airier restricted direct-lung (RDL) style. It’s the perfect entry point into vaping.
Key Features
- 1,500mAh battery – A massive 50% upgrade over the original Go. This will comfortably last most vapers multiple days on a single charge – OXVA claims up to five days with the 0.8ohm pod. The hidden breathing starlight indicator glows when you vape or charge, showing green for 70%+, blue for 30%+, and red when it’s time to plug in.
- USB-C 2A fast charging – Reaches 80% in under 30 minutes. Significantly faster than the original Go thanks to the upgraded 2A charging speed.
- UniTech 2.0 coil technology – OXVA’s latest dual mesh system with five-layer premium cotton delivers 50% more flavour and 30% longer pod life compared to previous generation pods.
- Adjustable airflow – Slide the airflow ring to find your sweet spot, from a tight cigarette-like draw to a slightly looser pull.
- Smart wattage – Automatically detects your coil resistance and selects the best output, so there’s zero guesswork. 30W max output.
- Full Xlim pod compatibility – Works with all Xlim V2, V3, Top Fill and EZ pods in 0.4ohm, 0.6ohm, 0.8ohm and 1.2ohm options. We recommend the 0.8ohm pod with nic salts for the best beginner experience.
- Eight colourways – Light Brown, Black, Metal Silver, Metal Blue, Green Ripple, Blue Ripple, Pink Ripple and Black Carbon.
Who Is It For?
The Xlim Go 2 is ideal for anyone looking for a beginner vape kit in the UK that’s straightforward and reliable. It’s our go-to recommendation for ex-smokers making the switch, people transitioning from disposables, and anyone who wants maximum flavour without a steep learning curve. Pick up the device on its own or as part of a complete Xlim Go 2 Starter Bundle with pods and nic salt e-liquids included for unbeatable value.
#2 Best Upgrade: OXVA Xlim 3 Ultra
Battery: 1,500mAh | Style: MTL/RDL Pod Kit | Screen: 2.2″ HD Full Touch | Best For: Vapers who want more control and a premium feel
👉 View the OXVA Xlim 3 Ultra | Browse all OXVA devices
Why We Recommend It
If you’ve been vaping for a little while and want something with a bit more sophistication, or you simply appreciate having more control over your experience, the OXVA Xlim 3 Ultra is the natural next step. It takes everything that makes the OXVA Xlim range brilliant and adds a stunning 2.2-inch HD full touch screen – the first of its kind in the Xlim lineup.
This isn’t just a gimmick. The touch screen provides smartphone-level clarity, allowing you to adjust wattage, monitor battery life, check your puff count, and customise themes and animations with a simple tap or swipe. It makes the Xlim 3 Ultra feel genuinely modern – like the tech-forward device it is.
Key Features
- 1,500mAh battery – Significantly bigger than the Xlim Go, lasting up to 4 days on a single charge with moderate use. It reaches 80% charge in just 30 minutes via USB-C fast charging.
- 2.2″ HD full touch screen – Crystal-clear display with customisable themes, animations, and real-time vaping data. It’s incredibly intuitive, even for those who aren’t particularly tech-savvy.
- Super Pulse System chipset – OXVA’s latest technology delivers stable, consistent power output from first puff to last, preventing the flavour drop-off that can happen as battery depletes on lesser devices.
- UniTech 2.0 coil technology – Delivers up to 50% more flavour and extends pod lifespan by 30% compared to earlier Xlim pods.
- Smart VW mode – Automatically adjusts wattage to match your coil, or switch to manual mode for full 5–30W control.
- Dual activation – Both draw-activated and button-fired, with a physical lock switch to prevent accidental misfires in your pocket.
- Full Xlim pod compatibility – Works with all OXVA Xlim V2, V3 and EZ series pods. The included V3 top-fill pods hold 2ml (TPD compliant) and come in 0.6ohm and 0.8ohm options.
- Eight premium colourways – Metal Grey, Metal Silver, Cherry Pink, Mint Green, Ultra Carbon, Mocha Brown, Midnight Black, and Bordeaux Red.
Who Is It For?
The Xlim 3 Ultra is perfect for vapers who want a step up from basic pod kits without moving to a full mod setup. The touch screen is particularly great for anyone with dexterity issues who finds tiny buttons fiddly, and the large clear display makes it easy to see your settings at a glance. It’s equally at home with nic salts for a tight MTL draw or standard e-liquids for a slightly airier restricted direct-lung (RDL) style.
#3 Best Traditional Style: Aspire PockeX Box Kit
Battery: 2,000mAh | Style: MTL Tank & Coil Kit | Best For: Vapers who prefer a separate tank and coil system
👉 View the Aspire PockeX Box Kit | PockeX Replacement Coils
Why We Recommend It
Some things stand the test of time, and the Aspire PockeX is one of them. This device has been a staple in vape shops across Southampton and the wider UK for years, and for good reason – it just works. While pod kits have taken the spotlight in recent years, there’s still a significant number of vapers who prefer the traditional tank-and-coil approach, and the PockeX Box Kit is the best way to get into it.
Unlike pod systems where the coil is built into the pod, the PockeX uses a separate tank with replaceable coils. This gives you a different kind of flexibility – you can change just the coil when flavour fades rather than the entire pod, and many vapers find the flavour from a traditional coil setup to be richer and more consistent over time.
Key Features
- 2,000mAh internal battery – The largest battery of our three picks. This will comfortably last even heavy vapers a full day, and moderate users may get two days between charges.
- Sliding leak-proof top fill – Aspire spent years refining this system based on customer feedback. Simply slide the top cap, fill with your chosen e-liquid, and slide it closed. No mess, no fuss.
- Smooth adjustable airflow – Dial in your preferred draw tightness with the airflow ring at the base of the tank.
- Replaceable coils – Available in 0.6ohm and 1.2ohm options. The 1.2ohm coil provides a tight MTL draw ideal for nic salts, while the 0.6ohm offers slightly more vapour production.
- Proven reliability – The PockeX platform has been refined over multiple generations. It’s one of the most trusted starter kits in the UK vaping market.
Who Is It For?
The PockeX Box Kit is the perfect choice for vapers who prefer the traditional approach of a separate tank and coil system. If you’ve used a vape pen before and liked it, or if you’d rather change a coil than swap a whole pod, this is your device. Its massive battery also makes it a solid pick for heavy vapers who don’t want to worry about charging mid-day. Pop into our Totton, Hythe or Holbury store and our team will happily show you how to set it up and choose the right coils and e-liquids for your taste.
Quick Comparison: Which Kit Is Right for You?
| Feature | Xlim Go 2 | Xlim 3 Ultra | PockeX Box Kit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery | 1,500mAh | 1,500mAh | 2,000mAh |
| Screen | Breathing light | 2.2″ HD touch | None |
| Coil System | Pod (V2/V3/EZ) | Pod (V3/EZ) | Tank & coil |
| Vaping Style | MTL / RDL | MTL / RDL | MTL |
| Best For | Beginners | Upgraders | Tank lovers |
| Charging | USB-C 2A (30 min→80%) | USB-C (30 min→80%) | Micro USB |
Get Everything You Need in One Box: Device Package Deals
Not sure which e-liquids or coils to pair with your new device? We’ve taken the guesswork out of it. Our Device Package Deals include everything you need to start vaping straight out of the box: the device, a pack of pods or coils, and a selection of curated nic salt e-liquids matched perfectly to your kit.
Our most popular bundles include:
- OXVA Xlim Go 2 Starter Bundle – Device + Xlim Pods + 4 x Nic Salt E-Liquids. Everything to start vaping immediately.
- OXVA Xlim Pro 3 Starter Bundle – Premium device + pods + hand-picked e-liquids for the flavour-conscious vaper.
- Aspire Pockex bundle – For those who want trusted sperate tank and coil device and don;t like change!
These bundles save you money compared to buying each item separately, and they’re a fantastic option if you’re buying a vape starter kit as a gift for someone making the switch from smoking. We ship across the UK with fast, reliable delivery – or collect from our stores in Totton, Hythe or Holbury.
How to Choose Your First Vape Kit
If you’re still unsure which device is right for you, here’s a quick decision guide:
- Want the simplest, cheapest option? Go with the OXVA Xlim Go 2. It’s the easiest route into vaping with a huge battery and incredible value for money.
- Want more control and a premium touch screen? The OXVA Xlim 3 Ultra gives you adjustable wattage, smart features, and a stunning display without the complexity of a full mod.
- Prefer a traditional tank and coil system? The Aspire PockeX Box Kit is a proven performer with the biggest battery of the three and replaceable coils for long-term value.
Whatever you choose, pair it with the right e-liquid for the best experience. We recommend nicotine salts for pod kits like the Xlim Go 2 and Xlim 3 Ultra – they deliver smooth nicotine satisfaction that closely replicates the feeling of smoking. For the PockeX, either nic salts or standard 50/50 e-liquids work beautifully depending on your coil choice.
Visit Us In-Store for Expert Advice
While this guide covers the essentials, nothing beats hands-on advice. If you’re searching for a vape shop in Southampton, Totton, Hythe, Holbury, or anywhere across the New Forest and Hampshire area, our stores are here to help. Our friendly, experienced staff will:
- Help you choose the right device for your needs and budget
- Show you how to set up, fill and maintain your kit
- Recommend the best e-liquids and nic salts for your taste
- Provide free consultations and support through the Smoke Free Hampshire programme
- Offer ongoing support with coil changes, troubleshooting and upgrades
Our Store Locations:
- White Vape Co Totton – 19 Salisbury Road, SO40 3HX | Open 7 days
- White Vape Co Hythe – 39 Hollybank Crescent, SO45 5FZ | Mon–Sat
- White Vape Co Holbury – 81 Long Lane, SO45 2ND | Extended Thursday hours
Can’t visit in person? Browse our full range of starter kits, pod kits and device package deals online at whitevapeco.uk with fast UK delivery. Whether you’re in Southampton, Hampshire or anywhere across the UK, we’re here to help you find the perfect vape.