Gone are the days when standalone vape mods were exclusively big and bulky cloud engines. Innovations in vape design have made mods more conveniently sized for both travel and comfort while retaining all the necessary functions of their larger ancestors. So today, we’d like to take a look at the best small vape mods, which despite their snug builds, can often stand tall among the best vape mods out there.
If you’re looking for a compact vape kit complete with a tank or pod, you might prefer to take a gander at our roundup of the best small vapes. But if small mods are what you need, then read on below for the best of the batch!
The Best Small Box Mod Overall Is: Eleaf iStick Power Mono
The Eleaf iStick Power Mono Mod is our top choice for the best small mod. Despite its small footprint, this small vape mod is fitted with one of the largest batteries in the vaping world, serves both MTL and DTL purposes, and features a simple beginner-friendly interface. Overall, iStick Power Mono Mod is the best compact vape mod you can get your hands on today.
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The 7 Best Small Vape Mods (Mini Mods) In 2023 Are:
- Eleaf iStick Power Mono
- Innokin Kroma 217
- Voopoo Argus XT
- Aspire Zelos 3
- Eleaf iStick i40
- Geekvape L200 Aegis Legend 2
Eleaf iStick Power Mono
Best Small Vape Mod
Features We Love
Battery Behemoth
One of the largest internal batteries in a vape
Smart & Safe
Smart mode prevents coils from burning out
Ergonomic
Rounded edges and soft grip panel for maximum comfort
The Eleaf iStick Power Mono Mod has it all! While Eleaf ordinarily don’t compete with other brands like SMOK, Voopoo, and Aspire, the iStick Power Mono Mod is a stunning piece of kit that elevates them in my eyes significantly!
It’s a small device that is pleasant to look at, with a matte finish coupled with a soft grip panel along with rounded edges that feel very comfortable to clutch. But within its remarkably lightweight build hides a gargantuan 3500mAh internal battery life — one of the largest internal power sources I’ve ever seen in a vape, let alone one this small!
The functionality is simple and pleasantly geared toward a more casual user, with simple 5W – 80W power output control and an optional Smart mode to prevent coils burning out. RDA users may want to look at other kits in the list, like the Argus XT, but anyone using a standard vape tank, be it MTL or DTL, will have plenty of power on their hands with the iStick Power Mono Mod.
There are vape mods with more user modes and vape mods with greater durability, but the Eleaf iStick Power Mono Mod is a jack of all trades that won’t let you down when you need a travel-friendly mod for your tank of choice.
Pros
- Absolutely massive battery capacity
- Remarkably snug fit despite huge mAh
- Perfect for MTL and DTL vaping
Cons
- Some may prefer more features
Innokin Kroma 217
Best for: Features
Features We Love
Coil Guardian: Two distinct modes coil longevity and flavour improvement
Pistol Grip: Attractive, unique and comfortable build design
Power Picker: Compatible with 18650, 20700 & 21700 batteries
The original Kroma was a bit of a misfire when it was first released, but Innokin have spent years back at the drawing board to perfect the design. The result? The Kroma 217 Mod. This compact Innokin mod provides you with not just a plethora of features but also more battery customisation than any other mini-mods around.
The Kroma 217 takes an external battery. It is compatible with all three vape battery options — 18650, 20700, and 21700 batteries. The mod is advanced enough to detect the variety of battery selected and offers wattage maximums of 80W for 18650 and 20700s and 100W for those utilising 21700 batteries.
On top of that, the mod is loaded with the Refresh mode previously mentioned with the Coolfire Z80 alongside Coil+ mode, which sends short bursts of power through your coil after long sessions to knock residual e-liquid loose, preserving your wicks for much longer than usual.
These features coupled with the attractive and very comfortable ‘pistol grip’ design of the mod make it one of the best mini vape mods for anyone with a number of different batteries on their hands, as well as being the smallest 18650 mod featured in this roundup.
Pros
- Coil preserving and flavour promoting user modes
- Compatible with all external vape batteries
- 100W max power output when using a 21700 battery
Cons
- Slightly fragile build
- Small screen
Voopoo Argus XT
Best for: Clouds
Features We Love
Yay RDA: Temperature Control modes for DIY coil cloud potential
Armor Plated: Extremely durable IP68 damage and water protections
Battery Selecta: Compatible with both 18650 and 21700 batteries
Voopoo’s Argus XT mod is a frankly futuristic-looking piece of carbon-fibre decal hardware, and one glance is all I needed to understand that this was very much a cloud engine.
Despite being a single-battery unit capable of fitting both 18650 and 21700 batteries, the Argus XT has one of the higher wattage output ranges featured in this list, with a maximum of 100W. But the cloud capabilities don’t end there.
By exploring the menus, you’ll quickly discover that the Argus XT is loaded not only with Smart and Boost modes but also Temperature Control modes for several different varieties of coil-building material. This feature makes the Argus XT the best compact vaping mod for your RDA or RDTA DIY setups.
This magnificent mod’s features are capped off by a remarkably durable construction built to IP68 specification, making it resistant to occasional drop damage, and particles such as sand and sawdust, as well as being able to survive being briefly submerged in shallow water.
It’s a heart-stopping moment when your vaping mod falls into the sink, but you can rest assured that the Argus XT is built for even the clumsiest cloud-chasers out there.
Pros
- Perfect for DIY coil building
- Waterproof and drop-protected IP68 build
- Lanyard ring for necklace carrying
Cons
- Slightly heavy construction
- Only suitable for sub-ohm vapers
Aspire Zelos 3
Best for: Battery Life
Features We Love
All Day Puffa: Very sizable 3200mAh battery
No Fuss: Approachable and easy for anyone to use
Power Master: Battery on/off switch on base to prevent pocket firing
A real darling here at MIST, the Aspire Zelos 3 mod is a simple workhorse of a box mod. It provides you with a basic 1W – 80W range of power outputs as well as a smattering of user modes that may be a little more advanced than what you’re looking for.
But you’ll be able to explore those outputs and modes freely for several days between charges thanks to the mind-blowing 3200mAh internal battery.
With one of the largest internal power sources available in the vape market, the Zelos 3 is designed to keep you going at all times and boasts remarkably quick charging speeds thanks to its Type-C charging port.
There is a minimal menu you can access by holding the ‘fire’ and ‘+’ buttons together. This allows you to switch modes, reset the puff counter, and even change the colour of the interface, providing a small but pleasant degree of customisation.
A final note of comfort is the power master switch at the base of the mod, which can help you prevent pocket firing when your Zelos 3 mod is tucked away in your trousers or handbag, though keep in mind that the large internal battery does result in a rather heavy build that some may find offputting.
Pros
- Several days of battery charge
- Simple UI and functionality
- Power master switch
Cons
- Bulky size dimensions
- Heavy build weight
Eleaf iStick i40
Best for: Beginners
Features We Love
Moderate Mini Mods: Primarily intended for MTL use
Lux Leatherette: Pleather wraparound provides high degrees of grip comfort
Snug Fit: Very portable build that fits in any pocket
Another Eleaf box mod now with the iStick i40 Mod — a more moderate piece of hardware from the maniacs who blessed us all with the iStick Power Mono Mod.
The iStick i40 Mod is a far more MTL-focussed mod, with a maximum power output of 40W which is still enough for RDL use and some very light DTL inhales.
This mod is built with your comfort in mind, featuring a wraparound pleather panel that provides a soft grip no matter how you hold your device. A simple three-button interface provides firing and power adjustment functionality, with no crazy user modes to get in the way of simple, satisfying mouth-to-lung puffs.
And you can vape away the day thanks to the 2600mAh internal battery. While it obviously doesn’t quite match up to the iPower Mono’s battery, it results in a more lightweight build that’s even better for travel ease, making the Eleaf iStick i40 Mod the best mini vape mod for mouth-to-lung vapers seeking on-the-move satisfaction.
Pros
- Perfect MTL vape mod
- Rapid charge speeds
- Perfect travel mod
Cons
- Not suitable for sub-ohm vaping
- Screen could be slightly larger
Geekvape L200 Aegis Legend 2
Best for: Wattage
Features We Love
Powerful Device: Insanely high 200W maximum output
Safety’s On: Instant lock mechanism with the use of the A-lock switch
Screen Queen: Large 1.08” colour display for full tech/spec overviews
The largest of today’s mini mods, the Geekvape L200 Aegis Legend 2 Mod still manages to deliver a compact size and travel-friendly build despite being the only dual-18650 battery mod featured in today’s roundup.
While devices like the Argus XT above can boast robust user modes, the Aegis Legend 2 focuses on helping you ascend to the highest power plateaus possible with its mindblowing 200W maximum output.
Any sub-ohmer knows that traditional vape coils rarely ever manage that kind of stress, making it clear that the Aegis Legend 2 is very much at home with an RDA or RDTA, though obviously, standard sub-ohm tanks can still be used within the 60W – 120W range.
On top of that, you have standard Geekvape features like the IP68 protections against water and knocks. It also has Geekvape’s characteristic A-lock mechanism, a simple and easily-flipped switch that prevents your mod from firing or adjusting the power setting unintentionally.
While at the very upper limit of what I consider to be mini vape mods, the Aegis Legend 2 is still compact enough for the advanced vaper to take anywhere without ruining the lining of your jeans or jacket.
Pros
- Gigantic 200W output maximum
- Remarkably compact for a dual-battery mod
- Large full-colour display screen
Cons
- Too advanced for simple MTL vaping
- Not compatible with 21700 batteries
FAQ
How long does the battery typically last on a small vape mod?
Smaller vape mods can generally deliver as much battery life as full-size units. If you’re looking for mini mods that can withstand days of use be sure to select one with a high mAh rating, or a mod with removable batteries so that you can swap them out in the event of power depletion.
What is the average price range for small vape mods?
Generally, the average price range for the best small vape mods is between £25 and £40.
Compact mini mods generally cost a little less than full vape devices due to the lack of a tank or coils included. If you already have a good tank on hand, you can save yourself some cash by browsing standalone mini-mods.
Can I use my small vape mod while charging?
This varies between devices, as not all of the best small vape mods feature ‘passthrough’ technology, which allows you to vape them while they’re charging.
If this is an essential feature, be sure to check the product description or manufacturer’s website to confirm whether the mini mods can be vaped while charging.
Need More Help?
Thank you for reading this roundup of the best small vape mods in 2023, we hope you’ve found it informative and that it’s given you a better sense of how much functionality you can still expect from smaller vape mods.
If any of the best small vape mods above have sparked your interest then visit the MIST online store now to make a great value purchase!
And be sure to subscribe to the MIST Youtube channel for videos covering vape tech, e-liquid, the best small vape mods, and information on the ins and outs of vaping.
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