If you are looking for the best vape brands in South Africa, look no further.
The vaping industry has taken the world by storm, and South Africa is no exception. With so many new and emerging brands and devices on the market, it breeds quite the level of uncertainty in picking a device that is right for your needs while also giving you a good bang for your buck.
Here is a quick summary of the types of vapes most frequently used today, also referenced in this article and how they work:
- Disposables – Set amount of puffs, one flavour, disposed of after use.
- Pod Systems – Replaceable pods/coils, rechargeable, variety of flavour options.
- Vape Kits – Complete starter kits; includes battery, coil, tank, e-liquid and charger.
- Box Mods – Highly customizable in every aspect; for vaping connoisseurs.
Article Summary
- Voopoo
- Uwell
- Smok
- Aspire
- Vuse
- Vaporesso
- Airscream
- Geekvape
- Puffmi
- Bolt
Safety:
Vaping was introduced as a smoking harm reduction tool in years as far back as 2003, and with more than 20 years of market share – we can now be sure that it isn’t going anywhere.
Studies show that vaping is up to 95% less harmful than cigarette smoke since it contains little to no carcinogens (cancer-causing agents) and above all, no tar is formed in either the device or your lungs in the process.
It is however stressed that vaping is intended as a tool in the process of quitting smoking, and is not encouraged for underaged individuals or non-smokers.
Here are the top 10 vape brands in South Africa right now:
Voopoo
The Voopoo range has been around since as early as 2016, and has since consistently released quality vape products in many categories such as pod systems, vape kits and vape box mods.
Their devices are known for sleek, sturdy designs and are global leaders in advanced vape technology available to vapers of all levels; their GENE chipset technology being the most prominent of all.
With Voopoo products, you can expect precision airflow control and rapid coil firing, making their devices responsive and a real treat to enjoy overall. Having personally owned a Voopoo for more than a year, I can confidently say that this brand was one of my favorites of all time.
Looking at their sheer popularity and availability throughout South Africa, it is safe to say that Voopoo is one of the best vape brands on the market today.
The most popular Voopoo Vape Kits on the market today are
- VOOPOO Drag 4
The VOOPOO Drag 4 is the top of the range box mod type vape kit from VOOPOO, for the vaping connoisseur. (See Product)
- VOOPOO Vinci 3
This is the mid-range pod type vaping device. For those seeking a sturdy vape at an accessible price point (See Product)
Uwell
Uwell is a very popular vape device throughout South Africa, thanks to its variety of stylish designs and excellent performance. Founded in 2015, Uwell’s “Caliburn” exploded in popularity among younger vape enthusiasts, thanks to its focus on peak flavour delivery and accessories such as the neck band – allowing users to wear this classy design as jewelry – or for lack of a better term, simply a way to never misplace your favorite nicotine delivery system.
“Where’s my vape?” – We’ve all been through this scenario all too repetitively.
Their superior flavour delivery system owes credit to their Pro-FOCS optimization coil system – an innovative technology that excellently restores the e-liquid and promises an authentic flavour with multi-layered tastes on every drag.
In addition, Uwell was one of the first vape brands that incorporated self-cleaning technology, a highly anticipated solution to the common problem of vape devices leaking e-liquid.
Uwell is simply a high-performance device, delivering on everything from aesthetics, sturdy designs to impeccable flavour profiles.
SMOK
SMOK is the leading brand of IVPS Technology – a company that specializes in the research and development of e-cigarette technology. Having attracted massive amounts of consumers globally, it is safe to say that SMOK is yet another first-class global leader in the vaping industry.
SMOK is an incredibly well-known product in South Africa and has shown widespread success since its launch in 2010 – one of the earliest high-quality vapes on the market at the time. Since they’ve been delivering consistent quality for almost 14 years to date, SMOK is a brand trusted by a wide variety of vapers.
The brand is known for cost-effective and durable devices that match the performance of its often pricey competitors listed in this article, and can easily be considered as one of the best vape brands in South Africa.
Aspire
Aspire is yet another world-leading vape brand, with over 10 years of production since its launch in 2013.
Aspire devices are known to be user-friendly, smart-looking, and, above all, leakproof – three qualities that avid vapers consider absolute prerequisites. On top of that, Aspire devices are built to last, and the brand is well known for great customer service and attention to detail.
A key aspect of Aspire devices that make them stand out from the competition is their coil systems and ergonomic design. Their coils provide consistent, rich flavourful hits, making them ideal for salt nic vaping. Paired with a device that is comfortable to hold in a natural grip, Aspire devices are perfect for those looking forward to extended vaping sessions that are easy to operate.
Vuse
Initially released in 2013, Vuse has grown to be the #1 world bestselling vape in 2022, with a full-year value share of 35.9% – led by the continued strong performance of Vuse Alto. Vuse demonstrated industry-leading consumer acquisition in 2022, up 1.6 million consumers for the annum, resulting in a total of 10 million consumers.
Vuse is known for immaculate product design, battery life, and flavour delivery. Their drags are smooth and powerful with a tight airflow and snappy coil response, creating a really effective and luxurious feel to the product. They are commonly seen exhibited throughout shopping centers in South Africa.
Vuse strands proud as an industry leader, setting examples in multiple categories such as smoking harm reduction, cutting-edge science, a sustainable approach and a consumer-centric business approach overall.
Vuse supplies their own pre-filled e-liquid pods in a range of punchy flavours, possibly being the cause of their superior drag feel.
Vuse is widely recognized as one of the best vape brands in South Africa, their presence in almost every vape store being there to back it up.
Vaporesso
Vaporesso is simply an intimidating presence to all other vape brands globally, and an incredibly strong contender for the top 10 vape brands globally. Vaporesso is, without a doubt, an extremely popular vape brand in South Africa, having won over 70 awards in 2022 alone.
Vaporesso is known for its superior design and fiery commitment to creating a smoke-free world. Not only do they offer premium devices for all kind of vapers, but their devices are sound performers in every aspect from battery life to chipset technology, beautiful designs to smart control functions and a myriad of customizable features and colour options.
Having released their “Eco Go Green” concept range in 2023 – they are without doubt the industry leader when it comes to low-carbon footprint and sustainability-centered manufacturing.
With up to 75% less carbon emissions compared to their previous releases, Vaporesso revolutionizes the approach to vaping device manufacturing.
Vaporesso pioneers the industry by their recently released “Eco Go Green” concept products in various environmentally friendly materials such as:
- Recycled Ocean Waste 60% reduced emissions
- Biodegradable PLA Coffee Grounds 44% reduced emissions
- Biodegradable Sugarcane Bagasse 75% reduced emissions
- Limestone Based Inorganic Composite 43% reduced emissions
And that’s not all. Their collaboration with “China Green Foundation” and “One Tree Planted” ensures a brighter future not for the reputation of the vaping industry alone, but for the entire planet.
Renowned for its contributions to environmental protection, ONE TREE PLANTED is a non-profit dedicated to worldwide reforestation initiatives. They’re receiving recognition this time around for their undeniable commitment to sustainability. Together with ONE TREE PLANTED, Vaporesso is implementing significant tree-planting initiatives across the globe to improve the environment.
Leading non-profit organization China Green Foundation is well-known for enabling community involvement in planning and executing reforestation projects, and plays a significant role in the country’s afforestation efforts. Their donations enable them to work together to achieve the global goal of lowering carbon emissions and building a more sustainable future.
Taking into consideration their contribution to sustainability, their impressive designs and overall operational capabilities – Vaporesso is widely considered not only as one of the best vape brands in South Africa, but world wide.
Airscream
While seemingly not as ambitious as previously mentioned brands in terms of sustainability or global production, Airscream is smaller in overall company size and yet has positioned itself as a truly effective and high-end vape brand throughout South Africa, standing strong alongside some of the best vape brands in the country.
Two notably famous devices are the Airspops Pro (rechargeable and refillable pod system) and the Airspops ONE (disposable).
Airscream also supplies its very own e-liquid, offering optimal flavour delivery and impressive overall efficiency with its devices. Of course, Airscream vapes are compatible with all other third-party e-liquids and are especially effective for consuming nic salts. Airscream coils are available in 1.0 and 0.6 ohm respectively.
The Airspops Pro is an impressively sleeky device and can barely be seen in one’s pocket – lasting over a year if used with care.
On the other hand, the Airspops ONE range comes in a variety of punchy flavours, all of which are nic-salt salt-based and delivers nicotine in strong, yet smooth puffs on the go.
They are available in 3ml, 6ml and 12ml options and can be purchased with regular or mesh coils. Mesh coils are more advanced, and are known to deliver unparalleled flavour density. They are widely available in local stores and are priced from as low as R100 per unit.
Geekvape
As the name suggests, Geekvape specializes in box mods that aim to provide users with healthier nicotine consumption alternatives while being highly customizable, and with innovation at heart to deliver on the array of customization desires of their 30 million vaping connoisseurs worldwide.
Geekvape sets itself apart by providing devices that ensure maximum tank performance and leakproof technology. In other words, getting the most out of your e-liquid in terms of longevity and capacity – perfect for avid vapers who enjoy lengthy sessions with the minimal cost and effort to operate.
Geekvape is also known to supply devices that last – whether it be regular use or use over time, you can be assured that Geekvape products are made to deliver on that need.
Since disposable vapes have become such a popular demand in our times, Geekvape has also produced the Geek Bar – a highly recommended and cost-friendly alternative to actual Geekvape mods and pod systems. Geek Bars come in a variety of set flavours and an impressive potential of up to 10,000 drags per device, before disposal. In addition, Geek Bars are one of the first disposable vapes that boast an LED display indicating battery life and e-liquid reserve – something that is exceedingly rare when it comes to disposables.
Puffmi
An impressive newcomer, launched as early as 2021 has proven its quality by its sheer market share – an impressive 30 million customers worldwide, matching that of Geekvape which was founded in 2015.
Puffmi is rising and innovative to say the least, having secured a steady supply in large vape retail chains throughout South Africa. The brand produces disposable vapes only, and they do it exceptionally well.
With incredibly sleek designs and an impressive capacity of up to 10,000 puffs per device, coupled with a dreamy selection of creamy colours to choose from, Puffmi is a strong contender for the best disposable vape brand in South Africa.
To add, their widespread use of mesh coils throughout their devices ensures peak flavour delivery with every hit.
If you’re someone who enjoys the variety of disposable vapes, Puffmi should be at the top of your list.
Bolt
Introducing Bolt – the first disposable vape system with a nicotine step-down option. They are the first disposable vapes on the market available at 0%, 2% and 5% nicotine profiles.
For those who prefer something temporary without having to consume ample amounts of nicotine, as well as those who prefer nicotine delivered in bulk – Bolt has a trustworthy supply of 1,800 puffs for any option.
Coupled with 1.3-ohm mesh coils and 15 flavour profiles to choose from, Bolt is the ideal device for those who love nic salts on the go, and delivers it in lightweight devices that produce smooth and satisfying puffs, from start to finish. Gone are the days of hash throat hits in pursuit of nicotine satisfaction.