Puff or e-cigarette: what’s the difference?
Battery life, cost of use, flavours, nicotine and maintenance: a clear comparison between a rechargeable puff and an e-cigarette to help you choose according to your profile.
The difference between a puff and an e-cigarette is mainly about use: the rechargeable puff is compact, requires no adjustment and is ready to vape, whereas the traditional e-cigarette (pod, kit or box) is more customisable, with a free choice of e-liquid, nicotine strength and flavours, and is often more economical to use. Technically, a puff is still an e-cigarette: it is a format, not a different family of devices.
With the rise of vaping in France, devices have multiplied and the terms are becoming mixed up: puff, e-cigarette, vape, pod, kit… Since February 2025, only rechargeable puffs have remained on sale, and they now look very much like pods. This guide compares puffs with traditional e-cigarettes to help you choose according to your needs. For the technical differences between rechargeable puffs, prefilled pods and refillable pods, our comparison of rechargeable puffs and pods explains it all.
View all puffs View all e-cigarettes
Key points to remember
- Rechargeable puff: compact format, very easy to use, few or no adjustments, rechargeable battery and a high stated puff count.
- Traditional e-cigarette: pod, tube or box, with more adjustments, a free choice of e-liquid and a usually more powerful battery.
- Cost: the puff is more affordable to buy, while the e-cigarette is often more economical to use.
- Profile: the puff is suitable for beginners and vaping on the go, while the e-cigarette suits daily vapers and smokers who want to adjust their nicotine strength.
What is a rechargeable puff today?
A puff is an all-in-one e-cigarette: a battery, an e-liquid tank or cartridge, and a coil, brought together in a compact device activated by inhaling. There is no button to adjust and no coil to change by hand: simply vape, recharge the battery via USB-C, then replace the liquid.
The puff appealed to smokers looking for simple, maintenance-free vaping, as well as beginners wanting to try e-cigarettes without making things complicated. Current rechargeable models have retained this simplicity while offering greater battery life: a larger battery, a refillable e-liquid tank or replaceable cartridge, and a much higher stated puff count.
A few examples of our best rechargeable puffs
The JNR ZPluse 42K puff: two flavours in one puff
The JNR ZPluse 42K puff combines a 1200 mAh battery with up to 42,000 stated puffs. Its dual-fill system uses two 10 ml tanks filled with two different e-liquids: simply rotate the drip tip to change flavour. Some flavours are also available in a nicotine-free version.
The Al Fakher Crown Bar Refill Pro puff: shisha-style direct inhalation
With its 1000 mAh rechargeable battery, 20 ml tank and direct inhalation similar to a shisha, the Crown Bar Refill Pro by Al Fakher is designed for fans of large puffs. It comes with two 6 mg/ml e-liquids and is available in many fruity, menthol or refreshing flavours.
View Al Fakher Refill Pro puffs
What about the traditional e-cigarette?
A traditional e-cigarette is a rechargeable, durable device that also consists of a battery, tank, coil and e-liquid, but offers great freedom of adjustment. You choose your e-liquid, nicotine strength, flavours and PG/VG ratio, and tailor the device to the way you vape. In return, it requires minimal maintenance: changing the coil or cartridge approximately every three weeks, and recharging the battery regularly.
It comes in several formats:
- The pod e-cigarette: the format closest to a puff, with simple use. Some models use prefilled cartridges, while others use a cartridge you fill yourself with e-liquid. Discover our pods and prefilled pods.
- The tube e-cigarette: the one most similar to a traditional cigarette, very simple and requiring little maintenance.
- The box e-cigarette: a larger format for vapers looking for the best battery life, advanced settings and a customisable clearomiser.
A few examples of our best e-cigarette kits
The Wenax M2 kit by GeekVape is an intuitively operated pod kit, with a 1200 mAh battery and cartridges with built-in coils, available with either a soft-touch drip tip or a filter-style mouthpiece. The Soul 2 kit by GeekVape is a pod with high battery and e-liquid capacity, a sleek design, and power adjustable up to 35 watts or left in automatic mode.
Comparison table: puff or e-cigarette?
| Criterion | Rechargeable puff | E-cigarette (pod, kit, box) |
|---|---|---|
| Use | Very simple, no adjustments | Simple (pod) to advanced (box), with adjustments |
| Format | Compact, all-in-one | Compact (pod, tube) to larger (box) |
| Charging | USB-C rechargeable battery | Rechargeable battery, sometimes removable battery cells |
| Liquid replacement | Depending on the model: refillable tank or replaceable cartridge | Bottled e-liquid poured into the tank or cartridge |
| Maintenance | Minimal | Regular coil or cartridge changes |
| Choice of flavours and nicotine | Limited to the model's range | Very wide, unrestricted with refillable models |
| Battery life | High depending on the model (stated puffs) | Depends on the battery and tank chosen |
| Cost of use | More affordable to buy | Often more economical over time |
Battery life, cost, flavours, nicotine: the differences in detail
Ease of use and maintenance
The puff wins on simplicity: no adjustments, no coil to choose, and no bottle to handle on cartridge models. An e-cigarette requires a little more attention, but this more technical use delivers a tailored experience. Pod models remain a good compromise for anyone seeking simplicity with more choice.
Battery life and battery
Rechargeable puffs offer a high stated puff count, thanks to a rechargeable battery and generous tank. These figures are manufacturer estimates: they vary according to the duration and frequency of puffs. On an e-cigarette, battery life depends on the battery (in mAh) and tank capacity, and can be very high on a box with a removable battery cell. To find out how to charge your device, see our article on puff charging time.
Cost of use
When buying, a puff is generally more affordable than a complete kit. Over time, a refillable e-cigarette is often more economical: you buy bottled e-liquid rather than a new cartridge or device. Our guide on the price of a puff details the differences according to the number of puffs.
Flavours, e-liquids and nicotine
With a puff, the choice of flavours and nicotine strengths depends on the model. With a refillable e-cigarette, all e-liquids are possible, from fruity to gourmet, with nicotine salts or standard nicotine, and the strength can be gradually adjusted. If you are looking for nicotine-free vaping, our selection of nicotine-free puffs and our top 5 nicotine-free puffs will help you choose. Nicotine salts are often associated with compact devices with a tight draw.
Which device should you choose for your profile?
- You are new to vaping or want to try it: a rechargeable puff or prefilled pod, for immediate ease of use.
- You vape every day to quit smoking: a refillable pod or kit, to choose your e-liquid and reduce your nicotine strength in stages.
- You vape occasionally or as a backup when travelling: a compact puff that easily slips into a pocket.
- You are an experienced vaper: a box with power settings and a customisable clearomiser.
Before buying, check the nicotine strength, how the liquid is replenished (cartridge or tank), and your requirements for battery life, flavours and vapour. Discover our rechargeable puffs, our e-cigarettes and our 100 ml e-liquids to build your kit at the best price.
Frequently asked questions about puffs and e-cigarettes
Is a puff an e-cigarette?
Yes. A puff is a compact, all-in-one e-cigarette with a battery, an e-liquid tank or cartridge, and a coil. It mainly stands out for its ease of use and lack of settings.
What is the difference between a puff and an e-cigarette?
A rechargeable puff is compact, simple and has no settings, with a choice of flavours and nicotine strengths determined by the model. A standard e-cigarette (pod, kit or box) is more customisable, with a choice of e-liquid, settings and often a lower cost of use.
Is a puff cheaper than an e-cigarette?
At the time of purchase, a puff is generally more affordable than a complete kit. Over time, a refillable e-cigarette is often more economical, as e-liquid is bought in bottles.
Can you recharge a puff?
Yes, rechargeable puffs can be recharged via USB-C. Depending on the model, the e-liquid is replenished by filling a tank from a bottle or by changing a prefilled cartridge. Since February 2025, only rechargeable puffs have been sold in France.
What is the difference between a puff, a pod and a vape?
Vape is the general term for an e-cigarette. A pod is a compact cartridge format, with more choice and sometimes settings. A puff is an all-in-one format that is even simpler and has no settings.
Puff or e-cigarette: which should you choose to quit smoking?
It depends on your use. A refillable e-cigarette lets you gradually adjust the nicotine strength, while a rechargeable puff is easier to get started with. A healthcare professional or Tabac info service (39 89) can help you choose your starting strength.
This article is for information only and does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional. Vaping products are prohibited for minors and are not intended for non-smokers. Nicotine is highly addictive. For support to quit smoking: Tabac info service, 39 89.
