Vape tech has come a long way in recent years. You no longer have to rely on the super cheap ones you can find at most headshops. Exploring all the different versions of 510 thread batteries out there can be challenging if you don’t know what to look for, but luckily for you, we’ve gone ahead and done all the legwork for you.
We developed this guide to help you choose the best 510 vape battery for your personal tastes and preferences. These batteries will stay powerful and reliable for the long haul. Everything on the list below was carefully considered based on overall quality, battery life, versatility, portability, ease of use, and extra features, so you can make sure you’ve only got to buy one of these things this year.
Table of Contents
1. Vessel Compass (Best Overall)
| Criteria | Rating (1 to 10) |
| Build Quality | 9 |
| Temperature Control | 10 |
| Ease of Use | 10 |
| Versatility and Features | 8 |
| Heat Up Time / Battery Life | 9 |
| Portability | 10 |
| Total | 9.3 |
Vessel has hit it out of the park multiple times with their pen-style batteries. I still have a few of them lying around since they offer some of the best airflow out there. That said, when the Compass series dropped, I had to get my hands on one to see how it worked. Needless to say, I wasn’t disappointed.
Build Quality
The Vessel Compass is compact and lightweight, utilizing a threaded drop-in design so you can screw your cartridge in without having to fiddle with adapters. The design shelters the cart and keeps it safe, though you’ll want to avoid using 0.5g carts with it. Since it doesn’t utilize adapters, a 0.5g cartridge can be a little short, so your mouth might touch the device when you hit it.
Other than that though, the thing is sturdy. It reminds me of a key fob with a single oversized button that makes it easy to use and hold. That said, it looks really discreet and can withstand accidental drops without breaking.
Temperature Control & Interface
Compass has one of the easiest interfaces out there. The entire front side of the battery is a big button that blends seamlessly into the device itself, which you’ll use to activate it and get your hits in. Pressing the button five times turns it on, and pushing it three times changes the voltage. To hit it, just hold the big button down and inhale.
Compass has three temperature settings displayed with LED lights at 2.8V, 3.2V, and 3.6V. The LED lights also showcase your battery level and will blink while the device is charging and stop when the battery is full. It also has an auto-shutoff feature that will prevent the device from overheating if you hold the button down for 8 seconds, which is great for protecting your oil and your pockets. Like other Vessel batteries, Compass has fantastic airflow and a mouthpiece swivel that makes it more comfortable to use, so overall, the interface and the temperature settings are flawless.
Ease of Use
As far as batteries go, this is one of the easiest. Seriously, there’s nothing crazy about the design or the features. You just press the big button, and you’re ready to go. Screwing in the cartridge makes it sturdier than magnetic designs, though you will have to clean the threads with iso and a cotton swab occasionally. It’s simple interface and comfortable design make it one of the most straightforward 510 vape batteries on this list.
Versatility & Unique Features
Vessel’s sleek, tiny, key-fob design looks and feels great in your hand with the bonus of being incredibly discreet. It’s compatible with basically all top and bottom 510-thread cartridges.
It offers three power modes, from 2.8V to 3.6V, and a convenient auto-off feature that powers the device down after 15 minutes of inactivity. You don’t have to worry about leaving it on and draining your battery. The only downside is that the heating element shuts off after 8 seconds, which can be kind of annoying.
However, the ergonomic design fits comfortably in your hand and includes a swiveling mouthpiece, so you can hit it comfortably every time. The design is unlike anything I’ve seen on vapes and it resembles more of a Walkie talkie device, which is super cool. I felt great holding it in hand and the plastic is smooth.
I also love the threaded connection since I find magnetic adapters to be annoying. The battery is super powerful at 550mAh, and charges to full in under an hour with a universal USB-C charger. I didn’t realize that it’s only 66mm X 41.3mm X 19mm in size, but it slid in my pocket comfortably even when I was wearing skinny jeans.
Heat-up Time & Battery Life
Compass has a very simple, no-fuss interface, so it isn’t capable of pre-heating. However, its performance doesn’t suffer for it. The voltage settings heat oils pretty much instantly, so you can enjoy your sesh with a quickness.
Under the hood is a powerful 500mAh battery. While it doesn’t have the largest capacity, it utilizes its power really efficiently with its auto-shutoff features. Sometimes, I find auto-shutoffs really annoying, but even when I have to turn Compass back on, it’s ready to use instantly, so I enjoy it a lot.
All that is to say that it lasts a long time. I can usually get a couple of days out of it or at least halfway through a full cart before I need to throw it on the charger, so it’s great for me. It also charges really fast with its USB-C charger. My only complaint is that it’s incapable of pass-through charging.
Portability
Compass is a palm-style battery, so it’s built for discretion. It has a gorgeous, luxury look to it, which gives off a non-descript key fob vibe. I’ve hit it comfortably around people without them noticing, and its rounded edges make it super easy to conceal in a pocket or bag quickly. I also love the drop-in design, which keeps the cart out of plain view. Between all of that and its good battery life, it’s an excellent option for daily use and adventuring discreetly.
Who This Is Ideal For
At $60, Vessel’s Compass is on the higher end of the price range compared to others with different features, but it makes up for it in simplicity. All you have to worry about is pressing one big button, and you don’t even have to worry about turning it off on your own. If you’re looking for a no-fuss design with many great features and a really appealing design to boot, Compass is perfect for your everyday use.
2. Linx Hypnos (Best for Versatility)
| Criteria | Rating (1 to 10) |
| Build Quality | 10 |
| Temperature Control | 9 |
| Ease of Use | 9 |
| Versatility and Features | 10 |
| Heat Up Time / Battery Life | 8 |
| Portability | 10 |
| Total | 9.3 |
I first heard about the Linx Hypnos by reading a High Times article about a few of the best wax pens. It actually took home two awards in that category, and after trying it for myself, I can see why. Its simple design utilizes a ceramic plate atomizer, which makes a tremendous difference in flavor. It takes on that classic eGo pen style look and feel with significantly more power.
Build Quality
Constructed with medical-grade stainless steel, the Linx Hypnos is both sturdy and reliable. You won’t find any plastics, fibers, or paints in or around the device that affect flavors for the worst. It even comes with a glass mouthpiece to help protect your lips and give you purified flavors at the slight disadvantage of being a little more fragile than metal versions.
It comes in a sleek metallic finish and is one of the most low-maintenance batteries on this list. Nothing is exposed, so it’s exceptionally easy to keep clean and protected for daily use.
Temperature Control & Interface
Hypnos is perfect for two types of seshes: with your 510-thread vape cartridges or on its own as a wax vaporizer. It’s compatible with most 510 carts, but you can also use it for solid waxy concentrates on the go.
It’s designed with four temperature settings that range from 3.5V to 4.1V, so even your warmer rips still taste and feel great. To use it, press the button five times to turn it on and click it three times to cycle through temperatures. Blue is the coolest, followed by green, which is a true medium, yellow at medium-high, and red at the highest. The interface is intuitive and straightforward, making it one of my favorites.
Ease of Use
The Linx Hypnos is super straightforward to use. If you’re using it with a 510-thread cart, just screw the device in and hold the button to get a good hit. On the other hand, using it as a wax pen is a little different but just as easy. The atomizer inside is ceramic and shallow, so it’s easy to load with just your fingers. That being said, I use this one as a wax pen often because it’s that easy to load and use.
The only thing that can be a little irritating is the auto-shutoff feature. Unlike others, which just cut power to the atomizer, this one completely shuts off after 10 seconds. More or less, I have to turn it back on after I recover from coughing to take another hit. It’s a great safeguard and keeps the battery from overheating and catching your pocket on fire, but a little annoying nonetheless.
Versatility & Unique Features
Lynx Hypnos is all over the map and has great features. It’s both a wax pen and a 510 battery and performs flawlessly at both of its jobs. As a wax pen, the ceramic atomizer works excellently and doesn’t affect the flavors of the hard concentrates you run through it.
This might look very big on the photos, but it’s only 10cm, which is about the length of an average iPhone. So, it’s designed for portability and slides in your pockets smoothly. You get four temperature settings, from 3.5V to 4.1V, which makes it compatible with both loose and thick oils.
The 4.1V temperature is important for smokers who like to smoke cannabis concentrates like Live Resin. You want it to melt everything inside and give smooth vapor.
I also love that it has a glass mouthpiece and isn’t made with any paints, so the finish looks great forever, and it never burns your lips. Better yet, it’s super small and has a modular design that makes it easy to conceal, use, and clean.
My only major issue with it is the super fast auto-shutoff after 10 seconds. But I love that it has a carrying case that holds the pen and all your materials for discreet, on-the-go use.
Heat-up Time & Battery Life
Hypnos heats up in seconds; no pre-heating is necessary. Just hold down that button, and you’re ready to go. Inside is a 650 mAh battery that’ll get you about 150-200 hits depending on what you’re vaporizing, at what temperature, and how often. That said, it lasts me about a day before I’ve got to charge it again. It charges with a threaded USB charger and is ready to go again in an hour or two.
Portability
The Linx Hypnos is ultra-compact, weighing only 46g and measuring about 10.7cm long, so it fits into your pockets and bags easily. It’s not super discreet since it definitely looks like a wax pen, but it’s on the easier side to hide, thanks to its size. As I mentioned, it’s also got a super shallow dish, so it’s one of the quickest and easiest versions to load if you’re trying to re-up on the sly. Since it has a good battery life, you can take it with you without having to worry about it dying. Even if it does die, it’s pretty easy to find a USB port while you’re on the go.
Who This Is Ideal For
At $80, the Linx Hypnos is a great pen-style 510 vape battery. Its user-friendly operation, temperature control capabilities, and compatibility with various materials make it an excellent choice for anyone looking for an accessible and customizable vaping experience. It’s by far one of the most versatile choices on this list and is chock full of great features that make it a great daily driver.
3. O2Vape Flip Ultra (Best for Features)
| Criteria | Rating (1 to 10) |
| Build Quality | 10 |
| Temperature Control | 10 |
| Ease of Use | 9 |
| Versatility and Features | 10 |
| Heat Up Time / Battery Life | 8 |
| Portability | 9 |
| Total | 9.3 |
I saw the Flip online one day and immediately bought it based on its cool factor alone. The thing is like a Swiss army knife for weed, and it’s full of incredible features that you won’t find anywhere else.
Build Quality
O2Vape has been known in the past for its pen-style batteries, but the Flip Ultra is an entirely different style from anything else out there. The design is patented for the unique flipping mechanism that stores the cartridge safely inside the device and heats it up the second you flip it open.
It’s on the heavier side but extremely durable, so I’d say it’s more than worth it. The body is made from virtually indestructible plastic and features dual charging ports and a precise digital display that give it good weight and keeps everything fragile safely tucked away.
Temperature Control & Interface
Flip Ultra has a really simple interface thanks to the digital display and the flip design. Flipping the cartridge out of the battery has an auto-on feature, so you don’t have to worry about pressing buttons to turn it on or off. Simply open it to turn it on and close it to turn it off. The digital display wakes up the second you open it and highlights your voltage level, battery life, and a unique puff counter that lets you keep track of how much mileage you get out of your cartridge. As one of the only 510 vape batteries with a digital display, I’m obsessed with it.
Flip has a range of preset voltage options ranging from 2.7V to 4.8V, so you can vape practically any type of oil consistency. To cycle through settings, just press the small button on the right side of the display. What I love about it is that each level is set at 0.1V increments, so you get a lot more control over how warm or cool you hit it. It’s a massive upgrade from designs that have preset temperature settings. The only downside is that the toggle button is a little small, so it can be hard to press sometimes.
Ease of Use
With an easy auto-on and auto-off feature, a no-brainer digital display that gives you precise temperature control, and button and draw activation, the Flip Ultra is one of the easiest devices out there. I love that it can be charged with both USB-C and lightning chargers and its compatibility with most top and bottom airflow 510 cartridges. The only major drawback is the size of the voltage control button, which can be difficult to press.
Versatility & Unique Features
I love this battery for its tiny, flippy, and cute blue design. Even though it’s made with plastic, it’s sturdy and features a patented auto-on and auto-off design that toggles when you open or close the device. It’s compatible with most top or bottom airflow 510 carts, and it comes with precise volt-by-volt output control ranging from 2.7V to 4.8V, giving you more control over cartridges with various consistencies.
It also comes with a fully digital display that highlights your puff counter so you can keep track of your habits, power level, and battery life. The carts fold into the battery, which keeps them safe and hidden. You just push a button, and it’s activated. I noticed it lasts a long time because it’s powered by an ultra-powerful 550mAh battery and can be charged with both USB-C and lightning chargers.
Best of all, it comes with a lifetime warranty, so you know the manufacturer really believes in their product and doesn’t want to peddle cheap stuff. I really like that I never have to worry about it failing on me.
Heat-up Time & Battery Life
Flip Ultra’s auto-on feature minimizes the need for preheating. While it doesn’t have sesh mode or a preheating capability, that auto-on comes in clutch. Without having to press buttons or change voltage levels right out of the gate, it heats up in seconds, and you’ll get a good hit practically instantly. Just flip it open and inhale.
As for the battery, the device packs a massive 650mAh. However, with the ability to push it up to 4.8V, battery life suffers a little bit. That isn’t necessarily a con for me since you never really need to run it that hot, but as a heads up, your battery life will suffer a little bit if you’re ripping it frequently at high temperatures. I typically keep it somewhere in the middle, around 3.2V for most carts, and it’s lasted me days. Since it turns off when you flip it closed, it saves a lot of battery power there.
Portability
Flip Ultra isn’t the smallest 510 vape battery out there, but it’s still pocket-sized and discreet. It looks like a key or a pocket knife, so it can be carried with you wherever you go and remain inconspicuous to prying eyes. Coupled with its powerful battery and auto-on feature, it’s as portable as they come.
Another huge bonus is that you can charge it with both USB-C and lightning chargers in under an hour, so you get a lot of extra versatility and portability out of it that way. There have been times when I’ve taken it somewhere and needed a charger, but my friends only had one or the other. Unlike most, which need a Type C charger, this extra feature is a huge benefit in my book.
Who This Is Ideal For
For the money, O2Vape’s patented Flip Ultra is an excellent choice when you’re looking for a small, powerful vape battery that checks all the boxes and has extra features to boot. The digital display, incremental voltage control, auto on and off feature, and puff counter make it a truly exceptional battery if you’re looking for something high-tech, budget-friendly, and durable. I’d say this is the best 510 vape battery on the market in terms of features.
4. PCKT Two (Best for Simplicity)
| Criteria | Rating (1 to 10) |
| Build Quality | 10 |
| Temperature Control | 8 |
| Ease of Use | 10 |
| Versatility and Features | 10 |
| Heat Up Time / Battery Life | 7 |
| Portability | 10 |
| Total | 9.1/10 |
I’ve been a fan of PCKT since their One Plus model, but the PCKT Two is a significant upgrade with better battery life and more control over your temps. It’s a sleek, sexy battery that comes in a handful of different colors, which is great if you’re the type of smoker who wants a little personalization in your sesh.
Build Quality
The PCKT Two is made from extra lightweight and durable aluminum, which gives it a portable, high-end design. But even though your cartridge is tucked away, the PCKT Two is compatible with both top and bottom airflow carts.
That said, it’s compatible with most 510 carts and utilizes a magnetic connection that makes it easy to use and swap carts whenever you’d like. It comes with both tall and short adapters, which makes it possible to use it with different-sized 510 cartridges.
Temperature Control & Interface
Unlike others, it has five temperature settings, which are displayed with the built-in LED ring. If you’re trying to vape discreetly or in bright sunlight, you can also adjust the brightness of the LED display with five brightness settings. Clicking the power button will also let you know when it’s time to charge your device. The only downside is that the button-clicking interface can take a little trial and error to get used to at first.
Ease of Use
Hitting it is super dreamy. You can adjust the airflow however you like so you can sip it or rip it, and it utilizes both button-activated and draw-activated firing. As you hit it, it vibrates to let you know that the device is working correctly with haptic feedback.
Versatility & Unique Features
The PCKT Two is impressive with its sturdy construction and substantial 660mAh battery. Here’s the kicker: It’s got a magnetic connection with most 510 cartridges with top or bottom airflow and comes with small and large adaptors to make swapping cartridges super easy. The interface is impeccable with both button and inhalation firing and five voltage settings of 2.43V, 2.73V, 3.09V, 3.54V, and 3.84V, which give you a more versatile smoke.
The voltage is not super high compared to other 510 batteries like Flip Ultra, but the battery lasts 20% longer with a USB Type-C charging port. So it really depends on whether you want to burn cannabis concentrates like Resin or you just want a longer-lasting battery.
The most unique feature of the PCKT Two is the pass-through charging. I really hate having to wait for my vape to charge before I can take a hit, and here I can smoke while it’s charging.
I love that it has haptic feedback to let you know you’re getting a hit and an LED display to provide you with a good idea of your voltage level and battery life. PCKT Two uses a USB-C charger, making it portable and convenient for on the go.
Heat-up Time & Battery Life
Despite its small size, it’s one of the strongest 510 vape batteries on this list, with a powerful 660mAh battery. On a full battery, it’s lasted me a couple hundred puffs before I need to charge it again, even though I abuse my batteries. That said, its battery life is some of the best available.
The PCKT Two is charged with USB-C chargers and is capable of pass-through charging, which allows you to hit it without damaging the device while it’s plugged in. It also charges quickly, so you’ll be ready to use it again after about an hour. Another thing I love about it is that the charging port itself isn’t flimsy like other 510 batteries, so it gets a few extra points for durability in that department.
However, the one thing I don’t like about it is that you can’t preheat this device, which is nice when you’re vaporizing higher-quality cartridges.
Portability
Checking in at 71mm tall, 35mm wide, and 16mm thick, the durable device is one of the best in terms of quality. it fits comfortably both in your hand or tucked away in a bag or pocket for discreet, on-the-go use. Your cartridge also sits fully inside the device, which keeps it even more discreet from prying eyes and self-contained so you don’t get poked by the mouthpiece.
Who this is ideal for
At only $80, it checks all the boxes for me. With five temperature settings, a sleek, durable design, and the ability to hit it via button or draw makes it easily one of the best 510 thread batteries for beginners and connoisseurs looking for big clouds, terps, and a discreet sesh.
5. Vessel Expedition (Best Vape Pen)
| Criteria | Rating (1 to 10) |
| Build Quality | 10 |
| Temperature Control | 10 |
| Ease of Use | 10 |
| Versatility and Features | 7 |
| Heat Up Time / Battery Life | 10 |
| Portability | 7 |
| Total | 9 |
I loved Vessel’s Compass so much that I had to see what they got famous for— their pens. Portable, discrete, and incredibly powerful, their Expedition series didn’t let me down. I still carry this one with me on all of my outdoor adventures, especially when packing light is at the top of my mind.
Build Quality
The Vessel Expedition batteries are one of the few pen-style batteries I included. Usually, I’m not too fond of pen-style batteries because they’re not easy to stow and usually contain weaker batteries, but this one is genuinely exceptional. The body is made from anodized aluminum, and the trail editions have a knurled texture that makes it feel sturdy, shock-proof, and easy to hold.
I noticed it’s made from natural wood, including walnut, blackwood, and beechwood. It utilizes a drop-in threaded connection that keeps your cartridge safe from accidental drops. It has the look and feel of a trail flashlight and looks incredible with its orange and slate-colored body. While it’s a bit bigger than other pen-style batteries, it makes up for it with its performance and durability.
Temperature Control & Interface
Expedition gives you four voltage settings to choose from, including 2.4V, 2.8V, 3.2V, and 3.6V. While its output isn’t as high as other batteries on this list, it has a great range that supports most concentrate consistencies, barring the extra thick ones. Considering most vape pens don’t offer much versatility at all, it’s by far my favorite. More importantly, the flavors are incredible. It heats consistently and evenly, so it does well with even the fanciest 510 carts filled with live resin or live rosin.
It operates with a single button and is button-activated. Holding the button will give you a hit, and pressing it five times will turn it on or off. Pressing it three times will cycle through voltage levels, all of which are displayed with LED lights. The lights will also show your battery life, which is a nice touch. My favorite feature is the auto-off feature, though. The battery shuts off after 15 minutes of inactivity, which preserves the battery and boosts its portability.
Ease of Use
Using Expedition is like using most other batteries. While it doesn’t have draw activation, all you have to do is hold the button to get a good hit. Swapping your carts is also a snap since you don’t have any of those annoying magnetic adaptors to worry about losing, either. Charging it, storing it, and using it are all incredibly easy with the Expedition series.
Versatility & Unique Features
The Expedition is a long(ish) device that is compatible with 510-thread cartridges, and I felt it gave me a lot of value for the money.
It’s got a decent 300mAh battery, which is about half as much as what you’d get out of the Flip Ultra, and you get a USB magnetic charging port with a cable that feels premium in hand. Aside from the battery, the rest of the features are about the same as its competitors.
For one, its button-activated, with four temperature settings, including 2.4V, 2.8V, 3.2V, and 3.6V, displayed with LED lights. I don’t like when vapes have one or two options only because sometimes I want to tone down the heat, and I can do this on the Expedition by lowering it down to 2.4V.
It has an auto-off feature that cuts power to the device after 15 minutes of inactivity, which preserves battery life. The battery level is also displayed via the LED lights, which is a nice feature.
Made from durable wood and aluminum, these batteries are compatible with most top and bottom airflow 510-thread cartridges. They utilize a threaded connection, which is stronger and sturdier than magnetic connections. I only wish that it used a universal charger instead of a proprietary USB magnetic charging port and cable so that it had more portability and versatility.
Heat-up Time & Battery Life
Expedition has an industry-leading 300mAh battery under the hood, one of the highest you can find in any pen-style battery. While that might seem low compared to a few others on this list, the thing performs flawlessly. It has some seriously well-adjusted output settings that maximize its efficiency, so I can comfortably take this thing out for days without worrying about it dying.
It doesn’t have a pre-heating setting, but it heats up practically instantly. That said, you’re getting a good hit the second you start inhaling from it. And man, those flavors can’t be beaten. I don’t know if you can tell, but I’m obsessed with this thing. I usually get about a day or two out of it, with regular abuse. If you don’t chief yours all day, you’re probably looking at a long weekend on a single charge.
Portability
Portability is where things get a little complicated. I love its small size and excellent battery, but I hate how it charges. Two words: proprietary charger. It isn’t compatible with any other standard charger out there, just the one they give you. You’ll have to fork over the big bucks if you lose yours. But worse yet, you can’t charge it in the car or on the go. If your vape dies on a night out, your SOL until you get back to your own charger, or you have to carry it with you at all times. Bummer, right?
It’s not so bad, though. The thing has a great battery life for general use, and it’s also very discreet and small. Even though it’s a little larger than a basic vape pen, it’s highly portable, and you can count on it on trips as long as you make sure to charge it beforehand. It loses a few points since you have to lug the proprietary charger around, but other than that, it can’t be beaten.
Who This Is Ideal For
At $80, it might come across as a little spendy for a regular vape pen. However, it absolutely crushes its competition in terms of longevity, performance, features, and durability. If you find yourself on the go a lot and prefer the discretion of pen-style batteries, Expedition is your new best friend.
6. TribeTokes TribeMINI (Best for Portability)
| Criteria | Rating (1 to 10) |
| Build Quality | 7 |
| Temperature Control | 8 |
| Ease of Use | 10 |
| Versatility and Features | 9 |
| Heat Up Time / Battery Life | 10 |
| Portability | 10 |
| Total | 9.0 |
I spend a lot of time outside, and finding a lightweight, ultra-portable battery that won’t die after a few hours is like trying to find a needle in a haystack. However, after reading about Tribe Tokes on Forbes, I decided to give their TribeMINI a go. It’s been one of my favorite batteries ever since.
Build Quality
The TribeMINI is one of the sturdiest vape batteries of this size. Made from ultra-durable metals with a sleek black or white finish, it stands up to abuse and looks good doing it. More importantly, it fully conceals your cartridge inside the device for extra discretion and portability. As a bonus, it comes with a viewing window that allows you to monitor the levels in your carts without removing them.
Cartridges are magnetically attached with the included magnetic adapters, allowing you to use both half-gram and full-gram carts with bottom or top airflow. The magnets are sturdy, but in my experience, they don’t always sit right in the device and might feel a little loose or wobbly. That can be kind of a pain, and I get nervous that they’ll come loose in a pocket or bag. But so far, that hasn’t happened unless I drop it really hard.
Temperature Control & Interface
These little beauties are small and powerful, boasting a top-of-the-line 650mAh battery. Like others on this list, it has a button interface that you’ll use to turn it on or off or change the temperature. You can cycle through 4 different temperature presets ranging from 2.6-3.8v, which is perfect for getting great low-temp hits from your carts or for vaping other cannabinoids like delta-8 THC or HHC.
To use it, just hit the button five times to turn it on. You can change the temperature by hitting it three times to cycle through voltage levels and hold down the button to get your hit. My only complaint is that I wish it had draw activation, but it makes up for it with its pre-heating capabilities, which give me more full-bodied hits.
Ease of Use
Like other button-activated batteries, TribeMINI is straightforward and easy to use. However, the key difference between this battery and others is that Tribe Tokes actually gives you a super detailed instruction manual with the battery. So many others send you the battery, leaving you to play with it to figure it out, which can be time-consuming and frustrating. That’s not the case here, so it gets extra points from me in that department for accessibility and user experience.
Versatility & Unique Features
I have to be honest: when I first saw the TribeMINI, I thought, “Is this really a vape?” because it looked more like a car key to me. When I actually held it in my hand, it impressed me with its ultra-small and lightweight design.
To give you an idea of how small this is, it’s only 60mm in length, which is about half of the Linx battery, and I could easily slide the Linx in my pocket. I feel like I could take two or three of the TribeMINI’s in a single pocket.
If you’re all about discretion and don’t want a giant vape that sticks out, this is a no-brainer.
The battery life will blow you away, too. I can’t believe this packs a 650mAh battery, which basically gives you twice the usage compared to a larger vape. For reference, the PCKT Two will last half as long as the TribeMINI with a single charge.
Compatible with most 510 thread cartridges with top or bottom airflow, it offers a magnetic connection and comes with two large and two small adapters to give you more access to different cartridges you love.
MINI also comes with four temperature settings ranging from 2.6 to 3.8V. It’s really decent in the sense that you can smoke something like tobacco and change it to a hard concentrate like Live Rosin.
I love that the drop-in design also comes with a side viewing window so you can keep an eye on your cartridge levels and swap them out quickly when they get low. Unlike many others on this list, MINI also has a pre-heating function, which is excellent for hanging out with friends. The universal USB-C charger is also a huge bonus, allowing you to easily use it at home or on the go.
Heat-up Time & Battery Life
TribeMINI has a pre-heat feature that will warm it up for 15 seconds, which is excellent for getting more robust hits and for seshing with friends. Honestly, though, I don’t use it all that often since it heats up in seconds on its own. By the time I’ve inhaled for a second or two, I’m already getting a good hit. But where this battery really shines is how long that battery lasts.
The built-in 650mAh battery is insane for a device this size, and it lasts forever. When I’m not smoking that much, it’s lasted me as long as two weeks. However, even when I’m hitting it for what feels like constantly, I still get 2-3 days out of it before I need to recharge it. Not to mention, recharging is super quick, and you’ll be ready to use it again after an hour or two.
Portability
Wherever I’m going somewhere that requires the utmost discretion, I bring along my MINI. While it isn’t discreet in the sense that it looks like something else, it’s extremely small. At 60mm x 36mm x 15mm, it’s one of the smallest on this list and fits comfortably in the palm of your hand.
I’ve hit this thing in bars in front of people, and nobody ever seems to notice it. That said, it’s easy to chuck into a pocket or bag if you need to hide it. More importantly, the battery life is incredible, so you can take it with you on a night out or a trip to the woods and not have to worry about it dying on you, even when you’re hitting it regularly.
Who This Is Ideal For
At $45, this budget battery is strong enough to go wherever you go. Because of its size and impressive battery life, the TribeMINI is one of the best choices for vapers who place portability at the top of their list of needs. Its user-friendly interface, durability, and a plethora of different voltage levels make it great for any adventure you have in store.
7. PRTBL Nando (Best for Reliability)
| Criteria | Rating (1 to 10) |
| Build Quality | 7 |
| Temperature Control | 8 |
| Ease of Use | 10 |
| Versatility and Features | 9 |
| Heat Up Time / Battery Life | 10 |
| Portability | 10 |
| Total | 9.0 |
The first time I encountered PRTBL’s Nando, I was in line for a concert when my buddy whipped one out. The intense, vibrant color on it caught my eye, and so did the clouds he produced with it. He told me it was one of the best batteries he’s ever had, and after hitting it, I went out and grabbed one for myself.
Build Quality
These things are built to withstand all kinds of abuse. Made from aluminum, they’re light but scratch-resistant. They’re also sandblast finished, so they have a really satisfying texture that makes them easy to hold onto. I also love the rounded edges that make it comfortable to hold and keep in your pocket. As an added bonus, they’re made from recycled materials, so you can feel good using them.
However, the button is recessed, so it can be hard to press. You also need to buy all the length adapters to ensure you can use it with half-gram carts since the device is extended. The carts also sit a little loose inside the device, and I broke one after a drop once. I started using tiny o-rings to create a little cushion on the inside, which seems to have resolved the issue. But that being said, they’re still sturdy as can be and, with all the other included features, are still one of the best 510 vape batteries out there.
Temperature Control & Interface
Nando has a simple button interface. Press the button twice to choose from four different temperature settings. Blue is the lowest at 2.4V, followed by green at 2.8V and orange at 3.0V. Red is the highest at 3.4V, which is pretty low compared to other 510 vape batteries on this list. I think it would be a little more powerful if the highest output was somewhere around 3.8V, but if you’re prioritizing flavors, you’ll love it.
Nando also comes with an LED ring around the power button, which lets you know which setting you’re using. You can hit the device by holding the button or by simply inhaling, which is a nice feature. It also has haptic feedback to let you know it’s working, which I love. It doesn’t have a pre-heating setting, but you can adjust the brightness of the lights and the intensity of the vibrations while using the device. More or less, the interface is intuitive and simple, and the voltage settings are great for better flavors.
Ease of Use
With button and draw activation, Nando is super easy to use. Changing the temperature is easy, and so is adjusting the haptic feedback and brightness settings, which are all outlined in great detail in the user manual. It’s compatible with almost every 510 thread cartridge out there, though you will need to buy separate adapters if you want to use it with 0.5g carts. However, if you have mobility issues, you might struggle a bit to press the recessed button.
Versatility & Unique Features
The most outstanding feature is the 700mAh battery. PRTBL has the most advanced and powerful 510-threaded battery in the world. A battery capacity of this size gives it superior longevity and gives you twice the usage of a regular 510-threaded battery.
I was really surprised about the speed it charges. I actually drained it within a few days and then noticed it went from dead to full in under 40 minutes. It’s got this ultra-fast and versatile USB-C charger. One of my favorite things about it is that it’s pass-through capable, so you can hit it while it’s on the charger without damaging it.
It utilizes a magnetic connection and comes with one adapter, so it’s best used with longer tanks unless you want to cough up some extra cash for a longer one. Needless to say, I was able to smoke while charging it. It makes up for this one minor annoyance due to the fact you can get perfect hits by drawing or pressing the button.
It’s 73cm in length, which means it’s more on the average end. It’s not ultra-small or big, so it’s perfect for portability.
When I said best for reliability, it’s because you can always count on the battery with this one. If battery is your priority and you don’t want to charge your vape daily, this is what you get.
It comes with a 1-year warranty and is compatible with both top and bottom 510-thread cartridges. As a bonus, it comes with four pre-set power modes from 2.4V to 3.4V and gives you control over the brightness of the LED display and the intensity of the haptic vibrations.
Heat-up Time & Battery Life
While Nando doesn’t have a pre-heating setting, it heats up instantly, and you don’t really need it. Between the four voltage settings, you can vape thick and thin concentrates super easily. But the best thing about this device is its battery.
Out of all the batteries on this list, this battery is one of the most efficient, with the highest capacity at 700mAh. That said, this one lasts for days, and I couldn’t be happier with it. That battery is so efficient that it can charge to full capacity in 40 minutes or less, which can’t be said for most others. As an added bonus, it’s pass-through capable, so you can even hit it while it’s charging.
Portability
Nando is a little larger than others, but it’s still pretty small and discreet. Its lightweight aluminum design conceals the cartridge inside for extra protection and fits comfortably in a bag or pocket. While its bright colors make it pretty obvious when you’re hitting it, it’s easy to hold and use.
The key takeaway here is that it’s still beyond portable, thanks to its ultra-powerful battery. You can take this thing camping over a few days and not have to worry about it crapping out on you before the hike back. Even if you find yourself with a dead battery, it charges extremely fast, and you can hit it the second it reconnects to power.
Who This Is Ideal For
If you’re the type of person who finds yourself on the go a lot, you need something portable and reliable. Nando truly excels in these categories. Between its ease of use, adjustable settings, ergonomic design, and industry-leading battery life, this one is your go-to for wherever the day takes you. Best of all, it’ll only run you $50.
8. CCELL Palm Pro (Best for Control Freaks)
| Criteria | Rating (1 to 10) |
| Build Quality | 8 |
| Temperature Control | 10 |
| Ease of Use | 10 |
| Versatility and Features | 10 |
| Heat Up Time / Battery Life | 7 |
| Portability | 8 |
| Total | 8.8 |
CCELL makes a ton of different batteries, most of which I’ve tried and liked over the years. The Palm Pro is by far one of my favorites since there are a lot of great things about it that I love and only a few things that I’d change.
Build Quality
The CCELL Palm Pro is one of the thinnest and lightest devices on the market, but it’s still overflowing with features. Made from high-quality aluminum and painted with metallic paints, it comes in many different colors and looks like a high-end device. The button is easy to press and blends seamlessly with the rest of the battery, and it comes with LED lights to highlight the voltage and battery levels.
It works with most top or bottom airflow 510-thread cartridges and uses a magnetic adapter connection that fits snugly. However, between the ultra-thin design and the metallic paint being prone to chipping, it doesn’t feel as sturdy as other devices. While I haven’t had any problems with mine, I tend to baby it to protect the paint and keep it safe from drops and spills.
Temperature Control & Interface
Like most 510 vape batteries, it has a button interface you’ll use to change the voltage output for the battery. However, I really love that the Palm Pro is draw-activated, and you don’t have to hold the button to get a hit. Pressing the button will cycle through three voltage settings: 2.8V, 3.2V, and 3.6V.
These are displayed on the LED panel on the device, with one light being the lowest setting and three being the highest. Pressing and releasing the button will also show you the device’s battery life using the LEDs, with three lights being full and a single blinking light being less than 10%.
Ease of Use
With a simple LED display and draw activation, the Palm Pro is incredibly easy to use. It comes with a magnetic adapter that you’ll use to situate your cartridge inside the device. I just wish it came with a longer one in addition to the short one so it’s easier to use smaller carts with it. While it only has three temperature settings, I love that it has an adjustable airflow feature that makes it easier to get more control over your hits and flavors by simply twisting the cartridge to the left or right.
Versatility & Unique Features
The first thing you notice is the brightness that gives it a high-end, luxurious look and feel. It really feels expensive in hand. This ultra-compact device utilizes a drop-in magnetic connection with a short magnetic adapter. It only measures 57mm, which makes it one of the smaller ones, but it’s pretty wide, so it feels like one of those luxury lighters.
Compatible with most top and bottom airflow 510 cartridges, it has a preset output interface between 2.8 and 3.6V. Unlike others on this list, it has both a pre-heat setting and adjustable airflow, which give you more control over your sessions. If you like to switch up your smoke styles or use different smokables, you need a versatile vape for that.
It’s draw-activated, so there are no buttons to worry about. Better yet, it also comes with an LED display with voltage and battery indicators that let you keep an eye on your carts and the battery itself. You can charge it to full in under an hour with a portable and versatile USB-C charger.
Heat-up Time & Battery Life
The Palm Pro comes with a 10-second pre-heat setting, which is great for vaping thicker concentrates. I typically use that setting with distillates or CO2 oil, but for most intents and purposes, I roll with the low setting without pre-heating for thinner oils to encourage better flavors.
The device packs a small 500mAh battery, which isn’t the most powerful battery but contributes to the sleek, lightweight design. That said, it still lasts quite some time. When I use it, I tend to get 4-6 hours out of it. However, if you’re only hitting it occasionally, it can last up to a few days before needing to be recharged. It charges quickly with convenient USB-C charging that only takes about an hour.
Portability
In terms of size and discretion, the Palm Pro is one of the most portable devices out there. Measuring in at an ultra-small and thin 57.5mm x 41.9mm x 13.7mm, it fits in the palm of your hand and tucks away into pockets or bags with ease.
Since the cartridge itself is flush with the device, barring the mouthpiece, it’s ready to go wherever you go. The only problem I have with it is the battery life. For me, portability is both size and battery life, and it loses a few points for the smaller battery. However, as I’ve said, I punish my batteries, and this might just be an issue.
Who This Is Ideal For
As far as 510 vape batteries go, this one is at the top of my list for taking more control over your vape sesh. At $37, it’s small, gorgeous to look at, and chock full of features that put vaping in your hands. While it only has three voltage settings, the adjustable airflow, and pre-heating features make it an excellent choice for people who want more control over vapor production and flavor in a sleek, sexy package.
9. Kandypens C-Box Pro (Best for Daily Use)
| Criteria | Rating (1 to 10) |
| Build Quality | 9 |
| Temperature Control | 10 |
| Ease of Use | 10 |
| Versatility and Features | 7 |
| Heat Up Time / Battery Life | 8 |
| Portability | 9 |
| Total | 8.8 |
We’ve got another gem from Kandypens on this list because, frankly, Kandypens is one of the most popular brands in the world for good reason. When the C-Box Pro was released, I decided to give it a go since the C-Box mini was a little too small and basic for my liking. With an improved battery and more temperature settings, the Pro is quite an upgrade and one of my favorite daily drivers.
Build Quality
Kandypens C-Box Pro is tiny, checking in at 3” tall with an extra inch when you have your cart installed. It utilizes a powerful drop-in magnetic connection and comes with adapters so that you can use it with pretty much any 510-thread cartridge, regardless of top or bottom airflow or tanks with higher voltage requirements. However, the opening is pretty small, so it can’t handle wider than average tanks.
It can only fit carts with a diameter of 9.6mm or smaller. The good news is that it can still handle around 90% of 510 cartridges out there, and the narrow ones don’t feel loose or wobbly inside the battery.
Made from ultra-light and durable aluminum, it stands up to dings, dents, and scratches like a champ. It also has a viewing window so you can keep an eye on your oil levels without having to remove the cart itself. I also really like the position of its single large and easy-to-press button. Your thumb naturally touches it when you’re holding the device in your hand.
Temperature Control & Interface
Like other similar batteries, it utilizes a button control. Press it five times to turn it on or off, and press it three times to change the voltage output. The C-Box Pro has four different voltage levels, which is a significant upgrade compared to the Mini version’s one.
Voltage levels are displayed with an LED ring. Blue is the lowest level at 2.3V, followed by green at 3.0V, yellow at 3.6V, and red at the hottest at 4.2V. Once your voltage is set, you’ll just hold down the button and inhale to get your hit. That said, it’s straightforward to use, and I really like the voltage levels they set. Other batteries can be too warm or too cool, and this range is right in the middle and perfect for both thin and thick oils.
Ease of Use
Using the C-Box Pro is like using most other 510 vape batteries. The design is simple and intuitive, but it loses a few points from me for the size of the cart opening, which can limit you on some of the cartridges you can use with it. It can also be kind of a pain to screw in the adapters. While I like magnetic batteries a lot, these can be a little tricky to fumble with since the pieces are smaller. I’m glad Kandypens sends two sets of tall and short adapters, though. I’ve lost a few of them along the way.
Versatility & Unique Features
I wasn’t much of a fan of the design when I was ordering this, but my opinion changed when I started using it. The C-Box Pro is like a daily driver that doesn’t draw eyeballs but helps you arrive at a destination.
It measures 76 millimeters in size, which makes it average-sized. It won’t really stick out when you’re smoking in public, but it’s not one of those mini batteries like TribeTokes.
At the bottom, it has this big aluminum shell that keeps everything inside safe, including the cart itself, which is concealed entirely within the battery. It’s compatible with most top and bottom airflow cartridges, though the magnetic connection and concealed design make the opening a little too narrow for carts with fun designs.
I like that the two sets of included adapters make it easy to use both small and large carts. Under the hood, it’s a bit disappointing because it only has a 390mAh battery, which isn’t ideal for heavy smokers who don’t like charging theirs often.
There’s an interface that allows you to choose between 4 power modes from 2.3V to 4.2V. It also has an LED display highlighting the power mode and the battery level.
I love it when the manufacturer gives me a lifetime warranty because I know they’ve put in great effort into making an excellent vape.
Heat-up Time & Battery Life
It literally heats up in seconds. While it doesn’t have a pre-heat setting, it doesn’t need one because the unit is so small and self-contained. By the time you’ve had your thumb on the button for a second, it’s ready to go, even on the lowest voltage setting.
Its battery, on the other hand, is a little wimpy compared to the others on this list. At only 390mAh, it doesn’t really compare to the power of the others. However, the small battery makes the device exceptionally light and keeps it from getting too hot, which was a problem I had a lot while using the Mini.
While it won’t get you through a few days, it’ll usually get you through a full day of regular use. If you don’t vape that hard or that often, it’ll probably last you a little longer. However, the good news is that its small size makes it charge really fast. Throw it on a micro-USB charger for about a half hour, and you’re ready to rock.
Portability
At about 3.5 inches with a cartridge installed, the C-Box Pro is extremely portable and tucks away easily in a shirt pocket or bag. It’s about the size of an ordinary lighter, so it fits comfortably in your palm, and it isn’t super noticeable when you’re hitting it. The lowkey color scheme is also great if you’re looking to use it discreetly, though there are a ton of brighter color options available if you want a little flair.
It loses a few points for portability based solely on the battery. I like to rest assured that on a full charge, my battery will last me several days with regular use, even if I forget to put it on the charger at night. With its small battery, the C-Box Pro might leave you in the cold if you find yourself away from a micro-USB charger.
Who This Is Ideal For
For $50, you get a good, reliable 510 battery. If you’re looking for something that can be used and abused daily, Kandypens C-Box Pro is a great option. As long as you remember to throw it on the charger at night, it’ll take great care of you during the day. It offers a sleek and discreet look and feel, a simple interface, and a great range of voltage settings, so you’ll have plenty of control over vapor production and flavor.
10. CCELL Silo (Best No-Brainer)
| Criteria | Rating (1 to 10) |
| Build Quality | 10 |
| Temperature Control | 6 |
| Ease of Use | 10 |
| Versatility and Features | 6 |
| Heat Up Time / Battery Life | 10 |
| Portability | 10 |
| Total | 8.7 |
We covered CCELL’s Palm Pro above, and you can think of Silo as the Palm’s bigger little brother. Its interface is similar to the Palm Pro, giving it a sleek and high-end look and feel with excellent performance and a no-fuss design to boot.
Build Quality
Made from an extra-sturdy aluminum alloy housing, CCELL’s Silo is lightweight and durable. It’s also super small, checking in a pint-sized 63 × 28.8 × 18mm. The thing looks and feels like an ordinary lighter and fully encapsulates the cartridge inside with a sturdy drop-in magnetic connection.
It comes with two magnetic adapters, making it compatible with most 510-thread cartridges as long as they’re on the longer side. The smaller carts tend to be a little too close to the battery for my liking, but the connection is strong, so you don’t have to worry about the cart flying out if you drop it.
Temperature Control & Interface
Silo is draw-activated and has no button, so it looks great in your hand and has no actual interface to speak of. More or less, you inhale, and you’re vibing. However, one huge downside to this battery is that it doesn’t have any temperature control, and it’s hard to tell what its actual voltage output is.
I think it’s somewhere between 3.5V to 3.7V, but the manufacturer themselves isn’t very clear on its output. That being said, this design is ideal for regular old vape cartridges with CO2 or distillate since it isn’t capable of switching outputs to support carts with higher or lower firing requirements.
Ease of Use
As far as ease of use goes, Silo is at the top of the list. There’s something so beautiful about a no-fuss design that looks and works great. With Silo, you don’t have to worry about any button or unique interface or special feature. You just drop the cart in and inhale. Charging it is easy, and its LED display will let you know when it’s done or when it’s time for it to charge. All that is to say that there’s nothing complex about this model, and it still performs exceptionally.
Versatility & Unique Features
Silo is very simple. Its lighter-sized aluminum case conceals your cartridge, though I love that it has a viewing window so you can monitor the tank level without removing it.
This device feels solid and sturdy in hand and has a double aluminum construction, which means you can carry it in your pocket for extended periods and not worry about breaking down from friction. I’ve taken vapes that literally fell apart after a day in my jeans.
It feels super small and was about the size of my lighter, so I’d say if you like portability, you should go for it.
It can be used with 99% of 510-thread carts, including those with top and bottom airflow designs. It utilizes a drop-in magnetic connection and comes with two adapters that you screw onto the carts, allowing you to use both tall and short tanks with the battery.
Under the hood is a powerful 550mAh battery, which is honestly incredible for a battery this size. It charges quickly in under 45 minutes with a micro-USB charger. While it has no special features and no interface for voltage control, it does have convenient draw activation and an LED battery level display and breathing indicator.
Heat-up Time & Battery Life
Since there’s no interface to speak of with Silo, you don’t have to worry about preheating settings or anything else. Once you start to inhale, you have your hit in less than a second, which is excellent if you don’t care about all those extra bells and whistles. Even with Silo’s small size, it’s made with a powerful 500mAh battery that will get you through a full day even when you’re hitting it regularly.
It charges with a micro-USB charger, which comes included with the device. My only complaint is that the included charger needs to be longer. On the other hand, it charges super fast. From empty, it only takes about 45 minutes to return to a complete charge.
Portability
Where portability is concerned, Silo excels. It’s insanely small and looks just like an ordinary lighter when you’re holding it in your hand. I love it for its discreet look and feel, and the minimalist LED breathing indicator is a nice touch.
Surprisingly, a battery of this size that still puts out between 3.5-3.7V per hit survives a long time. It’s still on the smaller size, so I won’t take it with me camping or somewhere without power. But it usually gets me through a full day of use before I need to charge it again. That said, I usually charge it at night so I can carry it all day. If I have plans at night, though, I usually set an hour aside before I take off to charge it up to full before taking it out.
Who This Is Ideal For
While it doesn’t have all of the extra bells and whistles found in other batteries on this list, for $25, you get a really simple, no-fuss budget battery that shines in aesthetics, performance, portability, and, above all else, ease of use. If you want a well-balanced battery that doesn’t require any effort and won’t cost you an arm, a leg, and your first born child, Silo is best for you.
11. Kandypens Special K (Best for Discretion)
| Criteria | Rating (1 to 10) |
| Build Quality | 10 |
| Temperature Control | 7 |
| Ease of Use | 10 |
| Versatility and Features | 7 |
| Heat Up Time / Battery Life | 8 |
| Portability | 10 |
| Total | 8.6 |
Kandypens is a well-known brand that continues to deliver time after time. Their Special K’s are some of my favorite classic pen-style batteries thanks to all of the included accessories, long-lasting battery, and the refillable 1mL cart design. With its industry-leading lifetime warranty, there’s a lot to love.
Build Quality
The Kandypens Special K is beautifully designed. The body is made of high-quality aluminum, with the added perk of looking like an ordinary fountain pen. It comes in three sections: the battery itself, a cap, and a middle section that you can use to hide the cart discreetly.
In my experience, pen-style batteries are some of the toughest, and Special Ks are no different. Everything inside is protected with the aluminum shell, including your cartridge.
Temperature Control & Interface
Kandypens Special K offers a super simple interface. Just push the button five times to turn it on and hold it to hit it. My only complaints are 1) that I wish it had haptic feedback to let me know it’s working when I can’t see the LED lights in bright sunlight and 2) that it lacks intuitive features like sesh mode, adjustable airflow, or battery level indication. Other than that, it’s a no-fuss design that offers excellent vapor quality and production.
As for temperature settings, it comes with three. They’re not the most precise, but the LED lights let you know the output. Counterintuitively, red is the weakest level at 3.2V. White is the middle temp at 3.7V, and blue is the highest at 4.2V.
Ease of Use
Using the Kandypens Special K is a breeze, even for beginners. Just screw your cart into the battery and push the button five times to turn it on. Clicking the button three times allows you to toggle the voltage settings, which are displayed in red, green, and blue LED lights for visibility. From there, just push the button and rip it. It’s super straightforward. You can even put the case on to cover the cart itself for extra discretion.
Versatility & Unique Features
I literally can’t tell the difference between this and a regular pen at the office. So if you need something that looks like a pen that you can bring to work, this is an idela option. It’s made by Kandypens, which is a staple in the industry.
Due to the design, it’s one of the most discreet batteries available, and it’s also quality-made with a durable and lightweight aluminum body. It comes with two leakproof and refillable 1mL cartridges, allowing you to reuse or fill them with your own oils. Even if you don’t go with the included carts, Special K is compatible with most top and bottom airflow cartridges, as long as they’re 510-threaded.
It utilizes an ultra-powerful 650mAh battery, which is surprisingly large for a pen this size. Better yet, it puts out three voltages of 3.2V, 3.7V, and 4.2V, which are ideal for thicker oils. Like most pens, it utilizes an LED display that indicates voltage level and battery life. All in all, it’s a bit basic, but it gets a lot of bonus points for its clever disguise.
Heat-up Time & Battery Life
Special Ks heat up in 2-3 seconds but don’t have a pre-heating feature. For this design, that’s probably a good thing since the button can be pressed from your pocket if you’re like me and carry around a lot of extra junk.
Under the hood is a 650mAh battery, which lasts me about 100-200 puffs per charge. The charger is simple and comes with the device. Just screw the charger into the 510 thread, plug it into any USB port, and you’re good to go. That being said, I don’t like that design too much since you can’t use it while it’s charging, and you’re limited to the places you can charge it. However, it charges to a full battery in about an hour and a half, so even if you’re down, you’re not out.
Portability
Portability is excellent with all pen-style 510 vape batteries, but the Special K excels with its ultra-discreet fountain pen design. The sleek look and the ability to cap it keep it safe in your shirt or pants pocket, or bag. More importantly, it fits comfortably in those places since it’s roughly the size of an ordinary pen, even with the cart. Ultimately, it’s very small but more than mighty.
Who This Is Ideal For
The Kandypens Special K is ideal for pretty much everyone, considering the lifetime warranty and low price tag. Its three precise temperature control options, portability, and top-of-the-line discretion make it an ideal battery for anyone looking for power on the go. At the same time, its advanced features and solid performance make it an excellent daily driver for people looking for convenience without sacrificing great flavors.
12. Nectar SP (Best Budget Battery)
| Criteria | Rating (1 to 10) |
| Build Quality | 10 |
| Temperature Control | 6 |
| Ease of Use | 10 |
| Versatility and Features | 6 |
| Heat Up Time / Battery Life | 10 |
| Portability | 9 |
| Total | 8.5 |
Nectar is an Australian company that recently launched its proprietary SP battery. While I’m not a huge fan of vape pens in general, I have been a fan of the company’s customizable cartridges, so I figured I’d give it a go when I ordered their wood barrel carts. I wasn’t disappointed with either, by the way.
Build Quality
Made from heavy-duty stainless steel, the Nectar SP is made from one of the most durable materials. While it doesn’t have the lightness factor of aluminum, it makes up for it by protecting the internal components and keeping it relatively cool under pressure.
It comes in three great colors and utilizes a threaded design that keeps your 510 carts secure. While I wish it had a cart concealment or protection element, it still looks great. To keep my carts safe, I tend to add a pencil gripper to my glass carts to keep them safe. Overall, this battery stands up to my durability test.
Temperature Control & Interface
The SP doesn’t have any interface. It doesn’t have a pre-heating setting, voltage control, or anything else. But it’s still capable of greatness, especially at its ultra-low price point. It has one draw-activated temperature setting, which I think is somewhere between 3.0 and 3.5V, so you’re definitely getting a good hit at a suitable temperature. That said, it works best with standard distillate or CO2 carts. If you want to vape something fancier, you’ll probably want to upgrade to something with temperature control options.
SP has an ultra-powerful 350mAh battery, which is surprising for its small size. The only downside is that it does get a little warm to the touch with back-to-back use. The good news is that it charges fast with a universal USB charger, so even if it dies on you, you can be back in action with a quickness whether you’re driving, visiting friends, or on the go.
Ease of Use
If you could find me an easier battery to use than the SP, I’d be shocked. There is literally nothing to worry about with this design. All you have to do is screw your cart in and inhale. I love that it doesn’t have any buttons or special interfaces that make some batteries overly complicated. Charging it is also as much of a no-brainer as hitting it is.
Versatility & Unique Features
It’s tiny, cute, classy, and looks like a real pen. If you don’t want your boss finding out that you’re vaping at work, you can get this and put it on your desk because it’s inconspicuous.
For someone who’s not a fan of weird shapes on vapes, the SP is a superb option.
Nectar SPs are some of the smallest vape batteries on the market that stand up to the competition. Sure, pen-style batteries are a dime a dozen, but this one packs a decent 350mAh battery that’ll last through a few work days with light use. I noticed that it recharges in less than an hour with a standard threaded USB charger. I once even charged it from my laptop.
It’s compatible with the majority of 510-thread vape batteries on the market without any special limitations, so it gets a few points there from me. It’s also made with a buttonless, draw-activated design from stainless steel, so it looks sleek and stands up to accidental drops and tumbles.
While it only has one temperature setting, I like that the carts are threaded and fit in the device sturdily. The LED breath indicator is a nice touch, too, since it blinks when your battery needs charging.
Heat-up Time & Battery Life
Surprisingly, the Nectar SP has a larger battery capacity than the Vessel Expedition at 350mAh. That said, the battery will last you for a super long time, especially since it only has one temperature setting. Since it’s draw-activated, very little power is consumed while the device is sitting or idling. I’ve used mine for 2-3 days without needing a recharge, so it’s impressive in my book.
As far as heat-up time goes, SP doesn’t have a pre-heat setting, and it doesn’t need one. While it’s unclear exactly how much voltage it puts out, the second you begin inhaling, you’re bound to get a good hit nearly instantly. My only complaint is that it gets a little warm after hitting it back to back. That’s one of the biggest problems with batteries this size packing batteries this big. It won’t burn you or anything, but the vapor does come out a bit hot after hitting it a few times in a row.
Portability
The SP is about as portable as they get. The pen-style battery checks in at 10.5 x 74mm, so it’s one of the smallest batteries money can buy. The small stature boosts its discretion and hiding capabilities, and you can easily hide it in a pocket or purse, even with an extra-long cart attached to it.
It also has a great battery life. This thing has lasted me up to three days with aggressive use, and it charges via USB. All you have to do is unscrew the cart and screw in the charger, and you can plug it in wherever you go. Whether in your car or on the go, it’s convenient and one of the most portable batteries.
Who This Is Ideal For
At $20, it’s wild how powerful these things are. If the price is at the top of your list of concerns, but you still want a powerful battery that can get you through the day, you’ll love the Nectar SP. It may not have a ton of features, but it tastes great and works flawlessly.
How We Tested and Ranked These 510 Batteries
If you’re looking for a 510-thread vape battery, there’s a lot to consider to make sure you’re getting your needs met. Here are a few of the things I look at before making a decision:
Battery Capacity: I like to go for the highest-capacity battery-to-size ratio. While smaller vapes can’t pack massive batteries, the battery should still be large enough to hold a good charge without getting too hot. Alternatively, some giant batteries out there suffer in terms of portability. Choose a battery and a size that you feel comfortable with.
Output Levels: I prefer batteries with different voltage settings so I can get more control over the temperatures I hit different oil consistencies at. While most of them have different output levels, smaller ones often don’t. I usually look for batteries between 2.7V and 4.2V since different cartridges and oils perform better at specific voltage levels.
Features: We talked about a lot of different features in the reviews above. Some batteries have extra features like haptic feedback and LED displays, and others have different interfaces, button or draw activation types, cartridge concealment, or additional safety features. You should take an in-depth look at the kinds of features you want in a battery and focus on shopping for batteries that include most of them.
Compatibility: Most batteries are compatible with most 510 carts, though some 510 batteries out there might be too small, long, or narrow for certain tanks. At the end of the day, you’re going to want a battery that works with your favorite vape carts. Lots of batteries with a drop-in concealment design are often limited to tanks with precise measurements, so be sure to do your research. Compare your favorite tank specs to your prospective batteries and make sure you’ll have a good fit.
Overall Quality: While it’s hard to get a good feel for quality from pictures, take care to look into the materials used for the battery’s internal and external components. A good battery is usually made with aluminum or hard plastic, which keeps the internal components safe. You’ll also want to look at what the thread is made of and how the atomizer works. Making sure you’re getting something sturdy and durable will save you from having to start the research process all over again.
Charging Method: Most batteries can be charged with an included charging cable or via USB, though some batteries may have a proprietary charging system. That means that the only charger that will work with it is the charger that it comes with, which can be a hassle if you need to charge it in a car or on the go. I double-check which type of charger it uses to make sure it’s something I either already have on hand or have no problem tracking down in case of an emergency. I also love batteries with dual charge ports, like O2Vape’s Flip Ultra.
Size and Portability: If you want something discreet, it doesn’t make sense to buy a giant 510 battery that doesn’t fit comfortably in the palm of your hand or your pocket. Size is a huge factor to consider, especially if discretion and portability are also at the top of your list. The smaller the battery, the more discreet they are. However, small batteries also don’t hold a charge for as long as larger batteries, so they may suffer a bit in the portability category. Ideally, you want a medium-sized battery that holds a charge for the long run but can still be tucked away in a bag or a pocket when you’re on the go.
Price: Price always matters. There are a ton of great vapes on this list at every price point, and each has different features. In fact, some of the more expensive vapes on this list don’t have the features you’ll find in more affordable batteries. So take everything you want in a vape into consideration, and then compare prices from there. There’s bound to be something in your price range that will work hard and last long.
Different Types Of 510 Thread Batteries
This is where things get a little hairy. While most batteries are just called 510 vape batteries, there are a few different types you should be familiar with so you’re not blindsided by something that seems like technical jargon while you’re shopping. Keep in mind that some batteries fit into multiple categories. For example, the Vessel Compass is a variable voltage battery as well as a pass-through battery and a button-activated battery.
Standard 510 Battery: These are basic, non-adjustable batteries with a fixed voltage output. They usually have a button for manual activation and are straightforward to use.
Variable Voltage Battery: These batteries allow you to adjust the voltage output to customize your vaping experience. They often have multiple voltage settings that you can cycle through by pressing a button.
Variable Temperature Battery: These batteries are similar to variable voltage batteries but are more precise. They’re designed for use with specific types of coils that support temperature control vaping and allow you to set a specific temperature.
Button-Activated Battery: These batteries require you to press a button to activate the coil and get a hit.
Draw-Activated Battery: These batteries are activated automatically when you inhale from the mouthpiece. They don’t have buttons and are activated solely by airflow.
Pass-Through Battery: These batteries can be used while charging. Unless the battery specifies that it’s pass-through capable, don’t hit your battery on the charger. In some cases, youcan hit it on the charger, but it’ll damage your battery and void your warranty.
Stealth Battery: Stealth batteries are typically tiny and discreet, designed for lowkey vaping. They’re often shaped like everyday household objects, like pens or key fobs. Some stealth batteries also use the drop-in tank design, which keeps the cartridge itself concealed for discretion.
High-Capacity Battery: These batteries have larger capacities (measured in mAh) and can last longer between charges.
Sub-Ohm Battery: Sub-ohm batteries are designed to work with sub-ohm tanks or atomizers that have coils with resistance below 1.0 ohm. They provide higher power output for cloud production and intense flavor.
Box Mod: While not all box mods are 510-threaded, some use 510 connections. Box mods are larger and more powerful devices that offer advanced features like precise temperature control, customizable settings, and more extended battery life. I’ll break that down in the next section.
510-Thread Batteries Vs. Box Mods And Vape Mods
In theory, if you could use a vape cartridge with a box mode or vape mod, would you even need a dedicated 510 vape battery? The answer is yes.
Most box mods and vape mods aren’t actually compatible with 510 cartridges, thanks to the design. Since most 510 carts pull air through the base of the 510 connector, it isn’t possible to use them with most box or vape mods because they don’t allow airflow through the connector. A dedicated 510-thread vape battery is designed to enable that airflow through the base.
To take it a step further, 510 cartridges don’t need as much power as vape mods and box mods are capable of putting out. Most vape mods throw out anywhere from 100-200W, which is enough to damage your cart and ruin your oils. 510 vape batteries are designed to have much lower power outputs, which protect the carts and keep everything running smoothly.
All that is to say that if you want to vape a 510 cart, you need a dedicated 510 battery that is designed to get the best flavors and vapor out of those carts at power levels they can withstand.
What Can You Vape With A 510 Battery?
510 batteries are exceptionally versatile and can be used with a lot of other oils and concentrates. You just have to make sure that your battery has a good range of voltage settings to give you more control over performance at all consistencies and that the battery and the cartridges themselves are both 510-threaded. With a good battery, they’re compatible with 99% of 510 cartridges out there.
You can use them with wax atomizers for all sorts of different concentrates as well as nicotine, THC, CBD, and more. Just make sure that both the cart and the battery are 510 threaded.
How Long Do Vape Batteries Last?
Battery life depends on the battery capacity, how often you use it, how you charge it, and whether or not you take good care of it. The lifespan of these batteries can vary, but I find it’s typically around 300-500 charge cycles before you need to replace them. I’ve babied my rechargeables, and they’ve lasted me up to three years before the charging point itself started malfunctioning, though, so it depends.
On a single charge, you can generally get anywhere from a day to two full weeks, depending on how much you hit it and how big the battery is. I find that with regular cleaning, they work more efficiently and last a lot longer, too. However, battery capacity generally decreases over time, so you might find yourself charging or dying more often than when you first started.
Disposables, on the other hand, are fully charged when you get them and can’t be recharged. I used to buy a lot of these, and I absolutely hate them because they never survive long enough to empty the tank completely. Further, they just end up in landfills, and it’s gross.
To extend battery capacity, it helps to use the charger that it came with and avoid leaving it on the charger long after it finishes or letting it die completely. I usually charge mine to full at about 30%. Regular cleaning is also a must, and it helps to make sure you power it off before you store it and keep it out of high temperatures and moisture.
Also, if you notice anything weird with your battery, like a damaged body, overheating, swelling, or poor performance, it’s time to get a new one. Safety first, folks. You can contact the manufacturer if you’re still under warranty and get a replacement or find a newer, better battery.
Additional 510 Vape Battery FAQs
Q: Are they safe?
A: Like everything out there, 510 vape batteries are safe when you use them correctly. The quality of the battery, how much you use or abuse it, whether or not you’re charging, draining, or storing correctly, and its overall condition are all key factors. With proper maintenance and cleaning and following the manufacturer’s instructions, you’ll be good to go.
Q: Are they legal?
A: In short, it depends on where you live. While they’re legal in most places, there’s a chance that they’re not legal everywhere. I recommend always checking your local laws to keep yourself out of trouble.
Q: How much do they cost?
A: 510 vape batteries can cost anywhere from ten bucks to 100 dollars. There might be some outliers on either side, so it’s essential to make sure you do your research and find a battery that has all the specs and features that matter to you at a price point you can afford.
Q: Are they better than other portable vape pens?
A: This one’s up to you. Every vaporizer out there has its pros and cons, so you need to consider what matters most to you when shopping for a new vape. I personally love 510 batteries for their versatility, customization options, convenience, battery life, discretion, portability, and cost. While disposables may have a higher environmental impact and don’t put out the most impressive flavors, they’re an excellent budget option when convenience and portability are king.
Q: Can you use a 510 battery with any vape cart?
A: No. 510 vape batteries are designed with a 510-thread, so they only work with 510-threaded carts. You should also make sure that you triple-check the specs on any battery you’re interested in since some of them can only support small or narrow carts or carts with a higher tank capacity in the case of cart-concealing batteries.
Q: Do all vapes have a 510 thread?
A: Nope. There are so many different types of vapes out there, including ones that only vaporize flower or hard concentrates. If you want something that can vaporize carts with a 510 thread, stick to 510-thread vape batteries only.
Q: Can you refill a pre-filled cart?
A: In most cases, no. Carts you buy from dispensaries are usually sealed to prevent tampering and leakage. Further, those disposable cartridges have a heating coil in them that is designed to degrade over time with use. If you refilled one of those carts, you might get stuck with a cart that won’t fire. If you’re interested in creating less waste in landfills, invest in refillable cartridges. As you can see from this article, I’m a Kandypens stan, and they’ve got excellent and reliable refillable carts out the wazoo.
Q: Are carts included with batteries?
A: Typically not. Some vape battery manufacturers will throw in a refillable cart with the battery, but for the most part, they’re sold separately. The only exception is inside certain dispensaries. There are a few THC cartridge companies out there who will throw in a battery with the cart itself, though in my experience, they’re usually pretty crappy.
Q: How do you use 510 vape batteries?
A: Each battery is a little different, so always refer to the quick start guide or manual included with your battery to ensure you get everything right and secure your warranty. In general, start by charging the battery to full power before using it. Then attach the cartridge and turn it on before you fire it and inhale. Remember to turn it off afterward and keep it away from high temperatures and water when you’re not using it.
Q: How do you clean 510 vape batteries?
A: In most cases, when my battery stops firing correctly, it’s because there’s some gunk at the connecting point. That said, cleaning your battery regularly is crucial if you want to keep it working properly. All you need is a little iso, some cotton swabs, and a dry paper towel to do it. Start by turning the battery off and removing the cart. Dip your Q-tip into the alcohol and wipe down the 510 connection or threading.
You can do that on both the battery itself and the cartridge to make sure your next connection is squeaky clean. Once that’s good, dry everything completely with a clean paper towel and reconnect the cart to the battery. I like to take a Lysol wipe to the exterior, too, but it’s not super important if you’re not looking for extra steps. Just remember that this is usually all you need. Don’t try to take the whole thing apart or clean the internal parts unless you want to break it or void the warranty.
Q: How do you charge 510 vape batteries?
A: It usually depends on the battery itself. Since they’re all different, make sure you follow the instructions that come with your battery and use the charger included to ensure you’re supplying your battery with the right voltage. Using an incorrect or incompatible charger can be dangerous and may damage the battery. Generally speaking, you might have to disconnect the cart to attach the battery to a USB charger.
In most cases, you’ll just plug the included charger into the battery and monitor the display. Usually, an LED light will change color or stop blinking when your battery is full. Once you get there, disconnect it and get back to using it. A little pro tip from me— don’t let your battery die completely before charging it. I usually charge mine when it hits about 30% to protect the longevity of the battery inside.
Final Thoughts:
At the end of the day, I love 510 batteries. They’re one of the cheaper vaporizers out there, but they’re extremely portable, discreet, and chock full of unique features that help them stand out against tons of other models. If you’re checking out this list of the best 510 vape batteries money can buy in 2023, keep in mind that while the specs are accurate, there are a lot of opinions here. Lucky for you, I’m an expert. I hope you find something on this list that works great for you, regardless of what type of smoker you are.