Built-In vs Removable Battery Pod Mods

The world of pod mods gets more advanced with each passing year, and today we have a bigger selection than ever before.  We are seeing more exciting features, like adjustable airflow, variable wattage, temperature control, and flavor-boosting technology, which is a far cry from the early pod systems that allowed for no adjustments whatsoever.

Another thing we are noticing is the emergence of pod mods that use removable batteries rather than the more common integrated batteries.  So, we’re going to compare these to help you understand the pros and cons of each type of battery, so that you can make the best choice for your needs.

What is the Difference Between Pod Systems and Pod Mods

Before we discuss the two battery options, we need to quickly cover the differences between pod systems and pod mods, as that way you can better understand these devices and their batteries.  Even though, in the world of vaping, "pod systems" and "pod mods" are terms that are used interchangeably, they actually cater to slightly different vaper needs and preferences.

Pod Systems:

• Simplicity: Pod systems, also known as “pod vapes”, are designed for simplicity and ease of use.  They typically consist of a battery and a replaceable or refillable pod that contains e-liquid.
• Compact and Portable: These devices are usually small and lightweight, making them very portable and discreet.
• Low Power: Pod systems generally operate at a lower power compared to more advanced devices, which is suitable for mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping, mimicking the draw of a traditional cigarette.
• Nicotine Delivery: They are often used with nicotine salt e-liquids, which allow for a smoother throat hit at higher nicotine strengths, making them ideal for users looking to switch from smoking to vaping.
• Ease of Use: With minimal settings and no need for complex adjustments, pod systems are perfect for beginners or those looking for a straightforward vaping experience.

Pod Mods:

• Versatility and Power: Pod mods are a more advanced type of pod system, offering more power, better battery life, and often, adjustable settings such as variable wattage or temperature control.
• Refillable and Sometimes Replaceable Coils: Many pod mods come with pods that aren’t only refillable but also allow for coil replacement, making them more versatile and cost-effective in the long run.
• Larger Size: While still relatively compact, pod mods are typically larger than basic pod systems due to their increased battery capacity and functionality.
• Direct-to-Lung (DTL) Vaping: Some pod mods are capable of supporting direct-to-lung vaping, which is preferred by users looking for larger vapor production.
• Advanced Features: Pod mods may include features like display screens, adjustable airflow, and compatibility with a wider range of e-juice types, appealing to more experienced vapers who desire control over their vaping experience.

What are the Batteries Found in Your Pod System/Pod Mod?

It goes without saying that the battery of your pod system or pod mod is critical in that it powers your entire vaping system.  Concealed in the chassis of your pod mod device, the battery is the powerhouse that provides electricity to the chip and coil, enabling a process in which heat can convert e-liquid into vapor.

Ever since pod systems first debuted on the market, they came in a variety of battery capacity levels, ranging from, say, 280mAh all the way up to 1000mAh.  And, with modern pod systems and pod mods being more advanced, and offering higher output levels, we’re seeing even higher battery capacities than ever before.

The reason why most pod systems and pod mods use built-in batteries is because they don’t need higher-capacity lithium-ion batteries.  You see, these devices are mostly for vaping salt nic e-liquids – those are e-juices with high nicotine strengths, to deliver a powerful blast of nicotine satisfaction that goes beyond what freebase nicotine can provide.  Pod systems quickly became the preferred system of choice for those looking for more of a nicotine-based vaping experience as opposed to a cloud-chasing one, as box mods reach higher wattage levels for bigger clouds, at the expense of less nicotine intake.

Salt-based nicotine is potent to the point that you don’t need a high wattage to deliver a meaningful amount of it per puff.  So, you can have devices that operate at lower wattage, and therefore require lower-capacity batteries.  Lower-capacity batteries are smaller, and thus, can be integrated into the device itself so they never need to be removed.

On the other hand, up until recently, it was standard for box mod systems to have removable batteries – usually two 18650 batteries, with some exceptions.  This was needed, as only these batteries offered high enough capacity to enable box mods to reach 200+ watts, which pod mods never need to reach.  That has changed too, however, with many box mods now using high-capacity integrated batteries for sub-ohm vaping – reaching not necessarily 200 watts, but at least 100 watts.

Built-In Batteries

Nowadays, pod mods and box mods have gotten more versatile.  Like we said, you will find box mods with built-in batteries, and pod mods with removable batteries.  In fact, some would argue that these are hybrid systems, as they can accommodate both kinds of e-liquids (freebase and salt nic).

That being said, let’s start out by talking about integrated – aka built-in – batteries.  These, again, are going to give you a lower capacity overall than devices that use dual 18650 (or 20700/21700) batteries.  The result is a lower maximum wattage, which makes sense for pod systems since they aren’t meant to be the strongest vapes out there.

Built-in batteries can range in capacity from about 280mAh to 2000mAh, as we’ve seen with the most recent models coming out.  These types of batteries are charged through a type-C charge port, which is a small charging port on the chassis of the device.

Pros:

• You don’t need to buy separate batteries.
• You don’t need to remove the batteries to charge them.
• The batteries charge faster.
• They’re smaller and more lightweight, resulting in a lighter and smaller pod system.
• They don’t need to be maintained (cleaning the connection, etc.).

Cons:

• They are lower in capacity, which means that your max output level is limited.
• When the battery eventually completely dies, you need to replace the entire vaping device.
• If there’s a battery malfunction, you can’t replace the battery with a new one.

Removable Batteries

Then, we have removable batteries, which we’re seeing in the more high-powered pod mods that are coming out.  Typically, what you’ll see is a single 18650 battery setup, and the battery is sold separately from the device itself.  Removable batteries, like we said, make sense for more powerful systems, as they have a larger capacity, and thus can enable higher output levels on your device.

Now, keep in mind that many modern devices that use removable batteries don’t actually require that you remove the battery to recharge it.  They also use type-C charge ports so that the batteries can be charged while inside of the device.

Pros:

• They enable higher output levels (wattage, temperature, etc.).
• Because they’re removable, you can replace them independently of the device should you need to.
• They can be maintained (cleaned) when needed.

Cons:

• They take longer to charge as their capacities are higher.
• They’re sold separately.
• When they need to be maintained, they must be manually removed from the device.
• Some devices require that you remove the battery to charge it, which is an extra step, and makes the entire process less travel-friendly as you need to buy and maintain a separate charger.

Which Do You Prefer?

Ultimately, there are pros and cons to both kinds of setups.  It really comes down to what you want out of your pod system.  Lower-wattage devices, meant to be used with salt-based nicotine e-liquids, don’t need heavy-duty batteries, so low-capacity, integrated batteries will keep you totally satisfied, at least in theory.  More robust pod systems that allow for sub-ohm vaping may benefit from higher-capacity, removable batteries, however.  Vapor Authority carries these types of devices, so that way, you can explore each device and find out what makes it unique, in order to then choose the best pod mod for your needs and preferences.