A close-up view of an empty vape cartridge.

Disposable Vape Pen vs. Cartridges: What’s the Difference?

There are a lot of reasons to like vaping. 

The experience is similar to smoking, but doesn’t feel nearly as harsh on your lungs. As long as your vape has a charge and some oil inside, you don’t need to worry about carrying around lighters or flower.

Choosing to vape is pretty easy. Finding the right kind of vape can be a little bit more of a journey. Disposable vape pens and cartridges both have their pros and cons, after all.

Let’s take a closer look at disposable vape pens vs. cartridges. We’ll start with the basics of both types of vapes, then look at the pros and cons of each.

What are Disposable Vapes and Vape Cartridges?

In the cart vs. vape debate, there are a few key facts to keep in mind. We’ll focus on the key qualities of batteries and vape cartridges vs. disposable pens below.

If you’re looking for a general rundown of the history of vapes, Weedmaps has you covered.

Want some more specific info about how to use or clean a vape, or how long rechargeable vapes last? We have you covered with these in-depth articles:

Basic Facts About Vape Cartridges and Batteries

A young woman uses a disposable vape.

Cartridges are used with a battery, also known as a vape pen (and available in many shapes besides the traditional pen or cylinder format). The battery includes a heating element to vaporize the oil or juice in the cartridge. The battery may also allow you to adjust the temperature or voltage, preheat a cartridge, and more.

The vape battery is rechargeable, and it can last for years with proper care. Cartridges are disposable. Once you use up the contents, you can simply toss them in your garbage can. Then, you can attach a new one to enjoy.

Most, but not all, cartridges and pens use 510 threading. This is an industry standard that ensures compatibility between the two pieces. For ease of use and access to the most variety of cartridges, look for a vape battery with 510 threading. 

However, proprietary cartridge and pod systems can also be convenient. This limits your choices overall. However, if you like the brand, it can be an easy way to get your favorite vape products.

Basic Facts About Disposable Vapes

Disposable vapes generally come as an all-in-one unit. The vape oil or juice is built in along with the battery and heating coil. You may also hear them called disposable vape pens or disposable vape devices. As you’ve probably guessed already, the key word to look for is “disposable.”

Almost all disposable vapes are sold precharged. You can take it out of the box and use it immediately. Some disposable vapes are also rechargeable. 

This helps users get the full value from the disposable vape. If you can recharge it, you can be sure no oil is still sitting inside.

Because these vapes are both disposable and so easy to use right out of the package, there isn’t as much to say about them. So, let’s jump into the pros and cons of the disposable vape vs. cart and battery conversation.

Pros and Cons of Disposable Vape Pens vs. Carts

Not sure if you’d be better off with a disposable vape pen or rechargeable vape and cartridges? These advantages and drawbacks can make the choice a little easier and give you the best vaping experience.

Pros and Cons of Disposable Vapes

Pros of disposable vapes:

  • Easy to use
  • Generally ready to use right out of the box
  • Overall, a low initial cost compared to buying both batteries and cartridges

All of these qualities put together mean disposable vapes are often a good choice for occasional and beginning users. They’re about as simple as it gets, and there’s only a single purchase to make. However, we should also consider the downsides.

Cons of disposable vapes:

  • Regular purchase and use create a lot of waste
  • Sometimes rechargeable, but never refillable
  • Often not as durable as a high-quality vape battery and cartridge combination
  • Costs can add up over time as compared to a reusable vape

Some of the same things that make disposable vapes good for occasional and beginner use also make them less attractive in the long run.

Pros and Cons of Reusable Vape Pens and Cartridges

Pros of reusable vapes:

  • Batteries regularly last for many months or years (with proper care)
  • Many batteries allow you to adjust the temperature, and some also have preheating and other functions
  • You only need to purchase carts regularly, saving money over time
  • You can use any cart that’s compatible with your pen
  • High-quality batteries are much more durable than a standard disposable vape

Do you regularly enjoy Delta 8, Delta 11, HHC, or any other federally legal hemp-derived cannabinoid? Using a battery and cartridge is probably your best bet. It gives you more control and can keep costs lower as time goes on.

Cons of reusable vapes:

  • Higher initial cost
  • Relatively easy to use, but more complicated than a disposable vape
  • More complex and more separate parts than a disposable
  • Require some basic maintenance in terms of cleaning

It can take a little bit of time to get fully up to speed with a reusable vape, and it requires more spending upfront, although the cost is still modest overall.

Find Your Favorite Vape at Delta 8 Resellers

Whether you’re interested in disposable vape pens or cartridges and batteries, Delta 8 Resellers have you covered. Our wide selection of both disposable and reusable vapes are all sourced from the very best brands in the industry. You can count on high quality no matter what you choose.

Shop all of our Disposable and Reusable Vapes!

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