Vaporesso Xros 5 Review (2026): The Best Refillable Pod Kit?

Few pod kits have earned the kind of word-of-mouth loyalty in the UK that the Vaporesso Xros line has, and the latest model carries a lot of expectation on its small shoulders. If you have spent any time looking for a refillable vape that behaves a little like a cigarette, costs very little to run, and survived the upheaval that wiped disposables off the shelves, the Xros name will have come up again and again. This Vaporesso Xros 5 review is written for adult vapers who want the full, honest picture before they spend any money: what the kit actually is, how it works in real daily use, where it shines, where it frustrates, and whether it deserves a place in your pocket in 2026. There is no hype here and no pretending it is perfect. Just a long, careful look at one of the most popular small pod kits Vaporesso has ever made, with the real pros, the genuine cons, and the practical detail that helps you decide if it is the right device for you.

What is the Vaporesso Xros 5?

The Vaporesso Xros 5 is the newest device in the long-running Xros family, a series of small, pocketable pod kits built around a single idea: a simple, refillable, mouth-to-lung vape that is easy to live with. It is the kind of device that sits comfortably between a throwaway gadget and a complicated enthusiast mod. You do not need to know anything about wattage curves or sub-ohm coils to get on with it, but it is built well enough that experienced vapers keep coming back to it as a reliable everyday carry. In short, it is a refillable MTL pod kit – you fill the pod yourself with bottled e-liquid, charge the battery over USB-C, and swap the coil when it tires out.

That word – refillable – is the heart of what the Xros 5 is, and it is worth dwelling on for a second because it is exactly what sets it apart from the prefilled-pod kits and the old disposables. With the Xros 5 you are not buying sealed, pre-made pods full of liquid. You buy the kit once, then keep it topped up from a bottle of e-liquid of your own choosing. That means you pick the flavour, you pick the nicotine strength, and you control how much you spend per millilitre. It is the difference between buying ground coffee in bulk and buying single-serve capsules: a bit more involved, far cheaper over time, and far more flexible.

The Xros 5 builds on a formula that the previous Xros models proved out. It pairs a reasonably sized battery – around 1000mAh in this generation – with a small, lightweight body, refillable pods of roughly 2ml capacity, and a set of replaceable press-fit coils that simply push into the bottom of the pod. There is an adjustable airflow control so you can tune the draw from a tight, cigarette-like pull to a looser, airier one, and a battery indicator so you are not left guessing how much charge is left. None of these features is revolutionary on its own, but the combination is genuinely well judged for the people the device is aimed at: adult smokers looking to switch fully, and existing vapers who want a small, dependable backup or daily driver.

Open the box and you typically get the Xros 5 device itself, one or two refillable pods (often one of each coil resistance), a USB-C charging cable, and the usual paperwork and warranty card. You supply your own e-liquid. The first time you handle it, the thing that stands out is how unintimidating it is – there is no screen full of menus, no buttons to long-press through modes. On most versions it is draw-activated, meaning you simply inhale and it fires, although some configurations include a fire button. It is the kind of device you can hand to someone who has never vaped before and they will work out within thirty seconds, yet it has enough quality and adjustability that it does not feel like a toy. For anyone weighing up the best refillable vape kits for beginners, the Xros 5 is almost always on the shortlist, and for good reason.

Refillable vs prefilled: why it matters

To understand why the Xros 5 matters, you have to understand the gap it sits in. The UK vaping market in 2026 is split into roughly three camps, and the Xros 5 lands firmly in the most cost-effective, most flexible one. Knowing the difference will save you money and disappointment, so it is worth a proper explanation.

The first camp is the old single-use disposable, the throwaway device that dominated corner shops for years. Those are gone. Single-use disposable vapes were banned across the whole of the UK in 2025, and they are no longer legal to sell. If you want the full story on what happened and why, our explainer on whether disposable vapes are banned in the UK walks through it, but the short version is that anything you cannot recharge and refill is off the table. That ban is the single biggest reason refillable kits like the Xros 5 surged in popularity – people who liked the simplicity of disposables needed a legal, reusable replacement.

The second camp is the prefilled pod kit. These are rechargeable devices – think of the pod versions of familiar names like Elf Bar or Lost Mary – where you buy sealed pods that come ready-filled with e-liquid. You charge the battery, click in a pod, vape until it is empty, then bin the pod and click in a fresh one. They are legal and convenient, and for some people the convenience is worth it. But there is a catch: you are paying a premium for that convenience every single time you buy a pod, and you are locked into whatever flavours and strengths the brand decides to sell.

The third camp – where the Xros 5 lives – is the refillable pod kit. Here you buy the device and refill the pod yourself from a bottle of e-liquid. This is the cheaper-per-millilitre route by a wide margin, because bottled e-liquid costs a fraction of what the same volume costs in sealed prefilled pods. It is also the most flexible: there are thousands of e-liquid flavours and strengths on the open market, far more than any single prefilled-pod range offers, so you are never stuck. You can run a strong nic salt one week and a lower-strength freebase the next, in whatever flavour you fancy. Browse a decent range of e-liquids and the appeal becomes obvious almost immediately.

Crucially, the Xros 5 is fully UK-legal and always was. Because it is both rechargeable and refillable, it was never caught by the disposables ban at all. It is a reusable device by design. So if you are coming off disposables and want the closest legal equivalent that also happens to be the cheapest to run, a refillable kit is the logical destination – and the Xros 5 is one of the most popular ways to get there. You take on a small amount of extra effort (filling a pod, occasionally swapping a coil) in exchange for a large saving and a great deal more control.

Design, build and battery

For a device that costs so little, the Xros 5 feels surprisingly solid in the hand. Vaporesso has always treated the Xros line as a flagship small pod kit rather than a budget afterthought, and that shows in the finish. The body is slim and light, easy to hold between two fingers or slip into a jeans pocket without a noticeable bulge. Depending on the colourway you choose, you get either a soft-touch painted finish or a metallic, slightly cooler-to-the-touch shell, and the build quality is reassuringly tight – there is no rattle, no creak, and the pod seats with a confident click rather than a loose wobble.

The pod sits on top and is held in place magnetically, which makes refilling and coil swaps a tool-free, one-handed affair. Pull the pod out, do what you need, push it back in. The magnets are strong enough that it will not fall out in your pocket but easy enough to remove that you are not wrestling with it. On the side or front of the device, depending on the version, you will find the airflow adjustment – usually a small sliding or rotating control that opens and closes the air channel feeding the pod. It is a simple mechanical thing, but it is the feature that lets one small device cover several quite different vaping styles, which we will come back to.

The battery is where the Xros 5 makes its biggest practical case. At around 1000mAh, it is generous for a device this size – noticeably more capacity than many rivals in the same compact category. In real-world terms, a moderate vaper can often get through a full day on a single charge, and lighter users may stretch it further. Heavier vapers, or anyone running the lower-resistance coil that draws more power, will likely charge once a day, which for most people slots neatly into an overnight or desk-side routine. The crucial detail is that there is a proper battery indicator, so you are not caught out. Rather than a single light that suddenly dies, the Xros 5 gives you a clearer read on remaining charge, typically through an indicator that steps down as the battery drains.

Charging is over USB-C, which by 2026 is exactly what you want – the same cable as a modern phone, fast and universal, with none of the old micro-USB fiddliness. A full charge from flat does not take long, and because the battery is sensibly sized rather than enormous, you are never waiting around. Some versions of the device support faster charging than others, but in all cases the practical experience is the same: plug in for a bit and you are good for the day. One small but appreciated touch on the Xros line generally is that you can usually vape while it is on charge if you absolutely need to, though letting it complete a charge is always kinder to the battery in the long run. Overall, the design brief here is "small, sturdy, and built to be lived with," and the Xros 5 delivers on all three.

Pods, coils and airflow

This is the section that really determines whether you will enjoy the Xros 5, because the pod-and-coil setup is where the device's flavour and draw come from. Get this part right and the kit sings; get it wrong and you will be disappointed for reasons that have nothing to do with the hardware. So it is worth understanding properly.

The Xros 5 uses refillable pods of roughly 2ml capacity, which is the maximum allowed under UK rules. You fill them yourself through a fill port – usually accessed by lifting a stopper or sliding open a port on the side of the pod – using a bottle of your chosen e-liquid. The 2ml capacity means you will top up reasonably often, but the trade-off is total flexibility over what goes in. Each pod takes a replaceable press-fit coil: the coil is a small cylindrical part that pushes firmly into the base of the pod. When the coil tires – flavour fades, or you start to notice a faintly burnt edge – you pull the old one out and press a fresh one in. No screwdrivers, no fuss.

Coil options

The Xros 5 commonly ships with, and supports, a couple of mesh coil resistances, and the one you choose shapes the whole experience. The two you will see most often are a 0.8ohm mesh coil and a 0.6ohm mesh coil. The 0.8ohm coil is the tighter, more restrictive option – it draws less power, sips less liquid, and is best suited to a proper mouth-to-lung (MTL) style with higher-strength nicotine. This is the coil for the ex-smoker who wants a cigarette-like draw and a strong throat hit from a nic salt. The 0.6ohm coil is a little warmer and airier – it produces a touch more vapour, gets through liquid faster, and pairs better with a looser MTL or restricted direct-to-lung draw and lower nicotine strengths. Both are mesh, which is the modern standard: a mesh coil has a wider, more even heating surface than old round-wire coils, so it tends to deliver cleaner, more consistent flavour and a smoother vape. Replacement coils typically come in packs and cost very little – usually around two to three pounds each – which keeps long-term running costs down.

Airflow and draw

The adjustable airflow control is what ties the coil choice together. By opening or closing the air channel, you change how tight or loose the draw feels. Closed right down, the Xros 5 gives a tight, restrictive MTL pull that mimics dragging on a cigarette – ideal with the 0.8ohm coil and a nic salt. Opened up, the draw loosens toward a softer MTL or a gentle restricted direct-to-lung (DTL) style, which suits the 0.6ohm coil and lower-strength liquids, producing a bit more cloud and a cooler vape. The genius of having both coil options and adjustable airflow in one tiny device is that it can be a strict cigarette-replacement for one user and a softer, airier vape for another – or both for the same user on different days. Spend a few minutes experimenting with the airflow when you first set it up; the "right" setting is entirely personal, and the device rewards a bit of tinkering.

Specs at a glance

• Device type: refillable MTL pod kit – rechargeable and refillable, fully UK-legal, never affected by the disposables ban.
• Battery: around 1000mAh built-in rechargeable battery – generous for the size, typically a full day of moderate use per charge.
• Charging: USB-C (cable usually included in the kit).
• Pod capacity: refillable pods of around 2ml – the UK legal maximum, filled by you from bottled e-liquid.
• Coils: replaceable press-fit mesh coils, commonly 0.6ohm and 0.8ohm options; replacements sold in packs.
• Airflow: adjustable, from tight cigarette-like MTL to looser restricted DTL.
• Activation: typically draw-activated (inhale to fire); some versions include a fire button.
• Battery indicator: yes – gives a clearer read on remaining charge rather than a single warning light.
• Best suited to: nic salt e-liquids at 10mg or 20mg for MTL, or lower-strength freebase liquid for a looser, airier draw.
• Typical kit price: around £12–£18 depending on retailer and colour.
• Typical coil price: around £2–£3 each, usually in multi-packs.
• What you supply: your own bottled e-liquid – the device does not use prefilled pods.

Choosing e-liquid and strength for the Xros 5

Because the Xros 5 is refillable, picking the right e-liquid is part of the deal – and it is genuinely one of the best things about owning it, even if it feels like one more decision at first. Get the liquid and strength right and the device will feel effortless. Get it wrong and you might blame the kit for something that is really down to the juice. So here is the practical guidance.

The first decision is nic salt versus freebase. These are the two main types of nicotine e-liquid. Nic salt (short for nicotine salt) e-liquid delivers nicotine more smoothly at higher strengths, so it gives a satisfying hit without feeling harsh in the throat. That makes it the natural partner for a small MTL pod kit like the Xros 5, especially for someone switching from cigarettes who wants a strong, quick hit. Freebase nicotine is the more traditional type; at higher strengths it feels harsher, so it is usually used at lower strengths and tends to pair with a looser, airier draw and bigger vapour. For most Xros 5 owners, particularly those using it as a cigarette replacement, nic salt is the obvious starting point.

The second decision is strength, measured in milligrams of nicotine per millilitre (mg). In the UK the legal maximum is 20mg. For an ex-smoker setting the Xros 5 up as a tight MTL device with the 0.8ohm coil, a nic salt at 10mg or 20mg is the usual sweet spot – 20mg for heavier former smokers who want a firm hit, 10mg for lighter smokers or anyone who finds 20mg a bit much. If you prefer to open the airflow up and run the 0.6ohm coil for a softer, cloudier vape, you will generally want to step the strength down, because more airflow and more vapour means you are taking in more nicotine per puff; a lower-mg liquid keeps that comfortable. Our full nicotine strength guide goes into this in much more depth and is well worth a read if you are unsure where to start.

A few practical pointers tie it together. Higher-strength nic salt in a tight draw equals a strong, cigarette-like experience – the classic ex-smoker setup. Lower-strength liquid in a looser draw equals a smoother, airier, cloudier vape that you sip on more casually. There is no single correct answer; it depends on how heavily you used to smoke and what feels satisfying without being harsh. The beauty of a refillable kit is that experimenting is cheap – a bottle of e-liquid costs little, so trying a different strength or flavour is a minor outlay, not a commitment. Start with a nic salt around 10–20mg, see how it feels over a few days, and adjust from there. You will find a vast range of strengths and flavours when you browse the e-liquids selection, which is exactly the freedom the prefilled and disposable formats never gave you.

Performance and flavour

Specs and theory only get you so far; what matters is how the Xros 5 actually performs once it is filled, primed and in your hand day to day. The good news is that this is where the device earns its reputation. With a well-primed coil and a sensibly chosen e-liquid, the flavour is clean, accurate and consistent – the mesh coils do a genuinely good job of rendering the nuances of a juice rather than muddying everything into a vague sweetness. Fruit flavours come through bright, menthols are crisp and cold, and tobacco and dessert blends have a pleasing depth for such a small device.

The draw is the other half of the story, and it is where the adjustable airflow pays off. Set tight with the 0.8ohm coil, the Xros 5 gives a focused, restrictive MTL pull that feels close to a cigarette – a clean inhale, a firm throat hit from a nic salt, and a controlled exhale with modest vapour. This is the configuration most ex-smokers will gravitate to, and it is genuinely satisfying. Open the airflow up with the 0.6ohm coil and the character changes: the draw loosens, the vapour warms and increases, and you get a softer, more relaxed experience that is easier to chain-vape on without it feeling intense. That ability to be two quite different devices is a big part of why people rate it.

Consistency is a real strength here. A common complaint with cheaper small pods is that the experience tails off badly as the battery drains – the last quarter of charge feels weak and unsatisfying. The Xros 5's sensibly sized battery and decent power delivery mean it holds its performance more evenly across a charge, so you are not chasing a fading vape by mid-afternoon. The throat hit is smooth rather than scratchy when you are running an appropriate nic salt strength, and the device does not tend to spit or gurgle in normal use, provided the pod is filled and seated correctly.

It is worth being honest about the ceiling, though. This is a mouth-to-lung pod kit, not a cloud-chasing sub-ohm device. If you are coming from a big direct-to-lung mod expecting enormous plumes of vapour, the Xros 5 will feel restrained – that is by design, not a fault. It is tuned for satisfaction and flavour at low power, in a small package, with great battery life and tiny running costs. Judged on what it sets out to do – be a discreet, dependable, refillable everyday vape for MTL users – the performance is excellent. Judged as a cloud machine, it was never trying to compete, and you would be buying the wrong category of device.

Vaporesso Xros 5 pros

After living with the device and weighing it against the field, here are the genuine strengths – the reasons the Xros line keeps topping recommendation lists year after year.

• Cheap to run. Because it is refillable, you fill it from bottled e-liquid that costs a fraction of prefilled pods per millilitre. Over weeks and months, this is by far the biggest practical advantage and the main reason to choose a refillable kit at all.
• Genuinely beginner-friendly. Draw-activated on most versions, no menus, no complicated settings. Fill, prime, vape. Someone who has never touched a vape can get going in under a minute, yet it does not feel cheap or limiting.
• Strong, accurate flavour. The mesh coils render e-liquid cleanly and consistently, with bright fruits, crisp menthols and satisfying tobacco and dessert blends – impressive for the size and price.
• Excellent battery for the size. Around 1000mAh is generous in this compact class, comfortably handling a day of moderate use, with a proper indicator so you are never caught out.
• USB-C charging. The same cable as a modern phone, fast and universal – no more hunting for an old micro-USB lead.
• Adjustable airflow. One small device can be a tight cigarette-replacement or a looser, airier vape, simply by sliding the airflow control and swapping coils. That versatility is rare at this price.
• Two coil resistances. The 0.8ohm and 0.6ohm options let you tailor the kit to your style and your e-liquid, from strict MTL with high-strength salts to a softer restricted DTL with lower strengths.
• Solid build quality. No rattles, tight tolerances, strong magnets and a quality finish make it feel like a flagship small pod rather than a budget throwaway.
• Total flexibility over flavour and strength. You are not locked into one brand's range – the entire open market of bottled e-liquid is available, in every strength up to the legal maximum.
• Fully UK-legal and ban-proof. Being both rechargeable and refillable, it was never affected by the disposables ban and is a long-term reusable device by design.
• Tool-free maintenance. Press-fit coils and a magnetic pod mean swapping coils and refilling is a one-handed job with no screwdrivers.
• Pocketable and discreet. Small, light and unobtrusive – easy to carry all day without the bulk of a larger kit.

Vaporesso Xros 5 cons

No device is perfect, and an honest review has to cover where the Xros 5 can frustrate. None of these is a deal-breaker for the right user, but you should know them before you buy.

• You have to refill it. The flexibility and low cost come at the price of a little effort. If you genuinely cannot be bothered to carry a bottle of e-liquid and top up the pod every so often, a prefilled-pod kit may suit your habits better – though you will pay for that convenience.
• Coils are consumable. Press-fit coils last a couple of weeks or so depending on use, and then need replacing. They are cheap, but it is an ongoing small cost and a small recurring task, and a worn coil left too long gives a burnt taste.
• Small 2ml pod capacity. Capped at the legal 2ml, the pod needs topping up fairly often for a heavy vaper – not a flaw of the device so much as a UK rule, but worth knowing if you vape a lot.
• Potential for leaks if mishandled. Like most refillable pods, it can leak or gurgle if overfilled, if the coil is not seated properly, or after big temperature or pressure changes (such as in a plane). Correct filling and priming largely prevent this, but it is a real-world annoyance to be aware of.
• Not a cloud device. This is a low-power MTL kit. If you want huge vapour and a full direct-to-lung experience, the Xros 5 is the wrong category – it is tuned for flavour and satisfaction at low power, not clouds.
• A short learning curve. Priming a new coil, choosing the right strength, getting the airflow where you like it – it is all easy, but it is more than the zero-thought operation of an old disposable. Most people enjoy the control; a few find it fiddly.
• Battery is built in. You cannot swap in a fresh cell – when the battery eventually ages after a long life of charge cycles, the device reaches the end of its useful life. That is normal for this class, but it is not an external-battery mod you can keep going indefinitely.
• Coil and pod compatibility can confuse. Across the wider Xros range there are several pod and coil variants, so when buying replacements you need to make sure you get the ones that match your device. It is easy enough once you know, but a first-time buyer can pick up the wrong pack.
• E-liquid duty is rising. From 1 October 2026 a Vaping Products Duty of £2.20 per 10ml applies to e-liquid, which raises the cost of the bottles you refill with. Refillable still works out far cheaper per millilitre than prefilled pods, but the gap between buying and running costs is worth budgeting for.

Xros 5 vs the alternatives

The Xros 5 does not exist in a vacuum, and the honest way to judge it is against the devices people actually cross-shop it with. Here is how it stacks up against the main alternatives.

Xros 5 vs prefilled-pod kits (Elf Bar, Lost Mary and similar)

The closest rivals for most people coming off disposables are the prefilled-pod versions of familiar disposable brands – the rechargeable pod kits from the likes of Elf Bar and Lost Mary, where you buy sealed pods ready-filled with liquid. The trade-off is straightforward. Prefilled kits win on pure convenience: there is no filling, no bottle to carry, and you simply click in a fresh pod when the old one runs dry. If absolute simplicity is your top priority and cost is no object, they make sense. But the Xros 5 wins decisively on running cost and flexibility. Filling from a bottle is far cheaper per millilitre than buying sealed pods, and you get the entire open market of flavours and strengths rather than one brand's limited range. Over a few months the saving is substantial. The Xros 5 also tends to feel like a more solid, longer-term device, where prefilled kits are often built down to a price. In short: prefilled for ultimate convenience, Xros 5 for cost, control and a better-made device.

Xros 5 vs the Uwell Caliburn

Within the refillable MTL pod category, the Uwell Caliburn line is the Xros's great rival – the two are the perennial recommendations for new refillable vapers, and choosing between them is genuinely close. Both are small, well-built, refillable MTL kits with replaceable coils and a loyal following. The Caliburn is renowned for a particularly tight, satisfying MTL draw and excellent flavour, and many ex-smokers swear by it. The Xros 5 counters with a notably generous battery for its size, broad airflow adjustability that spans tighter and looser styles, and a wide pod and coil ecosystem. There is no objectively "better" choice here; it comes down to feel and preference. If you want the tightest, most cigarette-like draw and a simple, focused device, the Caliburn is superb. If you want a bit more battery, more airflow versatility, and the flexibility to move between tighter and looser styles, the Xros 5 edges it. Both are excellent, and either is a sound buy.

Xros 5 vs other refillable kits generally

Against the wider field of small refillable kits, the Xros 5's case rests on a combination rather than any single standout feature: a strong battery, clean mesh-coil flavour, real airflow adjustability, quality build, and a huge, well-supported accessory ecosystem so you are never short of pods and coils. Some rivals beat it on one axis – a bigger battery here, a cheaper price there – but few match the all-round balance, and the sheer availability of Xros pods and coils in UK shops is a genuine practical advantage. If you would rather see the full range side by side, browse the current vape kits selection and compare on the specs that matter most to you.

Price and long-term value

Price is where the Xros 5 makes its most persuasive argument, and it is worth doing the maths honestly rather than just quoting a sticker price. The kit itself typically costs somewhere around £12 to £18 depending on the retailer and the colour you choose – a modest one-off outlay for a device that is built to last through a long run of charge cycles. Replacement coils usually come in multi-packs and work out at roughly £2 to £3 each, and a coil lasts a couple of weeks or so with typical use, so the ongoing coil cost is small.

The real saving, though, is in the e-liquid. Because you refill from a bottle, you pay bottled-liquid prices rather than prefilled-pod prices – and the difference per millilitre is large. Prefilled pods bundle in the cost of the pod hardware and the brand's margin every single time you buy; bottled e-liquid does not. Over a month of regular vaping, the gap between refilling and buying prefilled pods adds up to a meaningful sum, and over a year it is the difference between the two approaches in a nutshell. This is the single strongest financial reason to choose a refillable kit, and the Xros 5 is one of the most popular ways to capture that saving.

One change to factor into your budgeting is the incoming Vaping Products Duty. From 1 October 2026, a duty of £2.20 per 10ml applies to e-liquid in the UK, which raises the cost of the bottles you refill with. That affects everyone who vapes, not just Xros owners, and it does narrow the headline gap a little. But the key point holds: even with the duty, refillable bottled e-liquid remains far cheaper per millilitre than prefilled pods, because the duty applies to the liquid in both formats – and the prefilled format still carries all its extra hardware and packaging cost on top. So the Xros 5 stays the cheaper long-term option; the duty simply lifts the floor for everybody. Taken together – low kit price, cheap coils, and cheap bottled refills – the Xros 5 offers some of the best long-term value of any vape format currently on sale in the UK.

Who should buy it

The Xros 5 is an easy recommendation for several clear groups, and an easy "look elsewhere" for a couple of others. It is ideal for an adult smoker looking to switch fully to vaping who wants a cigarette-like MTL draw, a strong hit from a nic salt, and the lowest possible running cost – set tight with the 0.8ohm coil and a 10mg or 20mg salt, it does exactly that job well. It is equally well suited to existing vapers who want a reliable, pocketable daily driver or backup, the kind of device you can throw in a bag and trust. And it is a strong pick for anyone moving on from disposables who wants the closest legal equivalent that also slashes the cost per millilitre.

It is less suited to a couple of people. If you genuinely will not refill a pod or swap a coil – if you want a truly zero-effort, click-and-go device and you do not mind paying more for that – a prefilled-pod kit will fit your life better. And if you are a cloud chaser who wants big direct-to-lung vapour, this low-power MTL pod is the wrong category entirely; you want a sub-ohm device. For everyone in between – and that is most people – the Xros 5 is one of the safest, most sensible buys on the market.

Setup tips and common problems

Most complaints about small pod kits come down to setup and technique rather than the hardware, and the Xros 5 is no exception. A few minutes of care up front prevents almost every common issue. Here is how to get the best from it and how to fix the problems people actually run into.

Priming a new coil

This is the single most important habit, and skipping it causes more disappointment than anything else. When you fit a fresh coil and fill the pod, do not immediately take a long, hard draw. The mesh coil has cotton inside that needs to soak up e-liquid first, and firing it dry scorches that cotton instantly. Instead, fill the pod, then let it stand for a few minutes so the liquid soaks in. It also helps to put a drop or two of e-liquid directly onto the coil before fitting it. Then take a few gentle, draw-only puffs without firing hard before you settle into normal vaping. Prime properly and the coil will taste clean and last well; rush it and you will get a burnt taste from a brand-new coil.

Fixing a burnt taste

A burnt or scorched taste almost always means the coil has been fired without enough liquid reaching the cotton – either it was never primed, the pod has run too low, or you have been chain-vaping faster than the coil can re-wet. The fix depends on the cause. If it is a brand-new coil, you skipped priming, and unfortunately a properly burnt coil cannot be recovered – fit a fresh one and prime it correctly this time. If it is an older coil that has simply worn out after a couple of weeks, replace it. If it happens mid-session, let the pod sit for a minute so the cotton re-saturates, keep the pod topped up rather than running it near empty, and avoid taking puffs in rapid succession.

Stopping leaks and gurgling

Leaks and gurgling usually come from overfilling, a poorly seated coil, or pressure and temperature changes. To prevent them: do not overfill the pod – leave a small air gap rather than cramming it to the brim; make sure the coil is pushed fully and squarely into the pod; and wipe any stray liquid from the connections before reseating the pod. If it gurgles, it often means a little liquid has pooled in the airflow – remove the pod and give it a gentle tap onto a tissue to clear it. Big altitude or temperature swings (a flight, a hot car) can push liquid out, so empty or seal the pod before flying.

Curing weak flavour or a weak draw

If the flavour seems weak, the usual culprits are a tired coil, an under-primed new coil, or an airflow setting that is too open for the e-liquid you are using. Try a fresh, properly primed coil first. Then close the airflow down a little – a tighter draw concentrates the flavour and suits higher-strength salts – and check you are using an appropriate strength for your style. If the draw itself feels weak or airy when you wanted it tight, you have probably got the airflow too far open or are on the 0.6ohm coil when the 0.8ohm would serve you better. A flat battery also dulls performance, so charge it if you have been running it low. Nine times out of ten, one of these adjustments sorts it.

Verdict

The Vaporesso Xros 5 does exactly what it sets out to do, and does it well. It is a small, well-built, refillable MTL pod kit with a genuinely good battery for its size, clean and accurate flavour from its mesh coils, useful airflow adjustability, and the lowest running costs of any mainstream vape format thanks to the simple fact that you fill it from a bottle. It is friendly enough for a complete beginner and good enough that experienced vapers keep one in rotation. For an adult smoker switching fully, for anyone leaving disposables behind, or for an existing vaper wanting a dependable, cheap-to-run daily carry, it is one of the easiest recommendations on the market.

It is not flawless, and we have been honest about that: you have to refill it and replace coils, the 2ml pod needs topping up often, it can leak if mishandled, and it is no cloud machine. But none of those is a real failing for the people it is built for – they are simply the trade-offs of a flexible, affordable refillable kit. Weigh it all up and the Xros 5 earns its reputation. If you want a sensible, future-proof, low-cost vape that survived the disposables ban by design, this is about as safe a buy as it gets. You can find it and its accessories in the store.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Vaporesso Xros 5 legal in the UK?

Yes. The Xros 5 is both rechargeable and refillable, which means it was never affected by the 2025 ban on single-use disposable vapes. It is a reusable device sold legally for adults aged 18 and over, with refillable pods of up to the legal 2ml capacity and e-liquid up to the 20mg nicotine maximum.

Do you have to refill the Xros 5 yourself?

Yes – that is the whole point of it. The Xros 5 uses refillable pods that you fill from a bottle of e-liquid of your own choosing, rather than sealed prefilled pods. This is what makes it far cheaper to run and far more flexible on flavour and strength, at the small cost of having to top it up and carry a bottle.

What e-liquid strength should I use in the Xros 5?

For a tight, cigarette-like MTL setup with the 0.8ohm coil, a nic salt at 10mg or 20mg is the usual choice – 20mg for heavier former smokers, 10mg for lighter ones. If you open the airflow and run the 0.6ohm coil for a softer, airier vape, step the strength down. Our nicotine strength guide covers this in detail.

What is the difference between the 0.6ohm and 0.8ohm coils?

The 0.8ohm coil gives a tighter, more restrictive MTL draw, sips less liquid, and pairs best with higher-strength nic salts – ideal for an ex-smoker. The 0.6ohm coil is warmer and airier, produces a little more vapour, gets through liquid faster, and suits a looser draw with lower-strength e-liquid. Both are mesh coils for clean, consistent flavour.

How long does the battery last?

With around a 1000mAh battery, a moderate vaper can typically get through a full day on one charge, with lighter users stretching further and heavier users charging once a day. It recharges over USB-C and has a battery indicator so you can keep an eye on the remaining charge rather than being caught out.

How often do I need to replace the coil?

A press-fit coil usually lasts a couple of weeks or so depending on how much you vape and what e-liquid you use – sweeter, darker liquids tend to wear coils faster. You will know it is time when the flavour fades or you notice a faintly burnt edge. Replacement coils are cheap, usually around two to three pounds each in packs.

Why does my Xros 5 taste burnt?

A burnt taste nearly always means the coil was fired without enough liquid in the cotton – usually because a new coil was not primed, the pod ran too low, or you chain-vaped too fast. Always prime a fresh coil: fill the pod, let it soak for a few minutes, add a drop of liquid to the coil, and take a few gentle puffs before vaping properly. A genuinely burnt coil must be replaced.

Why is my Xros 5 leaking?

Leaking or gurgling usually comes from overfilling, a coil that is not seated fully, or pressure and temperature changes. Avoid filling the pod right to the brim, push the coil in squarely and fully, wipe the connections before refitting, and tap the pod gently onto a tissue if it gurgles. Empty or seal the pod before flying, as altitude can force liquid out.

Is the Xros 5 better than a prefilled-pod kit like an Elf Bar?

It depends on your priorities. Prefilled kits win on pure convenience – no filling, just click in a pod. The Xros 5 wins on running cost and flexibility, being far cheaper per millilitre and open to the entire market of flavours and strengths, and it tends to be a better-built, longer-lasting device. If cost and control matter more than zero effort, the Xros 5 is the stronger choice.

Is the Xros 5 cheaper to run than disposables were?

Considerably. Once you have bought the kit, you only pay for cheap bottled e-liquid and occasional inexpensive coils, which works out far below what a stream of disposables or prefilled pods costs over time. Bear in mind that from 1 October 2026 a Vaping Products Duty of £2.20 per 10ml raises e-liquid prices for everyone, but refillable kits like the Xros 5 still remain the cheapest format per millilitre.

PinkVape sells to over-18s only. Nicotine is an addictive substance. This article is general information, not health or medical advice. Prices are approximate and vary by retailer.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Vaporesso Xros 5 legal in the UK after the disposables ban?

Yes, the Vaporesso Xros 5 is fully UK-legal and was never affected by the 2025 ban on single-use disposable vapes. Because it is both rechargeable and refillable by design, it falls outside the ban entirely. It is sold to adults aged 18 and over, with 2ml refillable pods and e-liquid up to the 20mg nicotine maximum.

What nicotine strength should I use in the Vaporesso Xros 5?

For a tight, cigarette-like MTL draw with the 0.8ohm coil, a nic salt at 10mg or 20mg is the usual sweet spot - 20mg for heavier former smokers and 10mg for lighter ones. If you open the airflow up and run the 0.6ohm coil for a softer, airier vape, step the strength down to stay comfortable. The UK legal maximum is 20mg per ml.

What is the difference between the 0.6ohm and 0.8ohm Xros coils?

The 0.8ohm mesh coil gives a tighter, more restrictive MTL draw, sips less liquid and pairs best with higher-strength nic salts - ideal for ex-smokers. The 0.6ohm mesh coil is warmer and airier, produces a little more vapour, gets through liquid faster and suits a looser draw with lower-strength e-liquid. Both deliver clean, consistent flavour.

How long does the Vaporesso Xros 5 battery last on a charge?

With its 1000mAh built-in battery, a moderate vaper can typically get through a full day on a single charge, while lighter users may stretch it further. Heavier vapers or those running the 0.6ohm coil will usually charge once a day. It recharges quickly over USB-C and has a proper battery indicator so you are not caught out.

Why does my Vaporesso Xros 5 taste burnt?

A burnt taste almost always means the coil was fired without enough e-liquid reaching the cotton - usually from skipping the priming step, running the pod too low, or chain-vaping too fast. Always prime a fresh coil by filling the pod, letting it soak for a few minutes, adding a drop of liquid directly to the coil, and taking a few gentle puffs before vaping properly. A truly burnt coil cannot be saved and needs replacing.

How often do I need to replace the coil in the Xros 5?

A press-fit Xros coil typically lasts around two weeks depending on how heavily you vape and what e-liquid you use - sweeter, darker juices tend to wear coils out faster. You will know it is time when the flavour fades or you notice a faintly burnt edge. Replacement coils are inexpensive, usually around two to three pounds each in multi-packs.

Is the Vaporesso Xros 5 cheaper to run than prefilled pods or disposables?

Yes, considerably cheaper over time. Once you have bought the kit, you only pay for bottled e-liquid and the occasional cheap coil, which works out at a fraction of the per-millilitre cost of prefilled pods or the old disposables. Note that from 1 October 2026 a Vaping Products Duty of GBP 2.20 per 10ml applies to e-liquid, but refillable kits like the Xros 5 remain the cheapest format per millilitre.