RELX Ultra Refill Pods

Overview

The RELX Ultra Refill Pods by RELX at 10mg and 20mg. Free UK delivery over £20, same-day dispatch on weekday orders before 4pm.

What RELX Ultra Refill Pods Are and How the System Works

RELX Ultra refill pods are pre-filled, sealed replacement pods made for the RELX Ultra pod device. You never pour liquid into them. You unwrap a pod, push it into the device until it seats, and vape until it is empty, then you swap in the next one. The battery section of the kit stays with you for months, while the pod carries both the e-liquid and the heating element, so every replacement gives you a fresh coil as well as fresh liquid. That single design choice is the reason closed pod systems have become the default for adults moving away from cigarettes: there is no coil priming, no wattage dial, no spilled liquid in a coat pocket and very little to get wrong.

RELX is a long-established name in closed pod vaping, and the Ultra pods follow the same logic as its earlier pods: a compact, leak-resistant cartridge, a ceramic-based heating element, and a nicotine salt formulation that gives a smooth throat hit at a modest output. The pod is the consumable, and the device is the reusable part. Because the pods are rechargeable-system consumables rather than single-use vapes, they sit outside the UK ban on disposable vapes that came into force on 1 June 2025, which is one reason many UK vapers have moved to pod kits instead of buying a new throwaway every few days.

This page covers what you need to know before buying: capacity and puff expectations, how the flavour holds up from the first puff to the last, how the pod is built, what the coil does, which nicotine strength makes sense, who these pods suit and who should look elsewhere, how to use and dispose of them properly in the UK, how to fix the common faults, and how the price stacks up against alternatives such as Vuse, ELFA and SMOK Novo pods.

• Format: pre-filled closed pods, no refilling required
• Replaces: liquid and coil together, every pod
• Device needed: the matching RELX Ultra device (check compatibility before ordering)
• Sold to: adults aged 18 and over only

One honest note before we start. Vaping is not risk-free, and these pods are intended for adult smokers and existing vapers. If you do not currently smoke or vape, there is no reason to start.

Specifications and What the Numbers Mean

Specifications for closed pods are shaped as much by UK law as by the manufacturer. In the UK, the liquid capacity of a pod or tank is capped at 2ml, nicotine strength is capped at 20mg/ml (2%), and refill bottles are capped at 10ml. RELX Ultra pods are sold into that framework, so you should expect a pod in the 2ml-or-under range, a nicotine strength at or below 20mg/ml, and a pack that carries the required health warning and ingredient information. Always read the exact figures printed on the pack you receive, because capacity and strength can vary slightly between flavours and pack sizes.

Here is how to read the headline figures in practical terms.

• Pod capacity (up to 2ml): this is the amount of liquid in one pod. At 20mg/ml, a full 2ml pod holds about 40mg of nicotine in total, which is why pods run out far more slowly than the size suggests.
• Nicotine strength (up to 20mg/ml): available strengths depend on the flavour listing. Lower strengths exist for people stepping down.
• Nicotine type: nicotine salt, which is gentler on the throat than freebase nicotine at the same strength.
• Heating element: a ceramic-based coil built into the pod, with a resistance typically in the region of one to two ohms for pods of this kind.
• Activation: inhale-activated, with no button to hold.
• Approximate puffs per pod: a few hundred, discussed in detail below.

Where a figure is not printed on the product listing, treat any number you see quoted elsewhere as a guide rather than a guarantee. Puff counts in particular are estimates produced under standard machine-draw conditions, and a person's real-world usage rarely matches a laboratory puffing profile.

Compatibility deserves a specific warning. RELX pods are generally keyed to specific device generations. A pod made for one RELX device will often not fit another, even when the pods look similar. Before you order, confirm that the Ultra pod matches the device you own. If you are unsure which device you have, check the model name printed on the base or the original box, or message the shop with a photo and we will confirm before you pay.

Finally, the pod is a sealed component, so you cannot adjust anything about it. There is no airflow ring, no wattage control and no coil to replace separately. That limits tinkering, but it also means consistent results from pod to pod.

Performance and Puff Delivery

The simplest way to estimate puff delivery is arithmetic. A typical vaper uses roughly three to four milligrams of e-liquid per puff on a low-output pod device. Divide a 2ml pod, which weighs a little over two grams, by that figure and you land at somewhere in the region of 500 to 650 puffs for a pod used steadily without wasting liquid. Real-world results usually come in lower, because some liquid is lost to long draws, chain vaping that overheats the wick, and the last stretch of the pod, where output tails off. A sensible expectation is a few hundred puffs per pod, with the exact number set by how you draw.

What this means in daily life depends on how much you vape. Someone who takes a handful of puffs a few times a day may stretch a single pod across several days. A former pack-a-day smoker who vapes heavily might get through a pod in a day or a little over. Neither pattern is wrong, but it affects how many pods you should buy at once, and why multipack options are usually the more economical way to buy.

In terms of how the vapour feels, this is a mouth-to-lung style device. That means a tight, cigarette-like draw with a bit of resistance, then a short pause before you inhale. If you are coming from a direct-to-lung device with big clouds, expect the Ultra to feel restrained. The vapour volume is moderate, the throat hit at 20mg/ml is noticeable but smooth thanks to the nicotine salt formulation, and the pod keeps a steady output until it nears empty.

• Draw style: tight mouth-to-lung, cigarette-like
• Vapour production: modest, discreet
• Consistency: steady across most of the pod, tapering at the end
• Warm-up: effectively immediate, since there is nothing to adjust

One thing worth knowing is that puff quality depends on rhythm. If you take puffs back to back with no gap, the wick can struggle to keep up and you may get a dry or slightly burnt taste. Leave a few seconds between draws and the pod behaves much better. That is not a flaw particular to RELX, it applies to nearly every small pod system on the market, and it is the most common reason people think a pod has failed when it has simply been over-driven.

Flavour Profile From First Puff to Last

Flavour is the main reason people pick one pod brand over another, and it is also the hardest thing to judge from a product page. What can be said in general is that RELX-style pods aim for clean, defined flavours rather than heavy, dessert-style sweetness. Expect the pod to deliver a recognisable lead note, such as tobacco, mint, menthol, a fruit or a tea-style profile depending on the listing you choose, backed by a light sweetness and a little cooling, rather than a thick, syrupy hit.

Because the pod is sealed and uses a ceramic-based heating element, the flavour tends to be consistent from the first draw to the last. Ceramic heating is known for producing a stable, slightly muted flavour that does not spike and drop, as opposed to some cotton-wick coils that deliver an intense burst and then fade. Some vapers like that steadiness, and others miss the extra punch of a larger coil.

• Tobacco-style flavours: usually aim at a dry, lightly roasted note with a gentle finish. They suit smokers who want something familiar and are often where people start.
• Mint and menthol: typically a clear cooling sensation that lifts the throat hit. The cooling can build across the pod, so some people prefer lower coolant levels for long sessions.
• Fruit and tea-style flavours: lighter and more aromatic than candy-style e-liquids, with a defined top note and a short, clean finish.

The flavour curve across a pod is worth understanding. The first few puffs after you fit a new pod can taste slightly muted while the wick saturates. Allow a few minutes after unwrapping before you start, and take one or two gentle draws to prime the coil. The middle of the pod is where flavour is most reliable. Near the end of the liquid, flavour thins out and you may notice a slightly warmer, drier taste. When that happens, replace the pod and do not keep pulling on a nearly empty one, because dry draws shorten the life of the heating element and taste unpleasant.

A practical tip for switching flavours: the pod holds the flavour for the life of that pod, and you cannot clear it. If you want to change profile, finish the pod, then change. If you fancy rotating between two flavours in a day, keep a spare pod in a clean pocket or case, and swap them as needed. The device does not retain flavour from the previous pod in any meaningful way, because the liquid path is contained inside the pod itself.

Design and Build Quality of the Pod

A refill pod is a small object that carries a surprising amount of engineering. Inside the casing there is the liquid reservoir, the air channel, the ceramic-based heating element, the electrical contacts that connect to the device, and a mouthpiece. Everything has to be sealed against leaks while still allowing air to flow freely when you inhale, and the whole thing has to survive being tossed in a bag or a pocket. RELX pods are built with that in mind, and the pod format is deliberately compact so that the device stays pocketable.

The most visible design choices to look for when you unwrap a pod are these.

• Casing: a rigid plastic body with a tight fit into the device. The pod should seat with a clear click or firm resistance, with no wobble once inserted.
• Mouthpiece: a moulded tip, with a size and shape meant to be comfortable for a long draw. Some people find narrower tips more cigarette-like.
• Seals: pods ship with protective caps or seals over the mouthpiece and the base contacts. Remove them before use, and keep them if you want to store a half-used pod.
• Liquid window or level indicator: some pods allow you to see roughly how much liquid is left, which is handy for knowing when to carry a spare.
• Leak resistance: sealed reservoirs and tight tolerances around the coil reduce the chance of liquid reaching the device contacts.

In use, the pod should feel like a single clean part. If you find a pod arrives with visible liquid on the outside, a loose fit, or a cracked casing, do not use it. Report it to us with a photo and your order number and we will deal with it under the returns policy. Faulty goods are covered by the Consumer Rights Act, regardless of what the opened-product rules say about unwanted pods.

As for travel, a pod that is full and sealed is generally fine in a bag, but keep it upright where you can, and avoid leaving it in a hot car. Heat expands air inside the reservoir and can push liquid towards the coil, which is the most common cause of a pod leaking after it has been kept somewhere warm. Pressure changes on a plane can cause a similar effect, so it is sensible to carry pods in a sealed bag when flying and fit them only after landing.

Battery and Charging: What the Device Side Needs

The pods themselves do not carry a battery. The power comes from the RELX Ultra device, which holds a small rechargeable lithium-ion cell. Pod devices of this size usually carry a battery in the few-hundred milliamp-hour range, commonly between about 300 and 500 mAh, which is enough to run a modest-output heating element for a good part of a day. Check the specification of your device for the exact figure, since the pods do not change it, but the pods do have an effect on how the battery feels in practice. A lower-resistance pod draws more power per puff, and a higher-resistance pod is gentler on the battery.

Battery life in daily use depends mainly on how many puffs you take. A rough guide for a device of this type is that a full charge will usually cover several pods' worth of vaping for a light user and perhaps half a day to a full day for a heavy user. If you find your battery is flat much earlier than expected, check for the usual causes: chain vaping, a cold environment (batteries lose capacity in the cold), or an ageing cell.

• Charging time: pod device batteries of this size typically recharge in roughly an hour to an hour and a half, depending on the charger.
• Charger: use a standard USB charger or a computer port. Avoid fast chargers rated far above what the device expects, as they offer no benefit.
• Pass-through: check whether your device can be vaped while charging. Many pod devices do not support it.
• Indicator light: most devices use an LED to show charge state, usually with a colour change or a flashing pattern when low.

A few simple habits keep the battery healthy. Do not leave the device charging overnight on a regular basis, do not use a charger that is damaged, and do not leave the device in direct sunlight or a hot car. If the battery swells, becomes hot while charging or stops holding charge, stop using it and dispose of the device through a battery recycling point rather than the household bin.

A note on batteries and recycling: lithium-ion cells should never go in general waste in the UK. Under the UK's waste electrical rules, retailers that sell vapes and the council recycling centres accept devices for recycling, and many supermarkets and vape shops have a drop-off box for them. We cover pods and recycling in the how-to section below.

The Ceramic Coil and Heating Technology

The heating element is what separates one pod brand from another, and it is where RELX has put most of its engineering effort. Rather than the cotton-and-wire coil you find in many cheaper pods, RELX pods use a ceramic-based heating element. A porous ceramic body holds the liquid, and a thin heating track on or inside the ceramic warms the liquid and turns it into vapour. The ceramic acts as both the wick and the support, which has several practical effects.

• Even heating: the ceramic distributes heat across a larger surface than a single wire would, which reduces hot spots and the sharp, burnt taste that can come from them.
• Stable flavour: the same coil design delivers similar flavour from the first puff to the last, because there is no cotton that can dry out or char.
• Fewer dry hits: the porous structure wicks liquid steadily, so the coil is less likely to run dry when you draw at a normal pace.
• Longer coil life relative to cotton: because the coil is replaced with every pod, this matters less in daily use, but it helps the last portion of the pod behave properly.

The trade-off is that ceramic coils tend to deliver a more refined, less aggressive vapour than a high-output cotton coil. You will not get big, dense clouds, and the flavour is quieter and cleaner rather than bold. That suits mouth-to-lung vaping well, and it is a good match for nicotine salts at a modest output.

Resistance is typically in the region of one to two ohms for pods of this type, which pairs with a low-voltage battery to give a gentle, steady output. You cannot adjust it, and you would not want to, since the device and pod are tuned together. The inhale-activated sensor starts the heating the moment you draw, and cuts it when you stop, so there is nothing to press and no way to over-run the coil by holding a button.

Because the coil is built into the pod, the usual coil maintenance advice does not apply. You do not need to prime a coil separately, clean it or replace it. Your only job is to avoid dry hits, which are the main cause of coil damage in any system. If a pod tastes burnt, stop and replace it, because pulling hard on a failing coil will not clear the taste.

Nicotine Strength Guidance for UK Vapers

Nicotine strength is the decision that matters most, and the one new vapers most often get wrong. In the UK, the maximum strength for e-liquid is 20mg/ml (2%), and RELX Ultra pods are sold within that limit. Strength options on the shop listing depend on the flavour, so check the product options before you add to basket. The right choice depends on how much you smoked or vaped before and on the device type, since a small, low-output pod device delivers nicotine differently from a large open-system vape.

Nicotine salt is the key point. Nicotine salts are absorbed more efficiently and feel smoother than freebase nicotine at the same strength. That is why a 20mg/ml salt pod does not feel like 20mg/ml of freebase, which would be harsh and unpleasant. It also means a higher strength is often what ex-smokers need to feel satisfied, because the delivery approximates the kick of a cigarette without the throat harshness.

• Heavy smokers (around 15 or more cigarettes a day): the 20mg/ml option is usually the sensible starting point. Starting too low often leads to chain vaping and a return to cigarettes.
• Moderate smokers (roughly 8 to 15 a day): 20mg/ml is still common, though some people settle at around 10mg/ml after the first few weeks.
• Light or social smokers: a lower strength, such as 10mg/ml or below if the listing offers it, is usually enough and easier on the throat.
• Existing vapers stepping down: move down gradually, one strength at a time, over several weeks.

Signs you have the wrong strength are straightforward. If the vapour feels harsh, you feel light-headed, nauseous or jittery, or your heart is racing, the strength is too high and you should drop one level and take longer gaps between puffs. If you find yourself vaping constantly, never feeling satisfied, or craving a cigarette within minutes, the strength is probably too low.

Remember that the total nicotine you take in depends on how often you vape, not just the strength printed on the pod. A pod at 10mg/ml that you vape continuously may deliver more nicotine than a 20mg/ml pod used sparingly. If you want to reduce your intake, the aim is to vape less often and to step the strength down gradually. If you are unsure, the NHS stop smoking services and your local pharmacy can offer free advice on vaping as a quit aid. Keep all nicotine products out of reach of children and pets.

Who These Pods Suit, and Who Should Skip Them

Every vape product is a better fit for some people than for others, and being clear about that saves money and frustration. RELX Ultra refill pods are built for a particular kind of user, and understanding the profile will help you decide before you buy.

Who they suit:

• Adult smokers switching to vaping. The mouth-to-lung draw, nicotine salt delivery and tobacco and menthol options are close to the habits of smoking, which makes the switch easier.
• People who want a simple routine. There is no liquid to pour, no coil to prime and no settings to learn. You fit a pod and vape.
• Existing RELX users. If you already own the compatible device, buying pods is the obvious way to keep it running.
• Vapers who value discretion. The compact device and moderate vapour output make it easy to use without drawing attention.
• Anyone coming away from disposables. With single-use vapes banned in the UK since June 2025, a rechargeable pod device with replaceable pods is the practical alternative.

Who should look elsewhere:

• Non-smokers and under-18s. These products are for adults who already use nicotine. If you do not smoke or vape, do not start.
• Cloud chasers and direct-to-lung fans. A restrained mouth-to-lung pod will feel underpowered if you are used to big sub-ohm clouds.
• Cost-conscious heavy users. If you vape continuously, a refillable open pod kit with bottled liquid will usually cost less per day than closed pods.
• People who like to tinker. There are no adjustable settings, no airflow control and no way to change the coil.
• Anyone who is pregnant, has a heart condition or has other health concerns. Speak to a doctor or pharmacist about nicotine before using any vaping product.

If you are not sure which camp you fall into, a useful test is to think about what you want from the device. If the answer is a simple, cigarette-like experience with minimal fuss, these pods fit. If the answer is control, volume or the lowest running cost, they probably do not.

How to Fit, Use and Dispose of the Pods in the UK

Using a refill pod is simple, but a few small details make a noticeable difference to flavour and leak control. Follow these steps for a new pod.

• Check the device is charged. A low battery can cause weak vapour and make a new pod seem faulty.
• Unwrap the pod and remove the seals. Take off any cap or film from the mouthpiece and from the base contacts, as specified on the pack.
• Inspect the pod. Look for cracks, visible liquid on the outside or damaged contacts. If you see any, do not use it.
• Insert the pod firmly. Push it into the device until it seats. A correctly fitted pod will not wobble or fall out when the device is tilted.
• Prime with a few gentle draws. Take one or two slow, short puffs with a pause between them, so the ceramic wick can fill with liquid.
• Vape at a relaxed pace. Leave a few seconds between draws and avoid long, hard pulls.

To remove an empty pod, pull it straight out of the device. Never twist it or force it, and wipe the contacts with a dry cloth if there is any condensation. Wash your hands afterwards if you have touched the liquid, since e-liquid contains nicotine.

Storing and carrying. Keep spare pods in their sealed packaging, upright, in a cool place away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children and pets. Do not carry a half-used pod loose in a pocket with keys or coins.

Disposing of used pods in the UK. Used pods still contain residual liquid and electronic components, so they should not go in the household bin. UK retailers that sell vapes are required to offer take-back for used vape products, and many local council recycling centres have a designated vape and small electricals bin. Drop used pods and old devices at one of those points. Where possible, keep pods in a small sealed bag until you reach one, to avoid leaks in your bag. Never put pods or batteries in household recycling or general waste, because lithium-ion cells can cause fires in waste lorries and sorting plants.

If you follow these steps, you will reduce waste, avoid leaks, and make each pod last as long as it should.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Most pod problems have simple causes, and many can be fixed in a minute. Work through the list before assuming a pod is faulty.

• No vapour or the device does nothing. First check the battery is charged. Then remove the pod, wipe the contacts on both the pod and the device with a dry cloth, and reseat it firmly. If the device is charged and the pod is seated but nothing happens, try a second pod to find out whether the pod or the device is at fault.
• Weak flavour or thin vapour on a new pod. The wick may not be saturated yet. Wait a couple of minutes, then take several slow, gentle draws with a pause between each. Check also that the seals have been removed from the mouthpiece and the base.
• Burnt or dry taste. This is usually caused by chain vaping or by an almost-empty pod. Leave longer gaps between puffs. If the pod is nearly empty, replace it, as dry draws will not recover.
• Gurgling or spitting sounds. Excess liquid is reaching the airway. Hold the device upright, blow gently through the mouthpiece to clear it, and wipe away any liquid. Continued spitting suggests a faulty pod.
• Leaking pod. Leaks often follow heat, pressure changes or storing the pod on its side. Wipe the pod and the device contacts clean and let both dry before reuse. A pod that keeps leaking should be replaced, and if it is new, contact us with a photo.
• Pod will not seat properly. Check that the pod is the correct type for your device and that the contacts are clean. Do not force it. A pod from a different RELX generation may look similar but not fit.
• Device flashes or blinks. Flash patterns vary by model. Common meanings include low battery, a short circuit or a missing pod. Check the manual or the manufacturer's guide for your device.
• Harsh throat hit. The strength may be too high, or the pod too hot from continuous use. Drop to a lower strength or pause between puffs.

If none of these steps solve the problem, it is worth contacting us. Have your order number ready, plus a short description of what is happening and a photo if you can. Include which device you are using and whether the problem occurs with more than one pod, since that points to the device rather than the pods. Do not try to open a pod, as the liquid contains nicotine and the electronics are not user-serviceable. A good support team will help you diagnose the fault, and in the case of a genuine defect, arrange a replacement or refund under your statutory rights.

Value for Money and How It Compares With Alternatives

Value for money in vaping comes down to cost per day, not cost per pod. A pod that lasts a heavy user a day and a light user several days is cheaper per day for the person who vapes less. Work out your own pattern before comparing prices. A multipack almost always brings the per-pod price down, so if you know you like a flavour and strength, buying a pack of several is the sensible way to buy.

Against cigarettes, pods generally work out cheaper for most UK smokers, because tobacco prices are heavily taxed and rising. Against disposables, which are no longer sold in the UK after the June 2025 ban, a rechargeable device with replaceable pods is both the legal option and typically the more economical one over time, since you only replace the pod rather than the whole device and battery. It also produces less waste per puff.

Here is a fair look at how RELX Ultra pods sit against some common alternatives.

• Vuse ePod pods: Vuse has strong retail availability, so you can pick up pods in many UK shops, and its pods are also closed and simple. Flavour range and pricing vary, so compare the per-pod cost and strength options. Vuse's advantage is convenience of purchase, while RELX's advantage is often its ceramic-based flavour consistency.
• ELFA pods: ELFA pods come from the Elf Bar family and are closed, rechargeable-system pods with a wide flavour range. They tend to be priced competitively and have a large following, though flavour character differs from RELX's cleaner, lighter style.
• SMOK Novo pods: Novo devices and pods offer some adjustable airflow on certain models, and the pods are widely available. They suit people who want slightly more control than a fully fixed system provides.
• Refillable open pod kits: these are cheaper to run for heavy users and offer huge flavour choice, but need liquid handling, coil changes and more learning. They are better for experienced vapers.

Where RELX Ultra pods make most sense is for someone who values consistency, simplicity and a refined flavour over maximum puff counts or the lowest possible running cost. If you want the cheapest per-day cost, an open system will beat any closed pod. If you want the easiest switch from smoking with the least to learn, closed pods are hard to beat on convenience.

To get good value from the pods you buy, vape at a steady pace with gaps between draws, store spares in a cool place, buy multipacks once you have found a flavour you like, and replace pods promptly when they run low, so the coil is never stressed. Check the delivery options at checkout for current costs, since combining several pods into one order often reduces the cost per item.