Voopoo Argus E40 Pod kit

Overview

The Voopoo Argus E40 Pod kit by Voopoo across 7 flavours at 0mg. Free UK delivery over £20, same-day dispatch on weekday orders before 4pm.

Voopoo Argus E40 Pod Kit overview: what you are buying

The Voopoo Argus E40 Pod Kit is a rechargeable, refillable pod system built for UK vapers who want more control than a disposable offers, without stepping up to a full mod-and-tank setup. Voopoo is an established hardware manufacturer, and the Argus line has been its pod-focused range across several generations. The E40 name points to the headline feature: a maximum output in the region of 40 watts. That is a good deal more than the 10 to 15 watt ceiling on the simplest pod kits, and the extra headroom lets the device handle denser coils, thicker liquids and a looser draw without running out of puff.

In practical terms, the kit gives you a compact battery body, a refillable pod with a replaceable coil head, a USB-C charging cable and the usual paperwork. You choose the e-liquid, you choose the nicotine strength, and you decide when to swap the pod. That flexibility is the main reason people move from single-use products to a kit like this. Instead of throwing away a plastic body and a lithium cell after a few days, you keep the hardware and replace only the part that wears out, which is the pod and coil.

This product page covers a family of eight variants, which in a kit like this means eight colourways rather than eight flavours. The electronics, the pod and the performance are the same whichever finish you pick. Flavour comes entirely from the e-liquid you fill the pod with, so the section on flavour below talks about liquid styles that suit this hardware rather than pretending the kit ships with a fixed taste.

It is worth saying plainly where this device sits. It is not a disposable, and it is not a high-power sub-ohm kit. It is a mid-power pod system aimed at people who are tired of paying repeatedly for single-use products, who want better battery life than a basic pen, and who are happy to spend a few minutes learning how to fill and prime a pod. If that describes you, the rest of this guide explains how it performs, what it costs to run, how it compares with rivals, and what to do when something goes wrong.

One regulatory point is worth noting early. Single-use disposable vapes can no longer be sold in the UK, following the ban that came into force in June 2025. A refillable kit with replaceable pods and a rechargeable built-in battery is a different product category, and it is the direction most UK adult vapers have moved in. You must be 18 or over to buy or use any nicotine product in the UK, and our checkout reflects that.

Voopoo Argus E40 specifications at a glance

Specifications on pod kits are often presented in a way that makes it hard to see what matters. Here is a plain summary of the figures a buyer typically needs. Voopoo can revise hardware details between production batches, so treat the numbers below as a guide and check the printed values on your box and pod for the exact figures.

• Device type: refillable pod kit with an integrated, rechargeable battery.
• Output: variable, up to roughly 40W, which is what the E40 name refers to.
• Battery: built-in lithium-ion cell in the region of 1500mAh, charged over USB-C.
• Pod capacity: 2ml, which is the maximum size UK rules allow for a refillable tank or pod.
• Coil: replaceable Voopoo pod and coil head. The resistance is printed on the pod or coil packaging, and pod coils in this class generally sit somewhere between about 0.4 and 1.0 ohm.
• Activation: inhale-triggered firing, with on-device controls for choosing a power mode.
• E-liquid: works with nicotine salt and freebase liquids, up to the UK limit of 20mg/ml nicotine in bottles of 10ml or less.
• Charging port: USB-C, so most modern phone cables will work.
• Colour options: eight finishes across the product family.

Two things are worth understanding before you compare this device with others. First, the wattage figure is a ceiling, not a target. Most people vape a pod device in the lower and middle part of its range, and the higher settings exist mainly so that you can match the output to the coil and the liquid. Second, the battery capacity is only half the story. A 1500mAh cell running at 15W lasts far longer than the same cell running at 35W, so real-world endurance depends heavily on how you set the device and how often you draw on it.

The 2ml pod size deserves a mention too. Larger pods exist elsewhere in the world, but UK rules cap refillable tanks and pods at 2ml, so every legitimately sold UK version of this kit shares that limit. If you have seen overseas listings quoting a bigger capacity, do not expect that figure on a device bought from a UK retailer.

Performance and vapour delivery

At up to 40W the Argus E40 sits in the upper-middle part of the pod market. It has enough power to drive a mesh-style or low-resistance coil properly, and it can also be turned down to behave like a gentler pod device when you want a tighter, cooler draw. That range is the practical benefit of the E40 design: one device can cover both a restrained mouth-to-lung style and a more open, warm, restricted direct-to-lung style, depending on the liquid and the settings you choose.

Vapour production on a pod device depends on three things working together: the coil's resistance and surface area, the power delivered to it, and the liquid's thickness. Thin, high-propylene-glycol nicotine salts flow into the coil easily and work well at lower power, where they give a crisp throat sensation and a modest cloud. Thicker 50/50 or high-vegetable-glycerine liquids need a little more power to vaporise cleanly, and that is where the extra wattage of the E40 helps. Running a thick liquid at too low a setting is a common cause of muted flavour and gurgling, so if a liquid feels dull, raising the output a notch is the first adjustment to try.

The draw is the other half of the experience. Pod kits in this class usually ship with an airflow that suits a slightly restricted draw, close to the feel of a cigarette. Because the pod has a fixed airflow design, you do not get the dial-it-open flexibility of a tank, so check the pod and mouthpiece when it arrives and make sure you are comfortable with the resistance of the draw. Most ex-smokers find a tight draw reassuring. Vapers coming from sub-ohm tanks will find it restrictive.

On endurance per pod, a reasonable estimate helps set expectations. A single draw on a pod device typically uses somewhere around 0.004 to 0.006ml of liquid depending on power, coil and draw length. Divide the 2ml capacity by that figure and a full pod gives roughly 330 to 500 draws. For a moderate user that is around one to two days per fill; for someone who vapes constantly it may be a single day. Marketing puff counts on disposables are usually much higher than this, but those figures are calculated differently and rarely reflect real use, so judge the pod by the liquid it holds rather than a headline number.

Ramp-up is quick on modern pod coils, so there is little delay between drawing and getting vapour. The coil should reach its working temperature within a fraction of a second, and consistent output across the battery's charge is one of the benefits of a regulated device compared with a basic unregulated pen. As the battery drops very low, you may notice the output tapering, which is normal and a sign that it is time to plug in.

Flavour delivery and which e-liquids suit it

Flavour quality on a pod kit comes from the coil material, the way the pod channels air across the coil, and the liquid itself. The Argus E40 is built to deliver a clean, fairly accurate flavour at moderate power rather than a heavy, smoky one. Because the eight variants in this family are colourways, the taste you get is down to the liquid, so it helps to know which styles work well with a device of this type.

Fruit and ice flavours are the most popular choice with pod users, and they tend to show off a good coil. Here are eight liquid styles that suit this kit well, with notes on how each behaves:

• Menthol and mint: a straightforward match for any pod. Menthol is thin, vaporises easily and keeps its character across the whole power range. It is a sensible starting point for anyone leaving cigarettes behind.
• Blue raspberry: a sweet-sharp profile that carries well at medium power. It can leave residue on the coil faster than non-sweet flavours, so watch for the first sign of a burnt taste.
• Strawberry ice: a popular UK combination that works nicely at the lower and middle settings, where the cooling does not overpower the fruit.
• Watermelon: light and juicy, and gentle on the coil. Good if you want a refreshing all-day option.
• Mixed berry: layered fruit notes show the coil's flavour definition clearly. Try it at a slightly higher setting to bring out the depth.
• Cola: a recognisable soft-drink profile with a slightly spiced edge. It works best in a nicotine salt around 10mg to 20mg.
• Tobacco: a good bridge for smokers who want the dryness of a cigarette without the smoke. Lighter tobacco blends suit the lower settings.
• Vanilla custard: creamy and dessert-like. These thicker liquids benefit from the extra power the E40 offers, and they tend to shorten coil life, so budget for slightly more frequent pod changes.

Two practical points apply to flavour on any pod system. First, switching between very different flavours in the same pod leaves ghost notes behind, because the cotton or ceramic wick holds a little of the previous liquid. If you like to rotate between a menthol and a dessert, a spare pod for each saves frustration. Second, a new coil often tastes slightly muted for the first few draws until the wick is fully saturated. Wait the full priming time before judging flavour, and avoid chain-vaping through the first charge of a fresh pod.

Liquid composition also matters. Nicotine salt liquids are usually thinner and work well at the lower settings, while freebase liquids with a higher proportion of vegetable glycerine produce a warmer, denser vapour and suit the higher end of the output range. If you are not sure which type your liquid is, the ratio is normally printed on the bottle, for example 50VG/50PG or 70VG/30PG.

Design, build quality and ergonomics

The Argus E40 follows the slim, rounded-rectangle shape that has become standard for modern pod kits. It sits comfortably in one hand, slips into a trouser pocket without drawing attention, and has no sharp corners that catch on fabric. The body is designed to be gripped around the middle, with the pod seated at the top. That is a layout most users find natural, and it keeps the mouthpiece at a comfortable angle for repeated use.

Voopoo typically finishes its Argus devices with a soft-touch or coated surface that resists fingerprints better than bare metal. The eight colourways in this family let you pick something understated, such as a dark or neutral tone, or something more visible if you tend to misplace your device. Coated finishes are durable but not indestructible. A key in the same pocket will eventually leave marks, so a silicone sleeve or a separate pocket is worth considering if you care about keeping it looking new.

When your kit arrives, there are a few simple things worth checking. The pod should click into place with a firm, even seat and no wobble. The USB-C port should be clean, with no visible damage or debris. The body should not rattle, and the buttons or sensors should respond when you test the device. If any of these looks wrong, contact us straight away rather than using the device, because a fault with a lithium cell is something to handle cautiously.

The pod is a practical piece of design. The refill port is protected by a silicone plug, which you pull out to fill and press back in afterwards. These plugs are the single most common point of failure on pod systems, because a poorly seated plug lets liquid weep out of the pod and into your pocket. When you refill, push the plug in fully until it is flush with the surface. If a plug becomes loose or damaged over time, replace the pod rather than relying on a worn seal.

Weight is moderate for a device with a built-in battery of this size. It feels solid without being heavy, and the balance is slightly towards the base, which makes it easy to hold steady. The mouthpiece is shaped for a comfortable lip fit, and drip-tip temperature stays reasonable at normal power settings. At the higher end of the range, the body and mouthpiece may warm up with sustained use, which is normal for a compact device and a good reason to pace your draws rather than chaining them.

Battery life, charging and safe disposal

The Argus E40 uses an integrated lithium-ion battery in the region of 1500mAh, which is a sensible capacity for a device that can fire up to about 40W. For comparison, simple pod pens often carry 400 to 800mAh cells, so this is a substantial step up. In everyday use that means a moderate vaper can expect a full day of use on a charge at low to medium settings, while heavy use at the top of the power range will drain the battery noticeably faster.

To get more from each charge, follow a few habits. Use the lowest power setting that gives you a satisfying draw, because output is the biggest factor in battery drain. Avoid leaving the device in a hot car or a coat pocket against your body for long periods, because heat shortens the lifespan of lithium cells. And try to recharge before the battery is completely flat; lithium-ion cells prefer partial cycles to repeated deep discharge.

Charging is over USB-C, which is a practical choice. A standard phone charger or a laptop USB port will work, and the connector is reversible, so there is no wrong way round to plug it in. Charging from empty typically takes somewhere between an hour and an hour and a half, depending on the charger. A low-power USB port will take longer than a wall adaptor. Use a reputable charger and cable from a known brand, not an unmarked one, because poor-quality chargers are a recognised cause of battery faults.

• Charge the device on a hard, non-flammable surface and keep it in sight while it charges.
• Do not leave it charging overnight unattended.
• If the casing swells, smells odd or becomes unusually hot, stop using it, unplug it and contact us.
• Do not charge or use a device that has been dropped hard or crushed.
• Keep it away from loose coins and keys in a pocket, to avoid a short circuit.

Eventually every built-in battery wears out, and when that happens you should not put the device in your household bin. Lithium cells in general waste are a genuine fire risk for bin lorries and recycling plants. In the UK, retailers that sell vapes and batteries have take-back obligations, and many supermarkets and household waste recycling centres provide battery and small electrical recycling points. Look for a drop-off point near you, or use the take-back service of the shop you bought from. Empty used pods go into general electronics recycling or the pod manufacturer's scheme where one exists, and any leftover liquid should be sealed and disposed of responsibly rather than poured down a drain.

Choosing a rechargeable kit already cuts down on waste compared with single-use products. Each pod replaces a throwaway body and cell, so the environmental footprint per week of vaping drops considerably, and the device can last for many months if looked after.

Pod and coil technology

The pod is the heart of the Argus E40 experience, and understanding how it works makes it much easier to get consistent results. A pod is a sealed reservoir that holds up to 2ml of e-liquid and houses a coil head. When you draw on the device, air flows across the coil, the coil heats, and the wick feeds liquid to the heated surface to be turned into vapour. The coil and wick are the parts that wear out, which is why the pod is treated as a consumable.

Voopoo's current pod coils generally use either a mesh or a ceramic-style heating element. Mesh coils spread the heating surface across a wider area than a traditional round wire, which gives faster ramp-up, more even heating and, in most cases, better flavour. They also handle sweet and thick liquids more forgivingly than very small-bore coils. The exact resistance and construction of the coil supplied with your kit is printed on the packaging, and it is worth noting down so that you buy the matching spare pods.

Priming is the step most new users skip, and it is the cause of most early coil failures. A new coil has a dry cotton wick. If you fire it before the cotton has absorbed liquid, the wick scorches, and you get a burnt taste that never fully goes away. The fix is simple and takes about five to ten minutes:

• Fill the pod to just below the maximum line.
• Squeeze a few drops of liquid directly onto the coil openings if the pod design allows.
• Seat the plug firmly and let the pod rest upright for at least five minutes.
• Take a few gentle, short draws without pressing any button at first, then begin normal use.

Coil lifespan varies considerably. With a typical nicotine salt in a fruit or menthol flavour, a coil often lasts one to two weeks of moderate use. Sweet dessert liquids, heavy chain-vaping and high power settings all shorten that. The warning signs are a burnt or flat taste, a rising draw resistance or a drop in vapour. When you notice them, replacing the pod is cheaper and less frustrating than trying to coax more life from a failing coil.

It is also worth being clear about compatibility. Pods are generally designed to fit a specific device or a specific generation of devices. Do not assume that a pod from a different Voopoo model will fit or give the same performance, and avoid unbranded pods of uncertain quality. Buy spare pods that are listed as compatible with this kit, and keep one or two in stock so that a failing coil never leaves you stranded.

Choosing the right nicotine strength

Picking the right nicotine strength is the most important personal decision you will make with this kit, and it matters more than any hardware spec. In the UK, e-liquids sold in bottles of 10ml or less are capped at 20mg/ml of nicotine, so every strength you can buy lies between 0mg and 20mg. The right choice depends on how much you smoked, what type of liquid you use and how much power you vape at.

A simple rule of thumb is to match strength to your smoking history while accounting for the type of nicotine:

• Heavy smokers (20 or more cigarettes a day): start with a nicotine salt at 15mg to 20mg. Salts are absorbed more smoothly than freebase nicotine, so the higher strength does not feel harsh on the throat.
• Moderate smokers (10 to 20 a day): a nicotine salt at 10mg to 12mg is a sensible starting point.
• Light or social smokers: a nicotine salt at 5mg to 10mg, or a freebase liquid at 3mg to 6mg.
• Vapers stepping down: reduce one step at a time, for example from 20mg to 12mg to 6mg, and stay at each step until cravings settle.

The output setting interacts with strength. Higher power delivers more vapour per draw, which means more nicotine per puff. If you have set the E40 to a high wattage with a strong nicotine salt, the hit can be intense, and you may find that a lower strength is more comfortable. Conversely, if you use a low power setting with a very low-strength freebase liquid, you may feel under-satisfied and end up vaping far more often to compensate. It is a balance, and a short period of experimentation usually settles it.

If you are new to vaping, avoid the temptation to start at a very high strength just because it is available. Nicotine is addictive, and the goal for most people using a vape to quit smoking is to find the lowest strength that stops them reaching for a cigarette. Equally, starting too low can lead to relapse. If you are still smoking alongside vaping after a week or two, it is a sign to move up a strength rather than abandon the switch.

Nicotine-free liquid at 0mg is also available if you enjoy the habit and flavour and want no nicotine. This kit is suitable for that. Anyone who does not currently use nicotine should not start, and nicotine products are for adults aged 18 and over only. If you are unsure, speak to a local stop-smoking service or your pharmacist, both of which can offer free advice in the UK.

Who the Argus E40 suits, and who should skip it

No device suits everyone, and being honest about that saves you money. Here is a clear view of who is likely to be happy with the Voopoo Argus E40 and who may be better served elsewhere.

It suits you well if:

• You are moving away from disposables, which are no longer sold in the UK, and want a rechargeable, refillable alternative with a similar ease of use.
• You are a smoker making a switch and want a tight, cigarette-like draw with enough battery to last a full day.
• You value flexibility and want to choose your own liquids and strengths instead of being tied to a single pre-filled flavour.
• You want a pod device with more power headroom than a basic pen, so that you can run thicker liquids without disappointment.
• You care about running cost and want to spend pennies per day rather than pounds.

You should probably skip it if:

• You want huge clouds. A 40W pod system will not match a dedicated sub-ohm tank, and you would be better served by a tank kit.
• You want zero maintenance. Refillable pods need filling, priming and occasional replacement, and if that sounds like a chore, a simpler closed pod system with pre-filled cartridges may suit you better.
• You want a very large liquid capacity. The UK 2ml limit applies to this kit as it does to every refillable pod and tank sold here.
• You are a complete beginner who wants a single button and nothing else. The power options are easy to learn but are still more than a one-setting device.
• You are not currently a smoker or nicotine user. Vaping is not risk-free, and it is intended as an alternative for adults who already use nicotine.

There is also a middle group of vapers who are on the fence. If you currently use a small, low-power pod device and are happy with it, the E40 is an upgrade in battery life and flexibility, but not a transformation. The most noticeable improvements come if you currently struggle with thick liquids, run out of battery by mid-afternoon or find that your existing coil quality is inconsistent. If none of those apply, it is reasonable to stay with what works.

For anyone who is unsure, our general advice is to start with a nicotine salt in a familiar flavour at a moderate power setting, run it for a week, and then adjust. Most issues people report with new pod kits come down to strength, power or priming, not to the hardware itself.

How to fill, prime and use the Argus E40

Getting started is straightforward, and doing it carefully the first time avoids most of the common problems. These steps cover first use from unboxing to the first draw.

• Unbox and inspect: remove the protective film and check the device, pod, charging cable and any spare parts. Report visible damage before use.
• Charge first: plug the device in with the supplied USB-C cable and let it charge fully before the first use. This helps battery calibration and gives you a worry-free first session.
• Remove the pod: gently pull the pod from the body. Do not squeeze the reservoir.
• Open the fill port: pull back or lift the silicone plug on the side of the pod, taking care not to lose it.
• Fill the pod: insert the nozzle of your liquid bottle into the fill hole and squeeze slowly. Stop just below the maximum line, because overfilling is a common cause of leaks. Avoid filling the central air tube.
• Close and wipe: push the plug in firmly until flush, and wipe any spilled liquid off the pod.
• Prime the coil: let the filled pod stand upright for five to ten minutes so the wick saturates fully.
• Insert and switch on: seat the pod in the body. If your unit uses a power-on sequence of button clicks, follow the instructions in the box.
• Take the first draws: start with a couple of short, gentle pulls, then settle into your normal rhythm.

Day to day, the pattern is simple. Draw to fire, release to stop. If the device has a power-mode selection, cycle through the options and settle on the one that gives you the best balance of flavour and throat hit. Most people find a mid-level setting is a good everyday default and then tweak it up or down for particular liquids.

Maintenance is minimal. Wipe the contacts and mouthpiece occasionally with a dry tissue or a cotton bud, because condensation and liquid residue can interrupt the connection between the pod and the body. Refill before the pod runs completely dry, because dry-firing a nearly empty pod can scorch the coil. When the pod's flavour fades or the draw becomes harsh, replace it rather than adding more liquid to a tired coil.

For storage, keep the device upright or lying flat in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children and pets. E-liquid containing nicotine is poisonous if swallowed, so keep bottles in their child-resistant packaging, and if the device is not going to be used for a long time, remove the pod and store it separately.

Troubleshooting common Argus E40 problems

Most problems on pod kits have simple causes, and many can be resolved in a minute or two. This section covers the issues owners most often run into, with likely causes and fixes.

• No vapour or weak vapour: check the pod is seated fully and the liquid level is above the coil. If the pod is new, it may need longer priming. If it is old, the coil may be spent. Also confirm the battery has charge.
• Burnt or acrid taste: usually dry-firing or a worn coil. Let the pod rest, take gentler draws and check the liquid level. If the taste persists, replace the pod.
• Gurgling or spitting: the coil is flooded or the liquid is condensing in the airway. Remove the pod, blow gently through the mouthpiece to clear the airflow channel, and wipe it dry. Fill slightly less in future.
• Leaking from the pod: check the silicone plug is fully seated and the pod is not overfilled. Cracked pods or worn seals need replacing. Leaks can also be caused by changes in air pressure, such as flying, so empty or seal pods when travelling.
• Device does not charge: try a different cable and a different power source. Check the USB-C port for lint or debris and clean it gently with a wooden toothpick. If it still will not charge, contact us.
• Device does not fire: make sure the pod contacts are clean and dry. Take the pod out, wipe both contact points and refit it. If a lock mode is active, check the instructions to unlock the device.
• Hot mouthpiece or body: lower the power setting and slow down your draw rate. If heat is unusual at low power, stop using the device and get in touch.
• Weak throat hit: the nicotine strength may be too low, or the power too high for a thin liquid. Try a stronger nicotine salt or lower the output.
• Flavour seems flat: after several weeks the coil may be tired. Try a fresh pod, or switch to a flavour that is less sweet and less likely to gunk up the wick.

If you have worked through these steps and a problem persists, do not keep forcing the device. Remove the pod, stop charging and contact our team with a description of the fault and your order details. Do not attempt to open the body or replace the battery yourself, because lithium cells are not safe for home repair. Always use accessories from known manufacturers and avoid mixing pods, cables or chargers of unknown origin.

If a device is beyond use, recycle it through a battery or small electrical drop-off point instead of putting it in the bin. This applies to the device itself, the pods and any damaged cable.

Value for money and how it compares with rivals

Value on a vape kit is more than the price on the box. It is the sum of the kit price, the cost of pods and the cost of liquid, set against how long the equipment lasts and how well it performs. On that basis, the Argus E40 makes sense for regular users.

The initial outlay is higher than a single disposable used to cost, but it is repaid quickly. A bottle of e-liquid typically costs a few pounds and fills a 2ml pod many times over, and replacement pods are priced modestly, usually bought in multi-packs. A moderate daily user commonly spends noticeably less per week than they would have spent on single-use products, and the saving continues for as long as the battery body keeps working. Over a few months the difference is considerable, and, since disposables can no longer legally be sold in the UK, refillable kits are now the practical route for most people who liked the convenience of a pre-filled product.

Fair comparison with competitors matters, so here is how the Argus E40 stacks up against typical alternatives:

• Versus compact low-power pod kits: the E40 offers a stronger battery and a wider power range. If you only ever use thin salts at low settings, a smaller kit can be cheaper and lighter, and it may be enough.
• Versus Vaporesso XROS-style kits: these are well known for widely stocked pods and a compact body. They are a strong alternative if you value availability of spares across physical shops. The E40 has the edge in power range, though pod availability in high-street shops can vary, so it is worth stocking spares online.
• Versus Uwell Caliburn-style kits: these are simple, slim and gentle on battery, with a very straightforward draw. They suit minimalists. The E40 gives you more headroom for thicker liquids at the cost of a slightly larger body.
• Versus OXVA Xlim-style kits: a close rival in the mid-power pod segment, with adjustable airflow on some versions. If adjustable airflow matters to you, check that feature before deciding, as the E40 pod design is more fixed in its draw.
• Versus tank-based starter kits: a small tank kit offers bigger vapour and more tuning, but is bulkier and more demanding. The E40 is a better fit for pocket-friendly daily use.

No rival is better in every respect, and the right choice depends on how you vape. The Argus E40 is competitive where it counts for most users: battery size for its footprint, power flexibility and refillable running costs. It is less compelling if you want cloud production, huge liquid capacity or adjustable airflow.

Finally, think about total cost of ownership. Buy two or three spare pods with the kit, a few bottles of your preferred liquid, and a decent USB-C charger if you do not already own one. That small bundle gives you a reliable setup, avoids panic-buying a wrong-spec pod when the first one wears out, and keeps your cost per day low. Used with reasonable care, the kit should serve you for many months before the battery begins to fade.