Blu vs. JUUL: Which Pod System is Better for You?

When it comes to easy-to-use, compact pod systems designed to help smokers transition away from cigarettes, few names are as well-known as Blu and JUUL. Both brands have built a loyal following thanks to their convenient prefilled pod designs, consistent vapour production, and satisfying nicotine hit. These devices, characterised by their convenient pre-filled pods, consistent vapour production, and satisfying nicotine hit, represent a significant departure from the complexities of traditional vape mods.

This in-depth comparison will place the latest iterations from these two giants—the Blu 2.0 and the JUUL2—under the microscope. Whether you’re prioritising battery life, flavour variety, or ease of use, we’ll break it all down to make your choice easier.

Meet the Devices

These two pod systems, while sharing the common goal of providing a simple and satisfying smoking alternative, present distinct design philosophies and feature sets. Let's dive deeper into what each device brings to the table.

Blu 2.0

The Blu 2.0 presents itself as a sleek and ergonomically designed closed-pod system, aiming to deliver straightforward satisfaction through its user-friendly operation and incorporating modern conveniences like USB-C charging. Its focus is on providing a smooth vaping experience with a choice of nicotine strengths, all within a device that feels comfortable and modern in hand.

• Battery: 400mAh with USB-C charging
• Draw: Inhale-activated
• Pod system: Pre-filled magnetic pods with ceramic coils (9mg & 18mg nicotine salts)

JUUL2

Building upon the strong legacy of its predecessor, the JUUL2 offers a refined and remarkably portable closed-pod experience. It remains laser-focused on ease of use and providing a familiar, cigarette-like draw for individuals transitioning away from smoking.

• Battery: 328mAh
• Draw: Inhale-activated
• Pod system: Pre-filled, sealed JUUL2 pods (18mg nicotine salts only)

Unboxing and First Impressions

Fresh out of their boxes, both the Blu 2.0 and the JUUL2 present themselves as sleek and discreet devices. Picking up the Blu 2.0 kit, which stands taller at 112mm and feels slightly more substantial at 20g, the first thing you notice is its smooth, almost silken texture of its satin finish, contrasted by the glossy accents. Its curved, ergonomic design nestles comfortably in the palm, contributing to a solid and well-built feel. The magnetic click as you insert a pod is satisfyingly firm.

The JUUL2 kit, in comparison, immediately strikes you with its remarkably light weight of just 14g and its more compact stature at only 97mm in length. Its minimalist, rectangular shape feels incredibly portable, practically disappearing in your hand or slipping unnoticed into a pocket or bag. The matte finish is smooth but offers a different kind of grip compared to the Blu. Sliding a pod into place similarly produces a distinct click.

Battery Life and Charging

For anyone who likes to vape on the go, the longevity of the battery and the convenience of recharging are key considerations when choosing between devices.

The Blu 2.0 is equipped with a 400mAh internal battery, a capacity designed to provide an average of 8 hours of usage for a typical vaper, but of course, this timeframe can vary depending on individual usage patterns, such as the frequency and duration of puffs. A significant advantage of the Blu 2.0 is its USB-C charging port; as users are likely to already own compatible cables and power adapters, its universal compatibility adds a layer of convenience, especially when traveling or needing to borrow a charger.

The Blu 2.0 also features an intuitive Power Tap battery indicator. By simply tapping the device, a series of LED lights illuminate to provide a quick visual representation of the remaining battery level: blue indicates a high charge, amber signifies a medium charge, and red warns of a low battery. This simple yet effective system allows users to easily monitor their battery status and know when it's time to recharge.

The JUUL2 incorporates a 328mAh internal battery, a capacity that JUUL states that can last through a full pod for most users, but again, actual battery life can fluctuate based on individual vaping habits. A key difference with the JUUL2 is its proprietary charging method, which involves a dedicated JUUL charging dock. While this dock provides a secure and reliable charging connection, it introduces a potential inconvenience. If the original charging dock is lost or damaged, users will need to acquire a specific replacement, as standard USB cables cannot be used.

The JUUL2 also offers a battery level indicator, which is activated by double-tapping the device. The LED lights will then illuminate to indicate the remaining battery charge, and also provide feedback on pod status (e.g., when a new pod is inserted).

Pod System and Coil Technology

Both the Blu 2.0 and the JUUL2 use a convenient closed-pod system, meaning the e-liquid cartridges are pre-filled and disposable, eliminating the need for manual refilling, but there are differences in design and experience:

Blu 2.0 pods contain ceramic coils, which are known for their potential to deliver a smoother and cleaner flavour profile compared to traditional wick-based coils. They are also often associated with reduced spit-back, which is the unpleasant phenomenon of hot e-liquid droplets hitting the tongue. Blu claims that these redesigned pods offer up to 25% more puffs compared to their previous generation of pods, and users are also offered flexibility in nicotine strength, with the pods being available in both 9mg and 18mg nicotine strengths.

As for the JUUL2 pods, a notable technological addition is the pod recognition feature. Upon inserting a genuine JUUL2 pod, the device will flash a white LED, confirming its authenticity. This feature aims to ensure users are using legitimate JUUL2 products within the ecosystem. The JUUL2 pods also incorporate improved heating technology, which is engineered to provide a more consistent and robust draw compared to the original JUUL. However, JUUL2 pods are currently only available in a single nicotine strength of 18mg nicotine salts.

Flavour Range and Vapour Quality

Both the Blu 2.0 and JUUL2 offer a selection of pod flavours, and their strong emphasis on familiar tobacco and menthol options makes their positioning towards smokers transitioning away from traditional cigarettes even more evident here, especially when compared to the wide variety of flavours found in other e-liquids. It's also worth noting that both brands use nicotine salts in their pods, which are known for providing a smoother throat hit and allowing for higher nicotine concentrations without the harshness that can sometimes be experienced with freebase nicotine.

The Blu 2.0 distinguishes itself with a slightly more diverse flavour range, extending to options like Berry Mix and Fresh Mango beyond the traditional tobacco and menthol, like JUUL’s Virginia Tobacco and Polar Menthol. Additionally, as previously noted, Blu 2.0 pods are available in both 9mg and 18mg nicotine strengths, offering more choice compared to JUUL2's single 18mg offering.

While both devices are designed to deliver a smooth vapour experience, there are subtle differences in the draw and sensation. The Blu 2.0, with its ceramic coil technology, is often reported to produce a richer and potentially quieter draw. The JUUL2, on the other hand, is known for delivering a stronger throat hit, which many users find more akin to the sensation of smoking a traditional cigarette. This can be a significant factor for those looking for a familiar feel.

Ease of Use, Beginner Friendliness, and Smart Features

Both the Blu 2.0 and JUUL2 are designed with simplicity at their core. They both operate without buttons, relying on intuitive inhale activation, and incorporate LED indicators to provide essential feedback, but there are nuances in their features that contribute to the overall user experience.

As previously mentioned, The Blu 2.0 prioritises simplicity by offering the convenience of USB-C charging and an intuitive Power Tap battery indicator, but the JUUL2 goes a step further by offering an optional connected app that provides additional functionality. Through the JUUL2 app, users can:

• Track their usage patterns, gaining insights into their vaping habits.
• Locate a lost device, adding a layer of security and convenience.
• Monitor pod and battery levels remotely.
• Lock the device, preventing unauthorised use, which can be particularly useful for households with children or pets.

While the JUUL2 offers these advanced features through its app, it's important to note that using the app is not mandatory for basic operation. The device functions perfectly well on its own. However, the proprietary charging dock could be seen as a slight drawback in terms of convenience compared to the Blu 2.0's universal USB-C.

Final Verdict: Choosing Your Ideal Pod System

Ultimately, both the Blu 2.0 and the JUUL2 offer a streamlined and satisfying entry into vaping for smokers seeking a simpler alternative to cigarettes. Each device boasts its own set of strengths, and the ideal choice for you will depend on what matters to you most.

• Opt for the Blu 2.0 if you value more flavour variety, the convenience of USB-C charging and longer battery life, potentially smoother vapour, and the option of lower nicotine strength (9mg). While the kit is slightly more (£8.95), its features may offer better long-term value.
• Opt for the JUUL2 if a strong, cigarette-like throat hit, a preference for tobacco and menthol flavours, and a very compact design are key. The kit is a bit cheaper initially (£6.99), and you might find the optional smart app features useful.

Weigh these priorities carefully to choose the pod system that best supports your smoke-free journey.