Best Sub-Ohm Tanks – The Top Vape Tanks For Every Vaper
Sub-ohm tanks came to prominence after vapers began tinkering with their first-generation clearomizers and atomizers. The best sub-ohm tank is made of several disassembled parts and offers more advanced features like airflow control and inhalation style (MTL or DL). These tanks also let users install different coil types to obtain more flavor or cloud size.
James BickfordUpdated: August 26, 2022
Most popular
Uwell Valyrian 3
10/10
Comes with new sub-ohm mesh coils
Adjustable airflow ring
510-threaded
The Uwell Valyrian 3 is an update to the original Valyrian tank that has a brand-new, redesigned coil installation method and a top-fill,...
The Uwell Valyrian 3 is an update to the original Valyrian tank that has a brand-new, redesigned coil installation method and a top-fill, flip-open top cap. The tank is also compatible with other coil types from the previous Valyrian tanks but also comes with two newly made mesh coils explicitly made for the new tank. The Valyrian 3 also has a dual-slotted bottom airflow control ring, so it brings air to the central, 6ml e-juice tank covered in tempered Pyrex glass.
Reasons to Get This:
You enjoyed the original Valyrian tanks
You want a reliable, well-made sub-ohm tank
You want an atomizer with a wide diameter
You want an atomizer that has bottom airflow control
The Falcon King uses the same winning blueprint of the original Falcon tank.
The Falcon tank featured a unique flax paper coils, made of flax fiber and wood pulp for a unique flavor. At 25.4 mm in diameter goes 4 ml juice capacity, with up to 6 ml with a bubble glass upgrade.
New to the Falcon King is a series of organic coils, such as the 0.16 ohm M1+ Mesh coil made with bamboo fiber and organic cotton (rated at 75W), and the 0.38ohm M-Dual coil that uses the same materials but features a dual mesh setup (rated at 80W).
The organic mesh grants high temperatures almost instantaneously, and pure flavors without dry hits.
The Falcon King is cross-compatible with all previous Falcon coil system parts. The Falcon King tank includes both the single 0.16-ohm mesh organic coil and the dual 0.38 mesh organic coil. A spare Pyrex 4 ml glass tube and a user manual are also included.
Pros:
Organic mesh coil produces amazing and unique warm flavor
Easy top refilling system
Triple port airflow system
Cons:
Is not covered by warranty and cannot be exchanged due to the specificity
The SMOK TFV18 sub-ohm tank is a giant sub-ohm tank that can hold up to 7.5ml of e-juice with its largest glass expander bubble. The TFV18 continues in the tradition of innovative, cloud-busting SMOK tanks and features an easy-top-filling method with all-stainless steel construction. In addition, the tank comes with two new sub-ohm meshed coils that are also compatible with other coils from the TFV family.
Reasons to Get This:
You have used SMOK sub-ohm tanks before
You regularly use a SMOK mod or device
You want a sub-ohm tank with two e-juice capacities
You want a sub-ohm tank that works with mesh coils
The HorizonTech Sakerz sub-ohm tank features a 5ml e-juice capacity and comes with the brand’s proprietary sub-ohm mesh coils. The tank also has a smaller 3.5ml e-juice capacity that vapers can swap out with the reinforced Pyrex glass pieces included in the kit. There is also two mesh, sub-ohm coils included in the kit that can be easily press-fitted into the coil base for easy installation.
Reasons To Get This:
You are a fan of Horizon Tech’s other tanks and atomizers
The Horizon Falcon 2 sub-ohm tank is an all-stainless steel tank that features an expanded build from the original and has two newly designed coil types. The Falcon 2 is now a 25mm in diameter tank with an expanded 5.8ml that measures closer to 28mm. In addition, the tank comes with an improved bottom airflow control ring that has dual slots and is fully adjustable. The new version of the Falcon also features a unique coil type and comes with two 0.14ohm mesh coils and a 3.5ml replacement glass.
The Freemax Fireluke 2 sub-ohm tank is an all-stainless steel tank, but its most exciting build material is the organic cotton and tea fibers in its two sub-ohm mesh coils. The Fireluke 2 also features a straightforward fill method with a slide-to-open top cap that reveals two large fill ports underneath. The tank comes with a reinforced Pyrex glass tank section that can hold up to 5ml of e-juice in its 24mm in diameter frame. In addition, the tank comes with two 0.15ohm mesh coils that can retain e-juice better than other wicking materials. Dual-slotted bottom airflow control
The GeekVape Zeus Z tank is a newly improved sub-ohm tank from GeekVape that features a threaded top cap for easy filling, a new coil design, and top airflow control. The Zeus tank is all-stainless steel and features a silica glass section that can hold up to 5ml of e-juice with a replacement piece that can hold only 3.5ml. The Zeus tank also has a diameter of 26mm, so it is compatible with several mid-sized mods. The new Geekvape tank also comes with a Z1 and a Z2 mesh coil that are rated at 0.2ohms and 0.4ohms, respectively.
The Uwell Crown 5 is a new sub-ohm device from the famed manufacturer that has an upgraded top cap and a 5ml e-juice capacity. The Crown 5 features the same type of airflow control that uses bottom airflow vents that are fully adjustable. The new tank also features a press-coil installation for both the 0.23ohm and 0.3ohm sub-ohm coils included in the kit.
The Wotofo x OFRF nexMESH sub-ohm tank is the culmination of a collaborative effort between Wotofo and OFRF that has created a new and efficient sub-ohm atomizer. The nexMESH tank is made of stainless steel and has a reinforced, all Pyrex glass tank piece that can hold up to 6.5ml, but only 4ml with the plastic tank mold. The device also features a newly redesigned, triple-slotted airflow control ring located on the bottom of the tank.
Reasons to Get This:
You want a mesh-dominant sub-ohm tank
You want a tank with two e-juice capacities
You want a well-made tank with high-quality materials
You want a sub-ohm tank that uses mesh coils
Kit Contents
1 x nexMESH Sub-Ohm Tank
1 x A1 nexMESH Conical Mesh Coil 0.20 Ohms (Pre-Installed)
The Geekvape ZEUS Nano tank is the latest iteration of high-quality, durable GeekVape tanks that features all-stainless steel construction with redesigned coil heads. The Zeus Nano has a slim, slender profile that also offers two e-juice capacities that range from 2ml to 3.5ml. In addition, the tank has a 510-connection on the bottom and has an all-Delrin, 510-drip tip on the top to prevent overheating and splashback.
Reasons to Get This:
You want a GeekVape tank with its durable exterior build
You want a sub-ohm atomizer that has MTL capability
You want a sub-ohm tank with two e-juice capacities
Are you unsure, whether the best sub-ohm tank will be the best choice for you or not? Let’s weigh their pros against their cons and see whether sub-ohm vaping is the right choice for you.
The Benefits of Sub Ohm Vaping
Vaping Style
There are two types of vaping styles. Standard vaping with atomizers above 1.0-ohms, and sub-ohm vaping with atomizers below 1.0-ohms. When you are standard vaping you draw the vapor into your mouth and then inhale. When you are sub-ohm vaping, you draw the vapor directly into the lungs. This is MTL, mouth to lung, vs. DL, direct-lung.
When you are vaping a standard atomizer coil above 1.0-ohms, you will use a vape juice that is 50% PG or more. When you are sub-ohm vaping, you will use an e-liquid that is more than 50% VG. Remember as well that with sub-ohm vaping you will not need an e-liquid with any more than 6 mg of nicotine.
If you vape direct to the lung, you’ll simply love the sub-ohm vaping experience. In fact, once you sub-ohm, you won’t go back. On the flip, if you prefer mouth to the lung, above ohm vaping gear is the way to go. Although not written in stone, it’s the easiest way to gauge whether a top sub-ohm vape tank is ideal for you.
Sub-Ohm Tank For Clouds
When it comes to vapor production, standard vaping doesn’t even come close to sub-ohming. The vapor production is considerably higher. In fact, that is the biggest charm behind the best sub-ohm vape tanks. It has become a competitive sport. People compete against each other to see who blows the biggest, thickest plumes of vapor. Cloud chasing is the pursuit of the biggest clouds of vapor possible.
The fact that you are inhaling so much more vapor is why VG e-liquids for sub-ohm vape tanks contain less nicotine than PG e-liquids for standard vaping.
We have a couple of quick tips for choosing an e-liquid blend for you sub-ohm vaping tank. An e-liquid or vape juice that is 70% to 80% VG is the sweet spot for vapor production and flavor. Max VG e-juices will make even more vapor, but will not be as flavorful.
Sub-Ohm Tank For Flavor
This is where things get a little crazy. You would think that the flavor intensifies because you’re inhaling more vapor. But, with the increased airflow and speed at which vapor is inhaled directly to the lungs, it leaves little time for your taste buds to extract the taste. You get to savor the flavor on the exhale. The flavor performance was one of the leading qualifying criteria that we used to determine the best sub-ohm vape tanks.
A lot of factors determine the flavor performance of the best sub-ohm tank. The quality and construction of the coils are chief among them. Organic cotton coils deliver the best flavor. The combination of airflow and juice ports that keep the wick saturated is a secret sauce for vapor flavor.
Finally, little things like the distance of the coils from the drip tip can impact the flavor. Of course, the quality of the vape juice you are using is critical. Cheap, poorly made vape juice tends to be overly saccharine and flavor challenged shall we say! Your sub-ohm vape tank deserves good juice. Find proven, transparent e-liquid brands and your vaping experience will be much better for it.
More Excitement, More Innovation, More Fun
When compared to vaping standard cartomizers or tanks, sub-ohming opens a new world of innovation. In fact, most of the innovation has been dedicated to developing the best sub-ohm vape tanks.
The innovations have taken diverse paths. Tanks like the TFV12 are all about maximum vapor. No holds barred insane vapor! Other tanks strike a balance between vapor production, flavor, and ease of use. Others yet are geared toward affordability. Every type of innovation has its place and will appeal to a cross-section of vapers.
There are vape tank innovations in drip tip design, airflow design, and chimney design. Minor changes can drastically alter the vaping experience. It is a lot of fun to experience.
We have also seen incredible innovation and improvement in sub-ohm coils over the years. The best tanks have the best coils. Manufacturers also strive to make coil swapping easier for vapers.
Is Temperature Control Vaping Sub-Ohm?
Yes, it is. Temp control vaping is achieved with sub-ohm coils. But, instead of Kanthal coils temp control coils must be made of compatible wire. Examples of temp control wire are nickel, stainless steel, and titanium. Some of the top-rated sub-ohm vape tanks on our list do give you the option of using temp control coils. We did not consider this a factor in the ranking structure. Our focus was to evaluate these devices as sub-ohm tanks. If you are interested in temp control, look for products that give you the coil options that accommodate TC vaping.
From temperature ranges to coil materials to top filling designs to RBA heads, there is just so much to experiment with. You’ll never get enough of it.
Disadvantages of Sub-Ohm Vaping
Big Dent to Battery Life
Sub-ohm tanks need a lot of power and wattage to offer optimal performance. Small e-cig and mod batteries do not have the power required to bring the vapor. You will be best served by a device that operates on 18650 batteries or an internal battery with a capacity of at least 1,500 mAh. Mods with dual 18650 batteries should provide ample power except for the extreme cloud chasers.
What this means for you is that you’ll be charging your battery more frequently. Since the resistance of the coil is low, more current flows through it. The battery gets some beating. It’s akin to water flowing through a pipe: the wider the pipe is, the more water will flow.
We recommend using an external battery charger for your 18650 batteries. You will also want to have spare, fully-charged batteries on hand and ready to go.
Heavier on Your Pocket
Sub-ohm vaping can be more expensive than standard vaping. Sub-ohm vape tanks not only use more battery power but also consumes more e-juice. Those big clouds come at the cost of excessive e-juice. And if you use a high-quality, expensive e-liquid, it can impact your budget.
That said, you do not want to skimp on your vape juice. The best sub-ohm vape tanks will give you full enjoyment of your juice. Cheap juice made in the back room of a vape shop might save you a buck, but quality vape juice always vapes better.
Stealth Vaping Is out of Question
This is a no-brainer. If you want to vape around people but don’t want others to notice, you have to choose above-ohm vaping. Sub-ohm vape clouds will be noticed!
NO MOUTH TO LUNG VAPING
Sub-ohm tanks usually have a loose airflow so you can take the draw easily. It’s pretty much like drinking soda through a straw. Therefore, you won’t be able to do mouth to lung hits. As a result, the vapor won’t stay in your mouth for long enough for you to savor the taste.
Is Sub ohm vaping harmful?
Sub-ohm vaping has become much safer than it used to be a few years ago. This is thanks to powerful, precision regulated vape mods. By regulated, we don’t mean legally; we are talking about control boards, or chips, that control power output. Not only are mods better but the best sub-ohm vape tanks today are amazing. Finally, better batteries have also contributed to a safer vaping experience.
However, since you virtually stretch the batteries to their maximum capacity, it can be comparatively riskier. But again, the stats show that probability of a vape battery explosion is one in a million.
The best sub-ohm tanks have made vaping safer by making it easier. Follow the recommended wattage ranges to avoid stressing batteries and frying atomizer coils.
Above-Ohm Vaping vs. Sub-Ohm Vaping
Apparently, there are more downsides than advantages of sub-ohming. However, the vapor production and the excitement simply outweigh all the cons. It all boils down to your personal preferences. If you sub-ohm for a while, chances are you’ll get hooked on it and never go back.
What Makes a Good Sub-Ohm Tank?
Let’s see what the qualities of a good sub-ohm tank are. The Bigger, the Better? Maybe. But then, it all depends on your vaping style. Having a 5ml or even bigger sub-ohm tank is great as you don’t have to refill very often. This can be a plus depending on how often you vape. Ideally speaking, you should go for big tank size. On the flip, it can increase the overall size of the mod.
Also, are you one of those souls who always want to try new things? You might want to try new flavors as well, and bigger might not be better. Trying to switch to a different flavor can be a problem if you already have a full 5ml tank.
Look, the bottom line is this. Big sub-ohm vape tanks can accommodate larger coils. Bigger coils can bring more vapor. Can a small sub-ohm vape tank and small coils deliver as much vapor as a cloud chasing tank like the TFV12? No. But, a little tank can bring perfectly respectable sub-ohm vapor production. For practical, everyday vaping, a small sub-ohm tank will do just fine.
The final verdict is that larger diameter sub-ohm vape tanks with huge coils produce more vapor than smaller tanks. Many vapers like to have a small tank for day-to-day needs and have a big sub-ohm tank at home for maximum clouds in their leisure time.
TYPE OF COIL
This didn’t use to be a big factor until lately. However, with so many different options available, you might be missing out if you continuously use the same coils. For example, a Kanthal coil is ideal for use with ordinary variable wattage vaping. As a general rule, the lower the atomizer resistance, the higher wattage you can vape. Low resistance and high wattage equal more vapor.
You can completely change the vaping experience just by swapping coils. On the other hand, you can also use nickel, stainless steel, and titanium on a mod with temperature control.
Your mod will pretty much dictate what type of coil you ought to choose. Different e-liquids will have a slightly different taste with different types of coils. It is something that experience will teach you. Try out different types of coils and settle down with the one that floats your boat. Or, don’t settle down at all! It’s up to you.
Another factor that can impact your vaping experience is the style of the coil. For instance, some modern tanks come with Clapton-style coils, which somewhat look like guitar strings. You should also consider the number of coils (some have up to 12 coils) and their alignment (vertical vs. horizontal). Vertical coils usually outperform the horizontal ones and are more common.
CUSTOMIZABILITY
Most sub-ohm tanks allow customization regarding airflow control. For direct lung inhalers, a wider airflow is better and vice versa. A tank with wider airflow options is a better choice.
There is a whole line of RTAs that come with a rebuildable atomizer (RBA). However, there are a few sub-ohm tanks that include an RBA in addition to the built-in options. This is a great feature for rebuilders who want to try sub-ohming.
TOP-FILLING DESIGN VS. BOTTOM-FILL DESIGN
The top-filling design is extremely easy to fill and is becoming increasingly popular. Rather than having to take apart the sub-ohm tank, simply uncap the top and refill.
WICKING MATERIAL
Another important factor is the wicking material. The most common material is Japanese organic cotton. There are a few sub-ohm vape tanks that offer a ceramic coil. The latter offers the advantage of additional heat resistance. This means you can fire the mod with an empty tank and there won’t be any damage to the wick.
On the flip, a cotton wick will burn pretty quickly. This little feature not only improves the flavor but also prolongs the lifespan of your coils. But this doesn’t mean that we can rule out cotton. In fact, comparing apples to apples, cotton will offer a better taste.
OTHER FEATURES
Some other features that you may consider include liquid flow control and an anti-spit back system. Liquid flow control allows you to regulate the speed at which your juice reaches the coil. As a result, it gives you a lot more control over the overall performance.
Anti-spit back is an innovative design mouthpiece that stops the hot juice from going into your mouth. Moreover, certain sub-ohm tanks will have a cooling system for those who don’t like the hot vapor.
Are RTA Tanks Better Than Sub-Ohm?
RTA tanks have advantages over sub-ohm tanks in some ways, but there are ways that sub-ohm tanks are better. RTA tanks give users (advanced users) more choice when deciding on their coil type, coil configuration, and coil material. In contrast, sub-ohm tank users are limited to the pre-made coils explicitly made for that tank.
Pre-made coils also cannot last as long as an RTA coil, and the cost of buying new, pre-made coils is much higher than making your own coils. However, RTA users can also choose their preferred coil material (stainless steel, Clapton coils, Kanthal, nickel, etc.) and wicking material (organic cotton, mesh, etc.), which means they have more options.
But, RTA tanks are only for experienced, advanced vapers. The skill and knowledge required to expertly and safely create coils and wicks from hand while also ensuring they are compatible with the power output of your batteries and the skill it takes to install them properly is something beyond most new or casual vapers.
Sub-ohm tanks are easy-to-use and require little to no maintenance. The coils are straightforward to replace, and the only input needed from a user is to fill the tank with their preferred e-juice, adjust the airflow, and change the coil. RTAs are much more labor-intensive than sub-ohm tanks, but that is why some advanced vapers enjoy them, so it is not a drawback for them.
Tips for Using Sub Ohm Vape Tanks
Always read the user manual of your sub-ohm vape tank. There are some variations of how sub-ohm tanks function. Here are a few tips common to all tanks:
Use an e-liquid with more than 50% VG
70% VG e-liquids offer a great combination of vapor and flavor
Max VG e-liquids have less flavor but more vapor
Always prime your sub-ohm vape coils
“Priming” is placing a few drops of e-juice directly on the cotton visible through the juice ports on the coil
After priming, assembling, and filling your tank – wait at least five minutes before vaping
Waiting at least five minutes will allow the wick to become fully saturated with e-liquid
When refilling a sub-ohm vape tank, it is a good idea to close off the airflow to prevent leaking.
Finally, it is a good idea to break in new sub-ohm coils slowly. For instance, you don’t want the first hit on a new coil to be at maximum wattage. Start out at the low end of the wattage range and gradually increase.
Final Word on Sub-Ohm Vaping
The best sub-ohm tanks are pretty much like supercars. They are high performance, but they are not for everyone. And if you think you’re cut out for sub-ohming, make sure to consider all the things we have discussed above. It’s best to do some research and then use it along with your personal preferences to choose a tank. Feel free to choose any of the best sub-ohm vape tanks we’ve mentioned above.
All of the tanks on our list have been put through their paces and proved their metal in real-world conditions. We test these tanks that way that you will use and enjoy them. Go with a proven performer and ensure that your vaping will be all that it can be!
Published: October 29, 2018Updated: August 26, 2022
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Posted by
James Bickford
My way of understanding the significance of vaping came not only through the disruption of smoking but its effects on society as a whole. Now I bring people to vaping and bring vaping to people. I love using new gear, writing in-depth reviews and generally nerding out about vaping to like-minded people.
2 comments on “Best Sub-Ohm Tanks – The Top Vape Tanks For Every Vaper”
K. Campbell
February 22, 2018 at 4:39 am
My first vape kit was a Pico with a Mello tank, I’d done little research (my bad) I ended up with the guardian tank by vaporesso using ccell coils. I loved that little thing. I dropped it on concrete, tile, you name it, and kept on going till it was knocked into a sink full of water. I read up on all the hype and changed over to SMOK AL85 with tfv8 baby and hated it. The mod is plastic, the tank, even using the GT Ccells which are compatible, still pale in comparison to the Guardian. I’m getting either the NRG or the Cascade. People complain about the ceramics, but I set a new one in a bottle cap ( when I need to replace one) to soak for 30 mins and it’s rtg. These coils last 4-6 times longer (my record being 6.5 weeks) and don’t taste like drinking thru a bed sheet. Either tank can use the GT ceramic coils (the cheaper of the two) I would love to hear a tank to tank review or advice so I can finally take the plunge. I’ve ugraded my mod to the Voopoo Drag 157w TC with the Gene chipset..,.Thanks
I’m looking for a new mod w/ tank. The most important thing to me is the taste of my ejuice. My favorite that I own now is the Crown 3 but there’s a bit of a burning to my throat in the mornings of course this is because I am a chain vapor
K. Campbell
February 22, 2018 at 4:39 amMy first vape kit was a Pico with a Mello tank, I’d done little research (my bad) I ended up with the guardian tank by vaporesso using ccell coils. I loved that little thing. I dropped it on concrete, tile, you name it, and kept on going till it was knocked into a sink full of water. I read up on all the hype and changed over to SMOK AL85 with tfv8 baby and hated it. The mod is plastic, the tank, even using the GT Ccells which are compatible, still pale in comparison to the Guardian. I’m getting either the NRG or the Cascade. People complain about the ceramics, but I set a new one in a bottle cap ( when I need to replace one) to soak for 30 mins and it’s rtg. These coils last 4-6 times longer (my record being 6.5 weeks) and don’t taste like drinking thru a bed sheet. Either tank can use the GT ceramic coils (the cheaper of the two) I would love to hear a tank to tank review or advice so I can finally take the plunge. I’ve ugraded my mod to the Voopoo Drag 157w TC with the Gene chipset..,.Thanks
Melissa Sprouse
December 19, 2017 at 1:32 pmI’m looking for a new mod w/ tank. The most important thing to me is the taste of my ejuice. My favorite that I own now is the Crown 3 but there’s a bit of a burning to my throat in the mornings of course this is because I am a chain vapor