7 Best Vape Tanks (Sub-Ohm Tanks) for Every Type of Vaper In 2023

If you’re new to vaping…

Getting the best vape tank for you can be a confusing task.

Coming with all sorts of ‘advanced’ features, if you would believe the marketing…modern-day vape tanks are extremely sophisticated pieces of technology.

But in the end…there’s only 1 thing that really matters:

How well does it vape your vape juice? But also: how well does it match your vaping preferences?

Well, today you’re going to learn which vape tank is the best for what purpose.

Not only that…

But you will get a list of the 7 best vape tanks currently on the market…

And the best part:

You’re getting exclusive tips and tricks to optimize the performance of any vape tank and increase the longevity of your coils.

Let’s get started with the first vape tank on our list.

1. Horizon Sakerz Sub-Ohm Vape Tank (Best Sub-Ohm for 50-100 Watts)

Horizon has a reputation of making reliable sub-ohm tanks.

Here’s why:

Ever since their Falcon vape tanks came out in 2018, they’re still used by many vapers.

The newest Horizon vape tank is the Sakerz.

It’s even better than the Falcon tanks.

Here’s why:

It has even better airflow and it’s less noisy than the Falcon tanks.

This vape tank is a beast in the clouds that it produces…but it also provides vapor with amazing flavor.

But this only holds true if you vape between 40 and 70 watts. If you go lower you will get muted flavor. And the coils aren’t suited to go above 70 watts.

The tank also comes with adjustable airflow slots. So you can experiments with how airy your vapor comes out.

With regards to coil-life: the coils last at least 2-3 weeks with proper use, and they’re easily replaceable.

Now:

The Falcon King was well-known for how long-lasting its coils were.

Unfortunately, the Sakerz coils don’t last as long. They last as long as coils of an average tank.

But the coils are cheaper than average tank coils.

Now, for a vape tank to get a spot on our list, it has to have more than proper vapor production, flexible adjustable airflow settings, and decent coil-life.

One of the most important things that will make or break a vape tank is the quality of the flavor it produces…

Well, this is one of the best tasting sub-ohm tanks that you’ll find…

…as long you vape at 50 watts or above!

If you go below 50 watts, you will get muted flavor, and the coils won’t last as long (unless you put the airflow at its tightest, then you can still get good flavor down until 30 watts even…but most DTL vapers are not looking for these super-restrictive hits).

It’s also true that the flavor around 50 watts range is not ‘amazing,’ but only ‘great’ (with regular airflow, it gets better the tighter the airflow, but you have to ask yourself if you want that if you’re a true DTL vaper).

However, in the 50-70 watts range, flavor-wise, this is without question, the best sub-ohm tank you can get (just make sure to experiment with the airflow settings to find your sweet spot).

Click here to see the most recent prices:

• US – (DirectVapor / VaporFi)
• Worldwide – (FastTech)
• Amazon – (DE / UK)

Next up…

2. Freemax FireLuke 4 Sub-Ohm Tank (Best Mesh Coil Tank)

If you do want to keep the option for temperature control vaping (TC)…

The FreeMax FireLuke 4 is another amazingly well performing sub-ohm tank, that comes with temperature control mode compatible coils.

Quality-wise, this sub-ohm tank belongs to the top:

• It has fantastic flavor;
• It almost never leaks, floods or gurgles;
• It’s easy to fill with the top-fill system and twist-off cap;
• Coils last at least 2-3 weeks.

Now:

Compared to the Sakerz, I do feel it has less balanced vapor production (it’s almost impossible to get restricted hits because the vapor production is always high, warm, and intense, no matter the air-flow setting), and uses more juice…

But if you’re a true DTL-vaper none of this matters anyway (you won’t really notice the difference in flavor, and as a true DTL-vaper you don’t want restricted hits anyway).

The trade-off you’re making here is a very slight decrease in vapor quality for quite a bit more flexibility with the TC-mode compatible coils.

Now, if you want to use mesh coils, you’ll be happy to know that the Fireluke 4 works well with X Mesh coils, TX Mesh Coils, and 904L X Mesh Coils as well. If you want to vape using a mesh coil setup, I highly recommend the Fireluke 4 + one of the mesh coils (it comes included with a 904L X2 Mesh Coil 0.2ohm).

Here’s why:

Because even though the Freemax Mesh Pro vape tank’s performance is great, the top cap opens more easily and you may leak juice carrying it around in your pocket. The Fireluke 4 doesn’t leak at all.

And if you’re wondering why you would want to use a mesh coil in the first place…

With a mesh coil, you’re getting an increased surface area for your juice to touch, which is great for warm and flavor-packed vapor production, plus it’s easier to create massive clouds.

The bottom line is:

Both the Sakerz and Fireluke 4 have an amazing build quality and are top-performing sub-ohm tanks regarding flavor and vapor production in the 50-80 watt range…

The Sakerz scores slightly better on balanced vapor production and efficiency (uses less vape juice)…

But get the Fireluke 4 if you want better cloud production.

Click here to see the most recent prices:

• US – (DirectVapor / Freemax)
• Worldwide – (FastTech)
• Amazon – (DE / UK)

Next up, the best sub-ohm tank for the lower to mid watts…

3. Fireluke 22 Tank (Best Low- to Mid-Watts Sub Ohm Tank)

Maybe you’re a DTL vaper who rarely goes above 40-50 watts…

But you do want big clouds, without sacrificing any flavor.

Well, in that case, the Sakerz and FreeMax Fireluke 4 won’t make you happy. Why? Because both these tanks have muted flavor if you vape under 50 watts (with regular airflow settings, if you go for restricted hits you’ll get better flavor, but do you want that as a DTL vaper?).

The Fireluke 22, however, produces good clouds full of flavor, even in the 20-50 watts range.

In fact:

Flavor-wise, this is by far the best sub-ohm tank in the 20-50 watts range.

But this only holds true when you use it in power-mode. In power-mode, the Fireluke 22 stands on top in terms of flavor production in the 20-50 watts range. If you’re looking for a vape tank that performs well in temperature control mode, you should look elsewhere (for a vape tank that performs well in TC-mode, I recommend the Freemax vape tanks, but they operate best at 60+ watts)

You can expect exceptional build-quality and reliability from the Fireluke 22 vape tank in the form of:

• Long-lasting coils, and;
• A flood-free, gurgle-free, and leak-free operation…

Like you would expect from any Fireluke tank.

The bottom line is:

If you’re vaping in the 20-50 watts range, this is, without doubt, the number 1 sub-ohm tank you should get.

Click here to see the most recent prices:

• US – (Freemax / VaporDNA)
• Amazon – (DE / UK)

Next up we have the best vape tank for flavor…

4. Innokin Zenith 2 (Best MTL Tank & Best Vape Tank for Flavor)

Maybe DTL vaping isn’t your thing…

If you want something that comes closer to a cigarette than the cloud producing monsters earlier in the list…

The Innokin Zenith 2 tank is THE MTL vape tank, which provides the best flavor of any vape tank.

In fact:

This tank produces better vapor close to most RTA’s which generally have better flavor than pre-built vape tanks!

And that is without the airflow being able to go as tight as some other tanks…this tank is built to bless your buds with a fantastic flavor.

Just keep one thing in mind when using this tank:

• The 0.48-ohm coil is best for flavor, and works well straight out of the box;
• The 1.6-ohm coil has a bit muted flavor but gets better as you break in the coil (for a quick-guide on breaking in your coil, scroll down to the end of the article).

Now:

If you thought flavor is all that this tank has going for it…you’ll be in for a pleasant surprise.

The build quality is so good that you will have to try really hard to make this tank leak or break.

You’ll also be free of dry hits, gurgling, or flooding. Actually, with its auto-shut-off mechanism, this is one of the most convenient top-fill-system you will find: it’s technically impossible to flood this tank.

Then there’s the coil-swap-system which makes your life so easy compared to other vape tanks: you don’t have to empty your vape juice to swap your coils…adding even more to the convenience of this sophisticated vape tank.

The bottom line is:

If you’re looking for the best MTL tank or just want the best flavor that’s possible with a pre-built vape tank…get the Innokin Zenith 2!

Click here to see most recent prices:

• US – (DirectVapor / VaporFi)
• Amazon – (DE /  UK)

Next up…

5. Uwell Valyrian 3 Sub-Ohm Tank (Best Tank for Clouds and Chain-Vaping)

Even though there are various monster-cloud producing sub-ohm tanks…

If you’re looking for a tank that will be your best companion for a full day of chain vaping…

Or are looking for the absolute best cloud chucking tank…

One that can turn a full room white of vapor in a matter of minutes…

You’re going to need a heavy duty sub ohm tank:

The Uwell Valyrian 3 Sub-Ohm Tank.

This tank produces some of the most impressive clouds you’ll see coming out of any sub-ohm tank.

But the other side of the coin is: it will devour your vape juice at a faster rate than any other vape tank on the list, other than the Freemax Mesh Pro 2.

Now, if you don’t mind burning higher-than-average amounts of vape juice…for cloud chasing and chain vaping this is the best sub-ohm tank, you can get.

But there’s more to love about this ‘cloud-producing war-machine’…

This tank is leak- and gurgle-free. The build quality of this tank is much better than average. It will last you for years if you treat it well. Treating well means proper cleaning maintenance and not dropping it.

Compared the its earlier version the Valyrian 2, the 3 has even slightly better flavor. Also the top seal gasket now sits higher, which makes top leakage even less unlikely.

The flavor is just as good or better than the 2. It’s a well-built tank that will last years if you treat it right.

But the variety in coil options is minimal, and the coils are only well suited for 100+ watts vaping.

Now:

The flavor of this tank is slightly worse than tanks that work optimally at lower wattages…

But for such a powerful cloud-chucking monster, you can’t expect much better: for high-wattage cloud chasers, this flavor is as good as it gets.

Click here to see most recent prices:

• US – (DirectVapor / VaporFi)
• Worldwide – (FastTech)
• Amazon – (DE / UK)

Next up…

6. Freemax M Pro 2 (Best High-Wattage Tank for Flavor)

If you like to vape at the highest wattage settings…

Meaning 90 watts and above, but don’t want to compromise flavor, then the Freemax M Pro 2 is your sub-ohm tank.

It’s one of the only sub-ohm tanks on the list that works with a list of coils that reliably handle 100 watts and above without compromising flavor.

And while the Fireluke 3 can operate with some of the same coils it’s less well suited for handling the triple and quadruple mesh coils. The Freemax M Pro 2 is bigger and airier and can handle these bigger coils with ease.

The coils for this tank are made to last. The coils made for the older Freemax Mesh Pro tank are some of the longest-lasting pre-made coils that you can get. And the best part: they fit inside this tank as well.

Now:

The older Freemax Mesh Pro tank had some major issues when it comes to the top-cap sliding mechanism. The mechanism operated on almost zero resistance and easily slid open when tossed around in your pocket, which easily could lead to a pocket filled with e-liquid. This is the main reason why we never added this older tank to our list.

The new M Pro 2, however, doesn’t have this issue anymore. Freemax added three steel balls in the sliding top cap mechanism. These balls add just enough friction to prevent the top cap from opening freely.

Because of the high wattage requirement of these coils, this tank is really only suited for dual-battery mods.

Click here to see most recent prices:

• US – (Freemax)
• Worldwide – (FastTech)
• Amazon – (DE / UK)

Guide on coils and watts:

• M1 Mesh Coil 0.15Ω: 40-70W
• M2 Mesh Coil 0.2Ω: 60-90W
• M3 Mesh Coil 0.15Ω: 80-110W
• M4 Mesh Coil 0.15Ω: 70-110W

Next up…

7. GeekVape Z Nano 2 (Best Tank for Restricted DTL & Low Wattage DTL)

If you don’t like the massive clouds that most sub-ohm tanks produce…

But think the hits coming out of an MTL vape tank are too restrictive and the clouds too small…

Your best option is to go for a low-wattage sub-ohm tank, with which it’s possible to go for restricted DTL hits.

And the Geekvape Nano Z is the best sub-ohm tank for this restrictive-DTL type of vaping.

Here’s why:

• You’ll have at least two coil options, a 0.2ohm Ni80 mesh coil (50-58W) , and a 0.6ohm KA1 mesh coil(15-25W).
• The airflow is adjustable in a wide range. It’s easy to produce very restrictive hits for those restrictive DTL-hits, but also wide-open airy hits if you want to keep the option open for cloud chasing.

Now:

This is the only reason why you should go for the GeekVape Nano Z (you want the best restricted DTL hits, or you want to be able to switch between MTL and DTL/decent cloud chasing, within the same tank).

In every other category, a sub-ohm tank can be rated on, all the other sub-ohm tanks in the list score higher than the GeekVape Nano Z.

Click here to see most recent prices:

• US – (GeekVape)
• Worldwide – (Fasttech)
• Amazon – (DE / UK)

Getting the Right Vape Tank for Your Vape Mod

Most vape tanks are suitable with most vape mods…

You just have to be aware of your vape mod’s maximum watts.

Here’s why:

Your vape mod’s maximum wattage has to fall well below your vape tank’s recommended watts.

If you get a vape tank with recommended watts near your vape mod’s max wattage, your battery life is going to suck, and if you get a vape tank with recommended watts below your vape mod’s maximum wattage, you’re not even going to be able to vape.

And if you care about appearances:

You probably want to make sure your vape tank fits on your vape mod, without any overhang.

If you don’t want any overhang, check the mm of your vape mod’s 510 connector and check the diameter of your preferred vape tank. If your preferred vape tank’s diameter doesn’t surpass the diameter of your vape mod’s 510 connector, you’re good to go.

Example:

You have a YiHi SXMini G Class vape mod.

Look for the mm of its 510 connector:

Here you can see it’s 30 mm.

So your vape tank’s diameter should be a maximum of 30 mm.

Usually, you can find your vape tank’s diameter in the specs:

Here you can see the Crown 3 has a diameter of 24.5mm, so you can see that the Crown 3 will easily fit on the SXMini G Class, without any overhang.

Before You First Use Your Vape Tank

If you use your vape tank straight out of the box, there’s a big chance there will be a nasty chemical, machine-oil taste in your vapor.

If you want to avoid this, it’s essential that you fully take apart your tank and wash every piece (never wash the coil though!).

This way, you’ll have clean and pure vapor, right from the start.

How to Increase the Flavor of Your Vape Tank

First of all, it’s crucial that you use the right watts for your specific coil. You can use the manufacturer’s guidelines for that. In the list of vape tanks, you can also find general guidelines for most of the coils.

Secondly, there is such a rule as:

• The stricter the airflow, the more flavor you’ll get, and;
• The freer the airflow, the less flavor you’ll get.

That’s because air dilutes the flavor.

Then there’s the practice of ‘breaking in your coils’ which you can use to increase flavor.

How to Prime & Break-In Your Coil

To give yourself an optimal vaping experience from the start with great flavor, it’s essential that you prepare your coil so that it functions as it should, right from the get-go.

Here’s how to break in your coil:

1. Without your vape being turned on, fill your tank fully with vape juice. This is because you need to saturate the wick and reduce any chances of getting bad-tasting dry hits during your first few draws.
2. Now you’re going to prime your coil by taking anywhere between 5-10 dry hits (dry hits are hits without the battery being on). This way the vape juice travels into the wick, saturates it fully, and makes sure your first hits with the battery on, will produce proper and well-tasting vapor.
3. In the last step, you will start taking hits slightly below the recommended wattage setting and slowly work your way up in 5-watt increments, while taking quick hits. You keep going up in watts until you find your sweet spot.

How to Increase the Clouds of Your Vape Tank

For cloud chasing, it’s advisable to get a high-wattage sub-ohm tank like the Crown 5, FreeMax M Pro 2, FreeMax FireLuke, or Valyrian 2.

Also:

The lower the resistance of your coil, the easier it will be to produce big clouds. And the freer the airflow, the easier it is to create impressive clouds.

How to Increase Life of Your Coils

Most coils which can you can use with the vape tanks in our list will last you at least 2-3 weeks with proper use (using the right watts and not using sweetened vape juice especially).

Now, if you are using these over-sweetened juices, which have become so popular in the past few years, you have to realize:

There are no coils that will last long with these juices. They gunk up your coils at a faster speed than you can imagine.

If you want to extend the life of your coils, you have to use a relatively sweetener-free juice.

For ideas, check out our vape juice buyer’s guide.

Then there’s another reason why your coils might not be lasting as much as you want:

You’re underpowering them.

Really use the wattage guideline for every coil you use, to get the most life out of it.

How to Refill Your Vape Tank

Refilling your tank is easy if you follow these 5 simple steps.

Step 1

Remove the tank from your vape mod and remove the drip tip (mouthpiece) from your tank.

Step 2

Tilt your vape tank 20-30 degrees.

Step 3

Pit your vape juice inside the vape tank, while it’s tilted.

Step 4

Move your tank from the tilted position to a straight position, slowly, while you’re filling.

Don’t fill your tank past the maximum limit (in milliliters).

Step 5

Attach your drip tip to your vape tank, attach the vape tank to your vape mod…and let the fun begin.

What Type of Coils Are Suitable for Temperature Control Vaping?

There are only a few vape tanks that provide you with pre-built coils that are suitable for temperature control (hopefully this will change in the future).

If you want to vape in temperature control, you’re going to have to look for coils that are made of:

• Stainless steel (SS)
• Nickel (Ni)
• Titanium (Ti)

The following coil types are suited for watts-based vaping:

• Stainless steel
• Kanthal
• Nichrome

As you can see, stainless steel coils are usable both in temperature control and wattage-mode.

Conclusion

Today you’ve learned everything there’s to know about vape tanks, from getting the right vape tank for your vape-style…to tips and tricks to optimize the performance and longevity of any vape tank.

If you still need a vape mod to power your vape tank, check out our buyer’s guide on box mods:

• The Best Vape Mods/ Box Mods

If you’re looking for a high-quality e-liquid, check out our buyer’s guide on vape juices:

• The Best Vape Juices / E-Liquids

If you want to know what health risks you expose yourself to when vaping, check out our massive guide where we review the latest science and give tips on how to prevent the major vaping health risks:

• Vaping Health Risks Explained (+Preventive Tips)