Last updated on July 18th, 2023
Comparing RUBI Vape Pod Pen vs JUUL – Which E-Cigarette is a Better Choice?
UPDATE: The Rubi Vape pen is no longer available.
E-Cigarette sizes have done a big ‘about-face’ over the last several years. Instead of growing larger, they’re getting smaller. The JUUL and the RUBI are just two examples of the popular Vape Pod Pens. Ease of use and portability are definitely becoming more attractive than huge vapor clouds or features like high power sub-ohm vaping.
New (and even advanced) vapers still want the tobacco cigarette experience without the health dangers, but now they want it without the fuss. That’s why easy-to-use, lightweight vape pod pens like the JUUL and RUBI are selling so well. You might say they are the modern version of the cigalike.
Here’s a look at how they stack up and how they differ.
When the JUUL was first introduced, this uniquely styled vape pen went viral. Now owned by JUUL Labs inc. and big tobacco company, Altria, sales of this little ecig skyrocketed. Most say it was because JUUL was the most satisfying, easy-to-use smoking alternative. Others say it was because it contained a high level of nicotine.
Enter the RUBI. Designed and sold by KandyPens, the RUBI vape pen became a strong contender to the JUUL. It has many of the same design characteristics, but it gives vapers more customizable options.
This review compares both vaping devices, so you can make an educated choice on which pod style vape pen best suits your needs.
SIMILARITIES of the JUUL and the KandyPens RUBI
1 – Both ecigs are very lightweight and portable. The JUUL weighs .49oz, and is 3.75 inches long. The RUBI weighs .64oz and is 4 inches long.
2- The shapes are very similar; they lie flat and won’t roll off your table or desk.
3- Both have easy to use pop-in pods designed to contain both the liquid and atomizer.
4- They both activate without the need for an activation button – just draw on the pod and inhale the vapor.
5- Both have a battery that is around 100mah, so they take about a half hour to recharge.
6- Both atomizers have a coil resistance of about 1.6 ohms.
7- Each model delivers full, flavorful vapor.
8- The JUUL and the RUBI are Temperature Regulated for safety.
The JUUL is a closed pod system, so the e-liquid is already in the pod. The e-juice contains “Nicotine Salts” instead of “freebase” nicotine which is used in cigarettes and most e-liquids. While both forms of nicotine come from the tobacco plant, Nicotine Salts give you a cigarette-like nicotine delivery without any harshness. Freebase nicotine, is absorbed by the lungs and brain very rapidly.
Similar pod vape pens let you add nicotine salts.
JUUL is still considered to be one of the best vapes for adults who are heavy smokers, or those serious about quitting smoking. Maybe it’s the ease of use; maybe it’s the nicotine salts formula. In any case, the company prides itself on it’s ‘cigarette-like’ delivery.
JUUL Pod Vape with 2 pods and charger
JUUL’s design was unique when it first arrived on the market. Styled like a USB flash drive, it was one of the first devices to have a pop-in pod.
After testing the JUUL we found several areas that we think could be improved.
1- The company now has limited e-liquid flavors.
2- JUUL is now offering a 3% nicotine level for their Virginia Tobacco and Mint pods, one move to offset their popularity with youth vapers.
3- The JUUL battery is charged using a Magnetic USB base. When it works, it’s quick to charge, (about 30 minutes), but you have to clean the contacts with alcohol regularly.
4- You can’t disassemble the pod. That means you can’t add your own e-juice, and you can’t clean it. The pod is designed to be disposed of and replaced with a fresh JUUL pod.
The best thing about the KandyPens RUBI is the fact that you can fill the pod with anything you like, such as –
- E-Liquids (any PG/VG blend)
- Nicotine Salts E-Liquids (Yes! Learn more)
- Oils or Concentrates – Even CBD or THC oil
You can even fill it with your own homemade e-juice.
Filling the RUBI tank is easiest with bottles that have a needle-nose tip (like those from Vaporfi e-liquids), because the liquid fill-hole is quite tiny. Before filling the tank, you have to pull out the little rubber stopper. After filling, you pop it back in.
Regarding the interior workings of the RUBI pod, there’s a ceramic coil wrapped in Japanese cotton. The heating element is 1.6 ohm.
The pods are easy to clean for maintenance. Just soak it in vinegar for 30min -2hrs, shaking regularly. You can also spot clean any leftover residue with a q-tip. Always remember to allow the pod to dry for at least 24 hours before you refill it.
Learn The Best Methods for Cleaning Your Vape Pen or Vaporizer Parts
The RUBI charges with a USB cord. The cord can be plugging into any USB outlet. That means you can vape while it’s charging.
Most vaping devices come in lots of different colors, and the RUBI is true to form. It comes in 6 colors – Red, Teal, Rose Gold, Navy Blue, Gunmetal and Black.
RUBI also comes with a Lifetime Warranty.
There isn’t a lot to fault with the RUBI, but if you lose the little flavor pod “stopper” you have to buy a whole new pod.
The refillable pod doesn’t last forever! In about 3 weeks of steady use, the atomizer will wear out, and you’ll have to buy a fresh pod.
Unlike the JUUL – tapping the battery does not display the charge level. Taking a puff will display the charge. White means fully charged.
Red means the battery is low or has no charge.
Best-E-Cigarette-Guide Rating For the JUUL and the RUBI
The RUBI wins out for giving vapers the option to choose their own e-liquids, including those with zero nicotine. I also think it’s amazing that the RUBI pod can take everything from e-liquids to oils. That’s a plus for those starting to use CBD and other essential oils.
If big vapor clouds and discount pricing is important to you, read our post on other high quality vaporizers.
JUUL UPDATE:
On June 23rd, 2022, a U.S. federal court granted a request by Juul Labs to temporarily block an order by the Food and Drug Administration to stop selling its JUUL electronic cigarettes devices and pods in the U.S.
Why did the FDA initially request Juul to stop selling their products?
All e-cigarette companies must submit detailed documentation (PMTA), showing that their products are safe to use, and can only be purchased by adults over 21 years of age.
Juul Labs did so, nearly 2 years ago; submitting a 125,000 page application to the FDA that included several studies evaluating health risks among Juul users. However, the FDA claimed that Juul’s application left regulators with significant questions and that they didn’t include enough information to evaluate any potential health risks.
Juul Labs claims it submitted enough information and data to address all issues raised, and that the ruling to ban their products was an “extraordinary and unlawful action”. The June 23rd block order requiring Juul to stop selling their product is temporary, so we will update this article as things develop.
To date, the FDA has approved PMTA applications from R.J. Reynolds, makers of tobacco cigarettes including Newport, Camel, Pall Mall and Doral, and Vuse Brand e-cigarettes.
Looking For More Information? Check Out Our Top Ten Vape Companies
