How to Choose Quality Vape Products in 2025: Features, Pricing, and Excise Tax Guide

When stocking new vaping products, price is only one part of the equation. To make informed decisions, you need to evaluate product quality, device features, and how government excise taxes impact retail pricing.

This guide explains what defines a high-quality vape, how performance is measured, and how Canada’s updated vaping excise tax structure affects product costs.


What Makes a Vape High-Quality?

A quality vape device prioritizes form and function, delivering consistent flavor and performance over its lifespan. Key factors to evaluate include:

  • Airflow chamber – Determines how tightly or openly air moves through the device. Wider airflow allows larger vapor pulls but consumes e-liquid faster.

  • Coil type – Metals such as kanthal, nichrome, stainless steel, or mesh affect heating efficiency and flavor quality. Mesh coils are typically used in higher-end devices.

  • Microprocessor – Regulates wattage, vapor output, and power consumption. Disposable devices are preset, while tank-mod systems are highly customizable.

  • Battery size – A larger battery improves efficiency, vapor production, and total puff count.


Understanding Puff Count

Puff count measures how many inhalations a device can deliver before running out of e-liquid or power. Manufacturers determine puff counts under controlled testing, but real-world performance varies based on user behavior, such as how long or hard each puff is drawn.

 

Rechargeable vs. Single-Use Devices

  • Disposable vapes – May be single-use or USB-rechargeable.

  • Closed-pod systems – Typically feature a rechargeable body and replaceable cartridges.

  • Tank mod systems – Fully rechargeable and refillable with bottled e-liquid.

Choosing rechargeable options often extends device life and reduces waste.

 


How Vape Pricing Works in 2025

While manufacturers set pricing based on features and e-liquid capacity, government excise taxes now play a major role in retail cost. In Canada, vaping products containing e-liquid are taxed federally and provincially, based on milliliter volume.

 

Updated Excise Tax for Vaping Products (2024-2025)

Effective July 1, 2024, the federal duty rate is:

  • $1.12 per 2 mL (or fraction) for the first 10 mL

  • $1.12 per 10 mL (or fraction) above 10 mL

In coordinated provinces and territories (Ontario, Quebec, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and—effective late 2024/early 2025—PEI, Alberta, New Brunswick, Manitoba, Yukon), a matching provincial duty applies, doubling the total tax.

Learn more about the Excise Tax


Combined Federal + Provincial Tax Examples

Excise Duty on Vaping Liquids (Combined in Coordinated Provinces)
Liquid Volume Federal Duty Provincial Duty Total Tax
0.1 mL – 2 mL $1.12 $1.12 $2.24
2.1 mL – 4 mL $2.24 $2.24 $4.48
4.1 mL – 6 mL $3.36 $3.36 $6.72
6.1 mL – 8 mL $4.48 $4.48 $8.96
8.1 mL – 10 mL $5.60 $5.60 $11.20
10.1 mL – 20 mL $6.72 $6.72 $13.44
20.1 mL – 30 mL $7.84 $7.84 $15.68
30.1 mL – 40 mL $8.96 $8.96 $17.92
40.1 mL – 50 mL $10.08 $10.08 $20.16


Key Takeaways for Retailers

  • Product quality is more than price — evaluate airflow, coil design, power efficiency, and flavor consistency.

  • Understand puff counts — they indicate device longevity but vary by user habits.

  • Stay current on excise taxes — rates are standardized by e-liquid volume and directly affect wholesale and retail pricing.

  • Partner with trusted brands — transparency about device specifications and pricing helps protect margins and customer satisfaction.

By combining product knowledge with up-to-date tax information, retailers can select the right devices, maintain competitive pricing, and provide better value to customers.

 

*This information was updated in August 2025 and may be subject to change.