The Vaporesso XROS 4 is one of the most searched-for pod kits in the UK, and for good reason. It takes everything people liked about earlier XROS models, a slim body, simple refillable pods and strong flavour, and adds more control over how it vapes. This review covers what the XROS 4 does well, how it differs from the cheaper XROS 4 Mini, which pods and liquids to use, and who should buy it.
Vaporesso XROS 4 at a glance
| XROS 4 | XROS 4 Mini | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £18.99 | £13.99 |
| Battery | 1000mAh | 1000mAh |
| Power control | Adjustable, AXON chip | Fixed, draw-activated |
| Airflow | Adjustable | Set |
| Pods | XROS series pods | XROS series pods |
| Best for | Vapers who like to fine-tune the draw | Anyone who wants simple and cheap |
What is the Vaporesso XROS 4?
The Vaporesso XROS 4 Pod Kit is a refillable pod kit. That means you fill the pod with your own e-liquid rather than buying sealed, pre-filled pods. It runs on a built-in 1000mAh battery that charges by USB-C, and it uses Vaporesso’s XROS series pods, which are among the most widely available pods in the UK.
Where the XROS 4 stands out from simpler kits is control. Its AXON chip lets you adjust the power, and you can change the airflow too, so you can set it up for a tight, cigarette-like draw or open it up for something looser. Most pod kits at this price give you one or the other, not both.
Design and build
Like every XROS, the XROS 4 is slim, light and pocket friendly. It is shaped like a flat bar that sits comfortably in the hand, with a mouthpiece built into the pod. There is a small window so you can see how much liquid is left, which is more useful than it sounds: you can top up before the pod runs dry and avoid burnt hits.
It comes in a wide choice of colours. The build feels solid for the price, and the pod clicks in magnetically, so it is quick to swap.
Performance and flavour
The XROS range has always been known for flavour, and the XROS 4 continues that. With a higher-resistance pod and a 50/50 or nic salt liquid, it gives a smooth, full mouth-to-lung vape. Turning the power up a little warms the vapour and brings out sweeter flavours; turning it down gives a cooler, lighter puff and makes the liquid last longer.
The adjustable airflow is the other half of the story. Closed down, the draw feels tight, similar to a cigarette, which many people switching from smoking prefer. Opened up, it becomes airier, closer to a restricted direct-lung draw.
Battery life
The 1000mAh battery will see most regular vapers through a day at moderate settings. Heavy use at higher power will drain it faster. A full charge by USB-C does not take long, but if battery life is your main concern, the XROS 5 (1500mAh) or XROS 6 (1800mAh) may suit you better. For a full model-by-model comparison, read Vaporesso XROS Range Compared.
XROS 4 vs XROS 4 Mini: which should you buy?
The XROS 4 Mini is £5 cheaper and shares the same 1000mAh battery and pods. The difference is control: the Mini is draw-activated with fixed settings, so you just fill it and vape. It also has a durable aluminium alloy unibody and COREX 2.0 heating for good flavour.
- Choose the XROS 4 if you like to adjust power and airflow, or you are not sure yet how you like to vape and want room to experiment.
- Choose the XROS 4 Mini if you want the simplest possible kit and the lowest price.
Which pods fit the XROS 4?
The XROS 4 uses Vaporesso’s XROS series pods, which fit across most of the range. The XROS Series COREX 2.0 pods are a good choice. Pods come in different resistances:
- Higher resistance (around 0.8 to 1.2 ohm): tighter mouth-to-lung draw, best with nic salts and 50/50 liquids.
- Lower resistance (around 0.4 to 0.6 ohm): looser draw and more vapour, best with lower-strength liquids.
Not sure which to pick? MTL vs DTL Vaping Explained covers the difference.
Which e-liquid works best?
For the classic XROS experience, use a nic salt or a 50/50 liquid. Nic salts give a smooth hit at higher strengths, which suits people moving away from cigarettes. Browse our Nic Salts or read Nic Salt Strength: 10mg or 20mg? to choose a strength. If you prefer to buy in bulk, a 50/50 shortfill with a nic shot is cheaper; see Best Shortfills UK.
Setting up the XROS 4
- Charge it with the USB-C cable before first use.
- Fill the pod through the fill port, stopping below the top. Our pod filling guide shows how.
- Wait five minutes so the coil’s cotton soaks fully. This is the single best way to avoid a burnt first puff.
- Start with low power and the airflow mostly closed, then adjust one thing at a time until it feels right.
Common XROS 4 problems and fixes
Burnt taste
Usually caused by a dry coil or power set too high. Top up the pod, wait a few minutes, and lower the power. If it stays burnt, the pod has reached the end of its life. More in Why Does My Vape Taste Burnt?
Leaking or gurgling
Often from overfilling or very hard draws. Fill below the top, take steady puffs, and keep the kit upright when you are not using it.
Light flashing
Normally a low battery or a pod not seated properly. Charge it, wipe the contacts dry and click the pod back in.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Adjustable power and airflow | Battery smaller than XROS 5 and 6 |
| Slim and pocket friendly | £5 more than the 4 Mini |
| Strong flavour with XROS pods | More settings than a total beginner needs |
| Pods widely available and cross-compatible |
Getting the best from your XROS 4
Find your settings
The easiest way to dial in an XROS 4 is to change one thing at a time. Start with the airflow almost closed and the power low. Take a few puffs. If the vapour feels thin or the flavour weak, raise the power a step. If the draw feels too tight, open the airflow slightly. Once you find a combination you like, leave it: there is no need to keep adjusting.
Look after the pods
- Keep the pod topped up. Letting it run very low is the most common cause of a burnt coil.
- Avoid chain vaping. A short pause between puffs gives the cotton time to re-soak.
- Swap pods when flavour fades. For most people that is every one to two weeks.
- Go easy on very sweet liquids, which coat the coil and shorten its life.
Look after the battery
Use a decent USB-C cable, avoid leaving it on charge overnight, and keep it away from heat, such as a car dashboard in summer. Topping up before the battery is completely flat helps it last longer. See Vape Battery Tips for more.
Who should buy the XROS 4?
- Smokers switching to vaping who want a tight, cigarette-like draw but the option to change it later.
- People moving on from pre-filled kits who want to save money by filling their own pods. See Pre-Filled Pod Kits vs Refillable Vape Kits.
- Existing XROS users upgrading from an older model who want more control.
If you are brand new to vaping and want to compare several starter kits first, read Best Vape Kits for Beginners UK.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Vaporesso XROS 4 good for beginners?
Yes. It works straight away with no settings changed, and the adjustable power and airflow are there when you want them. If you want the very simplest option, the XROS 4 Mini is even easier.
How long does the XROS 4 battery last?
Most regular vapers get a day from its 1000mAh battery at moderate settings. Higher power and heavy use shorten that.
Do XROS 3 pods fit the XROS 4?
XROS series pods are broadly cross-compatible across the range. Check the product page for your exact pod before buying.
Is the XROS 4 legal in the UK?
Yes. It is a rechargeable, refillable kit, so it is not affected by the single-use disposable vape ban.
XROS 4 or OXVA Xlim?
Both are excellent slim pod kits. We compare them directly in Vaporesso XROS vs OXVA Xlim.
The verdict
The Vaporesso XROS 4 is a great all-round pod kit: slim, flavourful, and with more control than most kits at its price. If you want the simplest, cheapest option, go for the XROS 4 Mini; if you want to tune your vape, the XROS 4 is the one. Browse the full Vaporesso range or all Vape Kits.
Vaping products and nicotine pouches contain nicotine and are for adults aged 18 and over only.
2 thoughts on “Vaporesso XROS 4 Review: Features, Pods, Battery and XROS 4 vs 4 Mini”