XROS 6 vs XROS 5: is it worth the upgrade?
The XROS 5 is one of the most popular refillable pod kits we sell, and now the XROS 6 is sitting right next to it on the shelf. They look almost identical, they use the same pods and, right now, they cost exactly the same.
So what's actually changed? A bigger battery, faster charging and a built-in coil priming feature are the headline upgrades. Here's an honest, side-by-side look so you can decide whether to upgrade, or which one to pick if you're buying your first XROS.
Short version? Here you go.
Same family, small but useful upgrades.
Think of the XROS 6 as a refined XROS 5 rather than a brand-new device.
Vaporesso has kept the shape, the airflow slider, the 30W ceiling and the pod system that made the XROS range so popular. What's changed is the stuff you notice day to day: how long it lasts between charges, how quickly it charges back up, and how easy it is to get a fresh pod ready.
If you already own an XROS 5 that's working well, there's no rush to swap. If you're buying new, or your current device is past its best, the XROS 6 gives you more for the same money.
Battery life and charging speed.
This is the biggest practical difference. The XROS 6 packs an 1800mAh battery against the XROS 5's 1500mAh. That's 300mAh extra, roughly 20% more capacity, so you'll top up less often, especially if you vape on the 0.6Ω pod or in the higher power mode.
Charging is quicker too. Both use USB-C, but the XROS 6 supports 9V/2A fast charging as well as 5V/3A. Plug it into a fast-charging plug and you're back up and running sooner.
Battery life always depends on how you vape. Higher power, lower-resistance pods and long draws all use more charge. If you want the most out of each charge, use the 0.8Ω pod and the ECO or Normal power mode.
Smart Prime: a helping hand with new pods.
Every new pod needs its wick soaked in e-liquid before you start vaping, otherwise you risk a dry, burnt first hit and a shorter pod life. On the XROS 5 that means filling the pod and waiting.
The XROS 6 adds a 60-second Smart Prime function. Fill your pod, start the prime from the device, and it runs a short cycle to help the coil saturate before your first puff.
Smart Prime is a handy shortcut, but it works best with a properly filled pod. Fill it, let it sit for a minute or two, then run Smart Prime. If you're on an XROS 5, our guide on how to prime a vape coil walks you through doing it by hand.
Same pods. Same price. More battery and less waiting.
Pods, power and flavour.
Good news if you've already got a drawer full of XROS pods: the XROS 5 and XROS 6 take the same XROS pod range, from 0.4Ω up to 1.2Ω. Both kits come with a 0.6Ω mesh pod for a slightly airier, warmer RDL-style vape and a 0.8Ω mesh pod for a tighter MTL draw.
Both max out at 30W and both have ECO, Normal and Power modes on the standard pods. In practice, put the same pod and e-liquid in each and the flavour is very close. The XROS 6 ships with Vaporesso's latest COREX 3.0 pods and updated SSS 2.0 leak-resistant design.
Nic salts and 50/50 e-liquids suit XROS pods best. Thick, high-VG shortfills can struggle to wick in a pod this size. Not sure which to choose? Read nic salts vs freebase nicotine. Stock up on replacement pods and cartridges while you're there.
Design, screen and airflow.
Side by side, you'll struggle to tell them apart. The XROS 6 is a touch bigger (about 122 × 24.5 × 14.5mm vs roughly 121 × 24 × 14mm), which is where the extra battery lives. It still slips easily into a pocket.
Both have a 0.88-inch colour screen showing battery and power, both fire automatically when you draw or with the button, and both have an adjustable airflow slider so you can go from a tight MTL pull to a looser restricted-lung draw. Vaporesso calls the XROS 6 version VENTURI airflow.
New to airflow settings? Start with the slider closed and open it gradually until the draw feels right. Our guide to MTL vs DTL vaping explains the difference.
Pick your XROS, grab spare pods.
Prices are correct at the time of writing. Every kit below works with the XROS mesh pod range, so spares fit whichever you choose.
XROS 6 vs XROS 5: the spec table.
Here's how the two compare on paper, using the manufacturer's specs.
| Feature | XROS 6 | XROS 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 1800mAh | 1500mAh |
| Max output | Up to 30W | Up to 30W |
| Charging | USB-C, 5V/3A or 9V/2A | USB-C, 5V/3A |
| Coil priming | 60-second Smart Prime | Manual (fill and wait) |
| Screen | 0.88" colour display | 0.88" colour display |
| Pods in the box | 0.6Ω + 0.8Ω mesh | 0.6Ω + 0.8Ω mesh |
| Pod compatibility | Full XROS pod range | Full XROS pod range |
| Activation | Draw or button | Draw or button |
| Size (approx.) | 122 × 24.5 × 14.5mm | 121 × 24 × 14mm |
| Price at I Love Vapour | £25.99 | £25.99 |
Still weighing up older models? Our XROS 4 vs XROS 4 Mini guide covers the previous generation.
Which one should you buy?
Choose the XROS 6 if…
You're buying a new XROS today. With both kits at the same price, the bigger battery, faster charging and Smart Prime make the XROS 6 the easy pick. It's also worth the upgrade if your current device is several generations old or the battery isn't holding charge like it used to.
Stick with the XROS 5 if…
Yours is working well and lasts you the day. The pods, flavour and power are essentially the same, so you won't notice a huge difference in the vape itself. Spend the money on fresh pods instead.
Consider the XROS 6 Mini if…
You want a smaller, cheaper XROS with simpler controls. It swaps the colour screen for an LED indicator, has two power modes instead of three and a slightly smaller battery, but still takes the same pods. Browse all our vape pod kits to compare.
Come and try them in store.
Pop into your local I Love Vapour store and our team will show you both kits side by side, help you pick a pod resistance and match it to an e-liquid you'll love.
Or order online, with free UK delivery on orders over £20.
Shop pod kits →XROS 6 vs XROS 5: your questions answered.
Do XROS 5 pods fit the XROS 6?
Yes. Both devices use the same XROS pod range, so any XROS pods you already have for an XROS 5 will fit the XROS 6, and vice versa.
Is the XROS 6 better than the XROS 5?
It's an upgrade rather than a different device. The XROS 6 has a bigger 1800mAh battery, faster 9V/2A charging and a 60-second Smart Prime feature. Power, pods and flavour are very similar.
How long does the XROS 6 battery last?
It depends on your pod, power mode and how much you vape. With 300mAh more capacity than the XROS 5, most people will go noticeably longer between charges.
Is the XROS 6 the same size as the XROS 5?
Almost. The XROS 6 is very slightly larger, at around 122 × 24.5 × 14.5mm, to fit the bigger battery. It still fits comfortably in a pocket.
What's the difference between the XROS 6 and XROS 6 Mini?
The Mini is the smaller, cheaper option. It uses an LED indicator instead of a colour screen, has two power modes rather than three and a smaller battery. Both take the same XROS pods.
Which e-liquid should I use in an XROS?
Nic salts and 50/50 e-liquids work best in XROS pods. Very thick, high-VG shortfills can be too heavy for the small wicks and may cause dry or burnt hits.
18+ only. Our products are only for adults aged 18 and over. Challenge 25 applies in all our stores and to every online order.
Warning: This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance. Vaping products are not suitable for non-smokers, people under 18, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.