Vaporesso XROS 6 vs SMOK Novo 3: Head-to-Head
The Vaporesso XROS and the SMOK Novo are two of the best-known pod families in vaping. The Vaporesso XROS 6 is the latest flagship XROS with a color screen, fast charging and a huge range of pods. The SMOK Novo 3 is the no-frills budget favorite. One costs about twice as much as the other, so is the upgrade worth it?
Short answer: the XROS 6 is the better device in almost every way: battery, charging, adjustability and pod choice. The Novo 3 wins on price and simplicity. If you vape all day, spend the extra on the XROS 6. If you want a cheap, reliable MTL pod, the Novo 3 is still great.
Specs Compared
Vaporesso XROS 6 | SMOK Novo 3 | |
|---|---|---|
Battery | 1800mAh | 800mAh |
Max output | 30W, 3 power levels | 6W to 25W (automatic) |
Pod capacity | 3ml | 2ml |
Pod resistances | 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2ohm | 0.8ohm mesh, 1.4ohm |
Screen | 0.88" TFT color | None (LED indicator) |
Charging | USB Type-C, up to 9V/2A fast charge | USB |
Firing | Draw or button | Draw |
Airflow | Adjustable, Venturi system | Fixed, dual-side airflow |
Size | 122 x 24.5 x 14.5mm | 88.3 x 24.5 x 14.5mm |
Body | Aluminum alloy | Zinc alloy |
Design and Portability
Both are slim, flat, pocket-friendly devices with the same 24.5mm width and 14.5mm depth. The difference is height: the XROS 6 is a pen-style 122mm, while the Novo 3 is a compact 88mm pebble. If you want the smallest thing possible, the Novo 3 wins. The XROS 6's aluminum body feels more premium, and the color screen shows battery, power level and puff count.
Pods and Flavor
This is where the XROS 6 pulls ahead. It takes every XROS pod, from 0.4ohm for a looser RDL draw to 1.2ohm for a tight MTL draw, and Vaporesso's COREX 3.0 heating plus the SSS 2.0 leak-resistant design keep flavor strong and pods dry. The kit comes with 0.6ohm and 0.8ohm mesh pods, and XROS replacement pods come in packs of four. Not sure which resistance to pick? Read what ohms mean in a vape.
The Novo 3 has two pods: a 0.8ohm mesh pod that delivers excellent flavor for the price, and a 1.4ohm pod for a tight, high-nicotine MTL hit. Its pods are cheap and also fit Novo 2 series kits. For fruity salts, the gap in flavor is smaller than the price gap. For desserts and tobacco, the XROS 6's adjustable power gives you more control.
Airflow and Adjustability
The XROS 6 has precise airflow adjustment and three power levels, so you can tune the draw from tight MTL to RDL. The Novo 3 has fixed airflow and sets its own wattage based on the pod. There is nothing to adjust, which some people prefer.
Battery and Charging
No contest. The XROS 6's 1800mAh battery is more than double the Novo 3's 800mAh, and its fast charging reaches about 50% in roughly ten minutes on a compatible charger. Heavy vapers will get a full day or more from the XROS 6. The Novo 3 usually needs a charge during the day.
Price
The Novo 3 is one of the cheapest good pod kits we sell, currently under $15, and its pods are inexpensive. The XROS 6 is around $30. Replacement pods for both are affordable, but the XROS pod range costs a little more per pod.
Who Wins Each Round
Category | Winner |
|---|---|
Battery life | XROS 6 |
Charging speed | XROS 6 |
Pod choice | XROS 6 |
Adjustability | XROS 6 |
Size | Novo 3 |
Price | Novo 3 |
Simplicity | Novo 3 |
Flavor | XROS 6 (close with the 0.8ohm pods) |
Which Should You Buy?
Buy the Vaporesso XROS 6 if you vape all day, want a screen and control over power and airflow, or want to move between MTL and RDL.
Buy the SMOK Novo 3 if you want a compact, cheap nic salt device with no learning curve, or a backup to your main kit.
Want XROS features in a smaller body? Look at the Vaporesso XROS 6 Mini. If you're deciding between older XROS models too, see XROS 5 Mini vs XROS 5. Our XROS 6 Mini review covers it.
For deeper dives, read our full Vaporesso XROS 6 review and SMOK Novo 3 review. If your budget is even tighter, see our GeekVape Kloud vs Vaporesso VIBE SE 2 comparison. And if you want a screen-first pod with a bigger display, check out OXVA XLIM 3 Ultra vs XLIM Pro 3.
Frequently Asked Questions
Performance and Compatibility
Is the XROS 6 better than the Novo 3?
For most people, yes. It has a much bigger battery, fast charging, a screen and more pod options. The Novo 3 is cheaper and smaller.
Can XROS pods fit the Novo 3?
No. XROS pods only fit XROS devices, and Novo 3 pods fit Novo 3 and Novo 2 series devices.
Which One Fits You
Which is better for nic salts?
Both are built for nic salts. The Novo 3's 1.4ohm pod and the XROS 6's 1.0 or 1.2ohm pods give the tightest MTL draw for high-strength salts.
Which is better for beginners?
The Novo 3 is simpler. The XROS 6 is still easy to use because it's draw-activated, but it has more settings to explore.
Final Verdict
The Vaporesso XROS 6 is the stronger pod system, and it's worth the extra money if you vape every day. The SMOK Novo 3 remains a smart, budget-friendly choice for simple nic salt vaping. Shop the XROS 6, the Novo 3, or all vape devices, and stock up on Pod Juice nic salts for either one.
WARNING: This product contains nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive chemical. For adults 21+ only.
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