Vape pens are extremely popular devices that allow you to “vape” concentrates or herbs by heating it up with a battery. These simple devices are practically odorless, and offer a healthier alternative to smoking.

Most vape pens are charged with a USB port, although some use external button batteries to work. Their charging time will likely vary depending on your vape pen, the battery capacity, and the vape pen characteristics.

Let’s take a closer look.

How long does a vape pen take to charge?

A vape pen’s charging time will depend on multiple factors, like the battery size and its lifetime. Charging can take as little as half an hour or up to several hours to fully charge. Higher-end vape pens will usually take less time to charge than budget alternatives, and some people go as far as to modify their vape pens to charge faster. However, we’ve found the average vape pen will usually take a couple of hours to be fully charged and ready.

You’ll usually know when your vape pen is fully charged through the vape pen’s LED indicator light. Most vape pen indicator lights start flashing red when they need charging, and will shine green or white when it’s fully charged. Once you’ve charged your vape pen, disconnect it as soon as you notice to prevent the battery from wearing out sooner.

When choosing where to charge a vape pen, avoid using your vehicle or electronic device to do it. Since batteries may overheat when charging, you’ll want to place it on a non-flammable surface until it’s done charging.

How long will one full charge last?

The amount of time a battery lasts will depend on its size, how often you use it, and which temperatures you’re vaporizing at.

Smaller batteries with less capacity will obviously need to be charged far more often than larger, more robust batteries. As a rule of thumb, here’s how long a fully charged vape pen lasts depending on its size:

• 650 mAh battery: 250-300 draws, or 4 to 5 hours of constant use
• 1100mAh battery: 450-500 draws, or one full day of constant use
• 1300 mAh battery: 500-600 draws, or a day and a half of constant use.

Vaping at higher temperatures will also pull more energy from the battery, making it last for less time. At the end of the day, you can drain the battery twice as fast with some higher temperatures than with the lower temperatures.

Making sure your battery lasts for longer

Here are a few tips and tricks to make sure your battery lasts for as long as possible.

Nail the first charge

Although you may want to keep playing with your new vape pen, the first-time charging will likely require the longest. This happens because your vape arrives unused, and usually with only half a charge. This means the vape pen has never been fully uncharged, and will likely take longer to charge the first time.

Read your instruction manual and make sure to fully charge your vape pen before taking it with you for the first time.

Store it properly

Your vape pen and cartridges should be stored in a cool, dry place. Cartridges should be stored in an upright position, making sure the mouthpiece faces down. Keep your vape pen in its case, or get a new one to prevent any damage from carrying it around in your pocket or backpack.

When you’re not using the vape pen, unscrew the cartridge from it to prevent leaks and any accidental battery drainage.

Keep It Clean

Debris can often affect the battery’s ability to connect to the cartridge. Make sure to wipe your vape pen clean after every use, and deep clean it often. To properly clean your vape pen, you can use a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol to wipe down the connection points and remove all residues from your mouthpiece. Avoid using anything hard to clean your vape pen.

Check for Leaks

Leaks can often come from defective cartridges or damaged pods, and can cause you to waste precious liquid and damage your battery. Constantly monitor your vape pen to make sure there are no leaks. If you find a leak from a cartridge, remove it from your vape pen immediately and contact the manufacturer.

Make sure to wipe clean your pod every time you refill it, paying special attention to the base where it connects to the battery.

Final Thoughts

It doesn't matter if you're using a dab pen or a dry herb vaporizer; vape pens take just a couple of hours to charge and can last you a long time if you take care of them. 

Check out our selection of vape pens and get one with a battery that fits your lifestyle. Also check out our vaporizer accessories for extensions for your vape pen.