Sub-Ohm vs MTL Vape Tanks: Which One Should You Choose?

The choice between sub-ohm and MTL (mouth-to-lung) tanks can be a bit confusing. Both vape tanks have their fans. Both serve different purposes. And what works well for one vaper might not suit another at all.

Here, we’ll help you pick the right setup for your unique vaping style. Whether you’re after thick clouds or something closer to a cigarette draw, it all comes down to how your tank and coil are built to perform.

A sub-ohm tank uses a coil with a resistance under 1.0 ohm. It’s built for direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping. This means when you inhale, you draw the vapour straight into your lungs, not hold it in your mouth first like you would with a cigarette.

Sub-ohm tanks are built to handle more power. They often run between 40 to 100 watts and are made for thicker, high-VG e-liquids. That extra power means more vapour and often better flavour, but they go through juice quickly and need a decent battery.

These tanks work well with shortfill e-liquids (usually 70VG/30PG or higher), and they're often paired with low nicotine levels since you’re inhaling more vapour per puff.

Examples: Best Sub-Ohm Tanks for flavour

• Uwell Nunchaku Tank
• Voopoo MAAT Tank
• Vaporesso iTank

MTL tanks are designed for a draw that mimics how you’d smoke a cigarette. You inhale first into your mouth, then into your lungs. This style is popular with new vapers and those switching from smoking because it feels more familiar.

These tanks use higher resistance coils, usually above 1.0 ohm, and operate at lower wattages, often between 10 to 20 watts. They work well with 50/50 e-liquid blends, including both freebase and nicotine salt options.

MTL vaping delivers a tighter draw, stronger throat hit, and is more economical with e-liquid and battery life.

Examples: Best MTL Tanks for Flavour

• Aspire K3 Tank
• Innokin Zenith II
• Innokin GO Z Tank

Looking for more info on how nicotine strength and PG/VG ratios affect your experience? Head over to our vape juice guide.

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you see where the two tank styles differ:

Choose a Vape Tank Based on Your Vaping Style

The way you vape should guide your tank choice. If you’re chasing big puffs, deeper flavour and enjoy experimenting with e-liquids, a sub-ohm setup might suit you better.

If you’re after a tight draw, use higher nicotine, or want something close to the feel of smoking, MTL tanks offer more control and a slower-paced vape.

We’ve also put together a guide on vape tanks that can help you find the right type to match your preferred vaping style.

E-Liquid Usage and Coil Life

One thing to factor in is how much juice you’re going through. Sub-ohm tanks burn through e-liquid faster. You’re drawing in more vapour, so naturally, you’ll be refilling more often. Coils in sub-ohm tanks tend to need changing more often, too, usually every few days, depending on how much you vape.

MTL coils last longer, and since you’re vaping at lower wattages, they don’t heat up as much. That means less wear and tear on the cotton inside the coil.

Do you have questions about when to change your coil? We cover all the signs in our coil guide.

Device Compatibility

Most MTL tanks will work fine on small internal battery mods or pen-style devices. They don’t demand much wattage, so you won’t need a big power source.

Sub-ohm tanks usually require larger vape kits with external batteries or higher power ranges. These setups often come with adjustable wattage and more airflow control. If you're unsure what kind of device to pair with your tank, check our full guide on vape kits.

Here’s a quick look at the running costs for each type:

So, while sub-ohm tanks can bring more flavour and cloud, they’re also more demanding on your wallet, especially if you vape a lot.

Portability and Everyday Use

MTL setups tend to be smaller and easier to carry around. They don’t chuck clouds, so you’re not drawing attention in public spaces. Sub-ohm kits can get bulky and aren’t ideal if you’re out and about all day or trying to keep things low-key.

If you're curious about stealthier vaping and tank setups that work well in public or at work, have a look at our vape tank catalogue for some solid choices.

Over the years, some manufacturers have built a solid reputation for tank design. These are worth keeping an eye on:

For Sub-Ohm Vaping:

• GeekVape: Known for durable, leak-resistant tanks.
• Voopoo: Nice flavour profiles and fast-firing coils.
• Vaporesso: Versatile coil ranges and long-lasting builds.

For MTL Vaping:

• Aspire: The Nautilus range is a go-to for mouth-to-lung vapers.
• Innokin: User-friendly tanks built for long-term use.
• Uwell: Tight draw tanks with reliable coil life.

All of these brands offer options that work with standard vape accessories like 510 drip tips, replacement glass, and airflow rings. We’ve covered those in our accessories guide.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Here’s one last summary to weigh up your options:

At the end of the day, the right tank depends on your habits and goals. If you're more about cloud size, low nicotine, and experimenting with flavours, go with a sub-ohm tank. If you're focused on nicotine satisfaction, a familiar draw, or just want to keep things simple, MTL is the way to go.

You can always switch between both styles depending on your mood or setting; many vapers do.

Final Tip: Use our vape juice calculator to get your mix right for the tank, and check our full guides on e-liquid, coils, tanks, and vape accessories to build the setup that works best for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the best MTL or sub-ohm tank?

If you’ve recently stopped smoking or you’re using stronger nicotine liquids, an MTL tank is likely the better choice. If you’re an advanced vaper and like bigger inhales and lower nicotine strength, then a sub-ohm tank will suit you more.

Which coil is best for use in an MTL or sub-ohm tank?

If you like stronger nicotine hits and a tighter draw, usually from 50/50 or nic salt liquids, choose a coil above 1.0 ohm. That’s good for mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping. If you prefer bigger clouds and deeper flavour, you'll want a coil below 1.0 ohm. These are for direct-to-lung (sub-ohm) vaping.