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Vuse Alto Review: Is it Still Recommended?

Vaping360 Team
April 8, 2021

Product introduction

The Vuse Alto is a stealthy beginner vape with pre-filled flavors. The Alto battery has a capacity of 350 mAh, a built-in automatic draw, and it takes pods that hold 1.8 mL of juice. The nicotine strengths are available in 5.0%, 2.4%, and 1.8%.

The Alto now has a truncated menu of only three flavors: golden tobacco, rich tobacco, and menthol. The pods are available for purchase in two- or four-packs.

Prices:
Vuse Alto Complete Kit: $38.48
Vuse Alto Power Unit: $24.99
Vuse Alto pods: $13.49 (for a pack of two pods)

Specifications

  • Liquid capacity: 1.8 mL
  • Nic strength: 5.0 %
  • Pods per pack: 2
  • Battery capacity: 350 mAh
  • Vapor production: Medium
  • Weight: 22 grams

Kit contents

  • Vuse Alto battery
  • Vuse Alto flavor cartridges (2)
  • Vuse Alto charger

Size, weight, and feel

The Alto is very similar to the JUUL. It’s a small stick-style battery that powers drop-in pods that are prefilled with flavored e-liquid and nicotine. These types of devices are called pod vapes or beginner vapes.

With a pod attached, the Alto weighs about 22 grams. It’s a little heavier than the JUUL, but it’s more lightweight than the Vuse Vibe. Even if it’s heavier than the JUUL, the Vuse Alto is a very lightweight device that’s barely noticeable in a pocket.

The pod for the Alto is made of a sturdy and transparent plastic, and the black mouthpiece is slightly flattened. It’s also a bit curvy, making it very comfortable on the lips—in fact, this may be the most comfortable mouthpiece we have encountered on a beginner vape to date.

Getting started

Getting started with the Vuse Alto requires more work to open the package than to get started vaping. Once the kit is out of the box, it’s a one-step process to begin. Just drop a pod into the magnetic housing and take a drag. The Alto has no on/off button, because the draw is automatic.

The pods are held in by magnets. The issue is that the magnets are really weak. And, there’s a little wiggle room in the pods. The pods will pop out of the battery holder if it gets dropped. That’s annoying, but to be fair, it happens with most pods on the market nowadays.

The Alto battery should arrive to you charged. If you need it to be fully charged, go ahead and charge it first. If you want to read a bit more about the charging of the Alto, see the battery life and charging section.

Note: to get a kit that has everything you need (including a flavor pack), be sure to buy the Complete Kit and not the Power Unit.

How does it hit?

The Vuse Alto has a draw that’s tight like a cigarette, and even tighter than the JUUL. And the hit is really strong. In our opinion, it’s actually stronger than the JUUL when comparing comparable strengths.

On top of that, the hit on the Alto doesn’t seem to taper off either. Most people that have used a JUUL frequently will tell you that the pods don’t hit as strong after the first few puffs. The Alto on the other hand, hits hard throughout the duration of the pod. Two thumbs up on the hit.

If there’s any problem with the Alto hit it’s that the pods sometimes can suddenly give a bad hit or simply stop working. We don’t know why this happens with Alto pods. We’ve contacted the Vuse call center (as customers, not reviewers) and gotten our bad pods replaced free of charge. If you are experiencing poor performance with your pods or Alto in general, call: 1-800-614-VUSE

Are the flavors any good?

The new truncated menu of flavors for the Vuse Alto are all tobacco and menthol. There are just three flavors in all and they come in strengths of 5.0%, 2.4%, and 1.8% nicotine.

Golden Tobacco: A fairly standard cigarette-style flavor. It’s a dead ringer for Halo Torque 56. Golden Tobacco is a strong but brighter tobacco taste than something like the Rich Tobacco flavor.

Rich Tobacco: If you’re looking for a bold and mature tobacco flavor, Rich Tobacco is for you. It’s more dark tasting than Original, but it’s got an overall fuller flavor profile that’s more developed. But if you want something simpler and more straightforward, go for the Original.

Menthol: This is a standard tasting menthol with a fairly icy finish. There’s nothing particularly exciting or disappointing in the flavor. It tastes and feels like menthol.

When vaping the Alto, there is a noticeable room note. The smell is not offensive to us, but all the flavors except menthol left a lingering smell. We actually like the aroma seeing as it reminds us of “old school” e-liquid, but this is something to consider if you’ll be using the Alto around others.

The FDA announced Jan. 2 that it will begin enforcing all Deeming Rule requirements immediately for prefilled pod- and cartridge-based vaping products in flavors other than tobacco and menthol. Products sold after Feb. 2 are subject to enforcement if the FDA has not granted them marketing approval through a premarket tobacco application (PMTA). No PMTAs have been approved for vaping products yet. The FDA guidance only applies to products sold in the United States.

Battery life and charging

The Alto comes with a 350 mAh battery, which is about average for a device of its size. Battery life isn’t great, but it should get most people through most of the day. There’s a green LED in the center of the Vuse Alto battery that flashes 10 times when the battery needs to be charged.

To charge the Vuse Alto battery, place the bottom of the device inside of the magnetic charge port on the charger cord and plug in the USB into a computer. You can actually use the Alto while it charges. The full charge takes about 70 to 80 minutes.

It should be noted that the Vuse charger is a proprietary piece of equipment. This is not a charger to discard. If you do, you will have to purchase a new one through Vuse.

Pros / Cons

  • Compact and lightweight
  • Well-built
  • Easy to change pods
  • No buttons
  • Cigarette-style draw
  • Incredible hit
  • Assertive flavors
  • Pods are not held in strongly enough
  • Pods are inconsistent (some perfect; some bad)
  • Liquid level is difficult to monitor
  • Uses a proprietary charger

Verdict

We really enjoy using the Vuse Alto…when it’s working properly. Unfortunately, the pods have consistency issues. Especially the Rich Tobacco, otherwise one of our favorite flavors. Sometimes they just start tasting burnt and won’t stop, and sometimes they don’t make proper connection with the battery. We hope Vuse can get those issues worked out because the device is really satisfying when it’s working well.

At this time, we only hesitantly recommend the Vuse Alto. And the recommendation comes with the caveat that you might have consistency issues with the pods. Keep your receipts, just in case.

Have you tried the Vuse Alto? Let us know about your experience in the comments section.

If you are experiencing poor performance with your pods or Alto in general, call: 1-800-614-VUSE.

The Vaping360 team is a diverse group of experienced vaping contributors. We strive to bring you the finest content on all things vaping. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more!
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Gary Cooper
Gary Cooper
3 years ago

I’ve been using the vuse pod for about 4 months . Before i used this particular brand i was smoking 1 to 1and1/2 packs of cigarettes a day for over 44years. Since ive been smoking vuse ive maybe smoked 2 packs in 4 months i definitely recommend it to anyone that truly wants to quit smoking i very rarely smoke the vuse pod now 1 pack pod containing two pods per pack last me almost 2 weeks its definitely helped me im no longer coughing up stuff we hate to talk about im quite sure ill probably be putting down… Read more »

Anna
Anna
11 months ago
Reply to  Gary Cooper

I have been smoking the vuse for 5 weeks now without any cigarettes. I had my last cigarette 5 weeks ago. Everything improved—my smell, my taste, no more short breath or coughing.

Tammie R Porter
Tammie R Porter
1 year ago
Reply to  Gary Cooper

Hi I just started using the vuse. It seems to be going well tried a real cigarette. And it taste nasty!! But did the vuse give your tongue a funny feeling at first???

david
david
1 year ago

thats funny i did the same after 2 days of my new vuse vape and your right it was nasty now im 20 days no smoking

Last edited 1 year ago by david
Tracy
Tracy
1 year ago

I just bought my Vuse today, and no funny feelings on my tongue. Maybe it was the flavor you chose?

C Cochrane
C Cochrane
1 year ago
Reply to  Tracy

Vaping dehydrates you. That’s probably why the tongue feeling is occurring.

John bell
John bell
1 year ago
Reply to  Gary Cooper

Thanks Gary. I’m a new vape, so fingers ?

Shelli Trask
Shelli Trask
2 years ago
Reply to  Gary Cooper

I started using vuse 3 days ago and haven’t had a cig yet haven’t missed them…

Mike
Mike
2 years ago
Reply to  Gary Cooper

Thank you for putting out hopeful and positive words about vaping. So many are trying to demonize it but hopefully most folks who HAVE experienced success with vapes will see thru the lies and obfuscation that ‘Big Tobacco’ has spread about this EXCELLENT way to give up cigarettes. Congratulations on getting away from the cigarette: one of the most PROLIFIC killers of mankind.

Jim McDonald
Staff
Jim McDonald
2 years ago
Reply to  Mike

Vuse is made by RJ Reynolds, which is the second-largest U.S. tobacco company.

Taylor
Taylor
1 year ago
Reply to  Jim McDonald

What brand of cigarettes does that company make?

Jim McDonald
Staff
Jim McDonald
1 year ago
Reply to  Taylor

Camel, Newport and many others.

FormerCigSmoker
FormerCigSmoker
2 years ago
Reply to  Jim McDonald

Well at least their PR campaign for Non-tobacco alternatives is adding years of life to former smokers. Yes, they’ve known smoking was a D sentance all along, as well as every single person whom has ever smoked a cig. That being said, even though this is all about making money for them, ultimately its a win when you factor in the MILLIONS of lives that will be saved Vs all the lives lost over the last century to to Big Tobacco.

Kelly
Kelly
1 year ago

A ton of money saved each week!

Randy Bradford
Randy Bradford
3 years ago
Reply to  Gary Cooper

AWESOME

Trapp
Trapp
3 years ago

I reallyyyy enjoy the Vuse Alto. It’s only .99 and the the pods are $10.99 for 2 of them. (I’m in NC, don’t know if prices vary much in different states) The only problem is the only good tasting one is the menthol. When I smoked cigs I smoked reds but I got used to the menthol pod. The 2 pods last a good bit longer than the 4 pods you’d get with the Juul and they hit ALOT harder. If you we’re a smoker like me for years (8yrs) then this is the best option for getting a satisfying… Read more »

Tracy
Tracy
1 year ago
Reply to  Trapp

I paid $5.99 for my Vuse Alto today. Now I’m upset, lol

Jenn
Jenn
4 months ago
Reply to  Tracy

Whaaaa DAMN all you guys are so lucky cause I just paid $15.99 in CT for my Vuse Alto yesterday and $27 and change for 4 pods!

Justin
Justin
4 months ago
Reply to  Jenn

Just bought my Vuse Alto (Starter kit) for $8.49, It includes Vuse Pen,USB Charger, and 1 Juice pod. I’m located in Gulf Shores,Alabama

P.S. The juice pod it came with was “Golden Tobacco” or something like that. It was good at 1st..Almost had a cappuccino taste to it, But after about 50 hits, kinda burned me throat and started to taste like I was eating a Marlboro RED :YUCK:🤮

P.S.S. (Update): I went back to store and Bought my first Vuse pod “Menthol”. It taste wayy better! Just wish Vuse would come out with More flavors!

Jim McDonald
Staff
Jim McDonald
4 months ago
Reply to  Justin

Vuse and all manufacturers are prevented from selling their other flavors in the U.S. without first getting marketing authorization from the FDA—a nearly impossible task.

Ray
Ray
1 year ago
Reply to  Tracy

Don’t feel bad I paid 4.99 for the kit and 11.69 for a 2 pod pack so it does vary from state to state.

Tracy
Tracy
2 years ago
Reply to  Trapp

I smoked Marlboro red and I’m doing good with the golden tobacco have you tried that?

Barry Fineberg
Barry Fineberg
2 years ago
Reply to  Tracy

I’m a Marlboro red smoker 43 years.The Vuse alto would work but I’m having a major problem.3 out of 4 pods leaked the liquid into my mouth when I would take a draw.Its disgusting.Are you or anyone else having problems with leaking pods ?I’m ready to go back to Marlboro full time.

Justin
Justin
4 months ago
Reply to  Barry Fineberg

2nd day with my Vuse (Menthol) flavor and just noticed liquid in my mouth and lips.But then again,I was taking bigger than normal hits is why I think it leaks!

Jim McDonald
Staff
Jim McDonald
4 months ago
Reply to  Justin

You’ll find the sweet spot where you hit it hard but not so hard that you suck liquid from the pod.

Katie
Katie
1 year ago
Reply to  Barry Fineberg

Take the pod out and wipe of the bottom. Also, use the end of a t-shirt or similar thin soft cotton and clean the inside of the battery or pick up a new one. This has helped me the few times I’ve had that happen.

Martha
Martha
1 year ago
Reply to  Barry Fineberg

I have the same issue. I hate getting the liquid in my mouth. I’ve found changing pods for awhile helps.

Clo
Clo
3 years ago

I have been vaping for years and usually I just make my own juice and use my Nautilus X tanks etc. My husband and I took a long road trip and forgot to make juice and got a bit desperate toward the end of the trip and decided to try a pod vape from a gas station. We tried the Juul first and I didn’t really care for it at all. I read about the Vuse Alto and decided to give it a try. As of right now I am not disappointed at all. I absolutely love the menthol pods.… Read more »

DawnK
DawnK
1 year ago

I’m a 61 year old woman that has smoked most of my adult life. I smoked Marlboro lights, a pack a day. I’ve been using the Vuse Alto for 4 weeks now and I was amazed at how easy it was for me to stop smoking cigarettes! Only 1 time did I crave a cigarette, that was in week 2. I used the 5% for 2 weeks, boy did it taste nasty and you cough, I did get used to it though, just like when you start smoking after you quit, tastes horrible but yet you still do it, then… Read more »

beards4thewin
beards4thewin
3 years ago

I just picked up the Alto plus two extra berry flavor pods new for a whopping $9.00!! I figured for that price point it’s hard not to give it a go and to like it.

Justin
Justin
4 months ago
Reply to  beards4thewin

I didn’t know they sell different flavors like the berry you mentioned. Lady at the store told me they only have 3 flavors!

Jim McDonald
Staff
Jim McDonald
4 months ago
Reply to  Justin

They haven’t been allowed to sell flavors other than tobacco and menthol since January 2020.

Jeffery Whigham
Jeffery Whigham
3 years ago
Reply to  beards4thewin

Where did u get that price ?

Bahm
Bahm
3 years ago

Just got the same a deal at a Murphys gas station in Sanford NC. The kangaroos around here also seem to offer the same deal.

Keith
Keith
3 years ago
Reply to  beards4thewin

I bought the Alto Vuse and LOVE it. After a month of listening to other’s hype about the competitor I decided to give said competitor a whirl. I was right back to my Vuse the very next day!! Don’t believe the hype about JUUL. It’s a lesser product. I love my Alto Vuse.

Tracy
Tracy
2 years ago
Reply to  Keith

I used Juul for 3 days didn’t work for me not a good hit like vuse.

Mike
Mike
2 years ago
Reply to  Keith

I also tried a switch from Juul to Vuse and MAN! What an UPGRADE! Juul is pure doodoo compared to Vuse.

guest
guest
3 years ago
Reply to  beards4thewin

Thanks for telling us where to get that deal. ?