RELX Essential 2 Device: Best Budget Vape Australia 2026 Review

50% more power, faster charging, and Super Smooth™ technology — all at an entry-level price

Australia · Updated April 2026 · 7 min read

Not everyone needs adjustable power modes or a premium price tag. Sometimes you just want a reliable, straightforward device that delivers consistent flavour, a satisfying throat hit, and solid battery life without breaking the bank. That's exactly where the RELX Essential 2 comes in. As the successor to the original Essential, this second‑generation device brings meaningful upgrades — more power, faster charging, and a refined design — while staying true to its budget‑friendly positioning. After spending two weeks with the Essential 2 as my daily driver, here's my full assessment of whether it's the best budget vape in Australia for 2026.

1. RELX Essential 2: Specifications at a Glance

Based on official product specifications from RELX, here are the key specs of the Essential 2 device:

Specification	Details
Brand	RELX
Model	Essential 2 (2nd Generation)
Output Power	Up to 10W (Original Essential: 6.5W — a 50% increase)[reference:0]
Battery Capacity	380 mAh[reference:1][reference:2]
Charging Port	USB-C
Charging Speed	Up to 80% in 30 minutes[reference:3][reference:4]
Pod Compatibility	RELX Pod & RELX Pod Pro[reference:5]
Pod Design	Symmetrical Magnetic Pod Structure
Technology	RELX Super Smooth™ (Active‑Steam Pro & Air Boost)[reference:6]
LED Indicator	Clearer indicator with battery status (White/Red)[reference:7]
Colors	Grey, Pink, Black, Silver (availability varies by region)[reference:8]

As the comparison table shows, the Essential 2's 10W output is a substantial upgrade over the original's 6.5W — a 50% increase in raw power[reference:9]. This translates directly to a more satisfying throat hit and denser vapour production. The 380 mAh battery, while not the largest in the RELX lineup, is well‑matched to the device's power output and provides a full day of use for most vapers[reference:10].

2. Design and Build Quality

The Essential 2 inherits the minimalist design language of the RELX family but with a few refinements. The device body features a subtle striped texture that not only looks more premium than the smooth finish of the original but also provides a more secure grip. The unibody aluminium construction feels solid in hand — no creaking or flexing — while remaining lightweight enough to carry in a pocket without noticing it.

At roughly 18g, the Essential 2 is barely heavier than a standard pen. The slim profile means it fits comfortably between fingers, and the mouthpiece geometry has been subtly reshaped for better lip comfort during extended sessions. The device is noticeably shorter and slimmer than the Infinity 2, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritise portability.

One of the most practical upgrades is the clearer LED indicator. The original Essential had a tiny LED that was hard to see in bright light. The Essential 2 uses a larger, brighter indicator that's easy to read at a glance[reference:11]:

• White LED, slow flash = normal use / good battery level
• Red LED, slow flash = low battery (time to charge)
• Red LED, flashing rapidly 10 times = out of power / charging needed[reference:12]

3. Performance: 10W Power and Super Smooth™ Technology

The most significant upgrade from the original Essential is the increased power output. At 10W, the Essential 2 delivers a noticeably stronger throat hit and denser vapour compared to its predecessor's 6.5W[reference:13]. The difference is immediately apparent: the first puff feels fuller, warmer, and more satisfying.

But power alone doesn't make a great vape — consistency does. That's where RELX Super Smooth™ technology comes in. Developed through 76 sensory tests and countless hours of adjustment, Super Smooth™ is RELX's proprietary performance standard that ensures a consistently smooth draw from the first puff to the last[reference:14]. The technology combines two key engineering innovations:

Together, these technologies make the Essential 2 particularly well‑suited for former smokers. The draw‑activation is sensitive and responsive — a gentle inhale triggers the device instantly — and the mouth‑to‑lung (MTL) draw style closely mimics cigarette use.

4. Battery Life and Charging Performance

The Essential 2 packs a 380 mAh battery, which is a slight upgrade from the original Essential's 350 mAh. In real‑world testing, a full charge lasted approximately a full day of regular use — roughly 8 to 12 pods (approximately 250–400 puffs) before needing a recharge. For lighter users, you could easily stretch it to two days.

The charging speed is where the Essential 2 really shines. Using the included USB‑C cable, the device reaches 80% charge in just 30 minutes. A full charge takes about 45 minutes. This is a significant improvement over the original Essential's slower charging time[reference:17]. In practice, you can plug it in while you have lunch, and it'll be nearly full by the time you're done.

One practical detail worth noting: the Essential 2 supports pass‑through charging, meaning you can continue to vape while the device is plugged in (though it's not recommended to do this regularly, as it can slightly reduce battery lifespan).

5. Pod Compatibility and Flavour Performance

The Essential 2 is compatible with both RELX Pods and RELX Pod Pro cartridges. This gives you access to over 30 flavours across fruit, mint, tea, tobacco, and beverage categories — a truly impressive range for a budget device[reference:18].

The magnetic pod connection is strong and satisfying — pods click in with a reassuring snap and stay securely in place. The symmetrical pod design means you can insert the pod in either orientation, which is a small but genuinely convenient touch.

Based on user reviews and RELX's official flavor catalog, here are the most popular pods to pair with the Essential 2[reference:19]:

• Fresh Red (Watermelon Ice) – The #1 best‑seller worldwide. Ripe, juicy watermelon with a gentle cooling finish. Perfect all‑day vape.
• Tangy Purple (Grape) – Rich, slightly tart grape with a fizzy exhale. Reminiscent of high‑end grape soda.
• Golden Slice (Mango) – Incredibly aromatic, balancing nectar‑like sweetness with a hint of tartness.
• Jasmine Green Tea – Light, smooth, with a gentle tea aroma. Earthy and floral — nothing too sweet.
• Menthol Plus – High‑intensity menthol. Sharp, biting coldness on the inhale with subtle sweetness on the exhale.
• Orchard Rounds (Peach) – Soft, velvety peach that isn't overly sweet. A delicate, rounded flavour.

Each RELX pod holds 1.9 mL of e‑liquid and delivers approximately 400–650 puffs depending on your draw length and frequency. For a typical user, a single pod lasts several days to a week.

6. Pros and Cons Summary

7. Who Is the RELX Essential 2 For?

The Essential 2 occupies a clear position in the RELX lineup: it's the best entry‑level device for vapers who want RELX quality without the premium price tag. It's ideal for:

• Beginners who are new to vaping and want a simple, reliable device that just works. No settings to fiddle with, no complicated menus.
• Former smokers transitioning — the MTL draw style, responsive draw‑activation, and improved throat hit make the Essential 2 an excellent cigarette alternative.
• Budget‑conscious vapers who want to save on the initial device cost and spend more on pods. The Essential 2 is significantly more affordable than the Infinity 2, while still delivering excellent performance.
• Vapers who value portability — the Essential 2 is the smallest and lightest device in the current RELX lineup, making it perfect for on‑the‑go use.
• Backup device users who want a reliable second device to keep at the office or in a bag.

If you're an experienced vaper who wants adjustable power modes or the absolute best battery life, the Infinity 2 is worth the upgrade. But if you're looking for the best value — the most performance for the lowest price — the Essential 2 is the clear winner.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

9. Final Verdict

The RELX Essential 2 is exactly what a budget device should be: it doesn't try to do everything, but what it does, it does exceptionally well. The 10W output is a meaningful upgrade over the original, providing a more satisfying throat hit and denser vapour[reference:29]. The 380 mAh battery and 30‑minute fast charging mean you're never waiting long for a recharge[reference:30]. And Super Smooth™ technology ensures consistent, enjoyable draws from the first puff to the last[reference:31].

Is it the best budget vape in Australia for 2026? For vapers who prioritise simplicity, portability, and value, the answer is yes. The Essential 2 distills the RELX experience down to its core elements — no unnecessary complexity, just reliable performance at an accessible price. Pair it with a bundle of RELX Pods, and you have a complete, cost‑effective vaping setup that will serve you well for months to come.

At VapingPuff, we stock the RELX Essential 2 at the best price online in Australia, with fast express shipping across the country.