Table of Contents
1. Introduction
The VOOPOO Drag S3 and VOOPOO Drag X3 represent the next generation of the brand’s pod mod lineup, combining sleek aesthetics with advanced engineering. Both share a unified design language built around VOOPOO’s PnP X Platform, but they cater to distinct vaping styles.
The VOOPOO Drag S3 is compact, all-in-one, and purpose-built for convenience — a 60 W device powered by an integrated 3000 mAh battery, ideal for MTL and restricted DTL users. The VOOPOO Drag X3, by contrast, is a more robust 80 W pod mod that accepts external 18650 or 21700 batteries, appealing to vapers who want endurance, customization, and a more open DTL draw.
Together, they illustrate two paths within the same design philosophy: portability versus power and simplicity versus flexibility.
2. Design and Quality
Both the Drag S3 and Drag X3 carry VOOPOO’s signature craftsmanship. With a mix of solid metal and stitched leather that makes their devices feel instantly premium. The zinc alloy frame gives them structure and weight, while the leather adds a bit of warmth and grip.
The Drag S3 comes in 7 finishes. Choose from Spray Black, Metal Gray, White, Blue, Pink, Green, or Brown. Some versions have patterned leather panels, while others keep a smooth, matte texture. The Drag X3 also comes in 7 solid colorways (with no patterns), including Spray Black, Gray Metal, Glow Pink, Champagne Golden, Sky Blue, Moss Green, and Aurora Purple.
Visually, the X3 is slightly taller and more commanding, while the S3 is shorter, denser, and better suited to portability. The Drag X3’s larger 1.66″ touchscreen dominates its front face — a crisp, color display that’s fluid to use and adds a modern feel. By comparison, the Drag S3’s 0.96″ TFT screen is a bit simpler. Above both screens, is the activation or draw button. The S3 and X3 include VOOPOO’s new capacitive unlock sensor, which detects your fingertip and unlocks instantly with a light touch. It will automatically lock back a few seconds after your finger has been lifted, so it won’t accidentally fire in your pocket or bag.
The Drag X3 combines a responsive touchscreen with a single fire button, while the Drag S3 skips the touchscreen entirely and relies on two tactile buttons below the display for navigating menus and adjusting wattage.
The last major design difference worth noting, is found on the back. On the Drag S3, the rear panel is sealed and slightly curved, with clean branding over the built-in battery. The Drag X3 has no branding, and there’s also a small release button near the top that opens the battery door.
2.1 Pod Design
Both the VOOPOO Drag S3 and VOOPOO Drag X3 use VOOPOO’s PnP X Cartridge system, designed for easy swapping between MTL and DTL styles. The pods sit slightly inset into the top of the device and connect magnetically with a firm, satisfying click.
Each pod holds up to 5 mL of e-liquid and refills from the side through a snug silicone plug. The clear body makes it easy to keep an eye on your liquid level, while the metal top section doubles as an adjustable airflow ring. It rotates smoothly to fine-tune your draw, from a tighter MTL pull to a looser, airier DTL hit.
Coil compatibility is where the two devices differ most:
- Drag X3: Ships with 0.15 Ω and 0.3 Ω mesh coils for DTL vaping (40–80 W range).
- Drag S3: Caters to 0.3 Ω, 0.8 Ω, and 1.0 Ω coils for lower-wattage MTL or restricted DTL vaping (perfect for nic salts and 50/50 blends).
In terms of coil life, the PnP X platform claims up to 100 mL of e-liquid per coil. We didn’t manage to hit that during our review period, but even after heavy use, there was no noticeable drop in flavor quality or vapor output.
The mouthpieces also differ slightly. The Drag S3 uses a narrower, more tapered tip suited to MTL airflow, while the Drag X3’s is wider and more open for DTL. Both mouthpieces can be removed easily for cleaning or swapping
2.2 Leak Resistance
Both devices handled leaks and condensation really well during testing. The PnP X pods use a layered internal design that directs excess liquid back toward the coil, keeping the base clean and dry. The connection points on both vapes stayed spotless.
Because the airflow comes from the top, there’s little chance of flooding or spitback, even when vaping at higher wattages. The Drag S3’s slightly tighter internal structure gives it a small edge for low-watt MTL sessions, but the Drag X3 stayed just as clean during longer, high-power DTL use.
2.3 Durability
VOOPOO’s build quality is consistently excellent here. Both devices feel like they can take daily use without complaint. The S3’s smaller frame and sealed battery give it a solid, one-piece feel. There are no seams, no play in the panels, just a dense, confident build that holds up well when tossed into a bag or pocket. The Drag X3 feels a little tougher. The zinc alloy frame has more heft and it’s highly resistant to drops and scuffs. Even with the removable battery door, the fit is tight, and the hinge feels sturdy.
The capacitive fire area hasn’t shown any drift or sensitivity issues either. It’s just as responsive as day one. Everything about these devices feels tight and well-machined.
2.4 Ergonomics
In the hand, the VOOPOO Drag S3 and VOOPOO Drag X3 feel more alike than different. Both share the same curved back and smooth contours that fit naturally in your palm, with soft leather padding. The layout, button placement, and overall shape are nearly identical.
The difference mostly comes down to size and weight. The Drag X3 is a little taller and heavier – especially with a 21700 battery installed, but both sit comfortably in the hand and feel balanced when you lift them.
3. Battery and Charging
Battery performance is one of the few areas where these two vapes really differ.
The VOOPOO Drag S3 uses a built-in 3000 mAh battery that outputs up to 60 W. It charges over USB-C at 5 V/2 A and typically fills from empty in about 50 minutes. With moderate use, like a mix of MTL and light RDL vaping around 25–35 W, it easily lasts a full day, sometimes longer.
The VOOPOO Drag X3 runs on a single 18650 or 21700 external battery and can reach 80 W. Using a 21700 cell nearly doubles the runtime compared to the S3, making it a better pick for heavy DTL sessions or anyone who vapes consistently throughout the day. Swapping batteries also means you can keep vaping without waiting for a recharge.
Both models include 7 protection circuits, covering over-charge, over-discharge, short-circuit, over-temperature, and overtime protection. The capacitive lock sensor adds a layer of functional safety, cutting power instantly once the touch area is released.
4. Performance
Both the Drag S3 and Drag X3 perform the way good vapes should – steady, predictable, and satisfying. They fire instantly and the power delivery feels smooth, not jumpy or overly aggressive.
The Drag X3 feels more open and powerful, especially once you move into the 50–70 W range. Airflow is broad and steady, and the device keeps up with long, deep draws without heating up or muting the flavor. It delivers that smooth, warm vapor you expect from a proper DTL setup but with none of the harshness that sometimes comes with higher power.
It also offers both Smart and RBA modes, so you can stick with automatic coil detection for everyday use or switch to manual settings when you want full control.
The Drag S3 sits comfortably in the mid-20 W to low-40 W range. It feels tighter and more deliberate, with a bit more resistance on the inhale and quieter airflow overall. The vapor stays smooth and flavorful, even at lower wattages, and it’s surprisingly satisfying for such a compact device.
Both run on the GENE.TT 2.0 chip, which keeps output stable and flavor consistent as the battery drains. The X3 gives you room to experiment with wattage and airflow, while the S3 keeps things simple and balanced for daily use.
5. Price
The Drag X3 is currently available for $46.99, while the Drag S3 comes in slightly higher at $48.99, likely because it includes a built-in battery.
Neither device is cheap, but that’s not really the point — you’re paying for a polished experience. The materials, screen quality, and overall performance put them a step above most pod mods in the same range. Both come with a 5 mL PnP X cartridge and two coils in the box, ready to use right away.
When you factor in the build quality, the touchscreen interface on the X3, and the S3’s integrated battery convenience, the pricing feels justified. These are devices made to last and feel good doing it, not disposable vapes you’ll replace every few months.
6. VOOPOO Drag S3 and VOOPOO Drag X3 Verdict
The VOOPOO Drag S3 and VOOPOO Drag X3 show just how refined VOOPOO’s pod mod design has become. They feel familiar but more polished, more intentional, like devices made by a company that’s learned exactly what works.
The S3 is the more straightforward option. It’s compact, built around a dependable internal battery, and easy to pick up and use without fussing over settings. It’s perfect for MTL and lighter RDL users who want steady flavor and convenience in one clean package.
The X3 builds on that same foundation but with more headroom. The larger screen, removable battery, and higher wattage output make it feel like a natural upgrade for those who prefer DTL vaping or just want more flexibility day to day.
They share the same quality feel, the same comfortable shape, and the same smooth, predictable performance. The difference really comes down to how you vape. The S3 for simplicity and portability, the X3 for power and endurance. Either way, you’re getting a premium device that feels reliable, looks great, and performs even better.
