Top 10 China Vape Factories: ODM/OEM Manufacturer Guide

Shenzhen, China, widely recognized as the "Silicon Valley of Vaping," serves as the global epicenter for electronic cigarette manufacturing. For international brands, navigating this ecosystem is critical. Whether you are a startup looking for white-label solutions or an established enterprise seeking custom engineering, Shenzhen’s industrial base offers everything from rapid prototyping to mass production. This guide profiles the top 10 ODM and OEM manufacturers—including giants like Smoore, Geekvape, and Ecigator—that define the global supply chain.

Expert Insight: Navigating the Supply Chain

Tracking the manufacturing metrics shows that the line between OEM and ODM is blurring. Historically, brands either bought off-the-shelf (white label) or built from scratch. Today, leading manufacturers offer hybrid models. For instance, a brand might select an existing chassis from a manufacturer's catalog (ODM) but request a custom coil configuration and proprietary airflow system (OEM). This shift allows for faster time-to-market without sacrificing product differentiation. The key for importers is identifying which factories specialize in flexibility versus those optimized purely for volume.

Defining the Terms: OEM vs. ODM

Before selecting a partner, it is crucial to understand the manufacturing models:

• OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer): You provide the specs, blueprints, and design. The factory acts purely as the production arm. This offers maximum control but requires significant R&D investment from the brand.
• ODM (Original Design Manufacturer): The factory provides the product design, technology, and tooling. You simply brand it. This is ideal for rapid market entry with lower upfront costs.

The Top 10 Manufacturers Profiled

1. Ecigator

Specialty: End-to-End Customization

Founded in 2016, Ecigator has carved a niche as a comprehensive solution provider. Unlike factories that focus solely on assembly, Ecigator offers robust design and branding services. They are particularly strong in the disposable and pod system sectors, making them a top choice for brands needing a "one-stop-shop" experience.

• Key Products: Disposables, Pod Mods, CBD Devices.
• Strength: Full-cycle support from ID (Industrial Design) to mass production.
• Website: https://ecigator.com/

2. Smoore (Parent of Vaporesso/FEELM)

Specialty: Ceramic Atomization Technology

Smoore is the titan of the industry. Founded in 2009, it operates some of the most advanced automated factories in the world. Their FEELM technology revolutionized ceramic coils, offering consistent flavor and leak resistance. While they have their own massive brands (Vaporesso), their component technology powers countless other top-tier devices.

• Key Brands: Vaporesso, FEELM, CCELL.
• Strength: High-tech R&D and ceramic coil innovation.
• Website: https://www.smooretech.com/

3. SMOK (Shenzhen IVPS Technology)

Specialty: High-Wattage Mods & Sub-Ohm Tanks

Since 2010, SMOK has been synonymous with cloud chasing. They popularized the dual-coil setup and high-wattage box mods. For OEM partners, SMOK offers deep expertise in building durable, high-performance hardware that appeals to the enthusiast market.

• Key Products: TFV Tanks, Nord Series, Box Mods.
• Strength: Brand recognition and high-performance coil architecture.
• Website: https://www.smoktech.com/

4. ALD Group

Specialty: Atomization Platforms

ALD focuses heavily on the science of atomization. With their FRESOR technology, they compete directly with Smoore in the ceramic coil space. They are a preferred partner for brands looking for reliable, standardized technology platforms for disposables and pod systems.

• Key Tech: FRESOR, SILMO.
• Strength: Automated manufacturing and consistent quality control.
• Website: https://www.aldvapor.com/

5. ICCPP (Parent of VOOPOO)

Specialty: Chipset Integration

ICCPP transformed the market with the GENE Chip, which offered near-instant firing speeds. Their rapid rise with the VOOPOO Drag series demonstrated their ability to combine industrial design with top-tier electronics. They offer significant ODM capabilities for brands needing smart devices.

• Key Brands: VOOPOO, ZOVOO.
• Strength: Electronics integration and rapid firing chipsets.
• Website: https://www.voopoo.com/

6. Aspire

Specialty: Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) Innovation

Aspire is legendary for the Nautilus tank, which set the standard for flavor-focused vaping. They are known for precision engineering and high build quality. For brands targeting the flavor-chasing demographic or ex-smokers, Aspire’s manufacturing standards are a benchmark.

• Key Products: Nautilus Series, Flexus.
• Strength: Precision machining and MTL airflow design.
• Website: https://www.aspirecig.com/

7. Innokin

Specialty: Beginner-Friendly & Safety

Innokin has always prioritized safety and ease of use. They were pioneers in battery safety and easy-swap coil systems. Their focus on the "starter kit" market makes them an excellent partner for brands targeting mass-market adoption and smoking cessation.

• Key Products: Endura Series, Kroma.
• Strength: User-friendly designs and battery safety technologies.
• Website: https://www.innokin.com/

8. Geekvape

Specialty: Durability (IP67/68)

Geekvape changed the game with the Aegis series—indestructible, waterproof, and dustproof mods. They brought "rugged" to vaping. For OEM partners, Geekvape offers expertise in materials science, specifically in creating devices that can withstand harsh environments.

• Key Tech: Tri-proof Technology (Water/Dust/Shock resistant).
• Strength: Ruggedized construction and durability.
• Website: https://www.geekvape.com/

9. Uwell

Specialty: Flavor Reproduction

Uwell exploded in popularity with the Caliburn, arguably the most successful pod system ever made. Their "Pro-FOCS" flavor testing technology ensures that their coils deliver superior taste profiles. They are the go-to for brands where flavor fidelity is the primary selling point.

• Key Products: Caliburn, Crown Tanks.
• Strength: Coil longevity and flavor technology.
• Website: https://www.myuwell.com/

10. Jwei (Joyetech/Eleaf/Wismec)

Specialty: Mass Market Scale

Jwei is a conglomerate holding some of the oldest names in vaping (Joyetech, Eleaf). They have massive production capacity and a vast library of intellectual property. They are particularly strong in Heat-Not-Burn (HNB) technology, a growing sector in the industry.

• Key Brands: Joyetech, Eleaf, Wismec.
• Strength: Massive scale and HNB technology.
• Website: https://www.jwei.com/

Comparison Matrix: Choosing Your Partner

Selecting the right factory depends on your specific business model.

Manufacturer	Best For	Key Advantage
Ecigator	Startups & Custom Brands	Full Service (Design to Ship)
Smoore	Premium Tech Brands	Ceramic Coil Tech (FEELM)
Geekvape	Outdoor/Rugged Brands	Durability Engineering
Uwell	Flavor-Focused Brands	Pro-FOCS Flavor Tech

Which factory is best for a new vape brand?

For new brands, Ecigator or ALD often provide the best balance of flexibility and support. Giants like Smoore often have high Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs) that can be prohibitive for startups, whereas agile ODMs offer lower barriers to entry.