Battery capacity: Look at mAh. A 400 mAh pod device might last a day for light use; a dual-mesh with 800 mAh could get you through two days. Think about when you can charge—if you're at a desk, a smaller battery is fine. If you're on the road, bigger is better.

Refill method: Pods are usually sealed or clip-in; dual-mesh often has a top-fill tank. Sealed pods are mess-free but you'll need to carry spares. Tanks are easier to refill on the go if you carry a small bottle.

Airflow control: Dual-mesh devices often have a slider or ring. That's useful if you like adjusting draw resistance. Pods usually have a fixed draw—simpler, but less customizable.

Heating element: Dual-mesh means two mesh screens that heat evenly. That can produce thicker vapor, but it also draws more power. Pods typically use a simple coil, which is efficient but may not give the same cloud density.