There is amazing innovation in the disposable vape space. These are the most popular devices with adult vapor consumers and it is a very competitive market with trusted global brands like Fifty Bar, Lost Mary, Geek Bar, Foger, and others. Much has changed since this winter and here are the top 2026 vaping trends.

Top Picks & Trends in Disposable Vapes for 2026

Before looking at the best disposable vapes, there is no better time to review what makes disposable vapes great for so many adult nicotine consumers in 2026. When we initially made this list in January, it was impossible to foresee the massive changes and amazing new products that would hit the market. 

Built in the USA Disposable Vapes

The biggest trend, that has been impossible for 21+ adult vapor consumers to miss, is the reshoring of vaping jobs and facilities to the US. This process began in earnest in 2026 and is a huge story. Fifty Bar Vapes was the frontrunner, entering the market as a USA-Built disposable and proving the concept viable.

Their Thousand Oaks, CA facility served as a beacon for American manufacturing. Where the tires meet the pavement, their American master formulators relied on Beard Vape Co. expertise to offer both the popular ice-fruit fusions that dominate the disposable vape market and unique dessert infused vapes that few other manufacturers can even try to match. 

UK-based Pod Salt, Lost Mary, RifBar, Rinnbar, DotMod and newcomers like Shot Caller have joined the trend. Expect more companies to join this movement to bring the industry back to a US base. 

It is a shame that onerous regulations that punished and destroyed the American vape industry, to the benefit of big tobacco, destroyed so many lives and jobs. But the return of disposable vapes for the US market to the US is a huge deal. Vaping.com features a Built in the USA Disposable Vapes collection that is constantly expanded, as reputable USA-built disposable vapes are always encouraged and promoted here. 

High-Capacity Disposable Vapes

The move to make disposable vapes rechargeable by brands like Elf Bar has kicked off an arms race that shows know sign of slowing. Geek Bar Vapes, using an innovative dual coil, moved performance to the next level. Dual modes allows a device to essentially have two coils, allowing for great flavor and performance even when 10, 15 or even 20ml of e-liquid passes through the atomizer. 

Dual coils and triple coils are being pushed to the max, with extended use being the goal. Keep in mind that puff counts are not created equal. But in reductionist terms, adding coils, battery life, and e-liquid capacity will continue. The current frontrunner is the mighty HorizonTech 100K and a 40ml e-liquid capacity, 1500mAh battery, and a Quad Coil capable of churning out a peak output of 40-watts. This is a one-time use device that lasts an exceedingly long period of time. 

Increase Puff Counts

Puff counts historically were a measure e-liquid capacity, wattage (higher wattage equals more vapor but fewer puffs), and coil resistance (lower resistance equals faster ramp up speeds, more vapor and fewer puffs). This made increasing puff counts a matter of just making a bigger device with a bigger e-liquid tank. 

That is beginning to change, as manufacturers are refining coil designs and airflow to extract far more puffs with pristine flavors and vapor from devices that are the same size as their predecessors. 

Lost Mary Vapes is one of the leaders in this category with the slender Lost Mary VIZ 55K and Lost Mary MT35K but Geek Bar has also followed suit with their new Geek Bar Pulse 2 and the quite literally flashy Geek Bar Pulse X 2 50K. 

Futuristic Design Elements

Sometimes you need to sell the sizzle and not the steak. But user-friendly designs remain crucial in this competitive market. While devices with fanciful screens and animations abound, customization features are growing in importance.

The Geek Bar Pulse X 2 is perhaps the poster child from an attractive and impressive design. The main selling point is the Geek Bar Pulse flavors and a much higher puff count than the regular Geek Bar Pulse. But it also features a flashy 3D-screen that takes the space race themed Geek Bar design language to another dimension. 

 

Flavor Control Vapes

The Fasta Burrst was a feature laden disposable vape that launched with a button that tapped into a tank that could add ice, sweet or sour elements to the vapor cloud. The Adjust MyCool, Adjust MySweet, Pillow Talk Ice Control IC4000, OxBar x Pod Juice Ice-Nic, and VNM Ice Control also were available in 2025. In 2026, the formidable RifBar MixPro and Off Stamp X-Cube entered the fray. 

 

Disposable Vape Pod Designs with Reusable Battery

The Off-Stamp X-Cube offers a disposable pod experience, which reduces waste and increases flexibility. The battery and the electronics within are reused. To refill, you need only buy the disposable that essentially functions like a replacement pod but also contains a battery for independent use when the main battery is being recharged. Many customers buy multiple kits so they have backup batteries to snap into place. 

One cool aspect is that there are several variants of replacement disposable pod. There is a Crystal Cube, which is a clear tank design, a huge selling point for 2026 disposable vapes. There is also a Sweet Cube, Ice Cube and Sour Cube design, which are full blown flavor control disposable vapes with multiple modes. 

But it is the reusable battery really makes for a better product in terms of sustainability and cost. Off Stamp vapes are powered by Lost Mary and the X-Cube is a successor to the Off Stamp SW16000. It is not alone in this space, as the Foger Switch Pro is a wildly popular design with forty seven flavors and a more pared down experience. The X-Posed 35K, Romo Hex and Yovo JB50K also use the modular disposable vape design, which reduces waste and expense for the end-user. 

 

 

Clear Tank Disposable Vapes

One of the first important smart vape features was an e-liquid monitoring capability. With a chip and puff counter, it gave a relatively accurate picture at how much e-liquid was left in the polyfill tank. But time and technology moves on. The hottest new trend in disposable vapes is a clear tank. The Lost Mary Viz is at the forefront but the UT Clear Tank 50K,  X-Posed and Romo Hex also have clear tanks. 

But the Lost Mary Viz 55K faces a pair of formidable incumbents: The Off Stamp X-Cube Clear Cube and Foger Switch Pro.

 

Nicotine-Free and Nixodine Disposable Vapes

Nicotine free disposable vapes are increasing in sales. These are not just zero nicotine vapes anymore. There are now a number of Nixodine disposable vapes from trusted disposable vape brands. Nixodine disposable vapes are intended for 21+ adults who currently consume nicotine and are frequently available in the popular flavors that adult vapor consumers prefer. 

 

Key Features to Look For In Disposable Vapes

• Country of Origin: There are markets like Texas that only allow USA-built disposable vapes. Optics alone make it an advantage for American adult vapor consumers purchasing American products.
• Flavor: There are so many quality disposable vapes but if the flavors do not work then the product is not going catch on. 
• Puff Count: The puff count is a big selling point. Not all puff counts are equal, nor with new coil designs is e-liquid and coil resistance always a perfect 
• Rechargeability: Unless you live in a state with very rigid registry laws, most disposable vapes with be USB-C rechargeable. 
• Unique Design Elements: On crowded store shelves, unique screens and super user interfaces are a selling point. 
• Flavor Control: So many disposable vapes have dual modes and airflow control. Flavor control takes customizability a step further and has a real impact on the vaping experience. 
• Reusable Battery Charging Dock: The easiest way for an adult vaper to continue to use disposables and reduce waste is to use a product where the battery and electronics are reused, with only the mouthpiece and e-liquid tank needing replacement. There are some great options but powered. by Lost Mary Off Stamp and the Foger Switch Pro are standouts.
• Clear Tank: Once disposable vapes became rechargeable, puff counts exploded and it became nearly impossible to track how many puffs are left. Initially, electronic sensors and a smart display were used. Now clear tanks are all the rage, with a precise view and quality feel. 
• Nicotine: Lost Mary has lower nicotine vapes with 20mg strength but most disposable vapes are 50mg. There are also zero nicotine disposable vapes. The 
• Nixodine Strength: As a patented nicotine alternative that provides an experience comparable to nicotine, Nixodine provides a lighter throat hit but very similar experience. It will continue to grow in popularity. 
• Brand Reputation: Look for established brands like Fifty Bar, Off Stamp, Lost Mary, Foger, Fume, RifBar, Oxbar, Flum, RAZ, Geek Bar, and Fasta. 
  

 

Best Disposable Vapes 2026

Despite the best efforts of lobbyists and the tobacco industry to deprive adult nicotine consumers of the vaping flavors and products they prefer, disposable vapes remain the most popular alternative to combustible cigarettes.

Pod systems you refill yourself are a great alternative, but harsh flavor bans and shipping bans have made it harder for 21+ initiates to move beyond one-time use devices. Disposables also offer more convenience, especially when so many vape shops that can educate adult consumers about refill open systems have been driven out of business by anti-vaping laws.

Best Disposable Vapes 2026: Dethroning the Geek Bar Pulse

Just like the Juul, Elf Bar and Esco Bars of the past, the Geek Bar Pulse has dominated sales in the electronic nicotine delivery system market. But will the Geek Bar Pulse 2 be sufficient to hold onto the crown. 

Disposable vapes remain a more affordable option that pre-filled pod vapes and have more desirable features like USB-C charging, adjustable airflow, longer battery life, pulse mode, and greater e-liquid capacity. In many areas, both are still sold in brick-and-mortar stores next to shelf space dedicated to those still smoking cigarettes. With flavors like Blue Razz Ice and powerful dual mesh coils, the best disposable vapes are closer to a vape mod than an obsolete cigalike with a capacity of less than 2ml. 

How We Chose the Winners

• Flavor Quality
• Features
• Adjustable Airflow
• Battery Life/Battery Capacity
• Build Quality
• Innovation & design
• Overall Value for Adult Users
  

Best Disposable Vapes of 2026

• Best American Made Disposable Vape: Fifty Bar 20K
• Best Modular Disposable Vape: Off Stamp X-Cube
• Longest Lasting Disposable Vape: HorizonTech 100K
• Best Clear Tank Disposable Vape: Lost Mary Viz 55K
• Best Smart Vape: Lost Mary MT35K

 

 

Fifty Bar 20K – Best USA Built Disposable Vape

There is a lot more competition than when we last judged this category. Not only are there far more built in the USA vapes but the Fifty Bar 20K is another six months older in a fast evolving market. Nonetheless, this is a device that simply works. Always Boost Mode remains a gold standard, the coil and airflow are perfect. The screen is a picture of simplicity and the flavors just cannot be beat. 

Fifty Bar 20K Specifications

• E-liquid contents: 18ml
• Nicotine Level: 50mg
• Puffs per Device: 20000 Puff Count
• Battery: 800mAh, Grade A (Rechargeable via USB-C)
• Modes: Always Active Boost Mode
• Coil: Anti-Burn Technology
• Built: Assembled In the USA with USA made e-Liquid
• Dimensions: 98 mm x 45 mm x 25 mm
• Texas Vape Registry Compliant
  

Fifty Bar 20K Overview

Fifty Bar 20K stands out for its U.S.-assembled build and dependable day-to-day performance. Built in Thousand Oaks, CA, it set the early standard for American-assembled disposables and continues to deliver a sturdy, consistent experience.

There are a lot of US-built disposables arriving, but the original is still the best. 
The flavor lineup leans into well-crafted profiles—from dessert-style blends to familiar fruit-and-ice combinations—without the taste falling off mid-device.

This Beard Vape Co. product's biggest edge is the skill of American master formulators. Vapor output stays steady even as the battery runs low, and the Always Active Boost Mode helps keep the draw feeling uniform. If you want a premium-feeling disposable made close to home, this is the easy pick.

 

 

Off Stamp X-Cube – Best Modular Disposable Vape

The formidable Foger Switch Pro was tough competition but it is hard to beat the versatility of the powered by Lost Mary Off Stamp X-Cube.

Off Stamp X-Cube Disposable Vape Pod Features and Specifications

• Disposable Pods Available: Classic Cube, Cream Cube, Ice Cube, Clear Cube and Crystal Cube variants.
• Disposable Battery: 100mAh (Rechargeable via Off Stamp XCUBE Battery Pack Only)
• E-liquid contents: 18ml Disposable Pod• Flavor Control: Ice Cube/Sweet Cube/Cream collections
• Clear Tank: Crystal Cube
• Nicotine Level: 50mg
• Coil: Dual Mesh Coil
• Airflow Control: 2 Level Airflow Control
• Puff Count: Puffs per Device: +25000
  

Off Stamp X-Cube Smart Charging Device Battery Features and Specifications

• Battery: 1100mAh Reusable Smart Charging Device Battery
• Vape Modes: 3-Level Power Modes (Power Mode Button)
• Charging: USB-C Type Rechargeable 2A Fast Charging Capabilities
• Display: 2.25” TFT Screen Real-time battery and e-liquid monitoring.
• Control: Display Control Button adjusts brightness and animations.

Off Stamp X-Cube Overview

The big win here is the split design: keep the electronics and screen, swap only the pod. That approach cuts down on waste while also making it easier to experiment with different pod styles without buying an entirely new device each time. Most disposables are more wasteful, and it would be nice if the vaping industry was given the green flag to focus exclusively on this style of design, which still allows airflow control with an adjustable slider, and the other features adult vapers seek. 

The pod variety is the main attraction—classic disposable-style options, flavor-forward variants, and the transparent Crystal Cube that plays in the same lane as other “clear tank” hybrids. With adjustable airflow, dual mesh coils, and a feature-rich charging device, the X-Cube feels like one of the most complete pod-based disposable systems in 2026.

What is great about the Off Stamp X-Cube is that this device features everything and everything, depending on which disposable vape pod you magnetically attach. It is more efficient but there is no learning curve. Apart from the USB-C charging port and screen being on a detachable battery, it functions exactly like a regular disposable vape. 

 

 

HorizonTech 100K – Longest Last Disposable Vape

The HorizonTech 100K is just a big powerful vape. But with a classy leather inlay, clear screen and undeniable power, it has emerged as a very popular disposable vape.

HorizonTech 100K Features and Specifications

• E-Liquid Capacity: 40ml 
• Nicotine Strength: 50mg
  
• Coil: 0.8ohm Quad Mesh Coil
• Output: Up to 40W Boost Mode, Up to 30W Regular Mode
• Puff Count: Up to 100,000 puff Regular Mode, 60,000 Puff Boost Mode
• Battery Capacity: 1500mAh
• Recharging: USB-C Fast Charging
• LED Display Screen: E-Liquid, Vape Modes, Battery
• Features: Airflow Adjustable

HorizonTech 100K Overview

The HorizonTech 100K Disposable vapes are simply more disposable vape. The battery is bigger, it holds more e-liquid and there is a quad coil instead of dual coil. It almost doubles up the competition in terms of specs. Interestingly, this actually puts more pressure on the flavors. Who wants to be saddled with mediocre disposable flavor for months on end. Lucklily. It delivers across the board, with the Limited, Slush and Classic Flavor series. 

 

 

Lost Mary Viz 55K – Best Clear Tank Disposable Vape

Viz is likely short for visible. And the Lost Mary Viz 55K gives you a great view of the e-liquid level. It uses a sophisticated coil design to provide elevated performance without requiring the brute force application of e-liquid capacity and wattage. 

Lost Mary VIZ 55K - Features and Specifications

• E-Liquid Capacity: 16.7ml
• Puff Count: 55,000 puffs Regular Mode/ 30,000 Puffs Boost Mode
• Dual Modes: Normal and Boost Mode
• Nicotine Strength: 50mg
• Battery: 850mAh
• Fast Charging: 1.3A Fast Charging
• Display: 360 Visible LED Display with Real World E-Liquid and Battery Life
• Ergonomic Design
• Dimensions: 101mm x 45mm x 26mm

Lost Mary VIZ 55K Overview

Everything about the Lost Mary VIZ 55K works. There is stiff competition but it is one of the most impressive new disposable vapes. Visually stunning, the flavors are extracted with precision, warmth and flavors.

 

 

Lost Mary MT35K Turbo – Best Smart Vape

Lost Mary MT35K Turbo Features and Specifications

• E-Liquid Capacity: 18ml
• Puff Count: ~35,000 Smooth Mode/ ~20,000 Turbo Mode
• Nicotine Strength: 50mg (Salt Nic)
• Battery: 1000mAh USB Type-C Rechargeable
• Display: Blend In Smart Display (Only Visible During Use)
• Flavor Technology: Super Smooth Mode with 90% Flavor Consistency Until Empty

Lost Mary MT35K Overview

The MT35K Turbo packs serious output into a compact form, with the polished feel you’d expect from a well-established brand. Heavy users will like a turbo mode that is every bit a match for Pulse Mode and one of the best mesh coil designs yet. The hardware is sturdy, the styling is restrained, and the device avoids the “toy-like” look that a lot of screen-heavy disposables drift into.

Its best touch is the Blend-In Smart Display—useful when you need it, invisible when you don’t. Smooth Mode is the move if you want maximum longevity and steadier performance, while Turbo Mode gives a sharper hit when you want more punch. With an 18ml capacity, dual mesh coil, and a 1000mAh battery, it’s built for extended use without the flavor fading early.

 

 

 

 

 

June 2026 Update: Best Disposable Vapes

There were a few carry overs: Fifty Bar 20K, Off Stamp X-Cube, and the Lost Mary MT35K but our list of best disposable vapes now reflects the best in the industry during the summer of 2026. Even our shopping guide needed to be updated to reflect the primacy of clear tanks and more USA-Built disposable vapes. But for a snapshot in time, and reviews of some excellent devices still on the market, here is our December 2025 take on the best disposables 

 

Pod Salt Hit 40K – Best New Arrival

Pod Salt Hit 40K Features and Specifications

• E-Liquid: Award Winning, Premium UK E-Liquids
• Assembled: Filled and Assembled in the USA
• Pre-filled E-Liquid Capacity: 18mL
• CLEAR LIQUID DISPLAY WINDOW
• Battery Capacity: 800mah
• Puff Count: 40,000
• Nicotine Strength: 50mg
• Operation: Draw-Activated
• Modes: Dual Vape Modes
• Airflow: Adjustable Airflow
• Display Screen: OLED Screen
• Charging: USB Type-C

Pod Salt 40K Review

Pod Salt Hit 40K arrives with a notably “finished” feel for a new release—especially on flavor. The UK e-liquid pedigree shows up in cleaner-tasting profiles that hold together well over long sessions. 

It’s assembled in the U.S. and clearly tuned for what American users expect: big puff count, adjustable airflow control, dual modes, a cutting-edge technology coil design to optimize flavor and a readable OLED screen. The dual mesh coil helps keep flavor crisp, while the 800mAh battery and USB-C charging make it easy to live with day to day.

Flavor is king here. UK premium flavors from Pod Salt. The UK has pulled ahead of the US because the industry is not under siege with politicians and lobbyists hell bent on banning vape products. Many disposables are on the market, but few can match the Pod Salt Hit 40K from the first draw to the last.

For those not looking for stronger hits but seeking lower nicotine vapes, the Pod Salt Onyx Cloud is essentially a disposable vape mod. It may not generate the extreme temperatures of an unregulated vape mod, but the vapor output is fantastic, and the draw is directed to lung. 

Pod Salt UK has mastered using nicotine salts at lower strengths because of their local restrictions. But the Pod Salt Hit 40K is designed to provide more control and the convenience the US vapers seek. With all the advanced features, vaping delicious puffs of Pod Salt nicotine salts is easy with this US-assembled disposable vape. 

 

 

Fume Pro 30K – Best Geek Bar Alternative

Fume Pro 30K Specifications and Features

• Nicotine Strength: 50mg
• E-Liquid Capacity: 22ml
• Puff Count: 30,000 Puffs
• 0.8ohm Dual Mesh Coil
• Burn Free Coil
• HD Display
• Power Bank: 750mAh Rechargeable Battery
• Charging Port: Type-C Rechargeable
  

Fume Pro 30K Review

There is no more 2024-2025 looking disposable vape than the Fume Pro 30K. It looks like the Geek Bar Pulse X but promises stronger hits with a 0.8ohm dual mesh coil design. The flavor delivery is comparable, with a pair of modes. The coil is calibrated for consistent performance. The nicotine salt strength is 50mg. 

For average use vaping, normal mode is fine. It generates more puffs and uses less e-liquid and battery life. The compact size includes an impressive. The most important measure is taste, which was one of the big advantages the Geek Bar Pulse had over obsolete e-cigarettes that are only available in crudely formulated faux-bacco flavors. Battery life is quite good at 750mAh. The convenience is there. The performance is great. All that is missing is the Geek Bar name. 

 

 

Fifty Bar 20K Nixodine – Best Nicotine Free Disposable Vape

Fifty Bar 20K Nixodine Specifications

• E-liquid contents: 18ml
• Nixodine Strength: 50
• Nixodine is a patented non-nicotine blend which provides a comparable experience to nicotine.
• Puffs Count: 20000 Puff Count
• Battery Capacity: 800mAh, Grade A (Rechargeable via USB-C)
• Vape Modes: Always Active Boost Mode
• Coil: Dual Mesh with Anti-Burn Technology
• Built: Assembled In the USA with USA made Nixodine e-Liquid

Fifty Bar 20K Overview

Nixodine is a patented, non-nicotine blend that provides a comparable experience to nicotine and is intended for 21+ adult vapor consumers who already use nicotine. The newest platform for enjoying great vape flavors alongside the satisfaction of Nixodine is the Fifty Bar 20K Nixodine.

The Nixodine vaping experience uses the same hardware as nicotine vapes, and the e-liquid formulations and flavors are the same—Fifty Bar uses one device for both Nixodine and nicotine.

The main difference a user is likely to notice is that Nixodine has less of a throat hit than nicotine. This is especially pronounced when compared to early Fifty Bar dessert flavors, but it’s less noticeable on their iced flavors. The Fifty Bar 20K Nixodine uses Nixodine-S Salts 50, which has been crafted to be comparable to the typical 50mg nicotine strength of U.S.-market disposable vapes, and the enhanced flavor of

Nixodine vapes appeal to 21+ adult vapor consumers. They are not intended for any who does not currently consume nicotine. 

Like the nicotine Fifty Bar 20K vapes, the Fifty Bar 20K Nixodine is filled in Thousand Oaks, CA by American workers. The flavors have been developed by American masters and tap into the expertise of the legendary Beard Vape Co. Fifty Bar was the first brand to shift to American production in the disposable vape market, and they are now an early adopter of Nixodine.

Shopping Guide For Disposable Vapes

For 21+ adult vapers shopping for disposable vapes, the best choice usually comes down to a few practical factors: flavor consistency from the first puff to the last, a battery that can actually keep up with the advertised capacity, and a draw that feels smooth and reliable without constant adjustments.

Many shoppers also look for USB-C rechargeability, clear indicators for battery and e-liquid, and hardware features like mesh coils or anti-burn protection that help prevent dry hits and flavor drop-off. Beyond performance, it’s worth considering how and where a device is made, how predictable the quality is from unit to unit, and whether the overall design fits your day-to-day use without being bulky or overly flashy.

Features of Best Draw Activated Disposable Vapes

There are some non-negotiable features that the best disposable vape devices must have. USB-C Charging is obviously one, as micro-USB battery charging is slow and going the way of the dodo. Flavor delivery and puff count are crucial to user experience. Dual mesh coils, if not dual modes, are found on just about every best-selling disposable vape.

Vapor output remains consistent but cutting-edge technology such as flavor control technology and reusable batteries have added some welcome variety to today's market. Adjustable wattage is an option on some of the more formidable disposable vapes but for the casual user, designs that avoid dry hits and preserve great flavor are more important still. 

Flavor Variety and E-Liquid Quality

High puff disposables come in a variety of forms, but a common thread is the use of nicotine salt e-liquids. The default strength is still 50mg, rough the same as is found in the highest strength gas station pod capes, but disposable vapes have far more features than the typical pre-filled pod system. Flavor clarity is key. Not only are pod vaping like the Juul and Vuse not available in the fruity flavors adult vapers prefer but their puff range is much more limited. 

The best disposable vapes above feature Lost Mary, a global powerhouse in disposable vape manufacturing, the Beard Vape Co. Fifty Bar, and UK Pod Salt's first 50mg disposable vape. 

Flavor Control

Is flavor control a gimmick or the next frontier? That is in the eye of the beholder. Likely, a carefully crafted flavor will taste better than a pair of cruder e-liquids you can mix yourself. But in a device like Fasta Burrst, Rifbar Mix Pro or Off Stamp X-Cube, it is a useful vaping tool that ads additional control over the taste of your puffs. 

Adjustable Airflow

As disposable vape devices grow near the size of old vape mods and their dual output pushes to 25W and beyond, airflow control becomes more important. 
Battery Life/Battery Capacity

Higher wattage output and a lower resistance coil will increase vapor production. But it also drains the battery faster. A higher capacity battery is necessary to keep the puffs flowing all day in puff or turbo mode. As disposable vape devices and their features continue to expand, the default battery size may soon surpass 1000mAh. 

Build Quality

There is a lot of competition. Unfortunately, there are a fair number of fly by night operations selling disposable vapes and e-cigarettes as well. While the most mindful choice is always a device you can refill, the taste, puffs per device and vaping experience of a disposable vape are tough beat. This is why Vaping.com obtains products directly from the manufacturer or master distributors. We also purchase compliant products and avoid with intention products that cast the vaping industry in a negative light.