Nic Salt vs Freebase E-Liquid: Which Should You Choose?

Walk into any vape shop and you will see e-liquids split into two camps: nic salts and freebase. Both contain nicotine, and both can taste great. They behave differently, though, and suit different devices. Here is how to choose.

What is freebase nicotine?

Freebase is the traditional form of nicotine used in e-liquids. At higher strengths it gives a noticeable "throat hit", the catch at the back of the throat that many ex-smokers recognise. Freebase is most often used at lower strengths, in larger bottles and in higher-powered devices.

What are nic salts?

Nicotine salts combine nicotine with a mild acid, most commonly benzoic acid. This lowers the pH of the liquid, which makes higher nicotine strengths feel smoother to inhale. Many vapers also find nic salts satisfy cravings quickly, which is why they are popular with people switching from cigarettes. Browse our nic salt e-liquids.

Strengths and bottle sizes in the UK

• Nicotine e-liquids are capped at 20mg/ml and sold in bottles of up to 10ml.
• Nic salts usually come in 10mg and 20mg, in 10ml bottles. Read our guide to 20mg nic salt e-liquid.
• Freebase shortfills are 0mg liquids in larger bottles, such as 50ml or 100ml, with space left for you to add a nic shot if you want nicotine.

Which devices suit which?

• Nic salts pair best with low-power, mouth-to-lung (MTL) pod kits. These devices produce smaller clouds, so the higher strength delivers satisfaction without a harsh hit.
• Freebase at lower strengths suits higher-power, direct-to-lung (DTL) devices that produce bigger clouds. Using strong nic salts in a high-power device can be overpowering.

Nic salt or freebase: quick guide

• Just switched from smoking? Nic salts in a simple pod kit are usually the easiest start.
• Prefer big clouds? A lower-strength freebase or shortfill in a higher-power device.
• Want the best value per ml? Shortfills with nic shots usually cost less per ml than 10ml bottles.
• Cutting down? Both come in step-down strengths. Nic salts in 10mg and freebase in 3mg or 6mg are common next steps.

Flavour

Nic salts and freebase come in the same flavour families: fruit, menthol and ice, desserts, drinks and tobacco. You can browse all e-liquids by flavour profile.

Nicotine is addictive. Our products are for adults aged 18 and over only.

Frequently asked questions

Are nic salts stronger than freebase?

Not by nature. The strength is whatever the label says. Nic salts feel smoother, so they are usually sold at higher strengths such as 10mg and 20mg.

Can I use nic salts in any vape?

They work best in low-power pod kits. In high-power, cloud-chasing devices, 20mg nic salts can be far too strong.

What is a shortfill?

A 0mg e-liquid in a larger bottle, such as 50ml or 100ml, left part-empty so you can add one or two nic shots.

What strength should I start with?

Many people switching from cigarettes start on 20mg nic salts and step down to 10mg over time. Lighter smokers often start on 10mg.