If your idea of control involves clouds, flavour, and a vape that actually satisfies, you're in the right place. Choosing the right nicotine strength may feel a bit like ordering coffee in a foreign country. Grande? Venti? Wait…What does that even mean?
But don't worry–We’ve made it simple by explaining what nicotine strength actually is. You’ll also learn what those numbers on the bottle stand for and how to match the right one to your cravings or smoking history.
What does nicotine strength mean?
Nicotine strength is how much nicotine there is per millilitre of e‑liquid. It’s often listed as mg/mL or sometimes as a percentage, as illustrated below:
- 3mg/mL = 0.3%
- 6mg/mL = 0.6%
- 12mg/mL = 1.2%
- 20mg/mL = 2%
The UK legally caps nicotine strength at 20mg/mL under the TPD (Tobacco Products Directive), so you won't find anything higher on the shelves (unless you're online… and bold).
What strength should you be using?
Finding the right nicotine level isn't about being trendy. It's about matching your current (or past) smoking habits and what kind of vaping experience you want.
Check the breakdown below:
0mg – Nicotine-free
Nicotine-free e-liquids are perfect for people who've already done the hard work of cutting down their intake and now enjoy vaping for the flavour or the ritual.
You will still get that familiar hand-to-mouth satisfaction, complete with thick clouds and tasty hits, but without any of the addictive stuff.
This option is also perfect for those casual vapers who aren't chasing a buzz, just the vibe. And if you've managed to taper down to 3mg over time, switching to 0mg could be your final step toward beating the habit altogether.
3mg to 6mg – Low strength
If you're a light smoker or someone who only smokes socially, then 3mg or 6mg is your zone. These lower nicotine levels provide a gentle throat hit with just enough nicotine to take the edge off.
They're also great for vapers using powerful sub-ohm devices. With these kinds of kits, you're already getting a bigger vapour cloud and more flavour, so you don't need much nicotine to feel satisfied.
As a general guide, if you used to smoke fewer than 10 cigarettes a day, this range should hit the sweet spot.
10mg to 12mg – Medium strength
Now we're in the middle ground. Think of this as your "Goldilocks" zone; not too strong, not too light, but just right.
If you are used to smoking about 10 to 20 cigarettes a day, 10mg to 12mg is the place to be. And the best part? You've got flexibility. Once your cravings cool down a bit, it's easy to drop the strength and continue your journey without ever looking back.
18mg to 20mg – High strength
We recommend this for heavy smokers—those who were burning through a pack a day or more.
18mg to 20mg is considered a strong dose, and in the UK, 20mg is the legal maximum. This range works best with smaller, low-powered pod systems and devices designed for nicotine salt e-liquids.
Nic salts deliver the nicotine more quickly and smoothly, offering a hit that closely resembles the experience of smoking a cigarette. Serious about quitting smoking and want a vape that feels like a cigarette? This is where you want to begin.
Freebase nicotine vs nic salts: What's the difference?
Now that you've known the "how much," let's look at the "what kind" —freebase or nic salts. The difference isn't just about chemistry—it's about how it feels when you vape.
Freebase nicotine
Freebase is the original form used in most early e-liquids. It offers a stronger throat hit and is absorbed more slowly into the bloodstream.
You will typically find freebase in lower strengths, from 3mg to 12mg, and it works best in more powerful devices. This is an excellent choice if you like that traditional "kick" and want a longer-lasting nicotine effect.
Nicotine salts
These aren't your old-school, slow-burn vapes. They deliver nicotine faster and smoother, even when the strength is high.
What makes them special is the blending of nicotine with a gentle acid (like benzoic acid), so the formula is less harsh on your throat. This means you can actually vape a full 20mg and barely feel the sting. Perfect for anyone who wants satisfaction without the scratch.
Think of it this way: freebase is your slow drip coffee, while nic salts are a double espresso.
E-Liquid formats that affect nicotine strength
Now that you've picked your strength and style, let's talk formats—because not all vape juices come in the same package.
Shortfills
These are larger bottles of e-liquid that don't contain nicotine when sold (thanks to regulations).
You will need to add your own nicotine shots (called "nic shots") to get the desired strength. It's like customising your own cocktail.
If you've got a 100 ml shortfill and you add two 10ml nic shots at 18 mg each, you'll end up with around 3mg of nicotine strength in the bottle.
Longfills
Longfills are like shortfills' DIY-loving cousin. You get even more space in the bottle, and you add both nicotine and your preferred VG/PG mix.
If you're the kind of vaper who likes to tweak your setup down to the last detail, longfills give you all the freedom in the world.
Pre-mixed nicotine e-liquids
Here it's simple. These pre-mixed nicotine e-liquids come in small 10ml bottles with the nicotine already blended in.
They're available in all the standard strength levels and are ready to use straight out of the box. This is your plug-and-play option—perfect if you don't want to faff around with mixing or measuring.
How many puffs equal a cigarette?
The truth is, there is no exact science to it. It all narrows down to how long your puffs are, what device you're using, and what strength you're vaping. But here's a rough guide:
- A 20mg nic salt in a pod system can deliver a hit that's roughly equivalent to one regular cigarette.
- Around 10–15 puffs from a 20mg vape might equal one cigarette.
Vape smarter, not harder
Choosing the right strength for your e-liquid doesn't have to be a guess anymore. If you're already cutting back, try dropping to a lower strength. And if you're just here for the flavour and clouds? 0mg has your name on it.
At the end of the day, you're in control. And now, you've got the know-how to make a choice that actually works for you.