Difference Between Nic Salt and E Liquid: Complete Guide
What is Nic Salt Vape Juice?
Nicotine salts (known as nic salts) are specialised fluids packed with a blend of nicotine and organic acid. These are used in vape devices and pods that are then further heated to produce vapours.
One of the standout features of nic salts is that they dissolve into the bloodstream faster than other e-liquids. This is the reason why nic salts are so popular among smokers. You’ll often find nic salts in small bottles (10ml) or pre-filled pods. They're most commonly used in low-wattage devices, like pod systems or simple starter kits.
What is E-Liquid?
Do you know what an e-juice is? E-liquid is the original form of vape juice. It uses pure nicotine without any chemical changes. This type of nicotine can be harsher at higher strengths, which is why most freebase liquids are found in lower nicotine levels like 3mg/ml, 6mg/ml, or 12mg/ml.
The benefit of freebase nicotine is that it offers more flavour and is great for those who enjoy Direct-to-Lung (DTL) vaping. It’s awesome for producing larger vapour clouds. It’s also the go-to choice for people who don’t need a strong nicotine hit and just want to vape casually throughout the day. Wanna know more about e-liquids? Check out our comprehensive guide on vape juice!
What’s the Difference Between Nic Salt and E Juice?
The difference between nic salt and e liquid is discussed in detail below:
Nicotine Strength
Nicotine salts usually come in higher strengths. Depending on local laws, you might find bottles labelled with 20 mg/ml or even 50 mg/ml. This makes them ideal for people who need a stronger hit without puffing too often. Freebase e-liquids, on the other hand, are typically offered in lower strengths like 3mg/ml, 6mg/ml, 12mg/ml, and occasionally up to 18mg/ml. This gives users more flexibility if they’re cutting back on nicotine.Throat Hit
One of the key differences you’ll feel right away is in the throat hit. Freebase nicotine hits harder, especially at high strength, which some users prefer because it feels more like smoking. Nicotine salts are smoother and easier on the throat, even at higher levels. That makes nic salts more comfortable for people who vape often or are new to vaping.Absorption Speed
Nicotine salts absorb into your bloodstream faster, which is why many people say they feel the effect more quickly, often within seconds. Freebase nicotine takes a bit longer, which can lead some users to vape more frequently to feel the same effect. If you want that quick relief from a craving, nic salts usually do the job better.Flavour Intensity
Freebase liquids tend to deliver stronger flavour. That’s partly because they’re used in high-powered devices that produce more vapour and heat, which helps bring out the taste. Nicotine salts are often used in lower-powered pod systems, which can mute the flavour slightly, though not always noticeably, unless you're comparing side by side.Usage Frequency
Because nicotine salts are more concentrated and faster-acting, most users end up vaping less frequently. A few puffs from a nic salt pod can satisfy a craving. With freebase, you might take more puffs over time, especially if you're using lower nicotine levels.Best for?
Nicotine salts are great for people who are transitioning from smoking and want something that feels familiar. They’re also helpful for those who don’t want to vape all day but still need a strong nicotine fix. Freebase liquids appeal more to casual or experienced vapers who enjoy the experience of vaping itself, the flavours, the clouds, and the ritual of it.Price Point
On a per-ml basis, nic salts can cost a little more. That’s partly due to their higher nicotine content and the type of devices they’re designed for. However, because you use them less frequently, the overall cost can balance out. Freebase liquids, especially in larger bottles, may be cheaper per ml but get used up faster in high-wattage devices.Availability
Both types are widely available, but you’ll often see freebase liquids, like shortfills in 50ml, 100ml, 200ml, and 500ml in a broader range of flavours and bottle sizes. Nicotine salts are usually sold in smaller bottles, often 10ml, and are common in nicotine pod kits or refillable MTL tanks.Device Compatibility: What Works with What?
Note that e liquids and nic salts are compatible with different devices, as discussed below:
Devices Best for Nic Salt
Pod Systems are the most common choice here. These are small, easy-to-use vapes with low power output and higher resistance coils. Because nic salts are typically thinner (50/50 VG/PG), they wick easily in these devices.These devices don’t burn through a lot of liquid in one puff and are meant for mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping, which mimics how you’d smoke a cigarette. That’s why nic salts are perfect for them; they give you that quick hit of nicotine without overwhelming vapour or flavour.
Devices Best for E-Liquid
Freebase e-liquid is used in sub-ohm vaping devices and box mods. These larger, more customisable devices use low-resistance coils and operate at higher power levels. They’re designed to produce more vapour, which is great when you’re using lower nicotine levels.These vapes are usually paired with 70/30 VG/PG e-liquids that are thicker and offer more flavour depth. The lower nicotine content is better suited for direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping styles, where users inhale deeply and exhale large clouds.
Devices That Can Handle Both
Some mid-range MTL tanks or pod systems with adjustable settings can support both nic salts and freebase liquids. The key here is having different coil options. These give you some flexibility if you want to switch between a stronger nicotine hit and more flavour-focused sessions.
