If you’ve ever stood in front of a vape juice shelf wondering what on earth nicotine salts and freebase nicotine actually mean, you’re not alone. For beginners and seasoned vapers alike, understanding the difference between these two types of nicotine can make all the difference in how satisfying your vape experience really is.
Let’s break it all down, no science degree required.
What is Freebase Nicotine?
Freebase nicotine is the OG of the vaping world. Before nic salts burst onto the scene, nearly every e-liquid contained this traditional form of nicotine. It’s created through a process that extracts nicotine from tobacco leaves and refines it using an alkaline solution. This process gives it a more potent form, but with potency comes a trade-off: a stronger throat hit.
That throat hit is exactly why many ex-smokers love freebase. It mimics the sensation of smoking a cigarette, especially when used in lower nicotine strengths. However, once you push into the higher ranges (like 12mg or 18mg), things can get harsh, too harsh for some.
Freebase nicotine e-liquids are typically found in standard 50/50 or high VG vape juices, and they’re ideal for sub-ohm vaping or direct-to-lung (DTL) devices. Brands like Vampire Vape and Ohm Brew Core are popular among vapers who enjoy a longer, fuller vaping session with bold flavours and a punchy throat hit.
What Are Nicotine Salts?
Nicotine salts, or nic salts for short, are the newer kids on the vape block. Unlike freebase, nic salts are created using a naturally occurring organic acid (like benzoic acid), which helps stabilize the nicotine and allows it to vape smoothly at higher strengths.
In simpler terms? You get more nicotine without your throat screaming at you.
This makes nic salts ideal for anyone switching from smoking to vaping. They’re smoother, absorb into the bloodstream faster, and pack a nicotine punch that can crush cravings fast. It’s no wonder they’ve become a staple in mouth-to-lung (MTL) pod kits and starter vape kits.
You’ll typically find nic salt e-liquids in 10mg or 20mg strengths in the UK (or even up to 50mg in other countries), and they work best in low-wattage pod systems like the Elf Bar ELFA PRO, OXVA NeXLIM, or Uwell Caliburn. If you’re after a smooth throat hit with maximum nicotine satisfaction, nic salts are your go-to.
How Do They Feel When You Vape?
Here’s the simple truth: nic salts are smoother, even at higher strengths. If you’re new to vaping or you’re someone who craves nicotine but doesn’t like that harsh feeling, nic salts make your life easier. They hit fast, go down easy, and give you that “just had a cigarette” satisfaction without any of the burn.
Freebase nicotine, on the other hand, has a sharper throat hit. That might sound bad, but for many experienced vapers, it’s actually what they’re looking for. If you vape casually throughout the day and enjoy a strong, punchy experience, freebase is probably your best bet.
Flavour Differences Between Nic Salts and Freebase E-Liquids
Nic salts tend to mellow out flavours a little. The smoother vape experience means some of the punchier notes can be slightly toned down. That said, modern nic salt blends, especially bar salts, are specifically formulated to give you those bold, disposable-style flavours.
Freebase nicotine is often the choice for those who care about maximum flavour intensity. If you love exploring complex e-liquid flavours, or you’re after that candy-sweet vape juice or tobacco-style vape with nuance and throat feel, freebase is where it’s at.
What Are Bar Salts?
Now, let’s throw a curveball into the mix: bar salts.
Bar salts are a type of nic salt, but they’re engineered to mimic disposable vape flavours. Think Elf Bar-level intensity in a refillable pod. They’re designed for convenience, bold taste, and high nicotine delivery, making them the sweet spot for those switching from disposable to refillable vape kits.
If you’ve been puffing on an Elf Bar, Lost Mary, or Hayati Twist and want a more eco-friendly (and budget-friendly) option, bar salts in an MTL pod kit might just be your perfect match.
What About Nicotine Shots?
For advanced vapers or sub-ohm fans who use short fills, nicotine shots (aka nic shots) are worth considering. These are 10ml unflavoured e-liquids, usually in 18mg strength, that you add to a larger bottle of nicotine-free vape juice.
There are both freebase and nic salt nic shots available, and each gives your short fill a different kind of kick:
- Freebase nic shots give you that sharper, throatier feel.
- Nic salt shots make your vape smoother, even if you’re hitting high wattage.
You can even get cool nic shots, like those from Ohm Brew, that add a refreshing, icy finish to your e-liquid, perfect for menthol or fruit blends.
Nic Salts or Freebase: Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between nic salts and freebase nicotine really depends on what you want from your vape:
- Want a quick nicotine hit with less throat irritation? Go for nicotine salts.
- Prefer intense flavours and a classic throat hit? Stick with freebase e-liquids.
- Craving disposable-style flavour but want to refill? Bar salts are your new best friend.
- Love big clouds and custom blends? Start mixing with nic shots in your favourite short fill.
For new vapers, nic salts are often the best way to start. They’re smoother, faster-acting, and replicate the smoking experience better than freebase ever could.
But for the long-haul cloud chasers and flavour enthusiasts, freebase still holds strong.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, both nic salts and freebase nicotine have their place in the world of vaping. Whether you’re chasing a smoother experience or a more intense flavour, understanding the difference can help you find the best e-liquid for your vape kit.
Still unsure which to try first? Start small. Pick up a nic salt vape juice for that smooth hit and fast satisfaction. Then try a freebase liquid and compare how it feels. The best vaping experience is the one that works for you.
Ready to explore? Browse our full range of nic salts, bar salts, and freebase vape juices, all tailored to suit your setup and style.