Choosing the right e-liquid can truly shape your entire vaping journey. However, for many vapers, one question often stands out: should you choose a Shortfill E Liquid, or should you go with Nic Salt Vape Juice? Both options are crafted to deliver a unique experience, yet they serve different preferences and needs. Therefore, understanding the distinctions between Shortfills and Nic Salts is not just helpful but essential if you want a vape that feels perfectly tailored to you. With this in mind, let’s explore the details so you can make a confident, informed decision.
What Are Shortfills?
Shortfill E Liquids are larger bottles of e-liquid, typically 50ml or 100ml, that come with no nicotine inside. Manufacturers leave extra space in the bottle so vapers can add nicotine shots according to their preference. This flexibility allows users to control the strength of their e-liquid, often choosing standard freebase nicotine shots.
Because of their larger sizes, shortfills are perfect for people who enjoy sub-ohm vaping, big clouds, and bold flavours. They also tend to be more cost-effective in the long run, especially for regular vapers who go through liquid quickly.
Discover our full range of Shortfill options to find bold flavours and flexible nicotine strength that suit your style.
What Are Nic Salts?
On the other hand, Nic Salt Vape Juice is pre-mixed and ready to use, offering smoother nicotine delivery compared to freebase. Nic Salts use a different form of nicotine extracted from tobacco leaves and blended with benzoic or citric acid. As a result, the throat hit is softer, even at higher strengths, making them popular with people who want a quick, satisfying nicotine fix.
Nic Salts generally come in 10ml bottles, which makes them ideal for beginners or for those who use low-powered pod kits. They are especially suited to smokers who have just switched to vaping, as the nicotine absorption rate closely mimics traditional cigarettes.
Explore our collection of Nic Salts for a smooth, cigarette-like experience with faster nicotine satisfaction.
Key Differences Between Shortfills and Nic Salts
Although both Shortfills and Nic Salts provide flavour and nicotine, they meet very different needs. Here are the main distinctions:
Nicotine Flexibility
Shortfills offer complete control. You can decide whether to vape them nicotine-free or add freebase nicotine shots for strength. Nic Salts, however, come pre-mixed at specific strengths, usually 10mg or 20mg. This means Nic Salts focus on convenience, while Shortfills emphasise flexibility.
Bottle Size and Value
Shortfill e-liquids often come in larger bottles (50ml or 100ml), making them more cost-effective over time, especially for heavy vapers. Nic Salts are sold in smaller 10ml bottles, offering portability but less value per millilitre.
Vaping Style and Devices
Shortfills are generally used with sub-ohm devices that run at higher wattages. This produces large vapour clouds and intense flavours. In contrast, Nic Salts are best for low-powered pod kits or MTL (mouth-to-lung) devices, delivering discreet vapour but strong nicotine satisfaction.
Nicotine Absorption and Smoothness
Nic Salts absorb faster into the bloodstream, giving quicker relief from cravings. They also produce a smoother throat hit, even at higher strengths. Freebase nicotine in shortfills can feel harsher at high levels, which is why many people keep their shortfills at lower nicotine strengths.
Target Audience
Shortfills attract experienced vapers who prioritise flavour, clouds, and customisation. Meanwhile, Nic Salts appeal to smokers making the switch, or vapers who want a straightforward, no-fuss option with fast nicotine delivery.
Flavour Intensity and Experience
Shortfills usually provide deeper, more layered flavour experiences because they are designed for sub-ohm devices. Nic Salts, while flavourful, focus more on delivering satisfaction quickly with a balance of smoothness and consistency.
By looking at these differences, it becomes clear that your choice depends on whether you value flexibility and large clouds, or convenience and fast nicotine satisfaction.
Which One Should You Choose?
If you’re new to vaping or looking for something that mimics smoking, Nic Salt Vape Juice is likely the better choice. It provides smooth hits, rapid nicotine absorption, and works perfectly with compact pod systems.
On the other hand, if you’re more experienced, enjoy experimenting with flavours, and want bigger bottles for value, Shortfill E Liquids are the way forward. They give you control over nicotine strength and deliver stronger flavour through sub-ohm vaping.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the decision between Shortfills and Nic Salts comes down to your personal preferences and vaping style. Shortfills excel in flexibility, value, and flavour depth, while Nic Salts shine in convenience, smoothness, and nicotine delivery speed.
By understanding the distinctions, you can confidently choose an option that matches your lifestyle and vaping goals.
Discover our guide on What Are The Best Shortfill E-Liquids of 2025? to explore the top flavour-packed options that vapers are loving this year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the main difference between shortfill e liquid and nic salt vape juice?
The key difference lies in nicotine content and delivery. Shortfill e liquids are larger bottles without nicotine, designed for adding a separate nic shot, while nic salts already contain nicotine in a form that delivers smoother and faster absorption.
2. Do shortfills or nic salts last longer?
Shortfills typically last longer because they come in larger bottles (usually 50ml or 100ml). Nic salts, however, are sold in smaller bottles, such as 10ml, making them more suitable for short-term use or as a quick, convenient option.
3. Which is better for heavy smokers – shortfills or nic salts?
Nic salts are generally better for heavy smokers because they provide a quicker nicotine hit with less throat irritation. Shortfill e liquid is better suited for experienced vapers who enjoy longer sessions and want to customise nicotine strength.
4. Can I mix nic salts with shortfill e liquid?
Yes, you can mix nic salts with shortfills if you want a customised vaping experience, but it requires understanding of nicotine strength balancing. Most vapers prefer to add standard nicotine shots to shortfills instead.
5. Why do vapers choose shortfills instead of premade nic salt bottles?
Vapers choose shortfills for more flavour variety, larger volume, and cost-effectiveness. Shortfills also allow full control over nicotine strength, unlike nic salt vape juice which is fixed.
6. Do shortfills or nic salts provide better flavour?
Both deliver strong flavours, but shortfills usually offer more flavour layering due to larger bottle formulations. Nic salts, on the other hand, tend to provide a consistent flavour with smoother throat hits at higher nicotine levels.
7. Are shortfills or nic salts more cost-effective?
Shortfills are more cost-effective in the long run because of their larger sizes and flexibility in adding nicotine. Nic salts, while convenient, can become more expensive over time due to their smaller bottle sizes.