Nicotine e-liquid comes in two main forms: freebase and nicotine salt (nic salt). Both are nicotine, but they feel different, are made for different devices and come in different strength ranges. Picking the right one for your device matters more than anything else on the label. This guide explains the difference and how to choose.
What freebase nicotine is
Freebase is the traditional form of nicotine used in e-liquid. At higher strengths it feels sharper on the throat, so freebase is usually used at lower strengths in devices that make more vapor, like sub-ohm tanks. Our freebase e-liquids come in 0mg to 30mg.
What nicotine salt is
Nic salt is nicotine combined with a mild acid during manufacturing. That makes it feel smoother at higher strengths, so salt juices are usually vaped at higher strengths in small, low-power pod devices that make less vapor. Our Salt eJuice comes in 6mg, 12mg, 18mg, 24mg and 35mg.
Nic salt vs freebase at a glance
| Freebase | Nic salt | |
|---|---|---|
| Throat feel at the same strength | Sharper | Smoother |
| Typical strengths | 0mg to 12mg in tanks; higher in small devices | 12mg to 35mg |
| Best devices | Sub-ohm tanks, higher-wattage kits, also mouth-to-lung tanks | Low-power pod kits and small mouth-to-lung devices |
| Typical PG/VG mix | 50/50 up to Max VG | 50/50 up to 100% PG |
| Vapor | More vapor, especially at high VG | Less vapor |
| Juice use | Higher, because tanks vaporize more liquid | Lower, because pods vaporize less |
Which one should you choose?
Choose nic salt if…
- you use a small pod kit or a low-power mouth-to-lung device,
- you want a higher nicotine strength that still feels smooth,
- you prefer discreet vapor and lower juice use.
Choose freebase if…
- you use a sub-ohm tank or a higher-wattage kit,
- you like bigger vapor and a lower nicotine strength,
- you want the widest range of strengths and mixes, including 0mg.
Important: do not use high-strength salt juice in a sub-ohm tank or high-wattage kit. Those devices vaporize much more liquid per puff, so the result is far too strong. We advise against using Salt eJuice with coils below 0.5 ohm.
Choosing a strength
Salt and freebase are measured the same way, in mg of nicotine per ml, but because they are used in different devices the same number does not feel the same. Our nicotine strength guide has a starting-point chart for each kind of device.
Choosing a PG/VG mix
Salt juices are made for pods, which wick thinner liquid best, so ours come in 100% PG, 75/25 and 50/50. Freebase comes in six mixes from 75/25 to Max VG. See PG vs VG for how the mix changes flavor and vapor.
Can you mix salt and freebase?
We do not recommend mixing a salt juice and a freebase juice in the same bottle or tank. They are made for different devices and strengths, and the result is hard to predict. Pick one type for each device.
Flavors
Every flavor in our e-liquid line can be ordered as freebase, and any of them can be made as Salt eJuice. If you make your own, we also sell a salt nicotine flavorless base. To try several flavors first, start with a sample pack.
Nic salt vs freebase FAQ
Is nic salt stronger than freebase?
Not at the same number. 12mg salt and 12mg freebase contain the same amount of nicotine per ml. Salt is simply sold in higher strengths because it feels smoother at those levels in pod devices.
Can I use salt nicotine in a sub-ohm tank?
We do not recommend it. Sub-ohm tanks vaporize much more liquid, so a typical salt strength becomes far too strong. Use freebase at a low strength in sub-ohm tanks.
Can I use freebase in a pod kit?
Yes, many pod kits work well with freebase at a 50/50 mix. Freebase at higher strengths will feel sharper than the same strength in salt.
Which lasts longer?
Salt juice usually lasts longer per bottle, because pod devices vaporize less liquid per puff than sub-ohm tanks.
Keep e-liquid in its childproof-capped bottle and away from children and pets. For adults 21+. Nicotine is an addictive chemical.
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