Guide to Nicotine Strength

1: What is nicotine strength in vaping?

If you’re new to vaping or switching over from smoking, you’ve likely come across the term nicotine strength on vape juice bottles – usually written in mg/ml or as a percentage. But what does it actually mean, and how does it affect your vaping experience?

In this guide, we’ll break down what nicotine strength is, how it’s measured and why choosing the right level is key to getting the most out of your vape.

Understanding Nicotine Strength: mg/ml and Percentages

Nicotine strength in vaping is most commonly displayed in milligrams per millilitre (mg/ml). This tells you how much nicotine is present in every millilitre of e-liquid.

For example:

• 6mg/ml means there are 6 milligrams of nicotine in every 1ml of vape juice.
• 10mg/ml contains 10 milligrams per ml, and so on.

You might also see nicotine strength expressed as a percentage – especially on bottles of nicotine salts. The conversion is simple:

• 1.0% = 10mg/ml
• 1.8% = 18mg/ml
• 2.0% = 20mg/ml (the maximum allowed by law in the UK)

Both measurements mean the same thing – they’re just different ways of expressing the nicotine concentration in the liquid.

2: Why Nicotine Strength Matters

Nicotine strength plays a major role in how satisfying your vape is – especially if you’re trying to quit smoking. The right strength helps curb cravings, provides a satisfying throat hit and replicates the sensation of smoking.

Here’s how nicotine strength can affect your vaping experience:

Throat Hit

Stronger nicotine levels usually produce a sharper throat hit, which many ex-smokers find reassuring. Lower strengths offer a smoother vape with less harshness.

Nicotine Satisfaction

A higher strength delivers more nicotine per puff, helping to satisfy cravings more quickly. If the strength is too low for your needs, you might vape excessively without feeling satisfied.

Vaping Style & Device Compatibility

• Low nicotine (e.g. 3-6mg) is better suited to sub-ohm devices and direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping, where you inhale more vapour in one puff.
• Medium to high strengths (e.g. 10-20mg) are ideal for mouth-to-lung (MTL) pod kits and low-wattage devices, which deliver less vapour per puff.

3: Understanding Different Nicotine Strengths

Choosing the right nicotine strength is key to enjoying a satisfying vape and staying smoke-free. Nicotine levels in e-liquids are typically measured in milligrams per millilitre (mg/ml) or as a percentage. Here’s a breakdown of the most common strengths available in the UK, who they suit, and how they impact the vaping experience.

0mg – Nicotine-Free Vaping

Perfect for those who’ve weaned off nicotine or never used it.

• Best for: Ex-vapers, casual users or flavour chasers.
• Experience: Smooth vapour, no throat hit, ideal for high-powered sub-ohm devices.

3mg – Ultra Low Strength

A very low dose of nicotine, often used by light smokers or those stepping down from higher strengths.

• Best for: Light smokers (under 5 cigarettes a day) or sub-ohm vapers.
• Experience: Mild throat hit, ideal for direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping with larger clouds.

6mg – Low Strength

A modest nicotine level offering a balance between flavour and satisfaction.

• Best for: Smokers of up to 10 cigarettes a day.
• Experience: Noticeable throat hit, suitable for both MTL and DTL depending on the device.

10mg – Medium Strength

Often found in nicotine salt form, this is a popular middle-ground for moderate smokers.

• Best for: Those who smoked 10-15 cigarettes daily.
• Experience: Smooth but satisfying nicotine delivery, particularly in MTL pod systems.

12mg-18mg – High Strength Options

Designed for heavier smokers who need more nicotine per puff.

• Best for: 15-20+ cigarette-a-day smokers.
• Experience: Stronger throat hit (especially with freebase nicotine), great for low-powered, MTL kits.

20mg – Maximum Legal Strength in the UK

The highest strength legally available under TPD regulations. Often found in nic salts, which absorb quickly without harshness.

• Best for: Heavy smokers or those just making the switch to vaping.
• Experience: Fast nicotine satisfaction with a smooth inhale, ideal for compact pod kits.

Choosing the right strength is about matching your past smoking habits and current needs. Too low, and you may not feel satisfied. Too high, and you could experience side effects like light-headedness or nausea. The goal is to find a comfortable middle ground that curbs cravings while keeping your vape experience enjoyable.

4: Nic Salts vs Freebase Nicotine

When choosing the right nicotine strength, it’s not just about the number on the bottle – it’s also important to understand the type of nicotine used. The two main forms found in e-liquids are nicotine salts (nic salts) and freebase nicotine. Each offers a different vaping experience, and one may suit your needs better than the other.

What is Freebase Nicotine?

Freebase nicotine is the original form of nicotine used in most traditional e-liquids. It’s created by refining nicotine into its purest state, which increases its potency when heated.

• Throat hit: Stronger and more noticeable, especially at higher strengths.
• Absorption: Slower into the bloodstream compared to nic salts.
• Best for: Vapers who enjoy a bold throat hit or use sub-ohm devices with lower nicotine levels (e.g. 3mg, 6mg, 12mg).
• Common strengths: 0mg, 3mg, 6mg, 12mg, 18mg.

Freebase nicotine pairs well with high-VG e-liquids, producing bigger clouds and more intense flavour in high-powered devices.

What are Nicotine Salts (Nic Salts)?

Nic salts are a newer form of nicotine, chemically modified to mimic the natural salts found in tobacco leaves. This results in a smoother, faster-absorbing vape – even at higher strengths.

• Throat hit: Much smoother, even at 20mg.
• Absorption: Rapid, giving quicker nicotine satisfaction.
• Best for: Heavy smokers or those new to vaping who want a high-strength liquid without the harshness.
• Common strengths: 10mg and 20mg (legal UK limit).

Nic salts are ideal for use with low-wattage, mouth-to-lung (MTL) pod kits, where smaller clouds are offset by higher nicotine efficiency.

Which One Should You Choose?

If you’re just starting out or want a vape that feels close to smoking, nic salts are usually the better choice. If you’re stepping down nicotine levels or prefer a more robust throat hit, freebase may be your best bet.

5: Choosing the Right Nicotine Strength Based on Your Vaping Device

Not all vape devices are built the same – and neither are e-liquids. The type of kit you use plays a big role in how strong your nicotine needs to be. Using the wrong combination can lead to a harsh, unsatisfying vape or even nicotine overload.

Here’s how to choose the right nicotine strength depending on your setup:

**Pod Kits & Low-Wattage MTL Devices**

These compact, mouth-to-lung (MTL) devices are designed to mimic the sensation of smoking. They produce less vapour per puff, so stronger nicotine is needed for satisfaction.

• Recommended strength:
  • 10mg – 20mg nic salts for smooth, high-nicotine vaping
  • 12mg – 18mg freebase for a stronger throat hit
• Best suited to: Ex-smokers, casual vapers, anyone after discreet clouds and quick nicotine delivery

**Vape Pens & Mid-Power Devices**

These sit between pod kits and advanced sub-ohm mods. They offer slightly more vapour and customisability.

• Recommended strength:
  • 6mg – 12mg freebase nicotine
  • 10mg nic salts for those wanting a smoother draw
• Best suited to: Moderate smokers or those gradually stepping down nicotine

**Sub-Ohm Kits & High-Power Mods**

Sub-ohm devices produce large clouds and intense flavour. They deliver much more vapour per inhale, so you’ll need a lower nicotine strength to avoid overdoing it.

• Recommended strength:
  • 3mg – 6mg freebase nicotine
  • 0mg for cloud chasers or those weaning off nicotine completely
• Best suited to: Advanced vapers, cloud enthusiasts, flavour chasers

Why Matching Device & Strength Matters

Using high nicotine with a sub-ohm device can result in too much nicotine per puff, causing headaches, nausea or coughing. On the flip side, using low strength in a pod kit can leave you underwhelmed and unsatisfied.

Always choose your nicotine strength based on how much vapour your device produces – more vapour = less nicotine needed, and vice versa.

6: Common Mistakes When Choosing Nicotine Strength

Choosing the right nicotine strength is essential to getting the most out of your vaping experience, but many people – especially beginners – get it wrong. Here are some of the most common mistakes vapers make when selecting their nicotine level, and how to avoid them.

Going Too Strong Too Soon

It’s tempting to choose the highest nicotine level to fight cravings, but if it’s too strong for your needs, you might experience:

• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Headaches
• Nausea
• An overly harsh throat hit

Solution: If you’re unsure, start with a medium strength (e.g. 10mg) and adjust up or down based on how you feel. Remember: nicotine salts can deliver high strengths smoothly, but even then, moderation is key.

Choosing Too Low a Strength

On the other hand, some vapers go for a low strength thinking it will be smoother or better for their health – but end up vaping excessively and still craving cigarettes.

Signs your nicotine is too low:

• Constantly reaching for your vape
• Feeling unsatisfied after vaping
• Smoking on the side “just to take the edge off”

Solution: Match your nicotine level to your previous smoking habit. If you were a pack-a-day smoker, don’t be afraid to start at 18mg or 20mg – you can always reduce over time.

Ignoring Device Compatibility

Using high nicotine in a powerful sub-ohm device can be overwhelming. These devices produce far more vapour, meaning more nicotine is absorbed with every puff.

Solution: Use low strength (e.g. 3mg–6mg) with sub-ohm kits and higher strength (10mg–20mg) with low-wattage pod systems. The amount of vapour your device produces should guide your choice.

Confusing Nicotine Strength With Quantity

Some users believe a 10ml bottle of 20mg e-liquid contains less nicotine than a 100ml bottle of 3mg – but in reality, the strength (mg/ml) affects how much nicotine is inhaled per puff, not the total quantity in the bottle.

Solution: Understand that strength is about concentration, not the size of the bottle. A small amount of strong e-liquid can deliver more nicotine than a large bottle of low strength.

Not Adjusting Over Time

As you continue vaping, your nicotine needs may change. Some people stick with the same strength for years, even though they no longer need as much.

Solution: Pay attention to your usage. If you’re vaping less but still feel satisfied, it might be time to step down to a lower strength. Gradual reduction is a common goal for many vapers looking to cut nicotine intake.

7: Recommended Vape Products by Nicotine Strength

Once you’ve worked out your ideal nicotine strength, the next step is choosing the right products to match. To make things easier, we’ve grouped our top-rated vape kits and e-liquids by strength to help you find the perfect fit.

0mg – Nicotine-Free Vaping

Ideal for flavour chasers or those stepping away from nicotine entirely.

Top Picks:

• Shortfills like King of Vapes Lucky 7 80ml (add nic shot if needed)
• Sub-ohm kits such as the Vaporesso Gen 200 Kit
• High-VG e-liquids for big clouds and bold flavour

3mg – 6mg – Low Strength

Great for light smokers or vapers using high-powered devices with large vapour output.

Top Picks:

• **Hangsen E-Liquid 10ml (Low Strength Range)**
• **Vado E-Liquid 10ml – 6mg Options**
• Sub-ohm tanks paired with freebase e-liquids
• Mods like the GeekVape Aegis Legend 2 Kit

10mg – 12mg – Medium Strength

A sweet spot for many ex-smokers, offering satisfying nicotine delivery without being too harsh.

Top Picks:

• Nic salts such as Bar Juice 5000 10mg Nic Salt Range
• MTL pod kits like the OXVA Xlim V2 or Vaporesso XROS 3
• Starter bundles with pre-filled or refillable pods

18mg – 20mg – High Strength

Best for heavy smokers making the switch. Offers strong nicotine hit with either smooth nic salts or classic freebase throat hit.

Top Picks:

• OXVA Xlim Pro or Xlim SE paired with 20mg salts
• Bar Salts, Riot Squad & Elfliq 20mg Ranges
• Formerly disposables but they’ve been banned since June 1st, 2025

Not Sure Where to Start?

Try a multi-pack e-liquid bundle in different strengths or a starter kit that lets you experiment with various pod resistances.

Tailoring your vaping setup to your nicotine needs doesn’t just improve your experience – it also increases your chances of quitting smoking for good.

8: Final Thoughts: Finding Your Ideal Nicotine Strength

Understanding nicotine strength is one of the most important steps in having a successful, satisfying vaping experience – especially if you’re switching from smoking. Whether you’re looking for a strong throat hit, a smooth nic salt vape or something in between, there’s a strength and setup to suit every lifestyle.

Remember:

• Match your nicotine level to your smoking history
• Use the right strength for your device type
• Don’t be afraid to experiment or adjust over time

If you’re unsure where to begin, start with a medium strength like 10mg and go from there. The goal is to feel satisfied without overdoing it.

FAQs About Nicotine Strengths in Vaping

What nicotine strength should I use if I smoked 20 cigarettes a day?

If you were a heavy smoker (20+ cigarettes daily), you’ll likely need 18mg to 20mg nicotine strength to feel satisfied. Nicotine salts at 20mg are ideal for a smooth, high-strength experience using a pod kit.

Is 20mg nicotine strong?

Yes – 20mg/ml is the maximum legal strength in the UK under TPD regulations. It’s considered strong and is best suited to heavy smokers or those needing a high level of nicotine to stay smoke-free.

What’s the difference between mg and % on vape bottles?

They’re just two ways of showing the same thing: nicotine concentration.

• 1.0% = 10mg/ml
• 1.8% = 18mg/ml
• 2.0% = 20mg/mlMost vape juice labels in the UK show mg/ml, but some nic salts use percentages.

Can I vape without nicotine?

Yes! Many e-liquids are available in 0mg nicotine, which are perfect for flavour lovers, ex-vapers or those who’ve gradually weaned off nicotine. These work best with high-powered sub-ohm kits.

What if my vape feels too harsh or too weak?

A harsh vape could mean your nicotine strength is too high, or you’re using freebase nicotine in a powerful device. If it feels too weak and unsatisfying, you might need a higher strength or switch to nic salts for better absorption.

Can I switch between strengths?

Absolutely. Many vapers adjust their strength depending on the time of day, how they’re feeling or which device they’re using. Some even keep lower strength for flavour and higher strength for cravings.