Understanding the difference between Freebase Nicotine and Nicotine Salts can help you choose the right e-liquid for your vape device and personal preferences.
Freebase Nicotine
Freebase is the most common and traditional form of nicotine used in vape juice. It’s the purest form of nicotine and has been used in cigarettes and vaping liquids for decades.
Key features:
- Stronger throat hit, especially at higher strengths
- Slower absorption into the bloodstream
- Ideal for sub-ohm vaping (direct-to-lung)
- Best suited for High VG e-liquids — simply add a freebase nic shot to your shortfill for a balanced DTL vape experience
Who it’s for:
Freebase nicotine is best suited for vape kits that deliver higher wattage, as it requires more heat to vaporize effectively and provide a satisfying experience. Devices with higher power output—typically sub-ohm kits—can handle the thicker consistency and stronger throat hit that freebase nicotine delivers. This makes it an ideal choice for vapers who prefer direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping with big clouds and bold flavour, as the increased power ensures the nicotine is vaporized efficiently and smoothly.
Nicotine Salts (Nic Salts)
Nicotine salts are a more refined version of nicotine, created by combining pure nicotine with an acid (usually benzoic or salicylic acid). This lowers the pH level, making the nicotine smoother to inhale — even at higher strengths.
Key features:
- Smoother throat hit, even at high nicotine levels (e.g., 20mg)
- Faster nicotine delivery — closely mimics the quick hit of a cigarette
- Perfect for pod systems and MTL (mouth-to-lung) devices
- Not ideal for sub-ohm vaping — tends to be too strong at high wattage
Who it’s for:
Vaporised easily at lower temperatures, means that nicotine salts work exceptionally well with low-powered vape devices. These devices can be from small to medium sizes, and highly efficient, making them perfect for everyday carry and quick use.
Because nicotine salts provide a smoother throat hit—even at higher strengths—they’re ideal for users who want a strong nicotine experience without harshness. This makes them especially appealing to beginner vapers, ex-smokers, or anyone seeking a fast, satisfying nicotine delivery from a compact and user-friendly setup, such as pod systems or mouth-to-lung (MTL) devices.
Comparison:
| Feature |
Freebase Nicotine |
Nicotine Salts |
| Throat Hit |
Stronger |
Smoother |
| Absorption Speed |
Slower |
Faster |
| Suitable Devices |
Sub-ohm, high-wattage mods |
Pods, MTL, low-wattage kits |
| Best Use |
Shortfill mixing |
50/50 e-liquids, salt nic juices |
| Nicotine Strength Range |
3mg–18mg |
10mg–20mg |
Pro Tip: If you’re using a shortfill e-liquids for sub-ohm vaping, stick with freebase nicotine shots. If you’re using a MTL starter kit or pod system and prefer higher nicotine levels with less harshness, nicotine salts are your go-to.