Nic Salts vs Freebase Nicotine: What’s the Difference?

Picture this: you take a drag and feel a strong, scratchy punch at the back of your throat, like your vape just picked a fight with your tonsils. That’s freebase nicotine. Okay, now think about this: something soft and sneaky sliding down your throat with barely a tickle, but before you know it, you feel that heady buzz kick in. That’s nic salts. Two very different beasts, and knowing which one suits you can influence flavour production and vapour formation.

Both forms of e-liquid, freebase and nic salts, start from the same basic ingredients, propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerine (VG) and flavourings. But the way the nicotine is treated in each changes how the vapour feels and how quickly it satisfies you. 

So, it doesn't matter if you’ve just started vaping or are just wondering if you should switch things up; this guide lays it all out about nic salt vs freebase. Let’s get into understanding them!

Freebase is the standard type of nicotine that’s been used in vape flavours for years. It is a slightly modified version of the nicotine that is in tobacco, and it's designed to hit harder when vaporised. On the plus side, it delivers a more noticeable throat hit, which some vapers really like. On the flip side, that same hit can feel pretty rough, especially if you're using stronger concentrations like 12mg or above.

Chemically, it’s nicotine in its alkaline “free” state, which is why the vapour feels more abrasive at higher strengths. Because of the higher pH, it takes a little longer to reach your bloodstream than salts, so the nicotine buzz builds more gradually.

You’ll often come across freebase in standard vape liquids, particularly in 50/50 blends or thicker high-VG options. It works best with high-powered devices like advanced vape kits, which are built for producing large clouds. If you enjoy a stronger sensation when you inhale and like the feel of dense vapour, you must go for a freebase.

Nicotine salts are made by taking standard nicotine and blending it with a mild acid, usually something like benzoic or citric acid. This changes the way the nicotine behaves in your vape liquid. Instead of hitting harshly, it goes down a lot easier and gets into your system quicker. This lowering of the pH is what makes the vapour feel smoother on the throat, even when you use a high-nic-strength e-liquid, between 10 mg to 20 mg.

For someone using them, the main difference is how smooth they feel, even at higher strengths like 10mg or 20mg. You won’t get that sharp, scratchy sensation at your throat’s back. And because the nicotine absorbs faster, it gives you that quick, familiar rush that’s close to what you’d get from a cigarette. That faster uptake is why nic salts can calm their cravings with just a few puffs. And this near-instant satiation (as compared to freebases) of cravings makes nic salts especially popular for recent ex-smokers.

This is exactly why many people who are trying to stop smoking tend to go for nic salts. You don’t have to vape as often to feel satisfied, and the overall experience feels more like smoking, without actually lighting up. They’re ideal for smaller, low-powered vape kits, such as pod vape kit​ or pen vape.

Their chemistry also gives them a slightly longer shelf life than freebase liquids, so the nicotine stays stable for longer if stored away from heat and light. But these differences in shelf life are largely negligible for a vaper who goes through a bottle of e-liquid within 6 months or so.

Explore our guide on nic salt e liquid if you want to elevate your vaping experience by getting an even closer look at what they are and how they work.

Head-to-Head: Nic Salts vs Freebase

So... Which One Should You Pick?

Still not sure whether to go with nicotine salts or freebase? Here’s how to figure out what can match your vaping style. If you're trying to ditch the ciggies and want something that hits quickly and feels familiar, nic salts might be your new best mate. They're easy to use, don’t burn your throat, and keep cravings in check.

But if you’re after big clouds, strong flavours, and like fiddling with your vape setup, then freebase is still a solid shout. It lets you hold the reins of your vaping experience.

You can also pair freebase with your high-wattage mods if big vapour production and warm flavour are what you are after.

Discover everything you need to know about e-liquids in our detailed guide.

Now, since you have a clear understanding of freebase vs nicotine salt, let’s talk about why pairing the right juice with the right kit actually matters. Here's the quick breakdown:

• Nic Salts: Use them with pod systems, pens, and MTL (mouth-to-lung) kits. Look for coils with a resistance above 1.0 ohms.
• Freebase: Use them with bigger mods and sub-ohm tanks. Coils in the 0.5–1.0 ohm range will do the trick.

If you’re using rebuildable atomisers or building your own coils, freebase is almost always the better match because it handles the higher temperatures without degrading flavour.

Don’t forget about the PG/VG blend:

• 50/50 mixes work with many vape kits and both nicotine types.
• High-VG juices are best for cloud-heavy, sub-ohm freebase vaping.

A higher-PG mix, on the other hand, gives a sharper throat hit and carries flavour more clearly, which is something that pro vapers specifically look for.

A Few Quick Safety Bits You Must Not Forget

• Don’t use nic salts in big, powerful mods, it’ll be way too strong.
• Keep your bottles away from kids and pets. If you feel dizzy or weird after taking a puff, your nicotine level might be too high.
• Stick with brands you trust. Some cheap salts use acids that do not work well with certain coils.
• Store all e-liquids in a cool, dark place to keep both flavour and nicotine strength stable over time.

Alright, let’s bring it home. When it comes to the difference between nicotine salts and freebase, it really depends on what you’re after.

Want a quick hit, less vapour, and something close to smoking? Go for nic salts. Want strong flavour, thick vapour, and more control? Freebase has your back.

Try both if you’re not sure. Mix it up. See what feels right. Step into our online vape store, dive into our huge collection of vape juice, and grab whatever suits you best!