Nic Salts vs Freebase E-Liquid: What’s the Difference?

Nic salts vs freebase is the first choice most adult vapers face when they shop for e-liquid, because the two types behave differently in your device. This guide explains what each one is, how they feel, which devices suit them and how to pick between them. Adults 21+ only.

What is freebase e-liquid?

Freebase nicotine is the traditional form used in e-liquid. It is usually sold at lower strengths, commonly from 0mg to about 12mg, because at higher strengths it can feel harsh in the throat.

Freebase liquids often have a higher VG ratio, such as 70/30 VG/PG. A higher VG mix makes bigger clouds of vapor and suits higher-powered devices such as sub-ohm tanks. You can browse our full range of Freebase E-Base Liquids.

What are nic salts?

Nic salts, short for nicotine salts (read more in what is nic salt), pair nicotine with an acid, commonly benzoic acid. This lowers the pH of the liquid, and it is generally described as feeling smoother at higher strengths. For that reason nic salts are commonly sold at strengths from about 10mg up to 50mg.

Because the strengths are higher, nic salts are normally used in small, low-power devices such as pod systems. Most nic salt liquids use a 50/50 PG/VG blend. You can browse our Salts E-Liquids.

Nic salts vs freebase at a glance

Feature	Freebase	Nic salts
Common strengths	0mg to about 12mg	About 10mg to 50mg
Feel at higher strength	Can feel harsh	Generally described as smoother
Common VG/PG mix	Higher VG, such as 70/30	Often 50/50
Common devices	Sub-ohm tanks and higher-powered kits	Pod systems and low-power devices
Vapor	Larger clouds	Smaller clouds

These are typical ranges, and they vary by brand. Always check the strength and the VG/PG ratio on the product page and the bottle label.

How to choose between nic salts and freebase

• Start with your device. Pod systems and low-power devices usually pair with nic salts. Sub-ohm tanks and higher-powered kits usually pair with freebase. Your device manual says which e-liquid types it supports.
• Check the strength number. A nic salt at 50mg and a freebase at 3mg are not interchangeable. If you are unsure, start with a lower strength.
• Pick your flavor. Both types come in the same flavor families, such as fruit, dessert and menthol, so you can choose by taste once you know your device.

Common questions

Can I use nic salts in a freebase device?

It depends on the device. Many high-powered devices are built for freebase and lower strengths, so check the manual before you use nic salts in one.

Do nic salts and freebase taste different?

The flavor comes mostly from the flavoring, not the nicotine type. The main differences you notice are the feel in the throat and the amount of vapor.

Shop nic salts and freebase at CloudLiquids

Ready to try one? Visit our shop to see every CloudLiquids e-liquid, or go straight to Salts E-Liquids or Freebase E-Base Liquids. Questions about an order? Contact us.

Nicotine is addictive. To learn more about what these products are and how they are regulated, read the FDA’s overview of e-cigarettes, vapes and other electronic nicotine delivery systems.

Adults 21+ only. WARNING: Nicotine is an addictive chemical.