Nicotine Salts vs Freebase: Which Vape Juice Is Right for You?

Nic Salts vs Freebase

If you've browsed vape juices, you've seen both nicotine salt and freebase options. Here's the difference.

Freebase Nicotine

• The original form used in vaping
• Harsher throat hit at higher concentrations
• Better for sub-ohm devices (big clouds)
• Typical strengths: 3mg, 6mg, 12mg
• Slower absorption = more gradual satisfaction

Nicotine Salts

• Modified with benzoic acid for smoother delivery
• Smooth even at high concentrations (50mg)
• Designed for pod systems and disposables
• Typical strengths: 20mg, 35mg, 50mg
• Faster absorption = quicker satisfaction

Which Is Better?

Neither — they serve different purposes:

• Freebase is for cloud chasers and experienced vapers with sub-ohm setups
• Nic salts are for convenience, portability, and people transitioning from cigarettes

Device Pairing

• Freebase: Box mods, sub-ohm tanks, RDAs
• Nic salts: Pod systems, disposables, low-wattage devices

Important Note

Never use nic salt juice in a sub-ohm device — the nicotine concentration is dangerously high for that delivery method.

For Retailers

Stock both, but know your customer base. Most disposable-focused shops sell primarily nic salt products. Shops with a hobbyist crowd need freebase options too.