Freebase vs Nicotine Salt E‑Liquid: What’s the Difference and Which Should You Choose?
Until a few years ago, vapers didn’t think about the type of nicotine they used - because there was only one.
Then nicotine salts arrived, and suddenly we had to decide whether to use a salt or a freebase e-liquid.
If you find that confusing, this post is for you. You can find an explanation of what salts and freebase are, how they differ and which will be best for your vaping style.
What is freebase nicotine?
In a nutshell: The original, unbound form of nicotine used in most early e-liquids, with a cigarette-like throat hit.
Tell me more: Freebase nicotine has been used since the 1960s, originally by the tobacco industry. It involves taking nicotine in its purest form, and then adding ammonia to make it absorbable by the body.
At higher nicotine strengths, freebase nicotine gives a stronger hit on the back of the throat, making it suitable for vapers looking to replicate the experience of smoking.
Freebase e-liquids are often preferred by Direct-Lung (DL) vapers using powerful devices. However, many of these e-liquids contain lower nicotine levels and a high VG base, which makes the throat hit much gentler.
Learn more: The Vaper’s Guide to Throat Hit
Popular freebase brands: Halo Vapour Co. | Vampire Vape
What are nicotine salts?
In a nutshell: A smoother form of nicotine found naturally in tobacco leaves, ideal for higher strengths without harshness.
Tell me more: Nicotine salts are the original form of nicotine found in the tobacco leaf. To recreate nicotine salts for vaping, nicotine is bonded with an organic benzoic or salicylic acid.
The process lowers the pH of the nicotine, creating a gentler throat hit. The throat hit does depend on the nicotine content, and the difference is more noticeable at higher nicotine levels.
Nicotine salts for vape devices were originally created by Juul to enable them to deliver high strength e-liquid without a harsh throat hit. Juul also claimed that nicotine salts are absorbed by the body more quickly than freebase. Not everyone agrees - for example, nicotine expert Dr Houzec argues that there is no absorption difference between nicotine salts and freebase. It is also possible that a smoother throat sensation leads to deeper inhaling, giving a more noticeable nicotine hit, thus providing the illusion that the nicotine is absorbed more quickly.
The adoption of salts by brands such as Elf Bar and Lost Mary in their disposable devices further popularised this type of nicotine. Nowadays, 10ml nic salts often mimic the taste of disposable vapes, with stronger, sweeter flavours than typically found with freebase e-liquids.
Learn more: What are Nic Salts? A Beginner’s Guide
Popular Salts Brands: Elfliq | Halo Max | Elux
Freebase vs nicotine salts: In‑depth comparison
| Feature | Freebase Nicotine | Nicotine Salts |
| Throat Hit | Stronger, harsher at higher nicotine levels | Smooth, gentle |
| Absorption Speed* | Slower* | Quicker (30 to 40% faster)* |
| Device Fit | Can be used in any device | Ideal for low‑wattage pod systems |
| Flavour Profile | Often subtler, suitable for all-day-vaping | Modern bar salts are often stronger and sweeter. |
| Nicotine Strengths | Typically up to 18 mg/ml | Often available up to 20 mg/ml – still smooth |
*As noted above, this is controversial
Help me choose!
Match the effect you want from your vape to the type of nicotine you should use.
| Effect you want | Nicotine you should use |
| Strong throat hit/replicate smoking | Freebase with higher nicotine levels |
| Smooth throat hit | Nic salts OR freebase with lower nicotine levels and VG:PG 70:30 base |
| Strong nicotine hit | Nicotine salts at up to 2% nicotine |
| Strong, sweet flavours | Modern bar salts such as Halo Max and Elfliq |
| Direct-lung inhale/cloud chasing | Freebase with a high VG base such as Halo Shortfills. |
You don’t have to stick to one type of nicotine either - I frequently switch between salts and freebase, depending on what I fancy that day!
TLDR
Use nicotine salts for a smooth throat hit even at higher nicotine levels. Choose freebase for a stronger throat hit at higher nicotine levels.
FAQs
Can I use freebase in a pod system?
Yes, and nic salts too.
Is freebase stronger than nic salts?
No, the nicotine strength is determined by the amount of nicotine in e-liquid, not by the type of nicotine used. However, many vapers believe that nicotine salts deliver nicotine more quickly than freebase, making it feel stronger than freebase. It may also feel stronger because the smooth throat hit can lead to deeper inhalation.