- Support
- Ollie Pringle
- 3 mins read
What Vape Juice Strength Should I Use?
What Vape Juice Strength Should I Use?
One of the most common questions we see at Time2Vape is: “What nicotine strength should I go for?” With so many choices — from 0 mg to 20 mg — it can be tricky to know what’s right.
The truth is, the “right” strength depends on your smoking history, vaping device, and personal comfort. This guide breaks down the basics to help you choose the best vape juice strength for your needs.
Freebase vs Nicotine Salt: Why It Matters
Before jumping into strength, it helps to understand the two main types of e‑liquid nicotine: freebase and nicotine salts (nic salts).
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Nic salts tend to deliver nicotine more smoothly and efficiently — often with less throat irritation — making them ideal for low‑power pod devices.
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Freebase nicotine (often used in 50:50 or higher‑VG e‑liquids) can produce a stronger throat hit and is commonly used in higher‑power devices or sub‑ohm setup.
Because salts and freebase behave differently, the “mg number” doesn’t always directly compare — you need to match nicotine type with device and vaping style.
Your Vaping Profile: Matching Strength to Use
| Vaping Profile | Recommended Nicotine / Type* | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Light user / social user (occasional vape) | 0 mg (freebase) or 3 – 6 mg freebase | Low nicotine; for flavour only Vape Superstore+1 |
| Light smoker / a few cigarettes per day | 5 – 10 mg freebase, or 5–10 mg nic salt | Mild nicotine hit suitable for occasional cravings Vape Superstore+1 |
| Moderate smoker / ex‑smoker switching to vape | 10 – 12 mg freebase or 10–20 mg nic salt | Balanced nicotine delivery, smoother experience getyourkix.com+1 |
| Heavy smoker or high-dependence user | 18 mg freebase (if tolerated) or up to 20 mg nic salt | Strong nicotine delivery, quick satisfaction — nic salts stay smoother even at high strength Black Note+1 |
*Always check what nicotine types are recommended for your device — pods often suit salts, while tanks/sub‑ohm kits often suit freebase.
What Happens if You Get It Wrong?
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Too low: You may find yourself vaping more frequently to satisfy cravings — possibly increasing liquid consumption and cost.
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Too high: The hit may feel harsh or irritating. High-strength freebase nicotine often causes throat irritation. Vape Superstore+1
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Unsuitable nicotine type for device: Freebase in low‑power pod devices can be harsh. Nic salts in sub‑ohm, high-watt devices may feel too strong or unbalanced.
How to Choose — Step by Step
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Check your smoking history: How many cigarettes per day did/do you smoke? Use the table above as a rough guide.
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Pick your device type: Are you using a low‑power pod or a sub‑ohm/mod kit? That will guide whether you should use salts or freebase.
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Start conservatively: If unsure, begin with a mid‑strength nic salt (e.g. 10 mg) — you can always step up or down.
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Evaluate how you feel: Harsh throat hit? Step down. Unsatisfied cravings? Try a slightly higher strength (or nic salt if on freebase).
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Adjust over time: As cravings decrease (or you sleep better, drink more water, etc.), consider gradually lowering nicotine strength to reduce dependence.
Why Time2Vape’s Range Makes This Easy
At Time2Vape, we stock both nic salt and freebase e‑liquids across a wide spectrum of strengths — from 0 mg up to 20 mg — giving you all the flexibility you need to dial in what works. And because we also carry a range of pod kits and sub‑ohm devices, you can match the nicotine type to the right hardware, avoiding mismatches that lead to harsh hits or wasted liquid.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right nicotine strength isn’t just about what “mg” sounds strong — it’s about matching your device, habits and goals. Get that balance right, and vaping becomes smoother, more satisfying, and more sustainable long‑term.
Browse our full collection today — find a flavour you love, pick the right strength, and match it to the right kit. With Time2Vape, you’ve got the flexibility to vape smarter.