Nicotine Strength Guide – Find the Right Level for You
Switching from smoking to vaping is one of the best decisions you can make for your health, but one of the biggest questions new vapers face is, 'What nicotine strength do I need?'
Pick a level that’s too weak, and you may find yourself craving cigarettes again. Choose one that’s too strong, and you could feel dizzy or uncomfortable. That’s why finding your sweet spot is so important.
This page covers everything you need to know about nicotine strengths in the UK, from the legal limits to choosing the right level for your smoking history to the difference between freebase and nic salts. By the end, you’ll feel confident picking an e-liquid strength that keeps you satisfied and helps you stay smoke-free.
What Are the Nicotine Strength Options in the UK?
In the UK, e-liquids are regulated under the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations (TRPR). These rules cap the maximum nicotine strength at 20 mg/ml. Anything above that, such as the 50 mg nic salts, is not legal here.
The nicotine strengths you’ll commonly find include:
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3mg – 6mg: Light nicotine levels, often chosen by casual smokers or those smoking up to 5 cigarettes per day.
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10mg – 12mg: A mid-range option that works well for people who smoke around 10–15 cigarettes a day.
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18mg – 20mg: The strongest legal strengths, ideal for heavy smokers who want a satisfying alternative to cigarettes.
Explore our E-Liquid Collection to see every strength we stock.
How Do I Choose the Right Nicotine Strength When Switching from Smoking?
A simple rule of thumb: your cigarettes per day can guide your starting nicotine level.
Visual guide suggestion (cigarettes/day → mg recommendation):
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1–5 cigarettes/day → 3mg–6mg
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6–10 cigarettes/day → 6mg–10mg
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11–15 cigarettes/day → 10mg–12mg
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16–20 cigarettes/day → 12mg–18mg
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20+ cigarettes/day → 18mg–20mg
Think of this as a starting point, not a rulebook. If it feels too weak or too strong, adjust until cravings stay away without discomfort.
Nic salts are a smoother choice if you need higher strengths. Check out our Starter Kits for easy transitions.
Freebase Nicotine vs Nic Salts – What’s the Difference?
When you browse e-liquids, you’ll see two main types of nicotine:
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Freebase nicotine: This is the classic type you’ll find in most e-liquids. It gives a stronger throat hit and works best at lower strengths—around 3mg to 12mg. Many experienced vapers enjoy it for that punchy, satisfying feel.
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Nicotine salts (nic salts): These are made a bit differently, letting you vape higher strengths—10mg to 20mg, without the harsh throat hit. Nic salts deliver nicotine more smoothly, giving a sensation closer to smoking a cigarette.
Want to experience the difference? Shop our Nic Salt E-Liquids for a smooth, satisfying switch.
What Happens If I Pick the Wrong Nicotine Strength?
Finding the right strength often requires a bit of trial and error. Here’s what can happen if you get it wrong:
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Too low? You’ll feel unsatisfied, vape constantly, or crave cigarettes.
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Too high? You may feel dizzy, get headaches, or find the throat hit too harsh.
The sweet spot is a balance: enough nicotine to keep cravings away, without leaving you uncomfortable. Most smokers find they settle into the right range after trying one or two strengths.
Can I Reduce My Nicotine Strength Over Time?
Yes, and many people do. Vaping makes it easier to step down gradually. A common approach is:
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Start higher – match your cigarette habit
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Step down slowly – move to 12mg, then 6mg over time.
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End goal – eventually use 0mg e-liquids if you want to quit nicotine altogether
This flexible approach is one of vaping’s biggest advantages. You’re in control of your nicotine journey, whether you want to stay at a comfortable level or taper down to nothing.
Check out our E-Liquids and Reusable Vapes to support your vaping journey.
What About Different Device Types and Nicotine Strengths?
Your device makes a big difference in how nicotine feels.
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Pod systems and starter kits: Best with 10mg–20mg nic salts or 50/50 e-liquids. They deliver nicotine efficiently and mimic the feel of smoking.
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Sub-ohm kits and mods: These produce large vapour clouds, so they’re paired with lower nicotine (3mg–6mg high-VG e-liquids). Stronger nicotine would feel overwhelming with this style of vaping.
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Pen-style kits: These sit somewhere in between, working well with mid-strength 6mg–12mg e-liquids.
Upgrading your device? Adjust your nicotine strength to match. Check out our Vape Kits for comparisons.
Why Shop with VapesDirect?
We’re here to make your switch as smooth as possible:
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Authenticity guarantee – only genuine, UK-compliant products.
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Wide range – from nic salts to e-liquids and starter kits.
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Expert support – clear guidance like this to help you choose confidently.
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Fast delivery – same-day dispatch for orders placed before 2pm.
Start your journey today with our E-Liquids or Reusable Vape Kits.
FAQs About Nicotine Strength
1. I smoke 20 a day; what nicotine strength should I start with?
If you’re a heavy smoker (20+ cigarettes a day), start with 18mg–20mg. Nic salts are smoother at these higher levels, so they give you the strength you need without feeling too harsh.
2. How do I know if I’ve picked the wrong strength?
Here are the signs:
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Too weak: You’re still craving or vaping constantly.
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Too strong: You might feel dizzy, get a headache, or find the throat hit uncomfortable.
The right strength is the one that keeps cravings under control without side effects.
3. What’s the difference between freebase and nic salts?
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Freebase → Harsher throat hit, works best at lower strengths (3mg–12mg).
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Nic salts → Much smoother, even at higher strengths (10mg–20mg), so they feel closer to smoking.
If you’re switching from cigarettes, nic salts are often the easiest choice.
4. Can I use nicotine-free (0mg) e-liquid?
Yes, 0mg e-liquids are legal and widely available. They’re great if you want to enjoy flavour without nicotine or if you’re gradually stepping down your intake. Many vapers use them as a final stage when quitting nicotine altogether.
5. Can I mix different strengths?
Yes. Many vapers do this, for example, using stronger nic salts during the day and lighter freebase in the evening. It’s all about finding what fits your routine.