How to Choose the Right E-Liquid for Your Vape

The Complete Beginner's Guide 

Choosing the right e-liquid can completely transform your vaping experience. Whether you're brand new to vaping or simply trying to find a smoother, more satisfying option, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make the best choice.

What Is E-Liquid? 

E-liquid (also called vape juice or vapor liquid) is the fluid used in vape devices to produce vapor. It contains four main ingredients: propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), flavoring, and nicotine (optional). 

PG vs VG: 

•  PG (Propylene Glycol): Carries flavor better, gives stronger throat hit 

•  VG (Vegetable Glycerin): Thicker, smoother, produces more vapor 

Some juices are 50/50 blends; others like 70/30 VG/PG are tailored for sub-ohm cloud chasing. 

Types of E-Liquids: Salt vs Freebase 

When shopping for e-liquids, you'll come across two main types based on how the nicotine is formulated: Salt Nicotine and Freebase Nicotine. Both are available in various nicotine strengths and are suited for different types of devices and experiences. 

•  Salt Nicotine E-Liquids: Smoother at high nicotine levels, absorbs faster, ideal for low-power pod systems. 

•  Freebase Nicotine E-Liquids: Stronger throat hit, cleaner flavor at lower strengths, best for high-wattage devices. 

Let’s break down the differences in more detail below: 

Freebase Nicotine vs Salt Nicotine 

Freebase Nicotine: 

•  Traditional nicotine used in most early vape liquids
•  Stronger throat hit at higher levels
•  Best for high-wattage mod devices 

Salt Nicotine: 

•  Modified nicotine that allows for smoother, higher-strength vaping
•  Absorbs faster into the bloodstream
•  Best for low-wattage pod systems 

Quick Rule of Thumb: 

• ≤30W = Use Salt Nicotine (10mg–55mg)
• ≥30W = Use Freebase Nicotine (3mg–12mg) 

Still unsure which to choose?

If you’re switching from cigarettes, Salt Nic might give you the quickest satisfaction you need. If you're vaping for flavor and big clouds, Freebase is likely your best bet. 

[Read more about Freebase vs Salt Nicotine ➔] 

What Is Synthetic Nicotine? 

Synthetic nicotine refers to nicotine that is not extracted from tobacco plants. Instead, it is produced in a laboratory, resulting in a purer and more neutral compound. The most common types you'll see mentioned are TFN (Tobacco-Free Nicotine) and ZFN (Zero Tobacco Nicotine), but for most users, the important distinction is between synthetic vs tobacco-derived nicotine. 

Here’s a simple breakdown: 

Which should you choose? 

•  Choose Synthetic Nicotine if you care about flavor purity, a smoother inhale, or avoiding tobacco residue. 

•  Choose Tobacco-Derived Nicotine if you're used to traditional vape juices or looking for a more economical option. 

Types of Synthetic Nicotine E-Liquids 

Not all synthetic vape juices are the same. They come in different formats depending on how you vape and what experience you’re looking for: 

Always check the label to see both the type of nicotine (synthetic or tobacco-derived) and the form (salt or freebase), to make sure it fits your device and needs. 

How to Match E-Liquid to Your Device 

What Nicotine Strength Should You Use? 

• 20–50mg (Salt Nic): Ideal for smokers switching to vaping
• 6mg (Freebase): Good for moderate nicotine intake
• 3mg (Freebase): Light, smooth, ideal for flavor chasers
• 0–1.5mg: Best for vapers who just want the flavor without the buzz 

If you're unsure, start low and increase gradually. 

[Learn how to choose nicotine strength ➔] 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing E-Liquids

Choosing the wrong e-liquid for your device can lead to poor performance, wasted coils—or worse, a very unpleasant vaping experience. Here are some of the most common mistakes new vapers make and how to avoid them:

1. Using High-Nicotine Salt E-Liquids in High-Wattage Devices
What Happens: Excessive throat hit, nausea, dizziness, or even coil burn.
Why: Salt Nic is designed for low-wattage pod systems. Using it in a sub-ohm or mod device delivers too much nicotine at once.

Fix: Always match Salt Nic (20–50mg) with pod systems below 30W.

2. Using High-VG E-Liquids in Low-Power Pod Devices
What Happens: Poor wicking, burnt taste, clogged coils.
Why: VG is thick and requires high-wattage, fast-heating coils to vaporize properly.

Fix: Use 50/50 PG/VG blends for small pod devices. Save 70/30 or max VG for sub-ohm mods.

3. Choosing the Wrong Nicotine Strength
What Happens: Too strong? You might feel dizzy or get a sore throat. Too weak? You might feel unsatisfied and overuse your device.

Fix: 

• New to vaping or quitting smoking? Start with 20–30mg Salt Nic.
• Light smoker or flavor-focused user? Try 3–6mg Freebase.

4. Ignoring Coil Resistance
What Happens: Burnt coils, leaking, or underwhelming vapor production.
Why: Not all coils are compatible with all e-liquid types or nicotine strengths.

Fix:

• Coils ≥ 0.8Ω = Salt Nic
• Coils ≤ 0.5Ω = Freebase
• Hybrid device? Check your coil type before switching liquids.

Pro Tip:
Always check your device manual or coil specifications before trying a new e-liquid. If you're ever unsure, ask your vape shop or reach out to us for guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q: Can I use Salt Nic in my mod device?
A: No. Salt Nic is too strong for high-power mods. Stick with Freebase. 

Q: Is synthetic nicotine safer than tobacco-derived nicotine?
A: Not necessarily safer, but it offers a cleaner, more refined experience. 

Q: What PG/VG ratio should I look for?
A: 50/50 for pods, 70/30 for mods. 

Q: What is coil resistance and why does it matter?
A: Coil resistance affects how much power your device uses. Lower resistance (<0.6Ω) is best for Freebase and big clouds. Higher resistance (≥0.8Ω) works better with Salt Nic and smaller devices. 

Q: There’s Freebase, Salt, TFN, ZFN, and different ratios—how do I even start choosing?
A: Start with your device: pod = Salt Nic, mod = Freebase. Then pick a nicotine strength based on your smoking history. If flavor is a top priority, try TFN options. When in doubt, check our pairing guide above or contact us for help. 

Q: Still Can’t Decide? Try Both!
A: Many vapers start with Salt Nic for the smoother transition, then move to Freebase once they’re more experienced and want to explore flavors or bigger clouds. 

You don’t have to pick just one—just make sure the e-liquid you choose matches your device and coil. 

Q: Can I switch between Salt Nic and Freebase on the same device?
A: Only if your device supports both high and low resistance coils. For example, hybrid pod-mods like the Smok RPM or Voopoo Vinci allow you to swap coils. A 0.4Ω coil or lower typically works best with Freebase e-liquid, while a 0.8Ω or higher coil is ideal for Salt Nic. 

Always check your coil specs before switching! 

[See more FAQs ➔] 

Shop by Category 

• [Shop Salt Nic E-Liquids ➔] 

• [Shop Freebase E-Liquids ➔] 

• [Shop TFN/Synthetic E-Liquids ➔] 

Final Tip: Always double-check your device's recommended wattage and coil type. Using the wrong type of e-liquid can lead to burnt coils or an unsatisfying vape. Not sure? Reach out to our team—we’re happy to help! 

[Browse all e-liquids now ➔]