E-liquid comes in a few different formats, and the names can be confusing when you are new. This article explains nic salt vs freebase vs shortfill in simple terms, so you know what to buy for your device. Vaping is for adults who already smoke or use nicotine.
The Short Version
- Nic salt: smooth nicotine, small 10ml bottles, best in low-power pod kits.
- Freebase: the older style of nicotine, a harsher throat hit, usually used in higher-power devices.
- Shortfill: large bottles of nicotine-free e-liquid with room to add nicotine shots yourself.
What Is Nic Salt?
Nic salt e-liquid contains nicotine in a salt form that is absorbed smoothly. It feels gentler on the throat than freebase, even at 20mg/ml, which is the UK maximum. Nic salts usually have a 50/50 VG/PG ratio and are sold in 10ml bottles, as required by the TRPR. They are designed for low-power, mouth-to-lung (MTL) devices such as refillable pod kits.
Popular ranges include Zeus Juice Strawberry Kiwi 10mg, Bar Juice 5000 Strawberry Kiwi 10mg and Juice Head Strawberry Kiwi 20mg. Browse the whole nic salt category, or read our best nic salt e-liquids guide.
What Is Freebase Nicotine?
Freebase is the traditional form of nicotine used in e-liquid. It has a sharper throat hit, which is why freebase is usually sold at lower strengths. It is more common in higher-power devices that produce larger clouds. We focus on nic salts and shortfills at Shoppers Vape Mart, because they suit the compact refillable kits most UK vapers now use.
What Is a Shortfill?
A shortfill is a large bottle of nicotine-free e-liquid. A typical “100ml” shortfill comes in a 120ml bottle, so there is 20ml of empty space. This is a legal workaround: UK rules limit bottles of nicotine-containing e-liquid to 10ml, but nicotine-free bottles can be larger. If you want nicotine, you add nicotine shots (sold separately) to the free space and shake the bottle. Our step-by-step shortfill mixing guide covers this in detail.
Shortfills are usually made for sub-ohm tanks, with a higher VG ratio for big clouds. Examples include Zeus Juice Blue Raspberry 100ml Shortfill, IVG Blue Raspberry 100ml Shortfill and Nasty Juice Blue Raspberry 100ml Shortfill. The full range lives under shortfills.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose nic salt if you use a pod kit
If you use a small refillable device such as the Dotmod DotPod Plus Kit or the Snowwolf A-Feng Pod Kit, nic salt is the best match. Our pod kit range lists compatible options.
Choose a shortfill if you use a sub-ohm tank
Shortfills suit people with sub-ohm tanks who go through a lot of liquid and want to control the final nicotine strength. If you do not want nicotine, you can vape them as they come.
Consider DIY concentrates for full control
Experienced mixers can make their own e-liquid from flavour concentrates, a VG/PG base and an optional nicotine shot. See Dampflion Checkmate Blue Pawn and Dampflion Checkmate Knight’s Gambit in the DIY concentrates category. Concentrates must never be vaped undiluted.
Strength Differences to Remember
Strength is shown in mg/ml. A 10mg nic salt is a moderate strength, and 20mg is the maximum. A shortfill with two 18mg shots ends up at roughly 3mg, which is far lower. That is why comparing bottles by strength matters more than by type. Our nicotine strength guide helps you pick.
Cost, Convenience and Flavour
Price per millilitre is usually lowest with shortfills, because you are buying a larger bottle. Nic salts cost more per millilitre but are sold in small bottles that are easy to carry and ideal for topping up a pod during the day. A common pattern is to keep a small nic salt bottle for out and about and a larger shortfill at home for a sub-ohm tank.
Flavour is similar across formats, since the same flavour families appear in each. If you enjoy Zeus Juice Mango Peach 100ml Shortfill in a tank, you can often find the same flavour name in a nic salt such as Zeus Juice Mango Peach 10mg for your pod kit. The fruit-focused descriptions in our flavour guide will help you pick.
Storage and Safety
Whichever format you use, store bottles upright, away from heat and sunlight, and out of reach of children and pets. Wipe the bottle neck after filling so that it does not leak in a bag. Label any bottle you have mixed yourself with the date and strength so that you never confuse it with another bottle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use nic salt in a sub-ohm tank?
It is not recommended. Nic salts are designed for low-power devices, and high-power use can deliver more nicotine than intended.
Can I use a shortfill in a pod kit?
Many shortfills are thick and made for sub-ohm tanks. Check your pod’s guidance before using one.
Is a shortfill nicotine-free?
Yes, it is supplied at 0mg. Nicotine only enters the mix if you add shots.
Browse everything in our e-liquids and shortfills range or return to the shop. You must be 18 or over to buy.
Related guides: DIY e-liquid concentrates guide and comparing the same nic salt flavour across brands.