Nic salts are the go-to for many right now with their smooth delivery and higher nicotine strengths. However, the original form of nicotine, known as freebase, is still positioned in the market as the convenient, strong throat hit vape.
At VSAVI, we specialise in premium-quality freebase vape juice, including our Platinum e-liquid range, in addition to unique and bold 100% VG e-liquids for those with PG allergies. But with so many brands pushing nic salts lately, following the rapid rise and quick decline of disposables, many vapers are wondering: Is freebase still worth it?
In this guide, we’ll compare freebase nicotine to nic salts based on user feedback and industry trends, so you can choose the best setup of vape juice for your preferred kit.
What Is Freebase Nicotine? (And Why VSAVI’s Platinum Is Different)
Freebase nicotine is the original form of nicotine used in e-liquids, made by refining nicotine into its purest state. Many loved it initially for its likeness to cigarettes in terms of sensation. VSAVI’s Platinum Freebase Vape Juice, which has been tried, tested and a bestseller for years, takes this further with:
- 99.9% pharmaceutical-grade nicotine
- High-purity ingredients
- Tobacco-free nicotine options
- Tailored nicotine strengths: 6mg, 12mg, 18mg
- 0% nicotine options in 14 different flavours
- Highly tailored flavours to tobacco and menthol
Most freebase vape juice on the market is made for the classic throat hit and nicotine delivery like smoking in budget-friendly vape kits or cigalikes. VSAVI Platinum is different. Crafted for cleaner, consistent MTL vaping with a focus on throat hit with high-quality flavourings and transparent ingredients.
You pay a little extra for nic salts, but with them, you get that premium delivery of nicotine in a wider range of nicotine strengths than nic salts, which are typically 20mg or 10mg only.
With the Vsavi range, what differentiates it from other nic salt brands is the larger collection of tobacco, mint and menthol flavours that are available. For those switching from smoking who are not sold on vaping bubblegum or strawberry candy-inspired flavours, it is the next step replacement.
So, whether you are a heavy smoker or casual smoker, you can choose a high 18mg down to a low 6mg option to suit how much you need to vape per day and reduce your frequency when the time is right accordingly. Finally, for habit and habit alone, you can vape a 0mg freebase vape liquid.
What Are Nic Salts?
Nic salts are a modern version of nicotine, made by bonding nicotine with an acid (usually benzoic acid). This lowers the pH level, resulting in:
- A smoother throat hit
- Faster nicotine absorption
- Compatibility with low-wattage pod kits
Made popular by their use in disposables or compact vape pods, they come in high nicotine strengths like 20mg or 10mg (UK TPD limits). The addition of an acidic compound creates a smoother texture and reduces harshness on the throat, which some vapers may prefer after smoking or switching from disposables to freebase.
Another important factor is the release of nicotine. Freebase is slower and more gradual, which some may like for a steady release throughout the day. Oppositely, nic salts are a quick release of nicotine into the bloodstream, but harsh at high doses.
The Surge in Popularity for Nic Salts
An interest in nic salts developed with the introduction of 2ml all-in-one disposable vapes to the market. Easy to use and subtle in flavour, the base of nicotine salt provided a smooth and steady flavour. Importantly, it could be vaped less frequently to still deliver a high nicotine hit.
Nic salts deliver to satisfy cravings at a faster rate. When you are at work and only have a 5-minute break, a quick vape on a nic salt e-liquid hits the spot, but it's not as long-lasting. This created a surge in popularity, but despite higher strengths, it meant that many people quickly used a 600-puff device in one or two days and disposed of the battery, a concern for the environment.
Now, to replace this initial offering, you can find 20mg or 10mg nic salt e-liquids that can be refilled in your favourite device or opt for a big puff vape. More puffs at a better value.
Why Some Vapers Still Prefer Freebase Over Nic Salts
The interesting thing about the vape market is that everyone has a different preference, need to vape and stage of the journey. If an adult previously heavily smoked but no longer wants tobacco flavours, fruity nic salts will quickly help you regain your sense of taste.
However, many switch from cigarettes and prefer tobacco flavours and find the freebase taste to be a more "measured" and "satisfying" experience. Everyone feels different, so it is impossible to say there is a one-size-fits-all answer to whether you will like freebase more than nic salts. As one Vsavi Platinum customer told us in a recent review:
“VSAVI Platinum is the only juice I’ve found that gives a proper throat hit without tasting artificial.” – Verified VSAVI customer.
With previously popular ‘disposable flavours’, they use a high concentration of sweeteners. The ingredients can sometimes be too mild or sugary, which impacts the flavour profile. And because you only have two nicotine strengths (10mg and 20mg), this big difference and lack of options can drastically impact taste, too.
Freebase Pros:
- More precise control over nicotine intake
- Stronger throat hit for ex-smokers
- Available in lower nicotine strengths
- Works with refillable MTL tanks for long-term savings
Freebase Cons (Compared to Nic Salts):
- It may feel harsher at high strengths (especially for beginners)
- Slower to satisfy nicotine cravings if you're used to disposables
When Are Nic Salts Better Than Freebase?
Nic salts are ideal if:
- You're switching straight from smoking or disposables.
- You need rapid nicotine relief with minimal throat irritation. Sometimes you can not get high enough in nicotine without the stronger throat hit.
But even then, many vapers return to freebase nicotine after building a tolerance to nic salts or wanting more flavour variety and control. The higher dose of nic salts with a smoother texture is easier to vape but tends to increase the addiction to vaping nicotine compared to freebase.
Are Nic Salts ‘Safer’ Than Freebase Vape Juice?
This question is often asked by vapers, but there is no concrete evidence to suggest one is safer than another.
Comparing the two, nicotine salts are smoother, so there are fewer issues with the throat for many, but you are vaping more nicotine (which carries its side effects).
Plus, you are vaping an acidic compound. In contrast, freebase nicotine is purer in format, but for some vapers, it can lead to more throat irritation.
What the Reddit Crowd Says About Freebase vs Nic Salts
A good indicator of how market trends change can be seen on Reddit, where many of the large vaping community discussions often highlight personal tolerance, preferences and favourite e-liquids and nicotine types. Some users feel that nic salts deliver too much too fast, leading to accidental overuse.
Others appreciate that freebase allows for longer sessions without overdoing the nicotine.
After the disposable vape ban, many turn to similar prefilled or refillable pod kits that support nic salts. This is simply because it is a more familiar transition. It was the same when vaping first started.
Many quit smoking because vaping was a more tolerable and likely way to stop smoking vs other smoking cessation aids such as nicotine gum, patches or sprays. Notably, users switching from disposables often say nic salts feel familiar, especially in 10mg or 20mg pods.
VSAVI’s Final Verdict: Why Freebase Is Still the Gold Standard
Nic salts have a place, especially for new vapers or those who rely on disposable vapes, but VSAVI Platinum freebase vape juice remains the go-to for those who want:
- A cleaner throat hit
- A slower, longer-lasting vape
- A range of classic flavours with subtle complexity
- Full control over nicotine reduction over time
- Fewer sweeteners are used in each flavour
- More tobacco and menthol options
Try the Difference for Yourself
Explore our bestselling Platinum e-liquid range, available in classic flavours like:
- VSAVI Tobacco 12mg
- VSAVI Menthol 18mg
- VSAVI Cherry 6mg
If you're not ready to commit, grab a Platinum E-Liquid Sample Pack and experience the VSAVI difference across strengths.
- What’s better, nic salts or freebase? Freebase is ideal for longer vaping sessions, better flavour, and a stronger throat hit. Nic salts are better for fast nicotine relief and smoother inhales.
- Best e-liquid for throat hit? VSAVI Platinum freebase (12mg or 18mg) offers the most satisfying hit for ex-smokers.
Still Not Sure? Experiment Between the Two
After our feedback from reviews, our in-house experts and common knowledge of the differences between the two, you may still be stumped. Vapers are given plenty of options in nicotine strength, flavour profile and brands. Add freebase or nic salt types to the basket and you have a mix with different profiles.
Many vapers carry two devices: a pod kit with nic salts for fast cravings away from the house, at work or parties, and a kit with freebase for relaxing at home or a steady release of nicotine.
Should you still be undecided, there is no harm in trying both. Mix and match. Use trial and error to find your favourite that helps you quit smoking, switch from disposables effortlessly and continue your nicotine habit until you are ready to stop.
Remember, with Vsavi, there is also the nic salt range at 20mg to compare with freebase to see if you have a go-to, allowing you to test what suits your needs.
At Vsavi, should you have any further questions or thoughts, we are always here to listen. Drop us an email or give us a call and we can help you find the perfect e-liquid and vape kit pairing to reduce the chances of confusion and simplify the process and cost.
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