10mg vs 20mg Nic Salt — Which Strength Is Right for You?

Temple of Vape Team · July 23, 2026

Nic salts almost always come in two strengths in the UK: 10mg and 20mg (that's 1.0% and 2.0%). Picking the right one is the single biggest factor in whether vaping satisfies you — so it's worth getting right from day one.

First, why nic salts?

Nic salt e-liquid delivers nicotine smoothly, without the harsh throat hit that higher-strength freebase gives. That smoothness is exactly what makes 20mg tolerable — and what makes nic salts the go-to for people switching from cigarettes. They're designed for small, tight-drawing pod kits, not big cloud machines.

20mg — for heavier smokers

20mg is the maximum strength allowed in the UK and the right starting point if you:

Smoked around 10+ cigarettes a day.
Reached for a cigarette first thing in the morning.
Tried a lower strength and still craved a real cigarette.

It hits quickly and satisfies a strong craving — which is what stops you slipping back to smoking in the first week.

10mg — for lighter or social smokers

10mg suits you if you:

Smoked fewer than 10 a day, or were a roll-up/social smoker.
Found 20mg a bit much or slightly harsh.
Have been vaping a while and are stepping your strength down (a good sign).

How to tell you've got it right

You're on the correct strength when a few minutes of vaping settles a craving and you stop thinking about cigarettes. Signs to adjust:

Still craving, vaping constantly? Go up to 20mg (or check your kit is right for switching).
Headachy, harsh, slightly queasy? That's too much nicotine — drop to 10mg.

For the fuller picture across all strengths and formats, see our beginner nicotine strength guide.

The long game: stepping down

Plenty of people start at 20mg, settle, then move to 10mg after a few months as their cravings ease. Some later explore lower-nicotine or even 0mg vaping. There's no rush — the priority is staying off cigarettes.