Updated August 2026 · The E-Cig Store · 6‑minute read

5mg vs 10mg vs 20mg Nic Salts: Complete UK Strength Comparison (2026)

Choosing the right nic salt strength can make a big difference to your vaping experience. Go too low, and you may find yourself reaching for your vape more often. Go too high, and the nicotine can feel uncomfortable. The good news is that UK vapers have several options, including 5mg, 10mg and 20mg nicotine salts, making it easier to find a strength that suits your needs.

But what is the actual difference between them, and which strength works best with a refillable pod kit? In this guide we compare 5mg vs 10mg vs 20mg nic salts, explain what each strength means, and look at how your choice of vape replacement pods can affect flavour, vapour and the overall experience.

5mg vs 10mg vs 20mg Nic Salts: At a Glance

In simple terms: 5mg = lower strength, 10mg = medium strength, 20mg = higher strength.

What Do 5mg, 10mg and 20mg Nic Salts Mean?

The number on your nic salt bottle refers to the amount of nicotine in each millilitre of e-liquid:

• 5mg = 5mg of nicotine per ml
• 10mg = 10mg of nicotine per ml
• 20mg = 20mg of nicotine per ml

A 10ml bottle of 5mg e-liquid therefore contains 50mg of nicotine, while a 10ml bottle of 20mg contains 200mg. This does not mean you absorb all of that nicotine when vaping — actual intake varies depending on your device, pod resistance, power, puff length and vaping habits. The UK legal maximum for consumer nicotine-containing e-liquid is currently 20mg/ml (2%).

5mg Nic Salts: What Are They Like?

5mg nic salts contain 5mg of nicotine per millilitre, making them the lowest of the three strengths in this guide. They can suit adult vapers who prefer a lower nicotine level or those gradually reducing their intake, and can also make sense if you find stronger nic salts uncomfortable.

5mg nic salts may suit:

• Adult vapers who prefer lower nicotine strengths
• People who have already reduced their nicotine intake
• Light nicotine users
• Vapers who find 10mg or 20mg too strong

The E-Cig Store lists 5mg nic salts across selected products and brands, including Elux Legend and Lost Mary nic salt products.

10mg Nic Salts: The Middle Ground

If 5mg feels too low but 20mg seems too strong, 10mg nic salts sit directly between the two. At 10mg/ml they contain twice the concentration of 5mg and half that of 20mg, making them a useful option for adult vapers who want a moderate strength without moving straight to 20mg.

10mg nic salts may suit:

• Moderate nicotine users
• Adult vapers who find 20mg too strong
• Regular pod users
• People who want a balance between nicotine level and frequent vaping

The E-Cig Store stocks a wide selection of 10mg nic salt e-liquids, including Feast Treats, Crystal Bar Salts, Riot X and Elux Legend products. Many 50/50 nic salt products are available in both 10mg and 20mg strengths, giving customers an easy way to compare the two.

20mg Nic Salts: The Strongest Standard UK Option

20mg nic salts contain 20mg of nicotine per millilitre — the highest standard nicotine strength permitted for consumer e-liquid under current UK rules. This strength is often chosen by adult vapers who prefer a stronger nicotine level and want to use a smaller amount of e-liquid. 20mg nic salts are particularly common in pod kits and low-powered vape devices.

20mg nic salts may suit:

• Adult vapers who prefer higher nicotine strengths
• Experienced nicotine users
• Vapers who prefer fewer or shorter vaping sessions
• Pod kit users looking for a higher-strength e-liquid

The E-Cig Store has a dedicated Elux Legend 20mg Nic Salts collection, while its wider nic salt range includes numerous 20mg options from brands such as Feast Treats, Crystal Bar Salts, Riot X and Elux.

Which Is Strongest? 5mg vs 10mg vs 20mg

20mg is stronger than 10mg, and 10mg is stronger than 5mg. The difference is the amount of nicotine in every millilitre of e-liquid — but nicotine strength is only one part of the experience. Your vape kit and replacement pod also matter.

What Strength Nic Salt Should I Use?

There is no single nicotine strength that works for every adult vaper. The right choice depends on your previous nicotine use, current habits and the device you use. A simple starting point:

Choose 5mg if…

You already use a lower nicotine strength and want to continue at a lower level or gradually reduce your intake.

Choose 10mg if…

You want a moderate strength and find 20mg too strong.

Choose 20mg if…

You prefer a higher nicotine concentration and are already accustomed to stronger nicotine products.

Best Nic Salt Brands at The E-Cig Store

If you are looking for nic salt vape juice in the UK, The E-Cig Store has a broad selection of brands and flavours. Current ranges include:

• Feast Treats Nic Salts
• Crystal Bar Salts
• Riot X Nic Salts
• Elux Legend Nic Salts
• Hexus Salts
• SKE Crystal Salts
• Lost Mary Nic Salts

UK Nic Salt Rules: What You Need to Know in 2026

If you are buying nicotine salt e-liquid in the UK, it helps to understand the current regulations. Under the UK's consumer vaping rules:

• Nicotine-containing e-liquid must not exceed 20mg/ml
• Nicotine-containing refill bottles are limited to 10ml
• Vape tanks and cartridges are limited to 2ml
• Products must meet relevant packaging and notification requirements
• Products must be notified to the MHRA before they can legally be supplied to consumers

This is why 20mg nic salt is commonly described as the maximum standard nicotine strength for UK consumer e-liquid.

Frequently Asked Questions

5mg vs 10mg vs 20mg Nic Salts: Final Verdict

Choosing between 5mg, 10mg and 20mg nic salts comes down to the nicotine concentration you prefer and how your vape setup performs. 5mg is the lowest and can suit vapers who prefer lower levels; 10mg sits in the middle for everyday vaping; and 20mg is the strongest standard strength permitted for UK consumer e-liquid. A good replacement vape pod can make a noticeable difference to flavour and performance — if your current pod is losing flavour, producing less vapour or tasting burnt, it could simply be time for a replacement.