10mg vs 20mg Nic Salts: Which Strength Is Best?
Choosing the right nicotine strength can make a huge difference to your vaping experience. Pick a strength that's too low and you may find yourself constantly reaching for your device. Go too high and you might not enjoy vaping as much as you expected.
This is especially important for smokers making the switch to vaping and former disposable vape users moving over to refillable pod kits. While flavour often gets the attention, nicotine strength is usually the factor that determines whether a vape keeps you satisfied throughout the day.
The good news is that the choice is often simpler than it first appears. For most vapers, the decision comes down to two popular strengths: 10mg nic salts and 20mg nic salts. In this guide, we'll explain the differences between them, who they're best suited to and how to choose the right option for your vaping style.
We’ll look at:
- What Is the Difference Between 10mg and 20mg Nic Salts?
- Why Nicotine Strength Matters
- Who Should Choose 10mg Nic Salts?
- Who Should Choose 20mg Nic Salts?
- 10mg vs 20mg Nic Salts Comparison Table
- Which Strength Is Better for Former Smokers?
- Can You Move From 20mg to 10mg?
- Choosing the Right Elux Legend Nic Salt Strength
- What Is the Difference Between 10mg and 20mg Nic Salts?
What Is the Difference Between 10mg and 20mg Nic Salts?

One of the most common questions we hear from customers is whether they should choose a 10mg or 20mg nic salt e-liquid. Both strengths are designed to deliver nicotine quickly and smoothly, but they suit different types of vapers.
The main difference is simple. A 20mg nic salt contains twice as much nicotine as a 10mg nic salt. That means you'll generally experience stronger nicotine satisfaction from fewer puffs.
That doesn't automatically make 20mg the better option.
The best strength depends on your smoking history, your current vaping habits and how often you reach for your device throughout the day. For many people, finding the right nicotine strength is the difference between enjoying vaping and constantly feeling unsatisfied.
Why Nicotine Strength Matters
Choosing the correct nicotine strength can have a bigger impact on your vaping experience than the flavour you select. A strength that is too low may leave you reaching for your vape more frequently or feeling like something is missing. A strength that is too high may feel stronger than you need, particularly if you're already comfortable with vaping.
The goal is not to use the highest nicotine strength available. The goal is to find the level that keeps cravings under control while remaining comfortable to vape throughout the day. This is one reason nic salts have become so popular among former smokers. They deliver nicotine efficiently while maintaining a smooth inhale, even at higher strengths.
Who Should Choose 10mg Nic Salts?
10mg nic salts are often chosen by vapers who want a moderate nicotine level without sacrificing satisfaction. Many customers move to 10mg after spending time vaping 20mg liquids, while others start at 10mg immediately if they were previously light smokers.
10mg may be suitable if:
- You Smoked Fewer Than 10 Cigarettes Per Day
- You Already Vape Regularly
- You Want A Smoother Nicotine Hit
- You Enjoy Longer Vaping Sessions
- You Are Looking To Gradually Reduce Nicotine Intake
Many all-day vapers prefer 10mg because it allows them to vape comfortably throughout the day while still providing enough nicotine to keep cravings under control.
Another benefit is flexibility. If you enjoy taking frequent puffs throughout the day, 10mg often feels more natural than a stronger nicotine strength.
Who Should Choose 20mg Nic Salts?
20mg is the strongest nicotine strength permitted in UK nicotine-containing e-liquids and remains one of the most popular choices among smokers making the switch to vaping.
For many people, starting with a strength that is too low can make switching away from cigarettes much harder than it needs to be.
20mg may be suitable if:
- You Recently Stopped Smoking
- You Previously Smoked A Pack A Day Or More
- You Need Stronger Craving Relief
- You Prefer Taking Fewer Puffs To Feel Satisfied
- You Previously Used Disposable Vapes
Many disposable vape users became accustomed to 20mg nicotine strengths, making 20mg nic salts a familiar option when moving to a refillable pod kit. The stronger nicotine delivery can help make the transition away from cigarettes feel smoother and more manageable during the early stages of switching.
10mg vs 20mg Nic Salts Comparison Table
|
Feature |
10mg Nic Salts |
20mg Nic Salts |
|
Nicotine Strength |
Moderate |
Strong |
|
Best For |
Light smokers and regular vapers |
Recent ex-smokers and heavier smokers |
|
Throat Hit |
Smooth |
Slightly stronger |
|
All-Day Vaping |
Excellent |
Good |
|
Craving Satisfaction |
Moderate to High |
High |
|
Disposable Vape Users |
Suitable |
Often preferred |
|
Nicotine Reduction |
Good stepping stone |
Common starting point |
Which Strength Is Better for Former Smokers?

Your previous smoking habits will usually provide the clearest answer.
Someone who smoked only occasionally may find 10mg provides more than enough nicotine satisfaction. Someone who smoked heavily for years may find 20mg a much better starting point.
One mistake some new vapers make is choosing a nicotine strength that's too low because they assume lower is automatically better. In reality, the right strength is the one that helps you stay away from cigarettes.
That's why many vape retailers recommend focusing on making the switch successfully first. Nicotine reduction can always come later if you decide it's right for you.
Can You Move From 20mg to 10mg?
Absolutely. Many vapers gradually reduce their nicotine strength over time once they become comfortable with vaping.
A common journey looks something like this:
|
Stage |
Typical Nicotine Strength |
|
Recently Switched From Smoking |
20mg |
|
Established Vaper |
10mg |
|
Long-Term Nicotine Reduction |
Lower strengths if desired |
There is no correct timeline for reducing nicotine. Some people move to 10mg after a few months, while others remain perfectly happy using 20mg for much longer. The most important thing is finding a strength that works for you.
Common Signs You've Chosen the Wrong Strength

If you're unsure whether your current nicotine strength is right, your vaping habits can often provide some clues.
You may benefit from a higher nicotine strength if:
- You Constantly Reach For Your Vape
- Cigarette Cravings Persist
- You Never Feel Fully Satisfied After Vaping
You may benefit from a lower nicotine strength if:
- You Find The Nicotine Hit Too Strong
- You Prefer Longer Vaping Sessions
- You're Looking To Reduce Nicotine Intake Gradually
These aren't strict rules, but they can help point you in the right direction.
Choosing the Right Elux Legend Nic Salt Strength

Elux Legend nic salts are available in both 10mg and 20mg strengths, allowing you to match your nicotine level to your personal preferences and vaping history.
If you're a recent ex-smoker or someone moving away from disposable vapes, 20mg will often provide the strongest craving satisfaction. If you've been vaping for a while or prefer a smoother all-day experience, 10mg may be the better choice.
One advantage of the Elux Legend range is that many of the most popular flavours are available in both strengths. That means you can adjust your nicotine level without having to sacrifice the flavours you enjoy most.
Finding the Nicotine Strength That Works for You
The best nicotine strength isn't necessarily the strongest or the lowest. It's the one that keeps you satisfied, comfortable and away from cigarettes. For many smokers making the switch, 20mg provides the easiest starting point. For regular vapers and those looking to reduce their nicotine intake, 10mg often delivers the right balance of satisfaction and smoothness.
If you're still unsure which strength is right for you, our team is always happy to help. At UK Vape Supply, you'll find a wide range of Elux Legend nic salts alongside refillable pod kits, prefilled pod kits and vape accessories, all backed by competitive pricing, loyalty rewards and fast UK dispatch.
The right nicotine strength can transform your vaping experience. Once you've found it, choosing your next flavour becomes the fun part.