Walk into any vape shop in the UK, and you’ll probably hear people asking the same question: “What’s the difference between shortfills and nic salts?” It’s one of the biggest debates in the vaping world today. As the vaping market keeps growing, with more than 4.7 million vapers in the UK in 2024 (according to Action on Smoking and Health), choosing the right vape juice has become more important than ever. Some people want big bottles for endless clouds, while others want a smooth hit that feels close to smoking. That’s where the battle of Shortfill vs Nic Salt E-Liquids comes in.
For beginners, picking between these two can be confusing. Vaping in the UK has opened up so many vape juice options that it’s easy to feel lost. On one side, you have shortfill vape juice, usually found in large bottles with no nicotine, perfect for cloud chasers who enjoy sub-ohm vaping. On the other side, you’ve got nicotine salts e-liquid, designed for a quick nicotine fix with a smooth throat hit, often used in small pod kits. Both are part of the popular e-liquids market, but they deliver very different experiences.
Consider shortfills like buying a large bottle of fizzy drink you can mix yourself, and nic salts are like getting a ready-to-drink energy shot. Both satisfy your thirst, but in very different ways. This is why, when it comes to determining the best vape juice UK vapers should use, it’s good to know how these two are different.
What Are Shortfill E-Liquids?
In simple words, shortfills are big bottles of e-liquid that come with no nicotine inside. Most commonly, they’re 50ml, 100ml, or even 200ml bottles, but they always leave a little extra space at the top, which is where the name “shortfill” comes from. That empty space is meant for you to add nic shots (nicotine shots) if you want nicotine in your vape.
This type of liquid is the hottest to become popular on the market right now, and high-VG juice is flying off the shelf across the UK for sub-ohm vaping fans. Shortfills are produced using a higher VG (vegetable glycerin) base, which results in thicker vapour and a slightly sweeter, softer 'hand feel'. For those who desire long vaping and not a powerful nicotine hit, shortfills are the ideal option.
But it’s not just about clouds. Many vapers go for shortfills because they’re cost-friendly in the long run. Buying big bottles of e-liquid often works out cheaper per ml compared to smaller bottles of nic salts. Plus, you get to control how much nicotine you want, maybe you prefer 0mg for flavour, or just add one shot for a lighter hit. It gives you flexibility and freedom to vape the way you like.
So, if you’ve ever seen someone carrying around a chunky 120ml bottle, chances are it’s a shortfill. Think of it as the “customise-it-yourself” side of vaping, giving you full control over your nicotine levels and perfect for those who see vaping as more than just an alternative to smoking.
What Are Nicotine Salts?
Now let’s switch sides. While shortfills focus on clouds and flavour, nic salts UK liquids are all about giving you a quick, satisfying nicotine fix. Nicotine salts e-liquid is made differently from traditional freebase nicotine. It’s designed to be absorbed more quickly into your bloodstream, providing just enough immediate satisfaction to have you feeling that much closer to smoking a real cigarette. That’s why a lot of ex-smokers find it easier to stick with pod vape juice filled with nic salts instead of going back to cigarettes.
The biggest benefit? The smooth throat hit. Even at higher nicotine levels like 10mg or 20mg, nic salts feel softer on the throat compared to freebase nicotine. That makes them ideal for anyone who wants a strong hit without the harsh burn. Nic salts usually come in smaller bottles (10ml is the standard in the UK, thanks to TPD regulations), which are perfect for compact pod kits.
But nic salts aren’t just for beginners. Busy vapers who want something quick and discreet also love them. You don’t need to vape a lot to feel satisfied. A few puffs can deliver enough nicotine to get you through the day. Unlike shortfills, which are more about long sessions, nic salts fit the “grab and go” lifestyle.
So if you consider vaping as existing in two different worlds: shortfills for the enthusiast that loves to tinker and chase clouds, and finally nicotine salt for the smoker looking for something simple, smooth, and effective. And both are good in their own way, which is why there’s a Shortfill vs Nic Salt E-Liquids debate in the first place.
Also Read: Perfect Vape Setup: Your Complete UK Vaping Guide
Shortfill vs Nic Salt: Key Differences
The truth is, the whole shortfill vs nic salt debate isn’t about which is better overall; it’s about which one matches your style of vaping. To see that clearly, let’s look deeper into how they stand apart.
1. Bottle Size & Packaging
Shortfills are designed for freedom. They usually come in big bottles of e-liquid ranging from 50ml to 200ml, with some space left for nic shots. This flexibility lets you mix your nicotine level exactly the way you want. On the flip side, nicotine salt e-liquid is restricted by UK laws to 10ml bottles only. That might seem small, but they’re more concentrated, so they last longer than you’d expect.
2. Nicotine Strength
Shortfills are naturally 0mg. That means you’re in full control, add one shot for a mild hit, or two if you prefer stronger nicotine. For cloud chasers who want to enjoy flavour without being overpowered by nicotine, this is ideal. Nic salts UK, on the other hand, usually come in 10mg or 20mg strengths, perfect for ex-smokers who want a strong yet smooth fix.
3. Vaping Style (MTL vs DTL)
Shortfills are the ones to settle on when you are an enthusiast of DTL (direct-to-lung) vaping. They produce dense clouds, ideal for those who like to play around with flavours. However, in case you want to vape MTL (mouth-to-lung) that feels more like smoking, nic salts win. They are frequently featured in the pod vape juice kits, thus becoming discreet and easy to tackle.
4. Nicotine Absorption Rate
This happens to be one of the largest differences. Shortfills have a slower rate of nicotine absorption, making them ideal for prolonged vaping sessions that last long and are relaxing. Nic salts, on the other hand, are absorbed by the body faster, providing that almost-instant satisfaction that is sought out by former smokers.
5. Cost & Value in the UK
Here’s where the numbers come in. A 100ml shortfill in the UK usually costs around £10–£15, and when you add nic shots (about £1–£2 each), you still get a lot of liquid for the price. A 10ml bottle of nic salts usually costs £3–£5, but because they’re stronger, many vapers find one bottle can last nearly as long as 3–4 times that amount of shortfill if you’re a light user.
6. Experience
To put it simply:
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Shortfills = big clouds, flavour chasing, custom nicotine.
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Nic salts = smooth throat hit, quick nicotine fix, discreet vaping.
When it comes down to it, shortfill vs nic salt isn’t about “better” or “worse.” It’s about whether you see vaping as a hobby or as a cigarette replacement.
Similar to the choice between shortfill vs nic salt e-liquids, coil type also matters. Learn more in our guide on Mesh Coils vs Regular Coils
Which One Should You Choose? (Based on Vaping Style)
Here’s where most vapers struggle: which one is really for me? The answer depends on what kind of vaper you are, and more importantly, what you want out of vaping.
Let’s imagine two typical vapers in the UK:
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Sam, the Cloud Chaser: Sam uses a sub-ohm kit and loves experimenting with shortfill vape juice flavours like fruity blends and dessert vapes. He enjoys sitting back at home, filling up a big tank, and creating thick, milky clouds. For him, vaping is more about enjoyment and flavour than just nicotine. That’s why shortfills fit his lifestyle perfectly.
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Alex, the Ex-Smoker: Alex stopped smoking recently and is struggling to keep it up. He needs something quick, on-the-go, and simple. He uses a pod system that fits in his pocket, and prefers nic salts UK liquids because they deliver nicotine fast without burning his throat. For Alex, nicotine salts e-liquid provides the closest sensation to smoking but without the negative side effects of tobacco.
So which one should you choose? Here’s a quick breakdown:
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Go with Shortfills if:
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You enjoy DTL vaping and want big vapour clouds.
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You want flexibility in choosing your nicotine strength with nic shots.
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You love having large bottles and exploring lots of flavours.
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You want better long-term value for money.
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Go with Nic Salts if:
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You’ve recently quit smoking and want something close to cigarettes.
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You use pod kits or prefer MTL vaping.
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You want a smooth throat hit even at higher nicotine strengths.
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You’re after quick, satisfying nicotine absorption during busy days.
Many UK vapers actually use both. They enjoy shortfill vape juice at home when relaxing and switch to nic salts when out and about. It doesn’t have to be a one-or-the-other decision. Instead, it’s about matching your vape juice to your moment.
Also Explore: Vape Care Essentials: Keep Your Device Fresh and Lasting
Conclusion
At the end of the day, it is really up to you. Shortfill vs Nic Salt E-Liquids both have their advantages, and your choice depends on how you like to vape. If you love the craft and the creation, the experimentation, and you’re into cloud-chasing, shortfill vape juice is the way to go! If, however, you're an ex-smoker and you want a quick and satisfying nicotine hit, then the super-strong nicotine salts e-liquid is probably a better option.
The great thing is, you don’t have to pick just one forever. Many UK vapers use shortfills at home for long sessions and switch to nic salts UK when they’re out and need a fast nicotine hit. It’s less about choosing sides and more about matching your vape juice to your lifestyle.
There are currently more than 4.7 million users of vaping products across the UK. There’s an opportunity for you to get involved. Whether you prefer large bottles of e-juice with custom nic shots or a rich vape liquid that feels just like the real thing, both options are here to improve your vape life.
So, if you’ve been wondering whether shortfill or nic salt is your best option, the simple answer is this: give them both a go, figure out which one works best for you, and enjoy the freedom of finding the vape style that works best for you.