UK nicotine limits cap strength at 20 mg/mL, but choosing between 5, 10 or 20 mg still depends on your vape device, coil, and how you prefer to inhale. Here’s how to pick the perfect e-juice.
When the UK’s Tobacco and Related Products Regulations (TRPR) came into force, they placed clear restrictions on how nicotine-containing e-liquids can be sold: a maximum strength of 20 mg/mL and a bottle size limit of 10 mL for any juice that includes nicotine. While these laws are designed to ensure consumer safety and discourage excessive nicotine intake, they’ve also changed the way vapers think about their e-liquid choices.
But even within these legal parameters, there’s still a lot to consider when choosing the right nicotine strength. Whether you opt for 5 mg, 10 mg or 20 mg, your experience will vary depending on your device type, coil resistance, wattage, and personal usage style. And when you throw in the choice between freebase nicotine and nicotine salts, things get even more nuanced.
So how do you choose the right e-juice for your needs? In this article, we unpack what the 20 mg cap really means in practice, who benefits from which strengths, and how to find the best e-juice for your device and vaping style.
The 20 mg/mL Cap: What It Does (and Doesn’t) Mean
At first glance, 20 mg/mL might sound high especially for those new to vaping. But this is a maximum limit, not a default or even recommended standard for everyone. It simply prevents manufacturers from selling excessively strong liquids that could be harmful, particularly to new or casual users.
Within that cap, most e-liquids are sold in strengths such as:
- 3 mg – Typically for sub-ohm devices with high vapour output
- 6 mg – For moderate users with slightly less powerful kits
- 10 mg – A solid middle ground for those using mouth-to-lung (MTL) pod systems
- 20 mg – For heavier smokers or users seeking a quick and satisfying hit
These figures represent milligrams of nicotine per millilitre of liquid not per puff. The experience will depend just as much on your device and setup as it will on the juice itself.
Freebase vs Nicotine Salts: The Science Behind the Strength
Before you select a nicotine strength, it’s important to understand the form of nicotine in your juice. There are two main types: freebase and nicotine salts (or nic salts).
Freebase Nicotine:
- The traditional form found in most standard e-liquids
- Produces a stronger throat hit, which many ex-smokers appreciate
- Best suited to lower nicotine strengths (3–6 mg) and higher-wattage devices
- Absorbs slower into the bloodstream than nic salts
Nicotine Salts:
- Created by modifying freebase nicotine with an acid, lowering its pH
- Delivers smoother throat hits, even at higher strengths (10–20 mg)
- Absorbs more quickly, providing faster relief from cravings
- Ideal for low-wattage pod systems and MTL (mouth-to-lung) setups
For example, someone using a compact pod system at 10–15 watts might find a 10 mg nic salt more satisfying and smoother than an equivalent freebase option especially if they’re looking for a cigarette-like hit without harshness.
Device Wattage and Coil Resistance: Why They Matter
The power and coil resistance of your vape determine how much vapour is produced, how warm it gets, and how much nicotine you’re likely to absorb in each puff.
Sub-ohm devices (less than 1.0 ohm):
- Typically used at higher wattages (30W+)
- Produce more vapour and stronger flavour
- Users usually choose lower nicotine strengths (3–6 mg) to avoid overconsumption
MTL/pod systems (1.0 ohm and above):
- Operate at lower wattages (10–20W)
- Mimic the draw of a traditional cigarette
- Work best with higher nicotine strengths, particularly nic salts
Choosing the wrong strength for your device can result in a poor experience. A 20 mg nic salt in a sub-ohm device may be overwhelming, while a 3 mg freebase in a pod system may feel underwhelming or ineffective.
Choosing Based on Usage Patterns
Beyond the tech specs, how you vape also matters. Here’s a rough guide to help you decide based on your habits and preferences:
Vaping Style Ideal Nicotine Strength Recommended Formula Typical Device Type
All-day, frequent vaping 3–6 mg Freebase Sub-ohm kit
Occasional, controlled use 6–10 mg Freebase or nic salt Versatile AIO or pen
Quick, cigarette-like hits 10–20 mg Nic salt Pod or MTL device
Recently quit smoking 10–20 mg Nic salt Closed pod or starter kit
If you’re still unsure, start with a mid-range strength like 10 mg nic salts, which offer a balanced experience for most users and are compatible with the widest range of beginner-friendly devices.
E-Juice Categories That Do the Work for You
Navigating a sea of e-liquid bottles can be daunting, especially if you’re new to vaping or exploring a new setup. That’s where product filtering becomes essential.
Rather than trawling through endless product listings, you can browse curated, strength-filtered collections from trusted retailers like Vaping 101, where e-liquids are clearly organised by nicotine level, flavour profile, and compatibility. This makes it easier to match juice to your device and to your needs without playing a guessing game.
Whether you’re after a fruity 20 mg nic salt for your pod kit, or a 3 mg dessert blend for your high-powered sub-ohm rig, these filters remove the confusion and make checkout far less stressful.
More Than a Number: Smart Nicotine Strength for Your Vape Device
Choosing the right nicotine strength isn’t just about picking the highest legal number and hoping for the best. It’s about matching your juice to your device, your usage pattern, and your goals whether that’s cutting back, staying off cigarettes, or enjoying a more tailored vaping experience.
The UK’s 20 mg cap ensures a safer upper limit, but the range of options below still offers plenty of room for customisation. Once you understand how strength interacts with wattage, coil resistance, and nicotine formulation, choosing your perfect juice becomes far more intuitive.
And with properly filtered online collections, there’s never been an easier time to find your match whatever your setup.
