Nicotine salts — or nic salts — are the smooth, satisfying secret behind many of today’s best-selling vape products. They’re the go-to choice for anyone who wants a stronger nicotine hit without the harsh throat burn that traditional freebase liquids can cause.
But not all vape devices handle nic salts equally well. If you want to get the best flavour, satisfaction, and smoothness from your nic salt liquids, you need the right setup.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- Why nic salts need different setups
- The best devices for nic salts in 2025
- Pod systems vs refillable kits
- Tips to get the smoothest, most satisfying experience
Let’s get you set up!
Why Nic Salts Need the Right Device
Nicotine salts are designed for low-wattage vaping. They’re smoother and more potent than freebase nicotine, so they’re best suited to mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping, which mimics the draw of a cigarette.
If you try to vape nic salts in a high-powered sub-ohm device, you’ll get:
- Too much nicotine at once — unpleasant and potentially dizzying
- Harsh throat hits that defeat the point of nic salts
- Wasted liquid — you’ll burn through it far too fast
That’s why nic salts pair best with lower-power, high-resistance setups that deliver a tight draw and a slow, steady burn.
Best Vape Devices for Nic Salts in 2025
Closed Pod Systems
Who they’re for: New vapers, on-the-go convenience seekers.
Closed pod systems use pre-filled pods that click into a rechargeable device. They deliver a consistent hit every time, and swapping flavours is as easy as popping in a new pod.
Pros:
- Easy to use — no refilling or coil changes
- Sleek, pocket-friendly
- Great flavour consistency
Cons:
- Less flexibility than open pods
- Pods cost more than bottles of juice
Popular Examples: Elf Bar Elfa, Vuse ePod, HEXA Pods — these all work beautifully with nic salts.
Open Pod Systems
Who they’re for: Vapers who want flexibility without the bulk of a mod.
Open pod kits have refillable pods — so you choose your own nic salt e-liquid, fill the pod yourself, and swap flavours whenever you fancy.
Pros:
- Cheaper long-term than disposables
- Huge flavour range — any nic salt works
- Small, discreet, pocket-friendly
Cons:
- You’ll need to refill and change coils/pods occasionally
- Not as “grab-and-go” as disposables
Top Picks for 2025: Vaporesso XROS series, Uwell Caliburn G3, OXVA Xlim. All of these are perfect for nic salts — tight MTL draw, leak-resistant pods, and easy top-fills.
MTL Refillable Vape Kits
Who they’re for: Those who like a classic pen-style kit with a tank.
If you prefer a pen or box mod but still want to stick with nic salts, look for a low-wattage MTL tank paired with a smaller mod.
Pros:
- Ultimate customisation
- Swap flavours and nicotine strength easily
- Rebuildable options for coil lovers
Cons:
- Slightly bigger and bulkier
- More advanced — not plug-and-play
Many vapers use MTL tanks like the Aspire Nautilus with a small mod set to 10–15 watts for a perfect nic salt hit.
Tips for the Best Nic Salt Experience
✅ Stick to low wattage: 10–20 watts is the sweet spot.
✅ Use high-resistance coils: 0.8–1.4 ohms is ideal.
✅ Keep your device clean: Nic salts are smooth but sticky — rinse or replace pods regularly.
✅ Start low if you’re new: If you’re used to 3–6mg freebase, 10mg nic salt will feel stronger than you expect!
✅ Try hybrid devices: Many pod kits let you switch between nic salts and freebase — perfect if you like options.
Final Thoughts
Nic salts are one of the main reasons vaping has helped so many smokers switch over for good. They deliver a quick, satisfying hit that feels like the real thing — and the right setup makes all the difference.
Whether you love the simplicity of disposables, the flexibility of refillables, or the control of a classic MTL kit, there’s a perfect match for your nic salt journey.
Need help finding yours? Pop into Vapeology and we’ll get you sorted.