Shortfills vs Nicotine Salts: Which Vape Juice Is Better?

Choosing the right e-liquid depends on your vape device, preferred vaping style, nicotine requirements and the type of experience you want. Two popular options are shortfill e-liquids and nicotine salts.

But what is the difference between shortfills and nic salts, and which one should you choose?

Shortfills are generally designed for larger bottles, high-VG vaping, sub-ohm devices and DTL vaping, while nicotine salts are commonly used with pod kits, 50/50 e-liquids and MTL vaping.

Neither option is automatically better. The right choice depends on your device and personal vaping preferences.

Shortfills vs Nicotine Salts at a Glance

What Are Shortfill E-Liquids?

Shortfill e-liquids are larger bottles of e-liquid that are supplied without nicotine, leaving space in the bottle for adding a nicotine shot if required.

Common shortfill sizes include 50ml in a 60ml bottle and 100ml in a 120ml bottle.

Shortfills are often made with higher VG ratios, making them suitable for sub-ohm vape kits and Direct To Lung (DTL) vaping. Higher-VG e-liquids are generally used to produce more vapour when paired with compatible devices and coils.

Shortfills are available in a wide range of flavours, including:

• Fruit
• Menthol
• Dessert
• Drinks
• Candy
• Tobacco-inspired flavours

How Do Shortfills Work?

If you want nicotine, a nicotine shot can be added to a shortfill according to the manufacturer's instructions.

For example, a 50ml shortfill with enough bottle space for a 10ml nicotine shot can produce approximately 60ml of e-liquid after mixing. The final nicotine strength depends on the volume and strength of the nicotine shot used.

Before mixing, always check the bottle instructions and manufacturer's recommended nicotine-shot quantity.

A typical process is:

1. Remove the bottle cap and nozzle if required.
2. Add the recommended nicotine shot.
3. Replace the cap securely.
4. Shake the bottle thoroughly.
5. Follow the manufacturer's guidance before using the e-liquid.

If you do not want nicotine, some shortfills can also be used as 0mg e-liquid without adding a nicotine shot.

What Are Nicotine Salts?

Nicotine salts, often called nic salts, are nicotine-containing e-liquids that use nicotine in salt form rather than traditional freebase nicotine.

They are commonly available in smaller bottles and different nicotine strengths, making them a convenient option for vapers who want ready-to-use nicotine e-liquid.

Nic salts are commonly paired with pod vape kits and lower-powered devices, particularly for Mouth To Lung (MTL) vaping.

Their formulations are designed to provide a smoother-feeling nicotine experience at strengths that may feel harsher when using traditional freebase nicotine.

Popular nic salt flavours include:

• Fruit
• Menthol
• Drinks
• Desserts
• Tobacco
• Candy-inspired blends

Shortfills vs Nic Salts: What Is the Difference?

The biggest differences are nicotine format, bottle size, VG ratio, device compatibility and vaping style.

1. Nicotine

Shortfills are normally supplied as 0mg e-liquid, allowing nicotine shots to be added if required.

Nicotine salts are normally supplied with nicotine already included at the stated strength.

Choose shortfills if you want more flexibility when adding nicotine. Choose nic salts if you want ready-to-use nicotine e-liquid.

2. Bottle Size

Shortfills are generally sold in larger bottles, making them useful for people who consume more e-liquid.

Nic salts are usually sold in smaller bottles, which makes them convenient for pod users and lower-volume vaping.

3. VG/PG Ratio

Shortfills often contain a higher VG ratio, making them suitable for compatible sub-ohm devices.

Nic salts are commonly available in 50/50 VG/PG formulations, which work well with many pod systems and MTL devices.

Always check the e-liquid specifications and your device manufacturer's recommendations before choosing an e-liquid.

4. Vaping Style

Shortfills are commonly associated with Direct To Lung (DTL) vaping.

Nic salts are commonly used for Mouth To Lung (MTL) vaping.

The vaping style you prefer can therefore help determine which type of e-liquid is more suitable for your setup.

Shortfills vs Nicotine Salts: Which Produces Bigger Clouds?

If your priority is vapour production, shortfills are generally the more suitable choice when paired with an appropriate sub-ohm device.

Higher-VG shortfills and higher-powered devices are designed to produce larger amounts of vapour.

Nicotine salts are more commonly used with lower-powered pod devices, where the focus is generally on a compact and efficient vaping experience rather than large clouds.

For bigger clouds: consider a suitable high-VG shortfill and compatible sub-ohm device.

Which Is Better for Nicotine Flexibility?

Shortfills offer greater flexibility because you can choose whether to add a nicotine shot and, where appropriate, select a suitable nicotine-shot strength.

Nicotine salts are simpler because the nicotine is already included in the e-liquid at the stated strength.

So:

• Want more control over nicotine content? Shortfills may suit you.
• Want ready-to-use nicotine e-liquid? Nic salts may be more convenient.

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and applicable product guidance.

Which Is Easier to Use?

For convenience, nicotine salts generally require less preparation because they are ready to use.

Shortfills may require an additional mixing step if you want to add nicotine.

This makes nic salts particularly convenient for vapers who prefer a straightforward refill-and-vape setup.

However, shortfills can be appealing if you prefer larger bottles and the flexibility of adding nicotine according to the product's instructions.

Which Is Better for Beginners?

There is no single option that is right for every beginner.

A person using a refillable pod kit may find a compatible 50/50 nic salt easier to use, particularly if they want a ready-to-use nicotine e-liquid.

Someone using a sub-ohm vape kit may need a suitable higher-VG e-liquid instead.

The most important consideration is matching the e-liquid to the device.

Using an e-liquid with a VG/PG ratio or nicotine strength that is unsuitable for your device can affect performance and vaping experience.

Which Devices Should You Use?

Shortfills Are Commonly Used With:

• Sub-ohm vape kits
• Higher-powered devices
• DTL vape kits
• Compatible high-VG e-liquids
• Devices designed for larger vapour production

Nicotine Salts Are Commonly Used With:

• Refillable pod kits
• Lower-powered devices
• MTL vape kits
• Devices compatible with 50/50 e-liquids
• Vapers looking for a convenient nicotine e-liquid

Always check your vape manufacturer's recommended e-liquid specifications before filling your device.

Shortfill or Nicotine Salt: Which Should You Choose?

The easiest way to decide is to start with your device and preferred vaping style.

Consider Shortfills If You:

• Prefer larger bottles
• Use a compatible sub-ohm vape kit
• Prefer DTL vaping
• Want higher vapour production
• Prefer high-VG e-liquids
• Want the option to add nicotine shots
• Like a wider range of larger-format flavours

Consider Nicotine Salts If You:

• Use a compatible pod vape kit
• Prefer MTL vaping
• Want ready-to-use nicotine e-liquid
• Prefer a more compact vaping setup
• Want a convenient refill option
• Prefer commonly available 50/50 e-liquids

Shortfills vs Nicotine Salts: Quick Decision Guide

Want bigger clouds?
→ A suitable high-VG shortfill may be appropriate.

Using a sub-ohm device?
→ Check whether the device is designed for high-VG shortfill e-liquid.

Using a refillable pod?
→ A compatible 50/50 nic salt may be suitable.

Want ready-to-use nicotine e-liquid?
→ Consider nicotine salts.

Want to add nicotine yourself?
→ Consider a shortfill with a compatible nicotine shot.

Want a larger bottle?
→ Shortfills are generally available in larger formats.

Final Thoughts: Shortfills vs Nicotine Salts

When comparing shortfills vs nicotine salts, there is no universal winner. Both are designed to meet different vaping preferences and device requirements.

Shortfills are generally suited to vapers who prefer larger bottles, higher-VG e-liquids, DTL vaping, higher vapour production and the flexibility to add nicotine.

Nicotine salts are generally suited to vapers who prefer ready-to-use nicotine e-liquid, pod devices, MTL vaping and a convenient setup.

The most important step is to choose an e-liquid that is compatible with your vape device and matches the vaping style you prefer.

Explore Tidal Vape's range of [Shortfill E-Liquids], [Nicotine Salt E-Liquids] and [Vape Kits] to find an option suitable for your setup.