If you’ve been shopping for vape juice, you may have come across terms like shortfills and nic salts. They’re not the same thing, and choosing the right one depends on how you vape, what kind of kit you use, and what your nicotine needs are. The difference between shortfill and nic salt e-liquids might seem confusing at first, but it comes down to nicotine strength, bottle size, and how they feel when you inhale.
In this guide, we’ll break down both types of e-liquid and help you choose the best one for your vaping style. 

What Are Shortfill E-Liquids?

Shortfills are nicotine-free vape juices that come in larger bottles with space left at the top to add nicotine shots. For example, a 50ml shortfill will be in a 60ml bottle, so you can add a nic shot to reach your preferred strength.

These e-liquids are ideal for sub-ohm vaping and bigger tanks, where users want more vapour with lower nicotine. They’re also more budget-friendly for regular vapers, especially those using high-wattage devices.

Common shortfill sizes:

• 50ml in a 60ml bottle
• 100ml in a 120ml bottle
• 200ml in a 240ml bottle

You can use our E-liquid Calculator to help you add the right amount of nicotine shot based on your strength preference.

How to Add Nicotine Shot to Shortfills

If you’ve picked a shortfill, you’ll need to add nicotine yourself. Just follow these steps:

• Choose your nic shot (usually 18mg in 10ml bottles)
• Remove the cap from the shortfill bottle
• Pour in the nic shot
• Close and shake the bottle well
• Let it settle for a few minutes

What Are Nicotine Salts?

Nicotine salts are e-liquids made with a different type of nicotine that’s absorbed faster into the body. They usually come in 10ml bottles and are designed for low-wattage kits (featuring high-resistance coils) like pods and mouth-to-lung (MTL) devices.

They work well for those who are quitting smoking or looking for stronger nicotine without vaping too often. Brands like , Hayati Nic Salts, and RandM Nic Salts are popular choices for daily use.

Curious about nicotine salts? Check out our in-depth guide to learn everything you need to know about nic salts.

Common Nic salt strengths:

• 5mg/ml
• 10mg/ml
• 20mg/ml

Shortfill vs Nic Salt: Key Differences

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you compare shortfills and nic salts:

Feature	Shortfills	Nic Salts
Nicotine Content	0mg (add Nic Shot if needed)	Pre-mixed (usually 10mg or 20mg)
Bottle Size	50ml, 100ml, 120ml, 200ml	10ml
Throat Hit	Mild to medium	Soft even at high strength
Best For	Sub-ohm vaping, big tanks	Pod kits, MTL, beginners
Vapour Production	High	Moderate
Coil Type	Low-resistance coils	High-resistance coils
Popular Brands	88 Vape, Doozy Vape, Love Your Coil	SKE Crystal, Hayati, RandM

Choosing Between Shortfills and Nic Salts

So, which is better, shortfills or nic salts? Choosing the right e-liquid depends on your vape setup and what you're looking for in your nicotine hit. If you prefer bigger clouds and lower nicotine, shortfills are the way to go. They work best with tanks that have more space and coils made for sub-ohm vaping.

On the other hand, if you want higher nicotine and fewer puffs, nic salts suit pod kits and MTL coils better. You get fast absorption and less liquid use, which is great for those trying to manage nicotine cravings or quit smoking.

Popular Nic Salt Brands

Here are a few examples of popular nic salt e-liquids in the UK market:

• Love Your Coil: This nicotine salt brand makes vape juice that gives a consistent nicotine hit with awesome flavours.
• IVG Nicotine Salts: IVG vape juice is known for its fruity and minty profile. It's ideal for beginners using MTL pods and comes in 10mg or 20mg strengths.
• SKE Crystal Nicotine Salts: Widely available and works with most low-power kits. Great flavour options with a smooth inhale.

Searching for the best nic salt brands in the UK? We’ve carefully curated a list of the top 10 to help you choose with confidence. These nicotine salts are ready to use and don’t need mixing or measuring. Just fill your pod and vape.

Best Shortfill Vape Juice

Some popular shortfills include:

• Grape Freeze Shortfill 50ml E Liquid by 88 Vape: A budget-friendly option that pairs well with your favourite nic shot. Best for sub-ohm tanks and coils below 1 ohm.
• Big Drip Watermelon Chill 120ml E Liquid by Doozy Vape: Ideal for regular vapers who go through juice quickly. You get a lot of liquid with room for two nic shots.

Final Thoughts

Shortfills and nicotine salts each have their place depending on how you vape. If you're into big clouds and longer sessions, shortfills give you more juice and flexibility with your nicotine. If you're after quick hits with stronger nicotine and don’t want to bother with mixing, nic salts are easier to use and carry around.

Want to buy the best e-liquid for your vaping device? Alectrofag offers a range of nic shots and shortfills sourced from top vape juice brands in the UK. Place your order now and enjoy awesome deals.

Get the full lowdown in our comprehensive guide on e-liquids, perfect for beginners and seasoned vapers alike.

Frequently Asked Question

What's the difference between vape juice and nic salts?

All nic salts are vape juices, but not all vape juices are nic salts. Vape juice (also called e-liquid or e-juice) includes freebase nicotine or nicotine salts mixed with VG and PG. Nic salts are a special kind of nicotine blended in a way that absorbs faster and feels smoother. So if you see the term “vape juice,” it could be a shortfill, a nic salt, or even a basic 10ml bottle of freebase nicotine.

Are nic salts better than disposables?

Disposables have been banned since June 1, 2025, which is why brands like Hayati, Crystal Bar, and other brands are launching nic salts that offer almost the same, disposable-like flavours. Nic salts absorb into the bloodstream faster, which is why they’re loved by most vapers.