Does Vaping Really Help You Quit Smoking? A Research-Based Look

If you're thinking about stopping smoking, chances are you've considered vaping.

But does vaping really work as an alternative to smoking – or is it just another habit?

In this article, we explore the research behind vaping helping to reduce your reliance on cigarrettes and look at which products are best suited for smokers trying to stop.

What the NHS Says About Vaping to Quit Smoking

✔ The NHS officially lists vaping as one of the most effective tools to stop smoking.

✔ According to Public Health England (now OHID), vaping is at least 95% less harmful than smoking.

✔ According to the NHS, smokers who use e-cigarettes are twice as likely to quit compared to those using nicotine replacement therapy (NRT).

📌 Vaping delivers nicotine without the harmful tar and carbon monoxide found in cigarettes.

How Vaping Helps You Stop

✔ Satisfies hand-to-mouth habit – mimics the behavioural side of smoking.

✔ Controls nicotine intake – you can choose strength and taper down gradually.

✔ Customisable flavours – helps reduce the psychological craving for tobacco as suggested in the National Library of Medicine.

Best Vape Kits for Stopping Smoking

Top Picks for Quitters:

Geekvape Sonder Q Pod Kit

Designed for straightforward operation, making it highly accessible for beginners.

• Adjustable airflow mimics cigarette draw for a customizable experience
• Supports both nicotine salts and freebase e-liquids
• Mess-free, no coil changes needed
• Long battery life and fast charging

Aspire Gotek X Pod Kit

Strong flavour and good battery life making it a practical option for on-the-go vapers.

• Designed to closely mimic the sensation of smoking a cigarette
• Simple, button-free operation
• User-friendly refillable Pods
• Lightweight and durable

Vaporesso XROS 3 Mini

Delivers exceptional flavour fidelity to satiate nicotine cravings when stopping smoking.

• Closely mimics cigarette sensation
• No buttons, easy to use
• No mess, hassle-free refills
• All-day use, less frequent charging

Best Nicotine Salt E-Liquids for a Smooth Transition

Nicotine salts deliver fast-acting nicotine with a smooth throat hit – ideal for new vapers.

Recommended Nic Salts:

Bar Juice 5000 Fresh Mint	Elfliq Snoow Tobacco	Elux Legend Menthol
A smooth and invigorating mint vape in a balanced blend	A smooth tobacco blend with a refreshing icy finish in a strength	Classic menthol flavour with a crisp and icy finish
Buy now	Buy now	Buy now

What The Research Shows

UK Study (2023 – Cochrane Review)

✔ Vaping was more effective than nicotine gum, patches, and lozenges in helping people quit (2023 – Cochrane Review)

UK Stop Smoking Services

✔ Thousands of smokers in the UK have successfully quit using vape kits in combination with behavioural support.

✔ In 2022, over 68% of smokers who used e-cigarettes with NHS help successfully quit – compared to 44% with NRT alone.

For more information, visit the NHS portal.

Tips for Switching Successfully

✔ Start with a strong enough nicotine strength (usually 20mg for heavy smokers)
✔ Stick with it – don’t panic if it feels different at first
✔ Experiment with flavours – find something enjoyable
✔ Use trusted, TPD-compliant products from reputable UK retailers like FREESMO

Final Thoughts on Vaping to Quit Smoking

Yes – vaping is recognised by UK health authorities and national health resources such as the NHS, the National Library of Medicine, and ASH as an effective and less harmful alternative that can help you on your journey to reduce your reliance on cigarettes.

If you're ready to make the switch, take out smoke-free questionnaire to explore how FREESMO can help with your smoking transition with it’s full range of beginner kits, nicotine salts and tobacco-inspired flavours.