COMING SOON
COILS
ACCESSORIES
BOX OF 10
NICOTINE POUCHESVaping vs Smoking: The Facts You Need to Know in 2026
Vaping vs Smoking: The Facts You Need to Know in 2026
Millions of UK smokers are making the switch to vaping every year — and it's not hard to see why. Whether you're curious about the differences, weighing up the costs, or ready to make the switch today, this guide gives you the real facts and shows you exactly what to get started with at IMMYZ.
What's Actually the Difference?
The core difference comes down to combustion. Cigarettes burn tobacco, producing smoke that contains thousands of chemicals — many of them harmful. Vaping heats e-liquid to create vapour, with no burning involved. No tobacco, no tar, no carbon monoxide.
Public Health England — now UKHSA — has consistently stated that vaping is significantly less harmful than smoking for adult smokers looking to quit. That's not marketing — that's the official UK health position.
📌 Key fact: Vaping produces vapour, not smoke. There's no combustion, no tar and no carbon monoxide — the three biggest drivers of smoking-related harm.
Vaping vs Smoking: Side by Side
Here's how the two compare across the factors that matter most to UK smokers:
| Factor | Smoking | Vaping |
|---|---|---|
| Combustion | Yes — burns tobacco Harmful | No — heats e-liquid Much safer |
| Tar | Yes Present | None Tar-free |
| Carbon monoxide | Yes Present | None CO-free |
| Smell | Strong, lingers on clothes & hair | Minimal, dissipates quickly Much better |
| Cost (monthly) | £150–£300+ for a 20-a-day smoker | £20–£60 depending on setup Far cheaper |
| Nicotine control | Fixed per cigarette | Choose your strength — 10mg or 20mg More control |
| Flavour choice | Tobacco only | Hundreds of flavours Far more variety |
| Passive exposure | Second-hand smoke — harmful to others | Vapour — significantly less risk Much reduced |
The Cost of Smoking vs Vaping
Let's talk numbers. A 20-a-day smoker in the UK spends roughly £4,000–£5,000 per year on cigarettes. That's money going up in smoke — literally.
Compare that to vaping: a decent starter kit costs £20–£40 upfront, and a week's worth of nic salts will set you back just a few pounds. Most vapers spend around £20–£50 per month — a fraction of what cigarettes cost.
If you want even better value, our bulk nic salt Box of 10 deals bring the cost per bottle down further. Or if you prefer an all-in-one solution, our big puff devices come prefilled and ready to go — no separate e-liquid needed.
💰 Savings example: A smoker spending £200/month on cigarettes who switches to vaping could save over £1,800 per year — based on an average monthly vaping spend of £35.
Ready to Make the Switch? Here's How
Switching from smoking to vaping doesn't have to be complicated. Here's a simple step-by-step to get started the right way:
For ex-smokers, a pod system or a big puff device is the best starting point. Simple, compact, no setup required.
Start at 20mg nic salts if you smoked regularly, or 10mg if you were a lighter smoker. This prevents cravings and makes the transition easier.
Try a tobacco flavour first if you want familiarity, or jump straight into fruity and menthol options. Most switchers find fruity flavours help them stay away from cigarettes for good.
Once you've found your go-to, grab a Box of 10 nic salts to save more per bottle and make sure you never run out.
Replace your coil every 1–2 weeks for the best flavour. A fresh coil makes a huge difference to your experience.
What to Get Started With at IMMYZ
Everything you need to make the switch is available at IMMYZ — with same day dispatch on orders before 7PM and free next day delivery on orders over £20.
Prefilled, rechargeable, ready to go straight out of the box. The easiest way to start vaping.
Shop Now →Smooth, satisfying, fast-acting. The closest thing to a cigarette hit — without the smoke.
Shop Now →Compact, refillable and cost-effective. Pair with nic salts for the perfect switching setup.
Shop Now →No device needed. Discreet nicotine anywhere — at work, on the train, wherever you are.
Shop Now →Keep your vape tasting fresh. We stock coils for all major brands — Aspire, SMOK, GeekVape and more.
Shop Now →Found your flavour? Buy a Box of 10 and save more per bottle. Best value for regular vapers.
Shop Now →Why Buy From IMMYZ?
Making the switch is a big step — and you want a store you can rely on. Here's why thousands of UK vapers choose IMMYZ:
- ⚡ Same Day Dispatch — order before 7PM and it ships today
- 🚚 Free Next Day Delivery via Royal Mail on orders over £20
- 📦 Bulk Buy Deals — save more with our Box of 10 nic salt deals
- ✅ 100% UK TPD Compliant — every product meets UK regulations
- 🛒 Huge Range — devices, pods, coils, nic salts, nicotine pouches and accessories all in one place
- 📧 Friendly Support — get in touch at contact@immyz.co.uk
This blog is intended for adults aged 18 and over. Nicotine is an addictive substance. Vaping products are not recommended for non-smokers. IMMYZ only sells to customers in the United Kingdom who are of legal age.
