If you are currently smoking and thinking about switching to vaping, or just curious how the two compare, you are not alone. One of the most common questions asked by smokers, new vapers and even non-users is whether vaping is actually better than smoking.
While neither option is perfect, there are clear differences between them. This article breaks down what we know so far, looking at health risks, nicotine content, long-term effects and the reasons many people are choosing to switch.
What is the key difference between smoking and vaping?
The main difference comes down to how the substance is delivered. Cigarettes burn tobacco to create smoke. That smoke contains tar, carbon monoxide and over 70 known cancer-causing chemicals. These by-products of combustion are what make smoking so harmful to your lungs, heart and general health.
Vaping, on the other hand, heats a liquid to create vapour. That vapour contains far fewer chemicals and no tar. While vape liquids still contain nicotine and other ingredients, they avoid the burning process, which is responsible for most of the long-term damage from smoking.
What does the NHS say?
According to the NHS and other UK health bodies, vaping is significantly less harmful than smoking. In fact, Public Health England has stated that vaping is around 95 percent less harmful than smoking traditional tobacco.
This does not mean vaping is harmless. It still introduces substances into the lungs, and long-term effects are still being studied. But for current smokers, switching to vaping is considered a positive step in the right direction.
Is nicotine the main issue?
Nicotine is the addictive part of both cigarettes and most vape products. But contrary to what many people think, nicotine itself is not the chemical that causes cancer or serious lung disease. It is the smoke and the hundreds of toxins created when tobacco burns that lead to long-term damage.
Nicotine does affect the body. It can raise heart rate, increase blood pressure and contribute to dependence. But if you are already using nicotine, switching to a cleaner delivery method like vaping may reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals without increasing your nicotine intake.
Devices like those found in the Lost Mary BM6000 collection offer a refillable, consistent experience using TPD-compliant nicotine salt liquids. These are regulated in the UK and capped at 20 milligrams per millilitre, meaning you can stay within safe, legal limits.
What are the health risks?
Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in the UK. It increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, chronic bronchitis, gum disease and dozens of other serious conditions.
Vaping, while not entirely risk-free, avoids combustion and contains far fewer harmful substances. Some short-term effects like dry mouth, sore throat or mild coughing have been reported, but serious long-term health risks are not currently supported by evidence in users of legal, regulated products.
Research is ongoing, and health officials continue to monitor vaping closely. But to date, the consensus remains that it is far less harmful than smoking.
Can vaping help you quit smoking?
For many people, yes. Some smokers find that vaping helps them reduce cigarette use gradually, while others switch completely. One of the biggest advantages is that vaping allows users to control their nicotine strength and slowly taper down if they choose.
You can start on a high strength that matches your current smoking habit, then reduce the amount of nicotine over time without having to change the behaviour or routine. This gradual approach makes it easier for many people to quit entirely.
Does vaping feel the same as smoking?
Not quite. While vaping mimics the hand-to-mouth habit and gives a similar throat hit, the sensation is different. Vapour is smoother than smoke, and there is no ash, no burning and far less smell. Some people adjust quickly, while others need time to get used to the change.
The wide range of flavours in vaping can also make the experience more enjoyable for some users, especially once they move away from tobacco-flavoured options.
What about passive exposure?
Second-hand smoke from cigarettes is known to be harmful to others. It contains toxic chemicals that can linger in the air, furniture and even clothing. This is particularly dangerous for children, pets and those with respiratory issues.
Second-hand vapour is considered much less harmful. While it is not just water vapour, studies have shown that the chemical levels in exhaled vapour are far lower than in cigarette smoke. Even so, it is best to vape in well-ventilated areas and avoid vaping directly around non-users, especially indoors.
Is vaping cheaper than smoking?
Yes, vaping can be much more cost-effective in the long run. A typical pack-a-day smoker in the UK can spend over £3,500 per year on cigarettes. In contrast, a refillable vape system with a bottle of e-liquid may cost under £10 per week.
There is an upfront cost for the device, but after that, ongoing expenses are far lower. Some people choose to invest in a high-quality pod kit and enjoy substantial savings while reducing their nicotine intake over time.
Who should not vape?
If you do not already smoke or use nicotine, there is no reason to start vaping. It is not a lifestyle product or a harmless trend. It is a harm-reduction tool for smokers who want a safer alternative.
Vaping is also not recommended for children, teenagers, pregnant people or anyone with existing health conditions unless advised by a healthcare professional.
Want more guidance?
Our health guides cover everything from quitting smoking and reducing nicotine to understanding cravings, dry mouth, breathing, oral health and more. Each one is written for UK vapers looking for clear and honest answers.
Final thoughts
Vaping is not completely harmless, but it is widely accepted to be better than smoking in terms of health risk, exposure to harmful chemicals and long-term outcomes. If you are looking for a way to stop smoking, vaping could be a useful step forward.
The key is to use vaping responsibly, choose regulated products and keep your nicotine levels under control. If your goal is to quit altogether, vaping can be part of that journey — not the final destination.
If you are exploring options, the Lost Mary BM6000 collection includes refillable pod devices designed for a smooth experience with controlled nicotine delivery.
If you’re switching from cigarettes to vaping, it’s worth reading what happens when you quit smoking and start vaping to understand the transition.
For those curious about safety and ingredients, check is vaping bad for you for a broader view.