What Does 5% Nicotine Mean?
When a disposable vape is labelled "5%," that refers to the nicotine concentration by volume — 50 milligrams of nicotine per millilitre of e-liquid (50mg/mL). This is the strength most commonly found in popular devices sold in the United States and internationally.
For context, a standard cigarette delivers roughly 1 to 2 milligrams of nicotine per cigarette. A 5% disposable vape delivers nicotine in salt form, which absorbs faster and provides a stronger satisfaction per puff compared to freebase nicotine at the same concentration.
5% vs 2% — What's the Difference?
Most vape shops in Canada stock devices at 20mg/mL (2%) nicotine. Here's how the two compare in practice:
Throat hit: A 5% device delivers a noticeably stronger throat hit. For former smokers or heavy nicotine users, this is often the difference between feeling satisfied and reaching for another cigarette.
Puff frequency: At 2%, many users find themselves chain-vaping to get the same satisfaction they'd get from fewer puffs at 5%. This means a 2% device that advertises 15,000 puffs might only last as long as a 5% device with 8,000 puffs in real-world use.
Battery and liquid efficiency: Because you need fewer puffs at 5% to feel satisfied, the device's battery and e-liquid last longer relative to your actual usage.
Who Should Use 5% Nicotine?
5% nicotine devices are designed for adults who are already regular nicotine users — specifically people transitioning from cigarettes or heavy vapers who find 2% devices unsatisfying. They are not intended for non-smokers or casual users.
If you currently smoke a pack a day or close to it, a 5% device will feel familiar. If you're a light or occasional smoker, 2% may be more appropriate.
Which Devices Come in 5%?
The most popular 5% disposable vapes available in Canada include:
Geek Bar Pulse X (25,000 puffs) — Features dual mode (regular and pulse), a 3D curved display showing battery and e-liquid levels, and a 650mAh rechargeable battery. One of the highest-capacity 5% devices on the market.
Geek Bar Pulse (15,000 puffs) — The standard Pulse with boost mode, LED display, and the same reliable Geek Bar build quality. A solid mid-range option.
Elf Bar MoonNight (40,000 puffs) — Elf Bar's ultra-high-capacity flagship. At 40,000 puffs with 5% nicotine, it's one of the longest-lasting disposable devices available anywhere.
How to Spot Fake 5% Vapes
Counterfeit vapes are a real problem, especially for high-demand devices. Here's how to verify authenticity:
Where to Buy 5% Vapes in Canada
North Nicotine stocks authentic 5% disposable vapes from Geek Bar and Elf Bar. Every device ships with the manufacturer's verification code intact. We offer local pickup in Mississauga and Canada-wide shipping via Canada Post.
Browse our current inventory to see what's in stock.