MTL vs DTL Vaping - The Best Kits for Each Style

 MTL vs DTL Vaping - The Best Kits for Each Style

Choosing between mouth-to-lung (MTL) and direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping can feel confusing when you're starting out. Both styles offer different experiences, and understanding which suits you best depends on what you want from vaping. Whether you're looking for something that feels like smoking a cigarette or prefer bigger clouds and intense flavour, there's a vaping style that matches your needs.

What’s the Difference Between MTL and DTL Vaping?

The main difference between MTL vs DTL comes down to the inhalation method. MTL is a two-step process that resembles smoking cigarettes, while DTL is a single, deeper inhale that produces significantly more vapour.
MTL (mouth-to-lung) vaping mimics the two-step process of smoking a cigarette. You draw vapour into your mouth first, hold it briefly, then inhale into your lungs. This style utilises devices with tighter airflow and lower power, making it popular among individuals transitioning from smoking. 

Best for: Beginners, ex-smokers, discreet vaping, and intense flavour with higher nicotine levels.

Vape setup: Higher resistance coils (0.8 ohm and above), lower wattage, tighter airflow, and high PG e-liquids (typically 50/50 VG/PG ratio).

DTL (direct-to-lung) vaping works differently. You inhale vapour directly into your lungs in one smooth, deep breath, similar to using a shisha pipe. DTL devices typically operate at higher power levels and produce larger clouds of vapour.

Best for: Experienced vapers, cloud chasers, big vapour production, and strong flavour with lower nicotine.

Vape setup: Lower resistance coils (below 0.8 ohm), higher wattage, open airflow, and higher VG e-liquids (70/30 VG/PG ratio or higher).

For a deeper dive into each style, read our comprehensive guides on MTL vaping and DTL vaping.

Is MTL Vaping Good for Beginners? 

Yes, MTL vaping works well for beginners, particularly those transitioning from cigarettes. The tight draw and two-step inhale closely resemble smoking, which helps make the switch feel more natural and familiar.

MTL devices typically use lower wattages and consume less e-liquid compared to DTL devices. This makes them more cost-effective and straightforward for newcomers to manage. You don't need to learn complicated settings or adjust multiple features. Simply fill your device, press the button, and vape.

For more information about starting your vaping experience, check out our guide for new vapers.

Does DTL Give More Nicotine?

DTL vaping can deliver more nicotine per puff because it produces larger vapour clouds, allowing for higher nicotine absorption. The increased wattage and open airflow settings in DTL devices vaporise more e-liquid with each inhale.

However, DTL vapers typically use e-liquids with lower nicotine concentrations (often 3mg or 6mg) compared to MTL users, who may use nicotine strengths of 10mg, 12mg, or 20mg. This balances out the increased vapour production.

If you're interested in learning more about getting the most from your vaping experience, explore our vape tips and hacks or discover different vaping tricks.

Is MTL Vaping Better for Flavour?

MTL vaping often provides better flavour perception because the vapour lingers in your mouth longer, giving your taste buds more time to detect different notes. The lower wattage used in MTL devices prevents e-liquid from burning, which preserves the intended flavour profiles.

MTL devices work well with higher nicotine concentrations, which can create a stronger throat hit and more satisfying flavour experience for many users. The combination of concentrated vapour and slower inhale means you're more likely to taste the subtle nuances in your e-liquid.

Explore the best e-liquids or find out about the best vape flavours according to vapers to discover options that work well with your chosen vaping style.

Is MTL or DTL Better for Throat Hit?

This is one of the most noticeable differences between MTL vs DTL vaping.
MTL vaping delivers a stronger, more pronounced throat hit that closely resembles traditional cigarette smoking. This sensation can be particularly satisfying for former smokers seeking a familiar experience. The restricted airflow and higher nicotine concentrations contribute to this effect.

DTL vaping provides a smoother, less intense throat hit. The large volume of vapour and open airflow dilute the sensation, creating a gentler experience. You can adjust this further by changing your device's airflow settings or choosing different nicotine strengths.

Is DTL Safer Than MTL? 

The safety of DTL versus MTL vaping depends more on your individual vaping habits and consumption patterns than the style itself. Both approaches require moderation and proper device settings for the best experience.

DTL vaping produces larger cloud volumes, which may dilute potentially harmful substances compared to the more concentrated inhales of MTL vaping. DTL also typically uses lower nicotine levels in e-liquids (3mg to 6mg), which may reduce the risk of nicotine dependence compared to the higher strengths (10mg to 20mg) often used in MTL devices.

For more information about vaping safety, read our guide on is vaping safe.

What are the Main Differences Between DTL vs MTL Vape Kits?

MTL vs DTL vape kits are designed with different features to support each vaping style:

MTL vape kits feature tighter airflow, lower power output (typically 10W to 20W), and smaller coils with higher resistance (above 0.8 ohm). These devices work best with 50/50 e-liquids and higher nicotine strengths. They're usually more compact and discreet.

DTL vape kits offer open airflow, higher power output (typically 40W to 100W or more), and larger coils with lower resistance (below 0.8 ohm). These devices require high-VG e-liquids (70/30 or higher VG ratio) and work best with lower nicotine strengths. They tend to be larger and produce significantly more vapour.

Looking for the right device? Browse our selection of best vape kits to find options that match your vaping style.

Our Recommended MTL Vape Kits

Here are some excellent MTL vape kits that deliver a satisfying, cigarette-like experience:

• Elf Bar Mate 500 Kit: This refillable kit uses pre-filled pods and offers the convenience of a disposable with the cost savings of a reusable device. The tight draw makes it perfect for MTL vaping.
• VUSE Pro Pod Kit: A reliable MTL device with excellent flavour production and long battery life. The pre-filled pods make it simple to use, with no mess or complicated refilling.
• SKE Crystal Plus Pod Vape Kit: Combines portability with performance. This compact device delivers consistent MTL draws and works with a wide range of compatible pre-filled pods.

Explore our full range of vape kits or browse our vape starter kits for more beginner-friendly options.

Our Recommended DTL Vape Kits

For vapers who prefer larger clouds and more intense flavour, these DTL kits deliver:

• Voopoo Argus G Pod Kit: This versatile device offers adjustable power and airflow, allowing you to customise your DTL experience. The 0.7 ohm coil produces impressive vapour while maintaining excellent flavour.
• Uwell Caliburn A3: Features a 0.8 ohm coil that sits at the border between MTL and DTL, making it ideal for vapers exploring different styles. The larger battery supports extended vaping sessions.
• SMOK Tech 247 Vape Kit: A powerful device designed specifically for DTL vaping. With adjustable wattage up to 80W and sub-ohm coils, this kit produces massive clouds without compromising on flavour.

Browse our pre-filled pod vape kits or explore advanced vape kits for more DTL options.

Is It Better to Vape in Your Mouth or Lungs?

Neither method is objectively better. The right choice depends on what you want from vaping.

Choose MTL if you want a familiar feel: If you're new to vaping or coming from smoking, MTL gives you that cigarette-like experience. The tight draw, strong throat hit, and higher nicotine delivery make it easier to satisfy cravings. MTL also uses less e-liquid and battery power, making it more economical.

Choose DTL for big clouds and flavour: This style works well for experienced vapers who have moved past the need for a cigarette-like experience. DTL vaping allows for more customisation and experimentation with different settings, delivering a powerful, airy experience.

Consider RDL for a balance: Restricted Direct-to-Lung (RDL) is a hybrid style that sits between MTL and DTL. It offers a slightly more open draw than MTL, but not as airy as full DTL, making it perfect for those transitioning between styles.

Many vapers start with MTL and gradually move to DTL as they become more comfortable with vaping. Some stick with MTL permanently because it meets their needs. Others discover they prefer DTL from the beginning.

The key is choosing devices and e-liquids that match your preferred style. Regular maintenance also helps ensure the best experience, so read our guide on cleaning and maintaining your vape to keep your device performing well.