For years, smokers have been searching for the most effective way to quit. From nicotine patches to gum and prescription medications, the journey to becoming smoke-free isn’t always easy. But what about vaping? A new review from Cochrane, a global leader in health research, provides fresh insights into how electronic cigarettes (ECs) stack up against other methods—and the results are promising.
The Study: What’s New?
Cochrane has been conducting a living systematic review to keep up with the latest evidence on electronic cigarettes for smoking cessation. The latest update, published on January 29, 2025, includes 90 studies with over 29,000 participants, making it one of the most comprehensive analysis on the topic to date.
The studies compared nicotine e‐cigarettes with:
· nicotine replacement therapy, such as patches or gum
· varenicline (a medicine to help people stop smoking)
· e‐cigarettes without nicotine
· heated tobacco (products designed to heat tobacco to a high enough temperature to release vapour, without burning it or producing smoke - these differ from e‐cigarettes because they heat tobacco leaf/sheet rather than a liquid)
· other types of nicotine‐containing e‐cigarettes (e.g. pod devices, newer devices)
· behavioural support, such as advice or counselling
· no support for stopping smoking.
The Key Findings
So, what does the science say? Here are the most important takeaways:
1) Vaping Nicotine is More Effective Than Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
People who used nicotine-containing e-cigarettes were more likely to quit smoking than those who used traditional NRT methods like patches and gum. The research found that for every 100 people using nicotine vapes, about 4 extra people successfully quit smoking compared to those using NRT.
2) Nicotine Vapes Beat Non-Nicotine Vapes
If you’re vaping to quit, nicotine e-cigarettes work better than non-nicotine versions. The study suggests that vaping nicotine increases quit rates, but non-nicotine e-cigarettes may not be as effective as a quit aid.
3) Vaping vs. No Support
When compared to people who only received behavioural support or no support at all, those who used nicotine e-cigarettes had higher quit rates. However, some studies had a risk of bias, making this finding less certain than the comparisons with NRT.
4) What About Side Effects?
- The most commonly reported side effects were mild, including throat/mouth irritation, headache, cough, and nausea—most of which subsided over time.
- When comparing nicotine e-cigarettes to NRT or non-nicotine vapes, the rate of side effects was similar.
- There was no strong evidence linking vaping to serious adverse events, but longer studies are needed to fully assess safety.
So, Should You Switch to Vaping to Quit Smoking?
The evidence suggests that nicotine e-cigarettes are one of the most effective tools for quitting smoking, even more so than NRT. That being said, while vaping appears to be a safer alternative to smoking, more research is needed to understand the long-term effects.
If you’re thinking about making the switch, remember:
- Use regulated nicotine-containing e-cigarettes. Illicit or unregulated products may pose unknown risks. Shop at your local vape store and from reputable suppliers and manufacturers, they have the best advice and products, avoid convenience shops where they generally don't care about the products you buy.
- Get support. Vaping can help, but quitting smoking is still a journey. Combining vaping with expert advice or behavioural support can boost your chances of success. See our supporting brand Riot Rehab for further help on your quitting journey.
The Bottom Line
This latest Cochrane review reinforces what many ex-smokers already know—vaping can help you quit. With nicotine e-cigarettes showing higher quit rates than NRT and non-nicotine vapes, they remain a promising tool for those looking to break free from tobacco. But while vaping is a safer option than smoking, ongoing research will be crucial in understanding its long-term impact.
As Cochrane continues their living systematic review, we’ll keep you updated with the latest findings. In the meantime, if you’re ready to ditch the cigs for good, vaping could be your best bet.
For full details, check out the original Cochrane review here: Cochrane Library
