Figures released by the government in November 2025 show that there are now more people in Great Britain who vape than smoke.
It is estimated that 5.4 million people over the age of 16 are vaping daily while 4.9 million people are smokers.
This is great news for public health as vaping has consistently been shown to be less harmful than smoking.
In addition, the number of youngsters who are vaping seems to have flatlined.
What does the data tell us?
The published data was drawn from two surveys by the Office for National Statistics. The estimates comparing vaping and smoking are from the ONS Opinion and Lifestyle Survey and relate to Great Britain. The official rates for smoking in the UK come from the Annual Population Survey.
The number of adult vapers has increased from 5.9% in 2023 to 6.7% in 2024. However, the proportion of vapers in the population varies by age group. There are now fewer vapers amongst 16-24-year olds. But vaping prevalence rose from 6.8% to 9.5% amongst 35-49-year olds over the same period. The proportion of adults (Age 18+) in the UK who smoke has reached an all time low of 10.6%. This represents a reduction of 0.5% since 2023.
What is the future of smoking in the UK?
Recent legislation has been introduced to address youth vaping. But successive governments have continued to advocate vaping as a strategy to quit smoking.
In 2019, the government set the goal for England to be smoke free by 2030. The definition given for smoke free was a smoking rate of 5% or lower. To achieve this aim, smoking rates need to fall by a further 0.9% each year.
The required reductions can only be realised courtesy of sustained action and investment in supporting low-income families amongst whom smoking rates are highest.
Why are low-income families more likely to smoke?
Low-income families are more likely to smoke due to a combination of factors including higher stress levels, greater nicotine dependence, and social and environmental influences, such as a higher prevalence of smoking within their social networks. Additionally, they face greater barriers to quitting, including less access to support services, and may have less successful adherence to quitting treatments. Targeted marketing by the tobacco industry also contributes to higher rates in these communities.
Tobacco and Vapes Bill
It is worth noting that the landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill continues to be debated in the House of Lords. This Bill will prohibit the sale of tobacco to anyone born after 1 January 2009.
A significant moment
Hazel Cheeseman, Chief Executive of ASH said, “It is a significant moment that for the first time more adults consume nicotine through vapes than tobacco. The growth in vaping has almost certainly contributed to the fall in smoking and is therefore to be welcomed."
Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in the UK, responsible for over 70,000 deaths every year.
Are you considering an attempt to quit smoking? If so, the Vapekit range features the devices and e-liquids that you need to begin your vaping journey.
