Vaping in 2025 is no longer a fringe behavior or just a smoking cessation tool. It’s a mainstream habit embedded into youth culture, wellness conversations, and lifestyle choices across the globe. As the vaping industry continues to evolve, so do the patterns of its users—particularly when it comes to gender differences.
While both men and women vape, the motivations, preferences, behaviors, and brand loyalties often diverge significantly. In this blog, we explore the latest insights into how male and female vaping habits differ in 2025, backed by current trends, user preferences, and cultural shifts.
1. Motivations Behind Vaping: Stress vs. Lifestyle
Men: Stress Management and Stimulation
In 2025, one of the most common reasons men vape is stress relief, especially among working professionals, students, and blue-collar workers. Male vapers are more likely to report that vaping helps them:
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Focus better at work or study
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Take mental breaks
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Manage anxiety or emotional tension
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Replace or reduce traditional smoking habits
For many men, vaping is still closely tied to nicotine intake, and a significant number still prefer higher nicotine strengths.
Women: Lifestyle Choice and Social Integration
Female users in 2025 are more likely to view vaping as part of their lifestyle or aesthetic. Many vape casually in social settings, at cafes, during nights out, or at home with friends. They may not always be daily users but see vaping as:
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A fun or trendy behavior
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A sensory experience (flavors, aromas)
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A conversation starter
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A cleaner alternative to smoking
More women than ever are opting for nicotine-free or low-nicotine vapes, indicating a shift toward recreational use rather than dependence.
2. Flavor Preferences: Bold vs. Sweet
Flavor is a huge factor in vape product choice, and gender-based preferences remain clearly divided.
Men: Strong, Bold Flavors
Men tend to gravitate toward:
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Tobacco and coffee blends
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Menthol or icy mint
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Energy drink or alcohol-inspired flavors like whiskey, cola, or beer
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Strong fruit flavors like blueberry ice or grape ice
These flavors often match the desire for stronger throat hits and more “masculine” profiles.
Women: Sweet, Fruity, and Light
In contrast, female vapers prefer:
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Strawberry, mango, watermelon, or peach
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Cotton candy, bubblegum, or vanilla custard
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Refreshing blends like lemon mint or lychee ice
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Tea- or beverage-based flavors (e.g., matcha, bubble tea, or pink lemonade)
Flavor for female users is more about pleasant aroma and taste than about throat impact or nicotine buzz.
3. Device Preferences: Functionality vs. Aesthetics
Vape device preferences in 2025 further demonstrate gender-based trends.
Male Vapers: Performance-Focused
Men are more likely to prioritize:
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Long battery life
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Customizability (e.g., adjustable airflow or wattage)
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Sub-ohm devices for larger clouds
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Durability and rugged design
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Higher puff counts or high-capacity tanks
Some male users lean toward mods or refillable systems that allow greater control and experimentation.
Female Vapers: Compact and Stylish
For women, aesthetics and convenience often come first:
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Slim, compact, and lightweight designs
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Soft pastel colors or elegant finishes like rose gold or lavender
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Disposable vapes that don’t require maintenance
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Rechargeable options that are easy to carry in a purse or pocket
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Ergonomic and discreet designs with minimal branding
Many female vapers view their vape devices as accessories, choosing ones that match their fashion and lifestyle.
4. Nicotine Use: Strength vs. Subtlety
In 2025, nicotine consumption patterns reflect gender-based tendencies in dependence and preference.
Men: Higher Nicotine Levels
Men are more likely to:
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Use 3%–5% nicotine concentrations
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Vape frequently throughout the day
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Seek stronger throat hits
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Transition from traditional cigarettes
Many male users treat vaping as a direct replacement for smoking, which explains the preference for higher nicotine strengths.
Women: Low or Zero Nicotine
Women in 2025 increasingly prefer:
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0% or 2% nicotine products
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Occasional or social vaping
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Smooth, mellow inhales without harshness
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Devices marketed as “wellness” alternatives
This shift is partially influenced by health awareness and the desire to avoid addiction while still enjoying the flavors and experience.
5. Social Behavior and Peer Influence
Social contexts and peer groups have a significant impact on vaping habits—and they affect men and women differently.
Men: Independent or Habitual Vapers
Men tend to:
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Vape alone or during breaks from work or gaming
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Use vaping as a regular, integrated habit
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Follow tech or performance-based reviews over social trends
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Prefer utility over popularity when choosing devices
Women: Social or Influencer-Driven Vapers
Female users are more likely to:
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Vape in groups or social environments
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Try new vapes based on social media trends or influencer endorsements
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Share vape experiences on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube
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Follow aesthetics and brand identity more closely
This makes marketing and packaging critical in reaching the female demographic.
6. Health Consciousness and Sustainability
Both genders care more about health and sustainability in 2025—but their concerns manifest differently.
Men: Focus on Safety and Quality
Men often research:
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Coil durability
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Battery safety
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Nicotine delivery technology
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Long-term device performance
They’re more drawn to scientific data, quality certifications, and reviews on device reliability.
Women: Holistic Wellness and Eco-Friendliness
Women are more influenced by:
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Eco-friendly disposable options
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Recyclable packaging
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Non-toxic or organic ingredients
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Brands with clean and natural branding
In fact, many women favor brands that align with sustainability and self-care values.
7. Brand Loyalty and Marketing Impact
Men: Function and Specs
Men are brand-loyal if the device performs well. They respond to:
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Tech specs
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Product reviews
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Influencer endorsements in tech/gadget circles
Women: Visual Appeal and Storytelling
Women are brand-loyal based on:
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Design consistency
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Brand messaging (e.g., “clean,” “chic,” “natural”)
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Social media presence
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Positive peer reviews
Brands like ELF BAR, Vuse, and Puff Bar are popular among women, while GeekVape, SMOK, and Voopoo dominate among men.
While both men and women are active in the vaping community, their preferences, motivations, and usage patterns remain distinct in 2025. Men are driven by function, nicotine strength, and stress relief. Women prioritize aesthetics, flavor, social influence, and wellness.
For brands and policymakers, recognizing these differences is critical. Understanding the nuances of male and female vaping behavior not only allows for better-targeted products but also more responsible marketing and public health strategies.
As vaping continues to grow globally, so too will the sophistication of consumer insights—gender being just one of many layers that shape this dynamic landscape.