Top Cigarette Brands: A Flavorful Journey Through Smoke!

Navigating the expansive world of cigarette brands can be overwhelming, with countless options vying for attention. From the bold flavors of American classics to the nuanced notes of international blends, each brand offers a unique smoking experience that caters to diverse preferences. Whether you are a seasoned smoker or someone exploring the choices available, selecting a reliable and high-quality brand is crucial for a satisfying experience. To assist you in making an informed decision, we invite you to explore our curated list of the best cigarette brands available today.

Illustration of cigarette

Best brands of cigarette in 2025

Marlboro

Marlboro, owned by Philip Morris International, is the world's best-selling international cigarette brand, maintaining a strong global market share of 9.8% as of fiscal 2023. This brand has consistently held a significant market position, with its volume outside of the U.S. and China reaching 240 billion cigarettes in 2021. Marlboro is sold in over 170 markets worldwide and has been the world's number-one international cigarette brand since 1972. In the U.S., Marlboro has held over 38% of the cigarette market share for many years. Its market share has remained relatively stable globally since 2018. For more information, visit their frequently asked questions page.

Camel

Camel is one of the prominent cigarette brands in the United States, known for its significant market presence and advertising impact. As of 2017, Camel held an 8% market share in the U.S. cigarette market, making it one of the top brands alongside Marlboro and Newport. The brand is particularly popular among young people due to its heavy advertising efforts. Camel filter cigarettes are a preferred choice, reflecting the brand's enduring presence in the tobacco industry. Despite the overall decline in cigarette sales, Camel remains a notable player in the market.

Newport

Newport is a leading cigarette brand, particularly renowned for its menthol cigarettes, which comprise about 35% of menthol cigarette sales in the U.S. Since 1993, it has been the most popular mentholated cigarette brand in the country. Between 2002 and 2013, Newport's market share increased from 7.2% to 10.9%, solidifying its position as the second-highest market share holder after Marlboro. The brand has also shown significant growth among teen and minority markets, with a notable increase in nicotine content over the years. In 2015, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company acquired Newport as part of the Lorillard Tobacco Company for $27.4 billion.

Lucky Strike

Lucky Strike, a renowned American brand of cigarettes owned by British American Tobacco, has a rich history dating back to 1871 when it was introduced as a brand of plug tobacco. By the early 1900s, it evolved into a cigarette brand, and in the 1950s, it held a significant 23% market share in the U.S., rivaling Camel's 27% share. The brand is famous for its iconic packaging changes, including the switch from green to white in 1942, which was a strategic move to appeal more to female smokers and reduce costs. Despite a decline in sales, Lucky Strike experienced a resurgence in 2012, with consumption increasing to 33 billion packets, partly due to its feature in the TV series Mad Men. In 2020, filtered and menthol versions of Lucky Strike were reintroduced to the U.S. market. For more information, visit Lucky Strike's Wikipedia page.

Winston

Winston is a renowned American brand of cigarettes, introduced in 1954 by R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, and it quickly became one of the top-selling cigarette brands globally. By 1966, Winston was the number one cigarette sold in the world, a position it held until 1972. As of 2017, Winston holds the seventh-highest U.S. market share with 2% of all cigarette brands, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The brand is currently owned by ITG Brands in the U.S. and Japan Tobacco outside the U.S. Winston has been consistently among the top 10 cigarette brands in the U.S. since 2001, despite a decline in market share from its peak of 3.92% in 2003. For more about Winston's history and market presence, visit their Wikipedia page.

Dunhill

Dunhill, a prominent brand within the British American Tobacco portfolio, is recognized for its high-quality cigarettes. It is one of the company's most important 'Global Drive' brands, alongside Kent, Lucky Strike, and Pall Mall. As of 2017, British American Tobacco, which includes Dunhill, held an 11.8% share of the global cigarette market, operating in over 200 countries. Dunhill's global presence and reputation contribute significantly to the company's overall market influence. The brand's success is part of the reason British American Tobacco has maintained its position as the second largest transnational tobacco company in terms of cigarette sales volumes.

Pall Mall

Pall Mall, a brand produced by British American Tobacco, has seen significant growth in the cigarette market. From a mere 1.66% market share in 2002, Pall Mall increased to 8.92% by 2013, representing an impressive 437% growth. This surge was particularly notable after 2007, with a 239% increase in just six years. By 2010, Pall Mall's market share had risen to 7.95%, with a quarterly volume of 5.5 billion cigarettes. The brand's success can be attributed to its effective positioning as a premium product at a sub-premium price, especially during challenging economic times like the Great Recession. For further details, visit the Pall Mall official website.

American Spirit

American Spirit, a brand owned by Reynolds American, has seen significant growth and popularity, particularly for its perception as a 'natural' and 'organic' cigarette brand. Since 2002, American Spirit has experienced a remarkable 554% increase in market share, rising from 0.26% to 1.7% by 2013 nationally, and holding a notable 5.8% market share in California and 10.2% in San Francisco. It is marketed as environmentally friendly and without additives, appealing to health-oriented smokers who perceive it as less harmful. Despite being more expensive, with prices 12.0% to 34.4% higher than other brands like Marlboro, Newport, and Pall Mall, American Spirit remains a preferred choice for many. Its unique branding and marketing strategy have contributed to its success, especially among younger smokers and those with mental health conditions. Learn more about American Spirit brand preference among smokers.

Parliament

Parliament is a notable cigarette brand, ranking as the 12th best-selling international brand and the 4th largest brand under Philip Morris International (PMI). It holds a significant market share, with 1.9% of U.S. cigarette sales and a global market share of 1.7% as of 2021. Known for its popularity among affluent smokers since the 1950s, Parliament is sold in more than 30 countries and produced over 46 billion cigarettes in 2016. The brand is part of PMI's diverse portfolio, which also includes other top brands like Marlboro, L&M, and Chesterfield. Parliament's global presence and consistent market share underscore its position as a major player in the tobacco industry.

Virginia Slims

Virginia Slims, owned by Altria and manufactured by Philip Morris International, is a prominent cigarette brand known for its slim and elegant design, introduced on July 22, 1968. The brand has a significant market presence, particularly among female smokers, with a peak market share of 3.1% in 1989 and a loyal customer base. Virginia Slims are available in various lengths, including 100 and 120 mm, and in menthol and non-menthol flavors, with menthol representing 40-55% of total sales. Despite a decline in market share to around 1.8% by 2009, the brand remains popular for its unique packaging and targeted marketing strategies. Virginia Slims has also expanded its product line to include Superslims, Lights, and Ultra Lights varieties. For more details, visit their official website.