Top Cigarette Brands for Quality and Flavor Satisfaction

Choosing the right cigarette brand can significantly influence a smoker’s experience, as each offers distinct flavors and qualities. With numerous brands competing in the market, selecting the right one can be both exciting and overwhelming. From the robust and well-known Marlboro to the refined qualities of Dunhill, the options are extensive and cater to varied preferences. For a detailed list of the best cigarette brands to consider, read on below.

Illustration of cigarettes

Best brands of cigarettes in 2025

Marlboro

Marlboro, owned by Philip Morris International, is one of the most prominent and resilient cigarette brands globally, maintaining a stable market share of around 9.8% worldwide as of 2023. In the USA, Marlboro consistently holds over 38% of the market share, demonstrating its strong and enduring presence. The brand has shown remarkable stability, with its global market share remaining relatively flat since 2018. Marlboro's market share in Europe is particularly high, contributing to PMI's total market share of 39.4% in the region as of 2023. The brand's resilience is evident despite the rise of smoke-free products and economic pressures. For more details, visit the Marlboro section on the Philip Morris International website.

Camel

Camel is one of the leading cigarette brands in the United States, known for its filter-only cigarettes that hold an 8% market share as of 2017 sales data. It is among the three most heavily advertised brands, along with Marlboro and Newport, and is particularly popular among young people. Camel's market presence is significant, with its sales contributing to the broader tobacco industry landscape. The brand's advertising and marketing strategies have been instrumental in maintaining its consumer base. Despite declining cigarette sales overall, Camel remains a prominent player in the market. For more detailed insights into tobacco industry trends, including brand preferences, visit the CDC's tobacco industry data page.

Lucky Strike

Lucky Strike, an 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, known for its top-quality blend inspired by the gold rushes. In the 1920s, Lucky Strike's sales skyrocketed, increasing by over 300% after an advertising campaign targeting women, and by 1930, the brand was selling 40 billion cigarettes. In 1942, the iconic green packaging was changed to white, a move that boosted sales and appeal, especially among female smokers. By 1950, Lucky Strike held a 23% market share in the U.S., making it one of the leading cigarette brands of the time. For detailed history, visit their Wikipedia page.

Newport

Newport, a prominent cigarette brand, has consistently held the second highest market share in the U.S. cigarette market, increasing its share from 7.2% in 2002 to 10.9% by 2013. It is the most popular mentholated cigarette brand in the United States since 1993, comprising about 35% of menthol cigarette sales. Newport's market presence is significant, particularly among African-American and Hispanic communities. The brand was acquired by R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company in 2015 as part of the $27.4 billion acquisition of Lorillard Tobacco Company. Newport's dominance in the menthol segment is underscored by its high nicotine content and widespread consumer preference. For more detailed insights about Newport, visit their Wikipedia page.

Winston

Winston, a prominent American cigarette brand introduced by R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company in 1954, quickly rose to become one of the top-selling cigarette brands globally. By 1966, Winston was the number one cigarette brand in the world, a position it held until 1972. As of 2017, Winston held the seventh-highest U.S. market share with 2% of the market, although its market share has been declining since 2003 when it peaked at 3.92%. The brand is currently owned by ITG Brands in the U.S. and by Japan Tobacco internationally. Winston is known for its additive-free claim introduced in the late 1990s, though this did not imply a safer cigarette. For more detailed information, visit the Winston Wikipedia page.

American Spirit

American Spirit, a brand owned by Reynolds American, has seen significant growth and popularity, particularly among younger and more health-conscious smokers. Since 2002, the brand has experienced a remarkable 554% increase in market share, rising from 0.26% to 1.7% nationally by 2013. Marketed as "natural" and "organic," American Spirit contributes to its perception as a healthier option, despite being just as harmful as other cigarette brands. American Spirit is available in 77% of stores and is the most expensive among major brands, with a price 12.0% to 34.4% higher than competitors like Pall Mall, Newport, and Marlboro. It holds a notable market share, especially in California and San Francisco, where it accounts for 5.8% and 10.2% of the market, respectively. To learn more about American Spirit, visit their website.

Pall Mall

Pall Mall experienced a significant surge in market share between 2002 and 2013, growing from 1.66% to 8.92%, a remarkable increase of 437%. This growth was particularly pronounced after 2007, with a 239% increase in just six years. The brand's market share expansion was likely influenced by economic factors and effective brand positioning, attracting smokers aged 26-34 with higher incomes, often above $75,000. Pall Mall smokers also showed lower nicotine dependence compared to other brands. The brand's market share gains highlight the impact of marketing and economic strategies in the tobacco industry. For more details about Pall Mall, visit their official website.

Dunhill

Dunhill is a renowned cigarette brand, particularly popular in various global markets. In the UK, for instance, Dunhill ranked among the leading cigarette brands in surveys conducted in 2013 and 2014, with a significant number of users aged 15 and older. While specific market share percentages for Dunhill are not provided in the UK context, it is notable for its presence in the tobacco industry alongside other major brands like Marlboro and Camel. Dunhill cigarettes are part of the broader portfolio of British American Tobacco (BAT), one of the largest tobacco companies globally. The brand's popularity is reflected in its inclusion in market share analyses and consumer surveys.

Parliament

The Parliament brand, owned by Philip Morris International (PMI), is one of the leading cigarette brands globally, securing its position as the 12th best-selling international brand and the 4th largest PMI brand. By 2021, Parliament maintained a global market share of 1.7%, with an average market share of 1.5% from 2019 to 2021. In 2016 alone, the production volume of Parliament cigarettes reached 46 billion units, and the brand is currently available in over 30 countries. Parliament accounts for 1.9% of U.S. cigarette sales and has enjoyed popularity among affluent smokers since the 1950s. This iconic brand is an integral part of PMI's diverse portfolio, which also comprises Marlboro, L&M, and Chesterfield. For more detailed insights about Parliament cigarettes, visit their Wikipedia page.

Benson & Hedges

Benson & Hedges is a prominent brand in the cigarette industry, known for its quality and market presence. As part of Rothmans, Benson & Hedges Inc., it holds a significant market share in Canada, with the company dominating the market with a share of around 45% as of 2023. In other markets, such as those reported by JTI, Benson & Hedges has also seen share gains, contributing to the overall market share of its parent companies.