Top-Rated Smoking Brands: A Curated List for Discerning Enthusiasts

In recent years, the landscape of smoking products has evolved significantly, with a range of brands catering to both traditional and modern tastes. From classic cigarette manufacturers to innovative e-cigarette companies, the options for smokers have expanded substantially. Many of these brands are renowned not only for their quality but also for their commitment to flavor and user experience. If you're curious to explore which brands stand out in today's competitive market, take a look below to discover some of the best options available.

Illustration of smoking

Best brands of smoking in 2025

Marlboro

Marlboro, owned by Philip Morris International, is one of the most dominant cigarette brands globally, maintaining a strong market presence. As of fiscal 2023, Marlboro holds a 9.8% global market share, a figure that has remained relatively stable since 2018. In the United States, Marlboro consistently held over 38% of the cigarette market between 2002 and 2013, showcasing its enduring popularity. The brand's resilience is further highlighted by its 50th anniversary as the world's leading cigarette brand in 2022, with a global cigarette category share of 10.3% excluding Russia and Ukraine. Marlboro's market share is a testament to its competitive position worldwide.

Camel

Camel is one of the prominent cigarette brands in the United States, known for its filter-only variants. 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 heavily advertised and remains a preferred choice among young people. Camel's market presence is significant, reflecting its enduring popularity despite declining overall cigarette sales. The brand's advertising and marketing strategies have contributed to its sustained market position. For more detailed insights, you can explore the CDC's report on tobacco brand preference.

Newport

Newport is a prominent cigarette brand, particularly known for its menthol variants, which have dominated the U.S. menthol cigarette market since 1993. It holds around 12.9% of the traditional cigarette market share as of recent reports. Between 2002 and 2013, Newport's market share increased from 7.2% to 10.9%, reflecting its growing popularity. The brand is also notable for its significant presence in the African-American and Hispanic markets, with a study showing a doubling of teen Newport smokers between 1989 and 1996. Newport comprises about 35% of menthol cigarette sales in the U.S.

American Spirit

American Spirit, despite its misleading marketing, holds a significant market share, particularly among younger smokers. By 2013, American Spirit had grown to capture approximately 1.7% of the national cigarette market, representing a 554% increase from its 0.26% share in 2002. The brand is often perceived as less harmful due to its "natural," "organic," and "additive-free" descriptors, although studies show this perception is incorrect and that American Spirit cigarettes may be more addictive due to higher nicotine levels. American Spirit is priced higher than other brands, with an average price of $7.03 in 2017, which is 12.0% to 34.4% more than brands like Pall Mall, Newport, and Marlboro. However, there is no evidence to support that American Spirit cigarettes are healthier or less harmful than other brands. Learn more about their products on the official American Spirit website.

Dunhill

Dunhill is a renowned brand in the tobacco industry, known for its high-quality cigarettes. In the UK, Dunhill King Size was used by an estimated 65,800 people in 2013, highlighting its popularity. The brand, owned by the Richemont Luxury Group, has a long history of producing premium tobacco products, including cigarettes and pipe tobacco. Dunhill's brand value has been consistently ranked in various brand rankings, reflecting its strong market presence. The brand's commitment to quality and its extensive user base make it one of the best producers for smoking products.

Davidoff

Davidoff, a leading brand in the premium cigar sector, reported a significant 8% increase in turnover to CHF456.8 million (US$476.8 million) in 2021, driven by a 35% rise in production to 34.1 million sticks. The brand saw a notable 43.9% year-on-year increase in turnover, particularly boosted by the introduction of Davidoff Dominicana and Davidoff Limited Editions. With over 700 appointed merchants and 65 flagship stores worldwide, Davidoff is renowned for its high-value brands and exclusive retail experiences. The company dominates the Indian domestic cigar industry with a 65% market share through its partnership with Godfrey Phillips India Limited. Davidoff's commitment to craftsmanship and quality has established it as a global leader in the luxury cigar market. For more insights into their prestigious history and innovations in the cigar industry, visit their about 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 high-quality blend and iconic packaging. In the late 1920s, Lucky Strike's sales skyrocketed by over 300% with the "Reach for a Lucky instead of a sweet" campaign, targeting women and promoting the cigarettes as a way to maintain slimness. The brand's market share peaked at 23% in the U.S. by 1950 and was famously associated with Amelia Earhart and other notable figures. Despite declining cigarette sales globally, Lucky Strike remains a significant brand, with 31 billion cigarettes sold in 2014. For more information, visit the official Wikipedia page.

Pall Mall

Pall Mall experienced a significant surge in market share between 2002 and 2013, growing from 1.66% to 8.92%, a staggering increase of 437%. This growth was particularly notable after 2007, with a 239% increase in just six years. By 2013, Pall Mall's market share was comprised of 42.1% Full Flavor variants and 21.1% menthol cigarettes. The brand's growth was also associated with higher-income smokers, with more Pall Mall smokers in 2014 reporting incomes over $75,000. Pall Mall's market share expansion is a testament to effective brand positioning and economic factors. For an in-depth analysis, refer to this study.

Winston

Winston is a prominent 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 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 Japan Tobacco outside the U.S. Winston has also been known for its additive-free claims, though these have been subject to regulatory scrutiny. For more information, visit the Winston Cigarettes Wikipedia page.

Parliament

The Parliament brand is a prominent and highly regarded 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. In 2016, the volume of produced Parliament cigarettes was an impressive 46 billion, and the brand is available in over 30 countries. Known for its popularity among affluent smokers since the 1950s, Parliament maintains a strong presence in the global tobacco market. The brand's average market share between 2019 and 2021 was 1.5%.