14-July-25

Electric Shisha vs Vapes: Comparing Features, Flavours, and Use

For adult users seeking smoke-free alternatives, questions around "vape vs hookah" or "electric shisha vs electric cigarette" are increasingly common. Both are inhalation-based experiences rooted in hookah smoking and vaping culture in Egypt, but the devices, substances, and delivery methods differ significantly. Understanding how these options compare can help adult users make informed decisions when considering alternatives to traditional tobacco products.

In this guide, we explore the differences between electric hookahs and vapes—including how they work, their typical ingredients, and their roles in social activities. We also answer common questions like "What is an electric shisha exactly?"

What Is Electric Shisha (Hookah)?

Electric shisha—also called e-hookah or hookah electric—is a modern take on traditional hookah smoking, offering adult users a new way to smoke electric shisha without using charcoal. Instead of heating shisha tobacco with charcoal, electric shisha devices use an electronic heating element to vaporise flavoured tobacco or a tobacco-free liquid mixture.

Unlike traditional waterpipes that burn tobacco and produce smoke, electric hookahs are designed to produce vapour. Some models are portable, similar to vape pens, while others maintain the traditional hookah shape with a base, water bowl, hose, and mouthpiece—closely replicating the hookah smoking experience in a modern format.

The absence of coal in electric shisha means reduced levels of carbon monoxide and tar—two by-products commonly associated with combustion. However, the presence of shisha tobacco or nicotine-free mixtures still means these products are intended only for adult users.

Explore how heated tobacco technology works as a modern smoke-free option.

What Is Vaping?

Vaping involves using an electronic cigarette or vape device to heat a liquid—commonly called vape juice or e-liquid—which may contain nicotine, flavourings, propylene glycol (PG), and vegetable glycerin (VG).

These vape devices operate using a pod system. The e-liquid is heated via internal heating coils powered by a battery, producing vapour rather than smoke. These devices are compact, easy to use, and often available in a variety of flavours.

Learn how vaping compares to traditional smoking in Egypt by reading the IQOS guide on vaping vs smoking.

Vape vs Hookah: Key Differences

Here are the key differences between Vape and Hookah:

Ingredients in Vapes vs Shisha

Electric Shisha Ingredients

Electric hookah uses either waterpipe tobacco or herbal shisha mixtures, often including:

• Shisha tobacco (may contain nicotine)

• Glycerin

• Flavourings

Traditional hookahs, by contrast, burn the tobacco using charcoal—producing chemicals like carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and tar. Electric hookahs aim to reduce these by eliminating combustion.

Learn about the different types of heated tobacco blends available in Egypt in the IQOS guide to heated tobacco varieties.

Vape Ingredients

Vape liquids, also known as vape juice or e-liquid, commonly contain:

• Nicotine (optional)

• Propylene glycol (PG)

• Vegetable glycerin (VG)

• Food-grade flavourings

Discover how e-liquids differ from tobacco sticks by reading the comparison of e-liquid vs sticks.

Social vs Personal Use

Traditional and electric hookahs are often associated with social settings, where hookah smoking is enjoyed in groups and extended sessions. They’re typically used in lounges or group environments, with multiple hoses allowing for shared use. The experience is leisurely and prolonged.

Vape pens, on the other hand, are generally designed for personal use. Devices like pod systems are discreet, portable, and easy to use on-the-go. This makes vaping more practical for daily use compared to setting up a hookah.

Explore the differences between vape kits designed for adult smokers in this beginner-friendly guide.

Which One Offers Flavour Variety?

Both electric hookahs and e-cigarettes offer flavour variety. Shisha flavours range from fruity blends to spiced tobacco, while vape juices are available in thousands of combinations—often tailored to specific nicotine strengths and user preferences.

In electric shisha devices, the use of tobacco mixtures or herbal alternatives contributes to a rich and aromatic experience, often enhanced with molasses and flavour additives.

On the other hand, vape juices typically consist of Vegetable Glycerine (VG) and Propylene Glycol (PG), which help carry flavours and produce vapour. This allows manufacturers to create a wider flavour variety in vapes, from dessert-inspired profiles to menthol and beverage-based options.

Find out which is better for you by reading the IQOS article comparing HEETS vs vapes.

Final Thoughts: E-Hookah vs Vape

When comparing the two options, the decision ultimately comes down to preferences in device size, flavour flexibility, nicotine delivery, and lifestyle. Both options avoid combustion, but they differ in design, portability, and use cases.

For those who enjoy the social aspect and ritual of hookah smoking, electric shisha may feel more familiar and engaging. However, adult users seeking a discreet and on-the-go option may find vaping to be a more practical alternative to hookah smoking.

For adult users considering a switch, vaping may offer a more versatile and controlled social experience.

If you're exploring other smoke-free options, see what happens when you switch to other alternatives in this IQOS article on smoke-free alternatives.

To explore heated tobacco options, learn more about IQOS ILUMA, a device that heats tobacco sticks without burning.

IQOS is not risk-free and provides nicotine, which is addictive. Only for use by adults.