IQOS vs E-Cigs: A Detailed Comparison

For adult smokers looking to transition to a smoke-free alternative over continuing to smoke, you may be wondering what options are available. So what is an e-cigarette? What is IQOS? And how do the two products compare? Knowing the key differences between heated tobacco devices like IQOS and e-cigarettes can help you make an informed decision on which smoke-free alternative to opt for. 

Understanding IQOS and E-Cigs

There are a range of different heated tobacco and e-cigarette devices on the market today, alongside an array of compatible e-liquids and heated tobacco consumables. With such a variety of alternatives out there, it’s important to understand exactly what these are, how they work, and how they differ from one another. 

What is IQOS?

Before comparing IQOS to e-cigarettes, it’s first important to understand the specifics of IQOS. So, what is IQOS

IQOS is a heated tobacco device, that heats tobacco rather than burning it. The latest series in our range is IQOS ILUMA, comprising of the IQOS ILUMA, ILUMA ONE and ILUMA PRIME devices.

What is IQOS heated tobacco? As well as devices, IQOS also produces heated tobacco consumables, including HEETS and TEREA sticks. These tobacco sticks should only be used with certain IQOS devices. For example, IQOS ILUMA should only be used with TEREA heated tobacco sticks

There are a range of TEREA stick variants available, offering different bodies, intensities and aromas. Explore the variants available to you via Discover TEREA.

What is an E-Cigarette?

An e-cigarette, otherwise known as a vape, is a smoke-free device whereby adult users will consume vapourised e-liquid (hence the name). How to use an e-cigarette will depend on the type of device in question. E-cigarettes are typically made up of a battery, an atomiser, a vape tank, a coil, and a mouthpiece. There are a variety of different makes and models available, some offering charging capabilities while others should be disposed of responsibly after their battery depletes.

The Differences Between Heated Tobacco and E-Cigarettes

While certain heated tobacco devices and e-cigarettes could be considered alternatives to continued smoking, they are two entirely different products. Heated tobacco and e-cigarettes differ both in terms of the way they operate and the experience they provide.  

How Does Heated Tobacco Work?

When considering heated tobacco over continued smoking, it’s useful to know how this smoke-free alternative works. So, how does heated tobacco work? Generally, heated tobacco - as the name suggests - heats tobacco instead of burning it. The way in which the tobacco is heated varies depending on the product you’re talking about. Let’s take IQOS ILUMA as an example. Unlike cigarettes, IQOS ILUMA does not burn tobacco and therefore produces no smoke. Rather, the IQOS ILUMA Smartcore Induction Technology heats tobacco instead of burning it to deliver the taste of real tobacco. With no smoke, less smell*, IQOS ILUMA has significantly less effect on the air around you and others than cigarettes.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: IQOS ILUMA is not risk-free for you or others around you.

* 93% agreement amongst 674 adult consumers in Japan and Italy, 2020 - 2021.

For those wondering how to use heated tobacco sticks with these devices, please note that IQOS ILUMA can only be used with TEREA, and will not function properly if you attempt to use other consumables. To use TEREA, simply insert the correct end of the stick into the IQOS ILUMA Holder. IQOS ILUMA features an auto stop/start function that allows it to turn on when a tobacco stick is inserted and turn off when the stick is removed.

How Does an E-Cigarette Work?

Unlike IQOS devices, e-cigarettes heat e-liquid, and typically do not contain tobacco. This e-liquid is typically stored in the tank or pod of the device, depending on the type of e-cigarette it is. With rechargeable e-cigarettes, you may have the option of filling it with the e-liquid of your choice (provided it’s compatible with the device). Others may operate with pre-filled pods you replace instead, while disposable vapes typically already contain e-liquid, and cannot be refilled. These disposables will usually offer a certain amount of puffs, after which they should be disposed of responsibly. 

For example, the disposable vape VEEV NOW offers up to 500 puffs.* The device is carefully produced to our manufacturing standards and contains high quality ingredients such as pharma-grade nicotine and food-grade flavourings. To ensure a consistent high quality vaping experience. 

VEEV NOW uses high quality liquids, together with pre-charged certified battery. For those using another type of e-cigarette, the precise way this will work depends on the specifics of the device in question.

* Based on the battery capacity of a newly manufactured device and a puff duration of 1 second. May vary depending on individual usage patterns.

User Experience of IQOS vs E-Cigarettes

Another key comparison to consider in the IQOS vs e-cigarette debate is the type of experience they provide. IQOS ILUMA provides real tobacco taste and satisfaction. Not only this, but IQOS ILUMA is intuitive and easy to use. The device does not need cleaning to ensure optimal performance. It is small and compact, and its battery will last for a full day*. Moreover, IQOS ILUMA uses induction heating technology, heating tobacco from the inside, providing a clean and consistent experience.

* Depends on personal consumption. Battery performance may vary over time.

As e-cigarettes are an entirely separate product, you’ll find the experience of these differ to IQOS. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t find e-cigarettes providing similarly convenient and high-quality experiences.

VEEV NOW crafted flavours are made with high quality ingredients. While VEEV NOW does not contain tobacco, it does offer a tobacco-tasting option - Classic Tobacco - alongside a variety of other flavours.

With VEEV NOW, there’s no need to charge. There’s also no cleaning or refilling needed. Additionally, VEEV NOW device is pocket size.

Ultimately, when deciding on IQOS vs e-cigarettes like VEEV NOW, personal preference will play a big role. To find out more on this topic, explore our other articles on smoking alternatives.

Smoke-free products are not risk-free and provide nicotine, which is addictive. The best decision any adult smoker can make is to quit tobacco and nicotine use altogether. Smoke-free products are not alternatives to quitting and are not designed as cessation aids.

This article is for general information and educational purposes. Some of the information in this article is based on external, third-party sources and we make no representations or warranties of any kind regarding the accuracy, validity or completeness of such information.