Heated Tobacco vs. Cigarettes.
Key Questions Answered.
3/17/2026

If you’re exploring heated tobacco for the first time, you probably have a lot of questions. From how it compares to traditional cigarettes to what it costs, how often it needs cleaning, and even how many puffs you can expect per HEETS stick—there’s so much to discover. This quick FAQ breaks down the basics so you can understand how heated tobacco works, what to expect, and how IQOS can fit into everyday life.  

Heated tobacco vs. cigarettes?
Heated tobacco is relatively new to the U.S. In fact, IQOS is the first and only heated tobacco system authorized by the U.S. FDA.^* Heated tobacco products and traditional cigarettes both use real tobacco—but they work in fundamentally different ways. The key difference is combustion. Cigarettes burn tobacco at very high temperatures, producing smoke. 

IQOS, on the other hand, heats tobacco without burning it. This avoids combustion and produces an aerosol rather than smoke. Heating tobacco with IQOS means you can enjoy real tobacco taste, with no fire, no ash, and less smell than cigarettes. As mentioned, IQOS heats tobacco and does not burn it. Heating tobacco significantly reduces the production of harmful and potentially harmful chemicals compared with cigarettes. Scientific studies have shown that switching completely from conventional cigarettes to IQOS significantly reduces your body's exposure to harmful or potentially harmful chemicals. 

IQOS is unique in the U.S. In fact, it is the first and only heated tobacco system authorized by the U.S. FDA as a modified risk tobacco product.^* 
When it comes to enjoyment, our studies showed that the satisfaction of those who switched completely to IQOS is comparable to that of those who continued to smoke cigarettes.^**

How much do heated devices cost in the U.S.?
IQOS is priced to be attainable. The IQOS Starter Kit, which includes an IQOS ORIGINALS device and 5 packs of HEETS, is available for $60 ($100 when sold separately). 
Because bundles and special offers vary, the best way to get the most accurate and up-to-date pricing on everything from IQOS ORIGINAL kits, to accessories, to HEETS, is to visit our online shop, where you can compare bundle options, colors, and any available offers.   
Pro tip: If you have a friend who uses IQOS, ask them for their referral code. You can use their code to get $30 off your first device.  

How many puffs in a HEETS heated tobacco stick?
When using IQOS ORIGINALS, each HEETS stick lasts up to 6 minutes or 14 puffs, whichever comes first. This is comparable to the length of a cigarette session. 

How often do heated tobacco devices need cleaning?
IQOS should be cleaned every time you finish a HEETS pack. Regular cleaning will give you the best taste and keep your device in prime condition. It’s a simple process and only takes a moment. Watch this short video to see how it’s done.  
Your IQOS device comes with IQOS cleaning tools. Please only use official IQOS cleaning tools when cleaning your IQOS. 

What varieties of HEETS heated tobacco sticks are available in the U.S.?
HEETS^** tobacco sticks are available in five distinct tobacco blends designed to suit a variety of taste preferences. 

• HEETS Red
  HEETS Red is a balanced and toasted tobacco blend with woody nuances.   
• HEETS Amber
  HEETS Amber is a balanced and roasted tobacco blend layered with warm and subtle woody aroma notes. 
• HEETS Bronze
  HEETS Bronze is a rounded and aromatic tobacco blend perfectly married with indulgent rich and warm aroma notes.
• HEETS Blue
  HEETS Blue is a rounded tobacco blend with a deep menthol cooling sensation.
• HEETS Green
  HEETS Green is a delicately toasted tobacco blend with an indulgent menthol cooling sensation.  

^*IQOS device authorized through the PMTA (Premarket Tobacco Product Application) pathway. This does not mean that the product is risk-free or that the FDA has approved or endorsed IQOS. 
^**3-month clinical studies conducted in U.S. and Japan with 160 adult smokers each under real conditions.