Feb 6, 2025

We’ve heard this question time and time again – is IQOS a vape?
The answer? While both options are smoke-free alternatives to cigarettes for adult smokers – no, IQOS is not a vape!

What are the differences between IQOS and vaping?
Here are all the important differences between IQOS and vapes.

1. Technology.
IQOS is part of a category of products called heated tobacco. These products utilise innovative tobacco heating systems, such as IQOS ILUMA SMARTCORE™ technology, to heat tobacco instead of burning it. In comparison, vapes – also called e-cigarettes – work by heating and then vaporising e-liquid, or vaping liquid.

2. Tobacco.
IQOS utilises tobacco made of real tobacco leaves that are harvested and then specially prepared and compressed into tobacco sticks called TEREA. The precise heating of these tobacco sticks works to deliver tobacco flavour and at the same time does not burn tobacco. TEREA is not risk free. It contains nicotine, which is naturally occurring in tobacco and is addictive. On the other hand, vapes do not utilise real tobacco; instead, they utilise a vaping liquid available in a variety of flavours at vape shops. Vaping liquids come with or without nicotine. 

3. Experience.
IQOS delivers an experience that is similar to smoking. IQOS provides real tobacco taste and satisfaction. TEREA is designed to last around 14 puffs, which is around the same amount of time as a cigarette. Vapes, however, offer a completely new experience that is different from smoking due to the usage of vaping liquids.

4. Product variety.
Currently, there are three different IQOS ILUMA devices to choose from: IQOS ILUMA i PRIME, a sophisticated premium design in a refined finish; IQOS ILUMA, our reference device in an elegant design; and IQOS ILUMA ONE, an all-in-one device in a compact format. These different options allow adult users to select the IQOS heated tobacco device that best suits their lifestyle.

IQOS is Not a Vape
IQOS is not a vape, but IQOS is a better alternative to cigarettes. It is known that the majority of harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke come from burning tobacco. Unlike cigarettes, IQOS does not burn tobacco and therefore produces no smoke. IQOS emits 95% less harmful chemicals compared to cigarettes*. Important information: It does not necessarily equal a 95% reduction in risk. IQOS is not risk-free.
 

* “95% less” represents the average reductions in levels of a range of harmful chemicals (excluding nicotine) compared to the smoke of a reference cigarette (3R4F). See Important Information on IQOS.com.
 

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