December 28 2020

IQOS vs. Electronic Shisha: Is IQOS an E-Shisha?

Find out the difference between IQOS and Electronic Shisha.

Many people often use the term Electronic Shisha to refer to e-cigarettes. In essence, Electronic Shisha (E-Shisha) and e-cigarettes function in similar ways. IQOS however, is different.

Is IQOS an Electronic Shisha?

We’ve heard this question time and time again – is IQOS an E-Shisha? 

The answer? While both options are smoke-free alternatives to cigarettes for adult smokers, the answer is no. IQOS is definitely not an E-Shisha! 

What are the differences between IQOS and E-Shisha? 

Here are all the important differences between IQOS vs E-Shisha. 

1. Technology. 

IQOS is part of a category of products that heat tobacco. These products utilize innovative tobacco heating systems, such as IQOS HeatControl™ to heat tobacco instead of burning it. In comparison, Electronic Shisha – also called E-shisha or e-cigarettes - work by heating and then vaporizing e-liquid. 

2. Tobacco. 

IQOS utilizes tobacco made of real tobacco leaves that are harvested, and then specially prepared and compressed into tobacco sticks, called HEETS. The precise heating of these tobacco sticks works to deliver tobacco taste, and at the same time, does not burn tobacco. HEETS are not risk free. They are addictive and contain nicotine because it is naturally occurring in tobacco. On the other hand, Electronic Shisha do not utilize real tobacco; instead, they utilize e-liquids available in a variety of flavors at e-cigarette shops. E-liquids come with or without nicotine.  

3. Experience. 

IQOS provides real tobacco taste and experience. HEETS are designed to last around 14 puffs, which is around the same amount of time as a cigarette. Electronic Shisha, however, offer a completely different experience than heated tobacco, due to the usage of e-liquids. 

4. Product variety. 

Currently there are different IQOS tobacco heating devices  – such as, IQOS 3 DUO and IQOS 3 MULTI. IQOS 3 DUO devices have a separate Holder and Charger, while IQOS 3 MULTI devices have those components integrated as an all-in-one device. These different options allow IQOS adult users to select what suits them best.

IQOS is not an E-shisha

IQOS is not an Electronic Shisha, IQOS is a better alternative to cigarettes. It is known that the majority of harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke comes from burning tobacco. Unlike cigarettes, IQOS does not burn tobacco and therefore produces no smoke. Switching completely to IQOS is a better choice for adults smokers who would otherwise continue to smoke. IQOS emits on average 95% lower levels of harmful chemicals compared to cigarettes*.

Important information: It does not necessarily equal a 95% reduction in risk. IQOS is not risk-free. 

*Reductions in levels of the 9 harmful chemicals the World Health Organization recommends to reduce in cigarette smoke, which do not include nicotine. See Important Information on iqos.com