Feb 12, 2025
HEETS vs Vape - Which Is Better?
HEETS and vapes may both be smoke-free alternatives to cigarettes, however, they differ in some significant ways. Both products provide different experiences, and therefore, the answer to which is ‘better’ for adult users may depend on personal tastes.
HEETS are a type of heated tobacco stick that are compatible exclusively with certain IQOS devices. IQOS was created by Philip Morris International to offer adult smokers who would otherwise continue to smoke - or use nicotine products - a less harmful alternative to cigarettes. The first IQOS devices date back to 2014, and have now grown into a range of heated tobacco products - some of which are used with HEETS tobacco sticks.
Vapes on the other hand, otherwise known as e-cigarettes, are a type of device that typically heats e-liquid to produce a vapour. Some of the key figures in the development of vape devices reportedly created these as a better alternative to smoking.
When it comes to HEETS vs e-cigarette products, exploring both options can help you discover more about the different experiences they each provide, and let you make an informed choice according to your preferences.
Are HEETS Better than Vaping?
If you’re interested in finding out more about HEETS or vape devices, it’s useful to understand how these tobacco sticks work and what they can offer. HEETS are used in certain IQOS devices utilizing HeatControlTM Technology. HEETS are inserted into the device’s blade Holder. Here, the IQOS HeatControl™ Technology heats tobacco instead of burning it to deliver the taste of real tobacco.
IQOS provides cigarette-like satisfaction.* In fact, studies* showed that the satisfaction of those who switched completely to IQOS is comparable to those who continued to smoke cigarettes.
* 3 month clinical studies conducted in US and Japan with 160 adult smokers each under real conditions (ambulatory).
Or, Are Vapes Better than HEETS?
Vapes could offer a range of features that are different from HEETS. Instead of a heated tobacco stick, vapes generally do not contain tobacco, and use an e-liquid containing nicotine, PG, VG and flavourings instead. Depending on the device, you may find that there are a variety of e-liquids to choose from, and with this, a range of different flavours.
A vape generally produces vapour instead of smoke. While vaping is not risk-free, this absence of combustion may present a reduced level of harm compared to cigarettes - which produce thousands of harmful chemicals when burnt. That said, as vapes cover a whole category of devices, whether a vape presents less risk than cigarettes should be substantiated on a product-by-product basis. We can say that IQOS emits on average 95% lower levels of harmful chemicals compared to cigarettes.*
Important information: This 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.
If you’re interested in finding out more general information on vapes, read our article ‘What Is Vaping?’
There are a few key features you may want to consider in the HEETS or vape debate. For adult users investigating both options, there are considerations around several factors, from the cost, to whether or not they carry a smell.
HEETS vs Vape - The Cost Compared to Cigarettes
So, which one costs more, HEETS or vape devices? A 20 pack of HEETS are priced at £xx, whereas the average price for a 20 pack of king sized filtered cigarettes costs £xx* How much you spend will also depend on personal consumption. For example, if you are switching from smoking several cigarettes a day to HEETS, you may factor in your average usage when it comes to working out how much you are likely to spend.
* As of June 2023.
The e-liquids used in vapes could be cheaper than cigarettes, however, this will depend on the product, and how much cigarettes cost in your country. Find further details on the cost of HEETS on our HEETS Discovery Page
HEETS vs Vape - The Smell Compared to Cigarettes
Many adult users are interested to know whether smoke-free devices produce a smell or not. You may also find that HEETS and vapes produce different smells, both to one another and to cigarette smoke. In fact, IQOS produces less smell than cigarettes. Moreover, IQOS leaves less lingering smell on hands, hair and clothes than cigarettes. As IQOS produces less smell than cigarettes, it is less likely to bother people around you.
Although e-cigarettes generally don’t produce smoke, the vapour produced from a vape may have a distinctive smell. However, this could depend on the product and the e-liquid it uses. The smell of this vapour might dissipate quicker than the lingering smell of tobacco smoke from cigarettes.
Ultimately, when it comes to HEETS vs vape products, whether one is better than the other will depend on the specific vape in question, as well as personal preference. Whether you’re looking at HEETS or vape devices, both of these could be an alternative to continued smoking, but it’s important to substantiate this on a product-by-product basis, and do your research before choosing a product. Find out more and follow the links to buy HEETS tobacco sticks and compatible IQOS devices.
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.
