Is IQOS a Vape?

^{Updated 23/10/2024}

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 (18+) smokers – no, IQOS is not a vape!

What are the differences between IQOS and Vaping? Here are all the important differences between IQOS vs vape. 

1. Technology

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

2. Tobacco

IQOS utilizes real tobacco leaf 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 flavor without burning tobacco. TEREA are not risk free. They are addictive and contain nicotine, which is a naturally occurring substance found in tobacco. On the other hand, vapes do not utilize real tobacco; instead, they utilize a vaping liquid available in a variety of flavors. 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 are 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 several different IQOS heated tobacco devices to choose from – such as, IQOS ILUMA Prime, IQOS ILUMA, IQOS ILUMA One, and BONDS by IQOS. Some IQOS devices have a separate holder and charger, while others have those components integrated as an all-in-one device. These different options allow IQOS adult (18+) users to select what best suits their lifestyle.

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 comes from burning tobacco. Unlike cigarettes, IQOS does not burn tobacco and therefore produces no smoke.

The best choice any smoker can make is to quit cigarettes and nicotine altogether. But for adult (18+) smokers who would otherwise continue to smoke, switching completely to IQOS is a better alternative to continued smoking.

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Important Information: IQOS and TEREA are not risk-free and delivers nicotine, which is addictive. Only for use by adults.

_{IQOS are only for adult smokers who otherwise wish to continue to use tobacco or nicotine containing products.}

_{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.}