Eleaf vs IJOY: Comparing Devices, Price, Performance (2025)
The epic showdown: Eleaf vs IJOY. We're here to dissect every puff, flavor, and cloud.
But how do they compare against each other in terms of product range, performance, flavors, value, and more?
Whether you're on team Eleaf or rooting for IJOY, this detailed comparison guide is packed with juicy details!
And stick around, because we've got a twist for you – nicotine-free vapes from Cyclone Pods. Safer, smoother, and even more satisfying.
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Further Reading: Discover more through: Check out these links: |
A Quick Intro to Eleaf and IJOY
Eleaf is a China-based vaping company that offers a wide range of electronic cigarettes, including mods, tanks, and starter kits, catering to both novice and experienced users. They’re known for simple designs at affordable prices.
IJOY, based in Shenzhen, China, offers disposables, pod systems, and mods designed for beginners and advanced vapers alike. With a global presence across five continents, IJOY products are available in countries like the USA, UK, France, Japan, and South Africa.
Brand History and Background of Eleaf and IJOY
Let’s look at how the two brands evolved.
Eleaf was founded in Shenzhen in 2011. The 2014 launch of the iStick series, known for its compact design and ease of use, bolstered the company’s reputation among a diverse user base. As the brand evolved, it broadened its offerings with various mods, tanks, and starter kits, prioritizing tech advancement and customer satisfaction. Eleaf has faced regulatory scrutiny from the US FDA and has been subject to health debates, but the company remains focused on product safety and compliance.
The IJOY brand, launched in 2012, is a leading name in the electronic vape industry. In 2015, they launched the Asolo 200W box mod, noted for its temperature control features. By 2017, it expanded the product line to include the Captain series, and in 2019, it introduced the LIO brand, focusing on disposable vapes. Continuing its innovations, it launched the IJOY Uranus Mate in 2024, one of the first AI-automated vaping devices. However, the brand’s journey hasn't been without hurdles. In November 2023, the FDA issued a warning letter against IJOY for illegally marketing and selling its products in the US.
Eleaf vs IJOY Comparison Summary
Take a quick look at the features of Eleaf and IJOY vapes before we get into the details:
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Eleaf |
IJOY |
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Product Range |
iStick Series, iJust Series, Pico Series (mod and tank mod vapes) IORE Series, iSOLO Series (pod mods) IORE 500 Disposable, iStick D Disposable (disposable vapes) EN Series, EP Series, GTL Series, MELO Series, GS Series, iJust Series, ELLO Series (tanks) EN Series, EP Series, GTL Series, EC Series, GX Series, GZ Series, HW Series, GT Series, EF Series (coils) (Note: Availability differs by country) |
IJOY Uranus Mate, IJOY Mercy 10000, IJOY Mars Cabin 20000, IJOY PUNK (Disposables) LIO Stone 12000, LIO CAPO, LIO Mini, LIO NANO X2 (Disposables from LIO series) Cigpet CAPO Mod kit (mod kit)
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Nicotine-free options available? |
No |
Yes (LIO NANO X2) |
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Device Quality & Build |
High-quality, smooth, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, leather (on select products only), and plastic construction |
Ergonomic design with rounded edges and a smooth outer finish |
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Battery Capacity |
Varies between 1050mAh to 5000mAh, depending on the device Mini iStick 10W: 1050mAh iStick (standard): 2200mAh iStick Power 2: 5000mAh |
IJOY Uranus Mate: 1100mAh LIO Stone 12000: 550mAh Cigpet CAPO Mod kit: Dual 18650mAh batteries |
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Pod Capacity, Nicotine Strength |
Disposable vape range: 1.5-2.3ml, comes with 50mg (5%) nic salt vape juice Reusable tanks: typically 2-5ml, recommended to be used with 5mg - 20mg nic salt vape juice Reusable pods: 2ml, recommended to be used with 5mg - 20mg nic salt vape juice Disposable pods: 1.5ml, used with 20mg nic salt vape juice |
IJOY Uranus Mate: 20ml, 5% LIO Stone 12000: 18ml, 5% Cigpet CAPO Mod kit: 3ml/2ml |
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Number of Puffs per Pod |
IORE 500 Disposable: 500 puffs IORE Lite Disposable pod: 3000 puffs GX Series and MELO series coils: 2000 puffs |
IJOY Uranus Mate: 40,000 LIO Stone 12000: 12,000 |
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Charging Time |
Stick Power 2: 120 minutes iStick 30W: 120 minutes iJust Start: 180 minutes |
IJOY Captain AirGo: 60 minutes approx |
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Safety Features |
Short circuit protection, battery level indicator, automatic shut off, low-voltage protection |
Overcharge protection and child safety lock |
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Device and Pod Cost |
iStick range: $22.99 -$53.99 IORE range: $10.09 - $16.09 |
IJOY Uranus Mate: $14.99 LIO Stone 12000: $9.09 Cigpet CAPO Mod kit: $27.99 |
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Customer Support and Warranty |
90 days limited warranty |
Not mentioned on the website |
Now let’s compare these brands in detail:
1. Design and Aesthetics
Eleaf vapes are known for their innovative designs and aesthetics across the board. Most Eleaf vapes incorporate tanks into their designs, as well as smooth, flush finishes that give off a sophisticated feel and tone. The IORE range introduced ultra-lightweight pod-based vapes that pack a punch with fast charging and sleek, minimalistic designs. But users have raised some functional issues like inconvenient refill mechanisms on some models, like in the iJust's atomizer design and the iStick P100's overly turbulent and noisy airflow. So, while Eleaf excels in functionality and affordability, there's room for enhancing design, convenience, and overall aesthetic appeal.
IJOY devices predominantly feature a rounded box shape with integrated mouthpieces. Models like IJOY Mercy 10000 have a glossy finish whereas others like IJOY Bar 1500 have a smooth matte exterior. However, portability can be a downside, with models like the IJOY SD10000 being noticeably bulkier than standard disposables. On the plus side, some IJOY devices include animated screens, providing you real-time updates on battery and e-liquid levels.
2. Performance and Battery Life
The battery life of Eleaf products varies depending on the specific model and usage patterns. The Eleaf iStick, for example, features a compact design with a 2200mAh capacity, reaching up to 20W output wattage and adjustable voltage settings. On the other hand, the iStick Power has an impressive 5000mAh battery capacity, supporting up to 80W output and various modes like VW, Bypass, Smart, and TC for different vaping experiences.
If you're after all-day reliability, IJOY devices like the PUNK (1200mAh) and Uranus Mate (1100mAh) won’t let you down. But if you're a heavy vaper, you’ll find the LIO Mini (400mAh) frustratingly short-lived. Disposables like the LIO Stone 12000 (550mAh) and Mercy 10000 (650mAh) are underwhelming given their puff claims. However, mods like the Cigpet CAPO, powered by dual 18650 batteries can be a good choice for advanced users.
3. Longevity
Eleaf incorporates leather, aluminum, and ABS plastic in its vapes to boost its longevity. However, the longevity of Eleaf products, such as the Eleaf iStick and iCare, varies depending on usage and maintenance. Fortunately, repair and maintenance is easy and convenient, as replacement parts like coils and tanks, pods, and glass tubes are readily available and easy to install.
IJOY’s high-capacity devices like the Uranus Mate (40,000 puffs, 1100mAh) and Mars Cabin 20000 (20,000 puffs, 850mAh) are designed for extended use. However, their battery sizes may be limiting for such high puff claims. Disposables like the LIO Mini (600 puffs, 400mAh) and LIO NANO X2 (800 puffs, 500mAh) may fall short for frequent vapers. For durability and power, you can go for the Cigpet CAPO mod kit with dual 18650 batteries.
4. Flavor Selection and Nicotine Options
Eleaf offers a diverse range of e-liquid flavors and products designed to enhance the vaping experience:
IJOY disposables are available in a variety of fruit-based, and other flavors, including: Blueberry Watermelon
Strawberry Ice
Sour Apple
Pink Lemonade
Mexico Mango
Peach Plum
Summer Coconut, and more
5. Vaping Experience
Eleaf vapes allow you to select from a wide range of personalized coils and cutting-edge features like temperature control and power outputs. You can personalize your vape's taste, vapor production, and power output – whether you prefer large, smooth clouds or chasing that throat kick.
IJOY devices like Uranus Mate and Mars Cabin 20000 are equipped with dual mesh coils, enhancing flavor intensity and vapor production. Models like SD 40000 and CYBER have adjustable airflow functionality, allowing you to customize your draw. Additionally, advanced models like SD 22000 and SD 40000 include smart screens, providing real-time updates on battery percentage and e-liquid levels.
6. Health and Safety Concerns
The Eleaf brand's official website and product pages are upfront about the addictive qualities of nicotine, making it clear that their offerings are strictly for adult users. But, nicotine use is widely associated with addiction, nausea, breathing difficulties, and cardiovascular issues.
IJOY products contain nicotine, which can pose health risks and lead to addiction. Additionally, nicotine vapes may contain vitamin E acetate, diacetyl, and other harmful chemicals. However, LIO NANO X2 is one of those rare models from this brand offering you a zero-nicotine vaping option.
7. Regulatory Compliance and Legal Issues
In 2020, The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning letter to Eleaf USA regarding health and safety concerns associated with their Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS). This letter highlighted issues related to new tobacco products without required marketing authorization, which are considered adulterated and misbranded. Since then, Eleaf has abided by US regulations and continues to sell in the US.
IJOY is yet to receive marketing authorization from the FDA for selling their products in the U.S market. The FDA has flagged specific products, including the IJOY Bar IC8000 Disposable in Apple Juice flavor and the IJOY Bar SD10000 in Blue Razz Ice flavor, for non-compliance.
Note: Consumers must also verify adherence to the latest local laws prior to any purchase of devices from these brands.
8. Nicotine Content
Eleaf’s disposable vapes contain either 17mg, 30mg, or 50mg (1.7%, 3%, and 5%) nic salt vape juice in 2.3-4ml capacities. Note: Eleaf pod and mod vapes are compatible with third-party e-liquids of varying strengths (check coil compatibility before use).
IJOY models like the Mars Cabin 20000 (20ml pod capacity, 50mg nicotine strength) and LIO CAPO (12ml pod capacity, 50mg/30mg nicotine strength) are suited for heavy nicotine users. Conversely, the LIO Mini (2ml pod capacity, 20mg nicotine strength) caters to those seeking lower nicotine options, while the LIO NANO X2 (2ml pod capacity, 0mg/16mg/19mg nicotine strength) offers both low-strength and nicotine-free vaping choices.
9. Compatibility with Other Products
Eleafs’ proprietary design limits its cross-compatibility with other pods. However, Eleaf devices are compatible with third-party e-liquids.
Being disposable, IJOY vapes are incompatible with third-party e-liquids and accessories.
10. Availability and Accessibility
Eleaf products are widely available through various online vape stores and their official online stores across the US and the UK.
A number of retail shops and online stores allow you to order IJOY products across Asia, North America, Europe, and Oceania. However, the availability and shipping of these products can be impacted by location-specific regulations and restrictions.
11. Cost vs. Quality
Eleaf vapes offer a variety of vaping options across different price points. For example, the Eleaf iStick range is priced between $24 and $47. Other Eleaf products with limited features, such as the IOre range, are more cost-effective and are priced between $10 - $16. Eleaf’s disposable vapes are typically around $6.
IJOY devices like the Uranus Mate ($14.99 for 40,000 puffs) and Mars Cabin 20000 ($25 for 20,000 puffs) offer commendable longevity but at a premium pricing. The LIO Stone 12000 ($9.09 for 12,000 puffs) is an affordable yet high-capacity option. Meanwhile, the LIO Mini ($5.19 for 600 puffs) and NANO X2 (approximately $5.99 for 800 puffs) are affordable but underwhelming in puff count, limiting their appeal to light or occasional vapers.
Pros and Cons of Eleaf and IJOY
To summarize, here are the benefits and drawbacks of both these brands:
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Pros of Eleaf |
Cons of Eleaf |
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Pros of IJOY |
Cons of IJOY |
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In short, both Eleaf and IJOY stand out in the vaping market with their unique strengths and offerings.
However, both Eleaf and IJOY are not without their regulatory challenges.
Now, if you’re on the lookout for a nicotine-free alternative without compromising on the vaping experience, we’ll tell you what’s best.
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