IQOS vs ELUX: Features, Price + More (2024)
The epic showdown: IQOS vs ELUX. 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 IQOS or rooting for ELUX, 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: Check out these links: Check out these links: |
A Quick Intro to IQOS and ELUX
IQOS (pronounced "EYE-kohs"), an acronym for "I Quit Ordinary Smoking," refers to a product line of tobacco and e-cigarette devices made by Philip Morris International (PMI). Therefore, technically speaking, IQOS products are not vapes but rather fall into the broader category of electronic cigarettes. It focuses on ‘heat-not-burn’ tobacco products, offering smoke-free alternatives to traditional cigarettes. PMI positions IQOS as less harmful, but it's crucial to remember that it still delivers nicotine and isn't risk-free. Headquartered in Stamford, USA, PMI offers smoke-free products in 84 markets globally. The company has two smoke-free product research facilities in Singapore and Switzerland.
Hailing from Los Angeles, ELUX is a leading vape brand that produces stylish, high-quality vapes. Their product range is designed for vapers who want an easy, ready-to-use vape that has a luxurious look and feel. Note that as of May 2024, only Elux Cyberover devices are available for purchase in the US. All other Elux devices are available in the UK markets.
Brand History and Background of IQOS and ELUX
Let’s look at how the two brands evolved.
PMI was established in 1847 in New York and has long been a major player in the cigarette industry. However, facing declining smoking rates and growing health concerns, the company began exploring alternatives in the early 2000s. This led to the creation of a dedicated research and development division focused on smoke-free products, paving the way for IQOS. Philip Morris International first launched IQOS in Japan and Italy in 2014.
ELUX is a brand owned by Elux Tech, a company that was founded in 2013 by Dongguan Topson Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. Some ELUX devices, like the Legend 3500, have recently been banned in the UK. But, many of the regulatory guidelines enforced in the UK do not apply to the US.
IQOS vs ELUX Comparison Summary
Take a quick look at the features of IQOS and ELUX vapes before we get into the details:
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IQOS |
ELUX |
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Product Range |
ILUMA, ORIGINALS (ONE, DUO), BONDS, lil |
Cyberover, Max 4000, Max Box 4500, Legend Pro, Jelly, 7000, Koko Plus 5000, Bubble 7000, Omega 3500, Flow 4000 (Rechargeable) Legend Prime (Refillable) Legend Pro, ZERO N, Alpha Pod, ZOZO Pod, ZERO R (Replacable) Legend 3500 2-HRO, Viva Pro, Viva, Legend Mini 2, Cube 600, Legend 3500 Mesh, ENE Legend 3500, Bar 600, Bar 800, Vibe 600, Koko 600, Legend Solo, Pro 600, Legend 4000, Mini Box, Koko 1500, Wild, Jelly Mini, Slim 600, Slush Puff, Legend mini, Legend Baby, Alpha, Flow 600, Bar Series, Classic, Classic 2500, Crystal 600 (Disposable)
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Nicotine-free options available? |
No |
Yes |
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Device Quality & Build |
Stylish and premium devices with a focus on ergonomics |
Sleek, minimalist design, round edges, plastic body. |
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Battery Capacity |
IQOS ILUMA Prime: 2380 mAh (provides 2 consecutive uses per charge) IQOS lil Solid Ez: 2950mAh (3 consecutive uses per charge) |
ELUX 350 - 1500 mAh depending on device |
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Pod Capacity, Nicotine Strength |
Not applicable - uses tobacco sticks that contain real tobacco (like HEETS & TEREA SMARTCORE) |
Pod 1: 2ml capacity |
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Number of Puffs per Pod |
~14 puffs from each compatible tobacco stick |
200 - 600 puffs |
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Charging Time |
90-120 minutes (can vary for different product ranges) |
Around 1 hour |
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Safety Features |
Heat-not-burn technology, LED indicator, auto-shutoff, and age verification at purchase |
LED indicator, auto-shutoff, and age verification at purchase |
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Device and Pod Cost |
IQOS kit: $100 - $200 (depending on the product) Tobacco sticks: $5 - $10 (pack of 20 sticks) |
Cyberover: $18.09 |
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Customer Support and Warranty |
1 year |
Varies on supplier |
Now let’s compare these brands in detail:
1. Design and Aesthetics
IQOS devices have a sleek, modern look, available in matte, glossy or metallic finishes and various colors. They embody the brand's signature monolithic look — a unified minimalist form. Simple button layouts and clear LED lights prioritize user-friendliness. The mix of plastic and metal aims for a sturdy yet stylish build, though some models scratch easily or feel bulky.
ELUX design is polished and minimalist, with rounded surfaces in over 20 vibrant colors, sizes, and flavors. These devices are designed to be pocket-friendly and ideal for on-the-go vaping, with a focus on portability and convenience.
2. Performance and Battery Life
IQOS devices offer varying battery life depending on the model. Some devices are all-in-ones, while others come as starter kits, comprising the main device (aka the holder) and a charging case. Most IQOS devices provide enough power for around 20 uses per charge and 2-3 consecutive uses (2-3 tobacco sticks in a row).
ELUX devices come in battery sizes ranging from 300 mAh to 1500 mAh. ELUX disposables like the Vibe 600 last until they run out of juice. The more powerful models, like the MAX BOX, are designed to be rechargeable and last several days—talk about impressive.
3. Longevity
Since IQOS devices are more of an alternative to cigarettes, it might not be fair to compare them with vapes. IQOS offers potential cost savings vs. cigarettes, with each stick lasting 10-14 puffs at a lower cost per puff. Some users report 1-2 years of use before encountering issues like battery degradation, button malfunctions, or heating problems. Others claim their devices have lasted longer, depending on usage frequency and care.
ELUX offers a good balance of cost-efficiency and device longevity. Their almost entirely plastic design makes ELUX vapes durable and easy to maintain. Entry-level devices start with over 600 puffs (equivalent to over two traditional boxes of cigarettes) and cost just over $10 each.
4. Flavor Selection and Nicotine Options
IQOS offers a diverse flavor palette through its HEETS, Fiit, and TEREA tobacco sticks. Flavors are categorized into Classic, Menthol, Aromatic (mint and fruit flavors), and other ranges.
ELUX’s flavor range is long and diverse, with over 50 flavors across their disposable vapes and e-liquid range. You can expect everything from fruity desserts and sodas to truly unique flavors like “Tigers Blood,” “MR Blue,” and “Rainbow.”
5. Vaping Experience
IQOS offers a vaping experience distinct from traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes. Users report a smoother, less harsh experience with various flavor options. However, some find it less satisfying than cigarettes, and the lack of strong nicotine options might be a drawback.
ELUX offers a wonderful vaping experience that requires little to no maintenance and provides a smooth and well-balanced throat hit. Paired with their extensive e-liquid range, users are spoilt for choice when it comes to new ways to spice up their vaping experience. Their MTL (mouth-to-lung) delivery system mimics the sensation of traditional smoking, except you have a whopping 50+ flavors to choose from beyond the conventional “tobacco.”
6. Health and Safety Concerns
IQOS products, while marketed as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, still carry health risks, including potential lung damage and impacts on immune function. And while IQOS sticks contain less total nicotine, the amount absorbed may be similar to traditional cigarettes. So concerns also revolve around nicotine addiction and exposure to harmful substances.
ELUX vapes come with several health risks and safety issues, mainly due to their high nicotine content, which raises concerns about addiction and potential cardiovascular effects. While often seen as less harmful than traditional cigarettes, their high potential for addiction, particularly for new vapers, is a significant concern.
7. Regulatory Compliance and Legal Issues
IQOS got a US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) nod for their "reduced exposure" claim (vs. cigarettes) in 2020, but a patent infringement lawsuit in 2021 halted US sales, with no clear timeline for resumption. As of February 2024, PMI emphasizes its ongoing "constructive dialogue" with the FDA, as it plans IQOS’s US launch in 2024.
No information is available on ELUX’s regulatory compliance and legal issues.
Note: Consumers must also verify adherence to the latest local laws prior to any purchase of devices from these brands.
8. Nicotine Content Potential
IQOS heats real tobacco, providing a controlled nicotine delivery similar to traditional smoking. As a result, the nicotine strength options are limited, typically available in regular and light versions. IQOS tobacco sticks contain about 70-80% of the nicotine in regular cigarettes. Each stick has over 4mg of nicotine, which is high but slightly less than the 10-14mg per cigarette in regular brands.
ELUX offers nic salt e-liquids in two nicotine strengths: The 10mg nicotine strength is suitable for casual smokers or vapers who prefer more significant vapor production. In comparison, the 20mg is better suited for heavy smokers looking for a stronger nicotine hit.
9. Compatibility with Other Products
IQOS devices are not cross-compatible with cigarettes or tobacco sticks from other brands, or any other vaping products. They are specifically designed to be used with their own branded tobacco sticks, such as HEETS for earlier models and TEREA SMARTCORE STICK for the IQOS ILUMA series, ensuring device functionality and safety.
ELUX vapes are not compatible with other vaping products. While other brands have tried to replicate their designs, few have come close to being compatible.
10. Availability and Accessibility
While IQOS devices were authorized by the FDA for marketing in the US, sales currently remain halted due to a legal dispute. Their availability depends on resolving this issue and navigating import restrictions. That said, PMI plans to launch its products in the US in phases (subject to approval from authorities), starting in two unnamed states staring May 2024, followed by a national launch. Note: The US FDA has not authorized IQOS as a smoking cessation aid.
ELUX’s Cyberover device is widely available online and in stores across the US. The rest of ELUX's products are available in countries like the UK.
11. Cost vs. Quality
IQOS devices, priced around $100 and up, aim for quality with Heat-not-burn technology, offering a consistent smoking alternative with reduced harmful chemicals. Despite a higher initial cost compared to some competitors, the investment reflects its technological and safety features.
The ELUX Cyberover costs $18.09 and offers up to 18,000 puffs per device. Its digital display shows the remaining device's life, making it user-friendly and affordable, and it’s also made of lightweight, durable materials.
Pros and Cons of IQOS and ELUX
To summarize, here are the benefits and drawbacks of both these brands:
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Pros of IQOS |
Cons of IQOS |
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Pros of ELUX |
Cons of ELUX |
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In short, both IQOS and ELUX stand out in the vaping market with their unique strengths and offerings.
IQOS finds itself navigating through some regulatory hurdles, unlike ELUX.
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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