IQOS vs FRESOR: Comparing Devices, Price, Performance (2025)
The epic showdown: IQOS vs FRESOR. 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 FRESOR, 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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A Quick Intro to IQOS and FRESOR
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.
FRESOR, based in Shenzhen, China, offers two types of disposables — the FRESOR MAX series and the FRESOR NOVA series. The brand name is an acronym for Faith, Revolution, Exploration, Science, Optimization, and Responsibility.
Brand History and Background of IQOS and FRESOR
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.
FRESOR is a vaping brand founded in 2022 by ALD Group Limited. In early 2024, the brand made waves at the Total Product Expo in Las Vegas with the launch of FRESOR N10000. This model from the FRESOR NOVA series is one of the brand’s first high-capacity transparent disposable vapes. It also created one of the world’s first wireless charging vape devices, the FRESOR MAX Beast, from the FRESOR MAX series. All FRESOR products are developed in laboratories accredited by the CNAS (China National Accreditation Service for conformity assessment). However, its vapes are not yet FDA-authorized for sale in the US.
IQOS vs FRESOR Comparison Summary
Take a quick look at the features of IQOS and FRESOR vapes before we get into the details:
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IQOS |
FRESOR |
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Product Range |
ILUMA, ORIGINALS (ONE, DUO), BONDS, lil |
CUBIK, LUMINO, LUCENT, MAX Beast (Disposables from FRESOR MAX series) CUBIK PRO, VIGO PLUS, KING, COMBO 4-IN-1, FRESOR N10000 (Disposables from FRESOR NOVA series)
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Nicotine-free options available? |
No |
No |
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Device Quality & Build |
Stylish and premium devices with a focus on ergonomics |
Rectangular shape with rounded edges and a smooth metallic finish |
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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) |
CUBIK: 850mAh |
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Pod Capacity, Nicotine Strength |
Not applicable - uses tobacco sticks that contain real tobacco (like HEETS & TEREA SMARTCORE) |
CUBIK: 2ml |
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Number of Puffs per Pod |
~14 puffs from each compatible tobacco stick |
CUBIK: Up to 6000 |
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Charging Time |
90-120 minutes (can vary for different product ranges) |
While FRESOR does not specify exact charging times for each device on the website, a general guideline for vape battery charging is around 2-4 hours, depending upon the size |
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Safety Features |
Heat-not-burn technology, LED indicator, auto-shutoff, and age verification at purchase |
Overcharge protection, child safety lock, and anti-leak design |
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Device and Pod Cost |
IQOS kit: $100 - $200 (depending on the product) Tobacco sticks: $5 - $10 (pack of 20 sticks) |
MAX Beast: $15.99 |
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Customer Support and Warranty |
1 year |
12 months |
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.
Most FRESOR devices have a rectangular shape with integrated mouthpieces. A few models from the NOVA series, like the VIGO KIT, Click Turbo Kit, and Flex Turbo Kit, embrace the classic vape pen style. The vapes are crafted from a blend of durable plastic and metal. The MAX Beast series takes convenience to the next level with an animated screen, allowing you to track e-liquid levels and battery life.
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).
FRESOR vapes offer decent battery life, but they’re not built for long vaping sessions. Most models, like the CUBIK, LUCENT, and MAX Beast (850mAh), last a good few hours, while the VIGO PLUS (1000mAh) is the best pick for all-day use. On the flip side, FRESOR N10000 (600mAh), COMBO 4-IN-1 (650mAh), and CUBIK PRO (700mAh) might leave you reaching for a charger sooner than you’d like.
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.
Most FRESOR vapes pack some serious puff counts, but the battery life doesn’t always keep up. For example, you’ll need to recharge KING (25,000 puffs, 750mAh), LUCENT (20,000 puffs, 850mAh), MAX Beast (15,000 puffs, 850mAh), and LUMINO (22,000 puffs, 800mAh) a few times to get through all those puffs. Meanwhile, CUBIK (6000 puffs, 850mAh) and CUBIK PRO (6000 puffs, 700mAh) offer a better battery-to-puff ratio, making them reliable but not long-lasting. On the other hand, COMBO 4-IN-1 (4000 puffs, 650mAh) has the smallest battery and lowest puff count, making it suitable for short-term use or casual vapers
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.
FRESOR disposables are available in various fruit-based flavors, including:
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.
FRESOR devices like CUBIK, LUMINO, LUCENT, MAX Beast, and KING come with dual mesh coils, delivering richer flavor and bigger clouds. Meanwhile, CUBIK PRO and VIGO PLUS step it up with FRESOR NOVA flat mesh coil technology, giving you 30% more puffs than standard mesh coils. Most models let you adjust airflow for a customized draw while the display screen helps you keep an eye on battery life. LUMINO and KING have anti-leak technology, whereas CUBIK and COMBO 4-IN-1 come with visible juice tanks for easy refills.
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.
FRESOR products contain nicotine, which can pose health risks and lead to addiction. Additionally, some nicotine vapes may contain vitamin E acetate, diacetyl, and other harmful chemicals.
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.
FRESOR is yet to receive marketing authorization from the FDA for selling their products in the US.
Note: Consumers must also verify adherence to the latest local laws prior to any purchase of devices from these brands.
8. Nicotine Content
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.
FRESOR’s nicotine content varies widely, catering to both casual and heavy vapers. KING (24ml), LUMINO (22ml), LUCENT (20ml), and MAX Beast (16ml) pack high e-liquid capacities, making them ideal for long-term use but potentially too intense for light vapers. On the other hand, CUBIK, CUBIK PRO, and VIGO PLUS (2ml) suit those preferring milder nicotine hits. The COMBO 4-IN-1 (2ml*4) offers variety but limited capacity per pod.
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.
FRESOR vapes work exclusively with their own e-liquids and aren’t compatible with third-party vape juices.
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.
The availability of FRESOR vapes may vary depending on local regulations and market presence. Check with local retailers or online stores that ship to your country to confirm availability.
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.
FRESOR's MAX Beast is priced at $15.99, offering 15,000 puffs with a 16ml e-liquid capacity. Given its substantial puff count and innovative features like wireless charging, the MAX Beast provides good value for its price. For other models including CUBIK, CUBIK PRO, LUCENT, and KING, pricing details are available upon request from FRESOR's official website.
Pros and Cons of IQOS and FRESOR
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 FRESOR |
Cons of FRESOR |
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In short, both IQOS and FRESOR stand out in the vaping market with their unique strengths and offerings.
However, both IQOS and FRESOR are not without their regulatory challenges.
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