IQOS vs GEEK BAR: Features, Price + More (2024)
The epic showdown: IQOS vs GEEK BAR. 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 GEEK BAR, 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: |
A Quick Intro to IQOS and GEEK BAR
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.
Headquartered in Shenzhen, China, GEEK BAR is a brand under the umbrella of Geek Vape Technology Co. Ltd., a popular vape company. GEEK BAR is known for its disposable vapes, which come in various colors and are pre-filled with nic salt e-liquid. These devices are a favorite among beginners.
Brand History and Background of IQOS and GEEK BAR
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.
GEEK BAR, founded in 2015, has a distribution network spanning several countries, including the USA and the UK. In order to expand its business in the UK, it’s setting up an advanced manufacturing facility in China’s Guangdong province. However, the brand has encountered significant challenges with its counterfeits in the market, impacting brand integrity and consumer safety. In 2021, the company faced controversy when a 12-year-old TikTok user claimed to have sampled GEEK BAR products and posted videos and posts with the hashtag #geekbar. In 2022, the brand launched an online platform called Vapewatch to help wholesalers, retailers, and distributors comply with UK regulations and ensure that they are selling vapes only to adults.
IQOS vs GEEK BAR Comparison Summary
Take a quick look at the features of IQOS and GEEK BAR vapes before we get into the details:
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IQOS |
GEEK BAR |
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Product Range |
ILUMA, ORIGINALS (ONE, DUO), BONDS, lil |
Disposable Vapes: Pulse, Meloso, Wondar 1, DF8000 Pod Kit: J1 Pod Kit
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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 |
Brightly colored, ergonomic, soft mouthpiece, innovative designs, full-screen displays with animations (for certain devices) |
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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) |
Wondar 1: 650mAh Meloso Mini: 550mAh DF8000: 600mAh Meloso Ultra: 630mAh J1 Pod Kit: 500mAh |
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Pod Capacity, Nicotine Strength |
Not applicable - uses tobacco sticks that contain real tobacco (like HEETS & TEREA SMARTCORE) |
J1 Pod Kit: 2ml (2% nic salt) Meloso Pro: 12ml (2% nicotine) Pulse: 16ml (5% nicotine) DF8000: 14ml (2%, 5% nicotine options) Meloso Ultra: 18ml (5% nicotine) |
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Number of Puffs per Pod |
~14 puffs from each compatible tobacco stick |
Meloso Pro: 4000 puffs DF8000: 8000 puffs J1 Pod Kit: 600 puffs Meloso Ultra: 10000 puffs Pulse: 15000 puffs (regular mode), 7500 puffs (pulse mode) |
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Charging Time |
90-120 minutes (can vary for different product ranges) |
Wondar 1: 45 minutes (Type C-quick charge) Pulse (standard version): 60 - 90 mins (Type C-quick charge) |
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Safety Features |
Heat-not-burn technology, LED indicator, auto-shutoff, and age verification at purchase |
Short circuit protection, overcharging protection, low-voltage protection, VPU for a more balanced atomization effect |
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Device and Pod Cost |
IQOS kit: $100 - $200 (depending on the product) Tobacco sticks: $5 - $10 (pack of 20 sticks) |
Pulse: $12.99 Meloso Max: $11 - $13 Meloso Ultra: $15 - $16 |
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Customer Support and Warranty |
1 year |
14 days (quality warranty) |
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.
GEEK BAR vapes are known for their vibrant colors (gradient color schemes in some devices) and metallic accents. This design aesthetic adds to the visual appeal of their vapes but could deter those preferring a subtler, understated look. Some of the devices, such as Pulse, feature sleek cosmic graphics and a full-screen display with animations.
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).
The pre-charged batteries of the GEEK BAR disposables have smaller capacities compared to reusable vapes. However, the battery performance of most of its products is at par with the industry standards. For instance, the Wondar 1 comes with a 650 mAh battery and tops up from 0 to 100% in 45 minutes. That said, some models, like the Pulse, face battery life issues as screen animations drain the battery much faster.
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.
GEEK BAR offers a range of disposable devices with varying degrees of longevity depending on the model and your vaping habits. For instance, the J1 Pod Kit offers up to 600 puffs on its 500 mAh single-use battery. On the other hand, Meloso Ultra delivers as many as 10000 puffs per pod. The Pulse series offers you the option of switching between regular and pulse modes that guarantee 15000 and 7500 puffs, respectively. The standard GEEK BAR will last you anywhere between one and three days. While regular draws will ensure your device delivers close to the estimated puff count, longer draws will likely deplete your device faster.
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.
GEEK BAR disposables come with pre-filled liquids in a variety of flavors to suit your unique taste preferences. You can find a range of tropical, refreshing, and dessert-inspired flavors such as watermelon ice, mango smoothie, chocolate mint ice cream, blue cotton candy, and more. A few GEEK BAR devices, like Wondar 1, feature a refillable pod that you can fill with 3rd party e-liquids for a more personalized flavor selection.
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.
Given that they require no filling or maintenance, GEEK BAR vapes are a convenient, hassle-free option for vaping enthusiasts. Their vapes operate on the VPU (vape processing unit) technology which claims to boost cloud volume by 23.7%. GEEK BAR vapes feature FDA-certified food-grade shells for a safe and hygienic vaping experience. However, the lack of customization options (e.g., no adjustable wattage) on GEEK BAR vapes might leave experienced users wanting more.
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.
GEEK BAR vapes come pre-filled with e-liquids ranging from 2% to 5% nicotine strength. Nicotine can be highly addictive and have damaging effects on respiratory and cardiovascular health. Additionally, GEEK BAR primarily offers disposable vapes that raise environmental concerns over the waste they generate.
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.
There have been concerns about the “super-strength GEEK BAR” vapes in the US market being equivalent to smoking 125 cigarettes. And as we mentioned earlier, there have been reports of underage individuals using GEEK BAR devices. This is due to the influx of counterfeit products that are sold irresponsibly to minors and can lead to serious health and addiction issues associated with nicotine use. Additionally, the 2024 UK regulations — like the ban on disposable vapes and the limit on e-liquid capacity (max 2ml) and nicotine content (max 20mg/ml) — might lead to the discontinuation of many Geek Bar products. For instance, devices like the GEEK BAR Pro have 5% nicotine and a tank capacity of 4.5ml.
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.
GEEK BAR vapes are prefilled with e-liquid that have nicotine strengths varying from 2% to 5%. Devices like Meloso Pro and J1 Pod Kit offer beginner-friendly 2% nicotine in their e-liquids. On the other hand, with their 5% nicotine strength, Pulse and Meloso Ultra pack a punch for heavy users.
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.
Most disposable GEEK BAR vapes are prefilled with flavored e-liquids. They are not designed to be modified or re-filled.
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.
GEEK BAR products are available in retail and online stores worldwide, including the US, UK, and China. However, look out for specific location-based restrictions, especially in regions with strict e-cigarette regulations or flavor bans.
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.
GEEK BAR vapes are competitively priced and offer decent value for money. While they may be a good option as your backup device or travel companion, their disposable nature makes them less cost-effective in the long run than refillable and rechargeable vapes.
Pros and Cons of IQOS and GEEK BAR
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 GEEK BAR |
Cons of GEEK BAR |
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In short, both IQOS and GEEK BAR stand out in the vaping market with their unique strengths and offerings.
However, both IQOS and GEEK BAR 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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