IQOS vs LOST MARY: Features, Price + More (2024)
The epic showdown: IQOS vs LOST MARY. 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 LOST MARY, 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 LOST MARY
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, LOST MARY has a product lineup that includes disposable and rechargeable vapes and pods. Ideal for the on-the-go vaper, these devices offer a satisfying experience for both beginners and seasoned vapers.
Brand History and Background of IQOS and LOST MARY
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.
Founded in 2021, LOST MARY quickly established itself as a go-to brand for disposable vapes and gained popularity for its diverse flavor offerings. However, 2023 brought challenges when Booker Group, a British wholesale distributor, withdrew Lost Mary BM600 disposable pods. This was followed by Daily Mail’s investigation that revealed some Elf Bar products contained tank capacities above the legal limit for the UK market. Since Elf Bar and Lost Mary are owned by the same Chinese firm Shenzhen iMiracle Technology, the products of both brands came under scrutiny. Later in 2023, the brand made headlines again for its sustainable practices by using recyclable materials and eco-friendly packaging.
IQOS vs LOST MARY Comparison Summary
Take a quick look at the features of IQOS and LOST MARY vapes before we get into the details:
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IQOS |
LOST MARY |
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Product Range |
ILUMA, ORIGINALS (ONE, DUO), BONDS, lil |
BM16000, BM600S, BM600S GOLD, BM3500, BM5000, BM600, MO10000, MO5000, OS5000 COSMIC EDITION, OS5000, OS4000, MT15000 TURBO, QM600, AM600, CM1500 (Disposables) LOST MARY CD, PSYPER, TAPPO AIR, TAPPO, DM1200 (Rechargeable pod systems)
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Nicotine-free options available? |
No |
Yes (OS5000, BM600, and BM3500) |
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Device Quality & Build |
Stylish and premium devices with a focus on ergonomics |
Portable vapes with smooth, durable aluminum bodies |
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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) |
BM16000: 650 mAh MO5000: 500 mAh OS5000 COSMIC EDITION: 550 mAh MT15000 TURBO: 600 mAh CM1500: 850 mAh DM1200: 850 mAh TAPPO AIR: 750 mAh LOST MARY CD: 650 mAh |
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Pod Capacity, Nicotine Strength |
Not applicable - uses tobacco sticks that contain real tobacco (like HEETS & TEREA SMARTCORE) |
BM600S: 2 ml, 20 mg/ml MO5000: 50 mg/ml QM600: 2 ml, 20 mg/ml AM600: 2 ml, 20 mg/ml CM1500: 5%, 2% DM1200: 2 ml, 20 mg/ml TAPPO AIR: 2 ml, 0 mg/ml or 10 mg/ml or 20 mg/ml PSYPER: 50 mg/ml |
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Number of Puffs per Pod |
~14 puffs from each compatible tobacco stick |
BM16000: Up to 16000 MO10000: Up to 10000 OS5000 COSMIC EDITION: Up to 7500 MT15000 TURBO: Up to 15000 QM600: Up to 600 AM600: Up to 600 CM1500: Up to 1500 DM1200: 1200 LOST MARY CD: Up to 12000 PSYPER: Up to 5500 |
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Charging Time |
90-120 minutes (can vary for different product ranges) |
1-2 hours |
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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) |
BM16000: $31.99 BM5000: $15.99 MO10000: $19.99 MO5000: $15.99 OS5000: $15.99 MT15000 TURBO: $29.99 LOST MARY CD: $23.99 PSYPER: $10.99 |
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Customer Support and Warranty |
1 year |
1 year |
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.
LOST MARY devices have an innovative design with dynamic battery indicators in green, blue, red, and orange. Most devices are equipped with the dual mesh coil and are available in contrasting color combinations.
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).
LOST MARY vapes offer a mixed bag in terms of performance and battery life. Models like DM1200 and CM1500 stand out with their 850 mAh batteries, promising longer sessions. On the other hand, MO5000 with its 500 mAh battery may not be the best option for heavy vapers.
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.
LOST MARY's vape lineup offers a wide range of puff count, from 600 to a whopping 16,000, appealing to different user needs. However, the longevity of each device heavily leans on a particular model’s battery capacity, and not just the puff count. While BM16000 promises an impressive puff count of up to 16000, its 650 mAh battery may be a limiting factor. Alternately, DM1200 offers only 1200 puffs but comes with a powerful 850 mAh battery that’s designed for longer sessions.
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.
LOST MARY disposables come in different fruit-based and tobacco flavors, including watermelon, kiwi, blueberry, banana, coffee, apple, lime, and more.
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.
LOST MARY vapes are a good option for both cloud chasers and flavor aficionados. Quite a few models, including DM1200, TAPPO AIR, LOST MARY CD, and QM600, are designed using the QUAQ mesh technology – key to better flavor and vapor production. PSYPER pod devices come with adjustable airflow control giving users a personalized vaping experience.
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.
LOST MARY vapes come with the risk of developing a nicotine dependency and being exposed to other harmful compounds. Particularly, their disposables containing 5% nicotine present a considerable risk for addiction. However, if you want a safer vaping option, the brand offers nicotine-free alternatives in the US and UK.
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.
Besides the regulatory issues we mentioned earlier, in December 2023, the US FDA issued a warning letter to LOST MARY on the grounds of selling unauthorized e-cigarettes and violating vape regulations. Around the same time, NJOY, a rival company, sued LOST MARY, arguing that the latter didn't have the FDA's legit permission to sell their products.
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.
LOST MARY vapes offer a range of nicotine levels, from 0 mg/ml for those seeking a nicotine-free experience to a robust 50 mg/ml for those who like a stronger hit. The choice of nicotine concentrations ensure smooth delivery for casual vapers as well as satisfying throat hits for those wanting a higher nicotine dose.
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.
LOST MARY’s disposable vapes come with pre-filled pods and aren’t meant to be refilled or replaced. If you’re looking for customizable vaping experiences, explore other devices that pair with third-party interchangeable pods and e-liquids. Likewise, charging LOST MARY vapes with chargers that aren't specifically made for these devices can lead to risks like overcharging, short-circuiting, or damaging the battery.
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.
LOST MARY products can be bought in retail stores (in the US) and online stores (in the US, UK, Switzerland, France, and other European countries). However, regulatory restrictions tied to specific locations can impact their availability and distribution.
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.
LOST MARY offers both high-end and affordable products, ranging from $10.99 for pod systems like PSYPER to $31.99 for disposables like BM16000. The varied price points cater to diverse user needs, offering value for both budget-conscious users and vapers seeking premium, advanced devices.
Pros and Cons of IQOS and LOST MARY
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 LOST MARY |
Cons of LOST MARY |
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In short, both IQOS and LOST MARY stand out in the vaping market with their unique strengths and offerings.
However, both IQOS and LOST MARY 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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