IQOS vs Lost Vape: Features, Price + More (2024)
The epic showdown: IQOS vs Lost Vape. 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 Vape, 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 Vape
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.
Lost Vape is headquartered in Shenzhen, China. It offers an array of high-end vaping devices, including disposables, pod mods, box mods, and vape accessories. The brand is known for its unique product design and cutting-edge tech innovations. One of Lost Vape's standout products is the URSA Pocket, an innovative gaming pod device featuring a puff 'n' play function that delivers an engaging vaping experience.
Brand History and Background of IQOS and Lost Vape
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.
Lost Vape was founded in 2014 by Frank Guo. From its first-ever product offering, the ESqaure DNA 40, launched in 2014, the brand has come a long way in terms of design and technology. Amid the rising pod vape revolution, Lost Vape unveiled its Orion DNA Go in 2018, the first DNA chipset vaping pod system in the market. Lost Vape products lack authorization from US regulators and face concerns related to high nicotine content and dubious marketing tactics targeting teenagers. This indicates a broader issue of unauthorized e-cigarettes flooding the market despite the FDA’s efforts to regulate them.
IQOS vs Lost Vape Comparison Summary
Take a quick look at the features of IQOS and Lost Vape vapes before we get into the details:
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IQOS |
Lost Vape |
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Product Range |
ILUMA, ORIGINALS (ONE, DUO), BONDS, lil |
Pod Kits: Ursa Nano, Thelema Elite, Ursa Baby, Ursa Pocket Pod Mods: Thelema Mini, Centaurus Q80, Ursa Quest Box Mods: Centaurus M200, Thelema DNA 250C, Centaurus Q200 Tanks: Centaurus (sub-ohm), UB Max, UB Ultra (pod) Disposable Vapes: Orion Bar 10000, Lightrise
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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 |
Elegant, pocket-friendly design, aluminum/zinc alloy, and plastic body. Select devices feature PU leather grip and/or OLED screen |
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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) |
Ursa Pocket: 1200mAh Ursa Nano: 800mAh Ursa Baby Pro: 900mAh Thelema Elite 40: 1400mAh Orion Bar 10000: 650mAh |
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Pod Capacity, Nicotine Strength |
Not applicable - uses tobacco sticks that contain real tobacco (like HEETS & TEREA SMARTCORE) |
Thelema Elite 40: 3ml (0.5%-2% nicotine strength) Centaurus B80 AIO: 5ml (0.5%-2% nicotine) Orion Bar 10000 (disposable): 20ml (5% nicotine ) Lightrise (disposable): 18ml (5% nicotine) |
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Number of Puffs per Pod |
~14 puffs from each compatible tobacco stick |
Orion Bar 10000 (disposable): 10000 puffs Thelema Elite 40: 420 puffs Orion 5000 (disposable): 5000 puffs Lightrise (disposable): 18,000 puffs |
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Charging Time |
90-120 minutes (can vary for different product ranges) |
Thelema Elite 40: Around 80 minutes Ursa Nano Pro Pod Kit: 45 to 60 mins Ursa Pocket: Around 60 minutes |
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Safety Features |
Heat-not-burn technology, LED indicator, auto-shutoff, and age verification at purchase |
Short circuit protection, Overheat protection, atomizer protection, Low/high resistance protection |
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Device and Pod Cost |
IQOS kit: $100 - $200 (depending on the product) Tobacco sticks: $5 - $10 (pack of 20 sticks) |
Ursa Baby Pod Kit: $17-$21 Thelema Quest 200W: $43-$52 Orion Bar 10000: $12-$20 (prices based on online retail vape stores in the USA) |
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Customer Support and Warranty |
1 year |
3 to 6 months - depending on the product line |
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 Vape devices are known for their sleek and elegant designs and tactile feel. For instance, the Thelema Elite 40 offers a combination of texture prints, carbon fiber, and custom calf leather grips to choose from. In contrast, the brand also experiments with quirkier designs, like the Ursa Pocket, which sports a retro X cyber design for street fashion enthusiasts. However, some Lost Vape DNA models, like the Thelema DNA250c, can feel heavy and bulky, which can be inconvenient for heavy users.
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 battery capacity of Lost Vape devices is generally in line with industry standards. For instance, the Thelema Elite 40 and Ursa Pocket feature long-lasting 1400 mAh and 1200 mAh batteries, respectively. The Centaurus B80 AIO pod mod is powered by an external 18650 battery that ensures uninterrupted operation during extended use. Additionally, several Lost Vape devices (like the Ursa Nano and the Centaurus Q80 Pod Mod) feature Type-C fast charging. That said, some of the brand’s advanced DNA chip models, while visually impressive, could benefit from a more powerful 21700/20700 battery option instead of the 18650 one.
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 Vape offers a mixed bag in terms of device longevity. While their pod kits like Thelema Elite 40 offer about 420 puffs per pod, the brand also offers a selection of long-lasting disposable vape pods such as the Orion Bar 10000 that delivers an impressive 10000 puffs per pod. The brand’s pod mod collection features UB Ultra coils that provide a longer lifespan. For those preferring disposable options, the Orion DNA Go can last around 14 days. With regular cleaning and proper handling, Lost Vape devices can last for years. But remember, you’ll have to switch out replaceable parts like coils and pods depending on how often you vape.
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 Vape’s pre-filled disposables (like the Orion Bar 10000) come in various flavors, including Pineapple Lime Ice, Banana Limelight, and Triple Grape. However, the 'ice' variants dominate the lineup, so vapers looking for menthol-free options might not have many choices. Additionally, Lost Vape’s pod mods and box mods can be paired with e-liquid flavors of your choice.
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 Vape offers a satisfying and versatile vaping experience with features like adjustable airflow to give you an airier or tighter draw as per your preference. It also caters to MTL, DTL, and restricted DTL styles. However, some users suggest that the MTL draw is a tad loose in some devices. The Ursa Nano 2 Pod Kit and many other devices offer adjustable wattage, allowing you to fine-tune your vape and achieve the required balance of vapor production and flavor.
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 Vape products come with a warning that they use nicotine. Most health and safety concerns revolve around the potential risks of nicotine vaping and secondhand exposure to aerosols. However, the brand offers various safety features, such as overheating and short-circuit protection, for a safe vaping experience. The brand also provides anti-counterfeit checks on its website to weed out fake counterparts.
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.
Upcoming regulatory changes in the UK market could impact the sale permissions of Lost Vape devices in the region. Recently, the UK government announced a ban on disposable vaping products and introduced new guidelines for the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) requirements. As a result, Lost Vape's disposable vaping range, such as the Orion Bar, may no longer be permitted for sale in the UK market going forward.
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 Vape pod and box mods support third-party e-liquids with varying nicotine strengths to cater to the preferences of both beginner and seasoned vapers. However, their pre-filled disposables, like the Orion Bar, typically offer a fixed 50mg (5%) nicotine strength, which might deter zero or low-nicotine vapers.
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 of the Lost Vape devices are compatible with other brands' vape accessories, allowing you to customize your vaping setup according to your preferences.
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.
While Lost Vape doesn’t have marketing authorization in the USA, its products are available in retail and online vape stores in the country. Users must 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.
Lost Vape sits firmly in the premium vape category. The brand’s focus on exotic materials like stabilized wood often adds a hefty premium, making their devices significantly more expensive than mainstream options. However, investing in these devices will give you a decent bang for your buck, thanks to the use of premium materials, robust build quality, and advanced features. For instance, the brand’s UB Lite coils are known to offer a longer lifespan and superior flavor experience. While their core lineup commands a premium price tag, some of the disposable options, like the Orion Bar 10000 priced at $12.99, could be a bargain for regular users.
Pros and Cons of IQOS and Lost Vape
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 Vape |
Cons of Lost Vape |
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In short, both IQOS and Lost Vape stand out in the vaping market with their unique strengths and offerings.
However, both IQOS and Lost Vape are not without their regulatory challenges.
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