IQOS vs NJOY: Features, Price + More (2024)

The epic showdown: IQOS vs NJOY. 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 NJOY, 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 NJOY

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.
 

NJOY is a vaping brand based in Arizona, US, offering disposable e-cigarettes, flavored pods, and e-liquids. Their products are designed to cater to both novice and experienced vapers, focusing on ease of use and satisfying experiences.

Brand History and Background of IQOS and NJOY

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 2006 by Mark Weiss and his brothers, NJOY was one of the first major e-cigarette brands in the US. 

In 2010, NJOY won a lawsuit against the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in which the court decided that the FDA couldn't regulate e-cigarettes like drugs or medical devices unless they were marketed for therapeutic purposes. 

By 2014, NJOY was ranked number one by the market research company, IRI in US vaping retail sales with over 90,000 points of distribution.

Later, the company stopped the production and sale of fruit-flavored e-liquids as legal authorities were concerned about underage people getting addicted to them.

In 2023, Altria Group acquired 100% control of NJOY.

IQOS vs NJOY Comparison Summary

Take a quick look at the features of IQOS and NJOY vapes before we get into the details:

 

 

IQOS

NJOY

Product Range

ILUMA, ORIGINALS (ONE, DUO), BONDS, lil

NJOY Ace (Rechargeable)

NJOY Ace Pods

NJOY Daily (Disposable)

 

Nicotine-free options available?

No

No

Device Quality & Build

Stylish and premium devices with a focus on ergonomics

Sleek, compact design, easy to grip, with soft-touch finger pads and oval-like shape.

Battery Capacity

IQOS ILUMA Prime: 2380 mAh (provides 2 consecutive uses per charge) IQOS lil Solid Ez: 2950mAh (3 consecutive uses per charge)

NJOY Daily: 1000 mAh

Pod Capacity, Nicotine Strength

Not applicable - uses tobacco sticks that contain real tobacco (like HEETS & TEREA SMARTCORE)

NJOY Daily Rich Tobacco and Daily Menthol: 4.5% 

NJOY Daily Extra Rich Tobacco and Daily Extra Menthol: 6% 

NJOY Ace Pods Classic Tobacco: 2.4% and 5% (1.9 ml)

NJOY Ace Pods Menthol: 2.4% and 5% (1.9 ml)

NJOY Ace Pods Rich Tobacco: 5% (1.9 ml)

Number of Puffs per Pod

~14 puffs from each compatible tobacco stick

NJOY Daily: 300 puffs

Charging Time

90-120 minutes (can vary for different product ranges)

NJOY Ace: Under 1 hour

Safety Features

Heat-not-burn technology, LED indicator, auto-shutoff, and age verification at purchase

LED indicator, age verification at purchase

Device and Pod Cost

IQOS kit: $100 - $200 (depending on the product)

Tobacco sticks: $5 - $10 (pack of 20 sticks)

NJOY Ace device: $9.99 

NJOY Ace Pods Menthol and Classic Tobacco: $6.99 (1-pack), $9.99 (2-pack)

NJOY Ace Pods Rich Tobacco: $5.99 (1-pack), $9.99 (2-pack)

NJOY Daily Rich Tobacco, Daily Extra Rich Tobacco, Daily Menthol, and Extra Daily Menthol: $5.99

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.

NJOY's vaping device is a sleek blend of form and function. It’s lightweight design makes it portable and perfect for on-the-go vaping. However, it doesn’t have any buttons and comes in only one color combination — black and grey.

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).

NJOY devices charge up to 100% battery capacity in under an hour. It’s equipped with the pass-through charging feature so you can use it while it’s plugged in. Typically, a fully charged NJOY Ace device can last you approximately 24 hours, unless you’re a heavy vaper. The device comes with a light that turns off once it's fully charged, helping you prevent overcharging.

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.

NJOY devices offer around 300 puffs, with a robust 1000 mAh battery, ensuring value per use. However, the non-refillable nature of its pods and disposables might lead to high long-term expenses compared to refillable systems. The brand offers a cost-effective entry point but a seasoned, heavy vaper may want to consider pod costs for the long haul.

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.

NJOY Ace Pods come in three flavors – Classic Tobacco, Rich Tobacco, and Menthol, with 5% and 2.4% nicotine. Earlier the brand offered other fruity flavors, like blueberry, watermelon, and mint. However, those were discontinued due to regulations tightening around flavor offerings.

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.

NJOY uses ceramic coil heating technology to provide you a smooth vaping experience – so lesser chances of leaking, poor flavor, or burnt hits due to insufficient wicking. Its vapor output is comparable to smoke from a cigarette. For the best draw, hold the vaping device at 45 degrees with the airway pointing to your mouth and the charging port pointing to the ground. 

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.
 

NJOY, like all vaping products, comes with health implications — from potential nicotine addiction to exposure to chemicals like glycerin and propylene glycol. The higher concentrations, especially the 6% options, pose a significant addiction potential.

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.

NJOY’s tug of war with the FDA continues even after the vaping company won the lawsuit in 2010. In 2022, the FDA allowed multiple NJOY Ace products to be legally marketed in the US. At the same time, they passed Marketing Denial Orders (MDOs) for some NJOY Ace products. Consequently, two menthol-flavored Ace e-liquid pods remained under FDA review.

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.

NJOY offers varied nicotine strengths in its pods (2.4% and 5%) and disposable vapes (4.5% or 6%). This caters to varying preferences and nicotine tolerances.

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.

NJOY Ace Pods are designed to work with their own branded e-liquids for a better vaping experience and consistency. Using third-party pods, e-liquids, or accessories with NJOY devices is not recommended, as compatibility and functionality isn’t guaranteed.

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.

NJOY products can be bought at select retail stores in the US and through authorized online retailers. However, location-based restrictions can apply due to varying state and country regulations on vaping products, affecting availability and shipping.

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.

NJOY's rechargeable device, sold at an affordable rate of $9.99, offers a premium vaping experience. The pods ($6.99  for 1-pack and $9.99  for 2-pack) come in a few different flavors and nicotine strengths, allowing vapers to find their match for a satisfying vape session. However, similar rechargeable vapes in the market might offer lower long-term costs with refillable options. 

Pros and Cons of IQOS and NJOY

To summarize, here are the benefits and drawbacks of both these brands:

 

Pros of IQOS

Cons of IQOS

  • Potentially reduced risk compared to cigarettes
  • Smokeless and odorless, reducing second-hand smoke concerns
  • Portable and user-friendly design
  • FDA authorized for ‘reduced exposure’ claim, indicating a level of regulatory acceptance

  • Nicotine dependence remains a concern
  • Higher initial cost compared to some e-cigarettes
  • Limited nicotine strength options
  • Regulatory controversies and legal challenges affect product availability

 

 

Pros of NJOY

Cons of NJOY

  • Aesthetically pleasing design that’s easy to carry and use 
  • High nicotine options that satisfy the needs of heavy smokers looking to switch 
  • Uses ceramic coil technology resulting in thicker smoke
  • Good battery life

  • Limited compatibility with third-party products
  • Pods aren’t built to be leak-resistant
  • Non-refillable devices may lead to higher long-term costs
  • Potential for nicotine addiction due to the availability of high nicotine strengths
  • Thin selection of flavor choices compared to other competitors

 

In short, both IQOS and NJOY stand out in the vaping market with their unique strengths and offerings.

 

However, both IQOS and NJOY 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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