Juul vs IJOY: Comparing Devices, Price, Performance (2025)
The epic showdown: Juul vs IJOY. 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 Juul or rooting for IJOY, 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 Juul and IJOY
Hailing from San Francisco, USA, Juul is the go-to for sleek, minimalist vape pens and pods. Their arsenal includes a range of enticing flavors and varying nicotine strengths, tailored for the modern, style-conscious vaper. These are perfect for those seeking a user-friendly, portable vaping experience with a touch of class.
IJOY, based in Shenzhen, China, offers disposables, pod systems, and mods designed for beginners and advanced vapers alike. With a global presence across five continents, IJOY products are available in countries like the USA, UK, France, Japan, and South Africa.
Brand History and Background of Juul and IJOY
Let’s look at how the two brands evolved.
Founded in 2015 by James Monsees and Adam Bowen, Juul was initially marketed as an alternative to traditional cigarettes for adult smokers. It later faced criticism for attracting teenagers with its advertising and fruity flavors. Despite the controversy, Juul's market share and revenue grew significantly, making it a major player in the US e-cigarette industry. In Jun ‘22, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a ban on Juul products from being sold in the US. It is on hold until the FDA reviews Juul’s marketing application again. (Juul products are available to buy on their website and in retail stores while the stay is in effect.)
The IJOY brand, launched in 2012, is a leading name in the electronic vape industry. In 2015, they launched the Asolo 200W box mod, noted for its temperature control features. By 2017, it expanded the product line to include the Captain series, and in 2019, it introduced the LIO brand, focusing on disposable vapes. Continuing its innovations, it launched the IJOY Uranus Mate in 2024, one of the first AI-automated vaping devices. However, the brand’s journey hasn't been without hurdles. In November 2023, the FDA issued a warning letter against IJOY for illegally marketing and selling its products in the US.
Juul vs IJOY Comparison Summary
Take a quick look at the features of Juul and IJOY vapes before we get into the details:
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Juul |
IJOY |
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Product Range |
Juul2 (Rechargeable) |
IJOY Uranus Mate, IJOY Mercy 10000, IJOY Mars Cabin 20000, IJOY PUNK (Disposables) LIO Stone 12000, LIO CAPO, LIO Mini, LIO NANO X2 (Disposables from LIO series) Cigpet CAPO Mod kit (mod kit)
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Nicotine-free options available? |
No |
Yes (LIO NANO X2) |
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Device Quality & Build |
Sleek, minimalist design, sharp edges, aluminum body, user-friendly interface. |
Ergonomic design with rounded edges and a smooth outer finish |
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Battery Capacity |
Juul2: 350 mAh |
IJOY Uranus Mate: 1100mAh LIO Stone 12000: 550mAh Cigpet CAPO Mod kit: Dual 18650mAh batteries |
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Pod Capacity, Nicotine Strength |
Juul2: 1.2ml, 18mg/ml (3-5%) |
IJOY Uranus Mate: 20ml, 5% LIO Stone 12000: 18ml, 5% Cigpet CAPO Mod kit: 3ml/2ml |
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Number of Puffs per Pod |
200 puffs |
IJOY Uranus Mate: 40,000 LIO Stone 12000: 12,000 |
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Charging Time |
Around 1 hour |
IJOY Captain AirGo: 60 minutes approx |
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Safety Features |
LED indicator, auto-shutoff, and age verification at purchase |
Overcharge protection and child safety lock |
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Device and Pod Cost |
Juul device: $9.99 Pods: $13.49 (2-pack), $21.99 (4-pack) |
IJOY Uranus Mate: $14.99 LIO Stone 12000: $9.09 Cigpet CAPO Mod kit: $27.99 |
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Customer Support and Warranty |
1 year |
Not mentioned on the website |
Now let’s compare these brands in detail:
1. Design and Aesthetics
Juul's design is sleek and minimalistic, with a slender rectangular shape and a range of trendy color options. It's incredibly portable, fitting easily in your pocket. It has no buttons to turn it on – you simply draw on the mouthpiece. Some might find its lack of buttons less user-friendly.
IJOY devices predominantly feature a rounded box shape with integrated mouthpieces. Models like IJOY Mercy 10000 have a glossy finish whereas others like IJOY Bar 1500 have a smooth matte exterior. However, portability can be a downside, with models like the IJOY SD10000 being noticeably bulkier than standard disposables. On the plus side, some IJOY devices include animated screens, providing you real-time updates on battery and e-liquid levels.
2. Performance and Battery Life
Juul's sleek stick comes with a 200mAh battery, small but mighty like a caffeine shot in your morning espresso. It charges up in a swift 60 minutes, ready to deliver about 200 puffs. It's got a temperature-regulation tech to prevent overheating. It comes with a JUULid system to help you detect counterfeit pods.
If you're after all-day reliability, IJOY devices like the PUNK (1200mAh) and Uranus Mate (1100mAh) won’t let you down. But if you're a heavy vaper, you’ll find the LIO Mini (400mAh) frustratingly short-lived. Disposables like the LIO Stone 12000 (550mAh) and Mercy 10000 (650mAh) are underwhelming given their puff claims. However, mods like the Cigpet CAPO, powered by dual 18650 batteries can be a good choice for advanced users.
3. Longevity
For the vaper who needs both cost-efficiency and device longevity, Juul offers a mixed bag of pros and cons. A single Juul pod generally delivers around 200 puffs, equivalent to a traditional pack of cigarettes. However, the cumulative cost can become significant, especially given that a 4-pack of Juul pods is priced at about $21.99.
IJOY’s high-capacity devices like the Uranus Mate (40,000 puffs, 1100mAh) and Mars Cabin 20000 (20,000 puffs, 850mAh) are designed for extended use. However, their battery sizes may be limiting for such high puff claims. Disposables like the LIO Mini (600 puffs, 400mAh) and LIO NANO X2 (800 puffs, 500mAh) may fall short for frequent vapers. For durability and power, you can go for the Cigpet CAPO mod kit with dual 18650 batteries.
4. Flavor Selection and Nicotine Options
Juul's flavor game has been a rollercoaster, especially with regulatory clampdowns. Once boasting a vibrant array of options, they've now streamlined to tobacco and clear flavors.
IJOY disposables are available in a variety of fruit-based, and other flavors, including: Blueberry Watermelon
Strawberry Ice
Sour Apple
Pink Lemonade
Mexico Mango
Peach Plum
Summer Coconut, and more
5. Vaping Experience
Juul offers a great vaping experience, with its vapor production being 30% more efficient than its predecessor Juul1, giving you bigger clouds. It offers a smooth throat hit for casual users, while more experienced vapers love the nicotine delivery system that mimics the sensation of traditional smoking, delivering about 59 mg of nicotine per ml of liquid.
IJOY devices like Uranus Mate and Mars Cabin 20000 are equipped with dual mesh coils, enhancing flavor intensity and vapor production. Models like SD 40000 and CYBER have adjustable airflow functionality, allowing you to customize your draw. Additionally, advanced models like SD 22000 and SD 40000 include smart screens, providing real-time updates on battery percentage and e-liquid levels.
6. Health and Safety Concerns
Juul has been in the hot seat for health concerns, especially with its high nicotine content leading to worries about addiction and potential cardiovascular impact. It's a go-to for smokers switching over but raises concerns for those trying to cut down on nicotine. There's also the buzz about exposure to harmful substances like benzoic acid in their pods, though they're generally considered less harmful than traditional cigarettes.
IJOY products contain nicotine, which can pose health risks and lead to addiction. Additionally, nicotine vapes may contain vitamin E acetate, diacetyl, and other harmful chemicals. However, LIO NANO X2 is one of those rare models from this brand offering you a zero-nicotine vaping option.
7. Regulatory Compliance and Legal Issues
Juul has faced hefty FDA scrutiny and legal challenges, particularly over marketing tactics, leading to a restricted flavor lineup and tighter sales regulations. This regulatory heat has notably squeezed Juul's market presence and product range.
IJOY is yet to receive marketing authorization from the FDA for selling their products in the U.S market. The FDA has flagged specific products, including the IJOY Bar IC8000 Disposable in Apple Juice flavor and the IJOY Bar SD10000 in Blue Razz Ice flavor, for non-compliance.
Note: Consumers must also verify adherence to the latest local laws prior to any purchase of devices from these brands.
8. Nicotine Content
Juul packs a punch with its nicotine salt formula, offering pods in 3% and 5% nicotine strengths. They’re known for their rapid nicotine delivery.
IJOY models like the Mars Cabin 20000 (20ml pod capacity, 50mg nicotine strength) and LIO CAPO (12ml pod capacity, 50mg/30mg nicotine strength) are suited for heavy nicotine users. Conversely, the LIO Mini (2ml pod capacity, 20mg nicotine strength) caters to those seeking lower nicotine options, while the LIO NANO X2 (2ml pod capacity, 0mg/16mg/19mg nicotine strength) offers both low-strength and nicotine-free vaping choices.
9. Compatibility with Other Products
Juul's proprietary design limits its cross-compatibility, but its popularity has spurred a market of third-party pods and accessories, though these can be hit or miss in terms of quality.
Being disposable, IJOY vapes are incompatible with third-party e-liquids and accessories.
10. Availability and Accessibility
Juul products are available in some retail stores, online stores, and on the website in the US. But, look out for specific location-based restrictions, especially in regions with strict e-cigarette regulations or flavor bans.
A number of retail shops and online stores allow you to order IJOY products across Asia, North America, Europe, and Oceania. However, the availability and shipping of these products can be impacted by location-specific regulations and restrictions.
11. Cost vs. Quality
Juul's rechargeable device, priced at an accessible $9.99, offers a user-friendly vaping experience, complemented by its pods ($13.49 for 2-pack, $21.99 for 4-pack) known for consistent flavor and quality. However, with a 4-pack of Juul pods priced at $21.99, the cumulative cost can become significant.
IJOY devices like the Uranus Mate ($14.99 for 40,000 puffs) and Mars Cabin 20000 ($25 for 20,000 puffs) offer commendable longevity but at a premium pricing. The LIO Stone 12000 ($9.09 for 12,000 puffs) is an affordable yet high-capacity option. Meanwhile, the LIO Mini ($5.19 for 600 puffs) and NANO X2 (approximately $5.99 for 800 puffs) are affordable but underwhelming in puff count, limiting their appeal to light or occasional vapers.
Pros and Cons of Juul and IJOY
To summarize, here are the benefits and drawbacks of both these brands:
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Pros of Juul |
Cons of Juul |
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Pros of IJOY |
Cons of IJOY |
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In short, both Juul and IJOY stand out in the vaping market with their unique strengths and offerings.
However, both Juul and IJOY 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.
Cyclone Pods: The Safest, High-Quality, Nicotine-Free Alternative
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Our innovative products include the Surge and the Lightning pod kits, as well as the Gust Super disposable range. Pick from our stunning range of:
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- Classic vapes, such as tobacco vapes and mint vapes
- Exotic flavor blends
We use only high-quality flavorings, vegetable glycerin, and propylene glycol in our vape juice giving you big clouds and the purest of flavors. There’s absolutely no vitamin E acetate, diacetyl, or any other addictive substances, including nicotine.
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