Juul vs IQOS: Features, Price + More (2024)
The epic showdown: Juul vs IQOS. 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 IQOS, 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 IQOS
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.
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.
Brand History and Background of Juul and IQOS
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.)
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.
Juul vs IQOS Comparison Summary
Take a quick look at the features of Juul and IQOS vapes before we get into the details:
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Juul |
IQOS |
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Product Range |
Juul2 (Rechargeable) |
ILUMA, ORIGINALS (ONE, DUO), BONDS, lil
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Nicotine-free options available? |
No |
No |
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Device Quality & Build |
Sleek, minimalist design, sharp edges, aluminum body, user-friendly interface. |
Stylish and premium devices with a focus on ergonomics |
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Battery Capacity |
Juul2: 350 mAh |
IQOS ILUMA Prime: 2380 mAh (provides 2 consecutive uses per charge) IQOS lil Solid Ez: 2950mAh (3 consecutive uses per charge) |
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Pod Capacity, Nicotine Strength |
Juul2: 1.2ml, 18mg/ml (3-5%) |
Not applicable - uses tobacco sticks that contain real tobacco (like HEETS & TEREA SMARTCORE) |
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Number of Puffs per Pod |
200 puffs |
~14 puffs from each compatible tobacco stick |
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Charging Time |
Around 1 hour |
90-120 minutes (can vary for different product ranges) |
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Safety Features |
LED indicator, auto-shutoff, and age verification at purchase |
Heat-not-burn technology, LED indicator, auto-shutoff, and age verification at purchase |
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Device and Pod Cost |
Juul device: $9.99 Pods: $13.49 (2-pack), $21.99 (4-pack) |
IQOS kit: $100 - $200 (depending on the product) Tobacco sticks: $5 - $10 (pack of 20 sticks) |
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Customer Support and Warranty |
1 year |
1 year |
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Note: Consumers must also verify adherence to the latest local laws prior to any purchase of devices from these brands.
8. Nicotine Content Potential
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pros and Cons of Juul and IQOS
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 IQOS |
Cons of IQOS |
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In short, both Juul and IQOS stand out in the vaping market with their unique strengths and offerings.
However, both Juul and IQOS 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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