SMOK vs IJOY: Comparing Devices, Price, Performance (2025)
The epic showdown: SMOK 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 SMOK 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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Further Reading: Discover more through: Discover more through: |
A Quick Intro to SMOK and IJOY
Headquartered in Shenzhen, China, SMOK offers a bevy of products including vape pens, starter kits, advanced mods, and disposables. Their products are ideal for the cloud-chasing enthusiast and the discreet, on-the-go user.
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 SMOK and IJOY
Let’s look at how the two brands evolved.
Founded in 2010, SMOK is known for its high-quality disposable vapes, mods, pod mods, vape pens, and accessories. In the Vapouround Global Awards 2021, SMOK’s RPM 4 Kit bagged the award for the Best Pod System. Early in 2024, the FDA issued marketing denial orders (MDOs) for 22 SMOK e-cigarette products (including devices, pods, atomizers, and cartridges) in the US. In response, SMOK has submitted an appeal in the US Court claiming that the MDO is arbitrary and lacks substantial evidence.
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.
SMOK vs IJOY Comparison Summary
Take a quick look at the features of SMOK and IJOY vapes before we get into the details:
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SMOK |
IJOY |
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Product Range |
SPACEMAN TURBO, MAVIC S9000, NOVO BAR B600, RAINBOW BAR 5000, AL6000, ETO BAR, RAINBOW BAR, STICK BAR, MINIONE, NORD BAR, MBAR, VVOW, MBAR PRO, and NOVO BAR (Disposable) ISPEED, IGEE, and IGEE PRO (Closed systems) NOVO PRO, NORD GT, NOVO MASTER BOX KIT, NOVO MASTER KIT, PROPOD GT KIT, NORD C KIT, NOVO 2C KIT, NOVO 5 KIT, SOLUS G-BOX, SOLUS G, PROPOD, IGEE A1, and more (Pods) tech 247, RPM C KIT, RPM 25W, RPM 4, and more (Pod mods) MAG SOLO KIT, MORPH 3 KIT, MAG-18 KIT, FORTIS KIT, and more (Advanced mods) VAPE PEN V2 KIT, STICK 80W, VAPE PEN NORD 19 & 22, STICK PRINCE, and more (Vape pens) |
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? |
Yes (SMOK NOVO 2 KIT, SMOK NOVO BAR, SMOK NOVO 5 Pod Kit, and more) |
Yes (LIO NANO X2) |
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Device Quality & Build |
Innovative design, incorporating high-quality materials like zinc alloy and stainless steel |
Ergonomic design with rounded edges and a smooth outer finish |
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Battery Capacity |
SPACEMAN TURBO, MINIONE: 800 mAh AL6000, ETO BAR: 650 mAh NORD BAR, NOVO BAR: 600 mAh RAINBOW BAR 5000, STICK BAR: 550 mAh MAVIC S9000, NOVO BAR B600, VVOW, MBAR PRO: 500 mAh RAINBOW BAR: 400 mAh MBAR: 280 mAh ISPEED, IGEE, and IGEE PRO: 400 mAh |
IJOY Uranus Mate: 1100mAh LIO Stone 12000: 550mAh Cigpet CAPO Mod kit: Dual 18650mAh batteries |
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Pod Capacity, Nicotine Strength |
SPACEMAN TURBO: 5% (16 ml) MAVIC S9000: 18 ml NOVO BAR B600, VVOW, MBAR PRO, NOVO BAR: 2% (2 ml) RAINBOW BAR 5000: 20 mg nicotine (13 ml) AL6000: 13 ml RAINBOW BAR: 3% (2.5 ml) MINIONE: 4.5 ml NORD BAR: 5% (8.5 ml) MBAR: 20 mg (1.3 ml) IGEE, IGEE PRO: 2.5 ml |
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 |
SPACEMAN TURBO: 10,000-15,000 MAVIC S9000: 9000 NOVO BAR B600, RAINBOW BAR, VVOW, NOVO BAR: 600 RAINBOW BAR 5000: 5000 AL6000: Up to 6000 ETO BAR: 8000 STICK BAR: 1000 MINIONE: 1600 NORD BAR: 4000 MBAR: Up to 300 MBAR PRO: 550 |
IJOY Uranus Mate: 40,000 LIO Stone 12000: 12,000 |
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Charging Time |
ISPEED, IGEE, and IGEE PRO: 40 mins |
IJOY Captain AirGo: 60 minutes approx |
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Safety Features |
Low voltage detection, short circuit detection, LED indicator, age verification on website |
Overcharge protection and child safety lock |
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Device and Pod Cost |
SMOK SPACE MAN TURBO: $11.50 SMOK IGEE AI KIT: $23.99 SMOK NOVO 5 KIT: $39.99 SMOK RPM 100 KIT: $57.99 SMOK MAG-18 KIT: $99.99 VAPE PEN 2 KIT: $34.99 |
IJOY Uranus Mate: $14.99 LIO Stone 12000: $9.09 Cigpet CAPO Mod kit: $27.99 |
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Customer Support and Warranty |
6 months |
Not mentioned on the website |
Now let’s compare these brands in detail:
1. Design and Aesthetics
SMOK devices have an intuitive interface with LED display, battery life percentage indicator, and touch screens. They usually come in cylindrical or plump shapes and tend to be lightweight and portable. They’re available in various color options.
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
SMOK devices offer different battery capacities, catering to the needs of both heavy-duty users and casual vapers. The SPACEMAN TURBO and MINIONE lead with an 800 mAh battery, designed for longer vaping sessions. Whereas MBAR's 280 mAh is the more portable option but won't last as long before needing a recharge.
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
SMOK’s product lineup includes the high-capacity SPACEMAN TURBO offering up to 15,000 puffs and also the low-capacity model of MBAR with up to 300 puffs. The longevity is also influenced by battery capacity, ranging from 800 mAh in models like the SPACEMAN TURBO, ensuring extended use, down to 280 mAh in the MBAR, indicating shorter usage intervals. So, while some SMOK models are designed for durability and prolonged sessions, others prioritize compactness and convenience.
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
SMOK disposables and rechargeables come in different flavors, including watermelon, peach, mango, kiwi, mint, blueberry, strawberry, and more.
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
With several fruit-flavored e-liquids and nicotine strengths as high as 50mg, SMOK offers a vaping experience that meets the satisfaction levels of heavy smokers looking to switch and casual vapers seeking to try different flavors. It offers a range of products featuring mesh coils – key to enhanced flavor production and vapor output.
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
SMOK, like other vaping products, comes with health implications — from potential nicotine addiction to exposure to substances like vegetable glycerin and propylene glycol. However, the vapes with higher nicotine content, especially the 5% options, pose a significant addiction potential. The brand also provides nicotine-free vapes for those looking for a less risky vaping experience in the UK and South Africa.
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
The FDA issued marketing denial orders (MDOs) for 22 SMOK e-cigarette products (including devices, pods, atomizers, and cartridges) in 2024. The federal agency claims that SMOK failed to provide adequate data related to “product stability and product abuse liability”. SMOK has challenged these MDOs by submitting an appeal in the US Court.
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
SMOK vapes offer a range of nicotine levels, from 2% in devices like the NOVO BAR B600 and MBAR PRO, up to 5% in the SPACEMAN TURBO and NORD BAR, catering to varying user preferences for nicotine intake. Nicotine delivery is also varied, with pod sizes ranging from 1.3 ml in the MBAR to 18 ml in the MAVIC S9000 – quite a broad spectrum of vaping durations and intensities to choose from.
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
SMOK’s refillable pod systems like SMOK NOVO 2, NORD 2, RPM40, and POZZ X can be paired with any high-quality e-liquid of your choice. The brand recommends nicotine salt liquids for optimal performance.
Being disposable, IJOY vapes are incompatible with third-party e-liquids and accessories.
10. Availability and Accessibility
SMOK products can be bought in their official website store and are available in more than 50 countries. However, none of the disposable products are for sale in the US. Further, location-based restrictions can apply due to regulations on vaping products, affecting availability and shipping.
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
The pricing of SMOK products, ranging from $11.50 for the SPACEMAN TURBO to $99.99 for the MAG-18 KIT, cater to various budgets and preferences. The brand offers options for entry-level vapers looking for affordability and seasoned users seeking advanced features. SMOK is priced higher than some competitors, especially for their feature-rich kits.
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 SMOK and IJOY
To summarize, here are the benefits and drawbacks of both these brands:
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Pros of SMOK |
Cons of SMOK |
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Pros of IJOY |
Cons of IJOY |
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In short, both SMOK and IJOY stand out in the vaping market with their unique strengths and offerings.
However, both SMOK and IJOY are not without their regulatory challenges.
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