As cigarette prices continue to rise and health campaigns push for alternatives, more people are exploring reduced-risk nicotine products. Two of the most widely known are Juul and IQOS. While they share the goal of offering a cleaner, smoke-free experience, they work in very different ways.
This guide takes an in-depth look at Juul and IQOS, comparing how they work, how much they cost, their pros and cons, and which might be the better fit for your lifestyle.
How Juul Works
Juul is an e-cigarette that uses prefilled pods containing nicotine salts suspended in e-liquid. The device heats the liquid into vapour, which you inhale.
Key Characteristics:
- Pod-based system: No refilling required simply pop in a pod.
- Nicotine salts: Provide a smooth throat hit at high nicotine strengths (usually 18–20 mg/ml).
- Compact design: Small, discreet, and pocket-friendly.
Juul is designed for simplicity. There are no buttons, no screens, and no complicated settings. This makes it particularly appealing for smokers who want a fuss-free switch.
How IQOS Works
IQOS, developed by Philip Morris International, uses a completely different approach. It heats real tobacco sticks called HEETS rather than vaporising e-liquid.
Key Characteristics:
- Heat-not-burn technology: Heats tobacco to around 350°C, avoiding combustion.
- Authentic tobacco taste: Offers a cigarette-like experience without smoke or ash.
- Reusable device: Holds and recharges the heating blade between uses.
Because IQOS uses real tobacco, the taste and aroma are more familiar to smokers, which can make it a smoother transition for those not interested in sweet or fruity vape flavours.
Flavour Experience
Juul pods are available in a selection of flavours, typically tobacco, menthol, and mint though flavour availability can vary by region due to regulations. The vapour is smooth, slightly sweet, and produces very little lingering smell.
IQOS offers a more traditional tobacco experience. HEETS come in a variety of blends, from classic tobacco to menthol and even some slightly aromatic versions. The aroma is closer to that of a cigarette but dissipates faster than smoke.
Nicotine Delivery and Satisfaction
Nicotine delivery is one of the key factors for people switching from smoking.
- Juul: Uses nicotine salts, which are absorbed quickly and provide a rapid hit, mimicking the satisfaction of smoking.
- IQOS: Delivers nicotine through heated tobacco, giving a familiar throat hit but with slightly lower nicotine per session than a traditional cigarette.
Both provide enough nicotine to satisfy cravings, but IQOS may feel more natural for heavy smokers seeking a close cigarette-like experience.
Cost Comparison
Juul
- Device cost: £20–£30
- Pods: £8–£10 per pack of four
- Estimated yearly spend: £700–£1,000 for a regular user
IQOS
- Device cost: £40–£80
- HEETS: £5–£6 per pack of 20
- Estimated yearly spend: £1,000–£1,300 for a pack-a-day user
Although IQOS can be more expensive annually, both are far cheaper than smoking a pack of cigarettes per day, which costs over £5,000 per year in the UK.
Pros and Cons
Juul Pros
- Ultra-simple and user-friendly
- Compact and portable
- Smooth vapour and discreet odour
- Quick nicotine delivery
Juul Cons
- Limited pod flavours in some regions
- Less cigarette-like experience
- Pods can be costly compared to refillable systems
IQOS Pros
- Real tobacco taste and ritual
- No ash or smoke smell
- Consistent nicotine delivery
- Still cheaper than cigarettes
IQOS Cons
- Requires charging after every stick
- Needs regular cleaning to maintain performance
- Bulkier than Juul and less discreet
Who Should Choose Which?
- Juul suits: Those who want a clean, discreet, and low-maintenance vape with minimal learning curve. Ideal for urban professionals or social settings where discretion matters.
- IQOS suits: Smokers who value the authentic taste of tobacco and want a closer experience to cigarettes without smoke or ash.
Both options are widely seen as harm-reduction tools, helping people move away from combustible tobacco. If you’re curious about exploring IQOS further, you can browse devices and HEETS through Freesmo’s heated tobacco collection.
Making the Switch with Confidence
Whichever route you choose, the goal is to find a product that supports your transition away from cigarettes and fits into your routine. Some users even try both options before deciding which works best for them. By weighing flavour, convenience, and long-term cost, you can make an informed choice that supports a cleaner, smoke-free future.
