Jessica Tyson
05/02/2025 • 5 min readFor adult smokers exploring smoke-free alternatives, IQOS and vaping are two popular choices compared to combustible cigarettes. Both offer a way to move away from traditional cigarettes, but they work differently and appeal to unique preferences. If you’re deciding between IQOS and vaping, here’s a breakdown of what sets them apart and which might be the better fit for you. Start your journey towards a smoke-free future here:
FREESMO product guide questionnaireIQOS (I Quit Ordinary Smoking): IQOS is a heated tobacco device developed by Philip Morris International. Instead of burning tobacco, IQOS heats specially designed sticks, known as TEREA or Tobacco Sticks, to approximately 350°C. This process releases a nicotine-containing aerosol without combustion, ash, or traditional smoke. IQOS heats tobacco at a lower temperature, which reduces harmful byproducts. The tobacco flavour it delivers often appeals to smokers seeking a familiar experience. IQOS is part of the heat not burn products category.
Browse all heated tobacco productsVaping: Vaping involves the use of electronic devices (e-cigarettes) that vaporise e-liquids. These liquids typically contain nicotine, flavourings, propylene glycol, and vegetable glycerin, and are heated to around 200°C to create vapour for inhalation. Unlike IQOS, vaping offers a customisable experience with a wide variety of flavours and device options.
Chemical exposure: Research shows that IQOS emits significantly fewer harmful chemicals compared to traditional cigarettes, including a 96.2% reduction in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Both IQOS and vaping still contain potentially harmful chemicals, though at lower levels than traditional cigarettes.
Toxicity levels: Neither option is risk-free, and their long-term health effects remain under investigation. The potential risks of secondhand smoke from traditional cigarettes are well-documented, whereas the impact of e-cigarette vapour on bystanders is still being studied.
Flavour and satisfaction: IQOS delivers a tobacco flavour that resonates with smokers who prefer a traditional taste. In contrast, vaping stands out for its variety, offering everything from fruity blends to dessert-inspired options, allowing users to customise their experience.
Nicotine delivery: Both IQOS and vaping devices provide nicotine, but the delivery method and satisfaction can vary. IQOS appeals to those seeking a tobacco-based nicotine source, while vaping offers versatility in nicotine strength and flavour profiles. Both IQOS and vaping can be part of a strategy for quitting smoking, especially when combined with expert support and professional help.
Want more expert info as you embark on your smoke-free journey?
Sign up for FREESMO updatesThe future of nicotine consumption is evolving as more people seek alternatives to traditional cigarettes. Heated tobacco products, such as IQOS, and e-cigarettes are at the forefront of this transformation. These innovative devices offer smokers a way to reduce their exposure to the harmful chemicals found in conventional cigarettes.
Heated tobacco products, like IQOS, heat tobacco instead of burning it, which significantly reduces the production of harmful substances like carbon monoxide and tar. This “heat-not-burn” technology is gaining traction among smokers who want a familiar tobacco experience without the high levels of toxic chemicals associated with cigarette smoke.
E-cigarettes, on the other hand, vaporise e-liquids that typically contain nicotine, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, and flavorings. This method eliminates the combustion process entirely, potentially reducing the health risks associated with smoking cigarettes. The variety of flavors and customizable nicotine levels make e-cigarettes an appealing option for those looking to quit smoking or reduce their cigarette consumption.
As research continues and technology advances, we can expect to see even more innovative nicotine replacement therapy options. These developments aim to provide smokers with safer alternatives, ultimately contributing to a decline in cigarette smoking and its associated health risks. Whether through heated tobacco devices or e-cigarettes, the goal remains the same: to offer effective and less harmful ways to stop smoking and improve public health. IQOS vs. Vaping vs Combustible Cigarettes: Which Is Better?
Choosing between IQOS and vaping depends on your preferences and priorities. If you’re looking for a tobacco-based experience with a familiar flavour and less odour, IQOS might be the better fit. For those who value variety and customisation, vaping offers more flexibility. Additionally, the chemical exposure from cigarette vapour is different from that of IQOS, with studies suggesting varying levels of risk.
IQOS and vaping both present alternatives to traditional cigarettes, each with distinct features and benefits. Current research suggests that vaping may expose users to fewer harmful chemicals than IQOS, but the long-term health effects of both products are not yet fully understood.
When deciding between the two, consider your personal preferences, the available evidence, and consult healthcare professionals if needed. Whether you choose IQOS or vaping, making the switch from traditional smoking is a step towards harm reduction. Both IQOS and vaping can play a significant role in quitting smoking, especially when combined with expert support and professional medical advice.
Trust FREESMO to guide you through your smoke-free journey.