Jessica Tyson
03/06/2025 • 5 min read
Heated tobacco is fast becoming the future of smoking alternatives, offering smokers a cleaner, more refined way to enjoy real tobacco. Among the major players in this fast-growing space, devices from leading brands Ploom and IQOS stand out: the Ploom X Advanced and the IQOS ILUMA ONE.
Both promise to deliver satisfying tobacco experiences without the smoke, ash, or lingering odour of traditional cigarettes. But how do they compare when it comes to features, flavour, and overall performance?
In this guide, we put the Ploom X Advanced and IQOS ILUMA ONE head-to-head, exploring their innovations, designs, and what they each bring to the table for heated tobacco users.
Before we dive into the specifics of these heated tobacco devices, it's helpful to understand the core philosophies and technologies behind the Ploom and IQOS brands.
Ploom, developed by Japan Tobacco International (JTI), distinguishes itself through its innovative HeatFlow™ heating technology. This method gently warms specially designed EVO tobacco sticks without burning them, resulting in a smooth, aromatic vapour that minimises the smoke smell and the need for extensive cleaning. The Ploom X Advanced represents the latest iteration of this approach, boasting enhanced heating performance, a stylish ergonomic design, and customisable magnetic panels for a personal touch.
IQOS, created by Philip Morris International (PMI), has become known for its compact and streamlined device, the ILUMA ONE which uses their Smartcore Induction System™ to heat specifically designed TEREA sticks. A key advancement in the ILUMA range is its blade-free induction heating, which not only delivers a dense and consistent vapour but also significantly reduces the need for cleaning compared to earlier IQOS models.
While both Ploom and IQOS share the goal of providing satisfying alternatives to traditional smoking, there are some key differences in their approaches in flavour delivery, tobacco handling, and overall user experience, as we'll cover in more detail in the following sections.
When it comes to design, both the Ploom X Advanced and IQOS ILUMA ONE show just how far heated tobacco devices have come, but they cater to slightly different styles of use.
The Ploom X Advanced embraces a minimalist and futuristic aesthetic with its sleek, button-free design. Activation is intuitive, as simply inserting an EVO stick initiates the heating process, with guidance provided through subtle LED indicators and haptic vibrations. Its ergonomic form factor ensures comfortable handling, and the inclusion of swappable magnetic front panels allows users to personalise the device's appearance, adding a lifestyle-focused element. Lightweight at just 46.6g and compact at 90.8mm tall, the Ploom X Advanced is highly portable and discreet.
In contrast, the IQOS ILUMA ONE adopts a more traditional approach with its button-based operation, though it’s still incredibly simple to use. Its design prioritises practicality and durability, featuring a compact and robust build with a textured, matte finish that feels sturdy and resistant to everyday wear. While the Ploom X Advanced offers customisation through swappable magnetic panels, the IQOS ILUMA ONE also provides personalisation options through a range of accessories like sleeves, allowing users to add their own style. The ILUMA ONE offers a familiar and reliable user experience, particularly for those already accustomed to IQOS devices.
The real magic of any heated tobacco device lies in its heating technology, and the Ploom X Advanced and IQOS ILUMA ONE take two distinct approaches here.
The Ploom X Advanced employs JTI’s upgraded Optimised HeatFlow™ technology, an innovative method that gently heats the bespoke EVO tobacco stick from the outside, rather than piercing or burning it. This external heating aims to produce a smooth, aromatic vapour that closely mimics the natural taste of tobacco. The HeatFlow™ system is designed to optimise airflow through the stick, ensuring consistent heat distribution and a smoother inhalation. The absence of direct contact with heating blades or sharp components not only contributes to the clean flavour but also results in remarkably low maintenance and an effortless overall session.
On the other hand, the IQOS ILUMA ONE features PMI’s latest Smartcore Induction System™. This technology uses inductive magnetic energy to heat the specially designed TEREA sticks. Unlike traditional heating elements, this blade-free approach heats the tobacco from the core outward. This method enhances the durability and reliability of the device by eliminating a fragile heating blade and also contributes to the delivery of a dense vapour. The IQOS ILUMA ONE also boasts a slightly quicker ramp-up time, allowing users to enjoy heated tobacco satisfaction in a matter of seconds.
Of course, heating methods are important, but when it comes down to real-world use, flavour and vapour quality are what truly define the experience.
When paired with EVO sticks, the Ploom X Advanced delivers a smooth and authentic tobacco flavour. The Optimised HeatFlow™ technology produces a vapour that tends to be silky rather than dense, appealing to users who prefer a refined and cleaner tobacco taste without intense harshness. The wide variety of EVO stick flavours, ranging from classic tobacco to mint, menthol, and fruit, caters to a broad spectrum of preferences within this smoother vapour profile. To better understand how EVO sticks fit into the broader landscape of heated tobacco, exploring our comparison of EVO with TEREA can further inform your choice.
In contrast, the IQOS ILUMA ONE, when used with TEREA sticks, generates a denser vapour and a more pronounced mouthfeel. The induction heating process is reported to release intense and layered tobacco flavours, often perceived as richer and slightly stronger compared to those from EVO sticks. Similarly, the TEREA range offers an extensive selection of flavours, from smooth tobacco blends to complex menthol and spice-infused options, designed to complement the denser vapour delivery.
Ultimately, the "better" device in terms of flavour and vapour quality is subjective and depends on individual taste. Those preferring smoother, lighter vapour may prefer Ploom, while those wanting denser, richer flavour might prefer IQOS.
When you're relying on a device throughout the day, battery performance matters. Fortunately, both the Ploom X Advanced and IQOS ILUMA ONE make strong showings here.
The Ploom X Advanced offers up to 20 sessions on a single full charge, which should comfortably accommodate most users' daily needs. Recharging is also efficient, taking less than 90 minutes via its USB-C port. As an additional detail, the Ploom X Advanced provides clear, real-time battery status updates through its LED indicators, minimising the risk of having your power run out when you least expect it.
The IQOS ILUMA ONE closely matches this performance, also providing approximately 20 uses per charge. Despite its compact form factor, it doesn't compromise on battery life and also supports rapid charging via USB-C. While the charging time is similarly efficient to the Ploom X Advanced, understanding the best way to charge your IQOS can contribute to its longevity and consistent performance. The ILUMA ONE relies on a physical button and visual interface for battery status, which some users might find less modern compared to Ploom's sleek IntuiTouch feedback.
Ultimately, both devices prioritise all-day usability and offer quick charging, making battery life unlikely to be a significant differentiator for most users.
Let’s be honest, no one enjoys cleaning their device, so low-maintenance design is a major win in the heated tobacco world, and both the Ploom X Advanced and IQOS ILUMA ONE have made significant strides in this area.
The Ploom X Advanced may offer a slight advantage here due to its Optimised HeatFlow™ technology. By gently heating EVO sticks without direct contact, it produces minimal tobacco residue or crumbling, translating to exceptionally simple cleaning, often just a quick wipe with the provided sticks. Users typically won't need to disassemble the device or deal with messy ash.
In contrast, the IQOS ILUMA ONE, with its blade-free induction system, also significantly reduces cleaning compared to earlier IQOS models. This technology eliminates a common point of failure and greatly simplifies upkeep. While residue is less frequent, a simple wipe of the chamber is usually sufficient. However, the deeper insertion and internal heating of TEREA sticks might lead to a slightly greater build-up inside the device over extended use compared to the Ploom. For more detailed maintenance advice, be sure to read our article on cleaning your IQOS ILUMA ONE device.
Choosing between the Ploom X Advanced and the IQOS ILUMA ONE ultimately comes down to what you value most in your heated tobacco experience, as well as your budget.
Both devices represent the cutting edge of heated tobacco innovation, and either one will offer a cleaner, satisfying alternative to traditional smoking. Whichever you choose, you’re stepping into a future where heated tobacco satisfaction meets elegant, high-performance design.
