Vapes and heated tobacco products are two distinct alternatives to smoking. Both options offer distinctive experiences, so user preference is a huge part of deciding whether either method may be a useful tool in the journey to giving up smoking.
Find out more about vaping and using heated tobacco in our handy guide and learn about the key differences between these two options.
How does vaping work?
Vaping is the use of a battery powered device that creates an inhalable vapour by heating up an e-liquid. This vapour contains flavourings and can also contain nicotine, but there are nicotine-free e-liquids available also.
Today’s vape kits have a rechargeable battery that is used to heat up a metal coil. This coil heats up an e-liquid and causes it to turn into a vapour that can be inhaled. A typical vape is made up of a mouthpiece, a battery, a tank, or a pod to contain the e-liquid as well as circuits and safety features. There are a wide range of different vapes, from simple starter vape kits to advanced vape kits.
Vapes without an on/off switch that make use of an auto-draw feature are also likely to have a sensor to allow the device to switch on when the user inhales. You can find a more in-depth explanation in our guide to the science of vaping.
The vapour produced by a vape kit can deliver nicotine or simply be a way to enjoy the flavours offered by e-liquids and replicated the feel and act of smoking a cigarette to feel familiar to those who were previously smokers. The kind of vapour produced depends on the type of kit and whether it is suitable for MTL (mouth-to-lung) or DTL (direct-to-lung) vaping.
Styles of vaping
These two styles of vaping offer different experiences for the user. With MTL vaping, vapour is first drawn into the mouth and then inhaled into the lungs. It is characterised by a tighter draw, a more pronounced throat hit, and intense flavour with a discreet vapour cloud. MTL vaping offers an experience similar to smoking a cigarette, which makes it a popular choice for those new to vaping. Many starter kits offer MTL vaping, such as the highly popular Lost Mary BM600, Elf Bar JoinOne15 Classic and VOOPOO Argus G3 Mini.
DTL vaping is when the vapour is inhaled directly into the lungs. This produces a smoother throat hit along with intense flavours and a light, airy draw. You can also expect larger vapour clouds. DTL vaping tends to be offered by advanced vape kits and is popular with more experienced vapers, with devices such as the Vaporesso LUXE XR Max 2 offering an easy way to experiment with DTL and vape kits like the VOOPOO Argus Pro 2 allowing highly customisable experiences.
What is heated tobacco and how does it work?
Heated tobacco devices offer an alternative to smoking by removing the need for combustion. Instead of setting tobacco alight, these devices heat specially designed tobacco sticks to the point where it releases a nicotine-containing vapour. This allows users to enjoy an authentic taste and sensation without actually smoking. Heated tobacco devices typically feature a battery, electrical circuits and a heating element, with the filter part of the tobacco stick acting as the mouthpiece.
Also known as “heat-not-burn” devices, these kits evenly heat tobacco sticks that have specifically designed for the purpose. Tobacco sticks contain tobacco that has been soaked in propylene glycol and when they are heated, they create a tobacco enriched vapour with no smoke or ash.
While still offering the nicotine hit, tobacco taste, and feel of smoking, heated tobacco devices like those from IQOS and Ploom do not leave a lingering smell of smoke as traditional cigarettes do, making them a more discreet option than smoking. They also offer a crisp flavour, with no burnt taste, thanks to the fact that the tobacco is heated and not combusted. However, they can only be used with the branded tobacco heat sticks designed specifically for use with each device. You cannot use traditional tobacco with a heated tobacco device, and likewise, the tobacco sticks cannot be smoked.
Using heated tobacco will not make your clothes or hair smell, yet these devices offer an experience that can feel familiar to those who are trying to give up smoking. Heated tobacco devices also tend to be similar to a vape kit in size and shape, making them compact and easily portable.
Vaping vs heated tobacco: a side-by-side comparison
While both vaping and heated tobacco products are regulated alternatives to smoking, there are some key differences between them – as well as some similarities. Browse a few of the key comparisons for vaping vs heated tobacco in our handy table.
| Vaping | Using heated tobacco | |
| Nicotine source | E-liquid with nicotine that has been derived from tobacco | Tobacco stick that contains real tobacco and releases nicotine |
| How it works | A vape device heats e-liquid to the point that it is vapourised and can be inhaled | A heated tobacco device heats tobacco sticks until they release a vapour that can be inhaled |
| Health impact | Vaping has been found to be up to 95% less harmful than smoking by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities | Heated tobacco releases lower levels of harmful substances than smoking |
| Flavour variety | There are a huge number of different flavours to choose from, including traditional tobacco and menthol flavours as well as fruity and sweet options | There are a smaller number of flavours available, with many sticks prioritising a tobacco flavour, but there are different blends and even menthol and fruit flavoured options to try |
| Nicotine strength | Many e-liquids come in a variety of different strengths, ranging from 3 mg/ml to 20 mg/ml, and including nicotine-free options | Each tobacco stick contains approximately 0.5mg of nicotine |
| Device types | Vapes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from very compact devices to larger and more complex options | Heated tobacco devices are typically made in a small and discreet shape similar to a starter vape kit |
| Convenience | Vape kits are very easy to use and can be enjoyed on the go or at home. There are vape options, like prefilled pods kits, that need very little maintenance or set up as well as more customisable picks | Heated tobacco devices are easy to use and do not produce smoke and ash the way that cigarettes do. They heat quickly and, like vapes, can be recharged and used over and over |
| Cost | Vapes are available at a wide range of price points, including very affordable starter kits | As a more niche product, heated tobacco devices tend to cost more than vapes |
What is better for people switching from smoking?
For those who are looking to quit smoking, there are benefits to both options. A heated tobacco device might be a useful tool for those who are hoping for a very familiar feel and taste from their smoking alternative. Vaping, on the other hand, could be the right choice for those who would like greater control of flavours and nicotine strengths.
Overall, heated tobacco can create an experience that it particularly close to smoking and vaping offers a greater range of variety. At Evapo, we believe in choosing the solution that is most likely to effectively support your journey to stop smoking.
Conclusion
Vaping and heated tobacco products are both designed to be an alternative to smoking, they just use different technology to do it. Vaping is the more flexible and accessible option, thanks to the wide range of flavours, vape kits and nicotine strengths available. However, some users may find the transition from cigarettes to a heated tobacco device particularly smooth.
Essentially, the most important thing is making an informed choice and being confident that you have all the knowledge you need to do so. At Evapo, we are committed to helping smokers find what works best for them to make the switch, both through providing information on our blog and by offering our expertise in-store. Like the thought of chatting through your options? Head along to your local Evapo store.
Sources:
Pmi.com - 12/01/2026 (last checked)
NHS.co.uk – 12/01/2026 (last checked)
Gov.uk 29/09/2022
