IQOS ILUMA i vs Ploom X: Real-World Heat-Not-Burn Comparison
IQOS ILUMA i vs Ploom X Advanced — Guide to Sticks, Draw & Charging
Table of Contents:
Why this update exists
Our original article compared IQOS 3 DUO with Ploom X. The market moved on. IQOS has replaced the blade-based line with the IQOS ILUMA family, and the latest mainstream model is ILUMA i (a two-part pocket-charger + holder system with new smart features). ILUMA devices use SMARTCORE induction and work only with SMARTCORE sticks (e.g., TEREA; LEVIA is the tobacco-free variant); older HEETS don’t fit this system.
Ploom’s current stick device is the Ploom X family, now led by Ploom X Advanced in most markets; it uses HeatFlow™ and takes EVO sticks. In this piece I’ll treat “Ploom X” as the platform and call out “Advanced” features where they matter.
What changed vs the old IQOS 3 DUO
Heating tech: ILUMA i is bladeless induction; there’s no blade to clean or snap. That’s why HEETS don’t work — ILUMA i needs SMARTCORE sticks (TEREA/LEVIA) with the metal liner.
Pocket experience: ILUMA i adds smart features like Pause Mode, FlexBattery (more consecutive uses), FlexPuff, and a touch interface; the holder still docks into a pocket charger.
Ploom side: Ploom X (now X Advanced) keeps the one-piece body; you slide the cover, insert an EVO stick, and you’re off.
How the two systems work (and why that matters)
IQOS ILUMA i (SMARTCORE induction): heats a metal element inside the stick; cleaner chamber, minimal maintenance. Only SMARTCORE sticks (TEREA/LEVIA) are compatible; older HEETS are for bladed devices and won’t activate ILUMA i.
Ploom X (HeatFlow™): warms tobacco from around the stick using a heating engine in the device; takes EVO sticks only.
Ploom X Advanced Kit
Product Information
Ploom X Advanced Kit is a next-gen heated tobacco device for UK adults who want real tobacco taste without smoke, ash or lighter. It gently heats specially made EVO sticks instead of burning them, delivering an authentic, clean flavour with a smooth draw and noticeably reduced odour compared with cigarettes. Sleek, pocket-ready, and simple to use, it’s a refined alternative to smoking and to e-liquid vaping.
Who is Ploom?
Ploom is the heated-tobacco brand from global tobacco company JTI. The team behind Ploom focuses on precise temperature control and tasteful industrial design to create simple, reliable heat-not-burn devices for adult smokers. The UK range centres on the Ploom X Advanced device and compatible EVO sticks made with fine-cut and micro-ground tobacco.
What is the Ploom X Advanced device?
A compact, button-free heated-tobacco system with HeatFlow™ technology that warms tobacco to an optimal temperature for taste and consistency. Expect quick start-up, a satisfying, cigarette-style filter on EVO sticks, and up to 22 sessions per charge (usage-dependent). The aluminium body, magnetic cap and guided LED prompts keep daily use effortless.
Who is it for?
- Adult smokers seeking a familiar tobacco experience with less hassle, no ash and reduced smell.
- Menthol and capsule-stick fans who want cooling or flavour “pop” options in a cleaner format.
- Vapers who miss real tobacco taste and want an on-the-go alternative with a filter-style mouthfeel.
Why choose Ploom X Advanced?
- Heat-not-burn, not e-liquid: uses real tobacco sticks for authentic taste and smooth delivery.
- Low-odour experience: heating (not combustion) means no smoke, no ash, less lingering smell.
- Up to 22 sessions per charge with USB-C fast recharging in under ~90 minutes (typical).
- Button-free operation: touch-guided interface and intuitive LEDs—just insert the stick and go.
- Pocket-ready build: durable aluminium shell, magnetic cap, and a tidy, minimal form factor.
EVO Sticks: range & flavour profiles
EVO sticks are fine-cut tobacco sticks designed for Ploom X. The UK range spans around a dozen variants (availability may vary). Highlights include:
- Bronze: classic, rounded tobacco
- Sepia / Tan / Amber / Gold: smooth to fuller tobacco steps with subtle sweetness
- Emerald / Green / Azure: fresh menthol notes from crisp to cool
- Green Option / Purple Option: click-capsule “pop” for an extra burst (mint or berry-style)
- Ruby / Magenta / Cobalt: tobacco with light red-berry or darker, richer accents
Every stick features a cigarette-style filter for familiar comfort and consistent draw.
How to use Ploom X Advanced
- Charge: connect the USB-C cable; a full charge typically completes in under 90 minutes.
- Insert EVO: remove the cap and gently push an EVO stick in until seated.
- Heat & vape: the device vibrates/indicates when ready—inhale through the filter to enjoy.
- Remove & tidy: slide the stick out when finished; quick wipe or included cleaning sticks keep it fresh.
Charging & care
- USB-C charging with clear status indication.
- Minimal upkeep—no liquid or coils. A brief clean after sessions preserves flavour.
Notes on emissions
Heating tobacco instead of burning can significantly reduce the levels of certain harmful chemicals compared with cigarette smoke (excluding nicotine). This does not make the product risk-free and nicotine is addictive. Availability of flavours and features may vary by market.
Bundle Offer — Device + Any 2 Pod Packs (£15)
Pick your device and choose any two packs of compatible pods from the dropdowns above — the bundle price will show as £15 once all options are selected.
- Select your device colour (if applicable).
- Use the two pod dropdowns to choose your flavours/strengths.
- Add to basket — the total will reflect the £15 bundle.
Heads up: If a pod flavour is greyed out, it’s currently out of stock.
Key Features
- Real tobacco via EVO sticks (no e-liquid)
- HeatFlow™ temperature control for taste consistency
- Up to 22 uses per charge; quick USB-C top-ups
- Low odour, no smoke, no ash
- Button-free touch/LED guidance; magnetic cap
Specification
- Dimensions: approx. 91 × 48 × 25 mm
- Body: aluminium shell
- Power: rechargeable (USB-C)
- Technology: HeatFlow™ heated-tobacco system
- Sessions: up to ~22 per charge (usage dependent)
- Compatible sticks: Ploom EVO sticks only (not compatible with IQOS HEETS)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ploom X Advanced the same as a vape?
No—Ploom uses heated tobacco sticks, not e-liquid. It’s an alternative for adults who want real tobacco taste with a cleaner experience than smoke.
How long does a session last?
A single EVO stick provides a time-limited session designed to mirror a cigarette-style break.
Do I need to clean it often?
Only light maintenance. A quick wipe or the supplied cleaning sticks help keep flavour consistent.
Can I use other brands’ sticks?
No. Use Ploom EVO sticks for correct fit, flavour and heating.
What’s in the Box
- 1 × Ploom X Advanced Device
- 1 × Front Panel
- 1 × Pack of Cleaning Sticks
- 1 × USB-C Cable
- 1 × AC Power Adaptor
Returns & Warranty
Return unopened items within 30 days. See our Returns Policy.
Ergonomics & design (in-hand, in-pocket)
IQOS ILUMA i — two-part calm
Pocket charger + slim holder. The holder feels pen-like and light; the charger gives you that “grab-and-go” confidence for a full day. New touch screen status and gentle haptics make the routine more glanceable than older IQOS. It’s still the most discreet to use at a table: tap, sip, dock. IQOS quotes up to 20 uses per full charger and up to three consecutive uses from a full holder, which in practice felt like “no stress on a workday.”
Ploom X (Advanced) — one piece, fewer moving parts
It’s a single device with a sliding cover; the oval body sits secure in the hand and jacket pocket. The light strip + vibrations give clear status (ready, 20s remaining, session end). It’s the one I toss in a small bag for a walk because there’s no separate holder to baby. Official comms emphasise refined heating and an extended session on X Advanced; various Ploom pages reference around a pack’s worth of sticks per full charge (as ever, “up to” depends on your usage).
Pocket footprint & carry
• IQOS ILUMA i: two parts (pocket charger + holder). The holder is pen-thin and the most discreet thing to use at a table; the charger lives in your other pocket/bag and makes the whole day feel “covered.” If you like the ritual of dock → sip → dock, this rhythm is calming.
• Ploom X: one solid unit. No docking dance; just slide the cover, insert, and go. If you’re always moving (school run, tube changes, pub garden), one piece is mentally lighter.
Who prefers what:
If you keep a bag and want that “never worry about charge” feeling, ILUMA i. If you live out of pockets and hate carrying two bits, Ploom X.
In-hand shape & mouthfeel
• ILUMA i: the holder feels cigarette-adjacent; small diameter, light, easy to “index” by feel. The mouth opening stays cool on short, tidy MTL sips.
• Ploom X: an oval, palm-filling body with a comfortable lip feel; slightly looser MTL makes longer, gentler pulls feel natural.
Tip: If you tend to take lots of micro-puffs, ILUMA’s slim holder suits that cadence. If your pulls are 3–4 seconds, Ploom X feels more relaxed.
Feedback & controls
ILUMA i: subtle haptics plus a simple on-device screen/indicators. Features like Pause/Resume and “consecutive uses” cues make it easy to break and come back without rushing the session.
Ploom X: light strip + vibrations give clear “heating/ready/ending” signals. The “20-second left” nudge is great for finishing a call or a walk before the session ends.
Charging rhythm
ILUMA i: the pocket charger covers a workday; you top it at night. The holder can do multiple back-to-back uses before it needs a brief dock.
Ploom X: a single evening charge usually covers daylight hours. Short top-ups (coffee stop) keep it in the sweet spot.
Maintenance & mess
ILUMA i: induction heating = no blade. Cleanup is essentially contacts + cap wipe.
Ploom X: also low-mess; slide the cover when not in use to keep the chamber tidy.
Bottom line ergonomics:
Pick ILUMA i if you want the discreet holder ritual and smart pause/consecutive-use control built around a pocket charger.
Pick Ploom X if you want one piece, a confident grip, and “slide–insert–go” habits that suit busy pockets.
Setup & onboarding (from box to first session)
ILUMA i
1. Charge the pocket charger fully (USB-C).
2. Dock the holder until the screen shows it’s ready.
3. Insert TEREA to the line; autostart/haptics tell you it’s heating.
4. Use Pause Mode if you need to step away (you can pause and resume within rules) and FlexBattery for consecutive uses.
Ploom X
1. Slide cover, insert EVO to the line.
2. Press/hold to start; feel the double vibration when ready.
3. You’ll get a “20 seconds left” nudge before finish; a long buzz ends the session.
Draw, warmth & consistency (a week of real use)
ILUMA i: draw is a classic tight MTL, closer to a filtered cigarette than most vapes. Induction heating means a very even flavour arc; with FlexPuff the device can adapt to your pace to eke out a few extra puffs in some sessions. The Pause Mode is weirdly life-saving on busy days — you can step into a call and resume later.
Ploom X: also MTL, a fraction looser and slightly warmer on the lips; the heating ramp feels gradual and the final 20s vibration is a nice “wrap up” cue so you don’t over-pull. me.
Both are quiet, with no ash or smoke; clothing odour is minimal compared with cigarettes. (That’s the central advantage of heated tobacco.)
Sticks & flavour families (TEREA vs EVO)
IQOS ILUMA i → TEREA (SMARTCORE sticks)
TEREA is the tobacco stick line for ILUMA devices; it’s built for inside-out induction heating. Expect a tobacco-first palette with menthol/mint and aroma variants; pack names vary by market, but the family covers “classic,” “smooth,” and “fresh” profiles.
Compatibility note: HEETS are for older bladed IQOS (e.g., IQOS 3 DUO, ORIGINALS); TEREA/LEVIA are for ILUMA family only.
Ploom X → EVO sticks
EVO is Ploom’s stick range, built for HeatFlow™. The UK flavour finder groups EVO into tobacco, fresh (mint/menthol) and aroma styles; session feel is consistent and cleanup is minimal due to reduced charring.
Choosing by taste, not tech
• If you want straight tobacco with clean, modern delivery, both cater well — pick by device ergonomics.
• If you need a cool, minty day-driver, both offer multiple menthol intensities; ILUMA’s Pause/Resume can make short breaks simpler, Ploom’s one-body design suits roamers.
Why you care: Compatibility locks you into the right sticks. If you’re moving from IQOS 3 DUO (HEETS) to ILUMA i, you’ll also move to TEREA. If you’re considering Ploom, you’ll be buying EVO. (Cross-use isn’t supported.)
How heating style nudges taste
• ILUMA i (TEREA): induction heats from within the stick’s core. Expect a very even arc from first to last draw; tobacco notes stay clean and linear, menthols feel precise rather than “flooded.”
• Ploom X (EVO): heating around the stick. The first 2–3 pulls feel gently warming, then flavour opens up. Menthols can feel a touch rounder/airier; tobacco variants feel slightly broader through the middle of the session.
If you want straight tobacco (strength & smoothness)
• ILUMA i / TEREA: look for the “balanced vs bold” cues; “balanced” reads smoother/all-day, “bold” leans darker/after-meal.
• Ploom X / EVO: similar split; EVO’s “rich” styles are good “evening sticks,” while the “smooth/classic” styles suit daytime.
If you want straight tobacco (strength & smoothness)
• ILUMA i / TEREA: look for the “balanced vs bold” cues; “balanced” reads smoother/all-day, “bold” leans darker/after-meal.
• Ploom X / EVO: similar split; EVO’s “rich” styles are good “evening sticks,” while the “smooth/classic” styles suit daytime.
Try this: run one plain tobacco for after meals + one smoother daytime tobacco. Alternate rather than chasing a single stick all day.
If you want mint/menthol as your daily driver
• ILUMA i / TEREA: cooling feels focused; great for short, frequent sips. If you’re menthol-sensitive, pick the “mint” rather than “menthol/ice” tier.
• Ploom X / EVO: a wider “cooling” ladder; easy to find “gentle mint” for mornings and “colder” for late afternoon.
Reset trick: keep a plain mint as your palate reset. One minute on mint, water sip, then back to tobacco/aroma — flavours pop again.
If you want a hint of aroma (berry/citrus/herbal)
• ILUMA i / TEREA: aroma variants feel controlled; tobacco still leads, aroma accents the finish.
• Ploom X / EVO: aroma can feel fuller mid-session; choose a lighter cooling level if you don’t want the aroma “iced out.”
When aroma gets “too much”: swap to plain tobacco or mint for 10 minutes; don’t bin the stick — it’s your palate, not the device.
Strength, pacing & satisfaction (nicotine feel)
• ILUMA i / TEREA: focus on draw cadence — 2–3s sips with 10–20s pauses keep satisfaction high without harshness.
• Ploom X / EVO: thrives on 3–4s gentle pulls; if you chain, punctuate with a mint to keep throat comfort.
Simple starter pairs (week-one mixes that work)
• All-day clean: Plain tobacco (balanced) + Plain mint — morning clarity, after-meal structure.
• Fresh routine: Smooth tobacco + Light menthol — no sweetness creep.
• Aroma dabble: Plain tobacco + Berry-or-citrus aroma — run aroma only 1–2 sessions/day so it stays special.
“Does TEREA taste like my old HEETS?”
(expectations)
Not exactly. Different heating, different stick design. TEREA reads cleaner and steadier; HEETS could feel “peakier.” Treat TEREA as new baselines, not 1-for-1 replacements. On Ploom, treat EVO as its own map — pick by bold vs smooth and cooling level, not by trying to clone a past stick.
Battery Rhythm & Charging Habits
ILUMA i: the pocket charger is the star — think ~20 uses per full charge; the holder allows up to three consecutive sessions (or two when you’ve used Pause). Top the charger nightly and you rarely worry in the day. IQOS
Ploom X (Advanced): one device to charge. Official help pages and regional FAQs highlight multiple back-to-back sessions and about 20 sticks on one charge (usage-dependent). If your day is scattered with short breaks, a single evening charge tends to cover it.
Tip: with both, short top-ups beat deep drains; lithium cells are happiest between ~30–80%.
Cost-of-ownership cues (without prices)
• You’ll buy sticks in 20s either way (TEREA/EVO).
• The number of sessions per charge is similar; the bigger day-to-day cost driver is simply how many sticks you use, not the device itself.
• Pick two flavour “moods” (e.g., a plain tobacco + a mint) and alternate; palate fatigue drives overuse more than nicotine cravings do.
Troubleshooting & care (quick wins)
ILUMA i
• If flavour thins: pause, let the stick rest 15–20 seconds, resume; slower draws stabilise the session.
• Keep the holder cap and charger contacts clean; induction means little to no blade cleaning. Only SMARTCORE sticks — don’t insert HEETS (it won’t activate and may damage the device).
Ploom X
• If you hear a slight gurgle or feel resistance, remove the stick and re-insert to the line; slide the cover closed between sessions.
• The LED strip + vibrations tell you charging status and session timing; if the device feels harsh, take gentler 2–3s puffs and give it 30 seconds between pulls.
Who each device suits (honest steer)
Choose IQOS ILUMA i if you want:
• The discreet holder that feels closest to a cigarette in hand.
• Pause/Resume and consecutive-use control that fits stop-start days.
• TEREA’s even, clean flavour curve and very low maintenance (no blade cleaning).
• A pocket-charger routine that removes battery anxiety.
Choose Ploom X if you want:
• One device — no extra parts, no docking cadence.
• A slightly looser, warmer MTL that likes 3–4s pulls.
• EVO’s straightforward flavour ladder (tobacco/mint/aroma) with a clear light-strip countdown.
• A grab-and-go stick that’s easy to live with in pockets and small bags.
If you’re switching from IQOS 3 DUO:
Move to ILUMA i and treat TEREA as new baselines (don’t hunt for 1-to-1 HEETS clones). Your rewards are less cleaning, steadier taste, and a holder that can pause when life interrupts.
If you’re device-agnostic and just want calm:
Try one plain tobacco and one plain mint on each system for two days.
Take notes on three things only: draw comfort, end-of-session taste, how often you thought about charging. The device that disappears into your Tuesday is the right one — not the one with the flashiest spec.
Final verdict
If you’re coming from the old IQOS 3 DUO, ILUMA i is the natural step: the ritual stays familiar, the draw is tidier, and the SMARTCORE system with TEREA takes most of the cleaning drama off the table. The ability to pause and resume a session and to chain two or three back-to-back uses from the holder makes busy days calmer.
If you want simplicity in one device, Ploom X (Advanced) is a superb “grab and go” stick. The light-strip countdown and vibrations are clear, the EVO line covers the same “tobacco / mint / aroma” bases most people want, and there’s no docking dance — charge it, slide, and go.
Bottom line: both are credible cigarette alternatives without ash or lingering smoke. Choose ILUMA i if you value smart session control in a two-part chassis and want TEREA’s induction consistency; choose Ploom X if you want the one-body lifestyle and EVO’s straightforward routine.
FAQs
Can I use HEETS in IQOS ILUMA i?
No. ILUMA i is for SMARTCORE sticks (TEREA/LEVIA) only; HEETS are for older bladed devices and won’t activate ILUMA.
What does “SMARTCORE induction” actually change?
Heating happens inside the stick, so there’s no blade to clean and fewer maintenance steps; the device recognises SMARTCORE sticks and controls the session with features like FlexPuff and Pause Mode.
What does Ploom’s “HeatFlow™” mean for me?
It warms the EVO stick with a refined heating engine in a one-piece body; status feedback comes from the light strip & vibrations (ready, almost done, finished0).
How many sessions per charge?
Expect roughly a pack’s worth on both systems (usage-dependent). IQOS communicates up to 20 uses per full pocket-charger; Ploom’s FAQs/regions reference up to ~20 sticks on a charge with X Advanced.
Is there an app / Bluetooth?
IQOS offers an IQOS app that connects to supported devices for personalisation and care flows; implementations vary by market and platform. Ploom provides app-based features in some regions, but the UK focus is on the device experience itself.
