IQOS 3 DUO Vs Ploom X Product Review

With the vape industry continuously growing in terms of popularity and success, is it any wonder that so many different forms of smoking cessation tools have cropped up over the last couple years? At Grey Haze we’re all about helping people find the perfect alternative to smoking - whether it’s one of our many vape kits or nicotine pouches - although recently we’ve expanded our collection to include Heated Tobacco devices from brands such as IQOS and Ploom. But what is heated tobacco and how does it work?

Heated tobacco products use a ‘heat not burn’ technology which gradually heats real tobacco in order to produce an inhalable vapour containing nicotine, as well as other compounds. The tobacco that is heated is found inside specially designed tobacco sticks, relatively similar to cigarettes in appearance but smaller. Due to the fact that the tobacco is heated but not burned there is no ash, tar or smoke present during or after their use - this contributes towards a reduction in risk when compared to smoking conventional cigarettes.
In this review I'll be comparing two heated tobacco devices in particular - the IQOS 3 Duo and the Ploom X. Each of these devices has their own unique features and benefits whilst achieving the same goal - providing an alternative to smoking that actually replicates the sensation and helps users give up cigarettes.

Just a cursory glance at the IQOS 3 DUO and Ploom X devices is enough to reveal that both have clearly had the same goal in mind - to provide their customers with an experience that seamlessly simulates the sensation of smoking, whilst also reducing the risk of harm and remaining as user-friendly as possible.
Both devices feature a built-in rechargeable battery, though the IQOS 3 DUO battery is much larger than that of the Ploom X, they still both last for approximately 20 tobacco sticks before needing to be recharged using a USB Type-C charging cable. The 3 DUO contains a 2900mAh internal battery, whilst the Ploom X features a 2000mAh internal battery; the significant difference in the size of the two batteries is surprising considering the fact that they last for the same amount of uses - this implies that the Ploom X is much more efficient in its heating methods.
Neither device is compatible with a generic brand of tobacco stick, and instead must be used with the respective brands that have been designed just for them. The IQOS 3 DUO is compatible with HEETS tobacco sticks, whilst the Ploom X must be used with EVO tobacco sticks.

Despite the fact that IQOS and Ploom are going for the same goal - it’s clear that they’re going about it in very different ways when it comes to the design of their devices. The IQOS 3 DUO is composed of two separate components - the holder and the charging case; the holder slots into the charging case and can be used twice consecutively before needing to be charged. However, the Ploom X is just one single unit that you slot the EVO stick straight into and use as is.
Whilst the holder for the DUO is much slimmer and sleeker than the Ploom X, making it feel more natural and comfortable to use - the charging case and holder are much heavier and slightly bigger than the Ploom, making them less convenient overall. The DUO weighs in at 128g, whilst the Ploom X weighs just 46.6g - it’s easy to see why some may choose the Ploom X over the IQOS 3 DUO - simply due to the fact that it’s lighter overall, and much more portable.
Aside from the differences in size, weight and the way they work - the devices are quite similar. Both utilise a heating element which gradually heats the tobacco sticks to a high temperature without burning them. The two different devices both feature LED lights and haptic feedback too to notify the user of their session ending, as well as when the device is charging.

Although both of these heat not burn devices use real tobacco that doesn’t mean tobacco flavours are the only option available to you. Both IQOS and Ploom understand the importance of individuality and personal taste - which is why both ranges of tobacco sticks have more than 10 blends to choose from. As you’d expect with tobacco brands, their main focus has been on blends of real tobacco with mint, menthol and slight fruity aromas.
There are 10 different flavours in the IQOS Heets and 12 in the EVO sticks, ranging from smooth tobacco, through to various menthol and mint tobacco blends, to fruity menthols - both ranges also include menthol capsules that give you the option of adding menthol to your tobacco at any point during your session. However, there are more tobacco blends that feature the menthol capsules amongst the EVO tobacco sticks than the Heets.

Final Verdict

Both the IQOS 3 DUO and the Ploom X are excellent options for those that are seeking a substitute to smoking - however, I feel that the Ploom X has the 3 DUO beat on this one. The Ploom X is far more convenient as it’s just one device to carry around, and it’s lighter and smaller than the 3 DUO, which makes it less noticeable when you’re carrying it around in a pocket or bag. The Ploom X also gives users the opportunity to try out a more diverse range of tobacco sticks too, with 12 different flavours to try. If you’re struggling to choose between the two, I'd highly recommend the Ploom X.
Note: The Ploom X has now been replaced with the Ploom X Advanced, which is a longer lasting, more durable and versatile version of the Ploom X.