Design and build quality
IQOS ILUMA is the pioneer and still the leader in heated tobacco. It comes in three models, ILUMA, ONE and also PRIME, all of which are very nice, elegant devices; PRIME is even outright luxurious and packed with the latest technologies. They heat the tobacco contactlessly via induction.
The basic ILUMA and ILUMA PRIME consist of a charging case (charger) and the holder itself; ONE is an all-in-one device. Check out our detailed reviews.
PLOOM X Advanced exists in only one variant, looks like a pebble, seems more luxurious than it really is and almost disappears into a man's palm. It feels very futuristic, and customers often like its minimalism. However, it is larger and heavier in hand during use than the ILUMA holder, because you are holding the entire device directly, without a separate holder.
Verdict: If you are looking for a premium look and practicality, IQOS ILUMA wins. But you won't be embarrassed with the PLOOM X either; it just requires holding a larger device in your hand during use, which may not suit everyone due to its different ergonomics.
Use and comfort
IQOS ILUMA:
- The holder allows two sticks to be used back-to-back, then it returns to the charger for about 2 minutes.
- Heating starts automatically after inserting the stick; you barely need to use the button.
- The user can easily remove the stick after use.
- Heat-up time: about 20 seconds.
- Each session lasts about 6 minutes or 14 puffs.
- The charging case provides 25 uses per charge.
PLOOM X:
- It has no separate holder – the entire device heats up with a single button.
- During use, the whole device heats up, which can be less comfortable.
- Heat-up time: approximately 25 seconds.
- Puffing lasts about 5 minutes, but is not limited by the number of puffs – you puff for as long as you like.
- A single charge handles 20–22 sessions.
Verdict: IQOS ILUMA is more comfortable in hand because it has a separate holder that is easier to grip than the entire PLOOM X device, which is heavier and bulkier in hand. On the other hand, the absence of a puff limit on the PLOOM may suit some people. But IQOS is more convenient to use.
Taste and price of sticks
IQOS ILUMA uses TEREA sticks, which are available in 12 flavour variants. Inside, they contain a miniature heating blade that inductively heats the tobacco from within, which makes the flavour pronounced and very smooth, with the aerosol evaporating evenly from start to finish. TEREA sticks cost around 135 CZK per pack in 2025.
PLOOM X uses Camel sticks, which contain whole tobacco, are slightly thinner than TEREA but noticeably longer. The "HeatFlow" technology heats the tobacco indirectly from the outside and less intensely, which means a less pronounced flavour. From the halfway point, the smoke intensity gradually decreases and by the end it is outright weak. The sticks sell for around 115 CZK.
Verdict: IQOS ILUMA wins when it comes to the strength, consistency and intensity of flavour. With PLOOM X, customers praise the more straightforward tobacco taste and also less odour. PLOOM clearly leads on stick price.
Cleaning and maintenance
The biggest advantage of IQOS ILUMA over previous versions is that no cleaning is needed, because there is no heating blade inside and the sticks are sealed at the bottom.
The PLOOM X doesn't require complicated cleaning either, but due to its different heating mechanism and unsealed sticks, condensate and tobacco residue can gradually build up inside; roughly once per pack it is therefore advisable to clean the chamber with the brush.
Verdict: IQOS ILUMA leads thanks to being maintenance-free, but the Ploom doesn't exactly lose either when compared to other competition.
Price and availability
IQOS ILUMA:
- Device price: approx. 790 – 2,290 CZK depending on the model (ILUMA, ILUMA ONE, ILUMA PRIME).
- TEREA stick price: approx. 135 CZK / pack (20 sticks).
PLOOM X:
- Device price: approx. 790 CZK.
- Camel stick price: approx. 115 CZK / pack (20 sticks).
Verdict: Both devices come out similarly priced; IQOS also has more expensive versions. Both devices can be purchased in various promotions with significant discounts. However, when comparing stick prices, PLOOM X clearly leads.
Availability and ecosystem
IQOS has a much broader retail network, including its own IQOS Store locations and wide availability in newsagents. Support and service are also better than with the PLOOM X.
PLOOM X is less available, mainly in smaller towns, and Camel sticks can be harder to find.
Verdict: IQOS ILUMA wins thanks to its stronger distribution network.
Overall rating
| Criterion | IQOS ILUMA | PLOOM X |
|---|---|---|
| Design and ergonomics | Wider choice of devices | More robust |
| Comfort of use | Better (separate holder) | Larger device in hand |
| Taste | Stronger, doesn't fade | Milder, less intense |
| Maintenance | No cleaning needed | Condensate can be an issue |
| Device price | from 790 CZK | from 790 CZK |
| Stick price | More expensive | Significantly cheaper |
| Stick availability | Easily available | Harder to find |
Final recommendation
- If you are looking for the best flavour quality, comfort and hassle-free use, IQOS ILUMA is the clear choice.
- If you want a cheaper alternative with longer, unlimited puffing, PLOOM X can be an interesting option, but you'll have to accept a milder flavour and a heavier device.
Author's note
I have been running this website for many years and constantly follow new trends and the competition. I have tried all the systems abroad as well. At the start of 2025, IQOS still has no real competition; GLO is, in my opinion, just a weak imitation, Pulse has outdated technology, and only the Ploom is worth mentioning – but it doesn't score points with me.