IQOS Duo 3 & IQOS Iluma
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IQOS 3 Duo vs IQOS ILUMA – What’s the Difference?
If you’re exploring heated tobacco alternatives, chances are you’ve come across IQOS. As Philip Morris’ flagship product line for smoke-free living, IQOS has come a long way—evolving from the reliable IQOS 3 Duo to the next-generation IQOS ILUMA. But what’s the real difference between them, and which one should you choose?

Let’s break it down.
1. Technology: Blade vs Induction
IQOS 3 Duo: Uses a heating blade to warm the tobacco stick from the inside. The blade pierces the stick and heats the tobacco, releasing nicotine without combustion.
IQOS ILUMA: Introduces SMARTCORE INDUCTION SYSTEM™—a blade-free, contactless system that heats the stick from the core using induction. No blade means less risk of breakage and no cleaning required.
Winner: IQOS ILUMA
No blade = no mess, no maintenance, no hassle.
2. Sticks Compatibility: HEETS vs TEREA
IQOS 3 Duo: Uses traditional HEETS sticks, widely available in a range of flavours.
IQOS ILUMA: Uses TEREA sticks, which are sealed and only compatible with ILUMA devices. TEREA sticks contain a metal element inside that activates the induction heating.
⚠️ Important: You cannot use HEETS in ILUMA or TEREA in Duo 3. They are not cross-compatible.
3. Design and Durability
IQOS 3 Duo: Sleek, minimalist, and compact—but prone to blade damage over time if misused.
IQOS ILUMA: Similar clean design, but slightly more robust due to its blade-free system. Also features a magnetic lid and smart haptic feedback when heating begins.
Winner: IQOS ILUMA, again—less fragile and more future-ready.
4. Performance & Experience
Duo 3: Heats up in around 20 seconds and supports 2 consecutive uses before recharging.
ILUMA: Faster, more consistent heating. Some versions (like ILUMA PRIME or ILUMA ONE) offer different usability features, including app integration and auto-start.
Experience-wise, ILUMA delivers a smoother, more uniform draw—plus, the no-cleaning feature is a game-changer.
5. Price & Availability
IQOS 3 Duo: Often available at a lower price point now, with HEETS being slightly cheaper.
IQOS ILUMA: A premium upgrade with a slightly higher cost—but TEREA sticks are gaining popularity and availability fast.
Verdict: Should You Upgrade to ILUMA?
If you're already using the IQOS 3 Duo and happy with HEETS, there’s no rush—unless you're tired of cleaning and the risk of blade breakage.
But if you’re after zero maintenance, faster heating, and a sleeker experience, IQOS ILUMA is the clear winner. It’s the future of heated tobacco, and it's here to stay.
Have questions about which IQOS device is right for you?
Drop us a message or pop into our store—we’re always happy to help guide you through the switch to smoke-free living.