Best Heated Tobacco Devices 2026: IQOS vs glo vs Ploom vs Davidoff Pulze Compared
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What Is Heated Tobacco and Why Is It Growing?
Heated tobacco products (HTPs) are devices that heat real tobacco to a temperature below combustion, producing a tobacco vapor rather than smoke. This means no ash, significantly less smell, and a cleaner experience compared to traditional cigarettes — while still delivering the real tobacco taste that smokers are familiar with.
In 2026, the heated tobacco market has never been more competitive, with four major brands offering premium devices and a wide range of compatible sticks. Here's how they compare.
The Contenders: 2026's Top Heated Tobacco Devices
1. IQOS ILUMA i — The Market Leader
Best for: Users who want the most advanced technology and the widest flavor selection.
The IQOS ILUMA i is the world's best-selling heated tobacco device, and for good reason. Its bladeless SMARTCORE INDUCTION SYSTEM™ heats TEREA sticks from within — no blade to clean, no residue buildup. The 2026 ILUMA i adds a touch screen and FlexPuff technology for a more consistent, customizable experience.
- Device range: ILUMA i, ILUMA i ONE, ILUMA i PRIME + limited editions
- Compatible sticks: TEREA (10 flavors) + IQOS LEVIA (tobacco-free)
- Starting price: €99
- Standout feature: Bladeless induction heating, touch screen, largest flavor range
Shop IQOS ILUMA i →
2. glo HILO — The Versatile All-Rounder
Best for: Users who want variety in both classic tobacco and bold click-capsule flavors.
The glo HILO is BAT's (British American Tobacco) flagship heated tobacco device, offering a compact design and compatibility with both the glo virto™ and glo rivo™ stick ranges. The rivo™ line's click capsule technology — allowing you to switch between two flavors mid-stick — is a unique differentiator in the market.
- Device range: glo HILO, glo Hyper Pro
- Compatible sticks: glo virto™ (3 flavors), glo rivo™ (4 click-capsule flavors), Neosticks, Veosticks, Lucky Strike
- Standout feature: Click capsule sticks, widest consumable variety
Shop glo HILO →
3. PloomX AURA — The Premium Style Choice
Best for: Users who prioritize design, aesthetics, and tobacco-free options.
The PloomX AURA is JTI's (Japan Tobacco International) most advanced device, combining cutting-edge heating with a premium, fashion-forward aesthetic. Available in four exclusive colorways, it's the most visually distinctive device in the market. The LYO tobacco-free sticks make it a strong choice for users transitioning away from tobacco entirely.
- Device range: PloomX AURA (4 colorways + Limited Edition Teal)
- Compatible sticks: Ploom EVO (6 flavors incl. 2026 additions), LYO tobacco-free (2 flavors)
- Standout feature: Premium design, tobacco-free LYO sticks, 2026 new flavors
Shop PloomX AURA →
4. Davidoff Pulze — The Luxury Heritage Choice
Best for: Users who value brand prestige, flavor variety, and a luxury experience.
The Davidoff Pulze brings the iconic Davidoff luxury tobacco heritage to the heated tobacco world. With the largest iD rod flavor range of any device on this list — 11 variants including floral, tea-infused, and menthol options — it's the most flavor-diverse system available. The iNSENZIA Tea Click sticks are a truly unique offering with no equivalent in competing ranges.
- Device range: Pulze (3 colorways: Deep Teal, Midnight Mocha, Rich Copper)
- Compatible sticks: iD tobacco rods (11 flavors), iNSENZIA Tea Click
- Standout feature: Largest flavor range, luxury brand heritage, unique tea-infused sticks
Shop Davidoff Pulze →
Side-by-Side Comparison: Which Heated Tobacco Device Is Best in 2026?
| Feature | IQOS ILUMA i | glo HILO | PloomX AURA | Davidoff Pulze |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heating technology | Bladeless induction | Radiant heating | Advanced heating | Radiant heating |
| Number of stick flavors | 10 (TEREA) | 9+ | 8 (EVO + LYO) | 12 (iD + iNSENZIA) |
| Tobacco-free option | Yes (LEVIA) | No | Yes (LYO) | No |
| Click capsule sticks | No | Yes (rivo™) | No | Yes (iNSENZIA) |
| Touch screen | Yes | No | No | No |
| Device colorways | Multiple + limited eds. | Standard | 4 + limited ed. | 3 premium |
| Brand heritage | Philip Morris | BAT | JTI | Davidoff / Imperial |
Our Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
- Choose IQOS ILUMA i if you want the most advanced technology, the largest TEREA flavor range, and the market-leading device.
- Choose glo HILO if you love flavor variety and want the unique click-capsule experience with glo rivo™ sticks.
- Choose PloomX AURA if design and aesthetics matter most, or if you want tobacco-free LYO sticks.
- Choose Davidoff Pulze if you value luxury brand heritage and want the most diverse flavor range, including unique tea-infused options.
Shop All Heated Tobacco Devices at USA Heat Product Store
We carry the complete 2026 lineup of all four brands — devices, starter kits, consumable sticks, and bundle offers — with authentic products, fast delivery, and competitive pricing.
Browse all heated tobacco devices and sticks now →
