HEETS vs TEREA: What Are the Differences?

Ever wondered about the differences between HEETS and TEREA sticks? Or what these two products are in the first place? When switching from smoking cigarettes to smoke-free alternatives like heated tobacco, you may find yourself having to navigate the different products available – and learn how these products differ from one another. HEETS and TEREA are two types of heated tobacco sticks and can only be used in specific IQOS devices. TEREA and HEETS sticks utilise different types of technology to heat the tobacco inside of them, rather than burning it like a cigarette – but that’s not the only difference between the two. 

Learn more about HEETS and TEREA tobacco sticks, including how they differ, what devices they’re compatible with, and which one to switch to over continuing to smoke.

What Are TEREA Sticks?

TEREA sticks are specially designed heated tobacco sticks. We have designed TEREA for IQOS ILUMA, meaning they can only be used with devices in the IQOS ILUMA series, which contain the SMARTCORE INDUCTION SYSTEM^TM. IQOS ILUMA Smartcore Induction Technology heats tobacco instead of burning it to deliver the taste of real tobacco. Simply insert a TEREA stick into the IQOS ILUMA device, where it will begin to heat for a tobacco experience. 

Within TEREA tobacco sticks is a metal heating element, coated with stainless steel, that heats the tobacco from within. IQOS ILUMA does not need cleaning to ensure optimal performance either. The TEREA sticks feature a fully sealed design for easy insertion and extraction. 

TEREA are also available in a range of different variants, including TEREA Sienna, TEREA Yellow and the TEREA Purple Wave. Explore the full list of variants at Discover TEREA.

The Internal Structure of TEREA SMARTCORE STICKS

TEREA tobacco sticks consist of several elements. These include the front seal, a metal heating element, tobacco, an air-flow chamber, protective wrap and a cooling element. Find further details of these TEREA stick elements below:

• The front seal - this keeps the device clean after use, preventing the TEREA stick from leaving any tobacco residue. It also ensures that the stick can be inserted and removed easily.

• The metal heating element – this part is covered in stainless steel and is located inside the TEREA stick. During an experience, it is heated seamlessly through the IQOS ILUMA SMARTCORE INDUCTION SYSTEM^TM.

• The tobacco - a carefully selected tobacco blend, which is finely chopped and specially prepared. Unlike with HEETS, the tobacco in TEREA tobacco sticks is located in the centre of the stick.

• The airflow chamber - intended to regulate the amount of aerosol that passes through the TEREA stick to the user. The protective wrap - this helps keep the device clean after use.

• The cooling element - made to cool the temperature of the aerosol for use.

You can find out more on the internal structure of TEREA sticks in our article ‘What Are TEREA Tobacco Sticks?’, with more on the technology it uses on the IQOS ILUMA Technology page.

What Are HEETS Sticks?

Like TEREA sticks, HEETS are a type of heated tobacco stick that can only be used in certain devices. That said, there are some key differences when comparing HEETS vs TEREA. HEETS sticks are specially designed real tobacco sticks that can only be used with compatible IQOS devices. There’s not just one specific HEETS machine per se. HEETS sticks can be used in a number of older generations of IQOS devices that use HeatControl^TM technology – i.e., IQOS devices that contain a heating blade. These generations of IQOS heat the HEETS stick rather than burning it as is the case with cigarettes. Therefore, you can’t use HEETS sticks with IQOS ILUMA devices, and can only use TEREA for IQOS ILUMA devices.

What Are HEETS Sticks Made Of?

Unlike TEREA tobacco sticks, there is no metal heating element contained in HEETS sticks. This metal heating element within TEREA sticks is essential for heating the tobacco with IQOS ILUMA devices. 

HEETS sticks are made up of a few different components. This includes tobacco, two filters, three different wraps, and a hollow tube.  You can find a diagram showcasing all of the internal components of a HEETS stick, and further detail on why it’s been created in this way, here.

HEETS vs TEREA

There are a few differences that are useful to know when deciding between HEETS and TEREA sticks. When exploring HEETS vs TEREA, the main differences will apply to the overall experiences these tobacco sticks provide when used with their compatible IQOS devices.

Experience: When used in their respective compatible devices, both TEREA and HEETS sticks heat the tobacco from the inside instead of burning it.

Taste and Satisfaction: More than 6 out of 10 consumers agree that IQOS ILUMA provides a better taste than previous IQOS generations.* Moreover, IQOS ILUMA provides a more pleasurable experience compared to previous IQOS generations.** The device provides clear tobacco taste because the device does not need cleaning.***

* 63% agreement amongst 714 adult consumers in Japan and Italy, 2020 – 2021.

** 81% agreement amongst 714 adult consumers in Japan and Italy, 2020 -2021.

*** 90% agreement amongst 300 adult consumers in Japan, 2022.

Smell: More than 7 out of 10 consumers agree that IQOS ILUMA produces less smell compared to previous generations of IQOS.* Additionally, most consumers agree that IQOS ILUMA produces less smell during preheating compared to previous generations of IQOS.**

* 72% agreement amongst 714 adult consumers in Japan and Italy, 2020 – 2021.

** 74% agreement amongst 726 adult consumers in Japan and Italy, 2020 – 2021.

Ease of use: IQOS ILUMA provides an easier draw compared to previous IQOS generations.* The device is also more intuitive and easier to use compared to previous generations of IQOS.**

* 75% agreement amongst 714 adult consumers in Japan and Italy, 2020 – 2021.

* 80% agreement amongst 714 adult consumers in Japan and Italy, 2020 – 2021.

Device compatibility: We have designed TEREA for IQOS ILUMA devices only, so you can’t use the IQOS ILUMA with HEETS, but HEETS can be used with a number of older, bladed generations of IQOS devices.

HEETS vs TEREA: Which Tobacco Sticks Should I Use?

Which type of tobacco stick you use will depend on a number of different factors, including those we’ve explored throughout this article. If you already own an IQOS device, choose the type that is compatible with your device (i.e., choosing TEREA for IQOS ILUMA users). If you don’t own an IQOS device yet, and are currently exploring your options, it’s useful to consider the different experiences these devices provide, and make your decision based on which products best meet your personal preferences.

Smoke-free products are not risk-free and provide nicotine, which is addictive. The best decision any adult smoker can make is to quit tobacco and nicotine use altogether. Smoke-free products are not alternatives to quitting and are not designed as cessation aids.

This article is for general information and educational purposes. Some of the information in this article is based on external, third-party sources and we make no representations or warranties of any kind regarding the accuracy, validity or completeness of such information.