glo Hilo vs. Hilo Plus: Comparing the Differences! Which One Should You Choose?

2026-10-1 price revision: list by brand and annual cost difference

Hello, I'm Genki, a heated tobacco and e-cigarette blogger.

glo Hilo and glo Hilo Plus are the latest heated tobacco devices rolled out by BAT Japan. Launched nationwide in 2025/9, they use the newly designed 'virto' sticks rather than the conventional glo hyper series sticks.

Because the two models differ in design and features, many people may be wondering which one they should pick.

In this article, we thoroughly compare the specs and usability differences between glo Hilo and Hilo Plus to help you find the best model for your needs!

Comparing the Basic Specs of glo Hilo and Hilo Plus

First, let's check the main specs of both models in the table. We will also explain the details that numbers alone don't show later on.

Item	glo Hilo	glo Hilo Plus
Price (Tax Included)	3,980 yen	6,980 yen
Heating time	Approx. 5 seconds in both Standard and Boost modes	Approx. 9.5 seconds in both Standard and Boost modes
usage time	Boost: 4 min 10 sec / Standard: 5 min 10 sec	Boost: 4 min 10 sec / Standard: 5 min 10 sec
Number of consecutive uses	Approx. 20 times	Approx. 20 sessions (including charging case)
Charging time	Approx. 90 min.	Approx. 90 min.
Size	123.4×30.3×16mm	118.08×42×19.5mm
weight	75g	124g
Color Variations	Ruby / Onyx / Amber / Sapphire	Ruby / Onyx / Amber / Sapphire
Screen	Compact display	EasyView™ Touchscreen
Charging Case	None (direct cable charging to main unit)	Included (charge & carry inside the case)

Detailed Breakdown of the Differences Between glo Hilo and Hilo Plus

Blazing-Fast Heat-Up with TurboStart™ Technology

Both models feature the newly developed TurboStart™ technology. However, their heating times differ: Hilo takes about 5 seconds, whereas Hilo Plus takes about 9.5 seconds. Hilo is designed to let you start puffing faster, making it popular among those who don't like waiting. Meanwhile, Hilo Plus takes its time to stabilize the heat, pursuing a smoother draw and flavor.

The 2-Way Design Is Exclusive to Hilo Plus

The biggest highlight of Hilo Plus is its 2-Way design that lets you detach the holder and use it as a slim pen-style device. When stored in the included charging case, you can carry it as an all-in-one unit, and pull out just the slim pen whenever you want to use it. Hilo is always a single-piece unit and does not come with a case. This is a key point to choose based on portability and style preference.

Touchscreen Dramatically Improves Usability

Hilo Plus is equipped with an EasyView™ touchscreen for intuitive operation. You can check remaining session time and battery level at a glance, and switching modes is effortless. Hilo's screen is smaller, focused purely on displaying information, and does not support touch controls. If you prefer simple operation with a physical button, Hilo will be more than enough.

Is It Worth the 3,000 Yen Price Difference?

Hilo costs 3,980 yen and Hilo Plus costs 6,980 yen. This 3,000 yen difference comes down to the charging case, touchscreen, and 2-Way mechanism. Furthermore, for a limited time from 2026/4/27 to 5/10, you can get an extra 2,000 yen off at the official glo online store and other channels. Taking advantage of this campaign brings Hilo Plus down to an accessible 4,980 yen.

glo Hilo / Hilo Plus: Which One Do We Recommend?

For those who have read this far and are still wondering 'So which one should I get?', we have put together a simple guide to choosing.

glo Hilo Is Recommended for People Who...

• Want the fastest possible heating so you can puff right away
• Want the lightest possible device to carry around
• Satisfied with simple button operation
• Want to keep the initial cost down

glo Hilo Plus Is Recommended for People Who...

• Want a charging case for peace of mind when out and about
• Want to enjoy stylish touchscreen controls
• Want to switch between pen-style and all-in-one 2-Way styles depending on your mood
• Prioritize rich functionality even if it adds a bit of weight

When you actually hold them in a store, you can clearly feel the difference in weight and texture. At locations like the glo Store Ginza, you can handle and compare both models side by side, so be sure to try the actual devices.

How to Buy glo Hilo / Hilo Plus

Both models can be purchased at convenience stores nationwide, the official glo & VELO online shop, the official Yahoo! shop, Rakuten Ichiba shop, Amazon, and more. However, available sales channels may vary depending on the color, so check stock in advance.

In addition, a 2,000 yen discount campaign is running from 2026/4/27 to 5/10 at the official online store and participating retailers. It is a great opportunity whether you are upgrading or making your heated tobacco debut.

Related Articles to Read Together

• What is the Glow Hero Plus? Comparison with Previous Models & In-Depth Explanation!
• GLO Store Ginza Opens! A Complete Guide to Experiences and Exclusive Services

Important Notes for Use

Tobacco products and e-cigarettes cannot be used by persons under 20 years of age. Also, please refrain from use if you are pregnant, nursing, or have concerns about your physical condition.

When smoking or using the device, please check whether smoking is permitted in the area and remember to be considerate of those around you.

The prices, specifications, and sales status in this article reflect information at the time of writing. Please check each manufacturer's official website for the latest information.

summary

The glo Hilo series is a next-generation lineup that represents a major leap forward from previous models. Hilo excels in speed and lightness, while Hilo Plus shines in versatility and design—whichever you choose, you are sure to get a highly satisfying experience.

The dedicated 'virto' sticks also come in a wide variety of flavors, so be sure to find your personal favorite.

We hope this article helps you choose the right device. Thank you very much for reading to the end!

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