Small Cigars vs Cigarillos. What’s the Difference?

Small cigars and cigarillos look similar, but they are not the same. Small cigars are made like traditional premium cigars, often with long filler tobacco and richer flavor. Cigarillos are usually machine-made, smaller, and designed for quick, casual use. If you want depth and quality in a shorter smoke, small cigars are the better choice.

Why people confuse small cigars and cigarillos

At a glance, small cigars and cigarillos appear similar in size. Both are shorter than traditional cigars and marketed for quick sessions. The confusion comes from packaging and naming, not from how they are made.

Understanding the difference helps you choose the right product for your taste and expectations.

Small cigars vs cigarillos. Side-by-side comparison

What defines a small cigar

Small cigars are made with the same care as traditional premium cigars, just in a shorter format. Many use long filler tobacco and natural wrappers, which gives them structure, aroma, and complexity.

Smokers choose small cigars when they want quality but do not have time for a long session.

To explore trusted options, you can browse the small cigars collection at The Cigar Merchant. 

What defines a cigarillo

Cigarillos are designed for convenience. They are often machine-made and may use homogenized wrappers or chopped tobacco. This makes them faster to produce and easier to smoke casually.

They work well for smokers who prioritize speed over complexity, but they do not offer the same depth as small cigars.

Which should you choose?

Choose small cigars if you want:

• Better flavor and construction
• A true cigar experience in less time
• Cigars you can store and age

Choose cigarillos if you want:

• Very short smoking time
• Minimal setup and storage
• A casual, low-commitment option

For most cigar enthusiasts, small cigars offer the best balance of quality and convenience.

Storage differences that matter

Small cigars need proper humidity. Because of their size, they dry out faster than larger cigars.

• Store small cigars at 65–68 percent humidity
• Use a humidor for long-term freshness
• Avoid leaving them exposed to air

If you travel often, travel cigar humidors help protect small cigars on the go.

For home storage, explore premium cigar humidors designed to keep cigars fresh year-round. 

FAQ. Small cigars vs cigarillos

Are small cigars stronger than cigarillos? Often yes. Small cigars usually use higher-quality tobacco and can range from mild to full-bodied.

Do cigarillos need a humidor? Most do not, but they benefit from controlled humidity if you want better flavor.

Are small cigars good for beginners? Yes. Many beginners prefer small cigars because they are easier to manage and less time-consuming.

Can small cigars be aged? Yes. Many improve with short to medium-term aging when stored correctly.

Where can I buy quality small cigars? Buy from experienced tobacconists with proper storage. The small cigars collection at The Cigar Merchant is a reliable place to start.