Acrylic Bong vs Glass: What’s the Difference Between Acrylic and Glass Bongs?

The acrylic bong vs glass bong showdown - two of the most popular materials a water pipe can be made from. On one hand, you have glass, the classic choice for smoking out of with unparalleled flavor purity and a one-of-a-kind aesthetic. But acrylic bongs have their place, too. They’re more affordable, harder to break, and can look pretty cool themselves.

We’ve put together this acrylic vs glass bong comparison to help you understand the difference between acrylic and glass bongs. You’ll have a solid grasp of which is better for your preferences by the time you finish reading below.

But whether you’re looking for acrylic bongs or glass bongs for sale, your search ends here at Badass Glass. We’ve handpicked the latest and greatest pieces from the best brands in the game, always backed by world-class customer service. Find your new favorite piece today!

Acrylic Bong vs Glass Bong (At a Glance)

Benefits of Glass Bongs

This is, without a doubt, the go-to style for most smokers. You get the cleanest flavor and most satisfying experience overall. The material won’t mess with the taste of your herb at all, and the vibe you get with glass is unlike any other bong in the world. Here’s why we love glass pieces:

• Pure flavor: Glass is neutral, so you get the full profile of your flower as it was intended.
• Smoother hits: Water filtration paired with glass percs cools smoke way better, especially on bigger rips.
• Huge style variety: Straight tubes, beakers, recyclers, multi-perc builds - there is an endless number of glass bong designs.
• Easy cleaning: A rinse with ISO and salt brings most pieces back to fresh without much effort.
• Solid feel: Quality glass has weight and balance that feels good in your hands and on a table.

This is the sweet spot between performance and versatility - but there are trade-offs. Glass pieces cost more than any other material, like acrylic or silicone. They’re also more vulnerable to chipping, cracking, or shattering from the occasional bump or drop. However, a good glass bong can last a lifetime if you treat it with care! 

Benefits of Acrylic Bongs

Acrylic sounds boring at first compared to glass, but these bongs fill a role that no other piece can. They’re built for practicality. They’re easy to live with, less heartbreaking to replace, and far less stressful when you’re not smoking alone at home. 

We think acrylic bongs are perfect for on-the-go sessions or when those clumsy friends that can’t be trusted with your prized glass bong stop by. They’re also way more affordable. Here’s why we keep a lineup of acrylic pieces on hand for our customers:

• Durability: Acrylic handles drops and bumps that would end a glass piece instantly.
• Lower cost: You get a functional bong for way cheaper than you would a glass piece.
• Lightweight: Easy to carry, move, and store without worrying about cracks or chips.
• Beginner-friendly: Simple designs with straightforward airflow and no learning curve.
• Travel-ready: A solid option for trips, outdoor use, or anytime glass feels risky.
• Variety of styles: Straight tubes, beakers, and colorful designs keep things fun.

They’re not quite as durable or travel-ready as our silicone bongs for sale, but they sit in a better middle ground for a lot of people - closer to glass in terms of experience, just way more durable. 

Just be aware there are considerations with acrylic bongs as there is with any style. The material won’t deliver the same unadulterated taste as glass, and it needs a little more care when it comes to cleaning or direct flame exposure. 

So, where does that leave you in choosing between an acrylic bong vs glass bong? 

Acrylic Bong vs Glass Bong: What’s the Difference Between Acrylic and Glass Bongs?

One isn’t necessarily “better” than the other in looking at acrylic vs glass bongs side by side. Each has its pros and cons, and the truth is, you might find that you want at least one of each for different settings and situations! 

Here’s a closer look at the difference between acrylic and glass bongs to help you see where each makes the most sense.  

Affect on Flavor

Glass has the undeniable edge in terms of preserving your herb’s flavor, from the bowl through the downstem, up through the chamber, and into your lungs. It’s a neutral material so you can enjoy the strain’s nuanced flavor notes as Mother Nature intended.

That’s not to say acrylic bongs taste bad or really mess with the taste of your flower. But you just won’t get the same crisp, clean flavor - especially after heavy use. It’s not something everyone will notice, or even care about. But flavor chasers reading along will prefer glass every time.

Durability and Portability

This is one of the biggest misconceptions people have in comparing an acrylic bong vs glass. They think acrylic is an unbreakable bong. It’s true that this material is more forgiving of drops and bumps than glass, but it can still crack or break into bits and pieces if you’re not careful.

That being said, glass is definitely the more fragile material. There’s nothing worse than a session being ended abruptly because the base gets bumped on a table, or a downstem/bowl piece gets dropped on the floor. 

On that note, it’s worth comparing acrylic vs glass bongs based on portability as well. As you can imagine, acrylic is way more travel-friendly since it’s less vulnerable to damage. It’s the piece we recommend for outdoor sessions, road trips, or anytime you have clumsy friends over.

The Style Side of Things

Perhaps the most noticeable difference between acrylic and glass bongs is how they look side-by-side. Glass looks and feels more premium. It has that clean shine, heavier weight, and “nice piece” vibe when you pull it out. Some brands make super artistic pieces, too.

On the other hand, acrylic is more practical-looking. It is usually a solid color with secondary colors woven throughout it to create a fun, visually appealing piece. But a lot of people can’t get past how much “cheaper” it looks. 

Design Versatility

Both pieces are available in a wide variety of styles, but again, glass bongs have an edge here - especially from a percolator perspective. Glassblowers can shape pieces into way more complex builds. There are beakers, straight tubes, percs, recyclers, ice catchers. Basically, glass gives designers a lot to work with, and that changes how the bong hits.

Acrylic tends to stay in its lane. You can expect way more simplistic designs, which isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker if you’re just looking for a basic piece that gets the job done. The straightforward styles tend to be easier to clean, too, with no percs in the way.

Speaking of which…

Cleaning Requirements

Glass is easier to get “like new.” ISO and salt usually wipe out odor and residue fast. That changes when you introduce more bends and percs into the mix, though. Some intricate glass pieces can be very difficult to restore. 

Acrylic is simpler to clean in some cases, but there’s a caveat here. You have to avoid harsh solvents and anything too abrasive that can scratch or fog the surface. If you keep up with quick rinses, acrylic stays easy to clean, though.  

The Cost Comparison

This is another obvious difference between an acrylic bong vs glass bong - how much they cost. We have acrylic pieces starting as low as $40 here at Badass Glass, whereas many glass bongs start around $50 to $80 and can easily cost over $150. 

But we think you get what you pay for. Glass bongs hit better, taste cleaner, and bring a vibe that acrylic simply can’t match. While acrylic bongs have their place, we think the decision between an acrylic vs glass bong is easy.

So, Are Acrylic or Glass Bongs Better for YOU?

We typically steer our customers towards glass bongs for their cleaner flavor, smoother hits, and more options when it comes to size and design. But acrylic bongs can be a better fit for travel, outdoor use, parties, or as a backup when breaking glass would ruin your day.

Like we said earlier, it may not be a matter of choosing between an acrylic bong vs glass bong - you might find room in your arsenal for one of each! 

What About Silicone and Other Materials?

Silicone sits right between acrylic and glass. It’s flexible, tough, and easy to travel with, but often paired with glass inserts to improve flavor. 

It feels more durable compared to acrylic. But compared to glass, it trades some taste and polish for peace of mind. It’s a solid option when you want durability without going fully basic.

There are so many types of bongs out there, and each brings something special to a session. But no matter what you’re looking for, Badass Glass has you covered! 

Find Your New Favorite Piece at Badass Glass!

This is your one-stop online smokeshop, no matter which you end up leaning towards between an acrylic vs glass bong. Every piece is chosen for real function, solid construction, and how it actually hits. 

We handpick each piece from trusted brands like Diamond Glass, Bougie Glass, and more. Most importantly, though, we provide world-class customer service every step of the way - from fast, discreet, careful shipping to our hassle-free return policy. 

Whether you’re looking for a straight tube vs beaker bong, a percolator bong vs regular, or even anything in between, you can rest assured we’ve got you covered with a high-quality piece you’ll be proud to show off. Shop now and discover your new go-to bong!

Wrapping Up Our Acrylic vs Glass Bong Comparison

We hope this acrylic bong vs glass bong comparison has left you clear on the difference between glass and acrylic bongs. Each has its place. Go with glass for flavor purity and the classic smoking vibe. Stick with acrylic for travel or group sessions where you’d stress about pulling out your prized glass piece.

Browse the full selection of cool bongs at Badass Glass today. From big bongs to mini bongs, there’s an endless sea of styles to choose from - we’re confident something will catch your eye!