Bong vs Pipe: Difference Between Bong and Pipe

Of all the different ways you can use your herb, bongs and pipes have long been the most popular methods - along with joints/blunts, or course. But you can’t beat the cleaner, true-to-strain smoke that glass pipes and bongs have to offer.

Which is right for you, though - a bong vs pipe? You’ve come to the right place. As the #1 online headshop for glass pipes and glass bongs for sale, we’re going to break down the pros and cons of each to help you make the most informed decision.

Here’s the short TL;DR version: bongs bring you bigger, lung-busting rips - but the water filters the smoke so it doesn’t feel as harsh. They’re a lot more fun to use, too. Pipes are smaller, simpler, and great for on-the-go use. They’re also more affordable, but the hit can be a bit hotter.

Truthfully, no smoking arsenal is complete without both of these. It’s not a matter of choosing between a pipe vs bong. It’s about finding the best bong and pipe for your preferences. Your search ends here at Badass Glass. Browse our catalog today, or learn more below!

Bong vs Pipe Comparison Chart

Benefits of Bongs

Sometimes called water pipes, bongs use good ol’ H2O and sometimes percolators to cool and filter smoke before it reaches your lungs. They’re one of our personal favorite ways to smoke.

Smoother Hits Through Water Filtration

The built-in water filtration is really what makes bongs so special. The smoke passes through water, cooling it down and taking some of its harsh edge off. This produces smoother, less irritating inhale - a benefit for those who cough easily or just want a more comfortable session.

More Volume, Bigger Hits

The larger chamber and long draw path let you take bigger hits without sacrificing smoothness. You can take in more smoke at once, getting to your desired effects faster. That’s especially helpful for those using cannabis for medical relief or those with a really high tolerance.

Cool, Customizable Designs

Bongs come in endless variations, from the straight tube vs beaker bong to recyclers, percolator bongs, and more. They balance aesthetics with function. Many are made from thick borosilicate glass and include ice pinches and splash guards for even more cooling and filtration.

The performance and enjoyment bongs have to offer does come at a cost, though. They take a bit more work to setup and maintain. They’re not ideal for travel, either - unless you have a mini bong, of course. 

The other half of our bong vs pipe comparison is better for simplicity and on-the-go sessions.

The Appeal of Pipes

Pipes are compact, handheld smoking devices that deliver smoke directly without any water. It’s a dry hit, which makes these more portable but also leads to hotter hits.

Speed and Simplicity

Pipes win when it comes to convenience. Load your bowl, light it up, and go. No water, accessories, or prep necessary. They’re a perfect choice for casual or first-time users who want to smoke without a learning curve or any hassle.

Great for Travel and Discreet Use

Most pipes are small, lightweight, and durable. Whether you’re heading out for a walk or taking a road trip, they fit easily into a pocket or pouch and don’t attract much attention. There’s also no water to spill, so they’re safer for on-the-go use in that sense as well.

Affordable Without Sacrificing Quality

You don’t have to spend a lot to get a well-made pipe. Glass, silicone, and metal options come in every price range, often under $20. They’re super easy to clean as well. Just soak in alcohol or use a pipe cleaner to restore airflow.

Just be aware that there is a trade-off with pipes, just as there is with bongs. The lack of water filtration can make the hits feel hotter and harsher, especially if you don’t clean your pipe often enough. Some people consider them “boring” compared to bongs, too.

That said, they have their place - and we genuinely believe it’s not a matter of choosing between a pipe vs bong. You need both for different sessions and settings! Let’s take a closer look a the differences between bong and pipe smoking below. 

Pipe vs Bong: The Difference Between Bong and Pipe Smoking

Pipes and bongs serve the same purpose - helping you make the most of your herb. But the actual experience they offer is very different. 

The smoking session itself isn’t the only variable to consider in choosing between a bong vs pipe, either. Think about cost, cleaning, and other factors. Here is some more context. 

Does a Pipe or Bong Get You Higher?

Most people want to know which will get them higher between a pipe vs bong. This is a bit of a loaded question because there are other variables at play - the potency of the flower itself, the size of the hit you’re taking, your tolerance, etc.

That said, a bong will definitely get you higher, faster, all else equal. That doesn’t mean a pipe is ineffective, though. Bongs just let you take much bigger rips, leading to a more intense high with fewer pulls. You can clear a chamber full of concentrated smoke in one go.

But that might not be what you want out of your smoking experience. Pipes are better for smaller hits, which can actually be a good thing for new users or casuals who just want to take the edge off without zonking out.

Is a Bong or Pipe More Efficient?

Another question we see asked on the bong vs pipe debate is which allows for more efficient use of flower. Efficiency totally depends on your smoking style, though.

Technically speaking, bongs are more efficient when it comes to maximizing cannabinoid delivery per inhale. The cooled smoke is easier on your lungs so you’ll it’s easier to take full draws and hold them in. This maximizes THC (and other cannabinoids) absorption.

But pipes minimize waste in other ways. You can pack smaller bowls and take individual hits without committing to a full session. This makes it easier to smoke only what you want without burning excess herb.

Flavor and Harshness

This is the clearest difference between bong and pipe smoking. 

Bongs offer smoother, cooler hits because the smoke is filtered through water. That water also helps trap some ash and particulates (especially if you have an ash catcher or a bong with percs). The end result is a cleaner taste and less throat irritation. Perfect for flavor chasers!

On the other hand, pipes deliver hotter that feels harsher since the path from combustion to your throat is way shorter (and there’s no water filtration). You get the raw flavor of the herb, but that also comes with a stronger throat hit. 

Some people like it, others find it too harsh for regular use. It all comes down to personal preference, as with most things related to smoking! 

Setup and Cleaning Considerations

Sometimes you just want a quick, stress-free session. Pipes have an edge here as there’s no water to deal with. Pack a bowl, spark it up, and enjoy. Cleaning is way easier since there are only two surfaces to maintain - the bowl and the path. 

In contrast, bongs need to be filled with water - and getting the levels right can take some trial and error. There are way more moving pieces to clean - the bowl, the downstem, and the entirety of the bong’s interior. Percs add another layer of complexity to the cleaning process.

So, you might end up choosing between a bong vs pipe based on simplicity and convenience. In this case, the obvious choice is a pipe. 

Think About Storage and Travel

There’s nothing like a nice session at the end of a long hike. Or, maybe you’re curious about which travels better for an upcoming road trip. This is another aspect of the pipe vs bong comparison where the former has the advantage.

Pipes are far more portable. You can fit them in your pocket, stash bag, or glove compartment without worry. They tend to be more durable, too, especially our stone pipes.

Bongs are bulkier and more fragile. Even the smallest bongs take up more space than a pipe, and you have to be really careful about packing if you decide to take them on the go. The one exception here is our silicone bongs for sale, which are super travel-friendly.  

Cost Comparison

Now, there’s one more thing to consider in weighing the bong vs pipe differences: price. Again, the simplicity of pipes (less material/labor needed to make them) means they’re the more affordable option.

You can find pipes under $10 at Badass Glass. Even our cool glass pipes top out at right around $100. These are high-quality glass pieces from reputable artists/brands.

Meanwhile, a high-quality bong will run you anywhere from $50 to $300 or more. We do have affordable bongs under $50, but these tend to be either silicone or basic glass. You’re paying for a more sophisticated design that takes more time/effort to bring to life, especially if it has percs.

One thing to take note of, though, is you get what you pay for. You shouldn’t cut corners when shopping for your next piece because you’ll only end up disappointed in the quality. Instead, shop the best value pieces at Badass Glass today.

Badass Glass is Your One-Stop Shop Whether You Prefer a Bong or Pipe!

Whether you lean toward the smooth diffusion of a bong or the no-fuss convenience of a pipe, Badass Glass makes it easy to find a piece that fits your exact smoking style. 

We’re the #1 online smokeshop because we’ve handpicked every piece from the top glassblowers and brands in the industry, so you can rest assured you’re getting a work of art that will work reliably session after session.

Browse everything from scientific beaker bongs to classic spoon pipes. Your order is backed by fast shipping and world-class customer service from A to Z. Take a look and see what catches your eye today!

Bringing Our Bong vs Pipe Comparison to a Close

We hope this bong vs pipe comparison has left you feeling clear in where each has an edge and which best suits your needs. The key takeaway is you probably want both! Bongs offer smoother, cooler hits, while pipes win on simplicity, portability, and quick use.

Quality matters most, though. Whether you want to bring a stone vs glass pipe into your smoking arsenal or you’re looking for a big bong, your search ends here at Badass Glass. We carry both sides of the pipe vs bong comparison at unbeatable prices.

Find your next favorite bong or pipe at Badass Glass and smoke the way you actually want to!