Dab Rig vs Bubbler

Whether you exclusively want to dab concentrate or you want something a bit more versatile that works just as well with flower, there are two main options: a dab rig vs bubbler. But what’s really the difference, and which is right for you? You’ve come to the right place.

A dab rig is intended for one thing only: dabbing. Our dab rigs for sale come with either a quartz vs glass banger, which you’ll use a torch to heat up. Then, you can use a dab tool to dip a small amount of extract into the banger, cover it with a carb cap, and inhale.

On the other hand, a glass bubbler is mainly used for smoking flower - but works really well when converted to a dab rig! For the most part, though, bubblers are made for smoking rather than dabbing, so they come up with bong bowls. You’d have to add a nail/banger separately.

Other than that, there are really not too many differences between the bubbler vs dab rig. Bubblers are typically smaller, but the design/style of larger pieces looks very much the same as a dab rig. 

Just know that no matter what piece you want to add to your arsenal, Badass Glass is the #1 online headshop. We carry high-quality glass from the most trusted brands in the industry. Shop bubblers, dab rigs, and everything in between! 

Dab Rig vs Bubbler at a Glance

What is a Dab Rig? Pros and Cons

This specialized piece is designed specifically for vaporizing cannabis concentrates like live resin, wax, rosin, diamonds, or whatever extractors come up with next. 

That’s the biggest difference between a dab rig vs bubbler: these pieces are NOT made for flower! So, you won’t find a traditional bowl piece sticking out of them. Instead, there is what is known as a nail or banger. 

This component is heated with a torch or electronic coil to really high temperatures - often between 350-500 degrees Fahrenheit, or until it’s “red hot.” Then, after giving it a chance to cool a little, you can add your concentrate to the nail, at which point it’ll be vaporized. 

So you’re technically not smoking with a dab rig, you’re vaporizing. There’s still a water filtration element, which is why dab rigs produce smoother rips - but be prepared, the effects of concentrate can be WAY more intense. Start small!

Benefits of Dab Rigs

• Flavor Preservation: Dab rigs bring out the best in a concentrate’s terpene profile since you’re not “burning” raw plant matter. You get pure flavor, especially at lower temps.
• Potency: A single dab can deliver strong, long-lasting effects with less material than flower. It tends to be considered more “efficient” than smoking for this reason.
• Customization: Options like recyclers, percolators, and different nail materials let you tailor your experience.
• Smoothness: Water filtration cools vapor, so it’s easier on the lungs compared to dry pipes.

Limitations of Dab Rigs

• Learning Curve: Using a torch, heating a nail, and timing dabs correctly can be intimidating for beginners. It’s best to have someone more experienced teach you.
• Setup and Accessories: Dab rigs have more parts (torch, dab tool, carb cap) than a simple pipe or bong. They’re more work to use. 
• Portability: Glass rigs are not ideal for on-the-go sessions. While smaller “mini dab rigs” exist, they still require careful handling.
• Cleaning: Concentrate residue builds up quickly, and it’s not easy to get out. Frequent cleaning is essential to maintain performance and flavor.

Some of Our Favorite Dab Rigs

• Showerhead Dab Rig by Bougie Glass: A sturdy 7” daily driver with a slitted showerhead perc for smooth, milky rips.
  Diamond Glass Recycler: Intricate recycling function for cleaner hits and zero splash-back.
  The Perfect Dab Rig by Bougie Glass: Compact, colorful, and versatile - great for both flower and concentrates.

What is a Bubbler? Pros and Cons

This compact piece blends the simplicity of a hand pipe with the added filtration of a bong for the best of both worlds. The classic take on a bubbler looks like a small chamber (for water) was added to the end of a spoon pipe. This means smoke gets cooled before reaching your lungs.

Bubblers are often chosen as a middle ground. They’re small enough to carry but still provide smoother hits than dry pipes. They can be used for flower, and some hybrid bubblers are even designed to handle concentrates! They’re really one of the most versatile pieces in the world.

There are also more sophisticated bubblers with percs and larger designs that work well as an at-home daily driver. There’s a bubbler for every preference here at Badass Glass. 

Benefits of Bubblers

• Portability: Small enough to fit in a bag or pocket, perfect for travel or discreet use.
• Ease of Use: All you need is a lighter, a little water, and your herb to enjoy! It’s just like smoking from a pipe, but better. 
• Water Filtration in a Compact Form: You get smoother hits than dry pipes without the bulk of a bong. It’s truly the best of both worlds. 
• Affordable: Bubblers tend to cost less than dab rigs or larger bongs. We have pieces starting at just $25 here at Badass Glass. 

Limitations of Bubblers

• Less Diffusion: While bubblers cool smoke, they can’t match the percolation power of larger bongs or dab rigs. That’s because the path for the smoke to your lungs tends to be shorter. 
• Primarily for Flower: Most bubblers aren’t designed for concentrates, limiting versatility. You would need to choose the right design and then add the proper nail/banger to make it work.
• Cleaning Challenges: Smaller chambers can be trickier to clean, especially if resin builds up or there are percs inside.
• Durability: Compact designs mean thinner glass in some cases, so breakage is a concern. Fortunately, that’s not the case at Badass Glass - all our pieces are sturdy.

Some of Our Favorite Dab Rigs

• Tree Perc Bubbler: Features a tree perc for excellent diffusion in a small, portable design.
  Perfect Bubbler by Diamond: A balanced mini bubbler with bold colors and smooth airflow.
• Passion Fruit Bubbler: A fun, fruity design that delivers cool, flavorful pulls.

Dab Rig vs Bubbler: Which Should You Buy?

Still not sure which is right for you between a dab rig vs bubbler? Really, you can’t go wrong either way - these are two great options for enjoying the herb. 

It just comes down to how you want to consume your goodies, and what matters most to you in terms of convenience, cost, and performance. Let’s break it down below!

Do You Want to Use Concentrate or Flower?

The obvious consideration when choosing between a dab rig vs bubbler is what you plan on consuming - is it concentrate or flower? 

As you now know, dab rigs are built for concentrates, be it wax, shatter, resin, budder, diamonds, or any other consistency you come across. They rely on a nail, torch, dab tool, and carb cap to get the extract into your lungs. 

On the other hand, bubblers are made with dry herb in mind. They come equipped with a standard bowl that you can pack up and then light. It’s worth noting that there is some overlap here, though. A lot of bubblers double as dab rigs. You just have to purchase the nail separately.

However, bubblers (in general) are generally better suited for smoking flower, while you should save your dab rig for concentrates. You’ll have a better experience that way. 

Consider Convenience and Portability

A bubbler wins when it comes to simplicity and travel. They’re usually one-piece designs with a small water chamber, so they’re quick to pack and easy to carry.

In contrast, dab rigs are less portable. Even smaller rigs still need a nail/banger, carp cap, dab tool, and torch - not to mention the extract you're going to consume. You’re traveling with basically an entire kit. Dab rigs work best at home; bubblers are great on the go.

Maintenance and Cleaning Differences

Both pieces need to be cleaned regularly, but the effort isn’t the same.

Bubblers have smaller chambers where resin can quickly build up. They need more frequent rinsing to keep airflow smooth. However, they don’t usually involve multiple components, and flower is easier to clean out than concentrate.

In saying that, dab rigs collect super sticky concentrate residue, which needs to be removed with isopropyl alcohol and cotton swabs after each session to maintain flavor and function. 

Either way, expect to spend some time taking care of your piece!

The Cost Conversation 

Finally, compare the dab rig vs bubbler price points and see which fits your budget. 

This is another aspect in which bubblers tend to have the edge. Like we saiad earlier, there are pieces starting at just $25 here at Badass Glass - and even our most expensive bubblers are less than $150.

Now, how much is a dab rig? Our entry-level rigs cost around $40 - so they’re technically still pretty affordable! But at the higher end, you’ll typically see that these are the more expensive pieces. Our ultra-premium rigs cost as much as $300, but the designs are way more intricate.

That’s not to mention the fact that you also need to buy a nice torch, a dab tool, a carb cap, and maybe even upgrade your banger if you don’t want something cheap and basic. 

For what it’s worth, though, Badass Glass offers the best prices online with hassle-free financing and free shipping to make your investment in either a bubbler vs dab rig more accessible! 

Should You Have Both in Your Smoking Arsenal?

So where does that leave you in choosing between a dab rig vs bubbler? A lot of smokers discover that the answer isn’t “either/or.” It’s both! 

A bubbler makes sense for quick solo sessions, travel, or flower use. A dab rig is ideal for when you want to enjoy concentrates at full potency and flavor. Having one of each means you’ll always have the right tool for the occasion.

And there’s no better place to find both than right here at Badass Glas. 

Shop the Best Selection of Dab Rigs and Bubblers at Badass Glass!

Whether you’re looking for a sophisticated recycler dab rig or cute dab rigs, there’s a piece for every preference here at Badass Glass. Take a look around and see what catches your eye.

OR, browse our bubblers! We have small travel-friendly bubblers for flower, or you can go with a larger design that can be paired with a quartz banger for the freedom to smoke or dab whenever you please.

Badass Glass is the trusted online headshop because every piece is handpicked after careful inspection, so you can place your order with peace of mind. It’ll be thoughtfully packed and shipped discreetly, fast, so you can start enjoying your new glass ASAP.

Why settle for anything less? Elevate your sessions with a bong, bubbler, or dab rig from Badass Glass - where quality and service always come first.

Bringing Our Bubbler vs Dab Rig Comparison to a Close

Hopefully you have a solid grasp on the differences between a dab rig vs bubbler after reading this comparison guide. Both have their place. Bubblers deliver portability and simplicity, while dab rigs bring power and precision for concentrates.

Our blog has more comparison guides if you want to explore the differences between a dab pen vs dab rig or a nectar collector vs dab rig. Otherwise, the only thing left to do today is shop the best selection of bubblers, dab rigs, and everything in between at Badass Glass.

From the best portable dab device to glass bongs for sale, this is your one-stop shop for high-quality pieces online, backed by world-class customer service every step of the way.  Upgrade your setup now!

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between a dab rig and a bubbler?

A dab rig is designed for vaporizing concentrates, while a bubbler is a smaller water pipe typically used for flower.

Can I use a bubbler as a dab rig?

Technically yes, with the right attachment, but bubblers aren’t built for concentrates and won’t deliver the same smoothness or efficiency as a proper dab rig.

Does a bubbler get you higher than a dab rig?

Not necessarily. In fact, we’d say a dab rig gets you higher because concentrates are far more potent than flower. Of course, it depends on how much you consume at the end of the day.

Is a bubbler better for your lungs than a dab rig?

Both cool smoke with water, but dab rigs generally produce cleaner vapor since they’re designed for concentrates instead of burning flower. You’re vaporizing rather than smoking with a dab rig.