Dry Herb Vaporizer vs Bong

There are countless ways to consume flower today, from old classics like rolling a doobie or packing a bong to the latest and greatest innovations - such as dry herb vaporizers. Today, we want to compare and contrast the dry herb vaporizer vs bong side by side.

We want to preface this vaporizer vs bong comparison by saying BOTH options have their place, and you might ultimately decide to buy one of each so you can tailor each session to your goals and preferences on any given day.

A bong brings lung-busting rips that pack a serious punch. A dry herb vape, on the other hand, protects your lungs by vaporizing herb at much lower temperatures, while maximizing terpene profiles for better flavor. They’re great for on the go, too.

No matter which calls your name, your search for premium bongs and vaporizers ends here at Badass Glass. We’ve handpicked our collections from the most trusted brands in the space, and back up everything we sell with world-class customer service from A to Z. Shop now!

Dry Herb Vaporizer vs Bong Comparison Chart

Benefits of Bongs

Bongs are one of the most popular smoking devices in the world, and it’s not hard to see why. They use water as a natural filter to cool the massive hits they’re notorious for producing - so while they pack a punch, they’re still pretty smooth.

Smoothness Through Water Filtration

The main advantage of a bong is how much smoother it makes each inhale compared to pipes, blunts, or joints. The smoke is cooled and stripped of heavier particles like ash or resin as it bubbles through the water. 

This means less throat irritation and a gentler impact on your lungs. So even though the hits themselves are huge, the smoother delivery means newcomers can enjoy bongs, too!

Bigger, Heavier Hits

Nothing produces the same size clouds as a bong. Not a bubbler, dab rig, pipe, joint, and definitely not a vape. Their large chambers hold more smoke than a pipe so you can take deeper, denser hits in one pull. 

This is great for seasoned smokers who want to be more efficient in their sessions. It’s also perfect for packing a bowl to pass around among a group - everyone will get plenty!

Customization and Experience

From the percolator bong to crazy bongs with unique designs, there are so many different types of glass water pipes on the market to choose from. You can even customize your piece with an ash catcher to keep the main chamber nice and clean.

Bongs can be as simple as a clear tube or as ornate as a sculpted showpiece. You can learn more about the straight tube vs beaker bong, for instance, in our blog. In the meantime, let’s introduce the other half of our bong vs vaporizer comparison below. 

Benefits of Dry Herb Vaporizers

Dry herb vaporizers take a very different approach than any other smoking device on the market. Rather than burning material with fire, they heat your flower just enough to release the cannabinoids and terpenes as vapor.

This means you’re avoiding combustion altogether, which not only changes the feel of each session but also the way flavor and efficiency play out. It also has health implications.

Health and Harshness Reduction

Vaporizers - when used correctly (that’s an important caveat) - eliminate tar, ash, and other byproducts of burning raw flower. This makes the vapor much gentler on the lungs and throat.

You’re still inhaling plant compounds, but you won’t get nearly as much irritation. This is why health-conscious consumers who still want to enjoy flower are drawn to vaporizers. Just be aware that using vaporizers at too high of a temperature will negate this effect. 

Flavor and Efficiency

One of the biggest draws of vaporizers is how well they preserve flavor. Terpenes are released at lower temperatures without any of the combustion byproducts that get in the way of tasting the cultivar to the fullest.

Vaporizers also tend to use less flower over time, since they extract more cannabinoids from each bowl. That efficiency can save money in the long run.

Convenience and Portability

Today’s vaporizers are pocket-sized, charge with USB, and require no lighter or water. You can even pre-load the chamber at home, and then just turn the device on and enjoy whenever you’re ready.

They’re discreet, travel-friendly, and less messy than glass setups. They do need some level of maintenance, like brushing out chambers or changing screens. But all in, it’s easy to see the appeal.

One thing to note, though, is that the high from a vaporizer feels very different from that of a bong. A lot of people who are used to smoking from bongs feel that dry herb vapes don’t get them to the same point. 

So as you probably could have guessed, there are tradeoffs between a dry herb vaporizer vs bong. It just comes down to what matters most to you! 

Dry Herb Vaporizer vs Bong: Which is Right For You?

Choosing between a dry herb vaporizer vs bong really comes down to what you value most in your sessions. Is it health and flavor, or is it the high? Each of these options has its pros and cons, so you’ll just have to choose accordingly!

Do You Value Health and Flavor Above All?

We get asked all the time, are bongs healthier to smoke? It depends on what you’re comparing them to. Compared to joints, blunts, and pipes? You could definitely make the case that bongs are better for you since they filter and cool the smoke through water.

At the end of the day, though, you’re still burning and inhaling plant matter - combustion is never “healthy.” It’s about harm reduction. And nothing reduces harm quite like a dry herb vaporizer.

These devices are the obvious winner for people who want to minimize harshness and keep their health a top priority. They heat the flower to a temperature that activates the cannabinoids and terpenes without burning the plant matter completely.

The best part is that these devices are super versatile. You can dial the temperature down to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to maximize flavor and health consciousness. Then, when you want heavier effects and bigger clouds, dial the temperature up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit!  

Do You Want Classic Smoke and Ritual?

There’s no denying the cultural weight of the bong. From clearing the chamber in one pull to passing it around with friends, bongs are something that really can’t be replicated in a battery-powered, handheld device.

Don’t get us wrong, we actually use dry herb vaporizers on a daily basis. But we’d be lying if we told you they produce the same type of high, or the same experience overall. It’s very different. The heavy, lung-expanding hits are part of the appeal with bongs, and the bubbling water adds sensory feedback you don’t get with vapor.

Maintenance and Upkeep

Both devices require cleaning, but in different ways. 

Vaporizers need their chambers brushed out and screens replaced periodically, which can be fiddly if you’re not diligent. But there’s also the charging aspect that gets overlooked. There’s nothing worse than getting ready for a session, packing your vape, and trying to turn your device on…only to discover the battery is dead.

This is never a concern with a bong. If you’ve got a lighter, your session is just a spark away. The only things you need to worry about are regular cleaning and frequently changing out the water in your bong. 

Cost and Longevity

A good vaporizer can cost anywhere from $80 to $300+, and the higher-end models usually pay off with durability and consistent performance. But they are electronic devices, so they have a more finite lifespan. Batteries degrade, parts need replacing, and eventually, you’ll need to upgrade.

On the other hand, bongs last as long as you can take care of them. If you’re careful, a good bong can last you a lifetime. They’re available in a broader range of prices, too. Mini bongs start around $30, but big bongs or super artsy pieces can cost well over $200.

Why Not Have Both in Your Arsenal?

We know you came here hoping we could tell you which to choose between a dry herb vaporizer vs bong, but here’s the thing - there is room in your smoking arsenal for both!

A vaporizer is our preferred pick for discreet sessions, conserving flower, and reducing harshness. A bong is always going to be better for those lung-busting rips or sharing the experience with friends at home. 

Having both lets you pick based on mood, setting, or who you’re with. Think of it less as an either/or choice and more as building a versatile collection. You can find both options right here at Badass Glass!

Explore Vapes and Bongs at Badass Glass Today!

As the #1 online headshop you can trust Badass Glass to deliver the high-quality smoking gear you need, no matter your preference between a bong vs vaporizer.

Our bong collection includes trusted names like Bougie Glass, Diamond Glass, and other American-made brands known for thick borosilicate glass, clean welds, and smart percolation designs.

Meanwhile, we carry innovative vapes from Puffco, Lookah, and Yocan. These brands lead the industry with precise temperature controls, long-lasting batteries, and designs built for flavor preservation.

Whatever you’re shopping for, expect unbeatable prices, world-class customer service, and fast, free shipping. We also keep our catalog fresh, adding the latest designs and limited-edition drops so you’ll always find something new to upgrade your setup.

Ready to take your sessions to the next level? Shop our full selection of bongs and vaporizers today and see why Badass Glass has been the go-to online headshop for years.

Wrapping Up Our Bong vs Vaporizer Guide

At the end of the day, both bongs and dry herb vaporizers have their place in your arsenal. If you can only choose one between the dry herb vaporizer vs bong right now, it’s pretty simple. 

Want maximum flavor and minimum health impact? Go with one of our vapes. 

Prefer the biggest hits possible and a more intense high? Stick with the classic choice, a bong.

Either way, your search for the best bongs and vapes ends here at Badass Glass. Shop our handpicked selection for pieces crafted with quality in mind, backed by fast, discreet shipping, and supported by real people who care about your experience!

Frequently asked questions

Is a vaporizer better for your lungs than a bong?

Generally, yes. Vaporizing flower is gentler on the lungs than burning it.

Does a dry herb vaporizer get you higher?

Not necessarily higher. Dry herb vapes are typically more efficient, though. They extract cannabinoids more evenly, meaning you get more out of the same amount of herb compared to burning it in a bong or pipe.

What is the downside of a dry herb vape?

The main drawbacks are the upfront cost and the need for battery charging or maintenance. Some users also miss the ritual and heavier hits that come with smoking from glass. It can’t replicate the high a bong provides.