Bubbler vs Bong: 5 Major Differences

Picking up a new piece? A purchase like that takes an informed decision.

Bongs and bubblers are just two of the many popular pieces helping stoners achieve water filtration and smooth smoke sessions. But which one is right for you?

Let’s start with their similarities. They’re both a kind of water pipe that provides some form of basic filtration with the addition of water. But their key differences are what set them apart.

Here’s everything you need to know about bubblers vs bongs and which might suit your preferences.

A bubbler pipe takes the classic weed pipe but incorporates a small water chamber that cools and filters smoke before you inhale. Some say they’re the best of both worlds: providing both portability through the traditional dry pipe style, but with the addition of water filtration to make it a water pipe.

Most bubblers have an integrated design where the bowl, stem, and water chamber are all connected as a single piece. Their compact size makes them great for smoking weed on the go while still getting the cooled, water-filtered hits of a regular bong.

A bong is a larger water pipe that often looks like a big glass beaker. Bongs deliver smoother hits than most smoking methods thanks to maximum water filtration and a large water chamber that filters smoke as it passes through.

Bongs will usually have a removable bowl, downstem, water chamber, and mouthpiece. High-quality bongs can even offer superior filtration and smoke-cooling through things like percolators, ice catchers, and ash catchers for a more refined smoking experience.

Let’s break down the key differences between bubblers vs bongs, their unique advantages, drawbacks, and which is best for you in the long run.

The most obvious difference between these water pipes is their size and portability:

Bubblers:

• Usually smaller than bongs
• Less likely to attract attention
• Perfect for travel and outdoor use
• Ideal for on-the-go smoking sessions
• Can fit in a large pocket, purse, or small bag

Bongs:

• Best suited for home use
• More visible and less discreet
• Generally too bulky for discreet use
• Larger size needs dedicated storage space
• Can be carried in a backpack or a large bag

If you’re smoking weed on the go or prefer the stealthier path, a bubbler’s portable nature offers a significant advantage over the typically bulky bong.

When it comes to cooling and filtering smoke, bongs take the cake:

Bongs:

• Ice catchers allow for extra cooling
• Advanced designs can have multiple filtration stages
• Larger water chambers provide more filtration surface area
• Ash catchers prevent debris from entering the main chamber
• Additional percolators create smaller bubbles for more effective filtration

Bubblers:

• Limited space for smoke diffusion
• Smaller water chambers limit filtration
• Typically offer basic filtration with no additional percs
• Less water means less cooling surface for the smoke
• Shorter, simpler water path makes for warmer, harsher hits

This difference in filtration means bongs have smoother hits on the lungs and throat, especially with higher-end bongs that feature advanced percolation systems.

Piggybacking off that second point, the size difference between both bongs and bubblers directly impacts your smoking experience:

Bongs:

• Have more space for smoke accumulation
• Better cooling leads to less throat irritation
• Allow for bigger hits due to larger chambers
• Offer smoother hits due to superior filtration

Bubblers:

• More direct hit with less diffusion
• Small chamber size restricts hit size
• Still smoother than dry pipes but less than bongs
• Shorter path from bowl to lungs means less cooling time

If you’re looking for big, smooth, lung-expanding rips, bongs typically deliver the best results.

Since bubblers are smaller, they’re often easier to maintain. Here’s why:

Bubblers:

• Less water to change
• Fewer separate parts
• Quicker to rinse and refresh
• More straightforward to dry completely
• Smaller size makes them generally easier to clean

Bongs:

• More surface area to clean
• More water to change regularly
• Separate parts that may require disassembly
• Percolators can be challenging to clean thoroughly
• Additional features mean more maintenance areas

Both bongs and bubblers need some form of care and cleaning. But for those looking for a more hassle-free experience that’s less time-consuming, bubblers are your best bet.

The final key difference between bubblers and a bong is that bongs often have customizable options and removable parts, which can be a pro or a con, depending on your preferences:

Bongs:

• Downstems are often replaceable
• Easier to replace individual broken parts
• Separate bowl pieces can be swapped out
• Can be modified with adapters for different functions
• Compatible with different accessories (bong bowls, ash catchers, percolators)

Bubblers:

• Few interchangeable parts
• Most bubbler bowls are fixed
• Not many customization options
• Entire piece needs replacement if broken
• More difficult to adapt for different functions

Since bongs are so modular, they’re great for advanced smokers looking to take their sessions to the next level. They’re endlessly versatile and definitely more budget-friendly in the long run.

Still deciding between a bubbler and a bong? That decision ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and smoking habits:

Choose a bubbler if:

• Portability is a priority
• Storage space is limited
• You value discretion and stealth
• You prefer medium hits over massive rips
• You want water filtration with minimal maintenance
• You prefer solo use or smoking with one other person

Choose a bong if:

• You mainly smoke at home
• You want customization options
• You want larger, more powerful hits
• Smooth, filtered hits are your priority
• You enjoy sharing during social gatherings
• You don’t mind more thorough cleaning routines

The technique for hitting a bubbler vs a bong is pretty different. Here’s what you need to know:

Hitting a Bubbler Pipe:

1. Fill the water chamber just enough to cover the end of the stem
2. Pack the bowl with ground herb (not too tight)
3. Cover the carb hole with your finger if your bubbler has one
4. Light the bowl while inhaling slowly
5. Release the carb (or remove your finger) to clear the chamber
6. Inhale the smoke

Hitting a Bong:

1. Fill the water chamber until the downstem is submerged by about an inch
2. Add ice to the ice catcher if you have one
3. Pack the separate bowl with ground herb
4. Place your mouth on the mouthpiece and create a seal
5. Light the bowl while inhaling to fill the chamber with smoke
6. Remove the bowl (which functions as the carb) whenever you want
7. Inhale quickly to clear the chamber

Still can’t decide? I don’t blame you. Luckily enough, there are hybrid devices called water bong bubblers that combine the best of both worlds:

• Better portability than traditional bongs
• Some removable parts for easier cleaning
• A compromise between hit size and convenience
• Enhanced filtration compared to standard bubblers
• Medium size (larger than typical bubblers but smaller than full bongs)

These hybrids work well for a more bong-type smoking experience with the portability and easy maintenance of bubbler pipes.

Whichever you choose, the decision doesn’t come down to “which one’s best.” Ultimately, it’s all about personal preferences. And with this guide, you should have a clear idea of what you’re getting into well before your purchase. Happy hunting!