You've likely discovered the bong if you're new to cannabis or are just looking for new ways to improve your smoking experience. However, picking the ideal bong is more complicated than it first appears. It can feel like entering a maze because there are so many different kinds, materials, shapes, and features.
This complete bong guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to choose a bong that fits your needs and lifestyle. You'll know precisely what kind of bong suits your requirements, way of life, and financial constraints—and why that matters.
Bongs have been around a long time. They’re water pipes, basically. Instead of pulling smoke straight into your lungs, the smoke goes through water first. That makes it a bit cooler, not as harsh.
Older versions came from places like Africa or Asia. People used whatever they had—bamboo, clay, or coconut shells, maybe.
Most bongs have five things:
Bowl: Where you place your herb.
Downstem: Directs smoke from the bowl into the water.
Water chamber: Where filtration happens.
Neck/Tube: Where smoke travels before inhalation.
Mouthpiece: Where you inhale the smoke.
Some have extra stuff, like percs or splash things. But the basics haven’t changed much.
Different bong types offer different results. Understanding what each type does can help match the right one to specific needs or habits. Learning how to choose a bong means exploring what each type offers in terms of airflow, filtration, and comfort.
Beaker bongs are easy to spot by their broad, triangular base. That shape gives them solid stability, which is helpful if they’re left on a table or shelf. More importantly, the large base holds extra water, leading to better cooling. Beaker bongs are one of the best bongs for beginners due to their ease of use.
They’re also beginner-friendly. Cleaning is simple, airflow feels smooth, and replacement parts are usually easy to find. For daily use, beaker bongs are a dependable choice.
A straight tube bong looks exactly like it sounds—a tall, vertical cylinder with no curve or bulge at the base. This shape keeps airflow direct, with little resistance. Water capacity is lower than a beaker’s, but cleaning takes less time. The limited filtration also creates sharper, more concentrated hits—something many users find appealing. Just keep in mind that, because of the narrow base, it’s more likely to tip if not handled carefully.
Bongs with a round base are easy to recognize by their globe-shaped water chamber. This design allows for moderate water volume, offering better filtration than straight tubes but falling just short of what beakers can provide.
Because the base curves instead of sitting flat, these bongs may feel a bit unstable on uneven surfaces. To fix that, many include a small stand or reinforced ring at the bottom. The smooth, rounded silhouette also appeals to those who prefer a softer, more classic look.
Percolator bongs (or “perc bongs”) include one or more internal chambers that help diffuse the smoke. The idea is to break the smoke into smaller bubbles, which improves cooling and removes more unwanted byproducts. These advanced bongs are ideal for those who want ultra-smooth hits.
Types of percs vary—tree, honeycomb, inline, showerhead—but the result is similar: smoother hits that are easier on the throat. These bongs are great for those who value comfort but may require more effort when it comes to cleaning.
Some bongs send smoke and water through more than one chamber, and then back again. That’s the idea behind recyclers. While in use, water doesn’t just stay in the base; it moves in a loop, helping to cool and clean the smoke again before it’s inhaled.
Because of the extra glasswork, these tend to be more detailed and sometimes costlier. Still, the smoothness they offer, along with their sculptural look, keeps them popular among collectors and frequent smokers alike.
Small bongs take up less space and are easy to keep out of sight. They weigh less, fit into bags, and don’t need much effort to set up.
Because there’s less water inside, smoke passes through quickly and stays warmer. Cleaning is simple, and they work well for quick sessions or short breaks. If portability matters when choosing a bong, a mini bong is a solid choice.
Taller builds give smoke more room to move. Some are over a foot high. With extra distance, heat drops before reaching the mouth.
These bongs feel heavier, harder to clean, and don’t fit in tight spaces. Still, they often deliver big clouds and stronger effects—good for shared use or long sessions.
Tip: If you’re searching for the best bong guide for beginners, start with a beaker or straight tube—they offer the best balance between functionality and ease of use.
Related: Tall Bongs vs. Mini Bongs
The type of material used in a bong makes a real difference. Some are easier to clean. Others are built to survive drops. Flavour, weight, and even how the smoke feels—it all changes depending on what the bong is made from. Here's a look at the most common ones. Understanding bong materials is key to learning how to choose a bong that meets your long-term needs.
Glass bongs are seen everywhere. They’re smooth to use and don’t mess with the taste. A lot of models include extras like percs or ice catchers right inside the body.
On the downside, glass breaks. A knock off the table might be enough to ruin one. Many still prefer it, though, because of how clean it looks and how well it performs when handled right.
Silicone is nearly impossible to break. These bongs bend, twist, and bounce if dropped. They’re good for travel or tossing in a backpack. Some can even go in the dishwasher.
Smoke from silicone may not taste as fresh as from glass, especially over time. Also, it’s hard to find high-end features like built-in percs in this type. Still, they’re great for quick sessions and low maintenance.
Acrylic bongs are all about price. They’re often cheap, come in bright colors, and feel lightweight. Beginners sometimes pick them up to try things out. Acrylic is a good material option if you're choosing a bong on a tight budget.
They don’t clean as well, though. Smell and residue stick around. The plastic can scratch, and heat might warp it over time. Hits also tend to be harsher than with other types.
Metal bongs are tough. They don’t shatter, chip, or crack. Some look basic, others more modern. They last a long time if kept clean.
Flavor isn’t always ideal. Metal heats up fast and might leave a weird aftertaste. You also can’t see through them, so checking water levels isn’t easy.
These feel more handmade. Ceramic bongs are often painted or sculpted, while bamboo ones feel raw and natural. Both look different from the usual glass or plastic pieces.
They’re breakable, though. If dropped, they rarely survive. Cleaning inside can also be tricky, depending on the shape. Still, some people like them for the look as much as the function.
Certain features can make a big difference in how your bong hits feel and how much effort it takes to maintain it.
Percs break smoke into tiny bubbles, increasing surface area and cooling efficiency. Common types include: Tree, Honeycomb, Showerhead, Inline.
Each style changes airflow and filtration quality. More percs = smoother hits, but harder cleaning.
Small notches in the neck that hold ice cubes. The result? Ice-cold smoke that’s far less irritating.
Prevent water from reaching your mouth. A great feature if you prefer big hits.
Extra glass pieces that trap ash before it enters the bong. Keeps your main chamber cleaner for longer.
Related: Percolator Bongs 101
Related: Ice Catcher Bongs Explained
Picking the right bong depends on a few basic factors: experience level, budget, and how often it’s used. No single style fits everyone, but some patterns make the decision easier.
If you're new, learning how to choose a bong can seem confusing at first. Start with a beaker or straight tube to keep things simple. Glass or silicone options work well because they’re easy to clean and not hard to handle.
Those with some experience might want features like a single percolator or an ice catcher for smoother pulls.
Frequent smokers may prefer something more advanced, like a recycler with multiple chambers or a tall piece built for heavy sessions.
Below $50: Most pieces in this range are acrylic or small silicone bongs. They get the job done, especially for occasional use.
From $50 to $150: Glass models with extras—percs, ice pinches, splash guards—are common here. Many mid-range bongs offer a solid balance between quality and price.
Over $150: Some bongs in this range are made by hand. Others come from labs that work with heavy, heat-resistant glass. Most have extra parts—more chambers, more filters, more work in the design. These aren’t throwaway pieces. They’re built to last, and a few look more like art than gear.
For everyday use at home, a solid glass beaker is a common pick. Taller models with more water capacity are also used when smoothness matters more than storage space.
For travel or compact storage, smaller options tend to work best. Mini silicone bongs or short straight tubes are easy to pack and hard to break. These are ideal for people choosing a bong that fits an on-the-go lifestyle.
For occasional sessions, people sometimes go with something more artistic—maybe a ceramic piece or a bamboo model. These may not have advanced features, but they serve well when needed and look good the rest of the time.
Start here: Best Bongs for Beginners
A bong only works as well as it’s taken care of. Resin, stale water, or tiny cracks can all affect the experience. Below are some habits that help keep everything running clean and smooth over time.
Sticky residue builds up fast, especially with heavy use. Isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt usually do the trick. Swirl the mix around, let it sit if needed, then rinse well with warm water. Some users clean weekly, others more often depending on how cloudy things look.
Old bong water starts to smell, look cloudy, and mess with taste. Even after just one or two sessions, it can turn. Swapping it out each time keeps things fresh and avoids bacteria growth.
Over time, small cracks can show up—especially around the mouthpiece or base. Some bongs also use rubber or plastic seals that dry out or loosen. If the airflow feels off, that’s usually the first sign something isn’t right.
Leaving a bong on a bathroom counter or windowsill is asking for trouble. Sudden knocks, heat from the sun, or even cold tiles can mess with the glass. A quiet shelf or soft bag is better than hoping it won’t fall.
[Full guide: How to Clean a Bong]
Related: How Often Should You Replace Your Bong?
There’s no single answer on how to choose a bong. It depends on how often it’s used, how careful someone is with glass, and whether things like smoothness or size matter more. A small silicone bong might be perfect for someone who’s always on the move. Another person might prefer a tall glass piece that stays in one spot.
What helps most is knowing what’s out there. Once the basics are clear—types, materials, features—it gets easier to find something that actually fits the way someone smokes, not just what looks cool in photos
Now that you’ve gone through this bong guide, picking your next piece should feel way easier.