Bong vs Bubbler: Choosing the Right Water Pipe for Your Needs

Flo Dispensary

Bong vs Bubbler: Choosing the Right Water Pipe for Your Needs

When it comes to smoking, both bongs and bubblers offer unique experiences, and choosing the right one depends on personal preference. Both devices use water filtration to help smooth out the smoke, but there are key differences between the two that could make one more suitable for you. Below, we break down the main factors that can help you decide which is best for your next smoking session.


What’s the Difference Between a Bong and a Bubbler?

Bongs and bubblers both use water to filter smoke, but they differ in size, design, and the experience they provide.


  • Bongs are larger, with a big water chamber, a bowl, and a downstream that leads to the mouthpiece. Bongs are great for group sessions, and they are designed to cool the smoke and filter out impurities for a smoother experience. Due to their size, bongs allow for more smoke to accumulate, which can result in stronger hits.
  • Bubblers, on the other hand, are smaller and more compact. They’re typically handheld and more portable, offering a great option for personal use. Although bubblers are smaller and may not cool the smoke as much as bongs, they still provide a smooth experience with a longer smoking session, especially when you're looking for something easier to carry.


Water Capacity

The size of the water chamber is one of the primary differences between bongs and bubblers. Bongs typically have larger water chambers, which can hold more water to help cool the smoke and filter out impurities. This can lead to a smoother hit, making the smoking experience less harsh on the throat. Bubblers, while more portable, hold less water, meaning each hit may feel a bit harsher, especially for beginners.


  • Size and Smoke Quality: Bongs tend to be taller, providing more room for the smoke to circulate. This additional space allows the smoke to cool before it even enters the water, resulting in a smoother and less harsh hit. Bubblers, with their smaller, more compact size, don’t have as much room for smoke to cool, which can result in a hotter and harsher experience.
  • Filtration Power: Bongs usually come with advanced percolators that help diffuse the smoke into smaller bubbles, offering better filtration. This advanced filtration ensures smoother and cooler smoke. Some bongs can even be customized with multi-level percolators to further refine the experience. Bubblers, while effective at filtration, generally have fewer customization options and less advanced filtration systems compared to bongs.
  • Hit Size: The size of the device also affects the potency of your hit. Bong hits are typically more powerful because the bong can hold more smoke, which is then inhaled all at once. This can deliver stronger, more intense hits. Bubbler hits, however, tend to be more moderate and controlled, making them ideal for those who prefer a slower, more measured experience.
  • Portability: If portability is important to you, bubblers are the clear winner. Their small, handheld size makes them easy to carry and use wherever you go. Bongs, due to their larger size, are typically best used in a stationary setting and are less convenient for on-the-go use.
  • Ease of Use: Bubblers are often easier for beginners to use due to their simple design and smaller size. They are easy to fill, clean, and transport. Bongs, while providing a more advanced smoking experience, can be more cumbersome, with more parts to handle and clean, and may require a bit more experimentation to master.


Ready to elevate your experience? 

Visit us at Flo Dispensary to check out our wide selection of premium cannabis products. Whether you're looking for the perfect strain to complement your session or just want to explore new options, we’re here to help you find exactly what you need. Stop by today or contact us to learn more about our products!


Featured Image: Andrey Plotnikov / Shutterstock

SHARE:

By Beth Raduns October 7, 2025
New to edibles? Learn how to dose THC edibles safely with this beginner-friendly guide. Explore best practices and shop safe edibles near Basom, NY.
By Beth Raduns October 7, 2025
Choosing between live resin and distillate? Learn key differences in flavor, potency, and effects to make the right choice at Flo Dispensary near Basom.
growing cannabis
By Beth Raduns August 5, 2025
Learn how to germinate weed seeds with this beginner-friendly cannabis growing guide. Get expert tips to start your grow journey the right way with Flo Dispensary.
best temp for dabs
By Beth Raduns August 5, 2025
Discover the best temperature for dabbing to maximize flavor, potency, and safety. Learn the differences between low and high temp dabs in this essential guide.
cannabis extraction methods
By Beth Raduns August 5, 2025
From flower to finished extract—understand how cannabis concentrates are produced. Learn about solvent-based vs solventless methods at FLO Dispensary.
Shatter vs Wax
By Beth Raduns July 9, 2025
Discover how concentrates like shatter, wax, and budder deliver potent effects. Learn the differences and shop cannabis extracts near Basom, New York.
Cooking With Cannabis
By Beth Raduns July 7, 2025
Discover easy and delicious cannabis-infused recipes. Learn how to cook with cannabis and create your own THC treats with tips from Flo Dispensary.
Why Does Weed Turn Purple?
By Beth Raduns July 7, 2025
Wondering why does weed turn purple? Learn more about the genetics and environmental factors in this post from Flo Dispensary.
What Is PGR Weed? Learn what It Is, and How to Tell.
By Diogo Ribas May 23, 2025
Learn how to recognize PGR (plant growth regulator) weed — its look, smell, and dangers. Protect your health by spotting synthetic growth chemicals in cannabis with Flo Dispensary’s guide.
Signs there is mold on your weed.
By Diogo Ribas May 23, 2025
Discover how to identify moldy cannabis — from white fuzz to smell tests — plus the risks of inhaling mold and methods to safely discard contaminated weed.