What Types of Bong Is Right for You? Here’s Everything You Need to Know
Maybe your go-to bong finally cracked (RIP), or you’re brand new to using bongs and just curious where to start. Either way, you’ve landed in the right place.
We get it — shopping for a new bong can feel overwhelming. With so many shapes, sizes, and features, it’s hard to know what’s actually worth your money. But don’t stress. Most bongs work in a similar way, and once you understand the basics, picking the right one is a whole lot easier.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the essentials — from materials and design to features, price, and smoking style — to help you find a bong that fits your vibe. And if you see something you like? We’ve got clickable links to make your shopping easy.
How to Pick the Right types of Bong for You
Let’s be real — yes, you want something that looks cool, but looks aren’t everything. Before you drop cash on a new piece, here are a few things to think about:
🔹 Size Matters
Big bongs = big rips. They give the smoke more space to build, so the hits are massive — best saved for experienced smokers or adventurous sessions. Smaller bongs are easier to handle and clear, making them perfect for beginners or anyone who prefers smooth, manageable hits.
🔹 Design Isn’t Just for Style
Every bong shape has a purpose. Some hit hard and fast. Others are made to cool the smoke or reduce splashback. The design affects how it smokes — not just how it looks — so we’ll break down the options for you later in this guide.
🔹 Looks Still Count (Let’s Be Honest)
Ever seen a bong so cool it stopped you in your tracks? Whether you’re into minimalist glass or wild, hand-blown statement pieces, there’s a bong that’ll match your personality (and maybe even your living room vibe).
🔹 Features to Know
Some bongs keep it simple. Others come with perks — literally. Think percolators for smoother hits, ice catchers for cooler smoke, splash guards to keep things clean, or recyclers for maximum filtration. These extras usually bump up the price but also upgrade the experience.
🔹 What It’s Made Of
The material makes a big difference:
- Glass (especially borosilicate) is clean, classic, and tasteless — the go-to for most smokers.
- Silicone is nearly unbreakable and travel-friendly.
- Acrylic is budget-friendly but not long-lasting.
- Ceramic looks like art and smokes smooth.
- Metal is tough as nails but may slightly affect flavor.
- Wood adds a natural, luxury feel (and might even enhance taste a bit).
🔹 Your Smoking Style
If you’re a wake-and-bake on-the-go kind of person, you’ll want something small, light, and durable — like a silicone mini bong. If you’re more of a “let’s all chill and pass the bong around” type, a larger piece with a stable base and bigger bowl is where it’s at.
🔹 Your Budget
The good news: you don’t need to spend a fortune. Solid glass bongs can run anywhere from $50–$100. Want something unique? You can splurge on custom pieces or high-end designs that double as art. And if you dab too, you might want a bong that can switch between flower and concentrates with a quick bowl-to-banger swap.
Bong Materials: What to Expect from Each
Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common materials used in bongs and why they matter:
- Glass – The OG. Clean hits, no weird tastes, easy to clean, and visually appealing. Just make sure it’s borosilicate glass — it’s stronger and heat-resistant.
- Silicone – Great for travel or clumsy hands. Lightweight, flexible, and super durable. You can literally fold it up and throw it in your bag.
- Acrylic – Cheap and colorful, but tends to crack over time and can leave a plastic aftertaste. A solid short-term option, but not built to last.
- Ceramic – Underrated and beautiful. These can look like vases or sculptures. They’re smooth to smoke from and hold heat well — just make sure it’s made from non-toxic, glazed ceramic.
- Metal – Practically indestructible. Great for durability but may give off a slight metallic taste. If you go metal, look for food-grade or surgical-grade steel or brass.
- Wood – Rare, but super stylish. Often paired with glass for function, wood adds a touch of warmth and class — and some smokers say it enhances the flavor.
Different Types of Bongs (And What They’re Good For)
If you’re used to joints, pipes, or vapes, bong shopping might seem like a lot at first — but it’s easy once you know the basics. Here are some of the most popular types of bong you’ll come across:
- Beaker Bongs – Stable and easy to use. Their wide base makes them less likely to tip over, and they’re great for bigger hits.
- Straight Tube Bongs – Simple, sleek, and hit hard. Easy to clean and perfect for classic sessions.
- Percolator Bongs – Built for smoother hits. The percs break up smoke into tiny bubbles, filtering and cooling it along the way.
- Recycler Bongs – Next-level filtration. These cycle the water through multiple chambers for ultra-smooth hits — perfect for concentrates.
- Mini Bongs – Small, portable, and discreet. Great for travel or casual use.
- Multi-Chamber Bongs – More chambers = more filtration. These give you a clean, cool hit every time.
- Gravity Bongs – Powerful and intense. These use water pressure to deliver super strong hits — best for experienced users.
- Novelty or Custom Bongs – Unique shapes, characters, or hand-blown art pieces that make a statement (and still hit great).
Beaker Bong
Beaker bongs are a fan favorite for a reason. With their familiar, science-lab look, they’ve been around forever — and they just work. The wide base makes them super sturdy (so they’re less likely to tip over), which is perfect if you’re passing it around with friends.
Plus, the larger chamber means more room for smoke to build up, giving you those big, satisfying hits. Whether you’re into a simple setup or want something with extras like percs or an ice catcher, beaker bongs come in all kinds of options to fit your style.
Top picks: Solid Hexagonal Ceramic Bong, Tommy Gun Beaker Bong, Psychedelic Silicone Beaker Bong, Sludge Cyclops Bong
Straight Tube Bong
Straight tube bongs — or “straight shooters” — keep things simple and powerful. They’re tall, slender, and built to deliver quick, direct hits that really pack a punch. If you like strong, no-frills sessions, this is your go-to. Some versions come with percs or added features for a smoother experience, but that can add a bit of drag. One thing to watch out for: because of their narrow base, they’re a little easier to knock over compared to beaker bongs — so handle with care (especially if you’re passing it around).
Top picks: Twisted Rainbow Straight Tube Bong, Royal Glass Straight Tube, Pink Hello Kitty Straight Tube Bong
Zig Zag Bong (Zong)
Zig zag bongs — or Zongs, as they’re often called — have a look that instantly grabs your attention. With that cool “Z” or “S” shape in the neck, they’re not just fun to look at — they’re super practical too. The bends in the glass act like a built-in splash guard, keeping gross bong water from creeping up into your mouth (we’ve all been there).
Basically, it’s like someone got tired of getting a surprise sip during a fat rip and decided to do something about it. And honestly? We’re glad they did.
Top picks: Huge Rainbow Zong Bong, Szong Bong
Round Base Bong
As the name says, round base types of bongs have this cool, rounded main chamber that sits on a flat, steady base — so no worries about it tipping over. They kind of remind you of a genie’s lamp, which gives them a pretty neat vibe.
The rounded shape means there’s plenty of room for smoke to gather, so you get smooth, powerful hits that are pretty similar to what you’d get from a beaker bong. If you want something classic but a little different, this is a great choice.
Top picks: Waterfall Supernova Bong, Pottery Bong, Noble Glass Glow in the Dark Ribbon Bong, Glowing Hooter Bong
Percolator Bong
Percolator bongs are a favorite these days because they make your hits super smooth and easy on the throat. Basically, a percolator (or “perc”) is a little part inside the types of bong with tiny holes that create tons of bubbles when you take a hit.
Those bubbles help cool down the smoke and filter out the harshness, so you get a nice, gentle puff every time. There are lots of different kinds of percs — like tree, honeycomb, showerhead, and more — and each one works a bit differently.
Plus, they look pretty cool when you see the bubbles doing their thing! Just keep in mind, some percs can be tricky to clean or a bit fragile. Also, having more percs usually means smoother hits, but it can slow down your pull a little. It’s all about finding the right balance for you.
Top picks: Double Trouble Percolator Bong, Coiled Experiment Perc Bong, Swiss Jelly Percolator Bong, Ultra Filtration Percolator Bong
Recycler Bong
Recycler bongs — sometimes called multi-chamber bongs — are super fun to watch and perfect for sharing with friends. They have a bunch of tubes inside or outside that make the smoke travel a longer path, sending it back through the water for a second round of filtration.
The result? Extra smooth, ice-cold hits that feel way easier on your lungs. With all those twists and turns, recycler bongs look like something straight out of a sci-fi movie — or maybe even what a villain like Bane would puff on. Most recyclers also have percolators, so you get the best of both worlds: cool, filtered smoke with some serious style.
Top picks: The Carburetor Recycler Bong, Extraterrestrial Multi-Chamber Bong, Cylindrical Recycler Bong, Tubular Swiss Perc Bong, Gigantic Piston Percolator Bong
Waterfall Gravity Bong
People often mix up gravity bongs and waterfall bongs, but there’s a little difference between the two. Both use water to change the pressure inside the chamber, but a gravity bong works by pulling the chamber up out of the water to create a vacuum — kind of like sucking through a straw. A waterfall bong lets the water drain out through a hole instead, but the effect is pretty much the same. They’re a blast to use, but since the water doesn’t really filter or cool the smoke, the hits feel more like what you’d get from a pipe than a regular bong.
Top picks: 3-in-1 Gravity Bong, Grav Gravitron Gravity Bong, or make a homemade gravity bong
Mini Bong
Mini bongs have a lot going for them. They’re super easy to handle, clean, and pass around, plus they don’t take up much space and are way more low-key than the big guys. If it’s about 6 inches or smaller, we call it a mini bong. But don’t let the small size fool you — these little things can still pack a serious punch. Some even come with tiny percs to make your hits nice and smooth.
Big Bong
For those who like to go big or go home, a big bong is where it’s at. We usually think of anything 15 inches or taller as a big bong here at Everything 420. They deliver massive hits that really push your limits and can be a lot of fun to use. Just a heads-up though—they’re not the easiest to pass around, clean, or tuck away because of their size. But if you’re up for it, they’re totally worth it.
Bubblers
Bubblers are kind of the best of both worlds — they’re small and easy to handle like a pipe, but they use water filtration like a bong to smooth out the smoke. They come in all sorts of cool styles, like hammer bubblers, Sherlocks, sidecars, and even ones with two bowls. Most bubblers have a fixed bowl and a little carb hole to help you control the airflow, though some have removable bowls like a bong. If you like smoking pipes but sometimes find the smoke a bit rough, bubblers are definitely worth checking out. Plus, they’re super portable and discreet, so they’re great for taking with you wherever you go.
What about Types of bong accessories?
Honestly, you don’t need a ton of accessories to enjoy smoking—just a bowl and a lighter will do. But there are some little extras that can make your experience way easier and more fun. A good dry herb grinder and a rolling tray are must-haves for anyone who smokes, no matter how you like to light up. It’s also smart to have a few extra bowls around because some bowls work better with certain types of bongs or for different situations—and they’re usually pretty cheap.
Some folks like to add a pipe screen at the bottom of the bowl to stop ash or big bits of herb from getting sucked into the types of bong. That means less cleaning for you, which is always a win. Speaking of cleaning, every bong owner should have a few key supplies like a cleaning solution made for glass, some isopropyl alcohol, cotton swabs, and big pipe cleaners—it makes keeping your bong fresh way easier.
If you’re into concentrates like wax or shatter, you can swap out the regular bowl for a banger and turn your bong into a dab rig, so having a couple of those on hand is a good idea too.
Now that you’re basically a bong pro—knowing all the different types of bongs, materials, and what to look for—it’s time to pick out your perfect piece and start enjoying! Over at Everything 420, we’ve got a huge, ever-changing selection of water pipes, from minis to big glass ones, silicone types of bong, fun character pieces, fancy heady glass, budget options, bowls, accessories, and way more.
Final Thoughts
There’s no “one-size-fits-all” bong. The best one for you depends on how you like to smoke, your budget, and your style. Whether you’re looking for something low-key and portable or an eye-catching centerpiece for group sessions, understanding the differences will help you make a choice you’ll actually be happy with.
