There are three main categories of smoking accessories: dry, vape, and water-based. The main dry smoking accessories are pipes and papers; vapes can have cartridges or refillable liquid, and the main water-based accessories are bongs and bubblers.

So, what’s the difference between the two main water-based accessories? Here, we look at the main differences between a bubbler and a bong so you can decide which is the best option for your smoking style. 

What is a Bubbler?

A bubbler is a small, handheld water pipe that filters smoke through water. Bubblers combine the portability of a classic glass pipe with the filtration capabilities of a water bong.

They feature a bowl for placing your cannabis, a carb hole that a user covers while burning the weed and then releases when it’s time to pull and a water chamber for filtration.

All cannabis users need to do is hold the bubbler tight, cover the carb hole, light the cannabis in the bowl, and burn it like a classic pipe. Most bubblers have a mouthpiece at the top and a bowl on the side. 

What is a Bong?

Think of bongs as the bubbler’s bigger brother. These recognizable smoking accessories have been utilized by cannabis users for 2,400+ years in one form or another. Bongs are not usually portable and often have more complex designs than bubblers to cool and filter smoke.

The main components are a base, a neck or tube, and a main water chamber. More premium bongs may have multiple chambers for filtration, can feature a percolator to break smoke down into smaller bubbles and offer another layer of filtration, and even have ice catchers that hold ice cubes in the neck to cool the smoke down.

To use a bong, cannabis users need to pack the bowl, fill the water chamber, light it while inhaling, and take a hit. Bongs are designed for bigger, smoother hits. 

Key Differences Between Bubblers and Bongs

Bubblers and bongs are similar in that they both filter cannabis smoke to give users a smoother high, but they have many key differences, too: 

Complexity

Bubblers are small and portable, making them ideal for on-the-go use. On the other hand, bongs are more suited for home use because they are robust, can pack a bigger punch, and are usually much larger and bulkier.

Bubblers have fewer parts and are easier to clean and maintain, while bongs may have more individual parts and be more intricate, with advanced features like percolators, ice catchers, and ash catchers that may require much more upkeep. 

Water Filtration

Bubblers are much smaller, which means they have more basic filtration, often with only a single water chamber to filter smoke through. Comparatively, bongs can have multiple chambers and percolators that filter the water numerous times before it reaches your mouth and, ultimately, your lungs. With more filtration, bongs deliver a smoother hit. 

Hit Size and Smoothness

The size of bubblers means they produce smaller hits more quickly that can be harsher and have less intense filtration. In contrast, a bong typically delivers a user a bigger hit with a smoother, cooler result, especially if your bong features a percolator or ice catcher. 

Pros and Cons of Bubblers

Bubblers aren’t for everybody. Here are the pros and cons of this portable smoking device:

• Pros:
• Easy to transport and discreet.
• Simple design and user-friendly.
• Generally easier to clean and maintain.
• Cons:
• Less filtration compared to a bong, meaning harsher smoke.
• Smaller capacity for water, which can limit cooling.

Pros and Cons of Bongs

You may prefer a bong to a bubbler. Here are the pros and cons of this household smoking device:

• Pros:
• Provides cooler, smoother hits due to multiple filtration methods.
• Offers larger smoke volume, ideal for experienced smokers.
• Customizable with percolators, ice catchers, etc.
• Cons:
• Larger and less portable.
• Requires more maintenance and cleaning due to complexity.
• Can be intimidating or overkill for beginners.

Which One Should You Choose?

For cannabis users who want a device that is more portable and discreet, a bubbler could be the best option. For example, if you plan on using it at home but want to be able to put it away between uses, a bubbler makes more sense.

Smokers who value smoother smoke and cooler hit, more filtration, and who don’t mind a large piece of equipment at home may prefer a bong.

This choice will also be affected by how experienced you are with smoking cannabis. Bongs are more intimidating and require more maintenance, whereas bubblers are easier to use and better suited to a beginner smoker.

When storing and cleaning a bubbler or bong, bubblers are more accessible to put away after every use and travel with, while a bong will require more effort to upkeep and more space to store between uses. 

Conclusion

Bubblers are small, portable smoking devices with one water chamber that filters smoke through it, while bongs are more extensive devices, often with multiple chambers for filtering water.

It’s important to consider what type of smoker you are and your personal preferences before settling on a bubbler or bong. People shouldn’t buy a bong if they have nowhere to keep and use it and shouldn’t buy a bubbler if they desire a smoother, more filtered hit.