Quick Answer: The best percolator bong depends on your priorities. For ease of use and cleaning: matrix or honeycomb perc. For maximum smoothness: swiss or double perc. For visible action and thorough filtration: tree perc. Roots Glass perc bongs run $60–$100 across all major perc types.
Not all percolators do the same thing. The type of perc determines drag, filtration level, and how much work it takes to keep clean.
A matrix perc distributes smoke across a grid — low drag, easy to clean, smooth hits. A honeycomb perc pushes smoke through dozens of small holes for maximum diffusion. A tree perc creates visible bubbling action and thorough filtration but a slightly harder pull and more upkeep. A double perc runs smoke through two full stages before it reaches you — the smoothest option in the lineup, and the most involved to maintain.
Roots Glass percolator bongs run $59.99 to $99.99 and cover every major perc type. This guide organizes them by what they actually do — so you pick the right filtration for how you smoke, not just the best-looking glass. Looking for a cheap dab rig instead? That lineup starts at $29.99.
What does each percolator type actually do?
Matrix perc: A grid of small slits diffuses smoke across a large surface area with low resistance. Matrix percs hit smooth, clear quickly, and are the easiest high-performance perc to maintain. Best for daily smokers who want filtration without a complicated cleaning routine.
Honeycomb perc: A flat disc with dozens of tiny holes maximizes smoke-to-water contact. Honeycomb percs deliver some of the smoothest hits of any perc style. The small holes require regular cleaning to avoid buildup — moderate maintenance.
Tree perc: Multiple arms extend down into the water, each with slits at the bottom. Creates visible, satisfying bubbling action with thorough filtration. Trade-off: more drag than a matrix or honeycomb, and the arms need careful cleaning.
Swiss perc: Holes cut directly into the glass tube create turbulence-based diffusion. Highly resistant to clogging and provides a balanced, smooth hit — good for heavy daily use where low maintenance matters.
Double perc: Two separate filtration stages mean smoke passes through water twice. Noticeably smoother and cooler hits. The trade-off is increased drag and more involved cleaning on both stages.
Perc bongs by perc type
-1024x1024.jpg)
What’s the best matrix perc bong?
Matrix percs are the best starting point for most buyers — low drag, smooth hits, easy to clean. Both options below run $59.99; the difference is base shape. For a full comparison of base styles, see the beaker bong guide.
14″ 5mm Matrix Perc Beaker
14″ 5mm Matrix Perc Beaker
$59.99 — Matrix perc, beaker base, 14mm joint
Beaker base holds more water for smoother hits and better stability. Matrix perc sits above the water line and distributes smoke evenly with low drag. 5mm borosilicate glass, standard 14mm joint. Works with any ash catcher for extra filtration.
14″ 5mm Matrix Perc Straight Shot
14″ 5mm Matrix Perc Straight Shot
$59.99 — Matrix perc, straight tube, 14mm joint
Same matrix perc in a straight tube design. Straight tubes clear faster than beakers — harder, more direct hit. Same 5mm glass, same 14mm joint. The call between these two comes down to whether you prefer beaker stability or straight-tube speed.
What’s the best honeycomb percolator bong?
The 12″ Honeycomb Tree Perc Rig runs smoke through a honeycomb disc first, then through a tree perc above it. Two diffusion stages in one compact piece at $69.99.
Roots Glass 12″ Honeycomb Tree Perc Rig
Roots Glass 12″ Honeycomb Tree Perc Rig
$69.99 — Honeycomb + tree perc, 12″, 14mm joint
Two-perc system: honeycomb disc handles first-stage diffusion, tree perc handles second. Hits are noticeably smoother than single-perc options at this price. At 12 inches it stays compact while delivering real multi-stage filtration. Best value two-perc bong in the lineup.
What’s the best swiss percolator bong?
Roots Glass 12″ Swiss Perc Tube
Roots Glass 12″ Swiss Perc Tube
$69.99 — Swiss perc, 12″ straight tube, 14mm joint
Swiss percs cut holes directly into the glass tube wall. Smoke travels around the holes and through the water, creating diffusion without small slits that clog over time. The easiest high-performance perc to maintain — good pick for daily smokers who want smooth hits without frequent deep cleans.
What’s the best thick-glass tree perc bong?
If you want tree perc filtration plus serious wall thickness, the 16″ Wig Wag Tree Perc Beaker is the step up. The 7mm glass is noticeably heavier than standard 5mm. For pure thickness comparisons, see the 9mm bong guide.
Roots Glass 16″ Wig Wag Tree Perc Beaker
Roots Glass 16" Wig Wag Tree Perc Beaker
$89.99 — Tree perc, 7mm glass, beaker base, 16″
16 inches of tube, 7mm borosilicate, a beaker base and a tree perc above the downstem. That’s two filtration stages plus substantial glass, so it handles daily use without feeling fragile. The 7mm walls make it noticeably heavier than 5mm pieces, and it stays planted on a table. Pick it if you want thick glass and a perc in one piece.
Why Most Guides Push More Perc Stages
Most perc bong listicles treat double or triple percs as automatic upgrades. Past two perc stages, you’re mostly adding cleaning work without meaningfully smoothing the hit further. The diminishing returns are real. A quality single-perc bong cleans easier and lasts longer than a complicated stacked design that gets neglected after month two.
What’s the best double percolator bong?
Roots Glass 16″ Stemless Double Tree Perc Tube
Roots Glass 16″ Stemless Double Tree Perc Tube
$99.99 — Double tree perc, stemless, 16″, 14mm joint
Two tree percs in a 16-inch stemless tube. The stemless design means no downstem to break — smoke enters through the base joint and hits the first tree perc immediately. Second perc adds another full diffusion stage before the mouthpiece. Most filtration stages in the Roots Glass lineup. Trade-off: two tree percs require a deliberate, steady pull and regular cleaning of both stages.
More perc bongs to compare
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a bong with a percolator better?
For most smokers, yes. A percolator adds a second filtration stage — smoke is cooler and smoother before it reaches your lungs. The trade-off is slightly more drag and more cleaning. If smoothness is the priority, a perc bong is worth it.
What is the best type of percolator for a bong?
Depends on your priorities. Matrix percs offer low drag and easy maintenance — the best all-around choice. Honeycomb percs deliver maximum diffusion. Tree percs provide thorough filtration with visible bubbling action. Swiss percs are the most clog-resistant for daily use.
Do percolators get you less high?
No. Percolators filter smoke and cool it, but they do not remove THC. The smoother, cooler hit may actually allow you to take more comfortable rips without the harshness that cuts a session short.
What is the difference between a single and double percolator bong?
A double perc bong runs smoke through two separate filtration stages. Hits are noticeably smoother and cooler. The trade-off is more drag and a more involved cleaning routine — both perc stages need regular attention to stay clear.
Written by Jared Horvath, founder of Roots Glass Supply Co. We design thick borosilicate glass for people who smoke every day — built by smokers, for smokers. Every product reviewed here we’ve handled ourselves, often for months. Shop the full lineup at rootsglass.com. Follow along on Instagram or Facebook.
Works Cited
- https://www.thickassglass.com/blogs/enlightenment/best-percolator-bongs
- https://www.hemper.co/blogs/articles/types-of-percolators
- https://www.smokecartel.com/blogs/insights/percolator-bongs-explained
- https://www.reddit.com/r/Tokers/comments/best_percolator_bong_recommendations/
- https://www.grasscity.com/collections/percolator-bongs
