Finding a quality bong without breaking the bank is easier than you think — especially if you know what to look for. We've rounded up the best bongs under $50 from our collection, ranked by style, size, and overall value. Whether you're a beginner looking for your first piece or just want a solid backup, there's something here for every smoker.
What to Look for in a Budget Bong
Before we get into the rankings, here's what actually matters when shopping under $50:
- Glass thickness — thicker glass = more durable and better hits
- Height — taller bongs offer more water filtration and smoother pulls
- Bowl size — 14mm is the most common and easiest to replace
- Cleaning ease — simpler shapes are easier to keep clean
- Style — because life's too short for boring glass
The Best Bongs Under $50, Ranked
🥇 1. Ramen Cup Bong 7" — $41.99
Best for: Conversation starter + solid daily driver
If you're going to have a bong on your shelf, it might as well be iconic. The Ramen Cup Bong is 7" of pure personality — shaped like an instant noodle cup and built to actually rip. It's compact, easy to clean, and guaranteed to get a reaction from everyone who sees it.
✅ Pros:
- Unique, eye-catching design
- 7" height offers decent water filtration
- Easy to clean and store
- Great conversation piece
❌ Cons:
- Not for smokers who prefer a more discreet look
- Compact size means smaller hits than taller pieces
🥈 2. Bonsai Bong 6.5" — $41.99
Best for: Aesthetic smokers who want a desktop piece
The Bonsai Bong is one of the most visually striking pieces in this price range. Shaped like a miniature bonsai tree, it's the kind of piece that looks good on a shelf even when it's not in use. Smooth hits, solid build, and genuinely beautiful.
✅ Pros:
- Stunning, artistic design
- Smooth pull for its size
- Doubles as décor
- Solid glass construction
❌ Cons:
- Intricate shape makes deep cleaning slightly trickier
- May be too decorative for minimalist tastes
🥉 3. Kraken Bong 5.7" — $41.99
Best for: Collectors and mythology fans
The Kraken Bong is compact, bold, and built with serious detail. At 5.7", it's one of the smaller picks on this list, but what it lacks in height it makes up for in character. A great pick if you want something that feels premium without the premium price tag.
✅ Pros:
- Highly detailed, collectible design
- Compact and easy to store
- Solid glass quality
- Great gift option
❌ Cons:
- Shorter height means less filtration
- Smaller chamber = smaller hits
4. Alien Bong 6" — $41.99
Best for: Sci-fi fans and beginner smokers
Simple, fun, and effective. The Alien Bong is a great entry-level piece with enough personality to keep things interesting. At 6", it hits well for its size and is one of the easiest pieces on this list to clean.
✅ Pros:
- Fun, approachable design
- Easy to clean
- Good beginner bong
- Lightweight and portable
❌ Cons:
- Less unique than other picks at this price
- Basic filtration
5. Dia De Los Muertos Skull Bong 6.1" — $41.99
Best for: Bold aesthetics and cultural flair
Beautifully detailed with Day of the Dead-inspired artwork, this bong is as much a piece of art as it is a smoking accessory. The 6.1" height gives it a comfortable pull, and the skull design makes it one of the most visually striking picks under $50.
✅ Pros:
- Stunning hand-painted style artwork
- Unique cultural design
- Comfortable 6" height
- Makes an excellent gift
❌ Cons:
- Detailed design requires careful cleaning
- Not for minimalists
6. Space Fleet Bong 6" — $41.99
Best for: Sci-fi lovers who want something sleek
Clean lines, space-themed design, and a smooth hit — the Space Fleet Bong is a solid all-rounder. It's one of the more understated picks on this list, which makes it a good choice if you want something cool without being too loud.
✅ Pros:
- Sleek, modern design
- Smooth pull
- Easy to clean
- Good for everyday use
❌ Cons:
- Less distinctive than other picks
- Standard 6" height
7. HEMPER Cauldron XL Bong 9" — $41.99
Best for: Smokers who want maximum value for their money
At 9", the Cauldron XL is the tallest bong on this list — and at the same price as everything else, it's arguably the best bang for your buck. More height means more water filtration, smoother hits, and bigger pulls. The Halloween-inspired cauldron design is a bonus.
✅ Pros:
- Tallest pick on the list at 9"
- Smoother hits thanks to more water filtration
- Unique cauldron design
- Exceptional value at this price point
❌ Cons:
- Larger size means less portable
- Takes up more shelf space
8. HEMPER Palm Tree XL Bong 10.5" — $41.99
Best for: Smokers who want the biggest hit under $50
The Palm Tree XL is the tallest piece on this list at 10.5" — and it shows. This bong delivers noticeably smoother, cooler hits than the shorter picks thanks to the extra water filtration. If you prioritize the quality of the hit over aesthetics, this is your pick.
✅ Pros:
- Tallest bong on the list at 10.5"
- Smoothest, most filtered hit
- Fun tropical design
- Best for heavy daily use
❌ Cons:
- Less portable due to size
- Tropical design isn't for everyone
Quick Comparison Table
| Bong | Height | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ramen Cup Bong | 7" | Conversation starter | $41.99 |
| Bonsai Bong | 6.5" | Aesthetic/décor | $41.99 |
| Kraken Bong | 5.7" | Collectors | $41.99 |
| Alien Bong | 6" | Beginners | $41.99 |
| Dia De Los Muertos Skull Bong | 6.1" | Bold style | $41.99 |
| Space Fleet Bong | 6" | Sleek/everyday | $41.99 |
| HEMPER Cauldron XL | 9" | Best value | $41.99 |
| HEMPER Palm Tree XL | 10.5" | Smoothest hit | $41.99 |
The Bottom Line
You don't need to spend a lot to get a great bong. Every pick on this list comes in under $50 and delivers real quality — the difference is really about style and size. If you want the smoothest hit, go with the HEMPER Palm Tree XL. If you want the most personality, grab the Ramen Cup or Bonsai Bong. And if you just want the best all-around value, the HEMPER Cauldron XL at 9" is hard to beat.
Shop all bongs at Horny Stoner.
TLDR
What is the best bong under $50? The HEMPER Palm Tree XL Bong at 10.5" offers the smoothest hit and best value at $41.99, making it our top pick for smokers who prioritize filtration and hit quality.
Are cheap bongs worth buying? Yes — especially in this price range. The bongs on this list are made from quality glass and deliver a great smoking experience. The main trade-off at lower price points is usually size and thickness, not quality.
What size bong is best for beginners? A 6"–7" bong is ideal for beginners. It's easy to handle, simple to clean, and delivers a comfortable hit without being overwhelming.
How do I clean a bong? Fill with isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt, shake well, let soak for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water. Clean after every few uses for best flavor.
What's the difference between a bong and a water pipe? They're the same thing — "water pipe" is just the more formal (and legally safer) term used by retailers. Both use water filtration to cool and smooth smoke before inhalation