The main differences come down to design, size, and whether the piece uses water.
- Hand pipes: Compact pieces with a straightforward design and no water chamber.
- Bongs: Use a water chamber as part of the design and are often taller than hand pipes.
- Other water pipes: Include different shapes and configurations, such as bubblers and recycler designs. A bubbler combines features of a hand pipe and a water pipe.
Glass pieces also vary in height, joint size, bowl design, and added components such as percolators. Before buying, consider where you'll keep the piece, how much space you have for cleaning, and whether replacement bowls or other parts will fit. A product's label can vary, so check its actual design rather than relying on the name alone.