Finding the perfect water pipe is like dating in your thirties. You know what you want, but browsing through all the options gets exhausting fast.
And if you’ve scrolled through the 300+ water pipes we have here at Cloud 9 and can’t decide which one to get, this article will help with some straight-up recommendations.
As a seasoned toker, I’ve spent the last few weeks testing dozens of glass pipes, silicone pieces, and gravity contraptions from our best-reviewed and bestselling items to find the setups that actually deliver on their promises.
Our Top Picks for 2025
I tested each piece for a full week, daily use, testing everything from dry herb sessions to cleaning marathons. I measured draw resistance, timed cleaning cycles and yes, dropped a few pieces (accidentally) to test durability.
The winners below earned their spots through consistent performance, not flashy marketing.
Best Everyday Water Pipe
Top Pick: Mav 12in Full Color Beaker Water Pipe ($89)
Verdict: This bad boy is the reliable workhorse you’ll reach for day after day.
Pros
- Has an Ice catcher
- Thick glass can take daily use
- Beaker base won’t tip over
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Basic bowl included
- Too big to travel with
This 12-inch beaker from MAV became my go-to within days. It’s made from sturdy borosilicate glass that feels solid but not bulky, and the wide base adds extra stability—perfect for late-night sessions.
I’ve knocked it over twice (snack-related accidents), and it survived without a scratch.
Cleanup is easy—just warm water and basic glass cleaner, thanks to the simple downstem design. No tricky percs to deal with.
If you need a solid daily driver or a first serious glass piece, this one hits smooth and won’t empty your wallet. The included bowl is pretty basic, and it’s not super travel-friendly, but for the price? It’s a winner.
Best Water Pipe for Beginners
Top Pick: Gambino Studios 8" Mini Beaker Water Pipe ($44.99)
Verdict: Small and simple. You can’t mess up.
Pros:
- Small and easy to handle
- Less water and lung power required
- USA made glass
Cons:
- Not for group sessions
Great for beginners stepping up from hand pipes. This 8" mini piece from Gambino Studios keeps it simple with real water filtration in a compact, easy-to-use design. It’s comfy to hit, easy to clean, and forgiving for first-time users. No huge lungs needed, no fancy parts to break—just fill, use, and rinse. Seasoned smokers might want more percs, but for newbies, it’s a perfect intro to water pipes.
Best Travel Water Pipe
Top Pick: Paradise Silicone Giraffe Beaker Water Pipe ($44.99)
Verdict: Unbreakable and adventure-proof.
Pros:
- Silicone is drop and impact proof
- Lightweight for camping trips
- Dishwasher safe (seriously)
- Affordable to replace if lost
Cons:
- Silicone retains flavors over time
- Not as pretty as glass pipes
I used to doubt silicone, then this Paradise piece proved me wrong. It’s tough as nails (survived drops, hikes, and even being stepped on) and perfect for travel. The extendable giraffe neck lets you adjust the chamber size, and it’s dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. It became my go-to during festival season. Only downside? Slight flavor retention if you don’t clean it well.
Best Water Pipe for Smoothest Hits
Top Pick: AFM Double Tree Perc Water Pipe ($199.99)
Verdict: Engineering meets artistry for butter-smooth draws.
Pros:
- Dual tree perc system delivers super smooth draws
- High quality borosilicate glass
- Complex but manageable cleaning
- Looks sick during use
Cons:
- Pricey
- Multiple chambers mean more to clean
This AFM piece is percolator perfection. Dual tree percs deliver ultra-smooth hits by breaking down harshness in two stages. Thick glass and precise joints make it feel premium, and after 6 weeks of daily use, the draw is still flawless. Cleaning takes effort, so grab an ash catcher, but the smoothness is 100% worth it. Ideal for serious smokers who value function over flash.
Best Glass Water Pipe Under $100
Top Pick: DTHC Glass Wavy Straight Neck Water Pipe ($49.99)
Verdict: Proof that budget pieces can deliver premium experiences.
Pros:
- Glass is high quality rivals more expensive pieces
- Wavy neck is unique
- Double-diffy percolator
Cons:
- Availability can be hit or miss
DTHC nails the price-to-performance ratio with this wavy neck piece. For just $50, you get solid build quality, a double perc, and a standout design. The joints are sturdy, the downstem is easy to clean, and it looks great in any session. Budget-friendly without cutting corners—perfect for showing up with style and smooth hits.
Best Gravity Water Pipe
Top Pick: Stündenglass Gravity Infuser ($599)
The Tesla of water pipes for those who want the best.
Pros:
- Gravity powered function
- Premium materials and build
- Party centerpiece
- No lung pull required
Cons:
- Too expensive for most people
- Complex to clean and maintain
We saved the best for last: the Stündenglass Gravity Infuser. This sci-fi-inspired piece uses gravity, not lung power, for smooth, effortless hits. It's more than a water pipe! it’s an engineering marvel, conversation starter, and status symbol.
Setup takes a minute to learn, but once you flip it, gravity does the work. Every session feels clean, smooth, and mesmerizing. Cleaning is a bit more involved, and the price is premium, but for serious enthusiasts, the experience is next-level.
Shop the Best Water Pipes at Cloud 9
Looking for the best water pipes without the hassle or high prices? At Cloud 9 Smoke Shop, we offer a curated collection for everyone from beginners to experienced smokers.
Browse affordable glass pipes, premium recycler rigs, and portable silicone pieces—online or at any of our 50 plus locations across Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida. Our knowledgeable staff is here to help you find exactly what you need, no hype, just honest guidance.
Ready to upgrade your setup? Explore Cloud 9's full water pipe collection or visit a store near you today.