9mm Pipe Filters Tested – Our Recommendations 2025

Do you love to enjoy a leisurely pipe smoke (or roll a big joint every now and then) and are wondering which 9mm activated carbon filter is the best? In this 9mm pipe filter test, we take a look at the most popular filters for pipes and compare their advantages and disadvantages. From classic brands like Vauen Dr. Perl to trendy newcomers like actiTube or Medusa – we've put them all under the microscope. The result is a relaxed pipe filter comparison with the top 5 products. Which filters provide the coolest, mildest smoke? Which is the best pipe filter in 2025? Let's get started with the comparison – and at the end, we'll reveal our favorite (with a wink). 😉

Comparison table: The best 9mm pipe filters in the test

1. Grannysweed activated carbon filters 9mm (120 pieces)

Our recommendation

• 🥥 High-quality coconut activated carbon with maximum filter effect

• 🔄 Improved ceramic caps: no clogging, optimal airflow

• 📦 Stylish, magnetic box for safe storage

• 🔁 Versatile: ideal for wooden pipes & joints

2. Vauen Dr. Perl junior activated carbon filters (100 pieces)

• Classic filter from Germany with reliable filter performance

• White ceramic cap for better moisture absorption

• Cool, dry smoking pleasure

• Proven for decades

3. actiTube activated carbon filters 9mm (300 pieces)

• Very popular in the cannabis scene (also called “Tune Filter”)

• Filled to the brim with activated carbon – for a mild aroma

• Two ceramic caps, hardly any blockages

• Also suitable for screwing in

4. Savinelli Balsa Filter 9mm (15 pieces)

• Natural filter made of balsa wood, completely without activated carbon

• Reduces condensate & nicotine, preserves tobacco aroma

• Biodegradable, plastic-free

• No ceramic – completely natural

5. 1 Box of Gizeh – Active Carbon Filters 9mm (200 pieces)

• Large storage box – top value for money

• Made in Germany

• Solid standard filter for mild, dry smoke

• Ideal for heavy smokers

(Note: The Amazon product links will be added later as affiliate links.)

Why a 9mm filter in the pipe at all?

Why do so many pipe smokers use a 9mm filter in their wooden pipes? It's simple: A filter provides a significantly more pleasant smoking experience. Filters for wooden pipes with a 9mm diameter have become established because they offer the following advantages:

• Less moisture & condensation: The filter absorbs most of the resulting moisture. This prevents annoying bubbling in the pipe and prevents the notorious tongue burn. Your pipe stays drier inside.

• Reduction of harmful substances: Activated carbon filters for pipes filter out tar, nicotine, and other harmful substances from the smoke. Many of these harmful substances remain trapped in the filter instead of migrating into your lungs. The result: smoother, cleaner puffs.

• Cooler, milder smoke: Filtering cools the smoke slightly. Smoking feels smoother and less scratchy on the throat. Many smokers appreciate the filtered smoke as significantly smoother, without having to cough with every puff.

• Better taste: Paradoxical but true – by filtering out harsh taste irritants, you taste more of the pleasant aromas of the tobacco or herbal blend. While a minimal amount of flavor is lost, the overall taste becomes rounder and less harsh.

In short: A 9mm pipe filter makes smoking more relaxing and healthier. In Germany, most pipes are drilled for 9mm filters as standard. This allows you to enjoy longer, even as a beginner, without feeling too harsh on your lungs. Once you've smoked with a filter, you won't want to miss the difference!

Grannysweed activated carbon filters in focus 🔍

Let's take a closer look at our number one choice – the Grannysweed 9mm activated carbon filter . Why is Grannysweed our recommendation in this test? Here are a few good reasons:

• Maximum filter performance: This filter is packed with high-quality activated carbon made from coconut shells. More activated carbon means more effective filtration of tar and contaminants – for a particularly mild smoking experience. You won't find more activated carbon in filters anywhere else!

• Improved ceramic caps: Grandma (aka the Grannysweed team) has been tinkering around with the ceramic caps. Both ends of the filter have heat-resistant ceramic caps that ensure optimal airflow and better absorb moisture. Clogged filters are now a thing of the past.

• Sustainable materials: At Grannysweed, quality and environmental awareness are paramount. The activated carbon is vegan (made from coconut), and the filter contains no plastic components. You can simply dispose of it after use – it's free of heavy metals and manufactured in an environmentally friendly manner (Made in Germany).

• Stylish packaging: Another highlight is the packaging. The 120 filters come in a magnetic, reusable box that not only looks chic but also keeps your filters safe. No more filters flying around in your bag!

• Versatile: The 9mm granny weed filter fits all standard pipes. It's also suitable for joints —especially large roll-ups (“thick bags”). This way, you can enjoy cooler, smoother smoke even when smoking herbs or cannabis.

Our conclusion on the Grannysweed filter: If you want a well-rounded activated carbon filter for your pipe and joint, you can't go wrong with this one. High quality, sophisticated design, and sustainability – this filter bears the hallmarks of Grannys Weed. Try it out and see the difference for yourself!

👉 Tip: Curious? You can get the Grannysweed 9mm activated carbon filters directly from the Grannysweed online shop. Treat your pipe (and yourself) to this upgrade and experience the difference. Happy smoking! 🚬✨

Conclusion – The best pipe filters 2025

Our 2025 test winner, however, is— drum roll —the Grannysweed 9mm activated carbon filter . 😉 It combines top filter performance, sustainable materials, and a cool design. Sure, we may be a bit biased, but the facts speak for themselves: Grandma's 9mm filter leaves the competition in the dust. With it, you get the mildest flavor and the smoothest smoke without sacrificing sustainability or style.

The bottom line of our pipe filter test: Smoking is simply more relaxing with a good 9mm filter. All of the filters presented do a solid job, but there are slight differences depending on your priorities. Vauen Dr. Perl is the tried-and-tested classic for traditionalists; actiTube appeals primarily to chilled joint smokers; Savinelli Balsa is a great alternative for flavor purists; and the Blitz filter is worth considering for those on a budget who consume a lot of pipes.

Ultimately, of course, it's up to you to decide which filter best suits your smoking style. Feel free to try out different ones from the comparison. But if you ask us which 9mm pipe filter impressed us the most in our test , Grannysweed takes the top spot. With that in mind, have fun trying it out and always stay lit! 🔥🍃

FAQ – Frequently asked questions about pipe filters

How often should you change the 9mm pipe filter?

It's best to use them after every smoke ! Pipe filters (whether activated carbon or balsa) are disposable . With every puff, tar, moisture, and dirt build up in the filter. After one pipe fill, the filter becomes saturated and no longer functions effectively. For optimal flavor and filtering effect, you should use a fresh filter with every new pipe. (The same applies to joints: one filter tip per joint.) If you smoke two fills with one filter, it's not the end of the world—but the fresher the filter, the better the smoking experience.

What are the differences between pipe filters (9mm)?

Not all pipe filters are the same. The biggest differences lie in the material and construction:
– Activated carbon filters (9 mm) : filled with activated carbon granules (usually coconut or charcoal). They filter pollutants very effectively and cool the smoke. Classics include Dr. Perl and actiTube . Some brands combine activated carbon with additional materials (e.g., Meerschaum for White Elephant ) to increase the filtering effect.
– Balsa wood filters (9mm) : Made from natural balsa wood (no charcoal). They primarily absorb moisture and some nicotine, but allow most of the flavor to pass through. Savinelli balsa filters are well-known in this area. Ideal for smokers who want the purest flavor possible while still wanting to reduce some of the harmful substances.
– Other sizes & systems : In addition to 9mm, there are also narrower filters (e.g., 6mm paper filters like Denicotea or 8mm activated carbon filters for special pipes/filter tips). These are intended for thinner pipes or cigarettes. Pipes can also be smoked with metal coolers or without filters – in this case, the pipe bowl itself takes on some of the filtering function by cooling, but without the pollutant reduction that activated carbon does.

In short: 9mm activated carbon filters offer the most powerful cleaning and cooling, while balsa filters offer gentle, aroma-preserving drying. Which differences are important to you depends on your preferences.

Does a 9mm activated carbon filter affect the taste when smoking?

Yes, but mostly positive. While an activated carbon filter absorbs a small portion of the flavors (especially heavy tars, which contribute to the tobacco taste), harsh, bitter notes are significantly reduced. The result is a softer taste – many smokers find filtered smoke to be "rounder" and more pleasant. Especially if you smoke milder tobacco varieties or herbs, you'll hardly notice any loss of flavor; quite the opposite: finer nuances come through better because the scratchiness is eliminated. Of course, there are purists who forgo filters in order to truly taste every nuance unfiltered. For most connoisseurs, however, the advantages of a 9mm filter outweigh the disadvantages, as it purifies the flavor and removes any unwanted substances. Tip: If you want to preserve as much flavor as possible, try a balsa wood filter – it lets flavor through and, above all, absorbs moisture.

Do 9mm filters fit all pipes?

No, not every pipe is suitable for 9mm filters. However, most modern wooden pipes (especially many models from Germany) have a hole for a 9mm filter – it's practically standard. Older or very slim pipes sometimes use 6mm filters or no filters at all. It's important to design your pipe accordingly: A 9mm filter needs space in the pipe stem. Therefore, you can only use a 9mm filter if your pipe is drilled for it. If your pipe is designed without a filter , it's usually not possible to add one later (at most, you could use a so-called "cooler" or adapter, but a real activated carbon filter won't fit). Conversely, you can also smoke a 9mm filter pipe without a filter – there are small adapter sleeves for this, or you can simply smoke without an insert, although this can significantly increase the draw.

There are also uses outside of pipes : Many people roll 9mm activated carbon filters into joints to cool the smoke (provided the joint is thick enough!). 9mm filters, however, are uncommon in glass or metal pipes, as these are often constructed differently. Bottom line: Always check whether a filter fits your pipe before purchasing it – however, a 9mm pipe filter will fit most common models without any problems. Have fun trying it out!

Transparency note:
The links marked with an asterisk (*) or "affiliate link" are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, we receive a small commission. There are no additional costs for you.