Paper tips are the default for a lot of people who roll their own. They're cheap and easy to find. But how do they compare to a tip made from Premium Beeswax? Here's an honest side-by-side.
What They're Made Of
Paper and cardboard tips are made from wood or plant fiber. Beeswax Tips™ are made of Premium Beeswax, with no cardboard, plastic, glue, dye, or bleach. Beeswax is recognized by the FDA as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) and has been used in food applications for centuries.
Verdict: beeswax tips keep the ingredient list short.
Prep and Ease of Rolling
Paper tips are usually folded or rolled by hand before you can use them. Beeswax Tips are pre-formed and ready to use as-is: place one where you'd normally put a crutch and roll as usual. Beeswax is naturally tacky, so it grips the paper.
Verdict: beeswax is faster and easier.
Moisture and Shape
Paper fiber absorbs moisture, so a paper tip can soften and lose its shape. Beeswax is naturally water-resistant, which is why it has been used for centuries to seal and waterproof. A beeswax tip is solid and holds its shape.
Verdict: beeswax holds up better.
After Use
Both are natural materials. Beeswax breaks down slowly over time in soil and outdoor conditions, depending on moisture, temperature, and location. Our seeded tips go a step further: Cosmos Tips, Basil Tips, and Cosmos Cones have a seed set into the wax so you can plant the tip after use. Learn more in Does Beeswax Break Down?
Verdict: beeswax, especially if you plant it.
Cost
Paper tips are cheaper per tip, no question. Beeswax Tips start at $4.00 for two packs of 10 tips, with lower per-pack prices on bigger bundles.
Verdict: paper wins on price; beeswax wins on convenience and performance.
The Bottom Line
If price is all that matters, paper tips win. If you want a tip that's ready to use, grips the paper, and holds its shape, beeswax is the better pick. Try our standard Beeswax Rolling Tips (8mm) or Pinners, our slim tips at 6.5mm. Comparing against cardboard instead? Read Beeswax vs Cardboard Rolling Tips.