If you're just learning about the existence of long-distance sex toys, welcome. You may think sex requires proximity—but given recent advances in technology that isn’t exactly true. Your connection to your partner doesn’t have to suffer just because both of you aren’t together in the same bed, room, or even country. There's been a steady increase in the growth of app-controlled devices that allow you to control the sensation your partner is feeling on their most sensitive parts from anywhere on the planet. It's the usual bedside table suspects: vibrators, prostate massagers, masturbators—that are also hooked up to a globe-spanning orgasm Skynet.

So whether it's months or years apart or just a quick business trip, we've got the 17 best long-distance sex toys that will make your next FaceTime as sexy as possible. (For those who can be together physically, we also have the best sex toys for couples.)

The Best Long-Distance Sex Toys, at a Glance

If you can't wait to close the gap between you and your partner, here are our top-pick sex toys for those LDRs.

The Best Dual Stimulation Vibrator: Lovense Nora 3, $148The Best Prostate Massager: We-Vibe Vector, $139The Best Panty Vibe: We-Vibe Moxie, $139The Best Cock Ring: Lovense Diamo Cock Ring, $119The Best Couples Vibrator: We-Vibe Sync, $159The Best Stroker: Lovense Max 2, $140The Best Wearable Vibrator: Lovense Lush 3, $129The Best Sucking Toy: Satisfyer Love Triangle, $53The Best Butt Plug: Je Joue Nuo Vibrating Butt Plug, $139Your Shopping-Related FAQs, Answered

→ Why should long-distance couples use sex toys?→ What to look for in long-distance sex toys

The Best Dual-Stimulation Vibrator: Lovense Nora

Lovense

Nora$148

Babeland

Material: Silicone and ABS plasticBattery Life: 4 hoursHow to Use: Press and hold the top button for three seconds to turn the toy on or off. Control the vibrations with the top button and the rotating head with the bottom button, or pair it with the Lovense app to control it that way.

Ease of Use: 4 / 5 | Durability: 4 / 5 | Fun Factor: 4.5 / 5 | Features: 4.5 / 5 | Value: 3.5 / 5 | Overall Rating: 4.1 / 5

Angie Rowntree, founder and director of adult film site Sssh, gives this rabbit vibe a resounding recommendation, especially when paired with the Max 2 stroker (below). The two toys can sync up “teledildonically,” so that, one partner thrusting their Nora faster would cause the other partner's Max to vibrate more intensely. Even used alone, the Nora is a great dual-stimulation vibe that can rumble against the clit area while rhythmically massaging the G-spot for “powerful and simultaneous clitoral stimulation that will leave you breathless,”as Rowntree describes it.

Pros: Powerful rumbly vibrations; syncs with other Lovense toys like the Max; clitoral arm is flexible enough to allow for thrusting without losing contact; smooth soft silicone; each function can be controlled independently; long battery life; waterproofCons: Rotation function is a little noisy; not very versatile as neither of the two functions can easily be used separately from each other; can’t be used with silicone-based lubes

The Best Prostate Massager: We-Vibe Vector

We-Vibe

Vector$139

WeVibe

Material: Silicone and ABS plasticBattery Life: 2 hoursHow to Use: Hold the on/off button for two seconds to turn the toy on or off. Adjust the angle of the head to suit your preferences. Use the same button to cycle through the toy’s modes, or control it with the We-Vibe app or the included remote.

Ease of Use: 3.5 / 5 | Durability: 4 / 5 | Fun Factor: 4 / 5 | Features: 4 / 5 | Value: 3.5 / 5 | Overall Rating: 3.8 / 5

April Maria, sex educator for online dating service Joyclub.com, recommends We-Vibe toys for their high-quality, comfortable designs and easy-to-navigate app interface: “I have been using We-Vibe toys as my long-distance option for several years and they never fail to disappoint.” This prostate massager is a good example. Its angle is adjustable for the perfect fit, and you can control the vibrations yourself via the We-Vibe app or invite a partner to do so. It's perfect for changing up the game when the old rub-and-tug starts to get old during your video sex sessions.

Pros: Good shape and size for anal beginners; 10-plus vibration modes; adjustable angle; stimulates both the prostate and the perineum; multiple different ways you can control it; waterproofCons: Connectivity strength is only so-so; can’t be used with silicone-based lubes

The Best Panty Vibe: We-Vibe Moxie

We-Vibe

Moxie+$139

WeVibe

Material: SiliconeBattery Life: 2 hoursHow to Use: Place the toy on the inside of your underwear, wherever it feels best, and put the included magnetic clip on the outside of your underwear to hold the toy in place. Turn the toy on and off with its power button and control it with the other buttons, or with the We-Vibe app.

Ease of Use: 4 / 5 | Durability: 4 / 5 | Fun Factor: 4.5 / 5 | Features: 4 / 5 | Value: 3.5 / 5 | Overall Rating: 4 / 5

Imagine walking around in a public place, trying to keep your face neutral, while your partner controls a vibrator in your underwear from miles away. It's a wild thought, but with the Moxie+, it's more than doable. “Magnetic clips secure it to your panties, so you can enjoy hands-free pleasure,” Rowntree says. The convenient magnetic clip sets the Moxie+ apart from lots of other panty vibes, which can fall out at inconvenient times (and trust me, you do not want that).

Pros: Powerful vibrations; 10+ vibration modes; strong magnet; discreet; quiet; waterproofCons: Connectivity strength is somewhat hit-or-miss; can’t be used by anyone with a pacemaker or implanted heart defibrillator due to the internal magnet; can’t be used with silicone-based lube

The Best Cock Ring: Lovense Diamo App Controlled Rechargeable Cock Ring

Lovense

Diamo App Controlled Rechargeable Cock Ring$119

Amazon

Material: SiliconeBattery Life: 3 hoursHow to Use: Turn the toy on or off by holding down its one button. Control its settings with the same button or pair it with the Lovense app.

Ease of Use: 4 / 5 | Durability: 4 / 5 | Fun Factor: 3.5 / 5 | Features: 4.5 / 5 | Value: 4 / 5 | Overall Rating: 4.1 / 5

The Diamo C-Ring gives couples the ability to create up to 10 unique vibration patterns, to really cater to what turns you both on. This one is perfect for mutual masturbation over video chat, as it stimulates multiple erogenous zones, from the shaft to the p-spot.

Pros: Stimulates the shaft, balls, and perineum; quiet; waterproof; can be worn in multiple different positions/orientations; improves erection strength and staminaCons: May not fit very thick or very thin penises; can’t be used with silicone-based lubes

The Best Couples Vibrator: We-Vibe Sync 2

We-Vibe

Sync 2$159

WeVibe

Material: SiliconeBattery Life: 2 hoursHow to Use: Turn the toy on by holding down the button on it for a few seconds. Adjust the fit before inserting, using the hinge in the center of the toy. Control it via the button on the toy or the included remote, or by pairing it with the We-Vibe app.

Ease of Use: 4 / 5 | Durability: 3 / 5 | Fun Factor: 3.5 / 5 | Features: 4.5 / 5 | Value: 3.5 / 5 | Overall Rating: 3.8 / 5

This toy is designed to be “worn” vaginally during penetrative sex, with one arm resting internally on the G-spot and the other externally on the clitoris, so you have that to look forward to when you can be physically together again. Gigi Engle, a certified sex and relationship psychotherapist and intimacy expert for dating app 3Fun, likes that the accompanying app is easy to use to tease a partner from a distance. Plus, this toy can be used alone or paired with a dildo; each thrust will cause the internal arm to rub against the G-spot more firmly.

Pros: Adjustable fit; 10+ vibration settings; powerful rumbly vibrations; can be worn during penetrative sex (or while using a dildo); waterproof; quietCons: Can’t be used with silicone-based lubes; hinge could break if handled too aggressively

The Best Stroker: Lovense Max 2

Lovense

Max 2$140

Love Honey

Material: ABS plastic and TPE (thermoplastic elastomer)Battery Life: 5 hoursHow to Use: Use the power button to turn the toy off and on, and control it with the buttons or the Lovense app. Apply a water-based lubricant to the inside and entrance of the toy before penetrating it.

Ease of Use: 3.5 / 5 | Durability: 4.5 / 5 | Fun Factor: 4 / 5 | Features: 5 / 5 | Value: 4.5 / 5 | Overall Rating: 4.3 / 5

“Max 2 is an innovative male masturbator sleeve featuring adjustable vibrations and contractions to make the sensations as realistic as possible,” Rowntree says. If you give up control to your partner via the Lovense app, they can adjust the vibrations and the rhythmic squeezing function separately from one another, engineering your orgasm however they please. You can use it by itself or sync it up with other Lovense toys, like the Nora (above), for a more immersive, teledildonic experience.

Pros: Offers both vibration and contractions/squeezing; multiple settings for each function; sleeve can be removed for easier cleaning; adjustable air vent so you can control the amount of suction; syncs with some other Lovense toys like the Nora for a “teledildonic” experience; water-resistant; long battery lifeCons: Noisy; can’t be used with silicone-based lubes

The Best Wearable Vibrator: Lovense Lush 3

Lovense

Lush 3$129

Amazon

Material: SiliconeBattery Life: 5 hoursHow to Use: Turn the toy off or on with the button on it. Control its settings with the same button or by pairing it with the Lovense app.

Ease of Use: 4.5 / 5 | Durability: 4 / 5 | Fun Factor: 3.5 / 5 | Features: 4 / 5 | Value: 4 / 5 | Overall Rating: 4 / 5

The Lush 3 is designed to be worn internally for people with vaginas, and Rowntree describes it as a toy that “gives deep rumbly vibrations right to the G-spot and all your other sweet spots.” Its ergonomic design keeps it in place comfortably, even if the wearer is moving around, so it's a good choice for discreet public play. It also works well as a hands-free G-spot vibrator which can be controlled from near or far.

Pros: Powerful vibrations; good shape for hands-free G-spot stimulation; waterproof; long battery life; quiet/discreet enough for public useCons: Clitoral stimulation is pretty minimal; can’t be used with silicone-based lubes

The Best Sucking Toy: Satisfyer Love Triangle

Satisfyer

Love Triangle$53

Amazon

Material: Silicone and ABS plasticBattery Life: 1 hourHow to Use: Turn the toy on and off using the power button. Control its vibrations and pressure waves with the other buttons, or pair it with the Satisfyer app.

Ease of Use: 3.5 / 5 | Durability: 3.5 / 5 | Fun Factor: 3.5 / 5 | Features: 4 / 5 | Value: 3.5 / 5 | Overall Rating: 3.6 / 5

Oral sex is the tried and true way to give someone with a clitoris an orgasm. Not everyone loves it, but the people who do really love it. The Satisfyer uses air pulse technology to surround the clitoris creating the feeling of oral sex. The Love Triangle pairs with the Satisfyer App, giving you control over the modes of the toy from afar. You can create your very own customized experience for your partner.

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Pros: Combines pressure-wave technology with vibration; 11 pressure-wave intensities and 10 vibration settings; cap for hygiene and travel-friendliness; waterproof; affordableCons: Buttons can be hard to locate during use; loud; “mouth” won’t fit all clitoris sizes; can’t be used with silicone-based lubes; short battery life

The Best Butt Plug: Je Joue Nuo Vibrating Butt Plug

Je Joue

Nuo$139

Babeland

Material: SiliconeBattery Life: 2 hoursHow to Use: Press the button on the base of the toy for three seconds to turn it on or off. Pair it with the Je Joue app to control it.

Ease of Use: 4 / 5 | Durability: 4 / 5 | Fun Factor: 3 / 5 | Features: 3.5 / 5 | Value: 3.5 / 5 | Overall Rating: 3.6 / 5

The anus is a pleasure-packed area that can be enjoyed by all genders. The most sensitive area is the opening so there's no need for deep penetration (if that's not your jam). The Nuo butt plug is the perfect smart toy for anal newcomers. It’s made of body-safe silicone, offering powerful vibrations, which are programmable through remote control. It has dual motors, meaning it simultaneously feels like you're being rimmed while it massages the prostate.

Pros: Deep rumbly vibrations; two independent motors to stimulate both the prostate and the perineum; seven vibration patterns and five speeds; waterproofCons: Vibrations may not be strong enough for some users; can’t be used with silicone-based lubes

The Best Thruster: Lovense Gravity

Lovense

Gravity$149

Amazon

Material: SiliconeBattery Life: 4 hoursHow to Use: Hold down the on/off button for three to five seconds to turn the toy on or off. Control it with the buttons on the toy or by pairing it with the Lovense app.

Ease of Use: 3.5 / 5 | Durability: 3.5 / 5 | Fun Factor: 4 / 5 | Features: 4.5 / 5 | Value: 3.5 / 5 | Overall Rating: 3.8 / 5

It's pretty tricky to feel like you're actually penetrating your partner when you're far apart, but this toy makes it easier with its self-thrusting function. It's got an optional suction-cup base, so you can attach it to a wall, floor, or other smooth and flat surface for hands-free use. Controlling it via the Lovense app is probably the closest you can get to feeling like you're actually inside your partner, even if you're hundreds of miles apart.

Pros: Thrusts and vibrates; each function can be controlled independently; detachable suction-cup base for easier positioning/hands-free usage; water-resistant; long battery lifeCons: Not curved for intense G-spot stimulation; not anal-safe; not compatible with silicone-based lubes

The Best Wand Vibrator: Lovense Domi 2

Lovense

Domi 2$140

Lovehoney

Material: SiliconeBattery Life: 5 hoursHow to Use: Hold down the “up” button to turn the toy on. Use its two buttons to change the vibration intensity, or pair it with the Lovense app to control it.

Ease of Use: 4.5 / 5 | Durability: 4 / 5 | Fun Factor: 3.5 / 5 | Features: 3.5 / 5 | Value: 3.5 / 5 | Overall Rating: 3.8 / 5

Wand vibes are often used solo, but with the right setup, it can be fun to use them with a long-distance partner too. For instance, if one person lies on top of the vibrator, or ties it to their thigh with bondage rope so it's pressing against their most sensitive spots, their partner can overwhelm them with sensation or even give them a “forced orgasm” (consensually) from afar with the Lovense app. This is also just a great vibe to have in your collection, because it works on all different kinds of genitals and can even be used to relax sore muscles.

Pros: Powerful rumbly vibrations; additional attachments can be purchased to make it more versatile; waterproof; long battery life; relatively quiet for a wand of this power levelCons: May be larger and heavier than some users would prefer; can’t be used with silicone-based lubes

The Best Rideable Vibrator: Cowgirl

The Cowgirl

Cowgirl$1,450

SheVibe

Material: Steel, aluminum, plastic, polyurethane, and siliconeBattery Life: ElectricHow to Use: Follow the included instructions to set up the toy (they’re too complex to summarize here!). Control the toy with its corded remote control or by connecting it to the Cowgirl app.

Ease of Use: 2 / 5 | Durability: 4.5 / 5 | Fun Factor: 4 / 5 | Features: 4 / 5 | Value: 3 / 5 | Overall Rating: 3.5 / 5

The “cowgirl position” is a tried-and-true favorite for many, and this toy is one of the most luxurious ways to replicate it at a distance. Climb aboard its sizeable “saddle” and you can use one of its insertable attachments for anal or vaginal stimulation, or just grind your external hotspots against one of its flat attachments. And since the toy is app-compatible, your partner can take control of your ride from across the globe.

Pros: Very powerful vibrations; vibrates and rotates; both functions can be controlled independently; comfortably padded saddle seat; comes with two silicone attachments (and more are available to purchase), which are easy to remove and clean between uses; slip-resistant silicone baseCons: Loud; extremely expensive; heavy and hard to move around; requires a nearby electrical outlet; may not be comfortable for users with hip/knee issues; has to be used on a stable, flat surface; requires some setup; can’t be used with silicone-based lubes

The Best Kegel Balls: We-Vibe Bloom

We-Vibe

Bloom$119

Walmart

Material: SiliconeBattery Life: 90 minutesHow to Use: Hold down the button on the toy for two seconds to turn it on or off. Use the same button to cycle through its settings, or pair it with the We-Vibe app.

Ease of Use: 4 / 5 | Durability: 4 / 5 | Fun Factor: 4 / 5 | Features: 4 / 5 | Value: 3 / 5 | Overall Rating: 3.8 / 5

Kegel exercises don't have to be boring—these “love balls” make it more exciting by throwing vaginal vibration into the mix, which can be controlled remotely by you or your partner. What better motivation could there be to keep up with your exercise regimen?

Pros: Powerful rumbly vibrations; 10 different vibration settings; comes with three different interchangeable weights for Kegel workouts; sturdy cord for easier retrieval; quiet; waterproofCons: App connectivity is not always reliable; sexual fluids tend to collect in the seams between weights; can’t be used with silicone-based lubes

The Best Vibrating Nipple Clamps: Lovense Gemini

Lovense

Gemini$79

SheVibe

Material: Silicone, ABS plastic, and nylonBattery Life: 2 hoursHow to Use: Hold the on/off button for three seconds to turn the toy on or off. Use the same button to cycle through its vibration settings, or pair it with the Lovense app.

Ease of Use: 4 / 5 | Durability: 4 / 5 | Fun Factor: 4 / 5 | Features: 4 / 5 | Value: 3 / 5 | Overall Rating: 3.8 / 5

All the other toys on this list are for your junk, but your nipples deserve some love too! “The three steady [vibration] speeds and 10 dynamic patterns are all fully programmable, so you can feel anything from gentle pleasure to ‘it hurts so good’ pain,” Rowntree says. They're an elegant way to add some sadomasochism into your long-distance play.

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Pros: Clamps are adjustable; can use one clamp clitorally if desiredCons: Clamps can’t be separated for individual use

The Best Realistic Masturbator: Kiiroo Keon & Feel Britney Interactive Masturbator Combo Set

Kiiroo

Keon & Feel Britney Interactive Masturbator Combo Set$199

Amazon

Material: ABS plastic, polycarbonate, silicone, and TPEBattery Life: Up to 2 hoursHow to Use: Insert the stroker into the Keon device, and rotate it counterclockwise until you hear a click that confirms it's locked in place. Hold down the power button for four seconds to turn the toy on. From there, you can either connect it to the FeelConnect app or hold down the smaller button to put it into manual mode. Apply water-based lube liberally to your penis and to the inside of the stroker before using, and reapply as needed.

Ease of Use: 3 / 5 | Durability: 3.5 / 5 | Fun Factor: 4.5 / 5 | Features: 4.5 / 5 | Value: 3.5 / 5 | Overall Rating: 3.8 / 5

Many Bluetooth-compatible strokers just look like high-tech tubes, which is fine if it's your jam, but sometimes you might want something a little more realistic to stick your dick into. Engle recommends the Kiiroo line of products for their great long-distance functionality. This toy can sync up with VR content, or with your far-away partner's toy, “so that one partner can be using a masturbation sleeve in tandem with their partner's vibrator to create a more intimate experience,” Engle says. This particular item is a combo of a realistic masturbator and an additional device that physically strokes it up and down, simulating the sensations of penetrative sex or a blowjob—at its fastest, it can reach up to 230 strokes per minute.

Pros: Realistic vulva-esque sleeve with pleasurable internal texture; can be synced with other Kiiroo toys or with interactive VR content; speed and stroke length can each be controlled separatelyCons: Expensive; bulky and heavy; not waterproof

The Best VR-Enabled Long-Distance Toy: Hot Octopuss Pulse Solo Interactive

Hot Octopuss

Pulse Solo Interactive$179

Amazon

Material: SiliconeBattery Life: Up to 45 minutesHow to Use: Hold down the power button for two seconds to put the toy into standby mode. From there, you can pair it with the FeelConnect app on your phone, or control its vibrations with the plus and minus buttons on the toy itself. Short-press the power button to cycle through patterns.

Ease of Use: 3.5 / 5 | Durability: 4.5 / 5 | Fun Factor: 4 / 5 | Features: 4.5 / 5 | Value: 4 / 5 | Overall Rating: 4.1 / 5

Hot Octopuss makes some of the best penis-focused vibrators, offering deep, satisfying vibrations that rumble against the sensitive frenulum on the underside of the penis. They can be used whether the user is soft or hard, and if that wasn't enough, the Pulse Solo Interactive also syncs with interactive video content (with over 4,000 interactive videos available to peruse), meaning the user can watch their favorite erotic imagery and feel every movement based on what they are viewing. We're probably going to start seeing more and more sex toys that incorporate VR in the next few years, and Amy Baldwin and April Lampert of the Shameless Sex podcast recommend it for anyone interested in that realm.

Pros: Unique oscillations feel “rumblier” and deeper than standard vibrations; 9 speeds and 6 patterns; can be used with or without an erection; can sync with interactive content or with some other sex toys; waterproof; easy to cleanCons: Some users report the app is not well-designed; short battery life

The Best G-Spot Vibrator: BlueMotion NEX2

OhMiBod

BlueMotion NEX2$129 $90

Amazon

Material: SiliconeBattery Life: Up to 2 hoursHow to Use: Hold down the squiggle button for three to four seconds to turn the toy on. From there, you can pair it with the OhMiBod app on your phone. If you want to use it in manual mode instead, short-press that same button to cycle through vibration patterns, and use the plus and minus buttons to change the vibration intensity.

Ease of Use: 4 / 5 | Durability: 4 / 5 | Fun Factor: 3.5 / 5 | Features: 4 / 5 | Value: 4.5 / 5 | Overall Rating: 4 / 5

Engle recommends Blue Motion's long-distance toys, especially because the OhMiBod app offers the ability to sext, exchange photos, or hop on a video call while you're using a toy together. This particular toy is focused on the G-spot, with a curved body and bulbous head that make stimulating that area a breeze, but it also works well on external erogenous zones like the clitoris or perineum. Connect it to the OhMiBod app for long-distance control, or just use it solo in manual mode.

Pros: Numerous pre-programmed and customizable modes/settings; good curve to target the G-spotCons: Not waterproof

Why should long-distance couples use sex toys?

There are plenty of tech-assisted ways to connect with a long-distance sweetheart. Couples who live far apart are no longer limited to sending letters rife with sexual tension back and forth across an ocean, like in the ye old times. These days, you can can hook up over FaceTime or Zoom, exchange nudes on Snapchat or Whatsapp, or even kick it old-school and indulge in some phone sex.

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But if you truly want to harness present-day technologies to make your long-distance sex life sweeter, remotely controllable sex toys are where it’s at. “Sexual spark can become difficult to maintain when you're at a distance and can't touch each other, so finding creative ways to keep things intimate is key,” says Engle. “We also want to create experiences that are as intimate and as close to real life as possible—and the use of toys and video calls can help to bridge this gap.”

Using toys together can feel more “real” and connective than each person individually touching themselves during a chat, because with many long-distance toys, you have real-time control over what your partner is feeling. “You can toggle on the toys, control speed and intensity, and either deliver an orgasm right there, or potentially ‘edge’ each other for as long as you can both take it,” explains Rowntree.

Beyond fostering pleasure and intimacy, long-distance sex toys can also help you keep the sexual tension sizzling between you and your partner until you’re able to be together again. That spark can be tricky to reignite once it’s gone out, so why not throw some extra fuel on the fire?

Finally, using sex toys—separately, or together at a distance—can teach you skills that’ll translate into IRL sex with your partner when you get to see each other in person. “It allows us to explore our bodies privately, whilst being intimate with another person, establishing a better understanding of what we like when we’re alone, whilst equipping us with confidence to communicate and share what we want with each other,” says Maria.

What to look for in long-distance sex toys

Material: “The most important thing to look for is a body-safe material from a brand you trust,” says Danielle Bezalel, host of the Sex Ed with DB podcast. Some expert-approved toy materials include silicone and ABS plastic. Look for materials that are marked as non-porous (meaning they won’t cling onto bacteria) and free of phthalates that can cause health issues like

Bluetooth Functionality: For app-based fun, you're going to want to use a toy equipped with Bluetooth technology, say Baldwin and Lampert: “This means that, as long as you have WiFi, you have the ability to control your partner’s toy from afar.” A nice thing about Bluetooth toys is that you can use them when you’re physically together, too, especially if you find it easier to control a toy via your phone than by pressing the buttons on the toy itself, which can sometimes be small and hard to find in the moment.

Type of Toy: “Think about the kind of sensations you enjoy and how that will be replicated with the toy you choose,” Maria suggests, from prostate to vaginal stimulation, or attention focused on other erogenous zones like the nipples. Communicating with your partner about their preferences can always help you dial in on what's going to click for the both of you.

A Well-Designed App: Most long-distance toys can be controlled via their own proprietary iPhone or Android app, but it’s worth doing some research on how these work to enhance your sexual experience (and any privacy concerns) before downloading them. Many of them, like the We-Vibe app, allow you to create and save your own vibration patterns. Some, like the Lovense app, can be configured so your vibrator responds dynamically to ambient noise or music. Other toy apps even come with built-in chat and video-call functions, so you don’t even have to toggle back and forth between your texting app and the one you use to rev up your sex toy. You can even sync certain apps with VR content for a more immersive romp.

FYI: If you really don’t like the app that’s used to control your new toy, you might be able to instead operate it via a custom third-party app, like those developed by Buttplug.io. It’s not the most user-friendly way to go about it, but you can relish more granular control that way.

Patterns and Settings: While lots of sex toy apps give you the freedom to create your own vibration patterns, it’s nice to have an array of presets available to you right out of the box. “Every toy out there generally has different levels of intensity and/or programmable patterns, so there are plenty of wonderful options to suit your anatomy, price point, and fantasy,” Rowntree says. It’s ideal for a toy to have at least eight to 10 different intensity settings, so you can enjoy milder sensations at the start of a session and build up to a strong finish.

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Gigi Engle, COSRT Reg., MNCIP, ACS, CSE, CSC, GSRD-accred., is an award-winning author, certified sex & relationships psychotherapist, and sex educator. Gigi is an associate clinician at The Therapy Yard. In her clinical work as a COSRT-registered and GSRD-accredited sex & relationships psychotherapist, Gigi specializes in working with GSRD (Gender,... Read moreXInstagramFacebookKate Sloan is a sex toy writer for GQ. She has written the books “101 Kinky Things Even You Can Do” and “200 Words to Help You Talk About Sexuality & Gender,” and is a cohost for the podcasts The Dildorks and Question Box. Her writing on sex and relationships... Read moreWriterInstagramRelated Stories for GQSex and RelationshipsTechnology