Amy Norton
App-controlled sex toys were once a niche market. Now they’re mainstream and huge business, enabling new ways to use sex toys solo or with a partner. Everyone from cam models, to BDSM enthusiasts, to those in long-distance relationships have realized the potential of app-controlled toys to meet those needs.
But with so many on the market, and retail prices north of $100 generally, picking the best app controlled vibrator for you can be a daunting prospect. Luckily, we can help.
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Best Wearable Vibrator: We-Vibe Chorus
We-Vibe has been developing and perfecting the wearable-during-intercourse couples’ vibrator for years. The latest offering, the Chorus, is the best yet, and features a squeeze-operated remote control, touch-responsive sensors, and an AnkorLink/Bluetooth mix combo technology for connecting more reliably with the We-Connect app (Android / iOS).
The Chorus also offers the strong, rumbly and satisfying vibrations that fans have come to expect and love from this company’s products.
The app control is usable from anywhere in the world and the Chorus’s response is fast and reliable.
Price: £179.99
- Pros: Very strong and rumbly vibrations; fast and reliable app connectivity; fun and innovative tech features.
- Cons: Advertized as ‘hands-free’, but really doesn’t stay in place for long without help; expensive in comparison to alternatives.
Best Rabbit Vibrator: Lovense Nora
Lovense was an early pioneer of app-controlled sex toys and is still incredibly popular for good reason. The Lovense models are particularly popular with cam models and performers due to the patented technology that allows for tip-controlled vibrations, and the ability to give live control to high tippers during a cam show.
Couple that with the strong clitoral vibrations, rotating head for more effective G-spot stimulation, and ability to sync with the Max 2 toy for people with a penis, and it’s easy to see why the Lovense Nora is an enduring favorite.
For those who don’t have a smartphone or just find that using their computer is easier, the Lovense app allows toys to be synced to music or sound-activated. It also connects directly to a PC via an adaptor.
Price: £129.99
- Pros: Tech designed specifically with sex workers in mind; strong vibrations; ability to sync with your partner toy (Max 2) from anywhere in the world; reliable connectivity.
- Cons: Very heteronormative branding and marketing; shape and positioning of internal and external arms will not work for all bodies.
Best short-range toy: Svakom Ella
The Svakom app is by far the most user-friendly, intuitive interface of any we’ve tried. It connects quickly, works reliably, and has an innovative touch-screen sensitive function that allows you to draw your own vibration patterns.
The Svakom Ella bullet/egg vibrator is a surprisingly powerful and quiet little toy that works well as either an internal or external vibrator. The main downside is that its app only works over a short range. So while this is a poor choice for long-distance lovers, it is ideal for those looking to hand over the controls to their partner up close.
RRP: £99.99 (Reduced at time of writing – £64.99)
- Pros: Quiet; great app functionality; pretty and stylish; ‘draw your own vibration pattern’ function.
- Cons: Only works short-range, so no good for long distance lovers.
Best Butt Plug: We-Vibe Ditto
The We-Vibe Ditto is a small and compact silicone plug which hooks up to We-Vibe’s We-Connect app for remote fun. It also comes with a remote control, giving you more options for solo or shared play.The We-Vibe Ditto’s flexible neck and contoured base make it super comfortable to wear, which is always appreciated.
As with all We-Vibe toys, the Ditto offers strong and rumbly vibrations. It’s small in size (only 3-inches insertable length) making it beginner-friendly, but it may not be satisfying for fans of larger insertables. Different size variations of this same toy would be great.
The Ditto connects to the We Connect app by Bluetooth, and tends to be fast to connect and reliable in use. We Connect is well designed and user friendly, and works exceptionally well at a distance – even if your lover is in a different country.
Price: £109.99
- Pros: Strong vibrations; good app functionality; suitable for complete beginners to anal play.
- Cons: Small size; some users find the bulging shape uncomfortable.
Best Wand Vibrator: We-Vibe Wand
We-Vibe makes the list yet again with its incredible Wand. I’m a huge wand fan, and the idea of one that is not only wireless and extremely powerful but also controllable from anywhere is revolutionary.
The Wand by We-Vibe features a host of interesting bonus features including touch-sensitive Smart Silence and the joystick style intensity control. It also comes with two attachments, making it highly versatile as either a clitoral stimulator or a penis stroker.
The one significant downside to the Wand is that, unlike other We-Vibe products I tried, its response times are slow when used with the We-Connect app. It takes about 3 seconds from changing the setting within the app to the toy responding.
Price: £159.99
- Pros: Power to rival most plug-in wands; innovative Smart Silence and joystick tech; attachments make it very versatile.
- Cons: Long response time when used with the app; expensive in comparison to some alternatives.
Overall conclusions
Overall, Svakom has one of the best user interfaces of any app-controlled sex toy brands. Unfortunately, it’s limited by only working for short-range play sessions. We’d love to see the company branch out and experiment with making a truly long-distance friendly toy.
Taken as a whole, however, it’s a very close call between We-Vibe and Lovense. Both companies have consistently made improvements to their product ranges, taking into account user feedback.
Couple this with apps that are intuitive and largely reliable (and in We-Vibe’s case, with efforts made to improve connectivity via the AnchorLink/Bluetooth tech), genuine technological innovations, and the most powerful vibrations on the market, and you can see why these two companies tend to edge ahead of the competition when it comes to remote toys for people with a vulva.
Read Next: The Best Smart Sex Toys for Women & People With Vulvas
