Just as Himalayan salt does to an avocado half, the best bullet vibrator can level-up your solo, partnered, or multi-partnered sex life. But how do you choose the right one?
Experts in This Article
AASECT-certified sex educator with Lovehoney, known as The Millennial Sexpert
sex educator with Lovers and co-author of The Ultimate Guide To Seduction and Foreplay
sex educator and brand manager at Babeland
For those who are unfamiliar, bullet vibrators are small and mighty motorized toys shaped like the ammo they are named after. “Their compact shape makes them great for travel, while their straightforward controls work well for beginners,” says Javay Frye-Nekrasova, MEd, aka The Millennial Sexpert, an AASECT-certified sex educator with Lovehoney. (Most bullets sport just one single button control, which allows you to explore various intensity settings and patterns easily.) No more than a few inches long, they also won’t get in the way of partnered play—only add to it, she adds.
Designed to be used externally, bullet vibrators are a super convenient way to add clitoral stimulation to vaginal intercourse, according to Marla Renee Stewart, MA, a sex educator with Lovers and co-author of The Ultimate Guide To Seduction and Foreplay. “When you’re close [to climax], you can slide one between your bodies and get that extra ‘oomph’ to get to orgasm,” she says.
While these toys are typically used against the clitoris, a bullet vibe can also feel good when held against the vulva, at the entrance to the vagina, on the shaft of a penis, against the chest and nipples, between the neck and back, around the feet, and between the thighs, says Stewart. You can even slip one into a strap-on to provide some extra buzzy sensations to the wearer and receiver of the dildo. That said, one place they should never be used is in your butt. “Most bullets don’t have the anchor or flared base that make them anal-safe,” Stewart says.
To make shopping for a bullet as easy as using one, we put together this expert-endorsed list of the 10 best bullet vibrators.
The best bullet vibrators, at a glance
- Best Overall: Le Wand Bullet Vibrator, $90
- Best Runner-Up: Ultra Bullet, $50
- Most Powerful: We-Vibe Tango, $79
- Best For Beginners: ROMP Riot, $25
- Best Budget Pick: Dame Zee, $30
- Best Value: Smile Makers Surfer, $45
- Best Travel Option: Lelo Mia 3, $100
- Best Bullet With Rabbit Ears: Je Joue Rabbit Bullet Vibe, $65
- Best Glass Bullet: Playboy Pleasure Emerald Glass Bullet Vibrator, $49
- Most Unique Vibrator: Tentacle Tickler Vibrator, $59
How to choose the best bullet vibrator
Sure, bullet vibrators may all look somewhat alike. But there’s decent variety amongst the offerings' vibrational quality, length, and feel. To get the best bullet vibrator for you, consider the following:
Material
Whether you’re perusing bullets, anal beads, rose toys, or any other toy type, you need to make sure the toy is made from a body-safe material. “Toys made from silicone, stainless steel, ABS plastic, or borosilicate glass are considered body-safe, non-toxic, non-hazardous, and will not have cancer-causing agents and materials,” says Stewart.
The way these materials feel on your body and bits varies greatly. Silicone bullets have a skin-like coating that will feel silky and smooth against your skin. Harder materials like ABS plastic, glass, and metal, on the other hand, don’t have the same squishiness as silicone and are adept at delivering pressure, says Frye-Nekrasova.
The vibrations from “harder” toys tend to feel more intense, as a silicone encasement can dull their power a bit, she explains. So, “if you want vibrations that aren't as strong or overwhelming, consider starting with a silicone bullet.”
Length
By definition, bullets are small. However, there can be a big difference in function between a 3-inch bullet and a 5.5-inch option.
“Most strap-on harnesses with pockets for bullet vibrators are only three inches deep,” says Lisa Finn, sex educator at sex-toy store Babeland. So, if you’re looking to add buzz to your strap-on play, opt for an even more petite option. Shorter bullets also tend to be more discrete and travel-friendly.
Longer bullets, however, have more surface area that you can use to stimulate your body, they say. If you like broad (not pinpointed) stimulation, tilt the toy on its side and use its length rather than its tip.
Vibration quality
Across the board, vibrations can be either “buzzy” or “rumbly.” Buzzy vibrations occur at a higher frequency and offer localized stimulation, while rumbly vibrations can travel deep into your erogenous tissue. Due to their small motor size, most bullet vibrators (including the ROMP Riot and Dame Zee) transmit a lower-intensity, buzzy sensation, which works well for those who are easily overstimulated.
Some luxury sex toy manufacturers (like We-Vibe, Je Joue, and Le Wand) have created a high-powered, rumbly motor that fits into the teeny-tiny toy. If you know power and pressure are pivotal for getting you off, opt for a bullet described as rumbly.
Waterproof
Another thing to consider when choosing a bullet is whether or not it is waterproof, which means you can submerge it during a bathtub session, says Stewart. Typically, battery-operated toys are not water-resistant, while rechargeable options are splash-proof or waterproof, she adds.
Shop the 10 best bullet vibrators
Material: Silicone and metal | Settings: 4 intensity levels and 11 vibration patterns | Length: 3.0 inches | Waterproof: Yes | Power: Rechargeable
Give it up for this gold-medaling rose gold bullet from Le Wand. This pretty pink pick is crafted from a body-safe chrome material that is “super smooth and glides across your body,” says Finn. Metal is thermally conductive, which means the toy will warm to the temperature of your skin. You can also cool the toy down by dunking this (waterproof) vibe in a glass of ice water before use to explore temperature play.
The toy comes with two silicone caps—essentially, beanies for your bullet—that you can pop on for a different kind of sensation. “The silicone helps diffuse the vibrations so the intensity isn’t quite as intense,” according to Finn, which can be helpful for beginners and those looking to elongate play. Meanwhile, those who crave intense vibrations will be pleased to hear that “this thing is surprisingly powerful for how small it is,” they say.
Pros:
- Textured silicone cups included
- Chrome supports temperature play
- Travel lock
- Single button control
Cons:
- Larger and heavier than alternatives
Material: Silicone | Settings: 20 vibration patterns | Length: 4.3 inches | Waterproof: Yes | Power: Rechargeable
“The Ultra Bullet often gets overlooked because its neon color options make it look like it’s not going to be luxury—but luxurious is precisely what this toy is,” says Finn. Covered from tip to tip in ultra-slinky silicone, this bullet can slide and glide across your sensitive skin (even without loads of lube!).
What sets the Ultra apart is its shape; the tail end rocks a bulbous knot, which makes it easier to hold than other options that get slippery when wet. It also has a flexible hinge that allows you to really press the tip of the toy into any hot spots that crave sensation.
Pros:
- Hinge for precise targeting
- Single button control
- 20 vibration settings
Cons:
- Only available in neon colors
Material: Hard plastic | Settings: 7 vibration modes and 8 intensity levels | Length: 3.5 inches | Waterproof: Yes | Power: Rechargeable
Shaped like a tube of lipstick, this We-Vibe pick is as powerful as a red lip makes you feel—that is to say, very.
“If you've been looking for a bullet that packs a punch, the Tango X should be your pick,” says Frye-Nekrasova. Its strong motor delivers eight rumbly vibrations, which you switch between by pressing the clearly labeled “plus” or “minus” signs along the bullet’s length. The tapered ABS-plastic tip of the toy directs the vibrations “ where you want [them] on your body and not just into your hand,” she says. Meanwhile, the silicone covering at the base of the bullet makes it easy to grip, she adds.
Pros:
- Discreet lipstick shape
- Travel lock
- Gripping silicone tip
Cons:
- Slightly pricey for a bullet toy
Material: Silicone | Settings: 6 speeds and 4 pleasure modes | Length: 3 inches | Waterproof: Splash-proof | Power: Rechargeable
This toy may slightly resemble a Cheeto, but rest assured, the sensations this orange toy delivers are anything but cheesy. “Thanks to its ease of use, functionality, and versatility, the Romp Riot is a great beginner option,” says Frye-Nekrasova. It has 10 different vibration settings, controlled through a single button on the bottom, which range from low to moderate intensity. “The power is great but not overwhelming, which is another reason it is great for beginners,” she says.
Just 3 inches long, it won’t interfere with skin-to-skin contact between you and your partner, and can also fit into most strap-on harnesses with built-in pockets.
Pros:
- 10 different vibration settings
- Powerful but not overwhelming
- Super compact size
Cons:
- Not waterproof
Material: Plastic | Settings: 3 speeds | Length: 2.6 inches | Waterproof: Splash-proof | Power: Rechargeable
Zee is a no-frills bullet vibrator that offers the user-friendly interface, moderate vibration intensities, and high-quality construction that Dame’s sex toys are known for. Shaped like a standard bullet, Zee has a rounded tip that can be used for shallow vaginal penetration as well as a long edge that can be rolled across your body, says Finn.
“It is coated in a quality ABS plastic that has less give than silicone toys, but is super easy to clean,” they say. “It is also rechargeable, which is uncommon for bullet vibrators at this price point, as most are battery-operated.”
Pros:
- One button control
- Fits into strap-on harnesses
- Waterproof
Cons:
- Hard texture will not appeal to all
Material: Silicone | Settings: 3 speeds and 1 pulse mode | Length: 3.9 inches | Waterproof: Yes | Power: Rechargeable
This bullet’s tip is shaped like a puppy paw—and boy, oh boy, will it make you bark moan in pleasure. As a person who often finds pin-pointed stimulation too intense, I love that the extra-wide head gives me additional surface to to use to broadly stimulate my clit. Though, this bullet is fair-game for nips and tips, too. Plus, the top boasts three bean-like bumps for better teasing.
Need even more convincing? Its motor features three moderate-intensity vibration settings, and its battery life (three hours!) is the longest on the list.
Pros:
- Textured tip
- Extra-wide head
- Impressive three-hour run time
Cons:
- Only available in one color
Material: Hard plastic | Settings: 8 vibration patterns | Length: 4.5 inches | Waterproof: Yes | Power: Rechargeable
Whether you’re in an LDR, live across town from your FWB, or are on the market for a TSA-friendly vibe, look no further. The Lelo Mia 3 is another lipstick vibrator, indistinguishable from the other beauty tools in your bag. The compact stimulator has a travel lock that will keep you from buzzy embarrassment on the subway or security.
Personally, I love that the matte black color doesn’t scream “sex toy” the way the neon pinks and bright purples of other options do. Oh, and thanks to the uniquely angled tip, which can provide both pinpointed and broad stimulation, the Mia 3 will help you arrive at your climax once you’re at your destination and ready to get down.
Pros:
- Travel lock
- Sculpted tip for pinpointed pleasure
- Discreet shape
Cons:
- Vibrations may not be powerful enough for all users
Material: Silicone | Settings: 5 speeds and 7 vibration patterns | Length: 5.0 inches | Waterproof: Yes | Power: Rechargeable
It isn’t rare to find a bullet vibrator that can be used for clitoral stimulation, but no option offers pinpointed clit contact quite like this one. True to its name, this bite-sized vibe sports two silicone bunny ears. “You can position each ear on either side of your clitoris to encase it in vibrations,” says Finn. You can also glide the ears along each of your labia, position them around your nipples, or use them to tickle and tease another erogenous zone.
Rather than surface-level buzzing, this toy provides deeper, stronger sensations due to its larger motor. “As with other Je Joue toys, the vibrations on the Rabbit Bullet are deep and rumbly,” says Finn.
Pros:
- Deep, rumbly vibrations
- Soft flexible ears offer unique sensation
- Great for clitoral stimulation
Cons:
- One-of-a-kind shape requires learning curve
Material: Silicone and glass | Settings: 10 vibration patterns and speeds | Length: 3.6 inches | Waterproof: Yes | Power: Rechargeable
Glass sex toys are a gift to the world of pleasure. Crafted from non-breakable, body-safe borosilicate, glass toys are temperature conductive, friction-free, and heavier than toys made from other materials.
While most glass bedroom aids are non-motorized, Lovers’ innovative glass vibrator combines all the perks of glass with the nerve-wakening joys of vibration, says Stewart. “The stunning, eye-catching Emerald Glass Bullet Vibrator offers amazing sensations, the aesthetic appeal and the versatility of a glass sex toy, and doubles as nightstand decor,” she says.
Pros:
- Made of shatterproof glass
- Petite shape
- Waterproof
Cons:
- Buzzy, not rumbly, vibration patterns
Material: Silicone | Settings: 10 vibration patterns and speeds | Length: 5.4 inches | Waterproof: Yes | Power: Rechargeable
Tentacles have long been a favored sex toy shape amongst those looking to inject a little fantasy, whimsy, or play into their pleasure practice, as well as Hentai (anime) porn lovers. The thing is, though—due to their long, lithe shape—most tentacle toys are dildo-sized.
The Tentacle Tickler by Selopa, however, puts all the sexy, silly potential of a polypus pleasure aid into a tiny toy. This 5-inch toy has 3 inches of a classic bullet, plus six textured tentacles that dangle off the end. “The smooth curved and tapered shaft is great for internal vaginal use and external clitoral use, while the floppy, nubby tentacles are great for use on balls and nipples,” says Stewart.
Pros:
- Unique tentacle-shaped stimulators
- Safe for shallow vaginal insertion
- Whimsical shape
Cons:
- Unique shape won’t appeal to all
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