Time and technology have taught us that, when it comes to pleasure, there are many paths we can take to achieve ultimate satisfaction. In terms of oral sex, some will argue that nothing beats the real thing, while others pleasure-seekers swear by their favorite tongue vibrators. Whether you’re after a device that provides traditional licking, fancy tongue flicking, or expert clitoral stimulation, there are plenty of sex toys on the market that promise a gratifying oral experience. Some, like the Zalo Eve Oral Pleasure Vibrator, are so realistic that customers swear they’re even better than a real tongue. If you’re interested in testing these O-inducing tongue vibrators for yourself, we tapped sex therapists to get their expert take on the best tongue vibrators and how to use them for maximum satisfaction.

For the uninitiated, “Tongue vibrators are sex toys that provide the sensation of a tongue swirling and flicking,” says Carol Queen, PhD, sexologist and co-author of The Sex & Pleasure Book: Good Vibrations Guide to Great Sex for Everyone and sexologist with sex toy company Good Vibrations. Considered a sub-type of oral sex stimulators, tongue vibrators mimic a sensation that you might encounter “out in the wild” (aka with a partner) and are even made to look like tongues in shape, size, and texture. “Using one when you masturbate can make the experience feel comparable to receiving oral sex from a partner,” Dr. Queen says.

Tongue vibrators can zhuzh up almost any sexual situation, whether you’re solo or partnered, vanilla or kinky, in a closed relationship, or into group sex. If you’re on your own, tongue vibrators are a good option for anyone who already knows they love the feel of oral, but don’t have a partner on tap to provide it. “Oral sex can be really intimate and vulnerable, which some people find intimidating,” says Finn. For these folks, having a sex toy (like a tongue vibrator) that provides a sensation similar to oral sex can make a good alternative, they say.

“We’re all different, so what’s important is finding the angle you love.” —Carol Queen, PhD, sexologist

If you do have your partner on hand, tongue vibrators can also be used to add in another layer of stimulation during partnered play. For example, you might use it on your clit during vaginal intercourse. You could also use it to enjoy the sensation of a tongue that isn’t your partner’s as a way to explore group-sex dynamics. Tongue vibrators can also be a good workaround for enjoying the sensation of oral sex with someone that you’re not fluid-bonded with if you don’t like the feel of dental dams, Finn says. “You could also have your partner use one on you if you’re on period and aren’t into the idea of a mouth on you during that time,” they say. (The possibilities are endless!)

Whether you’re single or in a long-distance relationship, never experienced oral sex or prefer it over other sexual sensations, we gathered all you need to know about tongue vibrators. Keep reading to shop the best tongue vibrators for your next solo (or partnered) session, and for expert tips on how to use tongue vibrators in a variety of sex scenarios.

What is a tongue vibrator?

The term ‘tongue vibrator’ is notably used to describe several different kinds of oral sex toys. According to Lisa Finn, sex educator with sex-toy store Babeland, “Tongue vibrators are a type of sex toy that is either shaped like a tongue, or that offers a tongue-like flickering sensation to mimic the sensations of licking.” Many tongue vibrators, as their name suggests, have a motor that enables them to rumble and buzz against your body. Some of these toys, however, don’t actually vibrate at all. Instead, when you turn them on, a small sliver of silicone or ABS plastic begins to oscillate back and forth, acting as a clitoral stimulator and sending pleasurable sensations throughout the body.

Not exclusive to tongue-shaped oral sex toys, the term ‘tongue vibrator’ is also sometimes used to describe vibrators designed to be literally worn on the tongue during oral sex, Finn adds. This version of a ‘tongue vibrator,’ however, is better categorized as a vibrating tongue ring, as is the case with The Screaming O Lingo Vibrating Tongue Ring ($10) and Good Head Vibrating Tongue Ring ($11). There are also mouth-shaped vibrating penis sleeves (case and point) that have tongue elements to them as well; though, those are usually categorized as strokers, mouth masturbators, or penis vibrators, rather than tongue vibrators. A 2019 study¹ found that, when used in addition to penetrative sex, oral sex can enhance a person’s overall happiness and well-being. So, no matter what kind of ‘tongue vibrator’ you’re using, chances are your body will thank you later.

Ahead, learn more about tongue-shaped vibrators and how to use them to induce incredible orgasms.

How to use a tongue vibrator

Sex toys aren’t like the LSATs or the GRE, you don’t need to study up to have a good experience with one. You really can’t use a tongue vibrator wrong, so long as you read the instruction manual and listen to your body—or your partner’s verbal and non-verbal cues—as you sexplore. That said, here are a few tips to keep in mind before you pop in the batteries and press start on your new favorite sex toy.

1. Make sure your tongue vibrator is charged

Some tongue vibrators come fully charged, others don’t—really, it’s luck of the draw. Most tongue vibrators (and sex toys, in general) only hold a charge for 60 to 90 minutes. So, in the event that you’re looking to have a marathon masturbation session or simply don’t want your tongue vibrator to turn off when you’re on the precipice of orgasm, it’s wise to pop your new pleasure product on the charger for a few hours before use.

2. Clean your tongue vibrator before each use

Whether or not it’s kosher to use a sex toy straight from the package is as contentious a subject as whether or not you should wash your underwear (or other clothing, for that matter) after purchase. Still, most sex educators say it’s non-negotiable. “A sex toy should be cleaned thoroughly with mild soap and hot water after you take it out of the packaging and let it air dry on a clean surface,” Rebecca Alvarez Story, sexologist and founder of Bloomi previously told Well+Good. “Sex toys are not sterile, so it’s reasonable to expect that they have dust or bacteria, even if brand new.”

3. Get to know your tongue vibrator

Similar to clitoral sex toys and anal vibrators, there is a ton of variation in design among tongue vibrators. Some are shaped like bullet vibrators, while others are dual stimulators. Before you go to bed with your recent buy, spend some time getting to know your sex toy intimately. For instance, some questions you should be able to answer about your sex toy include:

• How do I turn my toy on and off?
• What do the other, non-start, buttons do?
• Is the toy waterproof?
• Which part of the toy can be used for stimulation?
• Does the toy have a flared base; is it anal-safe?

Re: that last question, most tongue vibrators are designed exclusively for external use, and many that can be used in the vaginal canal cannot be used anally. The anal canal does not have a body-made barrier that blocks toys from going deeper inside you the way the vagina can rely on the cervix to keep things in one place. Any toy used anally needs to have a flared-based—essentially a handle or bulbous tail-end designed—to keep the pleasure product from getting lost in your bum. (It’s more common than you might think, according to a 2021 study²). So, if you’re reading this and know you want to use the toy to experience analingus, consider the Zalo Eve Oral Pleasure Vibrator ($99) or Playboy Pleasures Harmony ($94) which are two of the few anal-safe tongue vibes on the market.

4. Get in the mood

If you find yourself reaching for your new tongue vibrator all of a sudden, Dr. Queen recommends slowing way down and getting good and turned on before adding it into the mix. Getting aroused, she explains, will help make the sensations the tongue vibrator provides feel even better. Your move: Turn yourself on using your usual arousal methods. Love the feel of nipple stimulation? Give those buds some attention above, then below, your shirt. Enjoy the sensation of having your labia or pubic mound teased? Reach under your waistband. Primarily turned on by sights and sounds? Power up your favorite audio-erotica or sex scene.

In the same way there are multiple methods to perform cunnilingus, there are many different ways to use a tongue vibrator. For example, “Some will enjoy the sensation of the tongue portion near the clit more than right on their clit,” says Dr. Queen. Meanwhile, others only like the way this toy feels on their nipples, perineum, or penis head. “We’re all different, so what’s important is finding the angle you love,” Dr. Queen adds.

5. Lather on the lube

If you bought a tongue vibrator, odds are it’s because you want the ability to experience the sensation of a tongue when your partner is MIA, whether that’s because they don’t exist, live far away, or are on a quick trip. Or, maybe you just want to enjoy the sensation of a tongue externally, while your partner uses their mouth to take care of other parts of your body. In order to make your tongue vibrator feel like a human tongue, Finn suggests using lots of lube. “Not only will it add to making the sensations feel more like a mouth, but this will also make the sensations of the toy more pleasurable by cutting down on friction from the material,” Finn says. “You can even warm the lube up in your hands or by running the bottle under warm water before putting it on the toy so it has more of the temperature of a mouth.”

Just make sure that the lubricant you use is compatible with your tongue vibrator. Silicone-based lubricants can’t be used with toys made from silicone, which is the material most tongue vibrators are made of. (Silicone sticks to itself, so the combo can warp your toy). Finn recommends sticking with a water-based lubricant, which will be compatible with all tongue vibrators and is also easy to clean up.

6. Check in with yourself

As you pleasure yourself, your body will let you know how it’s doing every step of the way—your job is to listen. The most important thing is to tune into any signs of pain that might arise. Unless that is a sensation you are intentionally seeking out (as part of kink or power play, for example) sex shouldn’t be painful, says Finn. And that includes solo sex, partnered sex, and sex that incorporates a tongue vibrator. If you begin to register any sensation as “burny,” “ouchy,” or generally uncomfortable, Finn suggests pulling the toy away from your body, doing a full-body scan, and seeing if you can discern where that sensation came from. Then, trouble-shoot it if you can (e.g. add lube or turn down the intensity). Of course, if the toy feels like it’s overheating or is physically injuring you, ditch it.

7. Take a minute to clean up afterward

It’s important to keep all of your sex toys clean to prevent infections and transmission of STIs, according to a 2022 study published in the Journal of Sex Research³. And, yes, you have to clean your sex toys after every single use! “Sex toys can pick up fungi and bacteria when you use them, leading to yeast infections, UTIs, or bacterial vaginosis,” sexologist Suzannah Weiss, a resident sexologist at Fleshy and author of Subjectified previously told Well+Good.

Anyone who has ever had one of these vaginal infections knows they are about as fun as accidentally liking your ex’s new boo’s recent post (aka not). Therefore, it’s important to clean your tongue vibrators thoroughly and regularly. Most tongue vibrators—including our list of best tongue vibrators ahead—are made from body-safe silicone, which means they can be cleaned with warm water and fragrance-free soap, or a quality sex toy cleaner. Once your toy is clean, be sure to stash it somewhere safe. This can include the silk bag your toy came with, which helps protect the toy from ‘air debris’ and dirt, a bedside drawer,a  shoe box in the closet, or any other dry, dark space.

11 best tongue vibrators for oral sex

1. Best Overall Tongue Vibrator: Zalo Eve Oral Pleasure Vibrator — $99.00

This gold medal tongue vibrator sports the luxe gold detailing that Zalo is known for. To the naked eye, the Eve Oral Pleasure Vibrator looks like a G-spot vibrator; however, unlike those pleasure products that only vibrate—the tip of this sex toy also moves back and forth like a tongue going to town. The toy also has a pre-fitting function that warms the toy up to the temp of a human mouth, which makes it feel even more like being with a partner. One Well+Good journalist who reviewed the toy wrote, “This toy *definitely* rivals the tongue skills of even the most seasoned head-givers. I came hard within five minutes, and that’s never happened for me with oral alone.” Quite the recommendation indeed.

Materials: SiliconeDimensions: 8.65 x 1.7 inchesSettings: Six modesPower type: RechargeableWaterproof: Yes

Pros:

• Can used for internal and external stimulation
• Anal-safe
• Pre-heating function
• Extremely soft silicone body
• Two motors spread sensation
• Very powerful

Cons:

• The sensation may be too intense for some
• The force of the tongue makes it feel more like a robot than a human

2. Best Runner-Up Tongue Vibrator: Pipedream Her Ultimate Pleasure — $185.00

If there’s ever been a time not to judge a book by its cover—in this case, a vibe by its look—it’s now! The Her Ultimate Pleasure tongue vibrator by Pipedream may look a little kitschy, but it can offer some serious pleasure. The toy comes equipped with a wide mouth designed to go over your genitals, and once in place, it functions as a clit pump, helping engorge and supply blood to the area. In addition to stimulating the vulva more broadly, “this toy also has a textured tongue at its center which targets and flicks across the clit,” Finn says. When used with lubricant, this dual-stimulator feels surprisingly similar to a mouth. Oh, and the handle of the toy also vibrates and is safe to use internally as a G-spot vibrator, so it’s basically two toys in one.

Materials: SiliconeDimensions: 10 x 2.5 inchesSettings: 20 suction and vibration patternsPower type: RechargeableWaterproof: Yes

Pros:

• Wide mouth fits a variety of anatomic shapes and sizes
• Stimulates large(r) surface area
• Handle doubles as a G-spot vibrator
• Intuitive button design

Cons:

• It’s not as aesthetically pleasing as other options

3. Best Budget Tongue Vibrator: Doc Johnson GoodHead Vibrating Tongue Ring — $15.00

This affordable option from Doc Johnson is a finger vibrator shaped (and colored!) like a tongue. Simply slip it onto your finger, turn it on, and enjoy its one intense vibration setting. “This toy can also slide over your tongue and transform your entire tongue into a vibrator,” says Finn. From here, “you can either lick your partner directly or press the squishy soft material of the toy up against their hot spots for next level oral,” they say. While this toy is cheap, just keep in mind that it is a one-and-done single-use product. Made out of a porous material called TPE, this toy cannot be sanitized after use, which means using it multiple times puts you at risk for infections. Still, for people intrigued by tongue vibrators, this could be a good starting point.

Materials: TPEDimensions: 1.7 x 0.8 inchesSettings: 1 vibration speedsPower type: BatteryWaterproof: No

Pros:

• Batteries included
• Can be worn on the finger or tongue
• Textured and colored like a tongue
• Affordable price

Cons:

• Single-use product
• Made from porous TPE

4. Best Value Tongue Vibrator: Playboy Pleasure True Indulgence — $114.00

The ultimate two-for-one product, the Playboy Pleasure True Indulge is a tongue vibrator and G-spot vibrator all at once. “One end features an external stimulator that looks like a calla lily, which has a flexible silicone rim surrounding the tongue that strokes and flicks while pairing with vibration against the clit,” says Finn. Flip the toy around, however, and you can use the curved vibrating shaft for internal penetration and G-spot stimulation as well, they say.

Materials: SiliconeDimensions: 8.38 x 1.95 inchesSettings: 18 speeds and rhythmsPower type: RechargeableWaterproof: Yes

Pros:

• Handle doubles as an internal vibrator
• The tongue is longer, providing additional surface area
• Can be used internally and externally

Cons:

• Because the handle is a vibrator, holding it can be tricky

5. Best Luxury Tongue Vibrator: Lelo Ora 3 — $179.00

No bigger than a fist, the Lelo Ora 3 packs a serious pleasure punch. This toy features a high-tech tongue that makes circles around your clit, rather than flicking back and forth over it at lighting speed as many other tongue vibrators do. “It’s a very different and unique experience, compared to simple external vibrator toys or suction-type stimulation that clit suction toys provide,” human sexuality professor Zhana Vrangalova, PhD previously told Well+Good about the Ora 2, an earlier generation of the product. One of the most notable features of the Lelo Ora 3 is that it responds to your touch. The harder you press the toy into your body, the firmer the strokes of the mechanical tongue become.

Materials: SiliconeDimensions: 3.2 x 1.7 inchesSettings: 12 settingsPower type: RechargeableWaterproof: Yes

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Easy to hold
• Buttery soft silicone
• Responds to pressure

Cons:

• Most expensive option on the list
• Not as accessible for penis-owners

6. Best Rabbit Tongue Vibrator: Playboy Pleasures Harmony — $94.00

Dual stimulation is the name of the game with the Playboy Pleasures Harmony tongue vibrator. “It has a curved shaft that has vibration and provides a tapping sensation for G-spot stimulation, while the external arm has a flicking and vibrating tongue that provides an oral-esque sensation on the clitoris,” explains Finn. Basically, it stimulates all your erogenous zones in harmony. (Get it?) Thanks to its shape, this toy is also anal-safe, which means more experienced anal explorers can use it to explore anal play.

Materials: SiliconeDimensions: 9 x 1.48 inchesSettings: 10 speeds and rhythmsPower type: RechargeableWaterproof: Yes

Pros:

• G-spot shaft vibration and taps
• Handle doesn’t vibrate making it easier to hold
• Anal-safe
• Wide variety of settings

Cons:

• The distance between two stimulators is not adjustable

7. Best Bullet-Sized Tongue Vibrator: Je Joue Amour Vibrator — $65.00

“The Je Joue Amour Vibrator isn’t necessarily shaped like a tongue, but the broad, flickering tip provides a sensation that is similar to that of a super wide tongue,” says Finn. The tip of this bullet vibrator is shaped like a heart (hence the name) and is made of very flexible, soft silicone that flutters when powered-up, much as a tongue can during oral sex. “Because of the wider surface area, the Amour is great for incorporating the entire vulva, or other external hot spots like the testicles,” they say.

Materials: SiliconeDimensions: 5.4 x 1 inchesSettings: Five speeds and seven patternsPower type: RechargeableWaterproof: Yes

Pros:

• Wider surface area
• Has a travel lock
• Intuitive button design
• Charges up quickly (60 minutes)

Cons:

• Unusual color options
• Made exclusively for external play

8. Best Hands-Free Tongue Vibrator: Bellesa FlutterVibe — $99.00

The FlutterVibe from Bellesa might be shaped like a C, but it gets an A+ from us. The girthier end of this vibrator gets inserted right into the vagina, where it works overtime sending rumbling vibrations deep into your most sensitive parts. The other side of the toy curls towards your clitoris, where a tongue-like flicker goes to work moving faster than your thumb on Tinder.

Materials: SiliconeDimensions: 6.3 x 2.44 inchesSettings: Five vibrations and five licking speedsPower type: RechargeableWaterproof: Yes

Pros:

• Comes with a travel case
• Can stay inside the body hands-free in most positions
• Creates an internal sensation of fullness
• Tongue targets a very specific area

Cons:

• The tongue is a little pokey and may be uncomfortable for some
• The internal side may be too thick for some

9. Best Remote Control Tongue Vibrator: Tracy's Dog Clitoral Licking Vibrator — $50.00

The Clitoral Licking Vibrator is a duel-stimulation toy that uses a tongue flicks vibrator—rather than air suction—to stimulate your clit. It’s also a sibling of the Tracy’s Dog Clitoral Sucking Vibrator that went viral a few years back for delivering “soul-snatching” orgasms. The external stimulator has a nozzle, much as air suckers do. Inside, however, sits a small silicone flap that begins moving like a tongue when the toy is turned on. What really sets this option apart is that it can be controlled with a remote control, which makes switching between the vibration, pulsating, and flicking settings even easier. You might consider handing the control over to your partner and enjoy a little power play if you’re into that.

Materials: SiliconeDimensions: 5 x 1.7 inchesSettings: Seven vibrations and 10 pulsationsPower type: RechargeableWaterproof: Yes

Pros:

• Remote controllable
• Affordable price
• Internal attachment pulses and vibrates
• Flexible hinge between two arms

Cons:

• Made from silicone that is body-safe but quite firm

10. Best Tongue Vibrator For Solo Play: Fun Factory Volta — $145.00

The unique shape of the Fun Factory Volta Tongue Vibrator allows it to stimulate genitals of every shape and size. The toy’s unique split-tipped design creates the sensation that there are two tongues going to work down yonder. You can also position the toy so that one silicone tongue is stimulating your vaginal opening and the other is licking your labia, or slide your clit or nipple right in the middle and let the toy work its magic.

Materials: SiliconeDimensions: 7.44 x 1.85 inchesSettings: Six vibrations and six patternsPower type: RechargeableWaterproof: Yes

Pros:

• Easy-to-hold handle
• The design allows it to stimulate a variety of genital shapes
• Can be used on a penis, too
• Vibrations are surprisingly rumbly (in a good way)

Cons:

• More expensive option
• The full charge is just 45 minutes

11. Best Travel Tongue Vibrator: Calexotics Ovation Rave — $59.00

Oral on the go? What could be better? “This hand-held clitoral stimulator uses a small flickering tongue for precise sensation, and a contoured shape to add pressure and sensation against the vaginal opening,” says Finn. Notable for on-the-go pleasure-seekers: the Ovation Rave has a travel lock, as well as a cap that keeps the portion of the tongue vibrator that touches your body clean.

Materials: SiliconeDimensions: 2.75 x 2 inchesSettings: 10 speedsPower type: RechargeableWaterproof: Yes

Pros:

• Travel lock
• Comes with a cap for easy carrying capability
• Wide variety of vibration options

Cons:

• Only holds a charge for 45 minutes on the highest setting
• Holding it requires some hand mobility

How to choose the best tongue vibrator for you

All of the tongue vibrator options above are solid, so how do you choose which is best for you? Consider which sensations you’d like the toy to provide. “For something that’s going to feel the most like oral sex, opt for a tongue vibrator where the silicone-tongue attachment is attached to the end of the motor (rather than having the motor in it),” says Finn. If you’d prefer a sensation more powerful than a tongue, choose an option where the motor is attached to the tongue. Meanwhile, if you’re interested in combining external and internal stimulation, opt for a rabbit-shaped tongue vibrator, they suggest. “If you’re someone who enjoys penetration during oral sex, these can be a great option for you.” Ditto goes if you’re curious about blended orgasms.

In the event that you’re in an LDR, you might want to opt for an app-enabled tongue vibrator that allows your partner to control the settings from afar. “Using a tongue-shaped vibrator can mimic the sensation of receiving oral sex from your partner, even when they aren’t there,” says Finn, and that’s doubly true if your partner is controlling the tongue vibrator for you. While there aren’t that many app-enabled tongue vibrators, there are a number of long-distance sex toys and oral sex stimulators that deliver the same realistic oral sex sensation.

Finally, if you travel regularly for work or are a nomad, you’ll probably want to look for a travel-friendly sex toy with a travel lock, like the Je Joue Amour Vibrator ($65) to save you from the embarrassment and battery drain if your tongue vibrator accidentally turns on mid-flight. Another option is to drain your sex toy of juice before packing it away. Oh, and word to the wise: Put your sex toy in a labeled storage bag. This will reduce the likelihood of the TSA-agent putting their hands all over your sex toy, in the event that it sets off security.

After you’ve narrowed down your options, double-check that the toy is made from a body-safe material like ABS plastic or silicone and make sure that it’s in your price range. Once the particulars are squared away, schedule some time to get acquainted with your new toy and enjoy the ride.