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If you already have a favorite vibrator or dildo and are looking for something new to bring into the bedroom, you may want to consider exploring the world of air-suction (or air-pulse) toys, which are designed to mimic the sensation of oral sex. I’ve been testing and writing about sex toys for several years now, and air-suction toys, which are a relatively new category on the market, can still be slightly confusing. “Air-pulse toys result in intense orgasms that are different from a clitoral orgasm that you would get with a regular vibrator,” says Samantha Bard, a co-owner of Williamsburg’s Shag. She explains that the toys are used externally, designed to surround the clitoris, and emit pulses of air or sound waves to stimulate it and nearby nerves, which results in a much fuller — and possibly quicker — orgasm. This indirect clitoral stimulation, she adds, can be “a much subtler and deeper sensation” than that of direct stimulation with a vibrator. Because no two clitorises are sized alike, though, you want to make sure the mouth of the toy you’re purchasing is a good fit. To find the best air-suction sex toys, I asked Bard and nine more experts about their favorites and also included several of my own. The recommendations below include air-suction toys with various-size mouths, an air-suction toy that’s ideal for partner play, and even a couple that stimulate the G-spot.
Update on October 23, 2024: Updated prices and checked stock for all products.
What we’re looking for
Material: Most of the toys in this category are made of silicone. Of course, not all silicone is created equal. At the minimum, you’ll want to choose a toy that is made using body-safe silicone, which is nonporous. Nonporous toys are less likely to harbor bacteria or viruses and are therefore more hygienic (although you still should wash your toys after each use). Medical-grade silicone is a great option as, in addition to being nonporous, it meets the standards for use in medical devices. Both body-safe and medical-grade silicone tend to have a better, more luxurious feel on the skin.
Intensity levels: The more levels of intensity a toy has, the more opportunity there is to experiment to find what works best for your body. Keep in mind that the feeling of a suction-style sex toy tends to be quite intense, so if you are more sensitive, you may only need to play around with the lower levels.
Waterproof versus non-waterproof: If you prefer to take your toys into the bath or shower, you’ll absolutely want a toy that is waterproof.
Best air-suction toy overall
Material: Medical-grade silicone | Intensity levels: 14 intensity levels | Waterproof versus non-waterproof: Waterproof
Womanizer was the first to create “air-pleasure technology” when it unveiled its first air-suction toy in 2014 and is still widely credited as the brand that has best perfected it in the years since as it introduced a range of air-suction toys with different prices, intensities, and sizes. “The incredibly orgasmic Womanizer introduced what I like to call the ‘Beam me up, Scotty’ effect on the clit,” says Shan Boodram, author of The Game of Desire. The Premium 2 is the most popular model and works for lots of different people because it comes with two easy-to-swap stimulator heads of different sizes. And as one Strategist tester (guilty as charged) once said: “While it is pricey, if it ever broke, I would go without groceries to buy a new one. It’s become that essential to my life.” The toy only starts working when it touches skin and has a whisper-quiet motor, making it a great choice for those with thin walls or roommates. Plus it’s completely waterproof, for those who like the option of taking their toys into the bath or shower. The updated Premium 2 has 14 different intensity levels that you can manually switch between as well as an autopilot mode that cycles through its various levels.
If you’re using the Womanizer Premium 2 or any air-suction toy for the first time, our experts have a few universal tips. First: Use lube. (A reminder that if your toy is made of silicone, you’ll want a water-based lube.) Second: The toys work best when they form a complete seal around the clitoris (which is why you want to make sure you find the right-size head), so make sure the toy is placed properly on the body so you can experiment with pressure and suction. Lastly: Start slow. Since the clitoris has 8,000 nerve endings and air-suction toys can be rather intense, you want to start on the lower settings and slowly work up to see what your body can handle.
Note: Womanizer recently released the Next, which features two exciting new settings. Afterglow sets the toy back to its lowest setting to ride out the end of your orgasm, and Climax Control lets you set the depth of the air waves in addition to the intensity and speed. I’ve called for a sample of the Next to test and will update this story with my thoughts once I have put it through its paces.
Best (less expensive) air-suction toy
Material: Medical-grade silicone | Intensity levels: 6 intensity levels | Waterproof versus non-waterproof: Waterproof
The Liberty is essentially a scaled-back version of the Womanizer Premium at a more affordable price point. The main difference between the two is that the Liberty has six intensity levels instead of 14, but if you’re looking for a starter air-suction toy, that may be plenty for you. When we tested it, one user described the toy as being “very intense.” We also wrote that it comes with a cover that attaches magnetically and makes it look more like “an avocado and less like a sex toy.”
Best (even less expensive) air-suction toy
Material: Body-safe silicone | Intensity levels: 11 intensities | Waterproof versus non-waterproof: Waterproof
For an even more affordable option, Satisfyer’s air-suction toy clocks in at less than a quarter of the price of the Womanizer Premium 2 above. Personally, I find the hard plastic body of the toy very clunky: It doesn’t lie against the body the way the Womanizer toys do and needs to be held the entire time, which leads to hand strain during long play sessions. But if you’re on a budget, it still gets the job done.
Best air-suction toy with a small nozzle
Material: Body-safe silicone | Intensity levels: 8 intensity levels | Waterproof versus non-waterproof: Waterproof
The Sona was Lelo’s first air-suction toy and costs less than the Womanizer Premium above — but buyers should know it only has one nozzle and that nozzle is on the smaller side. Like the Womanizer toys, it offers different vibration levels and patterns. One anonymous Strategist staffer who has used it adds that the toy’s ergonomic shape makes it easy to switch between the various levels as you explore, adding that the Sona consistently led to intense orgasms.
Best air-suction toy with a large nozzle
Material: Body-safe silicone | Intensity levels: 8 intensity levels | Waterproof versus non-waterproof: Waterproof
Sila, Lelo’s latest air-suction offering, has four fewer intensity levels than the Sona above but is a better bet for anyone who may want a larger nozzle. “They have increased the size of the mouth to fit more people,” Bard says, “and perfected the technology in terms of creating a deeper, more intense sensation.”
Best (less expensive) air-suction toy with a large nozzle
Material: Medical-grade silicone | Intensity levels: 5 intensity levels | Waterproof versus non-waterproof: Waterproof
Dame, another brand we love for its well-designed sex toys, makes this more affordable air-suction device with a wider mouth. The Aer is also powerful. When sex and confidence coach Jennifer Doan took it for a spin, she could only handle the lowest of its five vibrational patterns and settings. “Each is more intense than the last,” she explains. “So if you’re someone who enjoys a toy that packs a punch, this one’s for you.” And for what it’s worth, certified nurse-midwife and Strategist contributor Jo Zasloff found it’s also great for preventing mastitis, which makes it a great two-for-one gift for expecting or new mothers.
Best (even less expensive) air-suction toy with a large nozzle
Material: Body-safe silicone | Intensity levels: 11 intensity levels | Waterproof versus non-waterproof: Waterproof
For an even more affordable air-suction toy with a wider air-pulse tunnel, I suggest the Satisfyer Curvy 2+. While it has the same drawbacks as the Satisfyer Pro 2 above, at under $40, it’s hard to argue with the price. And sex blogger and sex-toy critic Cy Smash told me it’s her top pick for transmasculine people with some bottom growth.
Best air-suction toy for partner play
Material: Body-safe silicone | Intensity levels: 12 intensity levels | Waterproof versus non-waterproof: Waterproof
My top pick for partner play is the We-Vibe Melt because it is compatible with an app you can use to customize your favorite patterns and share the controls with a partner, who can take over from across the bedroom or the country (as long as you have a smartphone). The toy is also very compact with a narrow profile so it doesn’t take up too much room on the vulva, leaving more than enough room for penetration. Note that the Melt’s nozzle is on the smaller side, and Smash cautions that you may want to consider a different toy if your clitoris is bigger than, say, a chickpea.
Best air-suction toy that stimulates the G-spot
Materials: Medical-grade silicone | Intensity levels: 14 intensity levels, 10 vibration modes | Waterproof versus non-waterproof: Waterproof
Those who are already familiar with air-suction toys or simply more adventurous when it comes to trying them might prefer one that can provide both external and internal pleasure, which is exactly what this device from Womanizer promises. It not only delivers the external air-pulse stimulation the brand has perfected, but also has a vibrator you can use internally to stimulate the G-spot. It’s especially great for those who are after blended orgasms. The updated Duo 2 has 14 different intensity levels that you can manually switch between, which is two more than the original model. The other newer feature is their Afterglow setting: After climax, one short press to the minus button will set the toy back to its lowest setting to ride out the end of your orgasm.
Best (less expensive) air-suction toy that stimulates the G-spot
Material: Medical-grade silicone | Intensity levels: 12 intensity levels, 3 vibration modes | Waterproof versus non-waterproof: Waterproof
The latest toy added to Womanizer’s lineup is the Womanizer OG, which is the brand’s first Pleasure Air G-spot vibrator, which combines its air-suction tech with vibrations into a single wand. Unlike the Duo, which provides air suction to the clitoris and vibrations to the G-spot, the OG uses both air suction and vibrations internally. The OG is also waterproof and features the Afterglow setting, as well as their Smart Silence Technology, so the toy only starts when it touches your skin. When you move it away from your body, the toy automatically switches into standby mode.
Best (even less expensive) air-suction toy that also stimulates the G-spot
Material: Body-safe silicone | Intensity levels: 8 intensities, 6 vibration modes | Waterproof versus non-waterproof: Waterproof
For a more affordable combination toy, I suggest the newest Womanizer release, the Blend. It’s $100 less than the Womanizer Duo and combines G-spot vibration with suction on your clit for powerful blended orgasms. While the Bellesa AirVibe used to be my affordable pick in this category, the Blend has three more intensities and three more vibration modes, which is more bang for your buck. I also found the flexible-yet-firm body easier to position.
Best air-suction toy for travel
Material: Body-safe silicone | Intensity levels: 12 intensities | Waterproof versus non-waterproof: Waterproof
Lelo has recently released a miniature version of its best-selling Lelo Sona 2, which happens to be perfect for travel. Like the Sona 2, this compact air-suction toy comes with 12 intensity levels and is completely waterproof but takes up significantly less room in your carry-on. It also has a travel lock so it won’t accidentally turn on at inopportune times.
Best (less expensive) air-suction toy for travel
Material: Body-safe silicone | Intensity level: 11 intensities | Waterproof versus non-waterproof: Waterproof
While all the toys on this list are technically tiny enough to travel with, this one, like the Sona 2 Travel above, is particularly good for it because it has a discreet travel cap should a TSA agent (or anyone else) rifle through your bag. It’s waterproof, features 11 intensities, and is whisper-quiet. “It’s perfect for long flights when a bathroom pick-me-up is needed,” says Taylor Sparks, founder of intimacy shop Organic Loven.
Our experts
• Samantha Bard, co-owner of Williamsburg’s Shag
• Shan Boodram, author of The Game of Desire
• Jennifer Doan, sex and confidence coach
• Davia Frost, sex expert and intimacy coach
• Jacq Jones, sex educator and owner of Sugar
• Zoë Ligon, founder of Spectrum Boutique
• Kenneth Play, sex educator, creator of the Sex Hacker Pro Series, and co-founder of intentional sex-positive community Hacienda Villa
• Cy Smash, sex blogger and toy critic
• Taylor Sparks, founder of intimacy shop Organic Loven
• Marla Renee Stewart, sexologist and co-author of The Ultimate Guide to Seduction & Foreplay
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