The best Lovense alternatives: app-controlled vibrators compared

The best Lovense alternative depends on how you want to play. For control from another city, pick a vibrator that works with a long-distance app, such as the IntoYou Trixy or the IntoYou egg with rotating beads. For sex together in the same bed, the Lelo Tiani Twist is the strongest choice, and for a discreet evening out a simple remote toy like the Pretty Love Wild Rabbit panty vibrator does the job without a phone at all.

We do not sell Lovense, a registered trademark of its owner. What people usually want is the idea behind it: a toy someone else controls, close by or far away. Several brands offer exactly that, and this guide compares the models we stock. You will find all of them in our Lovense alternatives and app and remote controlled vibrators sections.

App or remote control: the first decision

Every toy here falls into one of two groups, and that matters more than the brand.

• A remote control is a small handset that talks to the toy by radio. It needs no phone, no account and no internet. Range is short: where manufacturers give a figure, it is about 10 to 12 metres. It is the easiest option for a restaurant, a party or the next room.
• An app connects your phone to the toy by Bluetooth. That alone gives roughly the same short range as a remote, but with more patterns, sliders and often music mode. With a long-distance app, your partner opens the app on their own phone and controls your toy over the internet from anywhere with a signal.

If long-distance play is the reason you are shopping, check that the product description says so. Not every app toy offers it, and a remote control never does.

The best Lovense alternatives by situation

Best for long-distance relationships: IntoYou Trixy

The IntoYou Trixy is a rabbit vibrator with a tapping and biting movement on the outer arm, a squeeze rather than suction, and textured nodes along the curved shaft. Its app adds patterns you draw with your finger, a music mode and control from anywhere with a signal. That makes it the most complete option for couples who live apart.

Best egg for long distance: IntoYou egg with rotating beads

The IntoYou Vibrating Egg with Rotating Beads and APP has beads that turn inside the egg, so the sensation moves instead of staying in one spot. It runs on the ActiveJoy app, which IntoYou describes as working at short, medium and long distance, and the app needs no registration.

Best egg for the same room: IntoYou NexEgg

The IntoYou NexEgg has a soft double layer of silicone, is waterproof and charges over USB-C. IntoYou states a stable app range of up to 10 metres. Choose it when your partner will be in the same house or at the same table and you want app patterns rather than a few buttons.

Best for sex together: Lelo Tiani Twist APP

The Lelo Tiani Twist APP is worn during penetration and transmits vibration to both partners. It has 16 intensity levels with a smooth transition between them, 8 built-in modes and 2 extra modes you unlock in the Lelo app, which also lets either partner control it hands-free.

Best for G-spot and clitoris at once: Lelo Ida Wave

The Lelo Ida Wave with APP has two independent motors. The inserted part rotates and makes a come-hither motion against the G-spot while the larger outer part vibrates on the clitoris. It has 10 vibration modes controlled by Bluetooth app, and Lelo states up to 2 hours of use per charge.

Best for nights out without a phone: Pretty Love Wild Rabbit panty vibrator

The Pretty Love Wild Rabbit Panty Stimulator is flat, 10.8 by 4 cm, and sits inside your underwear. It has 12 functions and a separate remote, so no app or phone is involved. The toy charges over USB, but the remote takes one AAA battery, so pack a spare.

Best remote for the partner holding it: Pretty Love Nathan

The remote of the Pretty Love Nathan has an LED screen that shows which of the 10 patterns and 9 speeds is running. The toy and the remote both charge over USB.

Best for experienced players: Pretty Love Doreen with e-stim

The Pretty Love Doreen combines 12 vibration functions with 3 electro-stimulation modes and a long-distance app. The tingling from the electro contacts takes getting used to. Start at the lowest setting, never use it above the waist and do not use it at all if you have a pacemaker or a heart condition.

Best for men: Lelo Hugo 2

The Lelo Hugo 2 is a prostate massager that stays in place, so your hands are free. It has 16 modes on the device, and pairing it with the Lelo app unlocks extra modes.

Best value with app extras: Satisfyer Twirling Joy APP

The Satisfyer Twirling Joy APP is a compact all-silicone clitoral vibrator with circling vibrations, 8 programs and 5 intensities. Through the Satisfyer Connect app you can create your own programs and link it to Spotify.

Comparison table

"Not stated" means the product information does not mention long-distance control.

How to choose your app vibrator

Where your partner will be. Same bed: a couples toy like the Tiani Twist. Same building or table: a remote or a short-range app. Another city: only a toy whose app supports long-distance control.

What you want to feel. Eggs and panty vibrators give a broad, gentle buzz. Rabbit and dual-motor toys reach the G-spot and clitoris together. If you are new to vibrators in general, our guide choosing your first vibrator explains shapes and strengths first.

Material. Every toy here uses silicone on the part that touches your body, which is non-porous and easy to clean.

Charging. Check whether the remote has its own battery. Toys where both parts charge over USB, like the Nathan, are easier before an evening out.

Privacy. Read how an app handles your data before you pair it. The ActiveJoy app works without registration or an e-mail address; for other brands, check the app's own information.

Using remote and app toys safely

• Agree beforehand what the person holding the control may do, where and for how long. Remote play in public is only fun when both of you chose it.
• Agree on a word or signal that means stop, and use it in chats too when you play at a distance.
• Test the connection at home first.
• Use a water-based lube with silicone toys. Our lubricant guide explains why, and you can find suitable bottles under water-based lubes.
• Eggs and inserted toys need a cord, base or outer part you can hold to remove them. Never insert an egg anally unless the product says it is suitable.

Cleaning and care

Clean every toy before and after use with warm water and a mild soap or a toy cleaner, then let it dry fully. Keep water away from the charging point of toys that are not waterproof. Charge before you need it, and store the toy and its remote together. For more ideas on toys you can share, see our guides to the best couples vibrators and toys for couples, or browse all remote control eggs and couples vibrators.

Frequently asked questions