“Just as much as they’re good for solo play, they’re also perfect to use during intercourse, as they’re unintimidating and small enough not to get in the way,” Alvarez Story says. “Bullet vibes are only designed for external use, not as much for insertion,” as they don’t have a flared base so they shouldn’t be used anally. Most popularly, they’re used for clitoral stimulation.
What to look for in a bullet vibrator
Material: Like all sex toys, materials matter. “You should always be careful with the material the vibe is made of, and only go for the body-safe options,” Alvarez Story says. Silicone and ABS plastic are the two most common body-safe materials for bullet vibes.
Battery life: Don’t let your bullet die in the middle of a romp because of a dismal battery life. Ideally, you don’t want to have to recharge your toy after every session, Belazel says. Some bullets use disposable batteries, which can be advantageous if your toy dies mid-session because you can just pop in some new AAAs instead of waiting by a charger, but rechargeable bullets tend to have better-quality motors overall which offer more power and a lower-pitched, “rumblier” vibration quality.
Volume: And don’t forget to measure how loud the vibrator gets if you’re conscious of noise amongst roommates and partners. “If a vibe isn’t discreet enough, it can get you out of the mood,” Alvarez Story says.
Waterproofness: Finally, if you want to use a bullet vibe in the tub or a pool, consider buying a waterproof one. These tend to be easier to clean because you don’t have to worry about ruining them in the sink.
Ready to bite the bullet (so to speak)? Here are some of the best bullet vibrators for your money.
The Best Bullet Vibrator, Overall: We-Vibe Tango X
The Tango X is an all-time favorite bullet, due to its multiple speeds and settings, super-powerful and rumbly vibrations, convenient finger grip, and surprisingly low noise output. It’s also waterproof and even has a travel-lock function. For an under-$100 vibrator, We-Vibe’s feels like it’s packed with everything.
Pros: Powerful, rumbly vibrations; eight intensity levels and seven modes; silicone grip that makes it easy to hold onto; waterproof; quiet; travel-lock function
Cons: May rattle against genital piercings if you have them; pricey for a bullet
The Best Budget Bullet Vibrator: Unbound Zip
If you’re bullet-curious and don’t want to spend a ton on something you might like, this affordable vibe could be a good first foray into the category. “Unbound’s chic mini-vibe is as portable as it is powerful,”Bezalel says. It features a pointed tip for perfectly targeted stimulation, and despite having only one speed, it’s extra powerful for target stimulated.
Pros: Affordable; waterproof; strong
Cons: Only one speed; uses disposable batteries; buzzy/surface-level vibrations; somewhat loud
The Best Compact Bullet Vibrator: Fun Factory Bullet
“This tiny vibrator’s size makes it perfect for partner play, since it can be discreetly slipped into an overnight bag for a spicy sleepover,” says Alvarez Story. Indeed, it’s one of the smallest bullets available that also manages to be decently strong. With one button for toggling through both settings and speeds, it’s easy to use and even waterproof for bathtime fun.
Pros: Small; strong for its size; two speeds and three patterns; waterproof; one-button control
Cons: Buzzy/surface-level vibrations; short battery life
The Best-Looking Bullet Vibrator: CalExotics Glam
With its shiny metallic finish in neon-bright colors, this is one of the most aesthetically pleasing bullets in my collection. Its three speeds and seven patterns are pretty powerful, too. Since this toy is longer and thicker than bullet vibes typically are, it can be used for internal vaginal stimulation in a pinch, making it a versatile pick.
