14 Best Nipple Stimulators, According to Experts and Testers
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We talk a lot about sex toys for the clitoris, G-spot, and P-spot, but the best nipple stimulators deserve to be on your radar too. Nipples are an oft-overlooked erogenous zone; studies show that nipple play enhances sexual arousal for most people—and even leads to nipple orgasms (a.k.a. nipplegasms) for some. “When your nipples get aroused, it sends a message to your brain's genital sensory cortex—the same place genital orgasms happen,” says Rachel Wright, MA, LMFT, a licensed psychotherapist.
You can totally stimulate your nips with your fingers, but there all sorts of toys that let you experiment with sensations that hands alone just can’t provide. There are clamps that pinch the nipples with different amounts of strength, from a light touch to a tight grip, for a constant feeling of pressure that can feel nice. Pumps and suckers provide the vacuum-like pull of a mouth that can intensify masturbation and partnered sex. Many of these make excellent BDSM toys for beginners, as they let you experiment with impact and sensitivity. There are also many foreplay-friendly options on the gentler end of the spectrum, like rumbly bullet vibrators, feather ticklers, and arousal gels that offer a soft tingling to your nipples.
Here’s everything you need to know about nipple toys, plus expert-recommended and Glamour-tested picks to try solo or with a partner. (Quick word to the wise: Be sure to apply lube to your nipples before play to minimize chafing.)
The best nipple stimulators, at a glance
- Best Overall: CalExotics Nipplettes, $35
- Best Nipple Clamps: Captive Heart Padlock Nipple Clamps, $17
- Best Nipple Suckers: CalExotics Advanced Nipple Suckers, $14
- Best Automatic Sucker: Lovehoney Swell Yeah Auto-Suction Nipple Pumps, $80
- Best for BDSM: Dominix Deluxe Large Breathable Ball Gag with Nipple Clamps, $37
How we chose the best nipple toys
What we looked for
To select nipple stimulators for this list (of which there were many types), we spoke with both sex experts and Glamour sex-toy testers. We evaluated the toys on the following criteria: ease of use (how easy it was to attach the nipple clamp or suction toy; how comfortable each riding crop or tickler was to hold); effectiveness (how long the clamps and suckers stayed attached without slipping off; how varied the range of intensities that the vibrators offered); battery life (where applicable); value (how worthy was the quality of the toy and its features for the price). We then curated the list based on the feedback we received.
Meet our experts
- Carol Queen, PhD, staff expert at online sex-toy shop Good Vibes
- Javay Frye-Nekrasova, MEd, AASECT-certified sex educator for sex-toy retailer Lovehoney
- Jess O’Reilly, PhD, Toronto-based sex expert and author of The Ultimate Guide to Seduction and Foreplay: Techniques and Strategies for Mind-Blowing Sex
- Marla Renee Stewart, MA, AASECT-certified sex educator
- Carolanne Marcantonio, LCSW, AASECT-certified sex therapist and co-creator of sex-therapy association Wise Therapy
- Rachel Wright, MA, LMFT, licensed psychotherapist and sex educator with a master's in clinical psychology
- Amanda Chatel, Glamour sex writer who has tested over a thousand toys
1. Best Overall: CalExotics Nipplettes
These rechargeable vibrating nipple clamps not only provide a pinching motion with 12 different vibration modes, but they’re easy to adjust and are made with soft material—ideal for those who want to ease in slowly. “Use these if you want to feel the intense sensation of vibration; then you can really see if it may get you to orgasm,” says Marla Renee Stewart, MA, an AASECT-certified sex educator. “These are top-notch. They’re adjustable and have a travel lock so that there’s no unwanted vibration.”
- What we love: Waterproof design; rechargeable battery; strong range of vibrations
- What could improve: Might slip off during use
2. Best Nipple Clamps: Captive Heart Padlock Nipple Clamps
How fun are these little nipple clamps? A heart-shaped padlock dangles from each clamp, but don’t be fooled by the cheekiness of its design. “The clamp is definitely functional,” says Carol Queen, PhD, a staff expert at online sex-toy shop Good Vibes. “It pinches the nipples, but you can adjust how much pinch it delivers—you tighten or loosen the screw for that.” The padlocks add a heaviness that can feel good to some. For a sensation that’s less intense, she recommends clamping it on the areola instead of on the nipple itself.
- Why we love them: Stylish; adjustable; affordable
- What could improve: May not feel intense enough
3. Best Nipple Suckers: CalExotics Advanced Nipple Suckers
Anyone who likes their nipples sucked—or wants to figure out if they do—may enjoy these flexible teasers, which create a vacuum-like effect. To use the nipple sucker, place a little lube on the inside and place it over the nipple, then squeeze the bulb and release. “They make a very strong sucking sensation, and if this arouses you, blood will increase to your chest or breasts,” Stewart says. This blood flow can increase sensitivity, so don’t leave them (or any nipple pump) on for more than 20 minutes, as this could cause pain, bruising, chafing, or overstimulation. (Prefer silicone nipple suckers to PVC? We like these $13 Lovehoney ones for beginners too.)
- What we love: Adjustable sensation; easy to use; no charging necessary; affordable
- What could improve: Might be too large
4. Best Vibrating Nipple Clamps: Lovense Gemini App-Controlled Vibrating Nipple Clamps
In the wide world of remote-control vibrators, don’t overlook these app-controlled nipple clamps, especially if you’re in a long-distance relationship. The toy Bluetooth-connects to your phone, and its vibrational patterns and intensities can be customized and controlled by your partner from anywhere in the world. Hell, there’s even an alarm clock mode (talk about a wake-up call). “When I found out that app-controlled nipple vibes were a thing, I immediately ordered these,” says one Glamour reviewer. "They’re great and do the job; my only complaint is that with one swift pull, it’s ‘goodbye, clamps.’ The Geminis come with a handy bra clip and necklace as well, so you can keep them close in a variety of wearable forms.
- Why we love it: App-controlled; 10 vibration modes
- What could improve: Not completely waterproof
5. Best Automatic Sucker: Lovehoney Swell Yeah Auto-Suction Nipple Pumps
This isn’t the sexiest-looking toy, but man, is it powerful. The pump’s two cups fit around each nipple, and its attached remote controls the intensity of suction you'll experience. “These nipple pumps are a great choice if you enjoy nipple suction and want the sensation on both nipples at the same time,” says Javay Frye-Nekrasova, MEd, an AASECT-certified sex educator for sex-toy retailer Lovehoney. “With seven different functions, you can find the right intensity for you while slowly increasing the intensity. This is also a great toy if you want to increase your nipples’ sensitivity.”
- Why we love them: Extremely strong suction cups; tethered together so you don’t lose individual cups
- What could improve: Pricey; not waterproof
6. Best for Dual Stimulation: Unbound Nipple & Clit Clamp
Feeling adventurous? This pair of nipple clamps comes attached to a third one for your clitoris, extending your sexual pleasure to yet another erogenous zone, and it includes extra gold chain for a sexy belly-dancer look. (Don’t worry, beginners—the bottom portion is detachable.) “I love this set so much. I’m not really a nipple and clit clamper (don’t hold me to that), but this makes me lean into that side of me. Why? Because it’s so damn beautiful, and as a Libra, that’s the only excuse I need,” says Amanda Chatel, a Glamour sex writer who has tested hundreds of toys.
- Why we love it: Optional clitoris clamp; sexy design
- What could change: Clasp is very fragile
7. Most Stylish: Bijoux de Nip Chain Tassel
These elegant tassels clamp on like tweezers to the nipples and double as stimulation and decoration, with metal chains and silver balls adorning the ends. “This style of clamp is fairly versatile. It can fit on smaller nipples, and it’s usually worn right behind the nipple on the areola if a person’s nipples are larger,” says Dr. Queen. “Clamps will create more sensation if put right on the nipple itself.” They’re a favorite of Chatel’s as well. “As with all of Bijoux’s products, the quality and design of these clamps shatter the competition,” she says. “Pair it with one of its harnesses from its Maze collection, and you’ve got a whole thing that looks as good as it feels.”
- Why we love them: Weighted tassels for extra stimulation; adjustability
- What could improve: Might not stay attached
8. Best for Beginners to Nipple Play: JO Nipple Titillator Arousal Gel Electric Strawberry
Sometimes we forget that stimulation doesn’t have to be a squeeze or vibration as much as a sensation. If you’re not ready to delve into toys, massage this water-based gel directly onto your nipples, or have your partner kiss and lick them with it slicked on. The gel’s peppermint extract and menthol create a cooling “tingling titillaton,” says Frye-Nekrasova. “The strawberry flavors add some fun to the oral stimulation of the nipples."
- Why we love it: Beginner-friendly; gentle; discreet
- What could improve: Not intense at all; may irritate some skin (read the ingredients thoroughly)
9. Best for BDSM: Dominix Deluxe Large Breathable Ball Gag with Nipple Clamps
If want to experiment with BDSM and sensation play, a ball gag is a good toy to start out with. It fits inside the mouth and prevents the wearer from speaking—giving their partner dominance over them. This one has perforations that makes it easier to breathe through and is linked to adjustable nipple clamps. “This is a great choice if you are looking to make your nipple play a little kinkier,” says Frye-Nekrasova. “Experience some multisensation pleasure while not being able to fully let out your moans of pleasure.” You can use the gag during masturbation as well, and the toy comes with O-rings so you can slip in other bondage and fetish accessories such as restraints and leads.
- Why we love them: Good for experimentation with bondage; can be used alone or with a partner; clamps are adjustable; includes O-rings
- What could improve: Ball may not fit all mouths; chain length isn’t adjustable
10. Best Bullet Vibrator: We-Vibe Tango X
A toy need not be designed specifically for nipple stimulation in order to work on your nipples—any good vibe will do, but a pinpointed one is especially good for breast play. “Clitoral vibrators with tapered tips and rumbly deeper vibes, like the We-Vibe Tango X, are great for playing around and pressing against the nipples,” says Jess O’Reilly, PhD, a Toronto-based sex expert. Plus, you can use the little bullet vibrator to tease your nipples, then move it down as you get more turned on.
“Honestly, I use this bullet vibrator everywhere. Fully charged, it lasts a really, sometimes exhaustingly (in a good way), long time, so it’s been all over my body—totes-amazing clit stimulator. But aside from my clit, my nipples are its biggest fans,” says Chatel.
- What we love: Long battery life; quiet; intense; works as clit vibrator too
- What could improve: Pricey
11. Best for Impact Play: Bondage Boutique Black Rose Beginner’s Flogger
“Mini floggers are fantastic for nipple play,” says Carolanne Marcantonio, LCSW, an AASECT-certified sex therapist and co-creator of sex-therapy association Wise Therapy. “The size ensures the sensation lands where you intend it.” This petite flogger is made of faux leather that’s soft and gentle enough for beginners to BDSM. You can run its tassels across the nipples for a teasing, tickling sensation, or strike them for a sharper feeling (though you’ll want to have a conversation with your partner beforehand about intensity levels). The flogger is a versatile toy that can be used for spanking too.
- Why we love it: Easy to control; soft for beginners; discreet
- What could improve: Not the most stylish
12. Best for Sensitive Nipples: Dame Fin
No matter what type of stimulation you’re into for yourself or sharing with someone else, finger vibrators always have a place. In the case of nipples, no finger vibe does it quite as well as Dame Fin. “I love Fin because its silicone loop tethers it to your fingers and makes it one of the easiest vibrators to hold,” says Chatel of the clitoral stimulator. “It glides across my nipples with just a dab of lube, and the sensation is not too intense for sensitive nipples—perfect when I want something more but I don’t want that ‘more’ to steal the show.”
- Why we love it: Easy to hold; extremely gentle for sensitive nipples
- What could improve: Has only three power levels; not waterproof
13. Best Riding Crop: Bondage Boutique Black Skip a Beat Silicone Heart Riding Crop
Riding crops are turn-ons for many reasons. “The feeling of a quick flick or thud against your chest, the sound of a whoosh, and the visual of a hand holding you in place while seeing the crop land on your breast or chest can be exhilarating,” says Marcantonio. “Nipples respond to all sorts of sensations, including impact play, and your chest area is a safe zone for exploring such sensations.” This silicone sex whip is super lightweight and not too long (18 inches versus some crops, which are closer to 30 inches), so it's easy to slide into a suitcase or bag. The crop's body is slightly bendy, so that it makes an audible slap when it contacts skin (a noise that many enjoy). At its tip is a whimsical heart, which—when slapped hard enough—might leave its mark on the breast.
- Why we love it: Easy to use; cute to look at; flexible body; small enough for travel
- What could improve: No wrist strap
14. Best Nipple Tickler: The Tickler Vibrating Silicone Feather Tickle
This unique tickler offers the gentle pinpointed sensation of a feather but the range of a vibrator. “Instead of a shaft, the tickler is feather-shaped, and the lightness of its parts really carries vibration,” says Dr. Queen. “Some people will enjoy this flutter on the clitoris, of course, but it’s a great toy for nipples, too, because it’s light and tickly, and will bring a non-pain-focused sensation.” This tickling can increase the nipple’s sensitivity and, in turn, arousal. Beginners can start with the feather during foreplay, then work their way up to suction, then clamps.
- Why we love it: No pain; can be used on the clit too; waterproof
- What could improve: Not very intense