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
How we chose the best nipple toys
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 was 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.
- Carol Queen, PhD, a staff expert at online sex-toy shop Good Vibes
- Javay Frye-Nekrasova, MEd, an AASECT-certified sex educator for sex-toy retailer Lovehoney
- Jess O’Reilly, PhD, a 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, an AASECT-certified sex educator
- Carolanne Marcantonio, LCSW, an 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, a 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 cheeky 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 want 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 side of the bulb, press it on the nipple, 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 with this, I immediately ordered these,” says one Glamour reviewer. “They’re great and do the job; my only complaint is 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/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.
