These 7 sex toys are perfect for long-distance relationships—or social distancing

Being stuck in a long-distance relationship sucks as it is—and being forced to stay away from your partner because of coronavirus (COVID-19) makes it even worse. While video dates, phone sex, and writing erotica are all great ways to maintain the romance during quarantine, the truth is, sometimes that’s just not enough.

Now here’s the good news: Sex toy makers figured out a long time ago how to put together two things we all love—technology and getting off—to create “teledildonics,” also known as app-controlled sex toys. These WiFi-enabled "smart" products allow you to sync up devices across long distances and control them remotely via an app.

Toys like these are a blast to use when you can’t be physically close to your partner, but they also offer a variety of perks once you reunite. Here are seven of the best long-distance sex toys for couples—including a few of my personal favorites—to help bridge the quarantine gap and keep your sex life feeling hotter than ever.

1. This C-shaped device that’s great for clitoral and G-spot stimulation

In the world of sex toys, We-Vibe’s couples vibrators are iconic, and not just because these wearable devices happen to be powerful (although that is a major perk).

No, what makes We-Vibe the top choice for app-controlled vibrators is that all of its devices—from the much-celebrated Sync to the entry-level Jive—are just as much fun to use when you’re apart as they are when you’re together.

My personal favorite from We-Vibe’s roster is the Chorus, which is like an upgraded version of the Sync. At first glance, the two toys share a lot of similarities. The Chorus comes with the same adjustable C-shape as the Sync so you can extend it out along the center curve—sort of like you would a hinge—to deliver clitoral and G-spot stimulation simultaneously.

Each end of this silicone toy has its own motor, which can hit up to 10 different vibration modes. These vibrations are of the “rumbly” variety—unlike “buzzy” vibrators (which tend to deliver a tickle-like sensation and emit a high-pitched hum akin to an electric toothbrush), this is a quieter toy and offers a deeper, more quake-like sensation.

Both the Sync and the Chorus work with the We-Vibe app, which is amazing for long-distance couples because it allows you to control the toy from wherever you are in the world via Bluetooth (and WiFi or cell service). Within the app, you can also video chat, message each other, create vibration playlists set to your favorite music, and more.

But where the Chorus really shines—and what helps to set it apart from the Sync—is that it’s the first We-Vibe toy to be made with the company's proprietary AnkorLink technology, which the company claims gives it a more stable connection to the app than any other product it’s made so far. In my experience, that’s true, and that makes the Chorus a better pick than the Sync. It also comes with touch-responsive controls, which mean that your movements control the vibrations. Another edge-maker is that the Chorus comes with a Squeeze Remote for in-person play, so the toy gets more intense based on how you move or how much tighter you hold the remote. You can keep wearing the Chorus during penetrative sex—seriously, it’s true, it’ll stay on—or even use it during oral for added hands-free stimulation.

• Get the We-Vibe Chorus at We-Vibe for $199
• Get the We-Vibe Sync at We-Vibe for $149
• Get the We-Vibe Jive at We-Vibe for $119

2. This G-spot stimulator for couples who want to track their orgasms

Launched at CES last year, the Esca 2 is a Bluetooth-enabled silicone vibrator that’s designed to work over long distances and can be fun for solo play, too. This wearable device has an elongated, curved shape and an LED light built into the tip, which the company claims makes it a good choice for cam-based play, as the light can illuminate certain areas like the clitoris.

The Esca 2 also has an external antenna, which helps it connect to OhMiBod’s smartphone app no matter where you or your partner happens to be in the world. And that’s where the Esca 2 gets really interesting. While it’s good on its own as a lightweight G-spot vibrator, it’s that strong connectivity that makes it stand out compared to other long-distance sex toy options. You can use the Esca 2 with other Kiiroo toys like the Kiiroo Onyx+ and Pearl2 because they’re made with the same interactive technology. In addition to iPhone, iPad, and Android, the app is also available for Apple Watch, making it all the more possible to give your beloved an orgasm any time you like.

While I personally think We-Vibe’s app is more intuitive, the OhMiBod app is nothing to sneeze at. In particular, it has an orgasm tracker, so you and your partner can see how intense your orgasms are via its in-app charts and compare them to previous play sessions to make your next time even more rewarding.

Get the OhMiBod Esca 2 at Babeland for $119.99

3. This teledildonic butt plug for couples who love backdoor play

For couples who are into butt stuff, the Hush is a vibrating silicone plug that’s definitely worth a try. Lovense, the maker of this toy, refers to it as the world’s first teledildonic butt plug, and it’s Bluetooth-enabled, so your partner can control it from any distance using Lovense’s app on your smartphone or Apple Watch.

The Hush is a good choice for backdoor beginners as well as those enticed by the technology upgrade. You can grab it in either a non-intimidating 1.5-inch or a more substantial 1.75-inch diameter model, and as it has a flared base, it stays put—you can wear it all day (if you’re so inclined) and it’s not going anywhere unless you want it to. This plug is made from body-safe silicone, so it’s comfier for long-term use than a glass or stainless steel plug would likely be, and it’s compatible with water-based or hybrid lubricants.

Compared to We-Vibe and even OhMiBod, Lovense’s app is pretty basic, but you can use it to sync the toy up with music and get a good little playlist going on, especially if you time vibrations to intensify as your partner’s favorite tunes hit the speakers.

Get the Lovense Hush Butt Plug on Amazon for $119

4. This innovative his-and-her set that’s great for video sex

If you’re looking for toys that come as close to simulating the real experience as possible, this his-and-her set from Kiiroo (which created the technology in the Esca 2 as well) is about to blow your mind.

The Onyx+ and the Pearl 2 use Bluetooth-enabled, capacitive touch technology. That means each of these toys respond to the movements sensed from the partner toy and also adjust their own intensity based on how the individual user is reacting to direct stimulation.

With the Onyx+, you’re getting a souped-up Fleshlight (the popular masturbator toy intended for humans with penises). A Fleshlight comes with an internal silicone sleeve and is designed to simulate the feel of oral, vaginal, and/or anal sex. The Onyx+ has the same super-stretchy silicone sleeve as the Fleshlight and creates a natural suction sensation that’s supposed to mimic the feeling of raw penetration. Where the Onyx+ differs is that it contracts on its own, so the person using it doesn’t have to thrust or make any movements like they ordinarily would with a Fleshlight to be pleasured. There's also a touch-sensitive pad on the Onyx+, which can be used to control the speed of each thrust it makes as well as a partner's corresponding Kiiroo device.

The Pearl 2, intended for humans with vaginas, is a G-spot vibrator that’s made with touch-sensitive technology, so it “senses” movements and reacts to them, adjusting intensity based on the body’s natural responses. When the two toys are used in tandem, users say it creates an extra-sensory experience that takes partnered pleasure to the next level.

Another thing that’s nifty about these two toys is that you can access a video chat platform when you’re using them so you actually see your partner—and talk dirty to them, if you want to—which experts say can help make mutual masturbation even hotter.

Get the Kiiroo Onyx+ and Pearl 2 Black Couples Set at Kiiroo for $289

5. This panty vibrator that couples can sync up to erotica

Syncing up sex toys to music? Cool. Potentially even cooler? Syncing them up to erotica. That’s what you can do with the Vibease Erotica Responsive Panty Vibrator, a curved little massager designed to be slipped right into—you guessed it—some underwear. This silicone vibe can be controlled remotely via Vibease’s app for the express purpose of being timed with erotic audiobooks, so it's fun for book lovers or anyone who just enjoys a little twist with their sex tech.

The Vibease may be a good option for someone who prefers targeted clitoral stimulation, as the toy comes with a “pleasure point,” which is designed to rest right at the tip of a clitoris. However, the Vibease also isn’t bendy or malleable in any way, so good luck keeping it exactly in place when you’re out and about—if portable pleasure is what you want, look to the We-Vibe Chorus or the Lovense Hush. Still, Vibease is a hot pick for anyone who appreciates curling up with a good bodice-ripper in bed.

Get the Vibease Bluetooth Erotica Rechargeable Responsive Panty Vibrator at Lovehoney for $119.99

6. This massager that’s great for couples who crave P-spot stimulation

This sleek silicone massager, released under Lovehoney’s own Desire brand, is a popular pick for P-spot stimulation. Its two motors rest over the prostate and on the perineum, respectively, and can thrum up to eight patterns and 12 intensity levels.

This model links to Lovehoney’s app, allowing you to grant control of the toy over to a partner, who can then set different rhythms for it. Additionally, you can have video chats or voice calls in between play time, which helps to heighten the intimacy.

Get the Lovehoney Desire Luxury App Controlled Prostate Massager at Lovehoney for $124.99

7. This remote-controlled bullet vibrator for couples social distancing under the same roof

Not all couples are separated right now only because of physical distance. Due to COVID-19, many are being forced to socially distance or even go into self-imposed quarantine within their own homes to protect their loved ones from the virus.

In situations like this, a toy that can work over short distances, like Lelo’s Lyla 2, could be ideal for nurturing the needs you both have for intimacy. This bullet vibrator isn’t compatible with an app, but it comes with a wireless remote, which has a signal range of about 118 feet.

But lest you think that this is some ordinary remote control, here’s where the Lyla 2 flips the script. Depending on how the remote is moved around, vibrations are made in the toy. With the flick of a wrist, one partner could send the other barreling over in pleasure. Unlike most other sex-tech remotes, this one also vibrates somewhat, so it’s like you’re getting two toys for the price of one. If you get tired of the flicking functionality, you can also switch to pre-set patterns—the Lyla 2 comes with six—and still get a lot of enjoyment out of this one.

Because the wireless signal is just 118 feet, the Lyla 2 isn’t a good option for couples who might be on opposite sides of the country (the Chorus or Esca 2 would be better). But if you and your partner are in the same house but in different rooms or floors due to COVID-19, the Lyla 2 could be a colorful way to still feel connected to one another.

Get the Lyla 2 at Lelo for $159

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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.