What is the rose sex toy? This vibrator is going viral right now for all the right reasons

The rose sex toy is the internet's latest obsession - here's why, with tips from an expert on how to use it

Lovehoney rose sex toy
(Image credit: Lovehoney)

The rose sex toy is the latest must-have vibrator doing the rounds on social media sites. While it doesn't initially seem like anything too different from other clitoral stimulators out there, users are raving about its quirky design and incredible stimulation. 

The toy has almost reached legendary status on TikTok, where #RoseToy has over 251 million views. Given that the device was first revealed on Amazon and by LoveHoney last year, it's amazing that interest around the rose continues to grow even today. And naturally, where there is interest, more products bloom. There are numerous rose designs to choose from now, from bullet vibrators and dildos to wands and love eggs. 

Designed to look like a perfect stemless bud, users say that it made them orgasm in as little as 30 seconds. It's certainly one of the best vibrators out right now but how do you use it? And how does it compare to some of 2023's other great releases? Here, we reveal all you need to know about the rose sex toy.

Lovehoney Rose Clitoral Suction Stimulator - was £54.99 now £38.49 at Lovehoney (save £16.50)

Lovehoney Rose Clitoral Suction Stimulator - was £54.99 now £38.49 at Lovehoney (save £16.50)

Save 30% on the iconic rose clitoral vibrator at the moment with this great saving direct from Lovehoney - just one of the many great Black Friday Lovehoney deals online now.  

What is the rose sex toy?

The rose sex toy is essentially a clitoral vibrator in the shape of a rose bulb, complete with silicone petals and a hole in the middle that wraps around your clitoris. "It's a new generation sex toy," explains Ky Hoyle, founder of Sh! Women's Store, the first women-focused sex toy store in Europe. "It offers suction rather than vibration."

Made from medical-grade silicone, the rose is average in size when compared to other clitoral vibrators and it's fully rechargeable with a simple USB cable. The rose also offers multiple functions and modes to allow for varying levels of intensity when placed on the clitoris.

Most of the rose sex toys we've seen are in the classic cherry red color. However, there are a few available in shades of black, purple, and pink, so there's a rose out there for you whatever your taste. 

While we've just realized all the benefits of the rose sex toy, they've actually been around for a while. So thanks to the rose toy's recent uptick in publicity, just like the best bullet vibrators and rabbits, they're almost a category of vibrators themselves which means no one retailer sells them. Instead, everyone is trying to get in on the action. 

Lovehoney rose vibrator sex toy

Lovehoney is one of the retailers that sells the viral rose sex toy.

(Image credit: Lovehoney)

How does the rose sex toy work?

The rose sex toy works like many other clitoral vibrators but instead of vibrations, the rose offers a sucking sensation via the spout-shaped feature that wraps around your clitoris at the top of the toy. 

There are multiple functions and modes you move through with either one or two buttons, depending on the model you buy. Each one, regardless of the brand, offers continuous clitoral stimulation in various patterns and at different levels of intensity.

Clitoral vibrators like the rose work to bring most people to orgasm as they stimulate the external tip of the clitoris and, for some, the internal clitoral bulbs and legs. "As approximately 75% of women and those with vulvas need clitoral stimulation to orgasm, it's easy to see why this type of toy is so popular," says Hoyle. 

"Clit toys are often high-pitched in frequency, delivering intense thrills on and around the clitoris," she says, and the rose sex toy is just one of many in this group. 

How to use the rose sex toy

Want to try out the rose for yourself? Hoyle has a few tips for making the most out of your time with a suction toy like the Rose. 

  • Know where your clitoris is: "Lock the door, grab a mirror, and take a look if you don't know where it is already," she suggests.
  • Use lube: "Apply a slick of water-based lube to your clit, vulva, and the rim of the Rose". It's important to avoid silicone-based lube when it comes to the Rose and other similar toys, as you can't use silicone lube on silicone toys.
  • Switch on the rose: "Start on a gentle setting," Hoyle suggests. No matter where you buy your Rose from, they tend to have two buttons - one for turning the toy on and the other for changing the speed and intensity settings. 
  • Get in position: "Spread open your labia lips with one hand and position the opening of the rose over your clitoris with the other hand," she says. "The rose will 'suck' around your clitoris." Try it simultaneously during sex with angles like the pretzel sex position, where you can benefit from dual stimulation.
  • Use other toys at the same time: There's no need to stop at just the rose, says Ky. "For extra oomph, try tag-teaming your suction toy with an internal dildo or some love balls."

You can also use the rose on various erogenous zones as part of foreplay, using the suction around your nipples, ears, or neck first. While it only works on the higher settings, the bulb of the rose is also made from the same soft silicone material and vibrates marginally well, so you can use this wider surface area if that feels better for you as well. 

Most importantly though, have fun with it. "Suction toys are very orgasm-reliable," assures Ky, so you shouldn't struggle with achieving the end goal if that's your aim - no matter how you use the toy. 

Best rose sex toys

When it comes to buying a rose sex toy yourself, it mainly comes down to three things: budget, how invested you are in owning the top tier of rose vibrators, and how much you trust the brand you're buying from. 

As one of the best vibrators on Amazon, the rose is available with Next-Day Delivery from the giant retailer. Larger companies like Lovehoney also stock some of the most-loved variations of the toy. 

Wherever you choose to shop, make sure it's a reputable retailer, warns Hoyle."A reputable retailer will ensure you get the real deal in terms of material and motor. They will also offer a guarantee on the toy and the charging cable." 

With this in mind, these are our top-rated Rose sex toys:

Rose sex toy vs Satisfyer Pro 2

The rose sex toy isn't the only vibrator to storm social media this year, however. The popular Satisfyer Pro 2 Air Pulse Stimulator got an upgrade in Generation 3, offering liquid air technology and air pulse vibration to the next level. Users have previously compared the two devices, given their similar stimulation methods. Following a comprehensive test of both vibrators, here's what we think: 

Stimulation-wise, getting the precision right is easier with the Satisfyer toy. The wide nozzle-like head emits pulsating air rather than vibrations and the alternative head on the Generation 3 toy offers silky-smooth Liquid Air Technology that pulsates against the clitoris. In terms of pleasure, it's each to their own but we found the two are much the same. 

The Satisfyer Pro 2 is possibly more of a beginner-friendly toy though, despite its extensive range of premium features, such as app connectivity that allows you to pair the device with your favorite playlist (see the Lovehoney Juno vibrators if you want more of this), chat with others, and access sex stories. While both vibes have a design that makes them a little more unusual in the world of clitoral stimulators, the Pro 2 is also easier to hold thanks to the palm-friendly silicone-lined handle. Unless you opt for the G-spot wand attachment on the rose, you don't have this with the rose toy. 

Charging-wise, there's not much difference between the two. Both use USB charging cables that connect to the device with a magnetic two-point end - convenient when they remain connected but they often fall apart unless on a stable surface. 

Ultimately, if you're looking to spend less (and are interested to see what all the fuss is about yourself), opt for the rose sex toy. It's more affordable, has a unique design, and offers similar Air Pulse Technology to the Satisfyer Pro 2. However, the Satisfyer Pro 2 (especially the Generation 3, the latest model) is a superior toy. From the premium packaging and materials to luxury features like app connectivity and playlist stimulation, it may be one of the best luxury sex toys, but it's well worth the money if you have the budget to invest. 

Grace Walsh
Health Channel Editor

Grace Walsh is woman&home's Health Channel Editor, working across the areas of fitness, nutrition, sleep, mental health, relationships, and sex. In 2024, she will be taking on her second marathon in Rome, cycling from Manchester to London (350km) for charity, and qualifying as a certified personal trainer.


A digital journalist with over six years experience as a writer and editor for UK publications, Grace has covered (almost) everything in the world of health and wellbeing with bylines in Cosmopolitan, Red, The i Paper, GoodtoKnow, and more.