As a sex writer who almost never says no to trying new things, the moment I saw the viral TikTok rose vibrator on the clock app, I knew it was my duty to test it for myself to see if it’s worth the hype. (Tough job, I know, but someone’s gotta do it.) In case you missed the moment or have been stuck on a desert island without cell reception, the infamous rose vibrator is, as the name suggests, shaped like a little stemless rose (although there are some versions that include “stems” that can be used for internal penetration) and uses suction to stimulate the feeling of receiving oral sex. Like…good oral sex.
Suction vibes are great for when you’re in the mood for oral but your partner isn’t, when you want to give yourself some good self-love, or if you just want to add in a new element to heat things up. Using lube can make the experience feel even more like IRL oral, mimicking the wetness you’d get from a real tongue. Suction vibes are also usually tiny enough that you can take them in your carry-on when traveling and easily charge via a USB. They’re not exactly a brand-new concept, but the rose vibe? Let’s just say…it went viral for good reason.
The rose vibrator is a hit because TikTokers have said it’s allowed them to have super-fast—like “within 30 seconds” kind of fast—and strong orgasms. And don’t even get me started on the reviews. One person wrote, “Y’all. I just used it for the first time and I didn’t even get past 30 seconds. My soul left my fkn body,” while another said to “be sure and hold onto something when using this because it will take you to outer space.”
Noted! Sign me up for “outer space,” pls. Read on for my experience testing out the highly beloved, internet-favorite rose vibrator.
But First: How Does the Rose Vibrator Work?
There are several rose vibrators on the market so it’s hard to know which one is the OG. Rose Toy Official claims that title for itself, but there are plenty of variations out there that range in price and function.
Adorime Rose Lover Sucking Vibrator
Personally, I went with the rose vibrator from Adorime because it (a) looks exactly like most of the models circling social media and (b) it checked off all the boxes by way of a good sex toy. Not only is it made from medical-grade silicone, but it’s waterproof and USB rechargeable so you don’t have to worry about batteries or whether it’s safe to bring in the bath. (It 100 percent is, btw.) At $66, it definitely isn’t cheap, but is it worth it? Oh, yes. (More on that later.)
Aesthetics-wise, the rose-shaped design—which comes in both red and purple—is cute IRL, but the real magic happens in the small hole at the top. It’s what you push against your clitoris (or nipple, if you’re a fan of nipple stimulation) and thanks to air-flow technology, the resulting suction, fluttering, and vibration feels like you’re receiving the best tongue action of your life.
The particular model I used has seven different sucking intensities and vibration patterns to choose from, which meant I had a lotta work ahead of me to really determine whether or not TikTok was telling the truth about this famed vibe.
Trying Out the Rose Vibrator
The very first thing I noticed about Adorime’s vibrator was the package. According to the site, all their toys are shipped in discreet boxes, and I’m happy to report they got it right because in an unfortunate turn of events, my shipment was accidentally delivered to my neighbor’s house! Our exchange could have been significantly more awkward if the packaging had been more obvious.
After opening up the (thankfully) nondescript box, I whipped out the vibe and immediately washed it with soap and water (always clean new toys, pls). The surface was actually extremely soft, almost velvety, and the design was just as adorbs in person as it is online. I set it up on its little charging stand and casually checked in for the next two and a half hours, waiting for it to get completely juiced up. The vibrator has a light that flashes as it charges which makes it easy to tell when it’s ready to go.
Once the toy was fully charged, I grabbed some lube (essential here!) and snuggled down to see what all the fuss was about. The toy’s intensities range from extreme sucking to light buzzing depending on what you’re looking for. I found that the more intense modes provided too much stimulation for me, but the softer ones that gave a teasing sensation really edged me to orgasm, just like during real oral sex. I also loved how you can switch between using the hole for suction or just pressing the vibrating body of the toy against your clitoral hood for a broader sensation. It’s called options, people!
The most important factor when using this toy, though, is the lube. While lube makes every type of sex better, it can be actually essential for some folks depending on what positions they’re in or what toys they’re using. To make the rose vibrator really work for me, I had to use lube, and upon doing a little more research, I learned I’m not the only one.
Some reviewers on TikTok say the rose can be a little painful, and that’s likely due to a lack of lubrication. Using this toy dry, the intense suction can cause way too much friction way too quickly. I'm talking about a sandpaper-type feeling you def don’t want down by your vagine.
Luckily, any discomfort can be avoided with a lil lube. And since oral sex usually involves a lot of wetness, in order to simulate that, you need to add some slickness. The catch is, when playing with silicone toys (like the rose!), you never want to use silicone-based lube since it can actually break down your toy. Instead, opt for a water-based lube and reapply as needed.
I simply added a small squirt of Lelo’s Personal Moisturizer in the toy’s crevice and went to town. It turns out, the toy really knows what it’s doing because by the time I was finished (a mere five minutes and three orgasms later), things were *very* juicy down there. And as someone who doesn’t naturally get wet easily, I was shocked in the best way. Another win for the rose? I think yes.
So, Is the Rose Vibrator Worth the Hype?
Between the compact size (it measures about 2.5 inches high and wide), impressive suction, and romantic design, I have to give the rose vibrator props. After trying literally hundreds of sex toys over the course of my career as a sex writer, it’s clear to me why this one would take over TikTok. The singular button design makes it easy to play with, it’s versatile enough to be used for targeted or broad stimulation, and it can casually sit on your dresser without raising eyebrows. The best part is that the vibe is small enough to be packed in a suitcase or used during partnered sex if you want to spice things up.
Granted, the toy won’t be for everyone, and it’s all about finding what works for you. If you want a sex toy with an ergonomic handle or this bb just isn’t your thing, there are tons of other pleasure devices out there you can check out. As for me? The rose has officially secured a forever spot in my toy box and an impressive thumbs-up for TikTok’s FYP algorithm.
*Additional reporting by Jamie Ballard
Other vibes that ~rose~ to the occasion
Rachel Varina is a full-time freelance writer covering everything from the best vibrators (the Lelo Sona) to the best TV shows (The Vampire Diaries). She has over 10 years of editorial experience with bylines at Women's Health, Elite Daily, Betches, and more. She lives in Tampa, Florida, but did not feed her husband to tigers. When she's not testing out new sex toys (100+ and counting so far!), she's likely chilling with her dogs or eating buffalo chicken dip. Ideally at the same time. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter.
