I’ve never had particularly sensitive nipples—except for the first time I went to a clothing-optional beach and failed to use enough sunblock—so I was excited to give the Lovense Gemini a try.

No, it has nothing to do with Google’s AI chatbot. These are vibrating nipple clamps from Lovense, and I’ve had great experience with many of the company’s sex toys. Many of my partners have had sensitive nipples, so I was curious if I could join the ranks with the Gemini. Usually sold for less than $80, they’re an inexpensive way to spice up the bedroom.

Great for Enthusiasts and Beginners

After I fully charged the Gemini, which takes about an hour or so, I used it on myself. What I love is that I can clip the base of the clamps to my bra (there’s also a cord you can put around your neck if you don’t wear a bra), making them 100 percent hands-free.

The Gemini is app-controlled (Android, iOS), so I can lie back and play with the slew of intensities and patterns—surprisingly fun even though I was solo. When I added a bullet vibrator to the mix, the vibrations all over made everything even more exciting in a low-key, kinky sort of way. I also appreciate that the clamps are adjustable, so if you love a tight squeeze, a barely there hold, or somewhere in between, you have options.

Unlike some of the more intimate toys I’ve reviewed, like the Luxus Couples Vibrator or the Lelo Ora 3, I was able to get input from a handful of people with the Gemini. Especially people I know who really (like, really) love nipple play. As much as I enjoyed the vibrations and found the sensation interesting, the Gemini made me realize that, ultimately, I prefer that my nipples get attention from a partner’s tongue or with a slight graze of their teeth.

Of the three nipple-play aficionados I used the Gemini with—one straight and two gay men—all of them became immediate fans of the toy. They liked the hands-free design and the simplicity of the Lovense Remote app. To paint a picture of this experiment, I had the app in hand, and three men sat on the couch across from me, waiting for their turn to try the Gemini. (It’s the closest I’ll probably ever get to an orgy.) Each man had a different preference in intensity and patterns, as well as the tightness of the clamps, so I was able to see just how much the Gemini can be the perfect fit for anyone who’s into nipple play.

Easy to Use

The Gemini is well-built, too. Not only is it waterproof—for all those times you’re craving a proper buzz on your nips while in the shower—but you also get a whopping two hours of run time when it’s fully charged. The device is discreet, in case you’re into public play where one partner enjoys the vibrations, while the other controls what they want you to feel.