BMS Essential Bullet Review
Performance Ratings
- Max Vibration Power7.9
- Power Range8.0
- Rumbliness6.6
- Comfort & Ease of Use5.8
- Use During Sex5.5
- Noise8.3
- Battery Life7.0
- Build Quality7.0
- Cleaning10.0
Our Verdict
The BMS Essential Bullet is a great “first vibrator” to experiment with because it’s one of the cheapest bullet vibrators, but it’s pretty versatile and performs reasonably well.
It covers a broad frequency range from rumbly to buzzy. And it has gentle, mid-strength, and intense power levels. So you can learn what you prefer with this vibrator. That way, you can make an informed decision when you’re ready to invest in something that’s higher quality.
The noise level is higher than some bullet vibrators but still discreet enough to use behind a closed door without being noticed. And the battery life is good for such a tiny but strong vibrator.
Its tiny size makes it less comfortable to grip, maneuver, and leverage solo or during partnered sex than longer bullets. And although it covers a broad range from gentle and rumbly to strong and buzzy, it only has 4 power levels. So it doesn’t cover those ranges as in-depth as premium bullets with more settings like the We-Vibe Tango X or Lovense Ambi.
But it performs very well for its low price. I recommend it to those on a budget or who want to start learning their vibrator preferences without spending too much.
Pros
- It's the cheapest bullet vibrator that I actually recommend
- Covers a broader power range than other cheap bullets with low, medium, and high power levels
- Wide range of vibration frequencies between rumbly and buzzy - can help you learn what you enjoy
Cons
- Very small, making it difficult to maneuver comfortably
- You can feel the vibrations in your hands
- One-button control system makes you cycle through intensity levels and vibration patterns
- Fewer intensity levels than more premium models
- Less rumbly than many premium bullet vibrators
Table of Contents
The BMS Factory Essential Bullet is an entry-level, cheap bullet vibrator. It has 4 power levels and 5 vibration patterns. Like many budget-friendly bullets, it’s made of body-safe ABS Plastic, but it does have a more luxurious silicone button. It’s IPX7 waterproof, so it can be completely submerged and comes with a storage case.
Compare Bullet & Mini Vibrators
| Product Image | Vibrator | Overall Score | Max Power | Power Range | Rumbliness | Noise | Comfort and Ease of Use | Use During Sex | Build Quality | Battery Life | Cleaning | Median Frequency | Median Frequency Feeling | Waterproof Rating | Bottom Line | Discounts and Guarantees | Check Prices | Product ID | Order |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| We-Vibe Touch X | 8.622 | 7.9 | 8.4 | 7.8 | 10.0 | 8.8 | 9.5 | 10.0 | 7.3 | 10.0 | 69 | Moderately Rumbly | IPX7 | One of my favorite mini vibrators, providing comfortable broad stimulation in a compact design. Excellent power range from gentle to intense. It’s rumbly, but not as extreme as the We-Vibe Tango X. I personally prefer the Touch X’s more moderate rumbliness. Excellent performance overall. |
| 22199 | 1 | ||
| We-Vibe Tango X | 8.583 | 7.9 | 8.0 | 9.5 | 6.4 | 10.0 | 9.5 | 9.0 | 8.3 | 10.0 | 50 | Extremely Rumbly | IPX7 | One of the best bullet vibrators, especially for those who value exceptional rumbliness. Its 8 intensity levels range from mild to intense, and every setting is deep and rumbly. Generally excellent performance across the board too. |
| 22197 | 2 | ||
| Pillow Talk Racy | 8.498 | 7.9 | 8.2 | 7.7 | 10.0 | 9.6 | 10.0 | 9.0 | 5.3 | 9.0 | 72 | Moderately Rumbly | IPX6 | An excellent G-spot bullet vibrator. It’s powerful and one of the most rumbly bullet vibrators in its price range. Its long handle and angled head work well for G-spot stimulation and make it easier to use on your clit too. |
| 22187 | 3 | ||
| Lovense Ambi | 8.491 | 8.3 | 8.5 | 7.7 | 9.2 | 8.4 | 9.8 | 10.0 | 6.3 | 10.0 | 72 | Moderately Rumbly | IPX7 | One of my favorite bullet vibrators. Has a broad power range from mild to intense, not too rumbly nor too buzzy, and its angled head makes it easy to maneuver and leverage. Lovense’s app control is also the best of any brand. | 22173 | 4 | |||
| Je Joue Classic Bullet | 8.486 | 7.9 | 8.5 | 7.2 | 9.2 | 9.8 | 9.0 | 9.0 | 7.0 | 10.0 | 71 | Moderately Rumbly | IPX7 | A great, rumbly bullet at a reasonable price. Its vibrations range from gentle to intense (but not extreme). Its finger strap makes it more comfortable to maneuver and apply pressure. | 22161 | 5 | |||
| BMS Swan Maximum Bullet | 8.454 | 10.0 | 9.3 | 6.1 | 7.7 | 7.2 | 10.0 | 7.5 | 9.3 | 10.0 | 91 | Moderately Buzzy | IPX7 | Best for people who prioritize an exceptional power range from gentle to extremely intense. It’s the most powerful I’ve tested while also providing gentle warmup levels. You trade-off some comfort since it’s pretty tiny, so it’s somewhat hard to grip. |
| 22220 | 6 | ||
| Je Joue Amour | 8.324 | 6.8 | 8.0 | 8.3 | 9.3 | 9.8 | 9.0 | 9.0 | 6.7 | 10.0 | 59 | Extremely Rumbly | IPX7 | A unique bullet with excellent, versatile stimulation. Its flutter tip provides broad/light stimulation I found really interesting and enjoyable – one of the few bullets with a “special” tip I loved! You can also use it as an ordinary bullet. |
| 22159 | 7 | ||
| Blush Limited Addiction | 8.306 | 10.0 | 7.9 | 6.6 | 8.4 | 8.6 | 9.5 | 8.0 | 6.3 | 10.0 | 88 | Neutral | IPX7 | One of the best budget bullet vibrators – excellent power, great controls, and easy to use. Lacks very soft settings if you need a gentle warmup. |
| 22145 | 8 | ||
| Je Joue G-spot Bullet | 8.306 | 6.8 | 7.7 | 8.0 | 9.3 | 9.6 | 10.0 | 9.0 | 6.7 | 10.0 | 67 | Moderately Rumbly | IPX7 | A rumbly bullet vibrator you can use for clit or G-spot stimulation. Best for those who enjoy mild to moderate intensity and want something versatile. As a G-spot vibrator, it’s more difficult to maneuver than longer options like the Pillow Talk Racy. |
| 22163 | 9 | ||
| FemmeFunn Booster Bullet | 8.270 | 9.8 | 7.6 | 6.2 | 8.1 | 8.3 | 10.0 | 8.5 | 7.3 | 10.0 | 102 | Moderately Buzzy | IPX7 | An excellent mid-budget bullet vibrator. Great for those who enjoy strong, buzzy vibrations. Rounded tip and flexible core are very comfortable. Its 4.3-inch length is very easy to hold and maneuver. |
| 22155 | 10 | ||
| FemmeFunn Ultra Bullet | 8.173 | 9.6 | 7.5 | 6.3 | 8.4 | 7.7 | 10.0 | 8.5 | 7.3 | 10.0 | 99 | Moderately Buzzy | IPX7 | One of my favorite bullets, and it’s relatively budget-friendly. Great for those who enjoy strong, buzzy vibrations (not rumbly). Rounded tip and flexible core are very comfortable. Its 4.3-inch length is very easy to hold and maneuver. |
| 22157 | 11 | ||
| Nasstoys Intense Travel Vibe Mini | 7.964 | 9.5 | 5.5 | 5.8 | 8.7 | 8.4 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 8.3 | 10.0 | 94 | Moderately Buzzy | IPX7 | An excellent, budget-friendly bullet vibrator for those who enjoy strong, buzzy vibrations. |
| 22181 | 12 | ||
| Nu Sensuelle Point | 7.906 | 9.5 | 6.0 | 7.1 | 7.6 | 7.8 | 9.5 | 9.0 | 7.3 | 10.0 | 83 | Neutral | IPX7 | I don’t recommend this bullet vibrator. It’s nearly identical to the Nasstoys Intense Travel Vibe Mini, but the Nu Sensuelle Point is more expensive and less convenient. | 22183 | 13 | |||
| Lovense Exomoon | 7.864 | 6.8 | 7.7 | 8.7 | 9.0 | 8.7 | 7.3 | 7.4 | 7.3 | 10.0 | 51 | Extremely Rumbly | IPX7 | This app-controlled lipstick bullet vibrator is best for those who enjoy rumbly vibrations with mild to moderate intensity. Less intense than Lovense’s other bullet (the Ambi), but more rumbly. Lovense’s app control is the best of any brand. |
| 22175 | 14 | ||
| Le Wand Grand Bullet | 7.728 | 6.6 | 6.3 | 6.1 | 10.0 | 8.4 | 9.5 | 10.0 | 7.0 | 10.0 | 83 | Neutral | IPX7 | A luxurious-feeling bullet vibrator with a high-quality metal build. The vibrations are moderately strong and buzzy. I like it, but those who value rumbly vibrations or extreme power won’t. |
| 22169 | 15 | ||
| Je Joue Rabbit Bullet | 7.615 | 6.8 | 7.7 | 6.9 | 9.0 | 8.8 | 5.5 | 9.5 | 7.0 | 10.0 | 70 | Moderately Rumbly | IPX7 | Underperforms for the price. The vibrations don’t travel through the rabbit ears much. | 22165 | 16 | |||
| Pillow Talk Flirty | 7.526 | 6.6 | 7.0 | 5.7 | 10.0 | 9.2 | 8.3 | 8.5 | 5.3 | 9.0 | 87 | Neutral | IPX6 | A budget-friendly bullet vibrator that’s good if you prefer buzzy, mild to moderately strong vibrations and find high intensity overwhelming. I personally prefer the Pillow Talk Racy, which is stronger, more rumbly, and more versatile. | 22185 | 17 | |||
| Lelo Mia 2 | 7.523 | 6.0 | 6.5 | 7.1 | 9.5 | 9.0 | 8.8 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 10.0 | 62 | Moderately Rumbly | IPX7 | Many vibration settings, but they’re all in the low-intensity range. I can orgasm with it, but it takes effort. Best if you prefer soft vibrations and are easily overstimulated. |
| 22171 | 18 | ||
| Dame Pom | 7.498 | 6.6 | 7.3 | 7.4 | 9.0 | 7.0 | 9.0 | 7.0 | 7.3 | 10.0 | 64 | Moderately Rumbly | IPX7 | A luxurious mini vibrator that’s best for those who enjoy rumbly vibrations with gentle to moderate intensity. Its flexible, broad shape spreads the stimulation comfortably over your whole vulva. | 22149 | 19 | |||
| Satisfyer Ultra Power Bullet 5 | 7.484 | 6.7 | 7.5 | 5.6 | 9.2 | 8.1 | 7.3 | 7.4 | 8.8 | 10.0 | 91 | Moderately Buzzy | IPX7 | A cheap bullet vibrator that’s best for those who enjoy mild, buzzy vibrations. Those who need intense or rumbly vibrations will prefer other options. | 22189 | 20 | |||
| Satisfyer Ultra Power Bullet 8 | 7.339 | 6.6 | 7.3 | 5.0 | 8.5 | 8.3 | 8.0 | 7.5 | 8.3 | 10.0 | 104 | Moderately Buzzy | IPX7 | The best affordable app-controlled bullet vibrator. Satisfyer’s app is excellent, but this bullet’s vibrations are just decent – they’re buzzy and range from mild to moderately intense. If you want excellent app-control with better vibrations, go with the Lovense Ambi. | 22191 | 21 | |||
| Maude Vibe | 7.289 | 8.3 | 6.0 | 5.5 | 8.6 | 8.2 | 8.5 | 7.0 | 6.3 | 9.0 | 98 | Moderately Buzzy | IPX6 | A reasonably-priced, luxurious mini vibrator that’s great for those who prefer powerful, buzzy vibrations. |
| 22179 | 22 | ||
| VeDO Bam | 7.190 | 9.8 | 3.3 | 6.2 | 8.6 | 8.0 | 7.5 | 8.0 | 7.1 | 10.0 | 90 | Neutral | IPX7 | A decent bullet vibrator, but some cheaper options perform better overall. The VeDO Bam is powerful, but lacks mild or moderate warmup levels. | 22193 | 23 | |||
| Magic Wand Micro | 7.140 | 6.8 | 2.1 | 8.3 | 8.6 | 9.4 | 8.7 | 8.0 | 8.4 | 7.0 | 62 | Moderately Rumbly | No Rating | A decent mini vibrator, but it’s mostly fun because it’s a cute, tiny version of the larger Magic Wands. Otherwise, its performance is generally good, but it has a very narrow power range. Every setting is moderate – nothing too gentle or intense. |
| 22218 | 24 | ||
| BMS Essential Bullet | 7.117 | 7.9 | 8.0 | 6.6 | 8.3 | 5.8 | 5.5 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 10.0 | 78 | Neutral | IPX7 | An extremely cheap bullet with good performance for the price. Great vibrations, but more difficult to hold and maneuver since it’s so small. |
| 22147 | 25 | ||
| Le Wand Baton | 7.037 | 4.6 | 4.8 | 6.6 | 9.9 | 10.0 | 5.9 | 10.0 | 7.0 | 9.0 | 70 | Moderately Rumbly | IPX6 | Overpriced. It’s expensive, but the vibrations are extremely weak. |
| 22167 | 26 | ||
| Doxy Bullet | 6.578 | 10.0 | 4.6 | 5.4 | 3.7 | 6.6 | 5.5 | 9.5 | 7.3 | 10.0 | 105 | Extremely Buzzy | IPX7 | An underperforming, expensive bullet vibrator. Extremely powerful, but no gentle or moderate settings. Very buzzy and loud. |
| 22153 | 27 | ||
| Dame Zee | 6.385 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 6.9 | 9.6 | 6.9 | 3.5 | 7.4 | 9.0 | 9.0 | 62 | Moderately Rumbly | IPX6 | There are better cheap bullet vibrators than the Dame Zee. The Zee is weak, and its especially small size is difficult to hold and maneuver. | 22151 | 28 |
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The BMS Essential Bullet is surprisingly good for its super low price. If you need to stay under $25, this is the bullet vibrator to get. It has an excellent power range and performs better overall than other bullets this cheap. However, its tiny size makes it somewhat difficult to grip and maneuver, especially during sex. If you have just a bit more room in your budget, the Blush Limited Addiction is another cheap bullet vibrator that’s better and easier to use.
See all our recommendations for the best bullet and mini vibrators here.
Vibrations: Power And Range
The BMS Essential Bullet is very strong for a small, budget-friendly bullet. Its wide power range sets it apart from other inexpensive bullets. It’s the only option I’ve tested with soft, medium, and intense power levels at this price point.
This broad range is excellent for those who enjoy strength but also need gentle settings while warming up. It’s also great for beginners who want to learn their preferred power range (not everyone loves extreme power).
The BMS Bullet has 4 total power levels, with the first starting at 2.5 out of 10 vibration strength. This great warm-up level is comfortable for those who are easily overstimulated. The top strength reaches 7.75 out of 10, which is intense and packs plenty of power for most people.
With only 4 settings, it doesn’t have as many power levels in each range as some bullets, like the BMS Swan Maximum Bullet or Pillow Talk Racy, which both have continuous power ranges that gradually increase in tiny steps. But for the price, the BMS Essential has a great power range.
Vibrations: Frequency (Rumbliness)
We rate bullets with rumbly vibrations higher than those with buzzy ones because it’s what most people prefer. Some people, including myself, still appreciate a neutral feeling or even slightly buzzy vibrations.
The BMS Essential Bullet has acceptable rumbliness but won’t satisfy those prioritizing deep rumbliness. Only the lowest power level falls in the rumbly range. And since that power level is a 2.5 out of 10 intensity, most people will only use this level while warming up.
The two middle power levels are in the neutral range, and I consider the top strength “moderately buzzy.” I personally enjoy all 4 of its power levels.
If deeper rumbliness is a high priority, you’ll have to increase your budget a bit. The Pillow Talk Racy is the most affordable option with great rumbliness. Or the Original We-Vibe Tango, which is being sold at a discount while stock remains.
Stimulation Precision
The BMS Bullet has mostly precise stimulation because it’s a thin, small bullet. So whether you use the very tip or the side of the bullet, it covers a fairly limited surface area.
This is great if you like focused clitoral stimulation. For those who enjoy a bit more breadth, you can’t spread the pressure out much as you can with a wider bullet like the Blush Limited Addiction or Satisfyer Ultra Power Bullet 5. How much precision you enjoy is entirely a personal preference.
Comfort & Ease of Use
The BMS Essential Bullet has below-average comfort and ease of use. It can be tiring to use for extended periods because of the small size and vibrations in your hand.
You can adjust your hold on the bullet to limit how distracting the vibrations feel in your hand. I find they’re worse if you’re holding the bullet loosely or at the very end. But they lessen if you grip the bullet tightly. They’ll be noticeable throughout your experience, though.
Since it’s so short, it takes effort to grip the end tightly, and it’s difficult to leverage the bullet. It takes effort from your fingers and arm to maneuver and press it where you want. Longer bullets like the Blush Limited Addiction provide more space to grip, and you can leverage them more easily with minimal finger-work.
The BMS Essential bullet also uses a one-button control system. You’ll use a single button to cycle through all 4 power levels and 5 vibration patterns. So, to move backward, you’ll need to press the button several times. Or I find it easier to simply turn the bullet off and back on again to start over at the lowest intensity. It’s manageable but could be better.
I prefer bullets with separate buttons to increase and decrease power, like the Blush Limited Addiction or We-Vibe Tango X.
Use During Sex
The BMS Essential Bullet is difficult to use during sex because it’s so short that you have to reach down farther than usual, so then your hand takes up too much space.
Even in fairly open positions like Spooning, the long reach required to use the BMS Essential is tiring. And your hand gets particularly in the way in positions like Missionary where space is already limited. Your partner may need to keep penetration shallow to avoid bumping into your hand. And your hand is so scrunched up that maneuvering the bullet in this tight space is tricky.
If you want a cheap bullet to use during sex and want a comfortable, less-distracting experience, I’d recommend the Blush Limited Addiction instead. The Blush Limited Addiction is much easier to maneuver because it’s still small enough to fit into tight spaces. But it’s long enough to leverage it easily, giving your hand plenty of room.
Noise
The BMS Essential Bullet is discreet. Even though it may have some louder decibel measurement than my other bullets (most bullets are very quiet), it’s still completely inaudible from behind a closed bedroom door.
People outside your room won’t hear it. But the sound might distract you if you’re especially sensitive to noise. I consider myself fairly sensitive to sound and am not personally distracted by the BMS Essential Bullet’s noise.
If you’re easily annoyed by vibration sounds, the Pillow Talk Racy and Pillow Talk Flirty are two of my quietest, relatively budget-friendly bullets.
Battery Life
The BMS Essential Bullet has reasonable battery life, lasting 75 minutes on high power during our testing. While there are longer-lasting bullet vibrators, 75 minutes is about average for bullets of this strength. And the manufacturer lists only 30 minutes on high, but my tests yielded much longer results, so I was happy with its performance.
This is ideal if you often forget to charge between uses. And you’ll extend the battery life beyond 75 minutes if you typically use some of the low or medium power levels too.
Build Quality
The BMS Essential Bullet has a decent build quality. It has not given me any issues, but it feels a bit cheap. It’s the least expensive bullet I’ve tested, so I don’t expect a luxury or heavy-duty build.
It’s made primarily of a silky lightweight ABS plastic, which feels thin but reasonably sturdy. Only the button is a more luxurious silicone material. It uses a charging system most sex toys have moved away from. You insert a charging pin through the self-healing silicone button into the toy. I’ve never experienced an issue with this charging mechanism, but it feels like it could damage the toy after a very long time.
It’s a nice toy to experiment on and figure out what you like, but not something you’d expect to last forever.
I base my ratings of Build Quality on my experience and how the toy “feels” to me unless I experience a substantial issue like the toy breaking. So we don’t weigh this score too highly. But if you’re looking for something that feels more solid, the Nasstoys Travel Vibe Mini is the cheapest bullet that felt exceptionally sturdy to me.
Cleaning
The BMS Essential Bullet is 100% waterproof, making it easy to clean. You can completely submerge it while scrubbing it with soap and water.
General Design And Specs
Review Results
This inexpensive bullet vibrator has good performance for the price and offers some major advantages as a first vibrator.
Unlike other cheap bullets, the BMS Essential has a wide power range, with gentle, mid-strength, and intense vibrations. So you can work through softer warmup levels up to a strong finish. And for those new to vibrators, it can help you learn how much intensity you enjoy.
You can also get a feel for your preferred vibration frequency with this bullet’s low rumbly power, neutral-feeling medium levels, and buzzy top strength.
Its tiny size makes it less comfortable and more difficult to maneuver than longer bullets. If this will bother you, or you’re past the experimenting phase and ready for something built to last, see our alternatives below. But for those on a tight budget or exploring their interest in vibrators, this is the cheapest bullet vibrator that I recommend.
Compare Alternatives
Blush Limited Addiction
The Blush Limited Addiction is better than the BMS Essential Bullet if you prefer medium to extreme power levels and do not need gentle vibrations. Beginning at a 5 out of 10 vibration strength, the Blush Limited Addiction lacks the Essential Bullet’s soft warmup levels. But its highest power reaches a 10 out of 10! The Limited Addiction is also a longer bullet, making it more comfortable to hold for long periods of time and easier to leverage. It also has buttons that allow you to tap up or back down to adjust vibration strength. This one is about $10 more expensive.
Pillow Talk Racy
Though it’s double the cost of the BMS Essential Bullet, the Pillow Talk Racy is the most affordable option with much rumblier vibrations. It reaches a slightly wider range of power than the BMS Bullet – with a lower starting level, and the same top strength. The Pillow Talk Racy also has many more power levels than the BMS Essential bullet. So it provides more gradual steps and covers each power and frequency range more in-depth than the Essential bullet. It’s also got a much more comfortable design for holding and maneuvering. This one can also be used internally, so it can help you explore G-spot stimulation too.
BMS Swan Maximum Bullet Vibrator
The BMS Swan Maximum Bullet is made by the same brand as the BMS Essential Bullet, but it’s an upgrade.
It begins just as gently but finishes with about 1.4x the power, so you have a wider range to enjoy. The BMS Swan Maximum is a little easier to leverage because it’s longer. However, it’s still not the most comfortable either since it vibrates my hand. The Swan is about double the cost of the Essential but still relatively affordable compared to other bullets. And the power range is exceptional, especially for the price.
We-Vibe Tango X
The We-Vibe Tango X is a premium option if you prefer much more rumbly vibrations than the BMS Essential Bullet. It has the same top and bottom strength as the BMS Essential Bullet, but the Tango X has 8 power settings instead of the Essential Bullet’s 4 levels. This means steps between intensity levels are more comfortable and gradual. And all 8 of the Tango X’s power levels are extremely rumbly. This bullet also allows you to tap up or back down on strength and separately control patterns. The We-Vibe Tango X is a premium option for those who enjoy rumbly vibrations and a wide power range. Whereas the BMS Essential Bullet is a cheap option for those learning what they enjoy in a vibrator.
Review Updates
- May 14, 2024: We tested the BMS Swan Maximum and added relevant comparisons in this review.
- April 15, 2024: Review Published.