Lelo Ida Wave vs Lovense Flexer Side-By-Side Comparison
Use Case Ratings
Performance Ratings
Our Verdict
The Lelo Ida Wave and Lovense Flexer are both app-controlled dual-stimulation wearables built around internal motion, but they feel very different. The Ida Wave is better if you want strong, rumbly clit vibrations with gentle G-spot pressure that feels like light fingering. The Flexer is better if you want more intense stimulation overall and are okay with the motion and pressure being focused more on your clit than your G-spot.
The Ida Wave’s rotating internal arm applies gentle, shifting pressure against my G-spot. It’s not intense, but it feels really enjoyable like light fingering combined with a strong, rumbly clit motor reaching 8.5 out of 10 strength. And the clit arm’s broad shape transfers that power especially well, with deep, rumbly vibrations that range from 46 Hz on low to 84 Hz on high. The Flexer’s clit motor is slightly stronger at 9.1 out of 10, but its vibrations are extremely buzzy, ranging from 139.59 to 244.51 Hz. Its arm flexes 34 to 63 times per minute, but most of that movement happens externally, creating intense, changing clit pressure rather than much internal fingering sensation.
You may enjoy it if you often masturbate by pressing on your clit. I can orgasm hands-free with both, but the Flexer feels more intense overall – though less comfortable, as its rigid arms opening and closing can pinch at times. Whereas the Ida Wave’s flexible internal arm is very comfy, but the pressure isn’t as intense.
Both are best used for hands-free stimulation in bed, as their movement tends to make them work their way out when trying to walk – they’re not secure for wearing around like egg vibrators or panty vibrators.
The Ida Wave lasted 135 minutes on high compared with the Flexer’s 95 minutes. Choose the Ida Wave for better comfort and deep clit vibrations with gentle, G-spot-focused motion. Choose the Flexer for stronger, more intense stimulation, dynamic clit pressure, and Lovense’s better app.
The Lelo Ida Wave is one of my favorite dual-stimulation wearables to enjoy hands-free in bed.
It’s great if you want G-spot pressure from motion (like subtle fingering) with strong, rumbly clit vibrations. Few wearables offer G-spot motion rather than vibration, and among those that do, the Ida Wave delivers my favorite combined stimulation.
Its rotating internal arm provides subtle but enjoyable pressure on my G-spot. And the broad external arm keeps strong vibrations in consistent contact with my clit to bring me to orgasm hands-free. While some other motion-toys like the Lovense Flexer can feel more intense, the Ida Wave delivers enjoyable motion more comfortably – so I’m not distracted by uncomfortable pinching or poking.
Downsides are that the internal arm is a bit too flexible, so the G-spot pressure is mild – you can press a handheld rabbit like the We-Vibe Nova 2 more firmly against your G-spot than a hands-free toy. But it still enhances my orgasms driven by the clit vibrations. And like most dual-stimulation wearables, and especially those with motion, it’s also not easy to wear around, so it’s best used in-bed. Get a panty vibrator or egg vibrator if wearing it around is your priority.
The Lovense Flexer can be an interesting hands-free wearable to use in bed if you specifically want motion that rhythmically presses against and releases your clit. It can be extremely stimulating once I’m warmed up, but it’s not the best choice if you primarily want firm G-spot pressure, a comfortable and secure fit to wear around (choose a panty vibrator or egg vibrator for that), or rumbly vibrations.
Although its flexing motion is intended to create an internal fingering sensation, most of the movement actually happens in the clit arm. The G-spot pressure is subtle, while the external arm repeatedly presses down on and then lets off my clit. I find that dynamic sensation really stimulating, and I orgasm hands-free from it – those who like pressing on their clit with their fingers may especially enjoy it. However, the movement can feel pinchy or distracting at times, and the rigid, non-adjustable shape can feel like it’s working its way out.
The Flexer is also noisy and uncomfortable to wear around. The motion on your clit is the main reason to choose it.
For a quieter dual-stimulation wearable with more G-spot focused motion, try the Lelo Ida Wave. Or if you want to stick with Lovense and you don’t care about motion, the Lovense Dolce has more rumbly, powerful vibrations.
The Lelo Ida Wave is bad for wearing around outside the bedroom. The biggest issue is fit: the rotating internal arm works itself out as soon as I start walking, so it only functions for hands-free stimulation in bed. The clit motor also gets uncomfortable when layers of clothing press it in too firmly.
It is very quiet and rumbly, but that doesn’t matter if it doesn’t stay where it needs to be.
If you specifically want an app or remote-controlled toy to wear around, egg vibrators and panty vibrators are much more secure and comfortable as you move around. The Lovense Ferri is great for clit stimulation, and the Lovense Lush 4 is excellent for G-spot stimulation. You can even wear these two together and control them from the Lovense app. Or see all our recommendations for the best panty vibrators and best egg vibrators.
The Lovense Flexer is bad for wearing around. Most powerful dual-stimulation wearables are not built for walking around the way panty vibrators or egg vibrators are. The Flexer is loud, restricts your movement, and not very secure when the flex motion is active.
Walking, stairs, sitting, and bending forward all make the toy feel too girthy and uncomfortable for me. And when moving around it feels like it may work itself out. The buzzy vibrations and high-pitched sound from the flexing motion are also very loud.
If you want quieter, comfortable dual-stimulation that stays put while walking around, try pairing the Lovense Ferri (clit stimulation) and Lovense Lush 4 (G-spot stimulation) together – you can control them simultaneously from the Lovense app. With the budget for one toy, your better off getting whichever one of those provides your preffered stimulation.
The Lelo Ida Wave is one of my favorite dual-stimulation wearables to enjoy hands-free in bed.
It’s great if you want G-spot pressure from motion (like subtle fingering) with strong, rumbly clit vibrations. Few wearables offer G-spot motion rather than vibration, and among those that do, the Ida Wave delivers my favorite combined stimulation.
Its rotating internal arm provides subtle but enjoyable pressure on my G-spot. And the broad external arm keeps strong vibrations in consistent contact with my clit to bring me to orgasm hands-free. While some other motion-toys like the Lovense Flexer can feel more intense, the Ida Wave delivers enjoyable motion more comfortably – so I’m not distracted by uncomfortable pinching or poking.
It also has one of the longest batteries of all my dual-stim wearables, and even with its motion some of the quietest sound levels.
However, the internal arm can slowly work its way out, so I usually readjust it a few times per session. And if firm G-spot pressure is the main thing you want, a handheld dual-stim vibrator like the We-Vibe Nova 2 is still better because you can press it in manually.
The best way to use the Lovense Flexer is for hands-free dual-stimulation in bed. The strong buzzy vibrations and flexing motion on my clit are very stimulating, and I can orgasm with it hands-free. And the motion makes it feel different from vibration-only dual-stim wearables like the Lovense Dolce, so it just offers something fun and unique.
However, some tradoffs are that it’s extremely buzzy (which some people don’t like), and the rigid shape can press into me uncomfortably, depending on how you’re positioned. I find it most comfortable lying down – sitting up in bed feels too tight.
The external arm also ends up moving more than the internal arm, so it’s really most stimulating on my clit – not my G-spot as intended. But still, it’s very stimulating, though could be distracting or overwhelming if you’re easily overstimulated. I have to be fully warmed-up before using this toy.
The Flexer is powerful, has a great app, and offers interesting unique stimulation. But the Lelo Ida Wave and Lovense Dolce are better dual-stimulation options if you prefer more rumbly vibes or don’t want movement on your clit.
The Lelo Ida Wave is fine for long-distance play as an occasional bonus use, but isn’t the wearable vibrator I’d get if that’s your main goal.
The Lelo app’s long-distance feature set is basic – no video calling, no saved partners (send a room code each time), and messaging is text-only – you can’t send photos or videos like other apps.
The long-distance connectivity is reliable, and your partner can control your toy’s intensity using the basic controls or by moving their phone, drawing or tapping on-screen, or using their voice volume. And the toy itself has strong, rumbly clit vibrations plus stimulating G-spot pressure from motion. But if you prioritize an engaging experience with your long-distance partner other apps like Lovense provide a much richer long-distance experience.
The Lovense Dolce is a great dual-stimulation alternative, with a better long-distance experience.
The Lovense Flexer is a good long-distance option for bedroom use: the Lovense app is excellent (the best of any brand), and the Flexer provides strong stimulation I can orgasm with hands-free. But it’s loud and uncomfortable to wear around, so it’s best for in-bed long-distance play.
Lovense’s app allows your partner to control vibration intensity and flexing speed separately. They can quickly create a custom pattern, and the chatting and video calls are reliable and clear.
The toy itself is only comfortable when you can lie down since the rigid fit can cause a tight feeling or pinching if you bend forward or move around too much.
So if long-distance play means something you can wear around comfortably, try the Lovense Ferri for clit stimulation, and add in the Lovense Lush 4 for dual-stimulation. You can control them simultaneously in the same great app.
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Clit Stimulation: Main Takeaways
In the next sections, I’ll cover the Ida Wave’s clit vibration power and rumbliness.
Here’s the main conclusion:
The Ida Wave has one of the best clit motors of any dual-stim wearable. It’s got the most rumbly clit motor of the dual-stim wearables I’ve tested, and has great power. It’s strong enough for me to orgasm hands-free, and while some others have even more strength, the broad external arm helps the vibrations reach my clit more effectively than many stronger toys.
In the next sections, I’ll cover the Flexer’s clit vibration power and rumbliness in-depth.
Here’s the main conclusion: the Flexer provides some of the more-intense clit stimulation out of the dual-stim wearables I have tested, and I can orgasm with it hands-free. The vibrations are buzzy and the flexing motion on your clit can be overstimulating at times though.
If more consistent clit pressure and rumbliness matters most, go with the Lovense Dolce, which doesn’t have a movement motor. If you’re interested in the motion and enjoy buzzy vibes, stick with the Flexer.
Clit Vibrations: Power, Range, and Transfer Effectiveness
The Ida Wave has strong clit vibrations – strong enough for me to orgasm hands-free. Its ten power levels span from a very gentle 1.0 up to 8.5 out of 10, with gradual steps for a comfortable, slow build.
The vibrations transfer really well to my clit too. With hands-free vibrators, the toy’s shape and fit have to naturally carry the motor’s strength to your body. The Ida Wave’s design does this very well: the tight angle of the internal arm pushes the clit arm firmly against my body, and the broad shape distributes this pressure evenly and consistently (and very comfortably).
Of the dual-stim wearables I’ve tested, the Lovense Dolce and Lovense Flexer reach higher raw top powers, but neither delivers their power to the clit as effectively as the Ida Wave.
The Flexer’s clit motor is very strong, reaching 9.1 out of 10 on high – one of my strongest wearables. And it still starts gently enough that I can warm up before using the stronger settings.
With wearables, strong motors only matter if the toy keeps that motor in contact with your body. In bed, the Flexer does that well, but in a unique way: When the flexing motion is active, the external arm moves back and forth, varying the clit pressure. This makes the stimulation feel stronger and more interesting to me as the external arm presses those vibrations firmly into my clit.
The Flexer is a good fit if you like movement and intensity shifts, but some will prefer consistent contact instead. If you want a dual-stimulation toy that stays in one spot and a more controlled feel, go with the vibration-only Lovense Dolce. The Lelo Ida Wave’s clit stimulation is also more consistent and rumbly while also providing G-spot stimulation from motion.
Clit Vibrations: Frequency (Rumbliness)
We rate wearables with rumbly vibrations higher than buzzy ones because rumbly is what most people prefer. But it’s definitely a personal preference, so consider what you like.
The Ida Wave’s clit motor is one of the most rumbly of my dual-stimulation wearables. Its lowest power setting is extremely rumbly at 46 Hz, the middle of its range is moderately rumbly at 68 Hz, and its top setting reaches neutral at 84 Hz – it never crosses into buzzy territory. My other dual-stim wearables are buzzier: the Lovense Dolce starts rumbly on low (49 Hz) but climbs into extremely buzzy at its top, and the Lovense Flexer is extremely buzzy at every power level.
Rumbly vibrations travel deeper into your body and tend to feel less ticklish than buzzy ones, which is part of why many people prefer them. While I can orgasm just as well from buzzy wearables as rumbly ones, the Ida Wave will be best for those who prioritize rumbliness.
We generally rate rumbly vibrations higher because most people enjoy them more, but buzzy versus rumbly is still a preference. The Flexer’s clit motor is for people who like strong, extremely buzzy intensity. It’s actually my buzziest dual-stimulation wearable.
The clit vibrations range from 139.59 Hz on low to 244.51 Hz on high – extremely buzzy throughout its entire range. The two vibration motors create a faint wobble sensation when they play off each other, which adds some complexity. But the Flexer is not at all rumbly.
If buzzy vibrations feel tickly or numb to you, the Lovense Dolce or Lelo Ida Wave are better.
G-spot Stimulation: Main Takeaways
In the next sections, I’ll cover the Flexer’s G-spot vibration power, rumbliness, and flexing motion.
Here’s the main conclusion: the Flexer’s G-spot stimulation is good for a dual-stim wearable, but the flexing motion contributes less than you’d expect. The external arm moves more than the internal arm with each flex, so you can feel some internal pressure, but it’s gentle.
Thankfully, the bulbous design transfers the vibrations well to the front wall. So the combination of internal vibes and gentle movement combines for an enjoyable experience.
But handheld vibrators provide much firmer front-wall pressure since you can leverage the base with your hand. Two of my favorites are the We-Vibe Nova 2 and Lovense Nora.
G-spot Vibrations: Power, Range, and Transfer Effectiveness
The Flexer’s G-spot vibrations reach a moderate 4.9 out of 10 strength that enhances the experience when paired with the toy’s external vibes and flexing motion. I’m able to orgasm with the Flexer when the internal and external vibrations work together with the flexing motion.
But, the Lovense Dolce’s internal arm has nearly double the vibration strength of the Flexer. Both have an excellent, bulbous design that transfers the vibrations efficiently to the front wall.
If you find even gentle internal motion more stimulating than vibrations, the Flexer is a great option. If you don’t need motion, and feel stimulated from internal vibrations alone, the Dolce will feel the strongest to you.
G-spot Vibrations: Frequency (Rumbliness)
We rate rumbly internal vibrations higher because they tend to feel deeper, though some people enjoy buzzy stimulation. The Flexer’s G-spot motor stays extremely buzzy across its entire range, from 182.44 Hz on low to 257.18 Hz on high.
Buzzy vibrations don’t travel as deep, so the buzzy vibrations at only a moderate strength on the Flexer definitely need the internal motion and external vibes to feel worthwhile.
If rumbliness is a priority, the Lovense Dolce is a much better pick.
G-spot Stimulation from Motion
I really enjoy the Ida Wave’s G-spot motion and it hits my G-spot well, but it’s somewhat subtle – like gentle fingering. It adds depth to my orgasms driven by the clit motor, but isn’t the main event on its own.
This rotational motion is one of my favorites, because this angle can direct pressure against the front wall where my G-spot is. Of the motion-based wearables I’ve tested, the Ida Wave hits the G-spot best: the “fingering” motion of the Lovense Flexer actually creates more clit movement than internal movement. And in-and-out thrusting toys like the Lovense Vulse feel good but don’t press on my G-spot specifically. The Ida Wave’s motion is also more stimulating than the Lelo Hula Beads which have too little range of motion to reach my G-spot reliably.
The stimulation is on the gentle side because the internal arm is flexible, so the pressure is light. If you like substantial force on your G-spot, handheld G-spot toys like the We-Vibe Nova 2 or Lovense Nora allow for much more leveraging pressure. But what I enjoy about the Ida Wave is that it’s effortless.
I can let the clit vibrations bring me to orgasm hands-free while the G-spot motion makes the orgasm stronger and more full.
The Flexer’s motion is enjoyable, but it feels more like subtle internal pressure changes than the firm G-spot fingering that’s advertised.
The internal arm moves in a front-to-back arc at 34 to 63 cycles per minute. The flexing hinge is very strong, and doesn’t “give” under pressure like the flexible Lelo Ida Wave’s internal arm does. However, because there’s no “anchoring” point for the Flexer, the external arm moves more than the internal arm, causing the G-spot pressure to feel gentle. You really feel most of the motion on your clit.
I can orgasm with the Flexer when the motion is paired with clit vibrations and internal vibes. But handheld toys provide firmer internal pressure if that’s a big priority to you. The We-Vibe Nova 2 is great if you want to leverage the pressure yourself. And the Lovense Nora is better if you want automatic internal motion.
App Control: Main Takeaways
In the next sections, I’ll cover the Lelo app’s close-range features, long-distance features, and connectivity in detail.
Here’s the main conclusion: Lelo’s app is clean, easy to use, and reliable, but it’s basic compared with the best vibrator apps.
Close-range and long-distance controls works well for adjusting intensity, choosing preset patterns, or controlling power through your phone’s movement. But there’s no custom pattern creation, sound sync, multi-toy control, or independent control over each motor. Long-distance connections are reliable, but the experience is bare-bones with no video calling or photo sharing. Bluetooth connectivity is solid during normal use, though heavy body interference can cause dropouts.
If basic, reliable control is enough and you primarily want the Ida Wave for its comfortable motion and rumbly clit vibrations, the app works well. If a feature-rich app and engaging long-distance experience are priorities, go with a Lovense dual-stimulation wearable like the Lovense Dolce or the Lovense Flexer if you still want motion.
In the next sections, I’ll cover the Lovense app’s close-range features, long-distance features, and connectivity in detail.
Here’s the main conclusion:
The Lovense app is by far the best of any brand. It provides the most control, is easiest to use, and has the most reliable connectivity. If an outstanding app is your top priority, stick to a Lovense toy.
App Control: Close-Range Features
The Lelo app’s close-range features are clean, easy to use, and work well – but they’re very basic. It’s essentially a glorified remote control which can be good if you like simplicity.
You can adjust intensity, choose preset patterns, and use Lelo’s unique motion-control feature like their physical remotes provide. But it lacks the advanced features better apps offer, like custom pattern creation, music/sound sync, separate control over each motor, and the ability to control multiple toys at once.
Manual mode is just a picture of Lelo’s remote and + / − buttons to raise or lower intensity. It works well, but with 10 power levels, it takes lots of repeated taps to reach high power. Better apps like Lovense’s feel smoother because you can tap or drag directly to the intensity you want instead of clicking a button several times.
For faster intensity changes, use the Screwing mode. This adjusts the toy’s power based on your phone’s tilt – level for gentle vibrations, closer to 90 degrees for stronger. This is also a great way to control your toy without staring at a screen.
Shaking changes intensity based on how hard you shake the phone, but I think it takes too much energy, so it’s not very useful.
On all 3 screens, you can select a pattern and control its intensity. The pattern names are vague like “Delighted” or “Overjoyed” instead of descriptive like “Waves” or “Pulses”. And the app shows small waveform icons for each motor, but you don’t see them until you’ve selected the pattern. So you have to select and try each pattern to know what it feels like.
It’s missing more advanced functionality other apps provide. There’s no custom pattern creation, no music or sound-reactive control, no multi-toy control, and no individual control over each motor. Each pattern in the Ida Wave’s app assigns a preset waveform to both motors, and some Modes give the clit and G-spot motors different patterns. But any intensity adjustment applies to both motors together, so you can’t turn up the clit vibrations while keeping the G-spot motion slow for example. Better apps like Lovense allow individual control of each motor.
One small annoyance: the app requires an account even for close-range solo use. It usually stays logged in, but it sometimes signs me out, which is frustrating when I’m ready to use the toy.
For simple, reliable close-range control, the Ida Wave’s app is good. But if you want more advanced app features, the Lovense Dolce is a good dual-stimulation wearable with a better app.
The Lovense Flexer’s app has the best close-range features of any brand.
On the main Remote screen, you drag the control dots up or down to adjust intensity of the vibrations and speed of the flexing motion.
Tap Float to hold a steady power/speed, or Loop to draw a custom pattern that repeats. Since the toy reacts as you draw, you can feel the pattern in real time instead of creating it blindly and testing it later. If you like what you made, tap Record to save it to My Patterns.
Lovense typically allows separate control of each motor. Unfortunately, the two arms’ separate vibrating motors are tied together. Setting the vibration intensity of the internal arm does the same to the external arm. But the flexing motion is still controlled separately.
For presets, the My Patterns screen includes Lovense’s default patterns, anything you’ve saved, and patterns downloaded from Lovense’s active community library.
Lovense’s sound-reactive mode is also the best I’ve used. You can set a minimum decibel threshold, so the toy stays still until the room gets loud enough, and adjust sensitivity to control how much of the toy’s power range it uses. The live decibel readout makes it easy to calibrate. Many other apps either combine these controls or don’t offer a threshold at all.
The music-sync mode works with Spotify or local files and follows the music well enough for hands-free variation. You can cap the intensity to keep it in your comfortable range.
Lovense also includes a few useful extras: Voice Control, device-to-device control with certain Lovense toys, and per-toy max intensity settings. The intensity cap is helpful if you want to limit noise or prevent a partner from setting the toy too strong.
Overall, the Lovense app’s close-range features are excellent – and the best of any brand I’ve tested.
App Control: Long-Distance Features
Lelo’s long-distance experience is very basic.
It works for offering a partner simple, reliable control of your toy from anywhere in the world, but it doesn’t have the communication features that make long-distance feel more like sharing an experience together: no video or voice calls, no saved partners, no photo or voice messaging, no custom pattern creation, and you can only send text messages when you’re both in an active session.
To start, you create a new Room and send your partner the code outside the app. That’s fine for one-off sessions, but you have to create a new room every time. There are no saved partner profiles, online status, auto-accept settings, or permissions. So with a regular partner, you have to start from scratch each time.
Once connected, the controlling partner gets a version of the same Play screen used for close-range control: they will use the Manual mode, and the Screwing/Shaking motion modes to contol your toy. Lelo does add two useful long-distance controls: a drag-to-position dot for setting intensity quickly, and a voice-control mode that changes power based on sound picked up by the phone’s mic. Both make it quicker to set a specific intensity than tapping + / − repeatedly.
But it lacks lots of communication features that make most long-distance toys feel fun and connecting. There’s only text messaging, with no message history once the room ends, so you can’t go back and reread fun messages. Video or voice calls have to happen in another app, like FaceTime or Zoom. But if you each have a Lelo toy, you can each control the other’s toy.
If long-distance play is a priority, the Lovense Dolce or Lovense Flexer is the better dual-stim wearable. Lovense has in-app video, messaging, saved partners, permission settings, and detailed controls so your partner can make custom patterns. Lelo is fine for basic control-sharing, but Lovense is much stronger for ongoing partner play.
Lovense also has the best long-distance experience of any brand, by a wide margin.
During messaging or video calls, your partner gets the same excellent Remote screen used for close-range control. They can set a steady intensity or flexing speed with Float or draw a repeating pattern with Loop, so long-distance control doesn’t feel stripped down. The only small downside is that you can’t control your own toy during a video call – only your partner can.
The video call tools are excellent. Incoming calls are easy to notice and accept, and once you’re in a call, the video feed is clear. You can mute, toggle your camera, switch between front and back cameras, cast audio to a speaker, or end the call. The controls stay out of the way until you tap the screen, and you can move your self-view so it doesn’t block your partner.
The app also handles normal phone use well. You can lock your screen or switch to another app without disrupting the session.
Messaging is equally strong. The thread is easy to follow, and you can send voice notes, photos, and videos from your camera or camera roll. There’s also an optional “burn after reading” feature for one-time viewing that prevents screenshots, and it works as intended.
Lovense gives you helpful partner settings too. You can let a trusted partner auto-accept control requests, get a notification when they come online, or hide your online status from specific people. Each partner can have different settings.
Lovense also offers the broadest anonymous and group control options. You can send a one-time control link or create a group link for up to 10 people. When the time runs out, they lose access and can’t request control again.
If long-distance play is the main reason you’re buying a wearable vibrator, Lovense is the best choice.
App Control: Connectivity
The Ida Wave’s close-range Bluetooth is good for solo use: pairing is reliable, commands consistently go through, and the range is strong – 215 feet in our test without any blockage. It can be sensitive to too much body tissue coming between the phone and toy, but this doesn’t happen much in normal use.
The first time you connect, you’ll add the toy to your list which takes a few clicks. After that first one-time pairing, I just tap the toy from the My Toy list, tap Play, and it connects within a few seconds.
The Ida Wave stays connected well when the phone and toy have a clear path, but Bluetooth struggles when a lot of body tissue sits between them. In our body-interference test, it handled light body interference but dropped at the two harder angles with more material blocking the signal.
For most people this won’t really be an issue with the Ida Wave. Our test runs harsher than real wear. The Ida Wave’s receiver is in the external arm and often will have a relatively clear shot – especially since this toy is best in bed rather than wearing around where your partner might be at an odd angle like controlling your toy from behind you.
If the connection drops between your phone and the toy, the app won’t automatically reconnect when the signal returns. You have to go back to the toy’s connection page, and press the physical button on the Ida Wave itself to re-pair. Since the button’s on the external arm, it’s not much trouble, but still takes effort.
Connecting in long-distance mode through a “room” is reliable because your partner’s phone isn’t talking directly to the toy. Your phone controls the Ida Wave over Bluetooth, and your partner’s phone connects to yours over Wi-Fi or cell data. As long as your phone stays near the toy and both internet connections are decent, the long-distance connection works well.
One small long-distance quirk: if the controlling partner locks their phone or leaves the app for more than about 30 seconds, they drop out of the Room and have to re-enter the code. The wearer’s connection doesn’t drop – control just pauses until they rejoin.
For most typical uses, the Ida Wave’s connection is solid. But if the best connectivity is important to you, the Lovense Dolce or Flexer is a better pick. They handle tougher body-blocking angles better, and are stronger overall for app-controlled play.
The Flexer’s connectivity is excellent. Lovense has the most reliable app connection of any brand I’ve tested, both for nearby Bluetooth control and long-distance play.
Pairing is quick: the very first time you connect, just tap Add Toy, turn the Flexer on, and it appears in the app within seconds. After that first setup, it auto-connects as soon as you turn it on with the app open.
Once paired, the Flexer stays connected through normal phone use, including locking your screen, switching apps, or leaving the app idle.
It also handles body interference very well. Body tissue can weaken Bluetooth more than walls or clothing, which is why some wearable vibrators work fine for solo control but drop connection when a partner controls them from certain angles. In our body-interference test, the Flexer stayed connected through all three positions, including the hardest one.
Bluetooth range was excellent too, reaching about 315 feet in our clear line-of-sight test. That’s one of the longest ranges we’ve measured for a wearable and far more than most people will need. Though walls and other interference will shorten real-world range.
If the it does disconnect, the app reconnects automatically once the signal is clear. A red “Reconnecting…” message also tells the controlling partner that control has paused. You can choose whether the toy stops vibrating during a disconnect with Auto-Stop, or keeps vibrating at the last intensity level until it reconnects.
Long-distance connectivity is also excellent. The toy connects to your phone over Bluetooth, and your phone connects to your partner’s phone over Wi-Fi or cell data. Since the Bluetooth connection is strong, long-distance play works well as long as your internet connection is decent. Sessions stay stable, commands go through reliably, and locking your phone or switching apps doesn’t disrupt control.
One quirk: if you start a session on Wi-Fi and then switch to cell data, the first switch can drop control and require a quick re-invite. After that, switching works normally. To avoid this, start the session on cellular data – then you can switch freely between the two.
Remote Control: Main Takeaways
The Lelo Ida Wave doesn’t include a physical remote control. A remote lets you adjust the toy by feel – without pulling out your phone. Though there’s other downsides like less depth and no visual feedback to help your partner know what your toy’s doing. If you want to consider options with physical remotes, see our recommendations in these guides:
- best remote and app-controlled vibrators (all types of vibrators)
- best wearable vibrators (wearables only).
The Lovense Flexer doesn’t include a physical remote control. A remote lets you adjust the toy by feel – without pulling out your phone. Though there’s other downsides like less depth and no visual feedback to help your partner know what your toy’s doing. If you want to consider options with physical remotes, see our recommendations in these guides:
- best remote and app-controlled vibrators (all types of vibrators)
- best wearable vibrators (wearables only).
On-Toy Controls
Like most wearables, the Ida Wave’s on-toy controls are limited by design – you’ll mostly control it through the app. The button is a single-button cycle for 7 vibration patterns, with only one vibration power level accessible on-toy. The rotating internal arm spins at one fixed speed regardless of which setting you select.
For the full 10 power settings and control over the arm’s speed, you have to use the app.
If you do have to use the on-toy button, the button placement is good. On most wearables, pressing the button often means pushing the toy uncomfortably against you or removing it completely first. But the Ida Wave’s button is on the side of the external arm.
It’s comfortable and easy to press, and doesn’t push the toy uncomfortably against your body, making it decent as a backup if you don’t feel like using the app.
The Flexer’s on-toy controls work as a backup, but the app is the main way to use this toy. A single button cycles through three power levels and four patterns on the same loop, with the vibration and motion functions linked together.
Lovense lets you customize the three on-toy preset power levels in the app so the button provides access to the levels you like. This can be useful if you don’t want to mess with the app for quick, immediate interaction.
However, the button sits far enough back on the toy that it’s annoying to reach while using. So the app is really what you should count on in typical use.
Secure Fit & Adjustability
The Ida Wave is the least secure-fitting dual-stim wearable I’ve tested. I still really enjoy this toy, but you can’t wear it around. And even in bed, I have to make occasional adjustments.
The rotating internal arm is small and flexible while the external arm is broad and heavy, so the toy’s own weight slowly works the internal arm out. It’s flexible, but not adjustable, so there are no hinges to actually re-shape the toy to make it more secure.
In bed, the Ida Wave stays workable but never feels fully reliably anchored. I can roll, shift positions, even kneel, but I find myself adjusting it or pushing the internal arm back in a few times per session. The clit vibrations are stimulating, but for the best experience, plan to use your hand every so often to re-position it. If you’ll find that annoying, dual-stimulation toys without motion like the Lovense Dolce are much more secure.
The Ida Wave is not designed to be worn around. When I walked around with it in, I had to keep pushing it back into position; only my underwear stopped it from falling all the way out. It also bumps against the inside of my legs, making walking awkward. With any sort of heavier activity like running or jumping the Ida Wave pulls most of the way out.
If walking around or moving with the toy in is part of what you want from a wearable, the Ida Wave isn’t built for it – and really none of my strong dual-stimulation wearables are easy to wear around. A panty vibrator like the Lovense Ferri or egg vibrator like the Lovense Lush 4 are much more secure. You can even wear both of these at the same time and control them through the Lovense app.
The Flexer’s fit is workable when using it hands-free in bed, but it moves around a lot and does not feel secure when walking. Some of that movement is intentional – the flexing arm presses both internally and externally. But it also makes the stimulation feel a bit chaotic and less secure.
The bigger issue is that the Flexer is rigid and not adjustable. If the shape lines up well with your anatomy, it can be very stimulating. If it doesn’t, there’s not much you can do to improve the fit. That makes it a riskier pick than adjustable dual-stim toys like the Lovense Dolce, which stays in place better and has a good adjustable spine to help you get a better fit for your individual anatomy.
The Flexer feels least secure when the flexing motion is on. With vibrations alone, it’s more stable, but still has a “half in” feeling that makes me less confident moving around. During light activity, especially bending or squatting, I worry it could work its way out. And it’s not comfortable to wear when moving around anyway.
I’d treat the Flexer as an in-bed toy, not something for walking around. For dual-stimulation you can wear around more easily, try pairing the Lovense Ferri with the Lovense Lush 4 or Lush Mini.
Comfort
The Ida Wave is much more comfortable in bed than it is for walking around. Lying down, the slim internal arm is pretty comfortable, and the broad external arm distributes pressure evenly. But once I’m standing or walking, the toy starts to pull out, which can make it pinch uncomfortably.
In bed, the internal arm is slim enough that it doesn’t limit my movement as much as more bulbous internal arms. The external arm is broad enough that I can’t fully close my legs around it, but my legs help to keep it in place. And this breadth helps spread the pressure out instead of pinching, like the narrower Lovense Flexer can.
Walking around is the weak point. As the internal arm slowly works its way out, it can press uncomfortably against my pubic bone. So if mobile comfort is your priority, try a panty vibrator like the Lovense Ferri or egg vibrator like the Lovense Lush Mini instead. Or try wearing them both at the same time for dual-stimulation that’s more comfy to wear around.
The Ida Wave is best treated as an in-bed wearable.
The Flexer can be an uncomfortable dual-stimulation wearable, and takes some warmup and unique preferences to enjoy. It is rigid, girthy, and the flexing motion can pinch against my pubic bone.
It’s best for those who prefer a fuller internal feel, and don’t mind firm pressure on your clit.
I find it most comfortable lying in bed. Sitting up or bending forward makes it feel too tight. Walking around is worse – my movement feels restricted in normal activities like walking, stairs, standing, or sitting.
This might be fine for those who value the strong, unique stimulation it provides. But if comfort is a priority, the Fantasy For Her G-spot Stimulate-Her is one of my most comfortable dual-stimulation wearables in bed. Or, egg and panty vibrators are more comfortable to wear around.
Noise
The Lelo Ida Wave is very discreet – especially surprising since toys with motion are typically loud.
When held in the open air, the decibel readings are somewhat loud on paper – about 45 dBA on low and 56 dBA on high. But once you’re actually wearing the toy, the body dampens both the vibration and the motion noise substantially.
The Ida Wave was fully masked at every power level in our Background Noise Masking subtest. In this part of the test, I wear the toy while my partner listens from three feet away and we play pink noise through a speaker at quiet, moderate, and loud volumes (56, 62, and 68 dBA). He couldn’t hear the Ida Wave at any strength under any of our three tested background volumes – and even when he stepped right next to me to check the sound, he could only pick up the vibrations, not the rotating motion at all.
Behind a closed bedroom door, the Ida Wave was also inaudible. For this part of the test, my partner listens directly outside our bedroom door while I use the toy in bed. I use it like a handheld toy since wearing dampens sound, and some people want the flexibility to safely re-position wearables or use some of them handheld. Holding the toy instead of wearing it gives us the most conservative results. He couldn’t hear the Ida Wave at any setting from behind the door.
The Ida Wave is the quietest of my strong dual-stimulation wearables.
The Flexer is very loud. The vibrations are high-pitched and buzzy, and the flex motor adds a distinct non-constant mechanical sound that draws attention.
Decibel readings were 49.7 dBA on low and 54.7 dBA on high. Those numbers are not extreme, but the high-pitched, uneven sound makes it easier to hear.
In our background noise masking test, I wear the toy while my partner listens from three feet away and we play pink noise through a speaker at quiet, moderate, and loud volumes. Even with our loudest background audio playing all the Flexer’s settings were audible – low power was barely noticeable, but middle and high were still unmistakable.
We also check whether my partner can hear me use it behind our closed bedroom door. The middle and high powers were audible. A box fan helped enough that high power was barely audible and probably would not be noticed in normal use. To be completely masked, I had to play music in the bedroom.
If you want dual-stimulation from motion that’s quieter, consider the Lelo Ida Wave.
Battery Life
The Lelo Ida Wave lasted 135 minutes at top power in our testing – the longest battery life of any dual-stimulation wearable I’ve tested. And since you’ll spend plenty of time on lower and middle settings too, real-world runtime is typically longer. That’s plenty of time, even if you sometimes forget to charge between uses.
The Lovense Flexer has a great battery life, lasting 95 minutes on high in our test. That’s comparable with or better than other dual-stimulation wearables, and plenty for most in-bed or long-distance sessions.
Cleaning
The Lelo Ida Wave is very easy to clean. It’s IPX7 waterproof, so you can rinse it under a running faucet or fully submerge it in soapy water without worrying about water damage.
The Flexer is IPX7 waterproof and easy to clean with soap and water. You can rinse it thoroughly after use, including at the hinge, where the internal and external arms meet.
Build Quality
The Ida Wave’s build quality is excellent. I’ve owned my Ida Wave since 2022, and it’s continued to operate as expected. The silicone is smooth, the shiny plastic top has stayed scratch-free with normal use, and the seams between materials are tight. The flex point between the internal and external arms feels solidly built, with no loosening or signs of strain.
The Flexer feels sturdy and well-built. I’ve had mine since 2022 and it’s still working how it did when I first got it.
It is covered in smooth, firm silicone, and the connecting arm between the internal and external sections is very strong. The flexing movement comes from the motor, not from the toy feeling floppy or manually bendable.
That rigidity contributes to the comfort problems, but it also makes the toy feel durable.
My main frustration with the build has to do with noise. The flex motor can be especially high-pitched in a cheap-sounding way. It’s not as quiet as premium options like the Lelo Ida Wave.