LELO Tor 3 vs LELO Lifeguard: which vibrating ring should you buy?

The verdict

Buy the Lifeguard if you want a good rechargeable vibrating ring and don't need extras. It's stretchy silicone with textured ribs and eight vibration modes, it's waterproof, it has a travel lock, and a two-hour charge gives about two hours of use. Buy the Tor 3 if you'll use the LELO app: on top of eight settings and 12 intensity levels on its own buttons, the app gives it three ways to control it, settings you can save, and an auto power-off you can set between 10 and 20 minutes. Both are made so that both partners feel the vibration. If you've never worn a ring, start with a cheap stretchy one to check the fit before spending on either.

Side by side

We haven't tested either hands-on, so this comparison uses the makers' own figures. Where a figure isn't given, the table says so rather than guessing.

Where they differ

• Control. The Tor 3 has 12 intensity levels on its own buttons. The Lifeguard's + and - buttons change the strength, but the number of levels isn't given.
• The app. Both pair with the LELO app, but the Tor 3 gets more from it: extra settings and intensities, three ways to control it, settings you can save for offline use, a battery reading, and an auto power-off you can set between 10 and 20 minutes. The Lifeguard's listing mentions four settings through the app.
• Battery. The Lifeguard gives about two hours of use from a two-hour charge. The Tor 3 needs two hours before its first use, and its run time isn't stated.
• Water. The Lifeguard is listed as waterproof, with no IPX rating given. The Tor 3's listing doesn't say either way, so check the instructions in the box before you use it in water.
• Feel. The Lifeguard has textured ribs. The Tor 3 is smooth silicone.
• Fit. The Tor 3 is 29 mm across inside and flexes. The Lifeguard is stretchy silicone, but its inside size isn't given.
• Price. The Tor 3 costs much more. The table above shows today's prices.

What's the same on both

• Both are LELO rings in silicone, and both charge by USB.
• Both have eight vibration patterns.
• Both are made so that both partners feel the vibration.
• Both work from their own buttons. The app is optional.
• No warranty is stated in either listing, so we don't quote one. If yours arrives faulty, tell us within 30 days of delivery and we'll refund or replace it.

Who should skip each

• Skip the Tor 3 if you won't use the app. Without it, the main extra is the 12 intensity levels, and the Lifeguard covers the basics for much less.
• Skip the Tor 3 if you only want a ring to help you stay firmer. A plain stretchy ring does that for a fraction of the price.
• Skip the Lifeguard if you want to set exactly how long it runs, or control it in more ways from your phone.
• Skip both if you've never worn a ring. Check your size and how a ring feels with a cheap stretchy one first. Our cock ring size guide shows how to measure in two minutes.
• Skip both if you just want to find out whether you like a vibrating ring. The JoyRings vibrating ring runs at one speed on button batteries, which are included, and costs a fraction of either.

Wearing either one safely

• Take it off after 20 minutes and never wear it for more than 30. That's the limit UK urologists give for constriction rings.
• On the Tor 3, setting the auto power-off to 20 minutes gives you a reminder. It stops the vibration, not the ring, so take the ring off too.
• Use a little water-based lube to put it on and take it off. Silicone lube can damage silicone toys.
• Take it off straight away if anything feels cold, numb or painful, or changes colour.
• If you take blood-thinning medicines or have a blood or circulation problem, check with your GP before using any ring.
• An erection that lasts more than 3 to 4 hours is a medical emergency. Call 999 or go to A&E.
• Our guide on how to use a cock ring covers putting one on, using one with a partner and cleaning it.

Which to choose

Choose the Lifeguard if you want a rechargeable, waterproof vibrating ring from a known brand at a sensible price. Choose the Tor 3 if you'll use the app and want the most ways to control it. If you're not sure yet whether a vibrating ring is for you, start with a cheap one and move up later.

Questions

This guide is general information, not medical advice. If something hurts or worries you, stop and speak to a GP or pharmacist.

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