In short: the LELO SONA 3 Cruise is a LELO SONA 3 with Cruise Control added, a feature that keeps the intensity steady when you press the device against you. If you use it resting in place without pressure, the SONA 3 is enough. If you like to press more firmly, the SONA 3 Cruise is the one for you.
This comparison relies only on data published by LELO and shown on our product pages. When a figure is not published, the table says so rather than estimating it.
SONA 3 and SONA 3 Cruise at a glance
| Criterion | LELO SONA 3 | LELO SONA 3 Cruise |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Sonic waves | Sonic waves |
| Intensity held under pressure | No | Yes: Cruise Control |
| Settings | 12: 10 on the device, 2 via the app | 12: 10 on the device, 2 via the app |
| Intensity rise | Continuous (SmoothRise) | Continuous (SmoothRise) |
| App | Yes, optional | Yes, optional |
| Travel lock | Yes | Yes |
| Water resistance | Fully waterproof according to the manufacturer | Fully waterproof according to the manufacturer |
| Stated battery life | About 2 hours of use for 2 hours of charging, 90 days on standby | Not published on our product page |
| Colours | Cyber purple, violet dusk, cream | Black, pale pink, plum |
What Cruise Control does
Cruise Control acts on one thing only: what happens when you press. On the SONA 3 Cruise, the intensity holds when you press the device against you, with no setting to readjust. On the SONA 3, which does not have it, the recommendation is to rest the mouth around the clitoris without pressing.
Cruise Control does not replace SmoothRise; it adds to it. SmoothRise smooths the move from one level to the next; Cruise Control keeps the intensity steady under pressure. They act on different things and work together on the Cruise.
What stays the same
Apart from Cruise Control and the colours, both models share the same features on our product pages: sonic-wave stimulation, twelve settings including two unlocked by the app, the continuous SmoothRise rise, a travel lock and full water resistance. To understand how sonic waves differ from classic vibration, read Clitoral stimulator or vibrator: what’s the difference?
The only data difference: LELO states the battery life of the SONA 3, but not that of the Cruise on our product page. We do not estimate it.
Which one to choose for your use
The LELO SONA 3 is for you if:
- you rest the device in place without pressing, as its instructions recommend;
- SmoothRise and the app are the two new features that interest you;
- a stated battery life matters in your choice;
- you prefer its purple or cream colours.
The LELO SONA 3 Cruise is for you if:
- you like to press the device more firmly against you;
- you want the intensity to stay steady whatever the pressure;
- you are looking for the most complete model in the SONA range;
- you prefer its black, pale pink or plum colours.
What about earlier generations?
The SONA 2 Cruise keeps Cruise Control and twelve settings, without SmoothRise. The SONA 2 keeps twelve settings, without the app or SmoothRise. If a continuous rise does not matter to you, they are sensible alternatives. And if you are still torn between sonic waves and air pulses, our comparison Womanizer Premium 2 or LELO SONA 3: which one to choose? puts the two technologies side by side.
Our verdict
The choice comes down to one question: do you press, or not? If you use your stimulator resting on the surface, the SONA 3 already gives you everything newest in the range. If you like to vary the pressure, the SONA 3 Cruise keeps the intensity from dropping the moment you press.
SoPigalle tip: whichever model you choose, spend your first session going through the ten levels one by one, mouth resting without pressure. On the Cruise, only press deliberately afterwards: you will feel exactly what the feature adds. For care: lukewarm water, a suitable cleanser and a water-based lubricant, as explained in our guide Water or silicone lubricant: how to choose?
FAQ: LELO SONA 3 or SONA 3 Cruise
What is the difference between the LELO SONA 3 and the SONA 3 Cruise?
The SONA 3 Cruise adds Cruise Control, which keeps the intensity steady when you press the device. Otherwise, our product pages show the same features: sonic waves, twelve settings, SmoothRise, optional app, travel lock and full water resistance.
What does Cruise Control do?
It keeps the intensity steady under pressure: when you press the device against you, the stimulation does not weaken and there is nothing to adjust.
Does the SONA 3 Cruise also have SmoothRise?
Yes. The two features work together: SmoothRise smooths the transitions between levels, Cruise Control holds the intensity under pressure.
Do you need the app to use these two models?
No. Ten of the twelve settings are available directly on the device; the app unlocks the last two and remote control.
Which one should I choose as a first sonic stimulator?
If you plan to use it resting in place without pressure, the SONA 3 is enough. The SONA 3 Cruise is the most complete in the range, and therefore the one that takes the most time to explore fully.