Comparison
LELO Sona 2 Cruise vs Sona 3 Cruise: What Changed in the New Generation?
On this page
The LELO Sona 3 Cruise succeeds the Sona 2 Cruise, and the two are closer than the change of name suggests: same sonic-wave technology with Cruise Control, almost the same size, the same battery and the same stated run time. The differences are in control and comfort features: SmoothRise transitions, the optional LELO app with Love Bridge, and a travel lock on the Sona 3 Cruise. This comparison is based on LELO’s official product pages and the Sona 3 Cruise user manual.
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Quick verdict
Choose the LELO Sona 2 Cruise if…
- you never want to pair a device with a phone: it has no app and no Bluetooth;
- you want twelve settings directly on the device;
- you are happy with the same sonic sensation, size and run time as the newer model.
Choose the LELO Sona 3 Cruise if…
- you want intensity changes without sudden jumps (SmoothRise);
- you would like optional app control, saved settings and Love Bridge to play at a distance;
- you travel with it and want a lock that keeps it switched off in a bag.
Both are rated 4.5/5 and sit side by side in our air-pulse and sonic ranking: the Sona 2 Cruise second and the Sona 3 Cruise third. They tie on rating, on the stated noise ceiling (60 dB and “under 60 dB”, which we treat as the same value) and on water resistance, so their order is a tie-break, not a judgement that the older model is better. On the documented features, the Sona 3 Cruise is the more complete device; the Sona 2 Cruise remains the simpler choice if you do not need an app.
Specifications side by side
Values from LELO’s official product pages and, for the Sona 3 Cruise, its user manual. Noise figures are LELO’s stated maximums; run times are manufacturer-stated and vary with intensity.
| Criteria | LELOLELO Sona 2 CruiseCheck Price | LELOLELO Sona 3 CruiseCheck Price |
|---|---|---|
| Pros |
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|
| Cons |
|
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| Technology | SenSonic sonic waves | SenSonic sonic waves |
| Power regulation | Cruise Control: extra power under pressure | Cruise Control + SmoothRise transitions |
| Settings | 12 on the device | 10 on the device + 2 in the LELO app |
| App and remote | None (no Bluetooth) | Optional LELO app, Love Bridge at a distance |
| Travel lock | Not listed by LELO | Yes: + and − together |
| Approx. noise | Audible (~60 dB) | Audible (~60 dB) |
| Waterproofing | Completely waterproof (LELO), no IP rating | 100% waterproof (LELO), no IP rating |
| Run time (stated) | Up to 2 h | Up to 2 h |
| Charging | USB cord, 2 h; 520 mAh | USB cord, up to 2 h; 520 mAh |
| Size and weight | 112 × 55 × 51 mm, 125 g | 112 × 51 × 55 mm, 128 g |
| Materials | Body-safe silicone, ABS | Body-safe silicone, ABS |
Same sonic core: SenSonic and Cruise Control
Both devices use LELO’s SenSonic technology: sonic pulses transmitted through an open, soft mouth, without direct contact, rather than suction or a vibrating tip. LELO lists the same frequency for both (63 Hz). Both also have Cruise Control, which keeps the pulsations constant and adds power when the device is pressed more firmly, instead of letting the intensity drop. LELO publishes no motor power figures for either model, so we do not claim that one is stronger than the other.
What the Sona 3 Cruise adds
SmoothRise transitions
On the Sona 3 Cruise, SmoothRise moves between intensity levels gradually rather than in steps, which LELO designs for comfort when you raise or lower the intensity. The Sona 2 Cruise changes level directly with each press.
Optional LELO app and Love Bridge
The Sona 2 Cruise has no app and no Bluetooth. The Sona 3 Cruise works the same way out of the box, with ten modes on the device, but it can also be paired with the LELO app (iOS and Android): three regular modes including a manual one, two app-exclusive advanced modes, saved settings for offline use and an automatic power-off adjustable between 10 and 20 minutes. Love Bridge lets two people take turns controlling each other’s LELO app-connected devices at a distance. As with any connected device, read the app’s privacy policy before pairing it.
Travel lock
Pressing + and − together switches the Sona 3 Cruise off and locks it; it ships locked, and connecting the charger unlocks it. LELO does not list a travel lock for the Sona 2 Cruise.
Ergonomics and handling
The two bodies are almost identical in size: 112 × 55 × 51 mm and 125 g for the Sona 2 Cruise, 112 × 51 × 55 mm and 128 g for the Sona 3 Cruise, according to LELO. Both rest in the palm with the opening at the top of a curved shape and use three buttons. LELO describes the Sona 3 Cruise’s silicone as softer than on its previous models. The 23 mm mouth width that LELO publishes for the Sona 2 Cruise has no equivalent figure for the Sona 3 Cruise, so we do not compare the openings.
Acoustic discretion
LELO states a maximum noise level of 60 dB for the Sona 2 Cruise and “under 60 dB” for the Sona 3 Cruise, both reached at the highest settings. We show both as ~60 dB: an upper bound is only a stated ceiling, and it does not tell us how much quieter the Sona 3 Cruise is, if at all. Around 60 dB is comparable to a normal conversation, so neither is a discreet device at its strongest settings. Both switch off automatically after 20 minutes. If discretion comes first, see our quiet devices ranking and our noise and decibel guide.
Battery, waterproofing and care
- Battery: both use a 520 mAh Li-ion battery, with up to 2 hours of use and about 2 hours of charging through the supplied USB cord, and up to 90 days on standby, according to LELO.
- Waterproofing: LELO describes both as fully waterproof and suitable for the bath and shower, without stating an IP rating. Both can be rinsed thoroughly.
- Materials: both use body-safe silicone over an ABS body. Learn what to look for in our guide to body-safe silicone and materials.
- Cleaning: rinse the mouth until no soap remains and let it dry completely before charging. LELO advises against cleaners containing alcohol, petrol or acetone, and warns that hand creams and silicone-based lubricants can make the silicone tacky: use a water-based lubricant only.
Where they rank
In our air-pulse and sonic ranking, the Womanizer Premium 2 is first (4.6/5), the LELO Sona 2 Cruise second and the LELO Sona 3 Cruise third (both 4.5/5), ahead of the Satisfyer Pro 2 Generation 3. For a gentler sonic option from the same brand, see the LELO SILA Cruise; to compare the Sona 2 Cruise with the air-pulse flagship, see our Womanizer Premium 2 vs LELO Sona 2 Cruise comparison.
Read the full reviews
- LELO Sona 2 Cruise review: design, materials, acoustics and care
- LELO Sona 3 Cruise review: design, app, acoustics and care
Frequently asked questions
Is the LELO Sona 3 Cruise more powerful than the Sona 2 Cruise?
LELO publishes no motor power figures for either model, so we cannot say. Both use the same SenSonic technology at 63 Hz with Cruise Control; the Sona 3 Cruise’s documented additions are SmoothRise transitions, the optional app and a travel lock.
Is the Sona 3 Cruise quieter?
LELO states “under 60 dB” for the Sona 3 Cruise and 60 dB for the Sona 2 Cruise, both as maximums. These are upper bounds, not measurements, so we show both as ~60 dB and do not rank one as quieter than the other.
Do I need a smartphone to use the Sona 3 Cruise?
No. Its ten modes and intensity buttons work without a phone. The LELO app is optional and adds two app-exclusive modes, saved settings and Love Bridge for control at a distance.
This comparison provides general information and is not medical advice. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use, cleaning and charging.