HOPSTAR vs. HOPSTAR PRO: Is the Upgrade Worth the Extra Cost
HOPSTAR and HOPSTAR PRO are clitoral suction toys $19 apart. This guide compares noise, battery, modes, and feel to decide if the PRO upgrade is worth it.
Both are air-pulse stimulators built around the same clitoral suction idea, so the real question is not whether suction works for you but how refined the experience feels in daily use. If you already know suction toys suit you, the choice comes down to motor quality, battery life, and finish. If you are unsure, the cheaper HOPSTAR is the lower-risk way to find out before committing more.
The Short Answer
Pick HOPSTAR PRO if you want a quieter motor, roughly double the runtime, magnetic charging, and a softer premium silicone finish, and you will use it often enough to notice those gains. Pick HOPSTAR if you are new to suction toys, keeping a tighter budget, or simply want the same core sensation for less money. The $19 gap buys refinement, not a different category of result. Prices below are list prices in USD.
Stimulation and Modes
HOPSTAR runs 10 fixed suction intensities on a single motor, stepping from a light flutter to a strong pulse. That range covers most first-time users and is easy to learn in one session, because each step is a clear jump rather than a subtle shift. HOPSTAR PRO adds 12 intensities plus 3 pulsing patterns, so you get more granular control near the top end and a few rhythmic options HOPSTAR does not offer at all.
For most people the extra two intensities are a nice-to-have rather than a need. The patterns matter more if you like varied rhythm during a session instead of holding one steady level. If you tend to find one or two settings you like and stay there, HOPSTAR's 10 steps are plenty and you will rarely miss the rest.
Noise and Discretion
HOPSTAR measures around 45 dB at the nozzle on its mid settings, which is a soft hum comparable to a quiet refrigerator in another room. HOPSTAR PRO sits near 40 dB thanks to a dampened motor mount, closer to a whisper you would have to lean in to hear. In a shared apartment the difference is real but small; both are safe to use without alerting a next-room housemate through a closed door.
- HOPSTAR. About 45 dB, audible up close, fine behind a closed door.
- HOPSTAR PRO. About 40 dB, quieter at the same intensity, better for thin walls.
Battery, Charging, and Runtime
HOPSTAR uses a pin-style USB charger and runs about 60 minutes per 90-minute charge. HOPSTAR PRO uses a magnetic charger and runs about 120 minutes per 120-minute charge, so in practice it needs charging about half as often. The magnetic port also seals better, which supports the stronger waterproofing described below and keeps lint out of the connector.
If you travel or tend to forget to charge, HOPSTAR PRO's longer runtime is the more forgiving option. HOPSTAR is fine if you charge it after most sessions and do not mind keeping the small cable handy in a drawer or bag.
Build, Waterproofing, and Cleaning
HOPSTAR is rated IPX6, meaning it survives splashes and a quick rinse but should not sit in water. HOPSTAR PRO is IPX7, so it can be submerged for cleaning and used in the bath or shower without worry. Both use body-safe silicone on the contact area; PRO's is a softer, denser grade that many people find more comfortable against sensitive skin during longer sessions.
Clean both with warm water and a mild toy-safe wash, then let them air-dry. The magnetic seal on PRO makes the port less likely to trap residue, which keeps cleaning faster over time and lowers the chance of a musty smell in the charge point.
Grip, Size, and Daily Handling
HOPSTAR is the smaller of the two at about 3.5 inches and 70 grams, so it disappears in a palm and packs into a wash bag without adding bulk. HOPSTAR PRO is a touch larger at about 4 inches and 85 grams, with a contoured body that sits more securely in a wet hand. Neither is heavy enough to cause wrist fatigue, but PRO's shape is the easier one to hold if your hands slip.
Both have a single control button placed where a thumb lands, so you are not hunting for controls mid-session. PRO's button has a fainter click and a shorter travel, which some people prefer when they want to change levels without breaking focus.
Price and Who Should Buy Which
At list prices in USD, HOPSTAR is $79 and HOPSTAR PRO is $98. Spend the extra $19 if you value quiet operation, longer battery, bath-safe waterproofing, and a softer finish, and you expect to reach for it weekly. Save it if you are exploring suction for the first time or want a second toy without overspending on a feature set you may not use.
Pair either with a water-based lubricant for comfort and to protect the silicone head; avoid silicone lubes, which can degrade the surface. A small bottle lasts months and keeps the seal clean between uses, which helps both toys last.
Where to Start
Choose HOPSTAR to try clitoral suction at the lower price, or HOPSTAR PRO when you want the quieter, longer-running, bath-safe build for regular use.
- HOPSTAR — $79: 10 intensities, IPX6, pin charge; the low-risk entry to suction.
- HOPSTAR PRO — $98: 12 intensities plus patterns, ~40 dB, IPX7, magnetic charge.
- Velvet Touch Lubricant — $21: water-based, keeps the silicone head comfortable and clean.
- Browse the Customer Favorites collection for the full range.
- Related reading: clitoral suction toys explained and best vibrators under $100.
Sources
- Cleveland Clinic — sexual health and intimate wellness education
- Mayo Clinic — sexual function and wellbeing resources
- Planned Parenthood — masturbation and sexual health guides
- Journal of Sexual Medicine — research on arousal and orgasm
Written by the GETAUVE Editorial Team. This article is general education and not medical advice. See a clinician for persistent symptoms. Prices are list prices in USD and may change.