Maude’s Vibe was recognized as Mashable’s leading affordable vibrator for a good reason. Its elegant design resembles a piece of art, while its performance rivals that of pricier options. Following its release, Maude faced challenges in maintaining inventory.
Now, Maude announces its latest product: the vibe mini. Priced at $32, this smaller version measures just under three and a half inches in length and mirrors the original’s design.
Mini toy, big vibes
The introduction of the mini instantly caught my eye. Miniature versions invariably draw interest — think of Mini Brands or the Magic Wand Micro for a more fitting analogy. I was enthralled by the Magic Wand Micro upon its release; would the mini evoke the same excitement?
Indeed, it did. When the mini arrived, I felt just as thrilled as one would feel cradling a baby chick. The mini is slightly longer than my index finger and one inch at its widest point. It resembles the original Maude vibe but in a compact form. Even the “m” button has been miniaturized. So cute!
(For reference, the original measures about five inches in length and approximately one and a half inches in width. It fits nicely in the palm of my hand.)
The vibe mini is made from silicone (remember to use water-based lubricant for cleaning) and is water-resistant, making it suitable for use in the shower, but not for full submersion.
The vibe mini includes a USB charger, a pouch (a smaller version of the original’s pouch), and a manual.
A highly travel-friendly toy
Like its predecessor, the vibe mini is straightforward yet elegant. It has a single button (the “m”) that functions as the on/off switch, mode changer, and travel lock.
Yes, this toy features a travel lock, a characteristic that some of our favorite vibrators lack. This was a drawback for the Magic Wand Micro, which is perfect for on-the-go use. However, Maude recognized the necessity. The vibe mini’s promotion emphasizes travel, showcasing a vintage “Maude Airways” advertisement.
To activate the travel lock, press and hold the button for three seconds. The toy will buzz twice. To unlock it, press and hold for another three seconds.
Press the button to switch it on at the lowest setting. When fully charged, it operates for 70 minutes on the lowest setting. The vibe mini offers five speeds; press the button to increase them. On a full charge at the highest setting, it lasts for 45 minutes (you probably won’t require that much time).
The vibe mini takes 1.5 to two hours to charge fully. It arrived partially charged (with the travel lock engaged), but the manual recommends charging it before initial use. While charging, a light blinks slowly, illuminating the button. Once it’s fully charged, the light remains steady.
Maude recommends cleaning the vibe with mild soap and storing it in its pouch, away from extreme temperatures.
According to the manual, do not charge the vibe for more than three hours. The battery may degrade over time, but the vibe mini includes a one-year limited warranty.
Using the Maude vibe mini
Now that we’ve covered the specifications, let’s move on to the enjoyable part: using the vibe mini.
The toy’s silicone is smooth, and its single button is user-friendly. Press once to turn it on and once more to increase the speed — it’s that easy.
Similar to the original, you can use the vibrator’s side for a broader area or the tip for more concentrated, intense vibrations. The mini’s tip is smaller than that of the original, increasing its intensity — I found it challenging to use directly for more than a few seconds.
At full charge, the lowest setting was sufficient for me. Those who are less sensitive can explore the additional four settings.
Some users might find the absence of vibration patterns—seen in other modern toys (e.g., buzz buzz stop)—disappointing, as it offers only a continuous buzz, changing in intensity.
Personally, I’m indifferent to those Morse code-like patterns and never utilize them. You can create your own effects by removing the toy if you want to edge.
I appreciate the mini’s straightforwardness, just like the original. It’s convenient to charge, use, and clean.
A potential drawback could be hand cramping from holding the tiny vibe. This was not an issue during my testing, but gripping a small silicone piece over time could cause discomfort. It likely varies based on hand size and potassium levels.
This toy isn’t particularly suited for partnered use. A partner could use it on you, but sharing its sensations might not be easy. No worries — there are other toys designed for that, like Harry Styles’s double-sided vibrator.
Additionally, the vibe mini is meant for external use. Given its size, internal use is not recommended. A press release indicated that the vibe mini is excellent for “layering” with other toys, so that’s an option as well.
Is the Maude vibe mini worth its price?
Absolutely! The vibe mini provides orgasms as effectively as larger toys, if not even more so with its intense tip, all at a lower price point.
The Magic Wand Micro, for example, retails for $89.99.