- How To Use a Vibrator
- Finding the Right Vibrator
- Best Vibrators For Beginners
- Best Bullet Vibrators
- Best Wand Vibrators
- Best G-Spot Vibrators
- Best Clitoral-Stimulating Vibrators
- Best Oral Sex Simulating Vibrators
- Best Rabbit Vibrators
- Best Vibrators for Couples
- Best Remote-Controlled Vibrators
- Best On-The-Go Vibrators
- Best Anal Vibrators
- How We Test
- Meet the Experts
Whether you're enjoying some much-needed alone time or engaging in partner play, introducing sex toys can make a huge difference in the bedroom. And while there's a myriad of categories within the sex toy world—from dildos to anal toys to kink toys—the vibrator remains one of the most consistently popular styles of all time.
"One of the main reasons why vibrators feel so good is because of electricity," explains Shamyra Howard, a Lovehoney sexologist and LCSW. "Every vibrator, no matter the size, operates with a motor inside. This explains one reason why there are several different types of vibrators. This allows our bodies to have different response signals to varying speeds, motions, and intensities. It is thought that vibrators feel so good because they transmit frequencies that we as humans are incapable of doing to some of the most sensitive areas of the body."
Personally, I used to think that vibrators were overrated, but when I learned more about the many styles and types of vibrators, I realized that this sex toy is far more versatile than most of us have given it credit for—coming in a variety of shapes, sizes, textures, and vibration options. With that in mind, we've spoken to sexperts to set the record straight about different types of vibrators, choosing the right one for you, and, of course, the very best vibrators on the market today.
- Best Vibrator for Beginners: Lovehoney Magic Bullet 10 Function Silver Bullet Vibrator
- Best Bullet Vibrator: FemmeFunn Ultra Bullet
- Best Wand Vibrator: Magic Wand Original
- Best G-Spot Vibrator: Lovehoney Desire Luxury Rechargeable G-Spot Vibrator
- Best Clitoral-Stimulating Vibrator: Womanizer Pro W500
- Best Oral Sex Simulating Vibrator: LELO Ora 3
- Best Dual-Stimulating Vibrator: plusOne Dual Vibrating Massager
- Best Vibrator for Partner Play: Dame Eva II
- Best Remote-Controlled Vibrator: We-Vibe Sync
- Best On-The-Go Vibrator: Unbound Puff Suction Vibe
- Best Anal Vibrator: Rocks Off Teazer Petite Sensations Beginner's Vibrating Butt Plug
How To Use a Vibrator
If you're unsure how to use a vibrator, there are a number of sex toys designed for beginners. Plus, countless resources are available online, from the instruction manual that comes with your toy to thorough online guides by brands like Smile Makers and Lovehoney. Howard reminds us that not all vibrators are built the same, and different types have different purposes. Thus, it's important to take note of whether your vibrator is meant to be used on external or internal genitalia, on the anus or on the vagina, and so on.
Plus, one should always be stimulated and properly lubricated before using any toy. Howard points out that vibrators won't feel good if the user isn't already aroused, and explains, "The more aroused you are, the better the vibrator feels." So before you start using your toy, try stimulating yourself with your hands or watching something titillating, and consider adding some lube to the mix to ensure your vibrator experience is safe and comfortable.
There is some room for creativity, though. "They can be used for various reasons and on other body parts," she says. "That’s right: Vibrators are not just for use on the genitals."
So, once you're comfortable with how to use your vibrator the traditional way, see how it feels on other erogenous zones, like the nipples, base of your neck, or back of your knee.
Finding the Right Vibrator
Sexual pleasure is an incredibly personal, subjective experience, so selecting the right vibrator should be one, too. "The materials and shape of the vibrator are often the most influential factors in how vibrators impact everyone differently," says Kris Fretz, co-founder of sex toy brand Emojibator. "Personally, I’m more sensitive to the vibrator’s texture vs. intensity, so I look for toys that are made with medical-grade silicone so they are safe for bodily insertion."
In that vein, it's important to take note of what toys are made of when buying them. Silicone toys, for instance, should never be used with silicone lube, or they'll break down. And while sex toys can get pricey, Howard says that buying a high-quality option is well worth it.
"Since vibrators are used in one of the body's most sensitive areas, it’s essential to only use body-safe toys," she says.
Fretz also adds that one should consider how and for how long a toy will be used when looking at what it's made of, warning, "A toy can be made with other materials such as metal, and in those cases it’s important to not overuse the toy beyond the recommended usage time and spare your most sensitive areas from burning up."
Once you know what materials you're selecting and the type of stimulation you're going for, Fretz recommends staying open-minded. After all, the world of sex toys is characterized by constant innovation.
"While the vibrator industry began with rabbits and phallic-shaped dildos, our society has advanced so much further than these rigid ideas of what vibrators should look like," elaborates Fretz. "I encourage all shoppers to feel confident that they can experience great orgasms from any shaped vibrator that is made with safe materials. This freedom to explore makes sex toys more inclusive to the queer and sexual trauma communities who don’t feel represented in the mainstream sex toy industry."
Keep scrolling for a low-down on the different categories of vibrators meant to cater to all sexual preferences, along with products that are notorious for their good vibes.
Best Deals on Vibrators
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Best Vibrators For Beginners
Everybody has to start somewhere, and for those who have never used a vibrator before, it's important to start slow and focus on exploration. The sex toys for beginners below have been vetted by sexperts and are wildly popular with customers, so that you can ease your way into vibrator play and learn what works best for you.
Howard specifically recommends this bullet vibrator as an ideal sex toy for beginners—especially those who are new to vibrators in particular. It’s made to be non-intimidating, with quiet vibrations and a petite size. The toy also boasts three vibration intensities and seven rhythms, each of which is designed to provide customizable, on-point external pleasure to the clitoris. Howard adds, "It’s cute, portable, packed with power, and has three different intensities for direct clitoral stimulation." And if you like using your bath-time for a bit of private pleasure, this toy has got you covered—it’s completely submersible.
Pros: portable; affordable; quiet; expert-approved
Cons: not as suited for those who wanted stronger vibrations
Customer Review: "It has a good variety of vibration strengths and patterns that allow for a great buildup. This was the first sex toy I’ve used and it’s great, especially for a beginner like me!" -Lovehoney
Wand vibrators are great for beginners, and have been made famous by television shows like Sex and the City, which extolled these toys’ ability to bring tremendous pleasure to people with vaginas via external stimulation. "Another excellent vibrator for beginners is the Deluxe Rechargeable Mini Massage Wand Vibe," agrees Howard. "This one also comes with various intensity levels and can be used on different body areas." To be specific, it features seven vibration patterns and ten intensity levels, and it has a run time of 60 minutes.
Pros: versatile; portable; expert-approved
Cons: not very quiet; made from silicone, so not compatible with silicone-based lube
Customer Review: "As a transgender woman I was advised to get one of those and I'm so glad I got this. It's the best thing to date." -Lovehoney
Best Bullet Vibrators
According to Lovehoney, "Bullet sex toys are small, handheld vibrators that resemble the size and shape of a spitzer bullet. They’re one of the most popular first sex toys as they’re easy to use and non-invasive, yet offer precise clitoral stimulation." Indeed, Howard often tells beginners to use a bullet as a means of gently exploring vibrational pleasure for the first time, explaining that the model is "easily accessible, inexpensive, and provides fantastic clitoral stimulation. Bullets can also be used on other erogenous areas."
Somatic psychotherapist, sex therapist, and marriage and family therapist Dr. Holly Richmond says, "I tell my clients the FemmeFun Ultra Bullet packs the most bang for the buck and size. It looks like a tiny purple flashlight with a hot pink on/off button, and has 20 different powerful vibration modes. It's perfect for travel, especially if noise is a consideration as well. It’s whisper quiet, so vibe away no matter where you are." Made from soft silicone, it's also fully waterproof—perfect for fun in the tub or shower, and for easy washing.
Pros: quiet; portable; suitable for beginners and advanced users; expert-approved
Cons: needs frequent charging; made from silicone, so not compatible with silicone-based lube
Customer Review: "Powerful for the size and various fun settings. Yet small enough to be discretely slipped into a purse and comes with a classy cloth bag. Smooth silicone. The on/off settings button is placed on the end, not on the side, which prevents it from being accidentally pushed during use. Sturdy and flexible. Quiet enough to be used without detection from another room (such as hotel room). The USB charger is the magnetic kind, easy attachment. Battery seems to last quite a while too." -Amazon
Unique, beginner-friendly Emojibator aims to make sex toys fun and accessible to all people, regardless of their experience level, by making toys in funny, cheeky shapes like eggplants, chickens, and more. Plus, they’re effective (this one features 10 distinct vibration settings), culminating in what Fretz calls "a unique orgasm experience." In a review, one customer raves that this is their first sex toy ever, and that they're already "obsessed." Get it in this popular eggplant shape, or in one of its other incarnations: the banana, the cherry, the cherry, the pickle, the chili pepper, or the strawberry. Each one is made from medical-grade silicone and is a guaranteed good time.
Pros: suitable for beginners; quiet; expert-approved
Cons: not as suited for beginners or those who want a more complex experience; made from silicone, so not compatible with silicone-based lube
Customer Review: "First toy ever, Im OBSESSED!!!!! Really good material, super quiet, strong vibration." -Emojibator
Best Wand Vibrators
Wondering what type of vibrator is best for exploring erogenous zones beyond your clitoris, vagina, and anus? Consider the wand vibrator. Howard says, "If you’d like a vibe that can be used for clitoral stimulation and to explore erogenous zones such as nipples, behind the knees, ankles, the labia, and more, then a wand will be your toy of choice."
