The 22 Best Vibrators, According to Sex Toy Experts

The vibes are immaculate.

collage of a woman with a sex toy
(Image credit: Brittany Holloway-Brown)

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.

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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plusOne Dual Vibrating Massager $40 $22 | Amazon

plusOne Dual Vibrating Massager $40 $22 | Amazon

Experts and reviewers alike recommend this vibrator on Amazon for its effectiveness, high-quality silicone, ease of use, and for how easy it is to clean. 

Lovehoney Magic Bullet 10 Function Silver Bullet Vibrator $17 $10 | Lovehoney

Lovehoney Magic Bullet 10 Function Silver Bullet Vibrator $17 $10 | Lovehoney

This bullet vibrator is perfect for beginners, but don't be fooled by its small size—it has a whopping 10 settings you can customize for your perfect pleasure.

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Lovehoney Deluxe Rechargeable Mini Massage Wand Vibrator $50 $30 | Lovehoney

This tiny vibrator is another great option for beginners. Plus, its compact size makes it great for travel.

Magic Wand Original  $55 $52 | Amazon

Magic Wand Original $55 $52 | Amazon

This wand vibrator is legendary—the first of its kind, really—and even after several decades, its popular among buyers for its ability to deliver intense clitoral pleasure.

plusOne Dual Vibrating Massager $40 $22 | Amazon

plusOne Dual Vibrating Massager $40 $22 | Amazon

This rabbit vibrator from plusOne is sure to please, with two vibrating tips that feature 10 distinct vibration modes.

We-Vibe Nova 2 App Controlled Rechargeable Rabbit Vibrator $149 $119 | Amazon

We-Vibe Nova 2 App Controlled Rechargeable Rabbit Vibrator $149 $119 | Amazon

Reviewers love the intense stimulation delivered by this luxury vibrator. In addition to its flexibility and multiple vibration settings, this toy is also waterproof and remote app- connectable.

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. 

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."

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."