With such a wide variety out there, one often asked question is which type of vibrator should I buy? Ultimately, only you can answer that, but this guide will aim to inform you of the choices available and get you asking the right questions. Lets take a look at some of the styles available, weigh up the pros and cons and get you started on your journey, with the goal of finding the vibrator(s) that “hit the right spot!” for you.
Vibrators can be broadly categorized into sub groups. Once you identify the group you are most interested in it will be easier to explore the individual options. So lets take a look.
Magic-Wand Style
This infamous style of vibrator is both powerful and versatile which makes it a good option for an all round pleasure toy even though they tend to be on the more expensive side. Smaller mini-wands can provide a more budget option, but bear in mind they will offer less power. However, a mini wand is travel-friendly and is a good option if you find the bigger wands a little too powerful.
You can use wand style vibrators to massage/stimulate any part of any body, and some are elegantly designed providing some discretion if you forget to put it away. They can be used in foreplay for an erotic massage with your partner, both for deep tissue relaxation and more sensitive areas (nipples, perineum for some examples). Culminating (for those that have a clitoris) in the real super power of these toys: clitoral massage.
The long handles, combined with a wireless option, can give you extra reach if you are using it alone. The vibrations are spread over the head, rather than concentrated in one spot so you don’t have to target a specific area and can use rocking and stroking motions to build intensity making it less important to know exactly where to target. Multiple vibration speeds and options also mean you can start slowly and build to the intensity you desire. If you are more sensitive you can also use a towel over the toy or leave your underwear on to lessen the impact. While designed for external use there are versions that have add-ons that you can buy for internal use or there are dual wands with insertable ends, if penetration is something that is important for you. This is a great style of toy to try out if you don’t already know specifically what kind of sensations you enjoy and part of it’s fame is due to a study that highlighted it’s role in providing orgasm to a group of women previously suffering anorgasmia [1]. Plus if, unexpectedly, it turns out you don’t enjoy the more erotic offerings you have still got a useful massage tool to relax after a long, hard day!
Bullet and mini Vibes
Another good starter or general use option is the bullet style vibrator. Also designed for external use these are smaller and can be more budget-friendly than the wand. They will also target a smaller area so you can really focus in when you find a good spot. Again they are versatile and can be used on all pleasurable areas including the clitoris, the underside of the penis, the nipples or you could even try placing against the chin during oral sex.
Although it is important to consider that you often get what you pay for, you don’t want to pay out huge amounts for a toy that you don’t end up liking, so a good option is to get a small inexpensive bullet first. The more you play around the more you will discover what you like and then as a more experienced user you can invest in a good quality toy that will bring you pleasure for years. I highly recommend toys made of silicone as a more hygienic, long lasting and generally body-safe material and I personally prefer rechargeable options so you do not have to constantly change batteries. Rechargeable options also usually have more power than their battery operated counterparts. Although make sure you always pre-charge, as it can be annoying to “run out of juice” mid session! Bullets can be enjoyed by anyone; in solo play or by couples during foreplay or intercourse. Choose a small, easy to handle bullet if you want to stimulate the clitoris during intercourse so that it does not get in the way, for example the small red ribbed vibrator pictured above could be one option. You can also slip a bullet inside your favorite compatible dildo to create a vibrating sensation. Generally, if a more concentrated external vibration is your thing then a bullet could be the toy for you.
Clitoral Stimulators
Clitoral suckers/lickers, intensely concentrated vibration; if you are a fan of cunnilingus this section may just be for you. There are a number of toys invented to simulate oral sex. These toys offer different sensations and tend to be more intense than typical vibrators so are more subject to personal taste. Some, although not all, need to be placed directly over the clitoris and so take a bit of experimentation and patience to play with initially. The more general ones (usually the ones that “lick” as a function or vibrate across a larger surface) can be used as part of foreplay but the more concentrated ones (the pinpoint vibrators and the ones that “suck”) tend to be pretty powerful and depending on your sensitivity would be better for a quick solo session or could be used to “finish off” on those days the old orgasm is being more elusive! The intensity of the second group means they are not for everyone. If you are curious, but unsure, there is always the option to buy a 2 in 1 toy that combines some kind of clitoral stimulator with a general vibrator (for some examples see images above). That way if you do not enjoy the sucking or licking sensation you always have the vibrator to fall back on. If you are more sure that this is what you like, you could buy the single option toy that can be cheaper than the combined. These toys often have blow holes (since the “sucking” function is actually created by blowing air) or lamellae (for “licking”) that require extra attention during cleaning so you could consider an antibacterial toy cleanser for extra hygiene.
Classic and G-spot Vibrators
This section includes the classic vibrator, and is probably what most people picture when they hear the word vibrator. Designed for penetration of the vagina. Some have a vibrating/gyrating end in an attempt to stimulate the G-spot specifically. Since everyone’s anatomy and sexual preferences are different, which exact vibrator would suit you best will also be different, although how you use it can also be a big influence on your experience. While G-spot stimulation is pleasurable for some, others have a stronger preference for clitoral stimulation. To get an idea if penetration with a toy is something you might enjoy you could try some manual exploration first. To attempt to stimulate your G-spot; lie on your back, relax, use one or two fingers (palm facing up) to try to locate the G spot on the front wall of the vagina (approximately 5-8cm inside), then use a “come here” motion to stimulate the area. It may take a little patience and exploration, but if you enjoy the sensation with fingers then anything you experience could be multiplied with a motor involved! As with the other types of vibrator, described above, this type of vibrator is designed with a specific function in mind, but does not have to be exclusively used for that function. So, again you could buy a multifunction toy to give you options, or you could simply use a classic vibrator externally if you find it doesn’t work for you internally. All those vibrations concentrated in the tip can still be put to good use. The realistic vibrator (those that are molded to emulate a penis) can also be included in this section for those who prefer the feel and shape of the phallus.
Rabbit Style
Unlike the previous vibrator types this one is not really designed for couples or foreplay (unless you want to use it prior to intercourse to “get you in the mood”). The strength of the rabbit-style is the ability to stimulate internally and externally at the same time giving you the possibility to experience a blended orgasm (the wonder that is created when a clitoral and G-spot orgasm occur simultaneously). If you are planning on playing alone and have a clitoris, this would be my first suggestion, even if it might be more expensive than some of the other options. That is because its abilities go beyond the main function it was designed for and you can get versions where it is possible to control the functions separately. Meaning you could have a G-spot vibrator alone, a clitoral stimulator alone (it’s possible to get ones that vibrate or “suck” or flick) or both combined when you activate them together. You can also use only the end for bullet style vibration. You can also select ones with a motor that gyrates, has a “come hither” motion or thrusts, as per your preference. You need to line up the clitoral stimulator so it will be in the right place during penetration which is not too difficult, but can take a little adjustment at the beginning, however once you place it correctly you are off!!
One suggestion for those who would like to use it as a couple could be for those in long distance relationships; if you find yourself indulging in a little virtual sex (being mindful of privacy), this could be a handy tool… Otherwise this could be the perfect playmate for a little alone time. Again, you get what you pay for so if you want more functions, a better material, rechargeable batteries, more power, and a longer-lasting product it might be worth investing a little extra if you can.
Eggs and Balls
This category has many overlaps with other types of vibrators. Eggs can be used as a bullet alternative (externally) or used internally, alone or in a couple, worn outside or used in the home, and controlled by remote by you or your partner. Vibrating balls can be used internally to enhance pleasure for both partners during heterosexual intercourse. The reason this section is separate is because these toys can also be adopted for sexual wellbeing. Balls and eggs can be used to enhance kegel exercises to make them more efficient. Vibrating/oscillating versions could even render that exercise pleasurable. If you need to exercise your pelvic floor (for example after childbirth) this might be the toy that inspires you to get started or keep going. One word of advice though, if you are just getting started you probably should look for bigger and lighter balls to start with and work your way up to smaller heavier ones. Although size-wise this seems to be backwards, a common reason to give up is that the smaller balls can just fall out at the start, which personally, I found really demotivating to say the least. So, once you have perfected your kegel technique and want to train with a ball – then, in this case to begin with, bigger really is better!
To Summarize
As mentioned, which vibrator you purchase is a personal choice based on your own preferences and budget requirements. Exploration is the key and keep in mind, as well as experience, lubrication can enhance the pleasure when using any type of vibrator. Just take care to purchase a compatible lubricant for your toy.
Once you know that a certain style of toy is something you will enjoy, paying that little extra is likely worthwhile. Take care to choose the best possible material, check if it runs with batteries, has a plug attached or is rechargeable and choose the function(s) that suit you best. You could look at owning a vibrator as an investment in your health. Regular orgasms have a host of potential benefits both physically and mentally and vibrator use specifically has been linked (in some women) to enhanced sexual experiences, improved pelvic floor muscle function and for facilitating treatment of vulvar pain [2]. So if you are curious to try something new, you can think about which category piqued your interest and go ahead and give it a whirl!
References
Initial picture designed by Freepik (www.freepik.com).
Rest of Images from belupa.com.
- TheScientificWorldJOURNAL (2008) 8, 883–895. Struck P and Ventegodt S. Clinical Holistic Medicine: Teaching Orgasm for Females with Chronic Anorgasmia using the Betty Dodson Method.
2. Is it time for doctors to Rx vibrators? A systematic review of pelvic floor outcomes. Alexandra Dubinskaya, MD, Rainey Horwitz, MS, Victoria Scott, MD, Jennifer Anger,MD, MPH, Karyn Eilber, MD. Sexual Medicine Reviews, Volume 11, Issue 1, January 2023, Pages 15– 22, https://doi.org/10.1093/sxmrev/qeac008.