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 the 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, external anal area, perineum or clitoral area). Also, 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 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. 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.
Wearable Vibrators
This section contains a wide variety of vibrator, largely designed for couples (although not always exclusively), including vibrating panties, vibrating cockrings, finger vibrators and strap-ons. Vibrators can be enjoyed by same-sex or heterosexual couples alike, unless specifically designed otherwise.
Panty vibrators, designed for the clitoris, can be for the more adventurous couples who might want to try using a toy outside of the home. If you are worried about the noise, then a musical concert or loud bar could be a place to experiment subtly. One person wears the vibrator while the other is put in charge of the remote control! Or you can also just give yourself a buzz every now and then during your daily routine.
Vibrating strap-ons can either be worn inside the vagina to stimulate both partners at the same time or with a harness by any gender (for vaginal or anal penetration). If you are already a fan of strap-ons you could add an extra sensation with a vibrating version.
Finger vibrators, as the name suggests, are worn on the fingers to add an extra zing to your foreplay.
Vibrating cockrings are designed to be worn on the penis and can stimulate both partners during intercourse or one person alone. Some come with vibrating protusions that act as a clitoral stimulator.
Alternatively, you could also try out a couples vibrator designed (for heterosexual couples) to be “worn” inside the vagina for a hands-free stimulation for both partners during intercourse. The internal part stimulates the G-spot while the external part sits along the clitoris (think blended orgasm possibilities) and those same internal vibrations can be enjoyed by the penis during penetration – a win-win! This is a good toy to try if you want to re-invigorate more mature relationships.
So, in summary, if you are coupled-up a wearable vibrator might be just the thing to add some extra spice in the bedroom (or beyond).
Vibrators for the Penis
With the many vibrators that are focused on the clitoris and G-spot it is only fair that there should be a category dedicated solely to the penis. Much like the famed rabbit style of vibrator (for the vagina), these are designed with solo play in mind and they come in a variety of versions. You can find heated versions, suction versions, automatic movement versions, ones with stimulating patterned walls, ones in the shape of a vagina and even ones with sound effects! You can buy hand-held versions or ones with suction cups to hold them in place. You can also find waterproof versions to use in the shower to break the boredom in your daily routine. Some simulate the feeling of oral sex while others target specifically the glans and frenulum. If you have a penis then obviously this could be the section for you, but which specific toy you choose depends on the sensations you prefer. What you get is a “handy way” to make solo play less laborious and perhaps with an added little twist. For those in a long-distance relationship they could also help you out if you were planning to try virtual sex (being mindful of privacy).
Anal and P-spot Vibrators
This section is for those interested in anal play and while anal vibrators can be used by any gender, those with a P-spot (the area around the prostate gland) might be particularly interested. If you are new to anal play you might want to start with manual stimulation, or a non-vibrating butt plug or beads to see if you like the sensations first. From there, a set of vibrating anal beads or a vibrating dildo might be the next logical step if you are still looking for something further. Make sure your toy has a flared base (you don’t want it getting lost). Also, remember that lubricant is a pleasure enhancer with most toys, but with anal play a necessity.
If you have a prostate then you could also consider a toy that targets the P-spot for a different type of orgasm. As with any sexual experience stimulating the P-spot takes practice and patience and might not be pleasurable for everyone. Practicing manually on your own can be a stress-free, less intimidating introduction before you explore with a partner. You can even start with external prostate massage before building up to internal play to see if the experience is something you enjoy. For internal stimulation you should aim to locate the prostate, slowly with one or two fingers and plenty of lubricant, at about 5cm inside the anus. Once comfortable, make a “come here” movement with the fingers to slowly build pressure. If you prefer you could directly try a small prostate massager instead of your fingers or ask your partner to get involved if you are more comfortable that way. For a more in-depth description of external and internal exploration, we liked this article in Men’s Health [1]. If that is a sensation that you enjoy then a P-spot toy might just be for you. If you are aiming for a mixed orgasm (via penis and P-spot) then a toy might be able to help you in your quest. Keep in mind that there are also options that combine prostate vibrator and phallic ring (see image above).
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. Silicone lubricant for example will destroy silicone toys.
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. 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.
1. https://www.menshealth.com/sex-women/a36650744/how-to-have-prostate-orgasm/. Searched for 2024_04_29