Our vibrator buying guide for beginners: How to choose a sex toy
I discovered that even the highest of the eight vibration settings is pretty darn moderate—especially as far as wand vibrators are concerned. This is likely because the Vibrato’s head is pretty small, meaning the motor at that end is tinier and less powerful than those in more rumbly options, like the Hitachi Magic Wand. Further, the Vibrato is a rechargeable toy, not a plug-in one, which means it isn’t getting nonstop power from the wall the way some other wand vibes do. Although all vibrators share a common goal of making you climax, different kinds of toys call for various uses. Taylor Nolan, PhD vibrators, PlusOne Sexology Expert, tells Allure, “A tongue/oral vibrator is typically used externally on the clitoris; not all are meant for insertion.” she adds.
We care about your fun, but please do not share the product with multiple partners without following cleaning instructions. Stimulation doesn’t get much more targeted than Lelo’s laser-focused Dot. The tip rotates in tiny circles, providing a sensation that’s similar to the feeling of rubbing your clitoris with your finger—but way stronger. Each model was tested by at least five people, who tried every speed setting, vibration pattern and innovative feature to make sure they delivered a pleasurable experience. If you’re concerned about the sound, shop for quiet vibrators or check the product description for the decibel level; anything 40db or below will be exceptionally quiet. The classic G-spot vibrator comes with a curved tip to target that specific erogenous zone, which is found around 5-8cm up the inside wall of the vagina.
More than 25 products were distributed to couples who used them to explore connection from afar, including LGBTQ+ couples who were able to pair devices designed for the same gender. But the interactivity of this toy is impressive thanks to We-Vibe’s mobile application, which means a partner can cycle through over eight different rhythms and speeds from afar. Dr. Torrisi recommends the Ollie because it’s “super light, playful, and straightforward.” Meanwhile, the toy is coated in medical-grade silicone and the buttons are well-labeled (no more fumbling around frustrated in the dark). “Sex furniture allows couples to support different sexual positions ,” says Lawless.
The controls are accessible and easy to use, and the long battery life won’t let you down. It’s on the larger side but if you’ve got space in your bedside drawer then we would recommend treating yourself to this one. While vibrations can feel good just about anywhere, you may want to prioritize rabbits with an internal arm that offers rotation, thrusting, or some other kind of motion.
The Hitachi, meanwhile, may not look cute at first glance, but that wand is recognizable anywhere. The classic look has been around for more than 50 years; when a sex aficionado sees a white toy with blue accents, they know right away it’s the Hitachi. The Doxy, for example, can be highly personalized and comes in bright purple or pink. If you want a wand that’s a little extra, the Doxy could be for you.
Understand that using sex toys is part of having a healthy and satisfying sex life, and many people use them regularly so there’s no need to feel like you’re abnormal for wanting to try them for yourself. If you’re unsure whether your toy is waterproof, the first thing you should do is check the packaging and instruction manual as this is a key selling feature of sex toys and will definitely be made clear if it is. If it doesn’t say it’s waterproof, err on the side of caution and assume it’s not. I promise—this is the last Womanizer product I’ll mention, but there’s a good reason it’s here.
We inquired about the best ways to use these sexual devices and matched those qualifications against product specs for each toy listed in this guide. Alongside feedback generated from our panel of consumer testers, editors also reviewed verified customer feedback on these products and took that into consideration in final rankings. It can make for a thrilling experience when a partner is controlling its vibration speed and strength from a distance. Public reviews indicate that this toy requires a hand (or two!) to be most effective, but is equipped with technology that allows for remote play using Lovense’s app. You don’t even need another partner, per se, for this specific toy — Lovense’s app has recently integrated an AI function from ChatGPT that allows you to ask a robot to create unique, exciting masturbatory patterns for you. This handy toy is designed to be used both in the bedroom or on the go.
Zee Krstic is a content strategy manager for Hearst Magazines, leading audience acquisition and affiliate revenue growth for Country Living, House Beautiful, ELLE Decor and VERANDA. He previously served as Health Editor for Good Housekeeping between 2019 and 2023, covering news, wellness trends and executing product reviews in conjunction with the Good Housekeeping Institute. Prior to joining Hearst, Zee fostered a background in women’s lifestyle media with seven-plus years of digital editorial experience, including as a site-wide editor at Martha Stewart Living. Zee currently produces design and lifestyle service content as a contributor; he has written about food and dining for Time, among other publications. If you plan to travel with your vibrator, look for a sex toy with a locking system and a carry case to avoid any embarrassing buzzing suitcase moments. Plastic is the firmest option, while silicone has a more velvety feel.