The complete guide to vibrators
These days, there's an array of vibrators to choose from, and it can be difficult to navigate. We have created this guide to help you step safely into a world of enjoyment where everything is about your body.
The first vibrator was sold as a regular massager named The Magic Wand way back in the 70s. This is the reason wands have become their own subcategory of vibrators.
How do you use a vibrator?
There are no hard and fast rules, so you're free to use your vibrator as you like. Some are designed to do something specific, so it's a good idea to check which vibrator is right for you. A vibrator can feel great on the erogenous zones like the clitoris, penis, anus and nipples, but you can use it wherever you want. You can keep it still or move it around in a pattern near your chosen spot. Some can also be used internally, but remember to keep a firm grip on it, so that it doesn't suddenly slip away.
Rabbit? Bullet? Wand? Vacuum vibrator?
We understand if the selection can be a little confusing, but honestly, the many headlines should put your mind at ease. We live in a golden age of vibrators, and there are so many different ones out there that it can be difficult for manufacturers to keep up. So, there's definitely one that's right for you. You can start by taking a look at our list at the bottom of this article. It lists the well-known options and gives you an idea of what there is to choose from.
Get to know your body
Start with yourself. Everything is ultimately about your own desires and preferences, so our best advice to anyone starting out is to get to know your sexual self. What turns you on? How do you like to touch yourself/be touched? What areas of your body are your go-to zones when you need to treat yourself? Your path to good sex starts with being honest about yourself and your desires. Once you get here, a world of opportunity lies at your feet. Remember, if you've thought about it, there's a good chance others have thought about it too.
Orgasms should be a human right
Some have a difficult time achieving orgasm, and a vibrator can be incredibly helpful if that's the case. Don't worry if penetrative sex isn't enough, because you're not alone. The orgasm is one of the wonders and great mysteries of the world, and no one understands everything about what makes a good orgasm. For some, sexual stimulation without orgasm is enough. However, we want to give everyone the chance to experience the amazing contraction of all the muscles in the body while the feeling of pure ecstasy lets you forget your worries for a while.
Make it a pleasant and complete experience
Using vibrators is about treating yourself or your partner(s). If you're on your own and just need to unwind completely, then do something special with your session. You can set the mood with lights, aromas, music, a tub or whatever you would like. You can just touch yourself with your hands first, and when you're ready, grab your vibrator. If you're with a partner, you can use it either on yourself or your partner - as part of the foreplay, but certainly also as part of the act itself. Stimulating your favorite spot with a vibrator during sex can feel incredible.
Whether you're alone or with others, lube is always a good idea. It makes the vibrator slide easily along the skin, eliminating a simple but frustrating obstacle. There's nothing worse than being pulled out of the mood because your vibrator isn't working with you. It's important to get the practical things out of the way, so you can focus all your attention on the act and the enjoyment.
Lubricant and Cleaning
We generally recommend using a water-based lubricant, especially when using a vibrator, as many vibrators are made from silicone. As with anything you apply to or insert into your body, it's important to choose a product you trust and feel comfortable using.
Find Glide & Slide here!
When you're finished, clean your vibrator with a foaming toy cleaner, and always check whether your vibrator is waterproof before washing it. A vibrator can last for many years if properly cared for.
A good foaming toy cleaner is gentle while still effectively cleaning your toy. An added bonus is that you only need a small amount per use, so a bottle often lasts quite a long time.
See Foaming Toy Cleaner by System JO here!
3 Great Tips for Incorporating a Vibrator into Your Sex Life
1. Use Your Vibrator on Yourself in Front of Your Partner
Try using your vibrator on yourself as part of foreplay while your partner watches. Being observed can feel incredibly exciting, intimate, and arousing.
2. Use a Vibrator on Your Partner During Oral Sex
You can use a vibrator on your partner while performing oral sex. For example, try stimulating the perineum or anus, or even place the vibrator against your cheek while your mouth does the rest.
3. Find the Right Position
Some positions make it easier to use a vibrator than others. For example, using a vibrator during missionary can be challenging due to limited space.
Try stimulating your clitoris with a vibrator while your partner penetrates you from behind with a penis, finger, or dildo in doggy style. The same technique can work while spooning—simply lift your upper leg back over your partner to create enough room to reach your vulva with the vibrator.
Which Vibrator Should I Choose?
We've put together a guide to some of the most popular vibrator types to help you find the one that's right for you.
Wand
We've already mentioned Magic Wands. These typically feature a long handle and a large head, making them easy to hold and use.
Magic Wands are often quite powerful, but they usually offer multiple intensity levels, making them suitable for both beginners and experienced users. The flexible head on many models also makes it easy to target exactly the right spot.
Find the flexible Wander vibrator here!
For All Erogenous Zones
There are many small and versatile vibrators designed to stimulate the clitoris, perineum, penile shaft, nipples, and more. Their shapes and vibration patterns are often optimized for specific areas, but they can be used wherever you enjoy sensation.
Pawny is a great option for beginners and explorers alike—simply glide it across sensitive areas and enjoy the vibrations.
For the G-Spot
Some vibrators can be inserted like a dildo, opening up opportunities for powerful internal stimulation. Their curved shape is designed to target the G-spot by pressing against the front vaginal wall.
A G-spot vibrator combines the functions of a dildo and a vibrator in one toy.
Loon is an excellent example.
Find Loon here!
Rabbit Vibrators
If you'd like simultaneous stimulation of both the clitoris and G-spot, a rabbit vibrator is an excellent choice.
Rabbit vibrators feature an insertable shaft for internal stimulation and an additional arm designed to stimulate the clitoris externally. Some models even have separate motors, allowing you to customize the vibration patterns for each area independently.
A great example is Avery by Svakom, which features a thrusting function. The insertable shaft moves back and forth while the clitoral arm vibrates independently.
Find Avery here!
Bullet Vibrators
Bullet vibrators are incredibly compact—small enough to fit discreetly in your hand. Despite their size, they often deliver surprisingly powerful vibrations and are perfect for travel.
Bullie by Peech is travel-friendly and covered in silky-soft, body-safe silicone.
Finger Vibrators
Finger vibrators are worn on your fingers, allowing you to enjoy vibration without having to hold the toy.
They're incredibly practical because they stay securely in place, giving you full control and freedom of movement. This makes them especially versatile during partnered play.
Find the Tickly finger vibrator here!
Clitoral Stimulators
Vacuum technology, pressure waves, and sonic waves—clitoral stimulators create pleasure without traditional vibrations.
Instead, they use innovative technologies to stimulate intimate areas in entirely different ways. Some models are so advanced that they can mimic sensations similar to fingers, a tongue, or oral stimulation.
One advantage of this type of stimulation is that it may feel less overwhelming for some users than direct vibration. The sensation is unique and can provide an exciting new route to climax.
Clamy includes an additional feature: a small "tongue" that massages the clitoris while gentle air pulses surround it.
Find the Clamy clitoral stimulator here!
Vibrating G-Spot Dildo + Clitoral Stimulator
If clitoral stimulators sound appealing but you're not ready to choose one over a traditional vibrator, some products combine both technologies.
These models include pressure-wave stimulation as well as vibration motors, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of both experiences without compromise.
Some designs, such as Bia, also feature a small moving "tongue" that stimulates the clitoris alongside the pressure-wave function, creating sensations that many users compare to oral sex.
Find Bia here!
Also read: Which Dildo Should I Choose?
Also read: Is Sex Healthy? 4 Reasons Why Sex Is Good for You