Our vibrator buying guide for beginners: How to choose a sex toy
Silicone lubricants are great for anal play, but unfortunately they interact negatively with silicone toys. I’m a full-time writer and sex educator who has tested more than 200 different sex toys in the past 25 years. I began blogging about sex toys in 2011, and I worked as a toy tester and copywriter for the retailer The Stockroom for several years. And, like all Magic Wand models, it’s also useful as a whole-body massager. Shopping for sex toys can be intimidating, for first-time buyers and experienced users alike. We talked to sex experts to find out how vibrators can enhance pleasure during both solo and couple play.
Dildos are frequently phallic-shaped toys made of silicone, glass, or metal. They’re usually used for vaginal or anal penetration and some of them can be worn with a harness if you want to use it as a strap-on. Some dildos have detailing to make them look more like penises, while others don’t. These tend to be non-vibrating toys, though vibrating dildos are definitely a thing. The key here is to look for a vibrator that explicitly says it’s waterproof rather than water-resistant.
Before you invest in any vibrator, make sure it aligns with your sexual preferences and goals. For example, you don’t want to spring for a G-spot stimulator if you’re looking for anal play (doing so may result in an embarrassing trip to the emergency room). It’s all about the innovative combination of Pleasure Air Technology and deep, rumbly vibrations that work in perfect harmony to stimulate the clitoral glans in ways traditional vibrators simply can’t match.
There are various versions of the Magic Wand, including an old-school one that plugs into the wall, but this rechargeable version is more convenient and has more settings than the electric model. Using a sex toy is “an opportunity to experience new pleasures beyond your own hands,” says Destin Gerek, a sexologist and host of the Evolved Masculine podcast. “[Toys] allow you to enjoy those sensations even when your partner is not available or simply not in the mood.” And when they are, toys can ramp up partnered sex with new sensations and even help you go a little longer. If saving the planet while having mind-blowing orgasms is your vibe, the Gaia Eco Rabbit is the holy grail. Made from biodegradable, body-safe materials, it’s proof that sustainability can be really sexy.
“Honestly, the quietest toys are going to be marketed as quiet,” says Gigi Engle, a certified sex and relationship psychotherapist and resident intimacy expert at dating app , 3Fun. “With that being said, you’re going to want to look for something smaller that has a smaller motor.” Engle explains that the smaller the motor, the quieter the toy. “You’re going to have better luck with palm, finger, and bullet vibrators. These toys are basically silent, which can be a great choice,” Engle adds. Wands are super versatile, with long handles and large heads that make them easy to use in different solo or partnered positions.
Read on to learn why I recommend this multitasker to any pleasure-seeker who is new to sex toys, short on storage space, or otherwise craving variety. I’ve been on the sex toy beat for over a decade viberator, and have tested and reviewed about 400 toys in that time, including over 60 different rabbit vibrators. The ones that stand out to me the most, after testing so many, are those that have a truly great motor (or in some cases, multiple motors), a comfortable shape, and controls that are simple and comprehensible.
It’s specifically designed for backdoor play, and it has many features other toys don’t have. The We-Connect app lets you control the vibration patterns remotely, meaning you can have even more fun with your partner at the helm… whether they’re across the room or on another continent. Plus, with the We-Connect app, you can create custom vibration patterns that will send you over the edge. And if that’s not enough, the Vector also comes with a dedicated remote control for easy use.
With two powerful yet quiet motors that have four speeds and six vibration modes, it’s your one-way ticket to good vibes for under $100. Most sex toys come with a range of speeds and vibration patterns to tick all your boxes. But the sensations they provide can differ, so think about what you prefer. Bullets and smaller vibrators tend to be buzzy, delivering targeted pleasure direct to your clitoris, while wands come with a larger, more powerful motor that creates deeper, rumbly vibrations. This floral-shaped suction toy is the original Lovehoney Rose that went viral a few years ago and after testing it, we can see why it’s so popular. Gorgeous design aside, it helped our panel reach orgasm at lightning speed.
But most toys are far less complicated than they seem, and once you get one, you’ll wonder what you were stressing about. Men with spinal cord injury can frequently achieve erection and have sexual intercourse, however the percentage who can successfully ejaculate is very low. Penile vibratory stimulation is an office procedure that is painless and requires no anesthetic or sedation. We tried out as many toys as we could, but we also wanted some input from sexperts so that they could share their recommendations for you.
