If you’ve ever shopped for a vibrator in-person or online, you may have experienced choice overload. Do you want an external or internal vibrator? Do you care what type of material it’s made of? Will the vibrator be compatible with your favorite type of lube? The questions are never-ending. Luckily, we’re here to guide you through the potentially overwhelming process of choosing the perfect vibrator for you. 

What Gets You Going?

Before you start shopping for a vibrator, it’s important to reflect on what sensations get you hot and bothered. Do you prefer external or internal stimulation? Would you rather have both? It’s also good to think about the types of vibrations that feel good to you. Some toys vibrate at a higher frequency, resulting in a more “buzzy” sensation that feels lighter and more superficial on the skin. Others vibrate at a lower frequency; these toys provide a “rumbly” vibration that can be felt deeper in the body. 

Some vulva owners may not know where to start. If you don’t have an answer to all or any of these questions, that’s okay! These thought starters are meant to help you reflect on the types of sensations that bring you pleasure. If that reflection helps you narrow in on a category of vibrator to try first, great! If not, that just means you have more to explore. 

Do Your Research

It’s no secret that vibrators can be pricey, which can discourage people from trying out new toys. So one of the first steps you should take before shopping for a new vibrator is setting a budget. Depending on the design, size, and material, the cost of vibrators can vary wildly. So, if you’re curious to try a new kind of toy, try a smaller or less complex version before investing in the real thing. Reviews can be especially helpful when you’re shopping around. Whether you’re casually looking or are ready to invest in a toy, read up on  some reviews to get a sense of the quality and longevity of different vibrators.  

Another vital part of doing your research is to understand how to care for and clean your vibrator. Is your vibrator fully waterproof or just water-resistant? Does the manufacturer of your toy recommend a specific cleaning method? A thorough read of your vibrator’s care instructions can help you keep it in tip-top shape for as long as possible. 

Remember that not all materials are compatible with all types of lube. While silicone-based lubricants can be compatible with some sex toys, your safest bet is to go with a water-based formula. That’s because water-based lube works with any condom or sex toy. Water-based lubes like our Intimate Serum with Tremella Mushroom Extract are also gentle on sensitive skin. 

Understanding Vibrator Types 

Vibrators tend to fall into a few broad categories. However, it’s important to know that some vibrators can have elements of two or more other varieties. So once you’ve found your preferred vibes, you’ll be able to try out hybrid toys that borrow elements from your favorite vibrator types. Let’s break it down. 

Bullet 

These vibrators are small but mighty. If you want powerful pleasure in a travel-friendly package, then you’ve got to try a bullet vibrator. They’re usually shaped like small, elongated pills and often fit in the palm of your hand. Because of their small stature, bullet vibrators usually provide strong and pinpointed pleasure. This means they can be used for direct clitoral stimulation or on other erogenous zones like nipples. These vibrators are also great for discrete (but creative) play. Their compact shape and size mean you can experience pleasure on the go. However, bullet vibrators shouldn’t be used anally; their size and shape make them difficult to retrieve if they travel too far into the anus.  

Couples 

Vibrators aren’t just great for solo play, you can use them to spice things up with a partner too. In fact, there are many vibrators designed specifically for couples. Some toys feature a curved shape that lets one side sit inside of the vagina and stimulate the G-spot, while the other side vibrates on the clitoris. This means that couples can use the toy while their hands are free to touch and explore each other’s bodies. Other vibrators are shaped like rings and fit around the base of the penis. A major benefit of these toys is that both partners can feel the vibrations and enjoy extra pleasure during sex. 

Wand 

Let’s get ready to rumble! While wand vibrators come in a variety of sizes, larger wand vibrators are the most well-known. These vibrators usually have a bulb-shaped head atop a longer handle. What makes these vibrators unique is their power. Depending on how large the wand is, these toys can have powerful motors that deliver strong, rumbly vibrations. This makes them great for people who love intense sensations. These toys are also versatile and can be used in conjunction with other toys such as dildos for a double dose of pleasure. 

Rabbit

If you’ve ever browsed a selection of sex toys in-store or online, odds are you’ve seen a few rabbit vibrators. They’re hard to miss! They have a forked shape that branches off into a pair of soft silicone tips (or “ears”) on one end and a larger dildo-like shaft on the other. This means that the dildo half can provide internal vibrations, while the silicone tips vibrate against the clitoris. That’s why a rabbit vibrator gives you the best of both worlds. 

Wearable

Some of the most unique vibrators live in the wearable category. Since these toys are designed to travel with you, they’re a great option for those who want to get creative with their sex life. Some wearable vibrators wrap around the finger; this ergonomic design choice makes it easy to reach different angles while pleasuring yourself or your partner. Other vibrators are meant to be worn inside your underwear, sitting up against your vulva. These vibrators are often remote-controlled and fairly quiet. Since they can be secured to your underwear with magnets, they’re great for discreet, on-the-go fun. Some vibrators can even be activated from far away so that long-distance lovers can still get intimate. 

G-spot 

These vibrators have curves in all the right places. Many G-spot vibrators have a long, curved shaft that gets slightly larger towards the tip. These vibrators are designed to sit inside the vagina and provide direct stimulation to the G-spot. Depending on the specific toy, G-spot vibrators may not be designed for fast penetration. Instead, try letting the vibrator linger on the G-spot. This will allow for a build-up of pleasure that can be enhanced with additional clitoral stimulation. 

Suction 

If you’re a fan of oral sex, a suction vibrator could be a game-changing option for you. These vibrators usually feature a circular opening at the tip meant to fit over the clitoris. Using suction or puffs of air, these toys deliver targeted clitoral stimulation. Like many of the other vibrators on our list, these also make a fantastic addition to partnered sex. Since these toys focus on the clitoris, you can use them in conjunction with penetrative play for even more pleasure. 

Are you eager to give any of these toys a try? We hope so! Vibrators are a fantastic tool for exploring your sexuality both individually and with your partner. So have fun broadening your sexual horizons.