You deserve to feel satisfied in bed and a high-quality vibrator can deliver exactly that.
But if you’re shopping for your new vibrator, where do you start given the seemingly endless range of options on the market?
As a certified clinical sexuality coach who’s worked in the adult goods industry, I’ve spent years testing, reviewing and educating adults on which vibrators to choose and which ones to avoid.
Now, I’m sharing the basics you need to know when navigating your options with my ‘Beginner’s guide to vibrators’. In this short guide, you will find the main reasons for using a vibrator and the top 10 vibrator categories:
- Clitoral vibrators
- G-spot vibrators
- Rabbit vibrators
- Realistic vibrators
- Wand vibrators
- Classic vibrators
- Bullet vibrators
- Anal vibrators
- Couple’s vibrators
- Vibrating eggs
Why use a vibrator?
A vibrator is a sex toy that contains one or more motors which allows it to vibrate, in ways that can feel anything from light and buzzy through to deep and rumbly.
Vibrators are available in a range of shapes, sizes, colours, materials and price points, and vary in other aspects such as the power source and the sensations delivered. Vibrators range from micro to mega, flexible to rigid, mains-powered to rechargeable, button-operated to app-controlled, and inexpensive to luxurious. While some vibrators are multi-purpose, others are intended for use on a specific area only.
The beauty of this variety is that there’s a vibrator out there for every adult who wants one, however they identify in terms of sex, gender or sexuality, and for a wide range of scenarios.
But why use a vibrator? The reasons are as diverse as the those who enjoy them! And the benefits that follow, can become reasons in and of themselves.
One of the main reasons for using a vibrator is to achieve easier and more intense orgasms. Vibrators can deliver more powerful stimulation than any person can and that is just what some adults need to orgasm.
Vibrators also let you experience sexual pleasure alone, on your own terms, without the need for negotiation and the risks of unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection that can be associated with partnered encounters. And, regularly using a vibrator to orgasm can make you feel happier, more confident and less stressed. It can also increase a low sex drive!
Using a vibrator alone can help you discover and stimulate all of your erogenous zones, including ones you’d never considered, opening you up to new and varied sensations, which you can choose to further explore alone or with a partner.
In fact, incorporating a vibrator into couple’s time if your partner is willing can enhance foreplay and sex, as well as improve your communication, trust and intimacy. It can help those in new relationships get to know each other sexually and reignite the spark for lovers who have become sexually bored or frustrated. There are even vibrators that couples in long-distance relationships can use to keep them emotionally close and sexually satisfied.
You, like other adults, will have your own reasons for using a vibrator and should use these to help you choose your sex toy.
1. Clitoral vibrators
Clitoral vibrators target the clitoris, which is usually visible as a nub at the top of the vulva. Some of the most popular clitoral vibrators use air wave technology to create oral sex-like sucking and massaging sensations. These air tech toys are sometimes termed ‘clitoral stimulators’ if they do not offer vibration.
2. G-spot vibrators
The G-spot is named after gynaecologist Ernst Gräfenberg who documented it in medical literature mid-last century. It’s said to be an erogenous zone about 2 to 3 inches up the front wall of the vagina, and is now considered part of the deeper, internal structure of the clitoris.
G-spot vibrators target this zone, which can feel more thick, ridge-y or rough than the surrounding tissue, with their shape, such as a bulbous or angled head, and/or their movement, for example pulsation, rows of rotating beads, or back-and-forth swaying like a ‘come hither’ gesture.
3. Rabbit vibrators
Rabbit vibrators typically have an insertable shaft and an external clitoral attachment that resembles bunny ears, hence the name. The simultaneous vaginal and clitoral stimulation can encourage an orgasm is both of these areas at the same time, which is termed a ‘blended orgasm’. Some rabbit vibrators are also designed to target the g-spot too because of the shape and features of the head and/or shaft.
4. Realistic vibrators
Realistic vibrators are designed to look and feel like an actual penis but with vibration. They usually have a vein and skin textured shaft with a pronounced head. Some also feature testicles for added realism and external stimulation.
You may come across the term ‘semi-phallic’ when browsing realistic vibrators. This simply means the vibrator looks like a stylised penis without featuring the details of a replica.
5. Wand vibrators
Also known as ‘massagers’, wand vibrators typically resemble a microphone with a round head and long handle. A flexible neck often connects these two components so it’s easier for you to position the vibrating head on the external erogenous zone you want to stimulate. Some wands also have a vibrating handle that is safe to insert when you want internal pleasure.
6. Classic vibrators
Classic vibrators traditionally have a cylindrical shaft with a tapered or rounded head for comfortable insertion. The simple, non-intimidating design makes them ideal for beginners and advanced users alike. Always check the materials of a classic vibrator because the shaft can vary from hyper-flexible to completely rigid, especially if it is long and you’re a beginner, because this can affect how easy you find it to use when you’re starting out.
7. Bullet vibrators
Bullet vibrators are rather like miniature classic vibrators. Usually 4 inches or less in length, bullets are designed for use on external erogenous zones, including the clitoris, vulva, perineum, penis, testicles and nipples.
Let me repeat that: bullets are designed for external use. Never insert one, anally in particular, because you may never see it again. Yes, I’m being serious.
8. Anal vibrators
What separates anal vibrators from other types? The base. Vibrators designed for anal penetration have a special base to ensure that the toy does not get sucked up inside you – it does happen. Go for anal vibrators with a handle or retrieval loop that remains outside of your body or a wide suction cup base you can mount on a smooth, hard, non-porous surface for hands-free play.
For bodies with a prostate, some anal vibrators are specially designed to target this erogenous zone with their shape and/or movement. Think of them as g-spot vibrators for the prostate – indeed, these vibrators are often termed ‘p-spot’ massagers.
9. Couple’s vibrators
You could argue that any vibrator used with someone else is a couple’s vibrator, but here I’m referring to those which stimulate both partners simultaneously. The most popular couple’s vibrators are intended to be worn during penetrative sex thanks to their C-shaped design. One end is inserted into the vagina while the other end sits over the clitoris. Why? It provides clitoral stimulation, without which most women struggle to orgasm, and allows for simultaneous penetration by her partner, who can also benefit from the vibrations.
10. Vibrating eggs
Vibrating eggs are usually oval-shaped toys designed to be inserted into the vagina with a retrieval cord that remains outside of the body. Vibrating eggs can provide targeted G-spot stimulation and many come with a wireless remote control so that you can have discreet fun in public alone or with a partner – if the vibrator wearer likes a surprise!
Golden rules to remember
No vibrator guide would be complete with a few words on how to clean, use and store these sex toys. So, here are my three golden rules:
- Always use a purpose-made sex toy cleaner to sanitise your vibrator before and after use. If your vibrator is waterproof, you can also clean it using mild soap and warm water. Allow your vibrator to air dry or pat it down with a clean, lint-free cloth.
- Always use your vibrator with a high-quality lubricant compatible with your toy’s materials – water-based lubricant is a good all-rounder. The glide a lube provides reduces friction and discomfort and increases sensation and pleasure.
- Always store your vibrator after it has been cleaned in a safe, cool and dark place, without direct contact to other sex toys. Before storing your vibrator, you may like to remove the batteries or recharge it, as well as check it’s overall condition in case it’s time for a replacement.
Now you know the basics about vibrators, have fun starting – or adding to – your toy box.
For more information about vibrator and general toy care, read How To Clean Sex Toys and How To Store Sex Toys.
Credits
Main photo by Dainis Graveris on Unsplash