Our vibrator buying guide for beginners: How to choose a sex toy
If you’re intrigued by the idea of suction vibrators but don’t want to go over budget, there’s the Satisfyer Pro 2. Indigo Stray Conger, LMFT, a certified sex therapist, previously recommended this popular model to SELF for its lower price, waterproof design, and intense settings. The long handle and larger buttons make it easy to use, especially for beginners.
And that’s a wonderful thing, because everyone deserves the chance to explore their body in as many ways as they see fit. “But really, this tiny body-safe ABS plastic clitoral vibe packs an, [in my opinion], unmatched punch when it comes to power, and the angled tip delivers pinpoint vibration right where you want it.” For someone who prefers more traditional vibrations over suction, the Pro 2 delivers. Its shape is perfect for maneuvering and finding the perfect spot, which I struggled with trying more “blobby” suckers like LELO’s Sona 2. Not only did I have more fun with the Pro 2, but it’s nearly half the cost of the Sona 2 — and the second-cheapest vibe on this list — at $49.95. For me, sex toys are never embarrassing, so I don’t have such a high interest in aesthetics — I want a vibrator that’s going to get the job done.
Whether you’re looking for a vibrator that can blend seamlessly with the decor of your bedroom or are just looking for a more out-of-the-ordinary device for your collection—you have options. The Crave Vesper is both of those things, with its long, sleek body that has multiple settings (including gentle and oscillating) for external use. “In addition to being easy-to-use, Vesper provides an aesthetic jewelry experience,” says Ti Chang, VP of Design and co-founder of Crave. If you like to engage in a little backdoor action, check out this beginner-friendly butt plug designed specifically for people with vulvas. It’s slim with an asymmetric base that won’t block the vaginal opening, and the curved tulip shape guides penises or toys toward the G-spot. Some are curved or have bulbous ends for G-spot stimulation, like the Lovehoney G-Slim G-Spot Vibrator ($20, Lovehoney).
While it’s a similar size as many bullet vibrators, at 3.5 inches long, it also has the amped-up power of a wand. I love the sunshine yellow color and discreet charging case—you could almost mistake it for a pair of sunglasses in your bag. The design means that no matter which one you choose, insertion is made easy by the tapered shape and soft, sleek silicone.
It’s a really great toy, especially when you consider how inconspicuous it is. The Strawberry Emojibator is a little bigger, and a little more complex. Shaped like a strawberry, it’s an eight vibration, eight suction setting toy that is designed to work as a vibrator or rose toy for clitorial stimulation.
Rabbit vibrators are the sex toy definition of great in theory, forgettable in practice. That’s because as nice as dual stimulation sounds, actually finding a toy that is sized in a way that it actually reaches enough inside you and your clit at the same time is not as easy as you’d think. And that’s not even getting into the fact that merely sticking a few inches of vibrator inside of you doesn’t necessarily give the stimulation you’d hope for. The We-Vibe Tango is “an upgrade to the standard bullet vibrator,” as Mashable culture reporter Anna Iovine puts it. Ditching the batteries allows this bullet vibe to achieve deep, rumbly vibrations, despite being small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. Unlike the typical rounded edge, the lipstick-slanted edge of this bullet vibe allows for more stimulating options — the vibe’s three speeds and five patterns also help in this department.
Plus vibrator, the soft silicone coating and ergonomic design meant it was comfortable to wield, with no hand cramp reported. The sloped tip scored extra points with our panel for its ability to stimulate the G-spot, while the bunny ears are perfectly positioned to target the clitoris. The super-soft silicone also feels great against the skin, making it a pleasure to use and to hold.
The Cherry vibrator was absolutely my favorite item of the two I tried. It has the utility of a great sex toy wrapped in a fun, irreverent package. It’s an inconspicuous item, too—you could leave it out on your shelves or as part of your decor, and honestly no one would blink. A lot of rose-shaped clitoral stimulators are designed to sit comfortably in the hand, and taper, so that the part that you’re using for suction isn’t uncomfortable against you.
This stroker is so high-tech, it makes a standard Fleshlight look like a lubed-up toilet paper roll. The Lovense Max offers not only a pleasurably textured interior , but also vibration that surrounds your dick, and rhythmic contractions that squeeze and massage it. If you prefer gentler, pinpointed stimulation, the Lelo Dot may be the best choice for you. The teardrop-shaped Dot looks a bit odd at first glance, but its accessible design offers focused clitoral stimulation. There’s nothing worse than fumbling around with buttons while you’re trying to get in the zone, either alone or with a partner.