The Complete Vibrator Buying Guide (for Mind Blowing Orgasms)

Go back just thirty years ago and you'd be hard pressed to find more than a couple types of vibrators. Now there are different sizes, shapes, brands, materials... there are even vibrators which connect to your phone! Buying a vibrator is an important and intimate decision so we've put this guide together to help you pick the perfect one. It's a pretty quick read and shouldn't take more than a few minutes, so we recommend reading it right until the end. It'll help you pick the right vibrator to get those mind- blowing orgasms you deserve.

This guide is broken down in to two parts:

1. The vibrator options you have:

• Vibrator or dildo?

• Vibrator styles

• Materials

• Vibrator power choices

2. Notes on:

• Vibrator prices

• Water and bath use Lubricant and vibrators Anal use

Vibrator or Dildo?

If you're asking this question, you're probably picking your first vibrator ever and that's okay! If you know the difference feel free to skip this section.

The difference is quite simple really: vibrators vibrate and dildos don't. Dildos are generally phallic shaped sex toys and are designed for penetration - a dildo is basically a replica penis. There is still quite a lot to know when shopping for a dildo (different materials, sizes, double dildos, etc.) but that's for another guide.

While some vibrators can be used for penetration, many are meant for only external or clitoral stimulation. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, just remember vibrators = vibrate.

If it's your first time using a sex toy, you're probably going to want to go with a vibrator. Vibrators can target the clitoris which is your surest way to orgasm. In fact, only 25 percent of women are consistently orgasmic through intercourse, which means that a clitoral vibrator could be your key to climax.

Vibrator Styles

Explore your body and stimulation preferences before you pick a vibrator style. Keep in mind that some can only be used externally, while others are designed for internal use and some are meant for both! If you aren't sure, it's best to try with your fingers first and see what you like.

Bullet Vibrators

Bullet vibrators are sleek, discreet and easy to use. They’re also small enough to throw in your pocket – which is why they’re also known as lipstick vibes. Bullets are used mainly for clitoral stimulation and can be used alone for quick orgasms or with a partner during intercourse.

Bullet Vibrators

 

Traditional Insertable Vibrators

Traditional insertable vibrators generally resemble the shape of a long, straight shaft, and measure anywhere from four to eight inches long. They can be used for both internal stimulation (in and out motion) and external stimulation (of the clitoris). Traditional vibes can be used at multiple speeds to let you go at your own pace and they are a great starting point for beginners.

Traditional Vibrators

 

G-spot Vibrators

G-spot vibrators are specially formed to reach and stimulate the g-spot during penetration. They feature an angled or hooked tip for targeted stimulation. Achieving a g-spot orgasm takes repetitive strokes to the area and these vibes help you do it. Rubbing the g-spot is also how squirting happens!

G-spot Vibrators

 

Clitoral Vibrators

Clitoral vibrators are intended to be used externally to stimulate the clitoris. They come in many different shapes and sizes – some of the more popular ones are egg vibrators and finger vibrators. Clit vibes are generally larger that bullet vibrators to stimulate a larger area. They can be used in solo play or can be very fun to use while having intercourse.

Clit Vibrators

 

Rabbit Vibrators & Dual Stimulators

Rabbit vibrators are some of the more popular vibrators for solo play as they stimulate both inside the vagina and the clitoris simultaneously. The first styles had clitoral extensions shaped like rabbit ears, thus the name. They gained mass popularity when they were featured on Sex and the City and are still the bestselling vibrator style in the world. These dual action vibrators can come in different shapes now, which is why they are also now known as Dual Stimulators. 

Rabbit Vibrators

 

Wand Massagers

Wand massagers gained popularity in the 60’s when the Hitachi Magic Wand was marketed as a body massager, but women started using it as a vibrator. It was a breakthrough sex toy and Time magazine named it as one of the most influential gadgets of all time. Wands are used mainly for clitoral stimulation but now have a number of attachments for internal use or penis stimulation.

Wand Massagers

 

Couples Vibrators

Couples vibrators are made to be used during intercourse with your partner. If you need more than simple intercourse to orgasm, a couple’s vibe might be for you. They can be as simple as a vibrating cock ring to a finger vibrator to the We-Vibe which stimulates the g-spot and clit as well as the penis.

Couples Vibrators

 

Pressure Wave Toys

These innovative toys use air pulsation directly on the clitoris to create intense stimulation that doesn’t rely on direct contact or vibration. Made popular by the brands Satisfyer and Womanizer, now many companies make these toys which have proven amazingly adept at delivering fast, intense clitoral orgasms.

Thrusters

Thrusting vibrators are growing in popularity because it is like having your own personal mini sex machine. Most work with an internal motor that creates a thrusting motion while some work with internal magnets that cause powerful thrusting.

Thrusters

Prostate Massagers

Prostate massagers are designed specifically with the male prostate in mind. These vibrators help reach the equivalent of the male g-spot – also known as the p-spot – located about 2 inches inside the anus which can lead to amazing orgasms.

Prostate Massagers

 

Vibrator Materials

Seeing as vibrators touch a very sensitive part of your body, what material they're made out should be the first thing you check when shopping around. The material it's made of can make a huge difference on the way it feels against and inside your body. Some materials are also harder to clean than others, which means they may not last as long and can harbour harmful bacteria.

Silicone

Silicone is without a doubt the best material for vibrators. It's non-porous and silky, so it feels like a dream when used for internal or external stimulation. It's easy to clean and can be sterilized if you wash it properly; many silicone vibrators can even be put in the dishwasher if they are completely waterproof. Silicone is also very durable which means it can be used many times over without losing its shape. The only downside is that silicone is a more expensive material but becoming more and more affordable all the time. 

Plastic (ABS)

Plastic is found everywhere, and it's no different in the world of sex toys. Plastic vibrators are generally smooth but hard and not pliable at all. They are easy to clean with disinfectant or sex toy cleaner though which is a big positive. Some plastic vibrators are considerably less expensive but don’t expect them to last long if that is the case. Some of the best quality plastic is found in high powered bullet vibes where the plastic material allows vibrations to really resonate powerfully.

 

TPR/TPE

Thermoplastic Rubber or Thermoplastic Elastomer are commonly used to make dildos more pliable and realistic looking, so it is also used on realistic looking vibrators. The downside of this material is that it is porous and hard to get completely cleaned plus it can tear because it is so soft. Although it looks and feels great, always use caution when using a TPR or TPE toy.

 

Vibrator Power Sources

Since vibrators vibrate, there needs to be something to power them! There are a few options you have when it comes to powering your vibrator.

Batteries

Battery powered vibrators have been around forever and are generally the cheapest vibrators you can find. Depending on the vibrator they can be AA's, AAA's or even watch batteries for little finger vibrators (but they die quick!). Seeing as it's not the year 2000 anymore it can be a nuisance to have to continually find batteries to charge a vibrator, especially if you're going to use it often. You can also use NiMH rechargeable batteries in most battery powered vibrators as well. This is a good alternative to filling landfills with batteries to make you cum.

Wall Plug

Wall plug vibrators are generally the most powerful vibrators available and the power source of choice for ultra-powerful wands. That's because they plug right into the wall and don't rely on tiny little batteries. You also won't run out of juice when you're almost at an orgasm with a wall plug vibrator which is a huge plus! I'd just recommend not traveling with a wall plug vibrator because they can be bulky and less discreet.

Rechargeable

Just like your cell phone, many vibrators are now rechargeable and while these used to be the most expensive kinds available, they are coming down in price rapidly. Rechargeable toys work through USB cables that are included with your toy when you buy it. Since every company has their own design of cable and plug, these cables are not interchangeable. On the toy’s end there is usually a magnetic attachment or a pin you insert, while the other end is a USB attachment so you can plug in to your computer or any other USB outlet to charge.

Vibrator Prices

If it's your first time buying a vibrator, you're probably wondering how vibrators can range in price from $15 all the way up to $400. A lot of it has to do with marketing and brand power but more expensive vibrators are generally better and will last longer.

If you see a super cheap vibrator that looks too good to be true, it probably is, which is why sexual health experts always tell buyers to steer clear of buying on Amazon, which is full of cheap knock-off items. Very cheap vibrators are made with poor quality materials, don't last more than a few uses and may actually be dangerous depending on the material that's used. Don't worry, though. We only sell 100% body safe vibrators from reputable manufacturers. $30 is a pretty safe starting point if you're looking to get your first vibrator. Maybe a little cheaper if you just want a small bullet vibrator.

That being said, there are some expensive models which are worth the price. If you invest a little bit up front, you can get a chargeable silicone vibrator that will get you off for years to come. LELO vibrators, for example, are great quality, offer a stellar warranty and are beautifully designed.

Water and Bath Use

If you are planning on taking your vibrator in to the bath or shower with you, read closely. Not every vibrator is waterproof and can actually cause injury if you submerge it if it's not. Also, there is a huge difference between being water resistant and waterproof.

Water resistant or splash proof: It is able to resist the penetration of water to some degree but not entirely. Most vibrators have to be at least a little bit water resistant. I mean what if you're really wet, right?

Waterproof or submersible: Can not be penetrated by water. If the vibrator says it's specifically waterproof it should be safe to submerge in water. It's best to look for the product description to specifically say it's safe to put in the bath or shower though.

Lubricant for Vibrators

Many people think that lube is lube is lube. Those people are wrong! There is a huge difference between the types of lubricant you use, especially when it comes to vibrators. If you use the wrong types, you can ruin your brand-new vibrator and potentially hurt yourself.

 

Water Based Lubricant

Without a doubt, water-based lubricant is the best to use with your vibrator. It's safe to use with all kinds of vibrators and sex toys. Water based lube is also very easy to clean off your vibrator after use. While it may not last as long as silicone lube before it gets kind of tacky, water-based lube will work great as long as you reapply or add more water.

Silicone Based Lubricant

Silicone lube is perfectly fine for internal use, or on sex toys made of hard plastics, metal, glass, or wood. If your vibrator is made of plastic (ABS) it should be fine to use. That being said, silicone lubricant reacts adversely with some silicone sex toys. When silicone meets other silicone, it begins to stick and melt to each other, breaking down the silicone of the vibrator. If you use your expensive silicone vibrator with silicone lube you may find it permanently stuck with a coat of lubricant. Some sex toy manufacturers do use silicone that is safe to use with silicone lube but unless your toy’s packaging specifically states that is the case, it's probably best to stay away from silicone lube with your vibrator.

Silicone/Water Hybrid Lubricants

Silicone and water hybrid lubricants are actually fantastic if you need some extra cushion or slide when having sex or using toys. They contain only a small amount of silicone, so they are safe for silicone vibrators, but they have a thicker consistency that feels really great if you need more lubrication. It also gives your lube more staying power for longer sessions of fun.

Anal Use

Not all vibrators are meant for anal use. If you use a regular vibrator for anal stimulation or penetration you may find yourself in a sticky, or even dangerous, situation. The problem is that vibrators can get stuck in your butt if they don't have a safety stop - vaginas don't have this problem. Imagine a little bullet vibrator stuck inside you, vibrating all the way to the hospital.

That being said, anal vibrators can be extremely satisfying so don't be scared of using them. Just make sure the vibrator is made for anal use and has a safety stop at the end.