Buying your very first vibrator can be kind of a stressful experience — if you don’t love it, it may turn you off from buying more toys, and if you love it, you might find yourself having to budget for a whole new category every month. When it comes to choosing one, there are so many effing kinds and since you obvs can’t return a vibrator if it doesn’t work out for you (unlike a pair of jeans, which is a shopping headache in its own category), that means doing your research is more important than ever.
Thankfully, with the right background knowledge and education, you can narrow down what you’re looking for and give you some peace of mind. We turned to Dr. Brandye, MD, a board certified OBGYN and women’s sex and pleasure coach at LifeLoveLibido and Carol Queen, PhD and sexologist, to help you navigate your journey from non-vibe owner to seasoned vibrator expert.
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Start by asking yourself lots of questions about how you’ll be using it, says Dr. Brandye. Will you be using it in the bed only? Do you want the option to be able to use it in the shower or tub? If so, you’ll need to find something waterproof, showerfriendly, and cordless (natch). Are you intending on just using it solo, or do you also want something you can use with a partner?
Shopping for a sex toy online can also pose a lot of advantages for first time buyers, adds Dr. Brandye. You’ll want to look at the descriptions and check out the features of the toy such as:
- The materials. What materials is it made from? Body-safe is best, which can mean anything from medical-grade, body-safe silicone, glass, stainless steel, etc.
- Is it waterproof?
- How many different speeds or vibration patterns does it have?
- Reviews. Since everyone has a different experience with vibrators, scoping out the reviews of how it worked out for other users can go a long way in deciding if something is worth getting.
- Is it rechargeable? Rechargeable toys tend to cost more than battery-operated toys, but they’re way better for the environment, not to mention your wallet.
Many first-time shoppers will come into the store asking for the “best” vibrator, but “best” is such a subjective term, that what’s best for everyone else, might not be good for you at all, says Queen, who works as a staff sexologist at Good Vibrations. “This is because our sexual responses are not exactly the same; everyone might want something a little different. Some want vaginal insertion (in fact, some think that’s the main way to masturbate, since it mimics intercourse; but intercourse isn’t the main way women orgasm!”
In general, Dr. Brandye suggests going with something small that vibrates, for a beginner toy. “Women can be shy about buying a sex toy and having something small seems to minimize the ‘blush factor’” she explains. Something that vibrates can of course be used on your clitoris, but you can also try it on other erogenous zones around your vulva or nipples.
Once you’ve got your new toy home, Dr. Brandye says it’s a good idea to figure out where and how the controls work before go-time. (If it makes you feel better, just gleaning the first few pages of the instruction manual are usually enough, from my personal experience unboxing and reviewing hundreds of sex toys in my career here — no need to read the whole thing front to back if you’re in a rush.) “There’s nothing worse than starting a new toy that you can’t figure how to turn off,” says Dr. Brandye.
If you truly can’t narrow down what you want and would rather try a little of everything:
Lovehoney Wild Weekend Kit
For $90, this kit comes with 11 sex toys including: a multi-speed internal vibrator, a Rabbit, a wired vibrating rabbit ear egg for clitoral stimulation, butt plug, anal beads, blowjob sleeve, kegel balls, and four cock rings. The only downside to this set is that you’ll need six AA batteries, as none of the toys are rechargeable. But if you’re looking to truly just dip your toe in the waters before investing in a more expensive version down the line, this is a great starter kit.
Also, FYI: Lovehoney has a 30-day Happiness Guaranteed policy, so if you buy a toy and you hate it, you can fill out a form and get your money back. This is pretty rare when it comes to sex toys (unfortch a lot of sites are just like “absolutely no returns”) so if you’re a very wary first-time shopper, going with Lovehoney may give you some extra peace of mind. You can’t pull this card over and over again like, an unlimited number of times, of course, but hopefully you wouldn’t do that anyways.
If you want an affordable, battery-operated Rabbit
Suction Cup Rabbit
Should you want a Rabbit experience without all the accoutrement of the 11-piece kit, this affordable $30 option is a great battery-operated way to take Rabbits for a test drive, too. The strong suction cup base means you can attach this toy to any surface like your floor or shower (it’s completely waterproof too!) and ride to your heart’s content. There’s an adjustable control at the base so you can customize the strength as well. This one is also battery-operated, but for $30, it’s easy to justify.
If you want a variety set without any penis toys:
Lovehoney Rock My World 6-Piece Sex Toy Kit
Into the idea of a variety pack but can do without any penis toys? Doable. Lovehoney also has a six-piece vibrator-only set that’s $90. This one focuses on dildos and vibes, and notably includes a 7-inch clitoral mini wand. There’s also two dildos (a veiny one and a beaded one for anal play), an internal vibrator, and a bullet vibrator. This kit requires two AAA batteries and one AA battery.
If you want a chic pastel set:
Lovehoney First Time Fun Kit
If you’re someone who cares about aesthetics and likes things to match or at least look cohesive, this cute set of pastel vibrators is a safe way to spend $40 and try out different vibrators. You get a bullet, a “classic” larger vibrator, a textured internal vibrator, and a small, wired egg vibrator for $10 each. You save 36% when buying this kit than buying each item separately. You’ll need three AA batteries, one AAA battery, and two C batteries.
If you want something you can enjoy hands-free:
Vibe Pad:
This vibrating pad is designed for hands-free play, making it great for anyone trying to master the rhythm of woman-on-top or for those with limited mobility. There are two distinct raised nubs in the pad which allow for different sensation, and it’s rechargeable (although the remote uses batteries).
If you want a clitoral vibrator that’s super easy and intuitive to use, right out of the box:
Lovehoney’s Easy-to-Use Finger Vibe:
It may be helpful for beginners to start with a smaller, fingertip vibe as it can feel the most organic transitioning from non-toy-assisted masturbation to adding in a vibrator. This toy slips over your finger, like an extension of your own touch, but better. It’s small and relatively unobtrusive, waterproof, rechargeable, and made of silicone, with 20 modes.
A Three-Tipped Triple Contact Clitoral Vibrator
A rechargeable, silicone, and waterproof toy, this is a great first vibe for beginners. The three points of contact mean that you can pinpoint the vibrations to your clitoris directly, or press it against your entire vulva to disperse the vibrations for broader sensation. A lot of phallic vibrators also vibrate which can be confusing (it’s meant to be put inside you, but wouldn’t the vibrations be better suited for clitoral stimulation?) so it’s nice that this toy is LOUD about being specifically for clit play.
If you want a vibrator that does more than just vibrate:
A Very Affordable, Rechargeable and Waterproof Suction Vibrator
The rechargeable Romp Free from We-Vibe is a very affordable suction-based clitoral stimulator that uses the same Pleasure Air tech as some pricier models, for only $40. If you’re looking to explore suction vibrators that stimulate the feeling of oral sex, this is a great starting buy. While this toy doesn’t vibrate like most traditional clitoral vibrators, if you know that suction on your clit during oral sex gets you off like no other, you’ll definitely want to try this toy. There are ten modes, it’s 100% waterproof, and the tip (that comes in contact with your clitoris) is body-safe silicone.
An Ultra Adorable Ice Cream Cone-Shaped Toy That Spins
If you want a toy that’s small and super cute, the new Satisfyer “Sweet Treat” spinnator is probs the cutest toy I’ve seen in recent months. Shaped like a cute ice cream cone, this toy spins around, with, when paired with water-based lube, can provide a totally new sensation for clitoris-havers.
If you want a clitoral vibrator that gives you options:
An Aesthetic Vibe That Does Internal Stim Too:
Tenga’s Iroha Rin vibe looks more like a fancy water bottle than a vibrator, and the design isn’t just aesthetic. The firm shaft is made of silicone which is perfect for internal stimulation, and the squishable topper makes for soft clitoral stimulation too.
A Wearable Necklace Vibe:
The Crave Vesper looks like sleek, minimalist jewelry, but don’t be fooled: it also acts as a super powerful bullet vibrator. Seriously, we’re not kidding when we say you’ll be very pleasantly surprised by the strength this thing has. It’s available in silver, 24k gold, and rose gold, aka you can definitely find one to go with all your outfits.
If you want a toy you can put inside you:
A Beginner’s Vibe Without a Clitoral Component:
If you want a trustworthy beginner’s vibe you can use inside your vagina, the Gigi 2 has a very substantial motor for deeper vibrations, eight vibration patterns, and is nearly silent. It features a rechargeable battery (one hour of charge = one and a half hours of use = plenty of time to experiment.)
A Classic Rabbit with Clit-Stimulating Ears:
If you want something you can insert inside yourself and stimulate your clit with, try a rabbit. As immortalized on Sex and the City, the rabbit features two lil’ bunny ears that gently reach your clit.
A Textured Vibrator That Also Thrusts and Does the Work for You:
If you want a toy that actually thrusts and takes a lot of the work out for you, try Fun Factory’s Stronic Drei. It’s textured with ridges so you can experiment with different internal stimulations, boasts 10 patterns, and is rechargeable.
If you like something small with targeted clitoral stimulation:
The Strongest Bullet Vibrator Around:
If you want targeted, buzzy vibrations, try the Tango. It’s small enough to hide anywhere, but packs a punch with three levels of intensity and five patterns.
A Rechargeable Lipstick Vibe That’s Also Affordable:
If you’re on a budget, try the Cal Exotics Hide & Play Lipstick Vibrator. It’s $30, so won’t damage your wallet quite as much as the Tango, but is still rechargeable via USB, and the discreet novelty packaging is pretty cute too.
If you like broader clitoral stimulation that you can feel on your whole vulva:
The Classic (Corded) Magic Wand:
For those that prefer vibrations spread out over their vulva and not as pinpoint targeted, try the Magic Wand. It’s often referred to as the “Cadillac of vibrators,” and is a bestseller for a reason — the vibrating head is nearly the size of a tennis ball, so you can feel the powerful vibrations everywhere.
The Newer, Rechargeable Version of the Magic Wand:
And for the same Magic Wand power but with a rechargeable battery (so you can ditch the cord), there’s also the Magic Wand Rechargeable. Yes, it’s more than double the price of the OG wand, but you at least know it’s worth the investment.
A Palm-Sized Heart Vibrator:
Or try this cute heart-shaped vibrator if you want something smaller. You can use the broad sides for that same diffused-vibration feeling, or the tip of the heart for more targeted stimulation.
If you want a toy that simulates oral sex:
The Classic Womanizer Toy:
The Womanizer utilizes suction to create a seal around your clitoris and tiny rumbly vibrations to simulate oral sex. Reviewers claim it can provide them with multiple, full body orgasms, and is super quiet too.
A Budget-Friendly Suction-Powered Satisfyer:
For a more budget-friendly vibrator that also uses the same suction-feeling, try the Satisfyer Pro 2 Clitoral Stimulator.
If you want a toy you can use with your partner…
A Toy That Lets You Go Hands-Free During Partnered Sex:
For those that like clitoral stimulation during penetrative sex to orgasm (who doesn’t?), try the Eva. The small beetle-like toy has wings you can tuck into your labia for hands-free stimulation.
A Smart Toy Perfect for Long-Distance Couples:
You can get up to 60 feet of coverage using the remote that comes with this panty vibrator, or download the app to have your partner take over from anywhere in the world. The vibrator tucks into your underwear for a discreet and non-clunky experience and is rechargeable for up to an hour of use
Above all else, know that it’s totally fine to ask questions in the store. If you feel awk about the shopping experience, try going to a female-friendly sex toy store, bringing a buddy, or just shop online (most stores have discreet packaging).
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Sex & Relationships – Cosmopolitan
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