How To Choose A Vibrator

Why Are Vibrators Popular?

Vibrators are the most popular sex toy around. The pulsating hum placed against a sensitive body part such as a nipple, clitoris, penis, or anus can be pleasurable and assist in increasing healthy blood circulation. 

Vibrators, when used on the clitoris, can help orgasms occur ten times faster than without them. In addition, using a vibrator on the clitoris can also increase the chances of having multiple orgasms. The reason is that the vibration increases blood flow and engorges the vaginal walls and G-spot, allowing for more intense muscle contractions and the likelihood of orgasms.

Vibrators can also enhance blood flow to the penis and can make erections more firm. This is why vibrators may also help with erectile dysfunction and disabilities as they provide stimulation on a level that manual stimulation cannot reproduce.

Vibrators can also be helpful for people who experience a lack of sex drive. This is because vibrators stimulate blood flow and increase feelings of pleasure in the sex organs in a manner that sends chemical messages to the brain, saying, "Hey, this feels awesome… I want more!"

The variety and capabilities of today's vibrators are astonishing. Low cost and high powered vibrators are easily obtained from the privacy of your own home and are an excellent addition for the solo masturbation session as well as for the passionate exchange of couples.

Yet, there are so many to choose from, so finding the right one can feel overwhelming. That is why you will find an easy to follow the guide below to help you take the guesswork out of it and get you on your way to the fun stuff!

Sex Toy Warning

The most important thing to make sure of is that your vibrator is toxin (toxicant) and phthalate-free. Rest assured, we only sell phthalate-free sex toys to make any order you place with us easy, discreet, and safe. That is why you won't find a phthalate-free section of sex toys on our site because ALL of our sex toys are phthalate-free. 

Many sex toy stores still sell products with phthalates and even lead in them. We are dedicated to selling only nontoxic sex toys because we value your health and well-being. We started our business in June of 2000 and have been working ever since to empower people when it comes to sex.

We are the sexual pioneers that started the movement for healthier sex toys and are the founders of the National Association for the Advancement of Science & Art in Sexuality - NAASAS.org, which helps the entire adult novelty industry to serve you better, after all, you deserve it!

Determining Vibrator Size

There are a lot of vibrators that are made as novelties and break easily, so it is important to choose wisely, selecting from a reputable store with high-quality products like ours. Another important thing when buying a vibrator online is knowing the size. Please refer to our insertable sex toy and dildo measurement guide which outlines in great detail how to make sure you get the perfect fit.

Sometimes it is hard to gauge what is the best size. It is not uncommon for customers to order their first dildo online and then get one that was supposed to be "realistic" and ended up thinking that King Kong himself would be envious.

Using a simple test of finger width or vegetable test with a condom over them before deciding on width or length can help. Using your fingers or a vegetable like a carrot or a cucumber may help you gauge size to help you decide what width and length to get. (Do not insert raw vegetables vaginally or anally as they can contain pesticides and bacteria that can be harmful put a condom over them first.) If you use your fingers make sure they are washed with soap for at least 30 seconds before inserting them.

Power & Functioning

How powerful do you want your vibrator to be? Power can make all the difference in the world. It affects the intensity of stimulation and can mean the difference between reaching orgasm and not.

Two main factors affect the power of a vibrator; how many volts it uses and the motor and components. Other factors can include the housing around the motor and additional vibration plates. Vibration frequency is expressed in the measurement of Hertz (Hz) and is the number of vibrations per second.

However, rather than bore you with understanding all these minute details, we make sure that all of our vibrators are rated on a scale of 1-5 in power. Intensity 5 being the most powerful. So, for example, on a product page featuring a vibrator, you will see a description like this one for our highest setting:

Intensity 5: There are two types of vibration often described as deep and rumbly or surface and smooth. This vibrator features a surface and smooth style of vibration and is for those who enjoy maximum stimulation.

When considering the power of vibrators, it is important to recognize that battery operated vibrators are less powerful than electric vibrators that plugin and rechargeable vibrators. Rechargeable vibrators typically are better rated because they maintain their power and are easily recharged. In contrast, battery-operated sex toys typically wind down as they lose battery strength, so you usually are never getting the full potential of the sex toy after the first use until you replace the batteries again.

Explore our Vibrator Power Reviews Guide to explain how all of our vibrators are ranked with regard to their power.

Moving Parts On Vibrators

Vibrators that have moving parts are sensitive to too much pressure on them, which can keep them from working properly, so it is always best to use them as intended. If you have a rotating or waving vibrator-like many of the dual-action vibrators, you may notice that if you clench or grip the rotating shaft too hard, it may stop working. These toys are intended for rotating inside when someone is relaxed, and while they can withstand normal vaginal or anal pressure, they are not intended to be used under a great deal of stress such a squeezing with your hand.

How Your Vibrator is Powered

Do you prefer something that requires batteries, is rechargeable, or plugs in? There are pros and cons to each:

Battery Pros & Cons

A sex toy that requires batteries affords the user to operate without cords. Today, most high-end sex toys are moving toward being USB rechargeable, but there are still some battery-operated sex toys available. Using a battery-operated vibrator can be costly if you are not using rechargeable batteries because you will have to keep replacing them. It can be challenging to find a recycling center that takes batteries.

If you use rechargeable batteries, you may find some are larger than regular batteries. If they are on the larger side, some of our customers have reported that they may make closing sex toy compartments a bit more challenging, which makes it so that, in some cases, they end up having to use regular batteries.

Learn more about batteries in vibrators through our Sex Toys & Battery Guide.

Rechargeable Pros & Cons

Rechargeable sex toys can be less expensive long-term as you do not have to keep purchasing batteries for them. Depending on the power, size of the motor, and quality of the toy, they can hold charges for various lengths of time. Some rechargeable sex toys may not allow you to use it while charging, and some may also require longer charging periods than others.

Therefore, to keep your sex life spontaneous, plan on having your sex toy charged before your next use. If you want to be able to charge your sex toys out of sight, then consider pulling the cords through the back of a bedside table and charging them inside of the drawers. 

Learn more about rechargeable vibrators through our Rechargeable Sex Toys Guide.

Plug-In Pros & Cons

Plug-in sex toys are often some of the most powerful vibrators and offer a deep vibration that is often rumbly and intense. Typically you will see them in the form of body massagers, also known as wands. They usually have attachments that allow you to modify them into a variety of sex toys.

The upside is that you do not have to worry about costly batteries, the effect of batteries on the environment, or planning to make sure your toy is charged. These can limit how far you can move around in the bedroom, so we recommend using an extension cord with them if you find the cord is shorter than you might like.

Of course, keep fluids away from any exposed electrical components to avoid electrical shock. We recommend wiping down with a moist washcloth when it is unplugged that has been sprayed with a sex toy cleaner. You can rinse off the head of a body massager as long as you only do the top and do not get any water under the head of it. Do so knowing that you may risk ruining the sex toy if you do.

Figuring Out The Best Vibration Level

Determining your preference for the strength and noise of a vibrator is entirely subjective; however, we will provide factors in choosing a vibrator that many often do not consider. You should explore these factors before you purchase a vibrator so that you will better be able to select the perfect sex toy for you or your lover.

Vibration Power

When looking at selecting a vibrator, you should keep in mind that our power ratings are based on the most powerful setting. Most vibrators can be turned down to lower levels of vibration; thus, if you find it is too intense, you can typically just select a less powerful vibration.

It generally is better to err on the side of getting something more powerful than you need and just using a lower vibration setting. If you still find something to be too powerful, you can put the vibrator next to the sensitive erogenous zone, not directly on it. You can also buffer the vibration by using clothing in-between you and the vibrator.

Vibrator Noise Level

Power affects the pitch and noise level of a vibrator. The reason this can be a factor is that often manufacturers will do everything they can to make a vibrator quiet as that is how most customers prefer it. However, in doing so, they must often add sound barriers that keep the vibrator from having the internal components vibrate. This may impact the level of sensation that one can feel on the surface of the vibrator and may reduce the power. However, most modern, high-quality vibrators offer adjustable power and are reasonably quiet if not close to silent.

Vibrator Pitch

By pitch of vibration, we mean the difference between something that is low pitched where the vibrator gives a bass vibration. This is a deeper, rumbly type of vibration and often comes in the form of a larger vibrator. It does not necessarily mean that it is less powerful than one that is high pitched, rather it is much like putting your hand on the hood of a muscle car that has a low bass vibration in its engine versus your hand on the hood of a fast smaller car. They both can pack a punch and can go very fast, they just have a different feel to them, and we refer to this as the pitch of a vibrator.

Vibration Power & Material

Vibrators can have many different levels of power, and the top-level of power is primarily dependent upon the size and capacity of the vibrator motor. However, the power that a vibrator receives can also be influenced by the location of the motor(s) and the housing and materials that contain it. For example, a powerful motor in a silicone-coated vibrator may get slightly muffled because the silicone does not conduct vibration as efficiently as a hard ABS plastic. This is not to say that many silicone vibrators aren't powerful; in fact, most of the ones we carry are very powerful. It is just one of several factors to consider when determining vibration sensation.

Location of the Vibrator Motor

It is also essential to consider that if a vibrator's power is located in the base, you may not feel it as intensely at the tip of the sex toy nearly as much as you would if were located within it. Just like in real estate, location, location, location can mean all the difference. For example, some of the vibrators that have removable vibrating bullets that rest at the base of a sex toy are not going to feel as intense as one with an internal vibrator in the tip that makes contact with your skin. It is not that the vibrator is necessarily less powerful; it is because the vibrations have to travel further to reach you.

Keep in mind that when vibration has to travel through a sex toy that can provide a different type of pleasurable sensation as it can create a flickering sensation. This may be more desirable for some while for others; the lesser intensity is not as ideal. It is all based on personal preference, but understanding how vibrators differ will help you start thinking about your preferences so that you can choose the best sex toys for you or someone special. 

Location Preferences & Personal Sensitivity

When exploring vibrator options, it is good to note that some people have fewer nerve endings in certain parts of their anatomy. If someone has a lot of nerve endings, they will have more sensitivity to stimulation and thus may desire less intense stimulation. 

Furthermore, all anatomy is not the same. For example, some clitoral hoods may cover the clitoris completely, whereas others may not be covered at all, leaving the clitoris more exposed. Using a vibrator over the clitoral hood versus directly on the clitoris will impact sensation and, thus, another factor to consider. 

In addition, some people prefer to avoid putting vibrators directly on the most sensitive part of their anatomies, such as the frenulum (the most sensitive part of the underside of the head of the penis) or the clitoris. Instead, they have a preference to place it above, below, or to either side.

It truly comes down to personal preference and experimenting to know what feels best for you. Masturbation with sex toys can assist in determining preferences without the distraction of a partner so that mindful exploration can occur but partners can also help and enjoy them with you.

Determining Your Desired Vibrator Style

Determining what type of vibrator is right for you or someone special can feel overwhelming with so many from which to choose. Below are some questions that might help you to narrow down your choices:

• Do you have a budget in mind with what you are willing to spend?
• What part of the body do you want it to stimulate?
• Do you want something rechargeable?
• Should it be waterproof and submergible?
• Is this something that you will be using solo, for a partner or together?
• Do you have a vibration power preference?
• Does it need to be quiet?
• Is there a size preference?
• Do you want it to be a handheld or hands-free vibrator?
• What about remote-controlled vibrators?
• Do you want a Bluetooth App vibrator?
• Do you want it to thrust, rotate or wave in addition to vibrating?

The Main Types of Vibrators

Clitoral Vibrators

These are the most popular of all sexual vibrators. This is because the clitoris is very similar to the head of a penis and is the most sensitive part. Clitoral stimulation provides incredible stimulation, increases blood flow, circulation, and helps to increase sex drive in the long run.

Many enjoy clitoral stimulation while having sexual intercourse, which is why couples vibrators called c-shaped vibrators designed for intercourse are quite popular. Couples can also use vibrating penis rings for clitoral stimulation as well by pressing them against the clitoris when they are on a penis and it is inserted into the vagina. 

In addition, clitoral vibrators can also be combined with dildos making them dual stimulating sex toys allowing for simultaneous stimulation of both the clitoris and G-spot. They are typically called Rabbit vibrators. There are also triple stimulating vibrators that have an added anal component. We also classify triple stimulating vibrators as Rabbit Vibrators as well.

Kegel exercisers may be used in conjunction with clitoral vibrators such as vibrating eggs and vibrating bullets to help increase blood circulation and to promote orgasms which naturally contract the pelvic floor muscles.

G-Spot & Prostate Vibrators

G-spot vibrators may be used for either G-spot and prostate (a.k.a. P-spot) stimulation. These are uniquely curved so that they can angle up and put pressure up into the G-spot or P-spot and deliver more intense stimulation. We have two articles that will help you to learn how to stimulate them both: How To Find & Stimulate Your G-spot and Prostate Massage Guide.

G-spot and Prostate Massagers come in both vibrating and non-vibrating types, and variants include but are not limited to:

• Vibrating and non-vibrating
• Electrostimulation vibrators (a.k.a. E-stim)
• Rotating, thrusting, and waving vibrating movements
• Remote controlled and Bluetooth and App vibrators
• Attached vibrating dildo handles
• Harness compatible dildos
• Vibrating Sex Machine compatible dildos and sex toys
• Sex toy pillow compatible
• Double-ended Vibrating Dildos
• Vibrating C-shaped intercourse couple's sex toys

Penis Vibrators

This category of sex toys includes penis rings and masturbation sleeves:

Penis rings (also called cockrings) are often used not just to stimulate the penis but can be positioned to stimulate a lover's clitoris and/or anus as well. They can also include a testicle ring that pulls the testicles away from the body, making it easier to prolong sex. They are typically put on so that they slide around the base of the shaft of the penis allowing the penis to be able to thrust inside a partner vaginally or anally. One can also opt to place them on the head of the penis for hand-free, self-stimulation.

Penis masturbators (a.k.a. masturbation sleeves, penis sleeves) are sex toys that encompass the penis and provide stimulation through friction and/or vibration. They come in a variety of styles with full sleeves, rings, and even other specialty designs and offer such features as:

• Hands-free & Handheld
• Rotating & Suction
• Vibrating & Electrostimulation (E-stim)
• Skin-like & Silicone

Anal Vibrators

There are primarily two types of anal sex toys; those that stimulate the outside of the anus and those that penetrate the anus and go into the rectum. The anal sex toys that stimulate the anus are typically small vibrators, penis rings, and dual or triple stimulating vibrators. Small vibrators should never be used to penetrate anally unless specifically designed as they may become irretrievable.

Penetrating anal toys have specific criteria that must be met to be anal safe. They must have a flared base (to avoid them going up to far), and they must not be porous (to ensure they can be disinfected and cleaned properly). A reputable sex toy retailer will typically meet these criteria when selling you an anal toy. However, we firmly believe that an anal toy must also be nontoxic because anything put into a mucus membrane such as the rectum is absorbed directly into the bloodstream. That is why all of our anal toys and sex toys are phthalate free and body safe.

For a penetrating anal toy to be categorized as safe to use, the attached flared base or handle is there to keep it from traveling too far up the rectum. If a sex toy is used without this safety feature, it may result in an embarrassing and painful trip to the emergency room to remove it. It is why you should only buy your anal toys from a reputable dealer who understands what is anal safe.

One of our physicians that we work with provided this real CAT scan below of a sex toy stuck in the rectum. This patient required an operation to retrieve the sex toy, so you should only buy anal-safe sex toys when you plan to use them for anal penetration.

An anal safe sex toy must have a flared base and be made from a nonporous material such as pure silicone, glass, stainless steel, and phthalate-free plastic. Avoid using materials such as TPR, TPE, Cyberskin, and other porous materials as they harbor bacteria and are very difficult to clean. If you wish to use a sex toy that is porous anally, you can simply put a condom over your anal sex toy for easy cleanup. Also, check out our Silicone Sex Toys: Is Yours Real? guide.

Anal vibrators come in a variety of styles:

• Prostate Massagers
• Anal Plugs
• Anal Beads
• Anal Safe Vibrators
• Anal Safe Dildos

Nipple Vibrators

Vibrating nipple clamps, nipple suckers, and other nipple sex toys come in a variety of styles. Typically they have adjustable features for intensifying pressure and stimulation. Some models can also be used on other areas of the body, such as the clitoris, testicles, and even the ear lobes.

Nipple sensitivity varies from person to person, so what may feel like a mild stimulation to someone may feel intense to another. Squeezing your nipples with your fingers to determine how intensely you enjoy the stimulation, there will help you to determine the right nipple vibrator for you.

WARNING: Care should be taken not to leave nipple clamps or other nipple sex toys that restrict blood flow for more than 15 minutes as they can cause nerve damage. If you have concerns about what is right for you speak about it with your physician. 

Vibrating Kegel Exercisers & Ben Wa Balls

Kegel exercisers come in a variety of shapes and are designed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. They are typically weighted, and some models vibrate. They can come in the shape of balls that connect together and often have a pull cord to remove them easily.

Ben Wa Balls are typically weighted balls that are used to provide sexual stimulation as well as exercise the Kegel muscles inside the vagina. They typically do not vibrate; rather, they have balls inside them that create a moving sensation inside them. They are often separate balls and may not have a pull cord for removal.

Kegel exercise helps the vagina contract harder during penetration to increase orgasm intensity and offer pleasing sensations to a partner. It also assists in having better urinary control and preventing urinary incontinence. Women who have children often find that their Kegel muscles need strengthening to control urine flow.

Finger Vibrators

Finger vibrators are typically attached to one or more fingers and then applied to various erogenous zones, i.e., clitoral, vaginal, anal, and nipple stimulation. Finger vibrators can also be used for all-over body massage and even using on the ear lobes and scalp for relaxation.

They are desirable for their ease of use and their versatility. Most finger vibrators cannot be used as a penis ring or added to a dildo, but in some cases, they can be if they are made with stretchy material. Most finger vibrators of high quality are rechargeable, but some are still made using watch batteries. Those are typically not as strong and have short run times.

Traditional Vibrators

These days it is difficult to say what constitutes a traditional or classic vibrator as there are so many kinds. However, in the sex toy industry, most companies refer to traditional vibrators as a straight vibrating shaft without a curved or bulbous head.

The types of functions, controls, and materials used to make traditional vibrators vary greatly. They are not intended for anal stimulation as they do not have flared bases. They are typically used for vaginal penetration, as well as clitoral stimulation and on other erogenous zones.

Strap-on Vibrators

Any harness-friendly vibrators are referred to as strap-on vibrators. This can include vibrators that are dildos as well as clitoral stimulators. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The types of functions, controls, and materials used to make them also vary greatly. See our Strap-ons Harness Guide for more information.

Electrostimulation Vibrators

Erotic electrostimulation (a.k.a. estim) uses electrical currents to stimulate sexually and is fast becoming a popular way to enjoy sexual pleasure. Many of the estim sex toys today also have vibrators within them and can take the form of vibrating dildos. Learn what it is all about, common myths, consumer alerts and warnings, research, and studies regarding health benefits, tips for using estim devices, safety concerns, and more through our Erotic Electrostimulation Guide.

Air Pulse Vibrators

Air Pulse Vibrators (Clitoral Suction Vibrators) use PulseWave technology, also known as PulseWave light technology, a unique combination of light energy and vibration discovered in collaboration with leading gynecologists and laser physicists.

These sex toys have a pulse pattern designed using pulsed air, light, and vibration to give clitoral orgasms based on a specific sexual response cycle. They can be helpful, especially when applied to the clitoris if a vibrator is not allowing for enough stimulation or is causing overstimulation resulting in numbness.

Sex Toy Machines

There are many sex machines on the market. These are often more expensive than a traditional sex toy. They can be helpful for people who have disabilities, are overweight, or have sexual dysfunction issues as they can allow for hands-free sexual stimulation. They provide a level of endurance that no human can match and make for an exciting visual display when watched by a lover.

There are many home-made sex machines out there that can be dangerous, so we only recommend buying one from a reputable sex toy retailer. We have seen some people trying to sell modified tools such as drills, cement mixers, and other contraptions that are not safe to use sexually. We are very selective in choosing our sexual products and require that they are safe for consumers, which should be the number one priority of any sex toy retailer.

Desensitization Issues

Most vibrators are so effective that they can make an orgasm occur in just a few minutes. However, if you have used a vibrator for a long time, you know that you can become desensitized to them. This simply means that they no longer provide the intensity of stimulation to your skin because you are getting used to it. It can create a numbing sensation that, once it kicks in, may make it more difficult to climax. Desensitization typically does not happen for at least 20 minutes which is usually long enough for reaching an orgasm, but if it does kick in, it may prove challenging to build up to reaching an orgasm. On these occasions, it may be a good time to switch over to using a sonic air pulse stimulator (Clitoral Suction Vibrators) as they typically do not cause desensitization issues the way vibrators can. You can use them instead of a vibrator or just have one ready should you need it to climax.

Related Female Sexual Dysfunction Issues

If one struggles with female sexual dysfunction and has a difficult time with getting aroused and having blood circulation to the pelvic region, vibrators are great at helping that to occur as they increase blood circulation and are highly effective at providing stimulation. However, because some people struggle with getting aroused, it can take a while for that to kick in, and by the time the body is primed for building to a climax, a vibrator may be causing desensitization issues. Thus, a vibrator may now be making them too numb to climax. This is when an air pulse clitoral stimulator may be helpful as they typically do not cause desensitization issues.

• To learn more, please see our helpful guide: Air Pulse Sex Toys Guide.
  
  
• To see our body-safe air pulse sex toys, please see: Clitoral Suction Vibrators

Before You Buy a Vibrator

We always encourage those who are buying a vibrator for the first time or have questions to contact us before you make your purchase as we are happy to make recommendations based on your desires. We give practical and honest feedback about our products because our goal is for you to be happy with every purchase you make from us.

There is more to learn about vibrators, such as how to use a vibrator or common vibrator facts and myths for further sex toy education. We encourage you to explore our helpful articles so that you can become a sexually empowered consumer.