Vibrator? Yes, please! Vibrators are, perhaps, the most popular of all the sex toys, and for very good reason. That reason, FYI, is orgasms! Lots and lots of orgasms. Here’s the thing though, when you’re looking to buy a vibrator, the endless options can be a bit confusing. There are so many vibrator types, sizes, materials, colors, modes, and brands out there that it can be as overwhelming as shopping for a new car. You might see some vibrators used in videos or hear people talk about them like they are the best things they’ve ever purchased - and when you find the right one, it can really feel like you’ve met the sex toy of your dreams!
However, how can you choose a vibrator if you’ve never really used one before? Or how about if you’ve used one before and enjoyed, but it didn’t make your toes curl? Well, we can’t have that! You deserve a hot, sensual vibrator experience that you’ll want to put on repeat! So, we’ve compiled a guide filled with tips and tricks that should help you figure out how to choose a vibrator and how to start getting hot and heavy with your new vibrating companion between the sheets!
Step 1: Consider the Different Types of Vibrators
There are numerous types of vibrators out there, so the easiest way to really start narrowing down your options is to first determine the type of stimulation that you want. All vibrators vibrate, but some rotate, others thrust, some mimic oral sex. There are even vibrators that do it all. You can even buy a vibrator that your partner controls or that vibrates along to music. The key to finding your perfect vibrator is finding the type of stimulation that you want and then go from there.
Ready to be WOW-ed? In general, we consider there to be five different types of stimulation on the market today. They are: internal stimulation, external stimulation, combination stimulation, anal stimulation, and penis stimulation. Now, let’s break it down a little further:
Internal Stimulation
Internal vibrators are probably what you think about when you picture a vibrator. So how does a vibrator work for internal stimulation? They are generally longer in shape and are typically inserted into the vagina. These vibrators are perfect for people who enjoy penetration, but they can also be used to stimulate outer erogenous zones, so they’re very versatile. Whether it’s a thrusting vibrator or rabbit vibe, most internal vibrators will be longer and cylindrical. Some have a curvy tip that stimulates the G-Spot, but not always. Unlike a dildo, an internal vibrator usually includes different vibration pattern pulses for a variety of different sensations.
External Stimulation
External vibrators are used almost exclusively on the clitoris and/or the labia. An external vibrator is a great option for people who prefer external stimulation over vaginal penetration, and or for women who need clitoral stimulation in order to orgasm. There are many different styles of external or clitoral suction toys, wands, and bullet vibes.
Combination Stimulation
Combination vibrators are often called rabbit vibrators, thanks to an external clitoral stimulator that usually (but not always) resembled a bunny. Combination vibrators include both an internal shaft or penetrator, and an external stimulator or extension. This rabbit vibe style is a favorite of many women, since it buzzes and throbs against inner and outer pleasure places at once.
Anal Stimulation
Anal vibrators are designed for use in or around your butt (or your partners). This sex toy comes in all shapes and sizes, but a proper anal vibrator will have a flared base or handle to prevent any too-deep slips.
Penis Stimulation
Penis vibrators are also called vibrating cock rings. They fit around the base of the penis and can provide stimulation for both partners during sex. Some strokers or male masturabtors also vibrate, so those could also be referred to as a penis vibrator.
Step 2: Choosing A Vibrator Size
Size really does matter, sometimes! But bigger isn’t always better in the vibrator department. The next thing you want to think about is the size of your vibrator - both in terms of length and width. This will really only matter when it comes to the internal vibrators and the anal vibrators. Other vibrators tend to be standard sizes.
The length of the vibrator can vary from a few inches long to very long. Someone who is buying a vibrator for the first time should buy a vibrator that is on the smaller side instead of buying something that is longer than an average penis would be. Start small – you can always upgrade as you become more comfortable and experienced.
The width of the vibrator is another thing that most people don’t think about, but it definitely matters. You can get a vibrator that is a normal width, thinner, fatter, or tapered. Choosing a tapered or a thinner vibrator is a good idea for people who are just starting out.
If you are going to buy a vibrator that is longer or fatter than what you’re used to, you may want to invest in a good quality lubricant to help you out. You can hurt yourself if you try to force your sex toy, and you definitely want to protect your sensitive little sweet spot!
Step 3: Think About the Modes That You’d Like
Vibration can make all the difference when it comes to a toe-curling orgasm. The next thing you need to think about is the mode of vibration that you’d like. Do you want to have different options or speeds, or do you think one speed is enough? If you are on more of a budget, you may be able to get a good quality vibrator with one or two speeds. However, you can also get up to sixteen different modes on some of the higher-end vibrators. There are even some vibrators where you can trace a pattern and the vibrations will follow, which is super arousing!
Some modes are broader and will focus on entire areas and others will have targeted vibrations. You can choose a vibrator where you can get a few different speeds and pulses to really spice up your sensual playdates. Some vibrators will speed up and slow down automatically, some will turn on and off, and some will even thrust a bit - though you will have to help them out with some motion on your own.
Vibrators have either one or multiple motors that control the vibrations. In higher end vibrators, you will be able to control different aspects for completely different types of vibrations in certain areas. This is often found on the Rabbit-style vibrators where you can control what the internal stimulation does as well as the rabbit ears.
If you aren’t sure what type of vibrations you’d enjoy, then you may be better off buying something that does a mixture of vibrations. This will ensure that you get something you will actually use. Once you find out what type of vibration you like, you will be able to find more vibrators with that style. After all, variety is the sexy spice of life, right?
Step 4: Choose from the Types of Body Safe-Materials
Now that you have narrowed down your vibrator selection quite a bit, you want to look at the materials to help refine your list even further. You need to ensure that your vibrator is made out of body safe materials. This means a material that won’t breakdown in your body and won’t harbor bacteria that can lead to infestations.
You absolutely want to look for a vibrator made of nonporous materials and one that will feel good in and on your body. It’s important to love the one you’re with! Silicone is a good material for most people because it is nonporous, soft, extremely easy to keep clean, and safe to use all around.
One note is that you need to use a lube that is water-based, or you can start to break down the toy and the material used. You can also use a toy made out of ABS plastic, but that is much harder and isn’t as comfortable to use.
There are a few other materials that are safe for your body, but they tend to be more difficult to find and if you do find them, they will be extremely expensive. Still, you can get vibrators made out of metals like gold and silver and even glass vibrators.
Step 5: Check the Reviews
Good reviews about a sex toy say it all! When you’re buying a vibrator, be sure to read over multiple reviews so that you can see how other people experienced their sensual rendezvous with a vibrator. People tend to be extremely enthusiastic about vibrators that work for them and pretty damning of vibrators that they don’t like. You can expect people to be truthful in reviews, particularly on adult toy sites.
We totally understand this can be a time-consuming process, so you definitely want to save this step for when you have narrowed down to your last few options. How to pick a vibrator will depend on how much research you do, remember that!
Step 6: Think About All the Extras
Once you’ve settled on “the one,” you will then want to think about upkeep and how you will take care of your vibrator. You will want to buy a lubricant that you can use to help move things along and make your experience more comfortable. You may also want to think about storage options, so your vibrator doesn’t collect dust and debris.
You may also want to buy something to help you keep your vibrator clean - there are quite a few different cleaning solutions out there that will help you to avoid bacterial growth. If you don’t wash your vibrating companion before and after every use, even if it is made out of a body safe material, you could still get an infection. For tips on keeping your vibrator clean, check out our blog on how to clean a vibrator.
At the end of the day, knowing how to choose a vibrator is a bit like choosing a car or a partner. You may need to give some a test drive and go through a few clunkers before you find the one that really lights up your day. But don’t fret! Once you find the one you love, it will completely rock (or vibrate) your world!
Related Content: Are Vibrators Safe for Pregnancy?
