Our vibrator buying guide for beginners: How to choose a sex toy
So whatever mood you’re in… there’s a toy on this list that will satisfy you. Because they offer a whole new world of possibilities when it comes to enjoying our sexuality. You’ll also want to make sure that you have a solid Bluetooth connection—after all, you don’t want the toy losing power in the middle of… well, you know. That means you can give your partner a little extra stimulation even when you’re not in the same room (or even the same country). With its powerful motor, it packs a punch that other wand massagers simply can’t match. And with its male and female attachments, it opens up a whole world of new possibilities.
Silicone lubricants are great for anal play, but unfortunately they interact negatively with silicone toys. I’m a full-time writer and sex educator who has tested more than 200 different sex toys in the past 25 years. I began blogging about sex toys in 2011, and I worked as a toy tester and copywriter for the retailer The Stockroom for several years. And, like all Magic Wand models, it’s also useful as a whole-body massager. Shopping for sex toys can be intimidating, for first-time buyers and experienced users alike. We talked to sex experts to find out how vibrators can enhance pleasure during both solo and couple play.
Still, it’s a worthy contender for those who enjoy dual stimulation. The tip emits high-frequency waves while the shaft provides deep rumbly vibrations, allowing you to create all manner of combinations. There are 25 speed combos and five pleasure patterns to choose between, so rest assured you’ll never get bored. Our panel of testers thought it looked discreet, and liked the size and shape. As for performance vibrator, most found it pleasurable to use and enjoyed a better and faster orgasm.
When it comes to design, Shannon suggests thinking about sensations you know you like during solo or partnered sex and looking for a toy that can mimic them. Battery-operated toys are also nice for travel—just take out the batteries, and you won’t have to worry about them accidentally starting up in your bag. Plug-in toys won’t turn on unexpectedly either, but their real claim to fame is their intensity. Since they’re connected directly to a power source, they can provide much stronger vibrations than other models. All of the toys featured in this guide are paired with proprietary mobile apps that can be used to remotely control them from areas way outside the bedroom, often through WiFi-enabled connections. Some of these apps (Lovense Remote, FeelConnect chiefly among them) simply allow you to access your partner’s toy remotely even if you don’t have one yourself.
From the moment I slipped it on, I was in love and wore it all the time. This inventive cock ring comes with an optional “custom fit link” that allows you to expand its diameter to more comfortably fit a penis with more girth, which tend to get squeeze by one-size-fits-most rings. Like other We-Vibe cock rings, this one also packs a punch power-wise, is waterproof, and can be controlled from near or far using the We-Vibe app. With the Atom Plus and its dual motors, everyone gets to enjoy the wonderful vibes. While the top motor hits your partner’s clitoris (and your shaft), the bottom motor brings some rumble to your very own testicles and taint.
“Honestly, the quietest toys are going to be marketed as quiet,” says Gigi Engle, a certified sex and relationship psychotherapist and resident intimacy expert at dating app , 3Fun. “With that being said, you’re going to want to look for something smaller that has a smaller motor.” Engle explains that the smaller the motor, the quieter the toy. “You’re going to have better luck with palm, finger, and bullet vibrators. These toys are basically silent, which can be a great choice,” Engle adds. Wands are super versatile, with long handles and large heads that make them easy to use in different solo or partnered positions.
“It’s clitoral massager that’s no bigger than a lipstick, but still packs a range of intensities perfect for those exploring on the go.” Throw it in your bag with your chapstick, and no one will ask questions. While the controller does have up and down arrows, you can also squeeze and hold the outer, squishy part. This increases the speed of the vibration for as long as you’re holding it, which I found to be a highly enjoyable alternative to fumbling with specific controls while in use. The vibrator also connects to We-Vibe’s app which, when connected to WiFi, can control your vibrators from anywhere in the world.
