How to choose a vibrator?

When it comes to vibrators, there are so many options! We'll help you navigate this and give you the low-down on choosing your next vibrator.

Choosing a vibrator is a difficult task. How do you know which vibrator is right for you? Whether this is your first time buying a vibrator or you're an advanced sex toy user - here is a quick guide on choosing the right vibrator for you. 

I’m new and I don’t know where to start, what vibrator should I choose?

If you are new to vibrators and don’t know where to begin, here are a few things to think about:

• Start with clitoral stimulation with either a bullet vibe, a finger vibe, or an external vibrator. Why? 50-70% of women need clitoral stimulation to orgasm and are unable to have orgasms through sex alone. Therefore, a design with good clitoral stimulation is an excellent place to start. Keep in mind that although most vibrators can stimulate the clitoris, certain shapes are better than others. Smaller shapes like bullets and finger vibes focus directly on the clitoris. External vibratos are designed to conform to the curves of the body and make contact directly with the clitoris and vulva. Usually, they are more powerful and offer more speeds and/or patterns than a bullet vibrator.

• Start with something aesthetically pleasing - if a vibrator is cheesy, ugly, or unappealing looking, why would you want to put it near your private parts? We are not only turned on with our minds but with our eyes as well.

Whilst we’ve put together a bunch of our toys that are great for someone starting out choosing their first vibrator, our most popular beginner toys are The Tiny One and The Little One. Their size and focus on external clitoral play make them great contenders for beginners. 

I’ve had some experience with vibrators and want to build on that, to inform you how do you choose a vibrator for yourself!

What if you are a pro? If you are an experienced vibrator user, you might want to consider the following when choosing to add to your vibrator collection:

Stimulation Type:

• Internal Stimulation – Internal vibrators are much longer than external vibrators and are easy to hold during insertion. Whether you desire a sense of fullness or want to focus on the g-spot (those vibrators usually have a curved tip), there’s plenty to choose from. Our best selling toy for this is The Ribbed One.
• Internal and Clitoral Stimulation/Dual Stimulation – The iconic rabbit is the way to go, but she’s grown up since Sex and the City. You can rock out to music or some rabbit vibrators let you have a better grip thanks to their modern design. The rabbit vibrator is so stylish and sophisticated now that she doesn’t even look like a vibrator anymore.
• Clitoral Stimulation During Sex – If you are interested in clitoral stimulation during sex, then Vibrating Penis Rings or Couples Vibrators are your best option. Vibrating rings are hands-free and some come with a remote control. Couples' vibrators are placed inside the woman’s vagina and rest on the clitoris. The penis is also inserted into the vagina, making it a tight fit for him and an orgasmic experience for her.
• Power – Consider trying a more powerful vibrator or a vibrator with more speeds.
• Functionality – Vibrators come in all shapes and sizes. You now have a choice between g-spot vibrators, waterproof vibrators, music vibrators, remote vibrators, and rechargeable vibrators.
• Durability – Cheap vibrators will work once or twice and then fall apart. Buy from a reputable brand and one that offers a solid warranty.

Whether you are buying your first vibrator or are an experienced user, here are some final points to consider when choosing a vibrator:

• Size –  Does size matter? Um… YES! If the vibrator is too big that it makes you or your partner uncomfortable, then it’s not for you. Do you want something that’s small enough to carry in your purse or travel with?
• Power – How many speeds or pulse patterns do you want? Do you enjoy a steady pulse or do you like to mix it up?
• Batteries – Many luxury vibrators are now rechargeable so you don’t have to worry about running out of batteries or your vibrator running out of juice. Convenience is key and green is sexy. Rechargeable vibrators are more expensive than battery operated vibrators, but think how much you will be saving.
• Volume – No one wants a loud vibrator. It’s not only distracting, but your roommate or children might hear. Luckily, quality vibrators are all virtually silent.
• Material – Many sex toys are made with chemicals that you wouldn’t want inside your body, like phthalates. Phthalates are chemicals used to soften PVC rubber. Luxury vibrators are made without phthalates and are body-safe. Materials include silicone, metal, thermoplastic elastomer/TPE (a soft and stretchy compound used in medical devices and not as durable as silicone) and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene /ABS (a common thermoplastic that is used in many consumer goods-not as soft as silicone or TPE).

Lastly, don’t forget to clean your new vibrator before AND after each use with sex toy cleaner (soap and water works, but certain kinds of soap may leave a residue).

So many options… so little time. Let the games begin!!

With thanks to Stacey Rybchin.