The only time I condone the use of ‘good vibes only’ is when talking about our buzzy best friends. Finding your perfect vibrating pal feels like you’ve been blessed by the orgasm gods — the clouds part, the sun shines, and angels start to sing, but choosing from all the different types of vibrators out there can be confusing.
We now have a dazzling array of vibrators to tease and please every erogenous zone, but where to start, and which one to buy? Armed with this list, you’ll have no trouble in choosing which type of vibrator is next on your sex toy shopping list or how to use it when you get it home.
Why do vibrations feel so good?
Now, a vibrator will never replace real human contact, of course, but there’s something magical about finding exactly the right vibrator that just gets you. As well as exciting our nerve endings, vibrations increase blood flow, enhancing sensitivity. It’s like they send our nerve endings into overdrive and often with explosive results.
Buzzy vs. Rumbly
These vibrator buzzwords refer to the quality or type of vibration. Rumbly vibrators have low-frequency vibrations that work on a deeper level and stimulate more tissue, whereas buzzy vibrators have high-frequency vibrations that don’t travel far past the surface of the skin.
As we know that the clitoral network extends deep into the vagina, rumbly vibrations are going to be better at reaching the clitoral network through the surrounding tissue. This makes rumbly vibrations great for internal stimulation but also for external stimulation, as the low-frequency vibrations create more movement.
Also, buzzy vibrations are more likely to leave you with a numb feeling after use. The quality of the vibration has a big impact on the quality of your orgasm and how much you will enjoy your new vibrator, so it’s worth doing a bit of research.
Dildo Vibrators
No doubt, when you hear the vibrator, this is what pops into your mind. The classic dildo vibrator is an insertable dildo with added vibrations. You can choose between realistic vibrating dildos and non-representational dildos in a vast range of sizes and colors.
Sleek, simple, and sexy. The Fifty Shades of Grey Charlie Tango Classic Vibrator packs some power and is even waterproof for some hot and steamy fun in the shower. This vibrator is suitable for vaginal penetration but should not be used anally.
How to use a dildo vibrator:
- Vaginal or anal penetration (only vibrators with flared bases can be used anally)
- Clitoral stimulation
- Around the labia
- Perineum (the taint)
- On the penis
- Nipples
G-spot Vibrators
G-spot vibrators are often curved or bulbous to make it easier to find and stimulate the g-spot without having to contort your wrist into crazy angles. Flexible vibrators are also becoming more popular, giving you the freedom to bend your vibrator to fit your anatomy perfectly.
The Dame Arc has a curved, squishy tip to take the mystery out of mastering g-spot stimulation. Find the right angle and let the powerful vibrations do all the work!
How to use a g-spot vibrator:
- Vaginal penetration for g-spot stimulation
- External stimulation
- P-spot (prostate) stimulation, but only if the vibrator has a flared base
Rabbit Vibrators
Iconic for so many reasons! Rabbit vibrators offer dual stimulation and are a great way to experience the blissful blended orgasm. The vibrating shaft provides internal stimulation, while the bunny ears nestle around the clitoris. Rabbit vibrators have come a long way from the pink, sparkly jelly models, although they are still popular. Nowadays, rabbit vibrators come in a wonderful range of velvety silicone models in every color you could imagine.
The top-selling Fifty Shades of Grey Greedy Girl G-Spot Rabbit Vibrator is luxurious to touch and features a curved tip to target your g-spot and two motors for knee-trembling blended orgasms at the push of a button. Edwina had some pretty great things to say about the Greedy Girl G-Spot Rabbit Vibrator in her test and review.
One of the most luxurious rabbit vibrators on the market has to be the Lelo Soraya 2. Find out what Rachel thought of the Soraya 2 when she tested this high-end sex toy.
Magic Wand Vibrators
What started as a massage device soon became a sex toy sensation. While I have no statistics to back up this claim, I’m pretty sure the original magic wand has cured many more nights of sexual frustration than it has muscle fatigue.
Hitachi was the original magic wand, but pretty much every sex toy company under the sun has its own version. They come in every size from mini to massive and can vary in power from moderate to knock your socks off jackhammer.
The Mantric Rechargeable Wand Vibrator is covered in luxuriously soft silicone and has a flexible head that delivers 7 intensely pleasurable modes of vibration.
For more wand vibrator options, check out this review of the top magic wand vibrators.
How to use a wand vibrator:
- Clitoral stimulation
- On the penis
- Nipple stimulation
- Around the anus and perineum
Like a true icon, the wand knows how to accessorize to keep up with the latest trends. You can now buy a range of accessories that transform your wand into a masturbator sleeve or g-spot vibrator.
Clitoris Vibrators
‘Clitoris vibrator’ is a pretty broad topic as there are many different styles of clitoral vibrators, each bringing its own unique skills to the table, or bed, or wherever you’re getting down.
Some clitoral vibrators have a very thin stimulation head, creating a flickering sensation, whereas some have a wide flat surface. There are also clitoral vibrators that rotate around the clitoris, like the innovative range from Zumio X, so there are plenty of options to please all the clitorides out there! Yes, that is the plural of the clitoris, and yes, I did have to google that!
The We-Vibe Touch Rechargeable Clitoral Vibrator is a soft, silicone clitoral vibrator with a flexible tip that puts just the right amount of pressure on your clitoris, allowing the powerful vibrations to work their magic.
How to use clitoral vibrators:
- Clitoral stimulation
- On the nipples
- Penis stimulation, particularly the frenulum (also known as the banjo string)
Bullet Vibrators
Bullet vibrators are no-nonsense, slimline vibrators that can add a decent buzz to any sexual activity. They can be used to target any sensitive external areas and are perfect for solo masturbation or partner play. Their slim design means they can easily slide in between you and your partner, and they are easy to pop in your bag for some fun on the go.
Unlike many bullet vibrators, the Mantric Rechargeable Bullet Vibrator is covered in silky soft silicone and has an angled tip, so you can switch it up between pinpoint and broad stimulation. It’s also rechargeable and waterproof!
How to use bullet vibrators:
- Clitoral stimulation
- Around the labia
- Against the head of the penis
- On the nipples
- Inside a hollow dildo
SAFETY: Never insert a bullet dildo into the anus, as it can easily be fully inserted, which can be dangerous and require medical attention to be removed.
Finger Vibrators
These nifty little sleeves transform your or your partner’s finger into vibrating digits of delight. With all that power at your fingertips, you are an unstoppable summoner of orgasms. One of the great advantages of finger vibrators is that they can feel more intimate than larger vibrators. They are also easier to control as you are more used to using and moving your fingers than you are a vibrator.
Finger vibrators are small, inexpensive, and versatile. Some are designed for external stimulation and some can be used internally and externally.
The glove-like design of the GLUVR Finger Vibrator makes it easy to take your touch to a whole new level and will leave you feeling like you’ve gained an awesome new superpower. This glove is perfect for an elevated hand-job or dual stimulation of the g-spot and clitoris.
How to use finger vibrators:
- Fingering
- Clitoral stimulation
- Hand jobs
- In combination with oral sex
Couple’s vibrators / c-shaped vibrators
Vibing together just got literal. These c-shaped vibrators are designed to be worn during penis-in-vagina sex. The internal part is worn inside the vagina, stimulating both partners with vibrations, and the external part stimulates the vulva owner’s clitoris. Considering the majority of people with vulvas need clitoral stimulation, this is a fantastic hands-free way to give the clit what it wants!
The wonderfully rumbly Chorus from We-Vibe adds thrilling stimulation for both partners and will have you both in a frenzy in no time. I was lucky enough to test and fell in love. Check out my full review.
How to use couple’s vibrators:
- Penetrative sex with a penis or strap-on dildo
- As a wearable vibrator
- For long-distance sex (if app-enabled)
Strap-on and Strapless Strap-on Vibrators
Strap-on vibrators are worn in a harness, whereas strapless strap-on vibrators have an insertable bulb worn inside the wearer’s vagina. Both are designed to be worn by people with vaginas and allow the wearer to stimulate or penetrate their partner hands-free. Strap-on vibrators sometimes have a pocket for a bullet vibrator, and strapless strap-ons often have a vibrating motor in the wearable part so the wearer can get a slice of the vibrating action.
The Desire Luxury Rechargeable Remote Control Vibrating Strap-On Kit features a rechargeable, vibrating dildo with two motors for some seriously strong vibrations, all controlled by the handy wireless remote.
How to use a strap-on or strapless strap-on dildo:
- Pegging
- Vulva – vulva penetrative sex
- Anal penetration
- Oral sex
Panty Vibrators & Butterfly Vibrators
I have to admit that the term panty vibrator makes me squirm. There has to be a better name that doesn’t involve the word panty. I’m open to suggestions! Cringey name aside, panty vibrators and butterfly vibrators are a great way for vulva owners to enjoy some hands-free vibrations.
If they are quiet enough, butterfly vibrators and panty vibrators can also be worn for some discreet public play, but it’s best to go for options that are app-enabled or come with a decent remote.
The extremely popular OhMiBod Club Vibe 2.Oh! has everything you need to get started with your hands-free vibrating fun, including a vibrator with five tantalizing vibration settings, a black thong with a specially designed pocket to hold your vibrator in place, and remote control for whoever is in the driving seat.
How to use panty vibrators:
- Hands-free clitoral stimulation
- Discreet public clitoral stimulation
- Some can be used during penetrative sex
Egg Vibrators
Egg vibrators are worn inside the vagina. Their g-spot pleasing vibrations can be enjoyed from the comfort of your own home or out and about, and no one will be none the wiser if you can keep your cool, that is! Thanks to the wonders of technology, many wearable egg vibrators are now app-enabled and can be controlled from anywhere in the world, making them a thrilling addition to long-distance sex. It’s given the phrase ‘give me a buzz’ a whole new meaning! You can be out and about with wearing your egg, and you never know when your partner will decide to toy with you.
The vibrating egg that does it all! The Lovense Lush 3delivers powerful vibrations directly to your g-spot, but that’s just the beginning. This app-enabled vibrator can be controlled from anywhere in the world, sync to music and sounds, and even be used as an alarm clock.
How to use egg vibrators:
- G-spot stimulation
- Discreet public play
- Long-distance sex if app-enabled
Male masturbators
Even if many vibrators can be used on penises, the majority are marketed towards vulva owners, but thankfully the tides are changing! Masturbator sleeves have finally caught up and added vibrations into the mix. These penis vibrators feel fantastic against the whole penis and can be used to stroke the entire shaft or be held against the frenulum. Unfortunately, they are often called male vibrators — a name that lacks inclusivity, as genitals do not equal gender.
The Manta Black Vibrating Male Stroker from Fun Factory has 12 powerful vibrating settings to play with and can be used as a sensual stroker or to add some vibrating fun to partner play.
Vibrating cock rings
Not your usual diamond ring, these rings are adorned with small but mighty vibrators to stimulate the wearer and their partner. Single-use vibrating penis rings can be picked up for under 10 dollars, making them a cheap way to add a little spice to a date night. The restriction of a penis ring can also enhance the wearer’s erection by helping to keep blood in the erection, keeping it harder for longer.
If you know you love vibrating penis rings, you might consider investing in a more luxurious, high-quality, rechargeable version, like the Lelo Tor 2.
How to use vibrating cock rings:
- Solo masturbation for penis owners
- Penetrative sex with a partner
Anal vibrators
Ok, so I am getting a bit lazy here and lumping vibrating butt plugs, vibrating anal beads, and prostate vibrators together. These insertable vibrating anal toys stimulate the anus and rectum, both of which have lots of nerve endings that respond very well to vibrations. Penis owners may even experience p-spot orgasms when using vibrating anal toys, especially prostate vibrators that target the prostate gland. Don’t forget anal safety 101 — anal toys must have flared base!
From the experts of all things anal play, the b-Vibe Rimming Plug 2 is the royal treatment your booty deserves. Not only does it deliver blissful vibrations, but it also mimics the delightful sensations of rimming.
For more inspiration on vibrating anal toys, including plugs, beads, and probes, take a look at this review of the best anal vibrators.
Clitoral Suction Vibrators
While most clitoral suction vibrators don’t actually vibrate, they seem to have been allowed into the vibrator crew. Rather than using standard vibration, these clitoral stimulators use innovative technology such as pulses of air, like the Womanizer range, or sonic waves, like the Sona 2 Cruise from Lelo, to stimulate both the external and internal parts of the clitoris.
The Sona 2 Cruise from Lelo uses sonic waves to provides deep stimulation that travels further into your clitoral network, leading to some pretty mind-blowing orgasms. I got to try one out — read my review here.
How to use clitoral suction vibrators:
- Clitoral stimulation
- On the nipples
- On the head of the penis
As our understanding of our anatomy and technology develops, so do our vibrators. Now we can control our partner’s orgasms from the other side of the world, vibe to our favorite songs, and excite our senses with new sensations.
Long gone are the days of hiding a dodgy-looking vibrator in your underwear drawer. Now, vibrators are feats of technology that are so beautifully designed they almost ask to be proudly displayed on your bedside table. I’m definitely excited to see what will be the next big thing in the world of vibrators!
For some inspiration on how to enjoy your vibrator with a partner, check out Edwina’s fantastic guides on how to use a vibrator on a guy, and how to use a vibrator on your wife.
