Your questions about vibrators, answered
Picking your vibe comes down to what feels good to you, but here are some things to consider:
You should read the toy’s instructions first—and then experiment. Really, how you use the vibrator varies from body part to body part. Areas to try:
- On the vulva and clitoris: All vibrators can be pressed against (or hovered lightly over, in the case of some suction vibrators) the clit for external stimulation. We recommend first lightly moving the vibe around the vulva, paying attention to how it feels on the labia, before moving to the clit itself. Wand vibrators are notably quite intense, so you might want to keep your underwear on to start or use some fabric like a blanket to cushion its effect.
- Inside the vagina: If you have a G-spot vibrator that can be used internally, start by teasing yourself externally with it, and then slowly slipping it inside. You’ll want to use lube—an essential for comfort (see below).
- On the penis: Any vibrator (save maybe the aforementioned wickedly powerful wand vibe) might feel good gently teasing the penis and along the shaft.
- On (and/or inside) the anus. Buzz that vibrator against your butt and see how that feels. Some anal vibrators can actually be used up the butt too, but they must have a flared base to keep them from getting stuck.
- On the nipples, neck, wrist, and other erogenous zones: Get creative. Vibrators help you figure out what feels good and what doesn’t, whether you’re using them for masturbation or with someone else.
Tips for trying a vibrator for the first time
When you’re ready to test your toy, you might want to set the mood. Pick a comfortable, quiet place like your bedroom, lower the lights, and queue up a sultry playlist. Whatever lets you focus and get in the zone. Start by turning on the vibe to its lowest setting and trailing it across your erogenous zones (nipples and neck, for example) and then down your body. It can also feel pleasurable stroked against the penis and anus.
If you have a vulva, start by lightly pressing on the hood of the clit with the vibrator, and then circling it and rolling the shaft back and forth while upping the toy’s pressure and intensity. As you reach your highest levels of arousal and hardness, the clit can become supersensitive, so you may want to lessen the pressure, Nan Wise, PhD, a neuroscientist, professor, and certified sex therapist, tells Glamour. She recommends pairing your toy with lube, which can make your experience more comfortable overall.
When opening up a conversation about using a vibrator with a partner for the first time, start in a playful way. Some people have hesitant or even negative reactions to sex toys based on their own experiences. You can frame it as if you’re taking on a new hobby. You might emphasize that vibrators can open you up to different sensations, fantasies, and positions. They are not a stand-in for another person—they simply enhance your time together, let you get to know each other better, and have some fun. When you do incorporate a sex toy, be considerate and take things slowly.
Can you use a vibrator while pregnant?
Yes! You can certainly use a vibrator while pregnant, but be sure that you’re diligent about cleaning your toys, as hygiene is extremely important, especially during this time. “Absolutely no switching a toy from anal to vaginal,” Carol Queen, PhD, a staff expert at Good Vibes, says—not that you ever should. You’re likely fine to use most sex toys internally, but avoid deep thrusting and hitting the cervix. And of course, it’s always wise to talk to your ob-gyn and to get specific with your questions (i.e., if your doc tells you not to have sex, Dr. Queen suggests asking, “Does that mean no orgasm? No intercourse? And how long into the gestational period is this advice intended to apply?”).
What’s the best lube for sex toys?
- Water-based lube: This kind of lube is the only option that pairs well with everything (including silicone sex toys, latex condoms, and skin), says Dr. Queen. It’s easy to rinse off and less likely to stain fabric. It does dry out more quickly than other types, requiring more frequent reapplication and rewetting.
- Silicone-based lube: These luxe lubricants are silky smooth, long-lasting, and excellent for shower sex since they don’t wash off with water alone, says Justin Lehmiller, PhD, a research fellow at the Kinsey Institute. They also combat vaginal dryness. They should not, however, be used with silicone sex toys or silicone prelubricated condoms, which can break down over time.
- Oil-based lube: There are many oil-based lubes, like coconut oil. Dr. Queen recommends sticking to plant-based oils and avoiding petroleum jelly, mineral oil, and baby oil. Though all oils pair with silicone sex toys, they degrade latex condoms and rubber sex toys, and petroleum-based products have not been formulated for use inside the body.
What are the best vibrator materials and features?
Material: Since there are no federal regulations on sex toys, be sure you’re going with a body-safe silicone or ABS plastic, which won’t trap bacteria or moisture inside, says Amber Mallery, MPH, a certified sex educator and community manager at Bijoux Indiscrets. Stainless steel and high-quality glass are also safe.
USB-rechargeable versus battery-operated vibrators: A USB-rechargeable option is the most convenient because all you’ll need is the cord and you’re good to go. However, battery-operated sex toys are often cheaper (like the $13 Unbound Zip, which Amanda Chatel, sex writer and Glamour tester, loves), so they can be a good choice for beginners.
Cost: Vibrators can run from $10 to $200, but more money doesn’t necessarily mean better. The cheaper toys usually have less power and pattern settings, which can be a plus if you want to solely focus on one sensation. Looking for more power and sensation? Opt for a higher-end pick.
Warranty: If you’re spending a pretty penny on a vibrator, make sure it has a warranty, because you can’t usually return them. For example, Womanizer has a five-year warranty on all their products, and Lelo has a two-year warranty. These are important factors to consider because you never know if your vibe is going to malfunction.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, sex toys can become breeding grounds for bacteria—leading to the spread of infections and even STIs, Monica Grover, DO, MS, a board-certified gynecologist at VSpot Sexual Health Spa, tells Glamour. “They should be cleaned before and after each use, even if you haven’t used them in a while,” she says.
Studies show that the easiest sex toys to clean and disinfect are made of nonporous materials such as medical-grade silicone, borosilicate glass, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic, and hypoallergenic metals (stainless steel and titanium).
Though many companies make sex-toy cleaners, you can usually use what you have on hand. To clean a nonporous sex toy that does not have a motor, Dr. Grover recommends boiling it in hot water for a few minutes, then wiping it with mild soap and letting it air-dry. If your toy has a motor or battery, skip the boiling; instead, rinse it with warm water, wipe it down with mild soap, and air-dry.
What are the best vibrators for beginners?
The main considerations for vibrators for beginners are figuring out what sensation you’re after—and how expensive the toy is. If you’re truly trying to find an entry-point toy, you might not want to invest a lot as you adjust to different sensations. Bullet vibrators and finger vibrators are great for first-timers since they’re discreet, usually have limited features, can easily be used by anyone externally, and are generally more inexpensive than other toys. (We recommend the Maude Vibe, Dame Fin, and We-Vibe Tango X.) Wand vibrators like the Magic Wand are another versatile choice. You can use them for some warm-up massage across the body that gets you in the mood, then trail down to experiment with further sensation. If you already know you’re a fan of the feeling of oral sex, try a clit sucker like the Dame Aer, Satisfyer Pro 2, or the Lelo Sona 2 Cruise.
How can I make sure my vibrator delivery is discreet?
Maybe you have kids, roommates, or nosy neighbors. Whatever your reasoning, it’s understandable if you’re worried about a package arriving at your house that practically screams “I’m a sex toy!” Most sex-toy retailers make a point of delivering your purchases in logo-free, nothing-to-see-here boxes (“Our plain, boring packaging enables you to shop with Lovehoney in complete confidence,” says Lovehoney). Companies like Lelo, Maude, Dame, We-Vibe, and Womanizer all spell out their discreet packaging policies in their FAQs. If anything, the only real danger is someone opening your box because it’s too unassuming (we kid).
- Carol Queen, PhD, staff expert at Good Vibes
- Amber Mallery, MPH, certified sexuality educator
- Monica Grover, DO, MS, board-certified gynecologist at VSpot Sexual Health Spa
- Justin Lehmiller, PhD, research fellow at the Kinsey Institute
- Jess O’Reilly, PhD, Toronto-based sexologist and author
- Nan Wise, PhD, a neuroscientist, professor, and certified sex therapist
- Shamyra Howard, LCSW, licensed sex therapist and sex expert for Lovehoney
- Micki Allen, sexual health and pleasure educator
- Malia Griggs, Glamour commerce editor who’s reported on sex toys and sexual wellness for over four years
- Suzannah Weiss, certified sex educator and Glamour sex toy reviewer
- Amanda Chatel, sex writer and Glamour reviewer who’s tested over 1,000 sex toys
Other vibrators we recommend
We-Vibe Tango X
- Type: Bullet vibrator
- Use: External only
- Material: ABS plastic, body-safe silicone
- Battery: 1.5-hour USB-rechargeable with 2-hour run time
- Modes: 8 vibration patterns and 8 intensity levels
- Waterproof: Yes
- Return policy: We-Vibe and Lovehoney do not accept returns on opened items, but both offer a 100-day money-back promise on toys you don’t like. Amazon does not accept returns on opened or used products.
Despite its compact size, this super-focused waterproof bullet vibrator is a powerhouse. Jess O’Reilly, PhD, a Toronto-based sex expert and author, tells Glamour that “its vibrations are powerful and deep” and the We-Vibe Tango X’s tapered tip “presses perfectly against the head of the clitoris.” If you don’t have room for a larger toy, the Tango X is more than up to the challenge—and Shamyra Howard, LCSW, an AASECT-certified sex therapist, likes that it’s beginner-friendly too. It’s easy to hold thanks to its silicone handle, discreet enough to pass as a tube of lipstick, and shaped with a tapered tip that can be angled against the clit for strongly pinpointed sensations. “My favorite part about Tango X is that it has eight types of vibration patterns in a world where most bullets have less,” says Chatel. “I can also hold it for a long time comfortably.”
- Why we love it: Discreet; powerful; pinpointed stimulation
- What could improve: Can only be used externally
Lelo Enigma Wave
- Type: Dual-stimulating vibrator
- Use: Internal and external
- Material: Body-safe silicone
- Battery: 2-hour USB-rechargeable battery with 2-hour run time
- Modes: 8 vibration patterns and 8 intensity levels
- Waterproof: Yes
- Return policy: Lelo offers refunds within 14 days on unused, unopened products.
“The first time I used the Enigma Wave, I didn’t even get a chance to relax into it before I had an orgasm,” says Chatel. “It has three motors with a clit-sucking arm and a curved, rotating arm that create a come-hither motion against the G-spot. The Enigma has eight vibration settings, which felt unnecessary. Variety is the spice of life, but when a sex toy scores on the first try the way this one did, everything else seems sort of gratuitous.” Though reviewers said that the thrusting, swirling technology took some adjustment, once they got the hang of it, they had seriously intense blended orgasms ( (i.e., simultaneous G-spot and clitoral orgasms).
We-Vibe Moxie+
- Why we love it: Dual-stimulating; intense
- What could improve: A little noisy
- Type: Remote-controlled vibrator
- Use: External only
- Material: Body-safe silicone
- Battery: 1.5-hour USB-rechargeable battery with 2-hour run time
- Modes: 4 intensity levels and 6 vibration patterns
- Waterproof: Yes
- Return policy: We-Vibe and Lovehoney do not accept returns on opened items, but both offer a 100-day money-back promise on toys you don’t like.
The Moxie+ remote-controlled vibrator is an excellent clitoral vibrator because you can fasten it magnetically inside your underwear, wear it in public without anyone knowing, and let your partner take the reins (no matter where they are in the world). “This panty vibrator is powerful, discreet, and designed to be worn around the house or out to a party as your little secret,” says Dr. O’Reilly. “You can remote-control it yourself or pair it with the free We-Connect app and let a partner join in on the fun.”
“This panty vibe doesn’t have the bulkiness that others have, so I can slip it into the pocket of my undies, and it’s a perfect, snug fit right up against my vulva,” Chatel says. We suggest pairing it with tight undies so the toy more easily stays in place.
- Why we love it: Stays put; app-controllable; wearable
- What could improve: Noisy
Dame Fin
- Type: Finger vibrator
- Use: External only
- Material: Body-safe silicone
- Battery: 2-hour USB-rechargeable with 1.5-hour run time
- Modes: 3 vibration settings
- Waterproof: No
- Return policy: Dame offers store credit for returns made through its site within 60 days of purchase. Shipping is not included.
The magic of finger vibrators is simple: They turn your digits into high-powered sex toys, making them among the most intimate and ergonomic vibes on the market (especially if you just want to focus on your pleasure and not on potentially dropping your toy). “I love Fin because its silicone loop tethers it to your fingers and makes it one of the easiest vibrators to hold,” says Chatel. “Plus, it lasts a whopping 90 minutes. It may have only three vibration settings, but I promise you, those are all you need to turn your finger into the perfect vibrator.” She adds that you should apply its soft tremors to other body parts for foreplay.
- Why we love it: Gentle; easy to hold; versatile
- What could improve: Not very long-lasting; not waterproof
Lelo Tiani Duo
- Type: Remote-controlled vibrator
- Use: External only
- Material: Body-safe silicone and ABS plastic
- Battery: 2-hour USB-rechargeable with 2-hour run time
- Modes: 10 intensity levels
- Waterproof: Yes
- Return policy: Lelo offers refunds within 14 days on unused, unopened products.
This C-shaped sex toy for couples has a tail that pinpoints the G-spot, while its wide, rounded end thrums against the clit and penis during penetration. Each arm of the luxury toy houses a separate motor, so the vibes are just as powerful internally as they are externally. In order to control the toy, one partner wears a cool remote around their wrist and flicks it up or down—no buttons or apps to sort through. “My partner and I have tried a handful of hands-free, remote control vibes in the past few years, but this one stands out because of its design,” says one Glamour reviewer. “Once you slip it in, you can tell it’s not going anywhere, and the wider external arm delivers a greater range of pulsations.” Did we mention it’s fully waterproof?
- Why we love it: Can be worn during penetrative sex; motion-controlled remote
- What could improve: Remote control response can be delayed; expensive
Dame Eva
- Type: Remote-controlled wearable vibrator
- Use: External only
- Material: Body-safe silicone
- Battery: 4-hour USB-rechargeable with 1-hour run time
- Modes: 3 intensity levels
- Waterproof: Yes
- Return policy: Dame offers store credit for returns made through its site within 60 days of purchase. Shipping is not included.
“The Eva is a very unobtrusive toy that tucks between your labia and sits on your clitoris,” says Weiss. “It’s surprisingly powerful for its small size and also works great for solo masturbation.” The hands-free vibrator fits in the vulva and rests between the labia during sex, leaving you available to explore in other ways. Weiss notes that the toy occasionally moves around and needs adjustment. To avoid that, throw on a pair of crotchless panties to keep it snugly in place, or wear it under a strap-on.
- Why we love it: Waterproof; hands-free design
- What’s worth considering: Limited vibration options; short battery life; can be fiddly to place
Lelo Sila Cruise
- Type: Suction vibrator
- Use: External only
- Material: Body-safe silicone
- Battery: 2-hour USB-rechargeable battery with 2-hour run time
- Modes: 8 vibration patterns
- Waterproof: Yes
- Return policy: Lelo offers refunds within 14 days on unused, unopened products.
The petite Sila Cruise massages the clitoris with gradually building sonic waves. It has a wide mouth than some of its suction competitors (like the aforementioned Lelo Sona), which more easily fits a variety of clits and also dampens the intensity of sensations. “I love the size and orgasm capability of the Sila,” says Chatel. “It fits in the palm of my hand, and its eight vibration settings give me a lot to work with. It doesn’t have the most intense suction, which is great for when I want to take my time—something I recommend to my friends with extra-sensitive clits.” The vibe is surprisingly quiet, as well.
- Why we love it: Gentle for sensitive clits; wide mouth; easy to hold
- What could improve: It’s not as intense as other vibrators
Dame Aer
- Type: Suction vibrator
- Use: External only
- Material: Body-safe silicone
- Battery: 2-hour USB-rechargeable with 1.5-hour run time
- Modes: 5 intensity levels and 5 vibration patterns
- Waterproof: Yes
- Return policy: Dame offers store credit for returns made through its site within 60 days of purchase. Shipping is not included.
In her Dame Aer review, Chatel praises its design. “The head of the toy is oval instead of round [unlike many suction toys], creating more space to fit a whole range of clitoris sizes,” she says. “There’s no fumbling to get it in the right spot, because its shape naturally finds its way there.” The gently curved, soft body is easy to hold for long periods without your hand cramping, and it has a generous range of sensation. “I love the five patterns and five intensities, especially as someone whose clitoris prefers high intensities over lower intensities,” Chatel says.
- Why we love it: Ergonomic; discreet; quiet
- What’s worth considering: Takes some patience to learn how to use
Lelo F1S Male Masturbator
- Type: Male masturbator
- Use: External only
- Material: Body-safe silicone, aluminum, polycarbonate
- Battery: 2-hour USB-rechargeable battery with 2-hour run time
- Modes: 8 intensity levels
- Waterproof: Yes
- Return policy: Lelo offers refunds within 14 days on unused, unopened products.
An overlooked type of vibrator is the male masturbator—a sleeve that fits around the penis and provides automatic stimulation so you can focus on other things. The inside of the F1S has a unique squishy texture and it pulses sonic waves against the penis on a scale of eight increasing intensities. The toy is powered by two motors which focus attention on the penile nerve endings and shaft separately for double the sensation. “I was skeptical about how good this would feel, but I was proven wrong—it stimulates from all sides, with explosive results,” a Glamour reviewer says. “The F1S V3 is really worth firing up when you’re in the mood to play for a while, letting the sensations build up over time. I don’t love that it’s on the louder side and that there isn’t an open top, but cleanup is easy enough.” The toy comes in two sizes, so most penis lengths and girths are addressed, and you can control it via app (a fun feature for either you or your partner).
- Why we love it: Hands-free; cruise control setting; very powerful; app-controllable
- What could improve: A little noisy