“Hysteria” and the Strange History of Vibrators

We’re not here to tell you which vibrator should be top of your list, or which one you must love or there is something wrong with you. Instead, we’re here to lend a helping hand in the form of recommendations for different kinds of vibrators, which we’ve selected based on customer reviews found all over the internet. You’re almost ready to start shopping, but there are a few things to keep in mind before taking the plunge. It’s worth thinking about a vibrator’s charging system, power settings, sound level, dimensions/weight, durability, and materials when shopping.

Some vibrators have forked ends that sit against either side of the clitoris, almost like a cradle or tuning fork, that are made specifically for people who like direct and intense vibration, Hodder says. Others have a scoop-like end that almost cups the clitoris for a “surround sound” type of stimulation. Some are textured with ridges or little nubs and others have thin, flexible fin-like extensions that flutter. The Vibrato has three buttons, which allow you to control each end of the toy separately. While I love that the vibrator’s dual motors can be operated independently, there is a learning curve to figuring out which buttons do what.

Aside from the bells and whistles, the Chorus is just a really great vibrator. Its vibrating tip is perfect for pinpointing your clitoris or your nipples but also feels great against your G-spot, too. The Maude Vibrator charges up quickly and holds that charge for at least 2.5 hours.

Clitoral suction stimulators are designed to replicate the sensation of oral sex , and this winning Womanizer toy is a top-tier option. Every product below has been tested by at least five people, who made sure it lived up to any claims made on the box. This included trying every speed setting, vibration type and any accompanying apps, as offered by toys like Lovense’s App-Controlled Love Egg Vibrator. Hard plastic and silicone toys are easiest to clean with anti-bacterial soap and cool or warm water.

The Womanizer Vibe is a whisper-quiet, lay-on clitoral vibrator that introduces UltraWave Vibration technology for deep, dynamic stimulation. Designed to be gentle and avoid overstimulation, it’s perfect for masturbation, foreplay, and partnered play. Perhaps one of the most underrated discreet sex toys is nipple clamps. If you’re a fan of nipple play (or don’t want to risk something that vibrates or is potentially obvious), we suggest trying out nipple clamps. You can wear them while traveling, on a date with your partner and beyond. Though DePree mentioned penetration vibrators, she acknowledged that there doesn’t need to be a partner present and that solo stimulation is just as beneficial.

Another key facet of using any vibrator is keeping it nice and clean, to avoid bacteria buildup and infection. “For toys with motors, you can use fragrance-free soap and water or toy cleaner,” Eva Sweeney, a sex toy reviewer, educator, and founder of Cripping Up Sex with Eva, previously told Allure. You can spritz the toy with a bit of warm soapy water, or, if it’s waterproof, you can soak it in the sink for a few moments. And, like all LELO sex toys, the Ora 3 is so elegantly designed that you can leave it out on your nightstand and people will assume it’s simply a beautiful sculpture…maybe. The G-spot, the P-spot, the A-spot—no matter which internal spot you’re looking to stimulate, there’s probably an insertable vibrator that’s up to the task.

This cleverly conceived toy is made up of soft, heat-retaining stackable rings that can be placed on the base of the partner who is doing the penetrating; from there, simply adjust so you can control how deep your partner goes. Wyatt also points out that the rings can easily be added or removed to accommodate different positions so that pleasure takes center stage. Researching, discovering and shopping together is part of the fun — so grab your partner and read on to learn more about our top sex toy picks for couples, plus what you should be looking for before buying. As vibrators have become more mainstream, the types of products available have expanded.

Testers said the silicone head felt beautifully soft on their skin and the rechargeable battery lasted for an impressive three hours — so your alone time won’t be cut short. It’s on the larger side, but we would recommend making space for this one. Doing a little research to find the best vibrators and sex toys will ultimately help you to achieve longer, deeper and more intense orgasms.

While it’s on the pricey side, it has 20 different vibration patterns and 10 intensity levels (that’s more than most other vibes on this list). Plus, five hours of run time on a single charge is pretty impressive. This rechargeable vibe is similar to the Magic Wand in lots of ways—with a powerful motor, large head, and intuitive buttons—but has a sleeker package. It “feels like a little bit of luxury,” Shadeen Francis, LMFT, an AASECT-certified sex therapist, tells SELF. If you’re impressed by a sex toy that has multiple functions, you’ll love the Satisfyer Partner Multifun 3, which Wyatt rates as one of her favorite choices for couples — especially those who want to get creative with sex play.