What Vibrators Will Give You Good Vibrations?
A 2020 study from Medline indicated 10 percent to 15 percent of women have never achieved orgasm—ever.
If you're a woman who has never experienced an orgasm or struggles to get there, a vibrator can be life-changing. Though not guaranteed, owning a vibrator can help you discover your sexual preferences and make you feel more empowered when it comes to your pleasure.
I know what I like, but since there are thousands of vibrators on the market, let's hear what some sex experts and educators explain are the best types of vibrators for women new to sex toys. In no particular order, take a look at each category of vibrators, check out their various features and figure out which type is right for you.
1. Best one to try first: Bullet vibrator
Bullet vibrators are most women's (myself included) first vibrators since they're discreet and compact. They deliver intense vibrations, which allow you to pinpoint different hot spots, like the nipples, clitoris and other erogenous zones.
"Bullet vibrators come in the familiar bullet shape or in the shape of lighters, lipsticks, pens, eggs and tampons," said Aliyah Moore, Ph.D., a certified sex therapist at SexualAlpha.
"The quality of vibration is as important as raw strength," Moore said. "I recommend a bullet vibe with rumbly vibrations that stimulate deeply and won't leave your clit numb like other buzzy surface-level vibes."
2. Best for blended orgasms: Rabbit vibrator
After the bullet vibe, the second vibrator I ever owned was a cheap rabbit vibrator I bought off Amazon. The vibe was made out of a weird jelly material that probably wasn't body-safe, but a few years later, I upgraded to a body-safe silicone rabbit vibe I bought from a sex shop in Amsterdam, which I still use regularly. Rabbit vibrators are perfect if you want to have blended orgasms—a combination of clitoral and vaginal stimulation.
"Most women experience blended orgasms from a constant come-hither motion or some rotation plus external clit vibrations," Moore explained. "Look for [vibes with] rotations on the vaginal arm and vibrations on the external arm. On the other hand, [there are vibes with] that come-hither motion plus external clit vibrations."
3. Best for external stimulation: Massage wand
A massage wand is a classic toy many women swear by. Known to deliver intense orgasms, they're usually more expensive, noisier and larger than the vibrators we've looked at so far.
"Massage wands are a type of clitoral vibrator with motors that create an intense, low-frequency rumble," said Laurie Mintz, Ph.D., author of "Becoming Cliterate" and "A Tired Woman's Guide to Passionate Sex," and a sexpert for LELO. Mintz recommends one made from high-quality, medical-grade silicone that is easy to hold but not too heavy.
4. Best for pinpointed vibrations: Clitoral vibrator
Clitoral vibrators only target the clitoris and don't go inside of you.
"They vibrate at a high-frequency buzz instead of the low, deep rumble of a wand," Mintz said. It's her go-to vibrator for anyone and everyone with a vulva.
She suggests looking for a clitoral vibrator made of medical-quality silicone and with multiple speeds and vibration patterns, as this allows for pinpoint stimulation where you want it.
She recommends a clitoral vibrator "that's small enough to fit between partners and use on oneself during intercourse. Being able to use them solo and during sex is also a serious bonus."
5. Best for using during sex: Couples vibrator
"Only 4 to 18 percent of women can orgasm from penetration alone, without accompanying clitoral stimulation," Mintz said. That's why couples vibrators can be a game-changer when it comes to women orgasming during sex.
For my 25th birthday, my partner bought me a wearable clit vibrator for use during sex. It can be controlled by an app and vibrates on your clit while one hand goes inside the vagina for G-spot stimulation. It's a little tricky to get into position, but the orgasms are unreal. Plus, these vibrators can help couples climax at the same time, which boosts intimacy and connection.
6. Best new technology: Air pulse stimulator
Air pulse stimulators are newer vibrators on the market, and "they use air to stimulate the entire clitoris, including its vast internal portion," Mintz said.
As with other vibrators, our sex experts suggest looking for an air pulse stimulator made of good material, like medical-grade silicone, and with different patterns of intensity.
"[These vibrators] are well worth the try as it's a totally different type of sensation," Mintz added.
7. Best for deep internal stimulation: G-spot vibrator
G-spot vibrators are long vibrators with a bulb on the end that targets your G-spot, or the area between the vagina and bladder. You'll find them in many different shapes and sizes, with lengths ranging from 6 to 11 inches.
Moore suggests looking for an ergonomic shape for easy handling and comfortable insertion. Her favorite is an asymmetrical G-spot vibrator that contours quickly to your G-spot, while the rigid body keeps the pressure firm and stable.
Get shopping
Whether you're figuring out what your first vibrator should be—or you're upgrading your toy chest with something new—make sure you do your research. You literally have thousands of models to choose from.
It can be difficult to know which type and features will work best for you. Read the reviews of those who've purchased one and, better still, ask your friends. (Yes, don't be surprised, they all have vibrators!)
The important thing is that you're exploring your body and getting in the driver's seat when it comes to your pleasure. Good luck and have fun.
