Choosing the best first vibrator for you is worthwhile. If you get it right, you could have hours of fun.
I recall my first vibrator vividly. I'd tried for years to masturbate on my own (even downloading guides from the internet to try to help!) with little success. I believe I had a few orgasms, but without the knowledge or a lot of successful practice, masturbating felt frustrating and annoying. Sure, I'd end up turned on, but it was hit-or-miss whether that arousal would result in an explosive finish. I just didn't have a good chance, and it felt more frustrating than fun, especially since I REALLY wanted to be able to know my body well enough to orgasm whenever I wanted.
So I went to a nearby toy store. The vibrator options were immediately overwhelming. Back then, there weren't many "sex positive sex toy stores," so I spent the entire visit being sized up by a guy behind the counter who was far too interested in staring at me. The pressure, combined with the hundreds of options, meant that I just hoped for the best when I grabbed the first basic, battery-powered vibrator I found, tossed it on the counter, and scurried out of there. (Fortunately, my sex toy shopping experiences have become much more pleasant in recent years!)
And I remember how much better my masturbation felt after I brought my new BFF home. That slim, $15 plastic vibrator made a world of difference for someone who had spent years figuring out how to orgasm - and still struggled with it prior to purchasing the toy (isn't sex ed so helpful for clitoral owners?).
Its length ensured that I didn't have to be in the "perfect" spot to enjoy it. Its vibrations indicated that if I held it against myself, I would most likely have an orgasm.
I don't say this lightly, but my first sex toy truly transformed my sex life. Orgasms had previously been difficult and difficult to achieve, but a vibrator gave me the permission and tools I needed to figure out what my body needed and how to get it.
Because of the internet's popularity, it's easier than ever to take your time when shopping for a vibrator. You no longer need to physically stand in a strange store, feeling overwhelmed by all of the options on every physical surface.
While in-person shopping has many advantages, online sex toy shopping provides the most convenience for taking your time and thoughtfully narrowing down your purchase - without feeling awkward if you're the only customer and feel like the shop attendant is watching you.
Why Are Vibrators So Incredible?
There are a plethora of sex toys available. Hundreds of thousands, in fact. Vibrators, on the other hand, continue to be the best-sellers among the mountain of available sex toys. Why is this the case? Well...
The Body Reacts Well to Vibrations: For most people, a powerful vibrator can result in powerful orgasms - even if the person didn't WANT an orgasm at the time. That is the ability of vibrations. A well-placed vibrator can easily be orgasmic - for anyone - whether we're talking about clitoral pleasure, the g-spot, the p-spot, or the frenulum on the penis.
Vibrators Make Pleasure Available to Everyone: Vibrators can be used on any part of the body, including the area between your thighs. While vibrators come in a variety of shapes (usually designed for specific applications), their shapes do not "force" them into those applications. Any vibrator, on the other hand, can be used for anything and anywhere. Vibrators, whether internal or external, can be used to stimulate nerve endings anywhere on the body!
There Are Playful Options: Especially for those who are hesitant to own a "sex toy," it is easiest to find playful, approachable designs in the world of vibrators. Lovense, an innovative company, offers bright, fun, and playful options. Vibrators have more visual options than other types of sex toys.
Excuse for Exploration: If you're used to pleasing yourself in a certain way with your hands, adding a vibrator to the mix instantly changes the dynamic. While there will most likely be a short learning curve as you figure out the best intensity levels and spots for your body, that short learning curve will allow you to explore your body. Vibrators, in particular, can be an excellent way to reconnect with your body – and with pleasure. Whether your body has simply changed over time, you're working through trauma, or you simply don't pay enough attention to your body, holding a vibrator in your hand can be the perfect excuse to make sure all of that self-exploration happens.
What Are Your Alternatives?
If you're new to vibrators, you're probably feeling a little overwhelmed by the sheer number of options available. Most sex toy stores even separate their vibrators into different categories. Which one do you click on?!?
Let me assist you by introducing you to the various types of vibrators available:
Climatic Vibrators
These small, handheld vibrators are designed specifically for clitoral pleasure. A clitoral vibrator is typically much shorter in length than many of its other vibrating counterparts, with designs that focus on hitting the clitoris. Some clitoral vibrators have distinctive shapes that concentrate vibrations on the clitoris while still spreading some to the rest of the vulva.
Within the clitoral vibrator segment, there is also an entire segment of cute vibrators. Take, for example, the i-Scream vibrator. Although its shape does not scream "insertable," the broad, ice cream cone surface is ideal for clitoral pleasure.
Rabbit vibrators
Each rabbit vibrator is unique in its design. To hit two spots at once, this design must assume where your clitoris is - and where your g-spot is - as well as the exact distance and angle between them.
When you put it like that, you can see why rabbit vibrators are such a personal fit. A rabbit vibrator that has someone else singing like they're in a choir may have you hurling it against a pillow in a rage. Because of the unique properties of rabbit vibrators, they only fit a specific anatomy configuration and will not fit everyone.
When you find your ideal rabbit, you may be the happiest person on the planet. Until then, it's easy to become dissatisfied. This does not rule out rabbit vibrators as a good "first vibrator," but it is something to be aware of, especially if you have a limited budget and can only afford one toy.
Fortunately, there are no rules that say your vibrator can't be used in multiple ways. Just because you bought a rabbit vibrator doesn't mean you can't use the external, clitoral vibrations without ever inserting the shaft. Some people just use their rabbit vibrator like a dildo - and get a separate clitoral vibrator - if the rabbit vibe doesn't work.
All of this is to say that your rabbit vibe can still provide pleasure, but be aware that it may not be a perfect (or instantaneous) fit.
You should get a rabbit vibrator if:
You want to satisfy multiple orgasmic areas at the same time.
If this one isn't a good fit, you have the money to buy more rabbit vibrators in the future.
You're willing to do a lot of experimenting to figure out what angles and pressures work best for you.
You have a rough idea of the insertable size you require. Two fingers have a 1.5" diameter, if that helps to give you an idea. (In general, rabbit vibrators are thick! Make sure you know what size works best for you!)
G-Spot Vibrators
A g-spot vibrator, which is specifically designed for insertion, slips inside the body and snuggles into the Gräfenberg spot, a bundle of nerves. The majority of people's g-spots are inside the vagina and up towards the belly button. Because getting to that spot necessitates a decent "curve," most g-spot vibrators will be curved as well.
The g-spot location, like everything else in sexual anatomy, is unique to each individual. Depending on your anatomy, yours may be deeper - or shallower. This is why there is such a wide variety of g-spot vibrators, each with its own length and curvature. Don't worry if your first G-spot vibrator doesn't hit the G-spot perfectly. It's possible that your next toy will be a perfect match!
Many people prefer to use g-spot vibrators as clitoral vibrators because of their longer length and wider tips. The longer handle is more comfortable to use, and the wider tip of the vibrator makes more contact with the pleasure spot you're trying to stimulate. As a result, many people believe that g-spot vibrators make an excellent "first" vibrator. The toy can not only easily pleasure external spots, but it can also slide inside to hit the g-spot!
The Lush 3 is an excellent example of a g-spot vibrator. Can you see how the vibrator is specifically designed for insertion along its length? When the toy is inserted, the thicker head at the tip of the toy allows for broader, more satisfying contact with the g-spot. Vibrations can be adjusted seamlessly using the control buttons at the base to find the right intensity level for what you're doing.
(Tip: "G-Spot" vibrators can easily become "P-Spot" vibrators to hit the prostate as long as the toy has a flared, anal-safe base. Most g-spot vibrators do not have this, so it's usually safer to shop around in the Anal Vibrators category if you're looking for prostate pleasure.)
You should get a g-spot vibrator if:
You want a versatile vibrator that can go inside the body - but also can pleasure outside of the body
You'd like to explore g-spot stimulation with the toy you purchased
You have a limited budget, and it's only possible to purchase one toy
Couple's Vibrators
A couple's vibrators, as the name implies, are a type of vibrator designed to be used between two (or more) people. Any toy can technically become a couple's vibrator if shared with a partner, but these toys are specially designed to be shared at the same time - or to please multiple anatomies within a single product.
Consider the Diamo by Lovense. Because of its circular design, this vibrator is ideal for enticing a penis. It could also be worn on a penis during penis-in-vagina intercourse to simultaneously please a clitoris! At the same time, that same tail serves as a simple "handle" for transforming the Diamo into a clitoral vibrator vibrating the clitoris.
You should get a couple's vibrator if:
You want to use that vibrator with another person someday in the future (or now!)
You're looking for a vibrator that's designed to pleasure multiple erogenous zones.
You're looking for a vibrator that can be used during intercourse in the future.
Gender-Neutral Vibrators
While most vibrators on the market are designed to please a specific part of the anatomy (whether it's the clit, butt, penis, g-spot, or elsewhere), gender-neutral vibrators are designed to be gender-free. This means they aren't designed to fit a specific spot.
Because of their gender-neutral design, most gender-neutral vibrators choose to offer features that may appeal to a wide range of body types. A gender-free vibrator could have ridges that would be pleasurable to stroke along a penis. At the same time, it could have a long, insertion-friendly shaft that is ideal for those who want to insert their toy. Every gender-free vibrator is one-of-a-kind, which is what makes them so cool!
Gender-neutral vibrators aren't always the most beginner-friendly vibrators because they aren't designed for a specific location. Their "it pleasures everywhere!" design is great for self-exploration and getting to know your body, but if you're looking for a vibe that will help you achieve goal-focused pleasure on a single spot, you might want to try a different type of vibrator.
Having said that, gender-neutral vibrators are gaining popularity due to their adaptable design and non-gendered marketing. Gender-neutral vibrators make excellent couple's vibrators because they seamlessly switch between body preferences and work for a variety of pleasure spots (in a single toy).
You should get a gender-free vibrator if:
The idea of a gendered vibrator is uncomfortable for you.
You'd like to spend the time exploring your body and figuring out how the toy will work for you. (Gender-free vibrators tend to have a higher learning curve).
You like the idea of a vibrator that's crafted to hit multiple different erogenous zones.
Bullet Vibrators
Bullet vibrators are the vibrator family's ultra-portable cousin, named for their ultra-small profile. Above all, bullet vibrators are intended to be small and unobtrusive. A bullet vibrator's tiny design makes it one of the only types of vibrators that can simply fit into a pocket or a purse without a second thought, making it ideal for people who like to have a vibrator on-demand.
Because bullet vibrators are so small, they have smaller motos and weaker vibrations than the majority of the other vibrators on this list. After all, a vibrator that is less than 5" long simply does not have the physical space for a motor that is as large as a vibrator that is 8" long. People who swear by bullet vibrators consider this a necessary trade-off in order to enjoy a vibrator that is always available, no matter where they are.
You should get a bullet vibrator if:
Small and portable is perfect for you.
You need something that can be easily hidden.
You want something that can fit into a pocket.
Air Suction Vibrators
Air suction vibrators, which are relatively new to the world of vibrators, have blown everyone out of the water since their initial release. Air suction toys rely on suction rather than vibrations. Many people will tell you that sucking on the nipples, penis, and clitoris feels great! It's now possible with just a sex toy.
A hollow, circular tip characterizes an air suction vibrator. Consider it a "pleasure chamber" for the body part you want to please. You position the air suction toy over the area you want to enjoy. The "tip's" edges form a gentle seal around the area. Once that seal has been formed, you can turn on the toy. The toy then applies a gentle "suction" to the area beneath the "sealed" tip.
Within the last few years, air suction vibrators have exploded onto the scene. They've become a bedroom favorite for many because of their ability to easily rock some people into multiple orgasms with no overstimulation or pleasure fatigue.
At the same time, using an air suction vibrator isn't as simple as it is with many other types of vibrators. To work properly, air suction vibrators require you to know exactly where you want to pleasure - and to be able to line up the air suction vibrator perfectly onto that spot.
Unlike standard vibrators, which provide the same amount of pleasure regardless of pressure, air suction vibrator sensations can change drastically depending on the amount of pressure that's applied. While air suction vibrators can provide a lot of pleasure, they also require a bit more management than most vibrators do. This can make them a bit daunting for a first vibrator.
You should get an air suction vibrator if:
You're familiar with your body and know the exact location of the area where you want to please.
You're interested in spending a few sessions getting to learn your preferences for the air suction functionality.
Direct pressure to the clitoris (or your desired pleasure spot) causes you discomfort.
You've experienced sucking on your pleasure spot in the past, and you'd like a toy to replicate that.
Penis Vibrators
While the industry is slowly changing, the majority of vibrators are still crafted with clitoral pleasure in mind. Any one of those vibrators can be used on the penis to pleasure it, but penis vibrators take it one step further and provide vibrations with a physical shape that's designed to hit the best spots on the penis. While any vibrator is technically a penis vibrator, this subset of vibrators is specifically crafted for the unique shape of a penis.
In most cases, this means that penis vibrators are cylindrical in shape (in order to wrap around the penis) or that they look like little hats (in order to sit on top of the penis and pleasure the head).
Those specialized shapes help bring vibrations to the most sensitive spots on the penis.
It's worth noting that most penis vibrators are designed to be used as stationary toys. While some penis vibrators are built as strokers, quite a few penis vibrators (especially the "head" style ones) are designed to be held on top of the penis until they vibrate you all the way to orgasm. This is a definite departure from the standard penis strokers that are crafted to go up and down the penis for stimulation.
You should get a penis vibrator if:
You want a vibrator specifically designed for the shape of a penis.
You're open to leaving a toy stationary instead of stroking up and down.
Anal Vibrators
Any vibrator that has been designed for safe anal play is automatically classified as an anal vibrator. These vibrators are toys with a flared base that keeps the toy from sliding completely into the buttock. Because the butt does not have a distinct "endpoint" like the vagina, retrieving items from the butt can be extremely difficult - and occasionally results in ER visits for professional assistance.
The addition of a flared base to the end of the vibrator immediately alleviates that concern.
Many anal vibrators are designed specifically for the prostate. While anyone can enjoy a prostate-focused anal vibrator's pleasurable design, those with a p-spot will likely find it more orgasmic. The prostate gland, like the g-spot, is located inside the buttocks and is curved towards the belly button. Also like the g-spot, firm pressure and vibration on this bundle of nerves can feel extra-orgasmic.
You should get an anal vibrator if:
You want a vibrator to use against or inside of the butt
You're looking for something to stimulate the prostate
You think you might want to use your vibrator inside of the butt someday.
Wand Massagers
Easily the most powerful vibrator type on this list, wand massagers are large, microphone-like toys. A wand massager features a "head" (where the vibrations are all centered) and a "handle" (where vibrations aren't centered so you can comfortably hold it). Wand massagers were originally designed as muscle massagers, but as soon as people started experimenting with the powerful vibrations...well, you get where this ends up.
So, now, wand massagers are a pretty common type of bedroom toy! The large, broad head means you don't have to be as precise when finding "the spot", but the powerful vibrations mean that you can quickly figure out which spots feel "good" and which ones don't. The long handle means most people can use wand massagers with minimal strain - though the wand massager's heft may make it an uncomfortable choice for some people with wrist strength concerns.
Wand massagers are powerful enough that they aren't generally recommended as a first vibrator. Especially for people first experimenting with vibrators, a wand massager's unbelievable power level can actually be overwhelming - in a bad way! While there are ways to help soften powerful vibrations if need be, most people recommend avoiding a wand massager as a first vibrator - unless you're 100% sure you need the most power possible.
You should get a wand massager if:
You require a lot of power to orgasm - and you already know that about yourself.
You have difficulty orgasm and want something that's strong enough to possibly "force" it out of you.
You have a larger budget available to buy a sex toy. Wand massagers are more expensive, on average than other types of vibrators.
You don't require a lot of discretion. Wand massagers are large, hard to hide, and loud compared to other types of toys.
Tips for Buying Your First Vibrator
Now that you know what types of vibrators are out there, I want to help you figure out what vibrator is right for you. That's the thing about vibrators: every vibrator is unique as your body is unique. This means that every vibrator won't be a good fit for you. Finding the perfect match, for your body and unique needs, is how you find the vibrator that's going to have you excited to get home - and get some private time to use it.
When looking through the selection of vibrators out there, keep in mind:
What is your financial situation?
Before you do anything else, you should consider creating a budget for your new vibrator. The cost of vibrators can vary greatly. You have the option of spending $10 or $300. The more you pay, as with everything else in life, the better the features. Around $45 to $95 is a good "sweet spot" where quality meets lower cost. Manufacturers can still include quality parts at that price without having to include all of the bells and whistles that can drive up the cost of a vibrator.
As with most sex toys, I recommend saving up for a slightly better sex toy if possible. While we all started with the cheapest toy we could find (remember my $15 toy? ), you'll find better quality by spending a few dollars more. It's usually worth saving up to get a slightly more expensive toy - than settling for the cheapest one because that's what's in your bank account at this moment.
In my case, my first $15 vibrator was soon left in the dust as soon as I went back to the store and picked up a $45 toy.
Do You Want to Insert It?
You might just stick to external pleasure, especially as a first vibrator. Most people buy vibrators for external pleasure, whether it's to please their clitoris, penis, or somewhere else.
However, this does not imply that your vibrator must be used externally! If you intend to use the vibrator inside your body, I recommend paying close attention to the toy's dimensions. If you never insert the toy, no harm is done; the toy will function just like any other external vibrator.
On the other hand, if you decide to insert your new vibrator, your toy will already be at a size that allows you to do so. Win-win!
If you're new to sex toys, most people prefer something in the 1" to 1.25" diameter range for vaginal pleasure. If you have a lot of experience with penetration and intercourse, you might prefer a thicker toy - but if you have that experience, you probably have a general idea of what "size" you prefer, too.
(Tip! If you're looking at inserting the toy anally, ensure that it has a flared, anal-safe base like the HUSH, too! Especially for smaller vibrators, without a flared base, a toy can easily be "lost" inside the butt - and that really isn't fun.)
How Powerful Do You Need It?
Vibrators come in a variety of power intensities, which is great because human bodies have a variety of pleasure needs as well! Some people prefer gentler vibrations, while anything "powerful" will feel like overstimulation. Others may find the gentler vibrations too soft to remove - which can be frustrating when it comes to a toy. All Lovense toys are app-controlled and you can set vibration patterns as well vibrating strength according to your comfort.
So, keeping your discretion and budget in mind, you'll need to consider the power you need - and try to find a vibrator that matches. Many sex-positive sex toy stores will have tester models that allow you to try the vibrations on your hands while shopping. Reading reviews when shopping online can help you narrow down your options and determine the vibration intensities of your potential vibrator.
How Does It Get Its Power?
While rechargeable toys are becoming more common, some sex toys still use batteries. Neither is superior to the other! You won't have to worry about buying batteries with rechargeable options. At the same time, rechargeable vibrators necessitate having the privacy to openly charge your toy.
How Do You Clean It?
While it isn't the most glamorous aspect of owning a sex toy, you must clean your vibrator as well. To ensure you're starting with a clean, bacteria-free sex toy each time you pull it out of the drawer, sex toys, like your own body, require baths after they get dirty.
The design of your toy can influence how simple or difficult that process is. A quick and easy-to-clean sex toy may be essential for you, especially if you have a limited amount of time to clean your sex toy without arousing suspicion from others in the household.
The waterproof capabilities of the toy make a significant difference in cleaning. If your toy is waterproof, you can easily hold it under the faucet, eliminating the need to carefully wash it. It's simply easier to clean a toy that can be submerged in water.
You should also think about how many nooks, crannies, and textures your potential vibrator has. A toy with no textures or crevices will clean up quickly, whereas a toy with more curves, bends, and intricate textures will take a little longer to clean up to ensure the spots between those textures are truly clean.
Of course, if you'd rather have a texture-filled, intricate vibrator and spend a little more time cleaning it, that's completely up to you as well! There is no "right" or "wrong" answer when it comes to sex toys: only what is best for you and your lifestyle.
How Discreet Is It?
Do you live in a shared house or apartment? If this is the case, a large, 10-inch vibrator will cause issues that smaller toys will not. A larger vibrator is not only more difficult to conceal, but it also requires cleaning. This means transporting your sex toy to the bathroom unless your bedroom has an attached bathroom. If you're going for a long walk, a small sex toy that fits in your pocket might be the best option. (like the Ambi or Lush 3.)
Don't forget to put the toy somewhere safe. Almost every vibrator must be stored in a cool, dry place that is not exposed to direct sunlight. Where do you have available space in your private space for this, and does the size of your potential vibrator fit into that space? Smaller toys, for obvious reasons, will hide better than larger ones.
Discretion also matters during use. How loud is your vibrator? While that can be hard to figure out while shopping online, you can look into reviews over the toy - whether on the seller's page or by doing a web search. Sometimes, sex toy reviewers may post video reviews over toys too - which can give you a good idea of the noise level. While it's hard to figure out exactly how that vibrator will sound when it's in YOUR bedroom as compared to an online video, it can give you a general idea of what the toy sounds like.
Do You Want to Use It In the Shower?
Ten years ago, it was a fight to find sex toys that were waterproof (I know. I was trying!). Nowadays, waterproof capabilities are standard on most vibrators. If you're someone who wants to use your toy in the bath, shower, pool, or hot tub, you'll want a toy that's waterproof. If you already know that you're a prolific squirter, a waterproof sex toy can also help prevent your vibrator from an early death, too.
Don't forget that waterproof capabilities can also make your vibrator easier to clean as well. When something is waterproof, it can easily be submerged in a soapy bath - or held directly under the faucet. While I'm not someone who likes to use sex toys in the bath or shower very often, I absolutely lean towards waterproof toys just because of the ease of cleaning they provide.
What are the Practices of the Manufacturer?
If you're someone who's concerned about environmental impact or sex positivity, you might want to take the manufacturer's practices into account before purchasing your sex toy too. While this concern is still new to people's radars, it's important nonetheless, and it's something you should consider if these things are important to you.
What packaging does the vibrator ship in? Where were the vibrators part's made - and where were they assembled? Does the manufacturer provide any clarity or information about the treatment of their employees inside of their factories? These are all things you can consider to figure out the environmental impact.
Whether the company is sex-positive can also be a bit difficult to ascertain. Does the company seem to promote a healthy sex life - without sexualizing it? Are women mentioned in derogatory terms? Does the company provide clear, easy-to-understand instructions about their toys? Does the company offer sex education in some form - like articles, videos, PDFs, or more? If so, does the educational seem correct, or does something seem "off" about it?
While not as important to your use as the other tips on this list, this may still be important for you as a consumer.
It's All About You
That's the thing about purchasing a vibrator, particularly your first one. Everything revolves around you. That is a good thing. Your body is unique, as is your environment, and so are your pleasure needs.
Hopefully, this information will assist you in determining which vibrator would be a good first vibrator for you - because you'll always remember your first. ;)