Need help choosing the perfect vibrator? There is a vibe to suit everybody, no matter how you want to play. But with all the different types, shapes and sizes, it can be difficult to tell your G-spot vibes from your classic vibes. This article will cover everything you need to know about vibrators – the different types, how to get the right size and how to choose the right one for you. Let’s dive into the wonderful world of vibrators!

What is a vibrator?

Vibrators are a very popular type of sex toy that is used on the body to create sexual stimulation. They come in all shapes and sizes and can be used all over the body.

Vibrators can be used for external pleasure on the clitoris, nipples, penis, scrotum or outside of the booty. Or they can be used internally to stimulate the vagina or anus.

Why do people use vibrators?

Vibrators stimulate the body with vibration, pulses and suction. Vibrators stimulate the nerve endings of the body, creating a pleasurable sensation that often leads to an orgasm. And they can be used by anyone, no matter their anatomy, as there are so many styles.

Vibrators create a feeling that cannot be replicated by the human body, so including one in your sexual exploration will be an entirely new feeling.

They can be used solo or with a partner.

How do I choose a vibrator?

There are a few questions to answer before you start looking for the perfect vibrator.

Where do you want to use the vibrator?

What part of the body do you want to stimulate? Knowing this right off the bat is going to make finding the right toy for you much easier.

What’s the difference between internal and external vibrators?

An internal vibrator is any vibrator that stimulates inside the body. This could be the vagina, the G-spot, the anus, or the prostate.

An external vibrator is any vibrator that stimulates the outside of the body. This could be the clitoris, the vulva, the nipples, the penis, the perineum or any other erogenous zone.

Do you want to share your vibrator with your partner?

Many toys can be used alone or with a partner too, but some will be better for this than others. Choosing a toy with a remote control will allow your partner to be in control of your pleasure which is a great starting point for couples play.

There are plenty of wearable vibrators that can be worn during foreplay and sex, like a vibrating cock ring or a C-shaped toy (more on this later). Most external toys can be used anywhere on the body, so you can explore that with a partner too.

Read more about couple’s vibrators: 4 amazing couples’ vibrators for any budget

Different types of vibrators

Classic Vibrators

A classic vibrator is a simple internal vibrator with no fancy extras. They are designed to be used to stimulate the inside of the vagina and tend to have a relatively smooth shaft without too many curves or too much texture.

These are great beginner vibes for those new to vaginal stimulation with toys. They come in a range of sizes, from thin and petite to large and bulbous, and can have varying levels of vibration intensity.

Classic vibrators can also be used externally for clitoral stimulation.

Share Satisfaction Lina Classic Vibrator $64.95Shop NowRocks Off Sugarboo Very Peri Vibrator$45.95Shop Now

Share Satisfaction Lina Classic Vibrator

Clitoral Vibrators

Clitoral vibrators are vibrators that are designed to stimulate the clitoris and vulva for external pleasure. These come in all sorts of shapes and sizes.

Some are small and pinpoint for direct stimulation of the clitoris. Others have a much wider surface area and can massage and stimulate the whole vulva area.

As the clitoris is the epicentre of pleasure for most people that have one, clit vibes are often considered the best vibrators. But we’ll let you decide!

Satisfyer Twirling Fun $69.95Shop NowShare Satisfaction Kali Luxury Clit Vibe$74.95Shop Now

Share Satisfaction Twirling Fun Vibrator

Clitoral Suction Vibrators

Suction vibrators, also popularly called clit sucker vibes, air pulse vibes, or air pressure vibes, are the most popular sex toys in the world right now. This is a type of clitoral stimulator that uses pressure wave technology rather than vibration to pulsate the clitoris. This air movement encourages increased blood flow to the clitoris, making users feel more sensitive.

For many people, this is an extremely pleasurable sensation, which is why these vibes are such a fan favourite. The world-famous Satisfyer Pro 2 is an example of a clitoral suction vibe and has been our best-selling sex toy for the last 4 years in a row.

Satisfyer Pro 2 Generation 2$74.95Shop NowRose Suction Vibrator$49.95Shop Now

Satisfyer Pro 2

Read more about suction vibrators: how to use a clitoral suction vibrator according to a sexpert

Dual-stimulation Suction Vibes

Dual-stimulation suction vibrators take that wonderful air-pressure technology a step further by including a vaginal stimulator too. These offer clitoral suction and internal vaginal stimulation at the same time for an even more intensely pleasurable experience.

The Share Satisfaction Kama is an incredible example of one of these vibes.

Share Satisfaction Kama$89.95Shop NowShare Satisfaction Sutra$129.95Shop Now

Share Satisfaction Kama

Bullet Vibrators

Bullet vibrators are a very popular type of vibrator as they are super versatile and can be used by anyone, no matter their anatomy. Bullet vibes are external toys that stimulate all over the body. They are perfect to use for clitoral stimulation but also feel amazing on the nipples, inner thigh, head of the penis or the scrotum.

They can be used solo during masturbation, or they make a great addition to partnered play as they are small enough to hold in your hand without getting in the way. Anywhere your hand can fit, a bullet vibe can go too.

Share Satisfaction Rechargeable Waterproof Bullet Vibe$29.95Shop NowVush Rose 2 Bullet Vibrator$129.95Shop Now

Share Satisfaction Rechargeable Bullet Vibrator

Rabbit Vibrators

A rabbit vibrator is a dual-stimulation vibrator that stimulates the vagina and the clitoris at the same time. These are amazing toys for those who enjoy dual stimulation in these areas. They feature a small clitoral stimulator and a longer internal vibrator, and there is a style to suit all experience levels, as they come in lots of shapes and sizes.

Rabbit vibes can also have fun extras too. They might have stimulating beads inside the shaft which rotate inside your body, the shaft might move in a wave-like motion, or the external part might be in the form of a clitoral suction toy. There really is a rabbit vibrator to suit all needs.

Rocks Off Every Girl Vibrator$94.95Shop NowShare Satisfaction Dela Thrusting Suction Vibrator$89.95Shop Now

Rocks Off Every Girl Vibrator

Wand Vibrators

Wand vibrators are amazing! These external vibes are known for their deep rumbly vibrations and are perfect for those who love power. Wand vibes have a large head that is usually made of silicone or rubber and has some flexibility to it. The head is big and stimulates the clitoris as well as the rest of the vulva area. Due to the power of its vibrations, wands will often stimulate deep into the inner part of the clitoris too.

Wand comes in all sorts of sizes. Although the larger ones are the most well-known due to their power, there are also smaller ones and mini ones and plenty of attachments to change their shape entirely. And don’t forget that wands are not only for the clitoris. They are amazing tools for massage all over the body. I’m a big fan of a shoulder massage with a wand vibe.

Share Satisfaction Mini Wand $45.95Shop Now

Share Satisfaction Mini Wand

G-spot Vibrators

G-spot vibrators are any vibe that pleasures the G-spot. This is an area of increased sensation about 2 inches inside the vagina that can feel wonderful when stimulated with a toy. The g-spot responds well to direct, constant pressure, so g-spot vibes will have a bulbous or curved tip for direct stimulation of the area.

Satisfyer Vibes Yummy Sunshine$79.99Shop NowCosmo - G-spot Romance $59.99Shop Now

Satisfyer Yummy Sunshine Vibrator

Couples’ Vibrators

Couples’ vibrators are a catch-all term for any type of couples' toy that also vibrates. It might be a toy that stimulates you both at the same time, something that you can use on your partner, or something that can be controlled by your partner via a remote or app.

Some popular examples of couple’s vibrators are finger vibes, vibrating cock rings, remote control butt plugs and U-shaped wearable vibes.

We Vibe Match$179.95Shop NowSatisfyer Endless Joy$69.99Shop Now

We-Vibe Match

Realistic Vibrators

A realistic vibrator is an internal vibrator that is designed to look similar to a penis. It might have a bulbous head, veins along the length of the shaft, and even balls at the base. They come in all sorts of colours, not just skin tones. There are pink, purple and blue realistic vibrators too.

In some cases, realistic vibrators are suitable for anal use too. Look out for one with a flared base or balls at the bottom, as this will ensure that the toy stays in place and doesn’t travel up inside the body.

King Cock Thrusting Cock With Balls 6.5 Inch $145.95Shop NowSilicone Classic Clit Stimulator Vibrating Penis$26.95Shop Now

Anal Vibrators

Anal vibrators are any type of vibrating toy that is safe to use anally. For anal toys, there is a specific feature that you need to look out for. The toy must have a flared or curved base, a handle, or a loop of some description. This will secure it in place and prevent it from travelling up into the anal canal.

Anal vibrators come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. There are vibrating butt plugs, vibrating anal beads, vibrating prostate massagers and vibrating anal probes. Any type of anal toy can be turned into a vibrator. Vibration in this area stimulates deep inside the body, reaching more nerve endings than a non-vibrating toy can. It is also a great way to relax the muscles allowing for a bigger toy or penis to be inserted.

Satisfyer Plug-ilicious 1$99.95Shop NowB-vibe Triplet Anal Beads$159.99Shop Now

Satisfyer Plug-ilicious 1

Read more about anal vibrators: 7 reasons to try an anal vibrator

Finger Vibrators

Finger vibrators turn your fingers into a sex toy! Finger vibes are small, simple and perfect for couples’ play or solo play. A finger vibe usually has a strap that attaches the vibe to your fingers. The idea is that you use your fingers as normal, and the vibrator adds some lovely vibration to the area too.

They are usually made of soft and flexible materials that feel relatively skin-like, so they feel like part of the body. These are a great entrance toy for those who haven’t explored vibrators before.

Satisfyer Teaser$59.95Shop NowShare Satisfaction Finger Vibe$12.99Shop Now

Lay-on Massagers

A lay-on vibrator is a super versatile vibe that can be used for massage and stimulation anywhere on the outside of the body. They tend to be relatively small and wide and are designed to slip easily into your hands. A toy like this has a relatively wide surface area and can be either firm or soft.

Lay-on vibrators can be used anywhere on the body. The nipples, clitoris, balls, perineum, or butt cheeks are all great spots for a lay-on massager. This type of toy is less intense than a bullet vibe, as it spreads the stimulation over a wider surface area.

Satisfyer Layons - Dark Desire$79.95Shop NowShare Satisfaction Sana Luxury Gemmed Lay-on Vibrator $89.95Shop Now

Love Eggs

A love egg is an egg-shaped vibrator that stimulates inside the body. In most cases, it will have a remote control or corded control, so you can change the settings while it is inserted. Love eggs are available in all sorts of shapes and sizes, and some are even weighted to work out and strengthen your pelvic floor muscles.

Love eggs are great for anyone but are particularly good for those who are new to internal vibrators, as they can be relatively small and easy to insert. If you are concerned about removing it again, go for a corded egg that connects to the remote. That way, you can lightly tug on the cord to remove it once you are done.

Satisfyer Smooth Petal Connect App$139.95Shop NowLelo Lyla 2 Design Edition$149.99Shop Now

Satisfyer Smooth Petal Love Egg

Vibrating Panties

Vibrating panties are mini vibrators that slip inside underwear, meaning they can be used inside or outside of the bedroom. Some styles will come with underwear with a small pocket that the vibe slips into, while others will have a magnet allowing the vibe to be worn inside any underwear of your choosing.

In most cases, the vibe will also have a remote, so you can control it without needing to fiddle around with the toy once it’s in place. Or, of course, this can be handed to a partner for them to control your pleasure instead. Some will even connect to an app so you can control the toy with your phone.

Share Satisfaction Kala Remote Controlled Panty Vibe$59.95Shop NowPulsating Panty 10x Remote Control Cheeky Style Vibrating Panty$65.95Shop Now

Penis vibrators

Great news for folks with a penis; there are plenty of vibrators for you too! Most types of penis toys now have vibrating options available to stimulate this super-nerve-rich part of the body. There are vibrating cock rings, penis glans vibrators that stimulate the highly sensitive head of the penis, and vibrating masturbators and strokers that pleasure the full length of the shaft.

If you’ve never tried penis vibration before, the sensation can take some getting used to, but I’ve heard that it’s a very pleasurable time once you do!

Satisfyer Men Wand$89.95Shop NowShare Satisfaction Vibrating Stroker Sleeve$14.95Shop Now

Satisfyer Men Wand

How to choose the right sized vibrator

With vibrators, you need to consider both the length and the girth of the toy, especially if it is an insertable toy.

Here are a few terms you need to know.

Length

The length is the distance between the top and the bottom of the vibrator, and there are two different lengths to look out for.

Insertable length

The insertable length of the toy is the part of the toy that can be inserted into the body. How far the toy will go inside you.

Total length

This is the total length of the vibe, which includes any base or handle that will sit outside of the body while the toy is in use.

Girth

The girth is the measurement around the middle of something.

In most cases, the girth listed will be the girth at the widest point of the toy, meaning that it is the maximum size and the largest part of the toy.

Width

The width is the measurement of a toy from one side to the other. In most cases, this will be the width at the widest part of the toy.

Vibrator Material Guide

Vibrators are available in all sorts of different materials, and each one is going to feel different on your skin or inside your body. Here’s a run-down of the main vibrator materials.

Silicone Vibrators

Silicone is an amazing material for any sex toy, particularly vibrators. It is non-porous, body-safe, hypoallergenic, and it can be sterilized.

It is also a really versatile material for sex toys. Depending on the formula of the silicone, it may be very flexible, or it might be somewhat rigid. It can be soft and squishy or relatively firm. Or anywhere in between.

A softer version of silicone is ideal for sex toy beginners. The material will move and squish with your body. There is also some give when your muscles clench around the toy – something that happens during orgasm.

Silicone can be sterilized, meaning that it is safe to use vaginally or anally, and it is safe to share the toy with a partner so long as you sterilize it between shares.

Satisfyer Vibes Yummy Sunshine$79.99Shop NowCosmo - Flirt$29.99Shop Now

TPR & TPE Vibrators

Other popular vibrator materials are TPR and TPE. These are both soft and flexible materials that will bend and move with your body. They are two of the most life-like materials for sex toys. However, they are both porous materials. Meaning that they can harbour bacteria over time no matter how well you wash them.

TPR and TPE will also break down over time as they are non-stable materials. If you choose a TPR or TPE vibrator, you will need to replace it every 8 - 10 months. And earlier if you notice any changes to the material, such as discolouration or black spots.

Amore Hummer G-spot Rabbit Vibrator$29.99Shop NowReal Feel Lifelike Toyz No 2$34.95Shop Now

Metal Vibrators

You might be surprised to learn that vibrators can be made of metal. While it’s not the most common vibrator material, it’s a great choice for people who enjoy the feel of a firm toy inside their body. And being metal, the toy won’t absorb any of the vibration, so you will get the full sensation.

Metal vibes are usually made of aluminium or stainless steel and can be used for internal or external play.

Jimmyjane Chroma Bullet Vibrator$189.95Shop NowLe Wand Chrome Vibrating Necklace$106.95Shop Now

ABS Plastic Vibrators

ABS plastic is another common sex toy material. It is sometimes referred to as hard plastic as it is a hard, rigid material. It is also non-porous, body-safe, and able to be sterilized between uses.

It’s also a relatively cheap sex toy material, making it a good option for those with a lower budget to spend on toys. ABS plastic tends to be very smooth and shiny, making it easy to insert.

However, if you are using a battery-operated vibrator made of ABS plastic, it can be a loud toy material as the motor may rattle against the inside plastic.

Ro- 80mm 7 Speed$19.95Shop NowHip G-spot Vaginal Vibrator$21.95Shop Now

PVC Vibrators

PVC is a relatively firm vibrator material that is commonly used for larger toys that are difficult to insert. This material holds its shape, helping to ease it inside your body.

Like TPR, PVC is porous, meaning that it can harbour bacteria, mildew and fungus, and you will need to replace the toy every 8 – 10 months. They may also contain phthalates, which can have harmful effects on the body.

Waterproof Crystalessence Gyrating Penis$37.95Shop NowNeon Ribbed Rocket$19.95Shop Now

Read more about sex toy materials: Sex toy material guide

Vibrator Settings

Yes, all vibrators vibrate, but some more so than others. Some vibrators will be single speed, meaning that the only control is an on/off button and they will remain at one speed throughout your session. Others will have multiple speeds, multiple intensity levels and even patterns to explore.

Vibration speeds

The terms speed and intensity levels are often used interchangeably to refer to the levels of vibration a toy offers. Multi-speed vibrators will have different settings that increase in intensity. So, it may start light and low and move up into a much faster-paced and intense feeling vibration.

Vibration patterns

Some toys will also have patterns to stimulate the body. These are vibrations that vibrate in a pattern rather than a constant stream.

It might be a wave, a pulse, or give Morse code vibes.

What is a rumbly vibrator vs a buzzy vibrator?

There are another couple of terms that you will likely hear popping up in relation to vibration. Rumbly vibes and buzzy vibes.

These two terms relate to the frequency of the vibration.

A buzzy vibrator has a high-frequency motor. That means that the vibrations feel relatively surface level and don’t penetrate deep inside the body. For some people, a buzzy vibrator can feel tickly and irritating on their body, finding them overall less satisfying.

A rumbly toy has lower frequency vibration. Lower-frequency vibes travel farther through solid materials (in this case, your body) meaning that they penetrate much deeper and feel more intense. This is particularly important for clitoral vibrators. Although these toys touch the outer part of the clitoris, they also stimulate a lot of the internal structure via these deep penetrating vibrations.

How do you want to charge your vibrator?

You need to think about how your toy is going to be powered. Vibrators can either be battery-operated, USB rechargeable or mains-powered. Yes, meaning they need to be plugged into the wall while you use it.

Battery-powered vibrators

If you choose a battery-powered toy, you will need to change the batteries when they run out.

Rechargeable vibrators

A rechargeable toy can be charged using a USB charging port. You can even plug them into your laptop to get them ready for action. They are perfect for on-the-go and a great option for the planet.

Mains-powered vibrators

Some wands will be mains-powered and need to remain plugged into the wall socket throughout your play session. These toys tend to be the most powerful ones.

As a rule, battery-operated motors tend to be less intense than rechargeable ones, so if you want a powerful toy, I recommend going for a rechargeable option.

Are vibrators waterproof?

Vibrators all have motors, so you need to check whether the vibe is waterproof or not. This is going to determine where and how you can use the toy and how you clean the toy.

Waterproof means that the toy can be used in running water like the shower, and can be submerged in water. Different toys have different waterproof levels, so you need to ensure you check out the level of your specific toy and follow the rules. If you don’t, you might damage the toy.

Some toys might also be splashproof. This means that the toy is ok in running water like the shower, but it can’t be fully submerged in water.

And some toys won’t be waterproof at all, meaning that using them with water is a no-go. This also means that you will want to be careful with bodily fluids and lubricant around the battery port or charging point.

Sex toys are ranked using the IPX water-resistance rating system. As a general rule, any toy below IPX4 isn’t waterproof, IPX5 & IPX6 are splashproof, and IPX7 is waterproof and submersible. But some toy brands will use variations of this, so always check out the specific instructions and rules of your vibrator before assuming it’s safe to get wet.

How to use a vibrator?

• The first step when you get a new vibrator is to ensure it is fully charged. Most vibes will come with a small amount of charge, but it’s important to charge it fully before use so there is no risk of it dying on you mid-session.
• Once the vibe is charged, turn it on in your hand first to explore the settings and learn how it works and what each button does. Remember that it is going to feel much more intense on your genitals than on your hands!
• When you are ready to roll, grab some water-based lubricant and apply a generous amount to the toy and wherever you intend to use the toy on your body. This will keep things gliding nicely while you use it by reducing any friction and making insertion easy.
• I highly recommend starting low and light with vibration intensities, so you don’t overwhelm your body. You can always turn them up if you need to.
• Don’t be surprised if it feels weird to start, especially if it’s your first vibrator or a new type of vibration stimulation that you aren’t used to. Sometimes, it takes our body a few tries to enjoy a new type of stimulation.

How to clean and store your vibrator?

Cleaning and looking after your vibrator is super important. This will help to keep the toy in great condition as well as ensure you stay body-safe and don't introduce any bacteria into your body that shouldn’t be in there.

In most cases, washing your vibe with some warm water and a mild soap or antibacterial sex toy cleaner is suitable. However the process for cleaning will depend on whether the toy is waterproof or not.

If the vibrator is submersible, then you can submerge it in water or run it under the tap to remove the toy cleaner. If it is only splashproof, you can run it under the tap carefully. If it is not splashproof, then you can spritz it with some toy cleaner and wipe it down with a damp cloth. Take care around the battery port or charging port.

Take care with storing your toys too. Only put them away when they are completely dry, and make sure you store them separately from your other toys. Pop them into a bag or even a sock to keep them protected.

Some toys are fine to store together, but unstable toy materials like TPR/ TPR, rubber or PVC may leech liquid and bond together over time.

And don’t forget to clean your toys before and after each use. They may attract dust and other particles out of the air while they aren’t in use, and you don’t want to introduce this into your body.

Read more about caring for your sex toys: The ultimate guide to cleaning and storing your sex toys

Tips for buying your first vibrator

If you are still watching and you still feel lost in a sea of vibrators, there are a few questions to ask yourself.

• What part of the body do you want to stimulate? Internal or external?
• Do you want to use the vibe with a partner?
• Do you want it to be single or multi-speed?

Knowing the answers to these questions should help point you in the right direction.

Where to buy a vibrator

Adulttoymegastore has a huge range of vibrators, no matter what you want it for. Check out our full range of vibrators now and grab the perfect one for your needs.

Read next:

• The top 7 masturbation sex toys for women and people with vulvas
• The best masturbation toys for men and folks with a penis
• 4 amazing couples’ vibrators for any budget

Content disclaimer:

The information in this article has been fact-checked and reviewed for accuracy by Adulttoymegastore’s team of content specialists and sexual wellness experts.

Adulttoymegastore does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment for illness. Any information published on this website, either by Adulttoymegastore or its authors, is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a medical professional.