A sexologist’s guide to choosing the right vibrator for you
WORDS BY DAISY HENRY
Your search is over.
Along with an eye mask, phone charger and good book, a trusty vibrator is a side table necessity. Whether you’re exploring solo pleasure, or looking to spice things up with a partner, having the right tools nearby can make all the difference.
Thankfully, there’s no shortage of vibrators out there. From the small and reliable bullet to the old-school wand, there’s something for every person, mood and position.
For more sex advice, head on over to our Life section.
But if you’re new to the world of vibrators, it can be a little daunting to know exactly where to begin – after all, it’s not exactly a one-toy-fits-all situation. There are thousands of vibrators on the market, which can be a blessing and a curse.
To help find the perfect match, we turned to Christine Rafe, sex and relationship expert for Womanizer. Whether you’re looking to invest in your very toy, or you’re simply looking to level up, Christine takes us through the basics, weighing up the benefits of each.
Bullet
Put simply, a bullet vibrator is a small and discreet vibrator that’s used for external pleasure. According to Christine, a bullet is a perfect introduction to sex toys, however, she also says it’s a handy staple for even the most seasoned pros.
“Originally designed to target the external clitoral glans, bullet vibrators are actually very versatile for external erogenous zone stimulation and can be used on the clitoris, vulva, penis, perineum, external anus, nipples – really anywhere that feels nice for you,” she explains.
“The Lovehoney Mini Thrill vibrator is a great entry-level bullet that uses quality materials and has a lot of power for something so small,” she says. “But my favourite external vibe is definitely the We-Vibe Touch X. It’s also rechargeable, waterproof and can be app-controlled which makes it fun for long-distance and partner play.”
Couples and C-shape
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If you’ve never heard of ‘C-shape’ toys, you’re not alone. Christine explains that C-shape toys are designed to provide dual stimulation of the clitoris both externally (via the clitoral glans) and internally (via the G-spot) for vulva owners.
“The thinner arm of the toy is inserted penetratively and its thin shape means that penetration with fingers, a penis or another toy is also possible while wearing the C-shape. These toys are great for anyone with a vulva who wants to incorporate toys into the partnered play,” she says.
“The We-Vibe Sync 2 and We-Vibe Sync O are powerful, wearable and have adjustable arms, meaning these toys are designed to stay in place and hit your pleasure points so you can enjoy them hands-free! Because of this, it can be incorporated into any sexual activity without needing someone to hold it in place. When worn during penetrative sex, both the vulva and penis owner can enjoy pleasure from the vibrations.”
Suction
“Clitoral suction technology has been responsible for many vulva owners’ orgasms all over the world since this technology was developed 10 years ago by Womanizer,” Christine tells me. “Clitoral suction toys use air pressure changes to stimulate the clitoral glans without actually even touching it and this stimulation is likened to the sensation of oral sex.”
Clitoral suction toys are recommended for anyone who wants to mix things up a little. “I recommend these toys to vulva owners who have not yet had an orgasm, or who find having orgasms difficult as a way of building a better awareness of pleasure and orgasm in their bodies.”
“If you’re looking for an entry-level clitoral suction then the Lovehoney Rose clitoral suction stimulator will give you a feel for the sensation. The Womanizer Next is the quietest and most premium clit suction toy on the market, using a 3D pleasure technology that allows for slower pulses to support multi-orgasmic masturbation sessions.”
Rabbit
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Rabbit vibrators are dual-stimulation toys that, according to Christine, get their name from their ‘bunny ear’ shape and look exactly like what you picture when you think ‘sex toy’.
“Rabbit vibrators are a favourite for many, as they are designed based on pleasure anatomy for vulva owners, targeting the external clitoris and G-spot which we know are key pleasure points with over 10,000 nerve endings in the full structure of the clitoris,” she says. “Because they target the major pleasure points, rabbit vibes can be intense, so if you’re a beginner to a rabbit, I always recommend starting on the lower settings and increasing intensity as you go.”
“The We-Vibe Nova 2 excludes the ‘bunny ear’ extension in replacement for a sleek clitoral vibrating arm, and other modern rabbits incorporate varied stimulation types, like the Womanizer Duo 2 which uses Womanizer’s pleasure air technology clitoral suction on the external arm. There really is a rabbit vibe that can suit all vulva pleasure needs.”
Wand
According to Christine, wands were originally designed as massage guns (does anyone else think straight to that episode of Sex and the City?). After finding wands were a great tool for sexual pleasure, they’ve evolved into what we know today. “Wands are great for those who want intense vibrations and some are corded if you’re someone who wants to rely on their intense power for your pleasure without having to remember to recharge before use,” Christine says.
“The Lovehoney Classic Wand maintains the traditional style with high-quality silicone to give a soft touch. If you’re looking for a sleek modern spin on the wand, the We-Vibe Wand 2 has 20 different modes from deep rumbly vibrations through to intense vibrations that could challenge a power tool (in the best possible way).”
G-spot
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G-spot toys are recommended for vulva owners who like penetrative, G-spot stimulation and can typically be used alongside other toys. “G-spot toys are designed with a penetrating arm, usually with a curved and rounded tip to support accessing the G-spot inside the vagina on the anterior wall (the wall closest to your belly button),” Christine says.
“The Womanizer OG is a perfect combination of the curved G-spot arm with the air-suction technology that supports intensely pleasurable stimulation of the clitoris internally. If you’re interested in exploring G-spot temperature play, the Lovehoney Sensual Glass Double-Ended G-Spot dildo is made of borosilicate glass so can be cooled or heated for an added sensory experience.”
Dildo
Dildos are primarily used for penetration and come in a wide range of sizes, materials and colours. “Dildos can be used for both solo and partnered play by anyone looking for penetration-focused pleasure either vaginally, orally or anally,” Christine explains. “I recommend the Lifelike Lover Classic Realistic Dildo for its realistic look as well as the suction cup base which makes it great hands-free if suctioned to floors, chairs, walls and showers.”
“If used with a partner, a dildo can be worn with a harness like the Lovehoney Universal strap-on harness during penetrative sex, regardless of your sexual orientation or genitals. This makes them great for exploring penetrative pleasure for couples with vulvas or for exploring pegging.”
Outside the bedroom
If you’re looking for something subtle and dual-purpose you can use beyond the bedroom, then may we suggest a showerhead? “The Womanizer Wave is an unassuming showerhead developed in combination with leading showerhead experts Hansgrohe to produce a functional showerhead that has specifically designed jets and settings that support clitoral and vulva pleasure,” Christine says.
“This is great for anyone who wants to take their self-care shower or bath ritual to the next level. It’s great for those who want easily accessible pleasure without needing a drawer full of toys.”
Find more from Christine here.
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