Best vibrators will help you a buzz

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Wellness

The Best Vibrators Will Help You Get a Buzz 

Good vibrations all around.

BY KATE SLOAN

February 14, 2023

All products featured on GQ are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

It’s no surprise that the best vibrators are some of the most popular sex toys around. The power they bring to the table can turn a just-okay sex or masturbation session into a mindblowing one, and they’re often more, uh, “efficient” than using your hand (sort of like strokers for men).

The notion of doctors having invented vibrators so they could administer therapeutic orgasms more effectively might be an urban legend, but it’s certainly true that vibrators make pleasure a whole lot easier to attain for many people. They’ll tickle any and all of your erogenous zones, and it could be the boost your sex life has been craving.

Vibrators are one of the best sex toys for women, but men can also benefit from tingly sensations down there (or anywhere). Additionally, vibrators are highly helpful when dealing with sensitivity issues that make it hard for you to feel pleasure or reach orgasm, such as being on antidepressants, which can tamp down sensation. Sometimes, some focused vibration is exactly what you need to push you over the edge. 

But not all vibrators are created equal. If you’re shopping for a vibrator for the first time, make sure to look for one made of body-safe materials (like silicone or ABS plastic), and then make sure that the vibrator you want has several  vibration settings to play with. You should also look for a toy that suits your purposes in terms of shape or function. For example, you’ll probably want to get a smaller vibrator if you intend to use it on your clitoris during penetrative sex, and a toy has to have a flared base to be considered anal-safe.

The Best Vibrators, at a Glance

Shaking in your boots (or wish you were shaking)? Get all the vibrators you want for every single one of your needs.

What to look for in a vibrator

With all the thousands of vibrators on the market, it can be tough to know what to look for, so here’s a handy breakdown of three qualities any vibrator worth its salt should have.

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Good-quality materials: Since the sex toy industry is unregulated, unsafe and irritating materials unfortunately run rampant. You’ll want to look for materials that are non-porous and free of phthalates (a toxic plasticizer found in some sex toys). For vibrators, usually this means silicone and ABS plastic, although some other body-safe sex toy materials include glass, stainless steel, ceramic, and properly sealed wood.

Suitable shape: Think about how you plan on using your vibrator—which body part(s) you want it to work for, which sex position(s) or sex act(s) you want it to fit into, and so on—and then choose a vibrator shape that works for those purposes. For example, you may want a small vibrator if you plan on using it during penetrative sex, and any vibe you’ll be using anally should have a flared base so it doesn’t get lost inside you.

Multiple intensities: Few things are more disappointing than receiving a new sex toy only to discover that it doesn’t work for you. One way to reduce the odds of this happening is to buy a vibe that has at least 5 different intensity settings, so that (hopefully) even if some of them don’t work for you, others will. Some vibrators also have patterns, such as pulsing or wave-like vibrations, which can make the toy even more versatile.

Types of vibrators

While companies seem to invent interesting new vibrator shapes every year, there are a few key vibrator categories that are classics for a reason—why reinvent the wheel (or the wand)? Here are some of them.

Wand vibrator: Originally used as muscle massagers, wand-style vibrators can certainly help you, uh, relieve some tension. These toys tend to be big and heavy, so they may not be right for all positions and sex acts, but they usually make up for their bulkiness with sheer power. If you need (or want) a lot of stimulation to get off, a great wand is your best bet, whether it’s rechargeable or plugs into the wall.

Bullet vibrator: This petite style of vibe, as its name suggests, is small and shaped like a bullet. These are useful for stimulating any external spot that likes vibration, and can fit into small spaces between bodies, making them ideal for pairing with penetrative sex or using with a dildo or strap-on. Usually these vibes are on the weaker side, because their limited size makes it hard to cram a high-powered motor inside, but there are some exceptions.

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Finger vibrator: Like bullet vibes, these are usually designed for external use, but finger vibes are different because they have some kind of strap or other feature that attaches them to your finger(s). These are some of the least obtrusive vibrators on the market, because they can make it feel like you’re just touching your partner with your fingers, which happen to be vibrating. They’re typically not the most powerful, but their versatility and ease of use make up for that.

Insertable vibrator: 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. These are usually longer than vibes meant for external use, so they can hit those erogenous zones. Often, they’ll have a curve that helps them target sensitive areas more effectively. And as mentioned above, vibrators intended for anal insertion should always have a flared base, for safety reasons.

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Rabbit (or dual-stimulation) vibrator: As seen in a memorable episode of Sex and the City in 1998, these vibrators have two “arms”: one for insertion, typically designed to hit the G-spot, and one that sits outside the body on the clitoris. This combo of sensations can be almost overwhelmingly pleasurable, and can lead to some great blended orgasms. Other types of dual-stimulation vibrators are increasingly available too, including some meant for anal use which pleasure both the prostate and the perineum at the same time.

Now, without further ado, let’s get to what you’re here for: our list of the best vibrators available today.

The Best Beginners’ Vibrator: First Time G-Spot Tulip

First Time G-Spot Tulip

$17

Babeland

BUY NOW

Material: ABS plastic
Battery life: Runs on AA batteries

If you’ve never tried a vibrator and are not even sure if you’ll like vibration, an inexpensive and versatile toy like the First Time G-Spot Tulip is a great way to find out. This toy is surprisingly strong for its price point, and has a dial instead of buttons, so you get more precise control over the vibration strength. Its shape makes it well-suited for rumbling against either the clit or the G-spot, among other pleasurable zones. This vibrator is not rechargeable and requires a pair of AA batteries for operation.

Pros: Affordable; versatile shape for clitoral or G-spot stimulation; easy-to-use dial for changing intensity; waterproof (when battery chamber is closed tightly)
Cons: Uses AA batteries (not included); won’t last as long as higher-quality toys; not anal-safe

The Best Bullet Vibrator: We-Vibe Tango X

We-Vibe Tango X

$79

We Vibe

BUY NOW

Material: Silicone and ABS plastic
Battery life: 2 hours

This small rechargeable vibrator works wonders whether used for solo play or with a partner. It has eight vibration speeds ranging from gentle to “WTF?!”-level strong, plus it’s waterproof so you can take it in the bath or shower for some relaxing “self-care” time. The whisper-quiet vibrations make it perfect for some discreet play, and its ergonomic design makes it just an overall pleasure to use.

Pros: Strong and rumbly vibrations; eight different intensity levels; waterproof; quiet; silicone grip for comfort and ease of use; travel lock function stops it from accidentally turning on in transit
Cons: May rattle against genital piercings if you have them

The Best G-Spot Vibrator: Lelo Mona 2 

Lelo Mona 2

$139$111

Amazon

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Material: Silicone and ABS plastic
Battery life: 2 hours

Lelo’s Mona 2 is like a dildo on steroids. The contoured shape and upward curve of this vibrator help it make a beeline for your G-spot once it’s inserted. Naturally, its deep vibrations feel fantastic on that spot, but you can also mix things up and use this toy for clitoral stimulation when you want to. The Mona 2 has six vibration modes, and its length makes for some pleasurable internal stimulation.

Pros: Fantastic shape for G-spot stimulation; can also be used clitorally; strong and rumbly vibrations; six vibration settings; waterproof; quiet; travel lock function
Cons: Not anal-safe; can’t be used with silicone-based lubes

The Best Wand Vibrator: Magic Wand Rechargeable

Magic Wand Rechargeable

$114

Walmart

BUY NOW

Material: Silicone and ABS plastic
Battery life: About 3 hours

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There’s a reason the Magic Wand is one of the world’s most famous vibrators—it really is that good. This newer rechargeable version has all the “oomph” of the original, plus two lower settings that’ll make it more agreeable for users who prefer gentler sensations. Try it alone or with a partner—just be prepared to get creative with positioning, ‘cause this thing is big. You can use the Magic Wand while it’s plugged into the charger, but it’s still good to use for some cordless action.

Pros: Incredibly strong vibrations; four speeds and four patterns; works for all genders and anatomies; long battery life; can be used while charging; doubles as a muscle massager
Cons: Loud on the higher settings; big and heavy

The Best Rabbit Vibrator: We-Vibe Nova 2

We-Vibe Nova 2

$149

We Vibe

BUY NOW

Material: Silicone
Battery life: 2 hours

This is more than just a clitoral vibrator: With one external arm that hits the clit and one internal arm that targets G-spot stimulation, this innovative vibrator serves up a double whammy of sensation. The soft silicone arms have some flexibility to them, so you can even thrust the toy in and out and it won’t lose contact with your clit. The high-quality vibrator uses a USB-rechargeable battery, and it even comes with a sample of We-Vibe’s water-based lube for immediate fun straight out of the box.

Pros: Strong and rumbly vibrations; stimulates G-spot and clitoris simultaneously; flexible clitoral arm helps maintain contact with your clit when thrusting the toy; both components can be controlled separately; Bluetooth-controllable (including long-distance) via the We-Vibe app; quiet; waterproof; travel lock function
Cons: Not especially versatile (it’s hard to use either arm of the toy on its own); can’t be used with silicone-based lubes

The Best Couples’ Vibrator: Lovense Dolce

Lovense Dolce

$129

Amazon

BUY NOW

Material: Silicone
Battery life: Up to 2 hours

This type of vibrator is designed to be “worn” during penetrative sex, so you can have some hands-free fun. The wearable Dolce has one arm that slips inside against the G-spot and one that sits outside on the clit. There’s remote app control thanks to the Bluetooth connectivity, which lets you cycle through an endless number of different vibrations and intensity levels. It stimulates both partners and may even facilitate the fabled simultaneous orgasm if you sync things up just right, or you can also use it solo.

Pros: Two powerful motors stimulate the clitoris and G-spot simultaneously; Bluetooth-controllable (including long-distance) via the Lovense app; adjustable neck for a comfortable fit; waterproof
Cons: Can’t be used with silicone-based lubes

The Best Vibrator for Penises: Fun Factory Manta 

Fun Factory Manta

$129

Fun Factory

BUY NOW

Material: Silicone and ABS plastic
Battery life: 2 hours

This best-selling toy’s silicone “wings” wrap around your shaft, encircling it in sensation. You can hold it in one place (like on the super-sensitive frenulum) or move it around in whatever ways you want. Its powerful vibrations also feel phenomenal when paired with oral sex, and the pulsations will feel phenomenal.

Pros: Strong vibrations; penis-specific shape; flexible “wings” to fit a variety of penis girths; can be paired with oral sex and various other sex acts; six speeds and six patterns; ergonomic looped handle; travel lock function
Cons: May not fit very thick or very thin penises; can’t be used with silicone-based lubes; only stimulates part of the shaft at a time

The Best Vibrating Butt Plug: Lovense Hush 2

Lovense Hush 2

$119

Amazon

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Material: Silicone
Battery life: 2 hours

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The app connectivity of this butt plug makes it ideal for long-distance pleasure. It also adds another dimension of intensity to sex or masturbation with its satisfyingly strong vibrations. The silicone head slides in easily, and an endless number of vibration patterns will make your body tingle.

Pros: Powerful and rumbly vibrations; multiple size options available; Bluetooth-controllable (including long-distance) via the Lovense app; quiet; waterproof
Cons: No curve to hit prostate; can’t be used with silicone-based lubes

The Best Panty Vibrator: Lovense Ferri

Lovense Ferri

$119

Amazon

BUY NOW

Material: Silicone
Battery life: Up to 3.5 hours

 This petite vibrator clips onto your underwear using an included magnetic clip, so it’ll stay put while you’re controlling it from your phone (or your partner is controlling it from their phone). 

Pros: Powerful and rumbly vibrations; useful magnet-clip design for wearing in underwear; Bluetooth-controllable (including long-distance) via the Lovense app; waterproof; long battery life
Cons: Magnetic clip is easy to lose

The Best Finger Vibrator: Dame Fin

Dame Fin

$90

Babeland

BUY NOW

Material: Silicone
Battery life: About 90 minutes

Finger vibrators are ideal for when you want it to feel more like you’re touching your partner (or yourself) than that a toy is doing it, because they incorporate vibration into every touch. (They’re also easier to hold onto for people who have grip strength issues.) This one has pleasantly rumbly vibrations and its finger strap is removable, so you can use it when you want it and stash it away when you don’t.

Pros: Optional finger strap for easier holding; decently strong vibrations; versatile shape works on any external spot; quiet; long battery life; water-resistant; travel lock function
Cons: Only three speeds

The Best Discreet Vibrator: Lovense Exomoon

Lovense Exomoon

$79

Amazon

BUY NOW

Material: Silicone
Battery life: 3 hours

If you’re concerned about discretion for any reason—whether because you’ve got kids around, are traveling, or for any other reason—this vibrator can help keep your secrets safe. It’s styled to look exactly like a tube of lipstick, so it can keep other people’s suspicion to a minimum while boosting your satisfaction to the maximum!

Pros: Discreet lipstick-like appearance; strong and rumbly vibrations; Bluetooth-controllable (including long-distance) via the Lovense app; waterproof; long battery life
Cons: One-button control can be annoying if you like to change settings frequently

The Best Rideable Vibrator: Rocks-Off Ruby Glow Dust

Rocks-Off Ruby Glow Dust

$69

Babeland

BUY NOW

Material: Silicone
Battery life: Unknown

While you can always lie back and hold a vibrator on your sensitive spots, some people like to take a more active approach and actually get on top of their vibe to grind against it. This toy is ideal for that, with its sturdy flat bottom and exciting textures.

Pros: Fun rideable shape for hands-free use; two independent motors; two different texture options to grind against (ridged and smooth)
Cons: Requires AAA batteries; not especially versatile; can’t be used with silicone-based lubes

The Best Mini Wand Vibrator: Bodywand Midnight

Bodywand Midnight

$53

SheVibe

BUY NOW

Material: Silicone and ABS plastic
Battery life: Plug in

Full-size wand vibrators can be tough to fit between bodies during sex, so if that’s what you’re after—but you still want a lot of power—consider a mini wand vibe. They can scoot into smaller spaces and help you feel closer together when using a vibe, plus they’re easier to hold. This one plugs into the wall, so it might not be convenient for everyone, but the amount of power it offers is worth it, especially since it’s controlled with a dial, not buttons, so you can fine-tune the vibration intensity however you want at any given moment.

Pros: Dial allows for more granular control over vibration intensity; decently powerful and rumbly
Cons: Requires a nearby power outlet; not especially quiet

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