How to pick your first (or next) vibrator

A vibrator is a very personal thing. The way you experience pleasure is completely individual to you, so there’s no one size fits all vibrator. To make sure your new (or next) vibrator gives you the best Os of your life, check out these tips.

Figure out your needs and what you like 

First thing’s first, you need to know what you want. Go analogue (i.e. use your hands) to determine what kind of stimulation feels best to you, whether that’s tapping, rubbing, flicking, or maybe you think a sucking motion would tickle your fancy. Look for a vibrator that meets those needs and then whittle down the options.

Research the different types of vibrators 

There are a lot of different types of vibrators out there, so take a minute to familiarise yourself. Some of the most common vibrators are the stock standard traditional vibrator, the bullet, the rabbit, the G-spot vibrator and the clitoral suctioning vibrator. Do a little googling of the different options and how they work to determine which type might be the best fit for you.

Look for body-safe materials 

Many vibrators are made from silicone, which is non-porous, easy to clean and feels silky smooth against skin. Other body-safe options include stainless steel, glass and hard plastic, and each material will give you a different sensation depending on its hardness, smoothness or temperature. Avoid vibrators made from potentially toxic materials like jelly rubber.

Check the battery life and charging time 

If you want a vibrator that’s gonna last all night, and maybe for multiple days in a row, look for one with a longer battery life. If you get a rechargeable vibrator, read the instructions carefully as most vibrators should not be left on charge for more than two hours as it can reduce the battery life.

Factor in noise levels

If you're concerned about discretion, look for a vibrator that’s relatively quiet. Some vibrators can be quite loud so this is something to consider if you live with roommates or have thin walls. There’s nothing worse than having mazz anxiety cause you think someone might hear you!

Think about storage

Consider where you will store your vibrator and how easy it’ll be to access. If you don’t want it to look too obviously like a vibrator, look for one that comes with a storage bag or box.

Look for adjustable speeds and patterns

Many vibrators come with multiple speed and pattern options, which can be helpful if you want to switch things up or you’re learning about what you like. If you’re keen to explore, think about adding this to your list of requirements.

Have a budget

Vibrators can range in price from under $20 to over $100 and prices generally reflect the quality of the vibrator or what kind of features they have. Decide how much you’re willing to spend before you start your search and look for options within your budget. If your budget is on the smaller side, don’t get sidetracked by things like ‘Oh but my favourite celebrity likes this one’, you can probably find a similar vibrator without the celeb-endorsement price tag somewhere else. 

Read the reviews 

Before you part with your pennies, read reviews from other people who have bought the vibrator you’re looking at to get a sense of the pros and cons. There’s always good nuggets of info you hadn’t considered before!

Don't be afraid to ask for help

If you're unsure of what to look for or have any questions, don't be afraid to ask a salesperson, reach out to a trusted friend or online resource for advice. There are many resources available to help you make an informed decision.