If you haven’t done it before, the idea of masturbation can intimidating. Where do you do it? How do you do it? Should you watch porn, or listen to audio erotica? And, most confusing of all, what do you use?
Give your confused fingers, pillows, and shower head a rest, babe. Because it’s time for you to invest in a good ‘ol fashioned vibrator.
And while finding the cheapest vibrator in the personal care aisle of Target can be tempting, Her Campus spoke with Portia Brown (a sex educator and CEO of her sex-positive company, Froetic Sexology) to learn all there is to know about buying your first vibrator, including as well as the best vibrators for beginners. From rabbits, to anal stimulators, to all of the different shapes and sizes of sex toys, here is your guide to a ‘lil bit of adult fun.
Know the different types of vibrators.
When it comes to buying your perfect vibrator, take a bit of time to explore your body and really learn what gets you goin’.
“Not all toys are created equal so read reviews if you’re ordering online,” Brown says. “Definitely consider what kind of stimulation you already enjoy. If you find yourself loving internal stimulation with your fingers, you’ll probably want an internal vibrator, but if you love external stimulation, consider something designed to stimulate the external clitoris.”
Yup, that’s right. Your clitoris has an external and internal side. Mind=blown, orgasms=great.
For those looking to explore the external clitoris (you know, the area you used to use a shower head on), Brown recommends checking out a bullet vibrator. “They are small, usually very affordable, versatile and can be used all over the body. Plus, they’re are an easy way to discover if you enjoy the sensation of a vibrator,” she says.
However, if you’re looking for a more penetrative experience, the classic “rabbit” style vibrator could be your holy grail. Not only are these great for simulting penetrative sex, they also come with a clitorial stimulator attached (hence the rabbit name).
Vibrator materials matter.
But your research shouldn’t stop at the type of vibrator. With thousands of different vibrators out there — all made with different materials, equipped with different speeds, and in all kinds of funky shapes — it’s important to look into the kinds of materials you’re looking for.
“You should think about what you want to feel on your skin,” Brown says. “There are silicone toys, glass, steel… the list goes on.”
For a softer, more skin-like feel on your skin, try out a silicone vibrator. However, if you’re into a more smooth feel that’s cool to the touch, look into a glass or steel toy.
Get a good buzz on a budget.
Let’s be real: A great vibrator can end up being a little pricey. And if you’re a college kid in a pinch (like me) and you’re not in the position to give up $50 for one of those fancy vibrators from a sex shop, don’t worry. Sex toys can be anywhere from $10 to $300 dollars, and can be found in the aisles of target, on the Amazon marketplace, and even at specialized stores dedicated to, well, sex.
“Think about what feels affordable for you,” Brown tells Her Campus. “Sex toys range in price and you can usually find something good and durable in any price range. Decide how much you want to spend before you start shopping so you don’t get overwhelmed by the amount of options there are.”
Think ethically.
With porn, it’s important to consume adult entertainment in an ethical way (try checking out ethical porn platforms like Bellesa and Quinn audio erotica). And when it comes to sex toys, there are ways to buy in a way that support the sex work industry as well
“In 2022, we have the ability to put our money where our mouth is,” Brown says. “There are a plethora of ethical brands, feminist brands, queer-owned brands, Black-owned brands, et cetera. So do your research on who you are buying from and consider potentially sending those dollars to someone who aligns with your social and political beliefs.” There are plenty of women, LGBTQ+, and BIPOC-owned brands such as Dame, Unbound, and Maude you can check out when you’re looking for your first (or next) vibrator. After all, wouldn’t it make sense to get a sex toy created by someone who knows how the female orgasm works?
Ready to start shopping? Here are the best vibrators for beginners.
Best Budget Buy: KINGWAND Cordless Vibrator Wand
If you’re balling on a budget, KINGWAND’s vibrator wand provides amazing sensations at an affordable price. Priced at just under $10, this vibe is perfect if you’re in a pinch for pleasure.
KINGWAND, Amazon, $10
Best Bullet Vibrator: Plus One Vibrator Bullet
As Brown said, a bullet vibrator is one of the best options for the start of your vibrator journey. Packaged discreetlythe Plus One is a simple toy that does the trick.
Plus One, Amazon, $10
Best Rabbit Vibrator: Romp Jazz Rabbit
If bullet vibes aren’t your thing, the Romp Jazz Rabbit is a great beginner rabbit vibrator that’s easy to use and, more importantly, affordable. With seven speeds, five patterns to choose from, and an easy, straightforward design, the Jazz Rabbit is a fantastic choice for a first vibrator.
Romp, Amazon, $40
Best for Internal Stimulation: LoveNote Rabbit Vibrator
Rabbit vibrators really can do it all. The LoveNote Rabbit Vibrator is equipped with a variety of different speeds to cater to your pleasure. Not to mention, when fully charged, she can last for up to two hours of nonstop usage.
LoveNote, Amazon, $25
Best for External Stimulation: Dame “Fin”
For full-body external stimulation, the Fin is a great way to explore. Worn on your fingers, this powerful ‘lil thing is great to stimulate not only your clitoris, but also all of those other pleasure points on your body.
Dame, $85
Best for Anal Stimulation: Unbound “Shimmy”
Your body is full of pleasure points, and the anal area is no exception! For those looking to explore, the Shimmy vibrator is a hands-free, vibrating butt-plug that’s perfect to be used solo or with a partner. Not to mention, all of Unbound’s products are compatible with the same universal charging cord, so no more “guess the wire” games to charge your toys.
Unbound, $61
Best Steel Vibrator: Crave Bullet Vibrator
If you love a cool-to-the-touch feeling, the Crave bullet vibrator is a great option to try out a new sensory stimulation. Shaped like your classic bullet, this vibrator has a sleek and cool feel that’s destined to make you feel good.
Crave, $59
Best Compact Vibrator: Unbound “Pep”
While this bad girl is cute and compact, don’t be fooled by her size. About the size of the palm of your hand, this vibe is great for targeted stimulation and is a go-to for an on-the-go lifestyle.
Unbound, $42
Best Wand Vibrator: Unbound “Ollie”
As an ethical sex toy company, it’s no surprise Unbound makes some top-notch products. If you’re interested in a wand-style vibrator, “Ollie” is a multi-speed powerful wand that’s great for beginners. Ollie is also cordless, so it’s perfect for using no matter the setting.
Unbound, $76
Best Wearable Vibrator: ANEWKODI Wearable Vibrator
Sometimes, all you wanna do is sit back, relax, and let the toy do the work. The ANEWKODI Wearable Vibrator is perfect to just insert, power on, and enjoy. Complete with a variety of different speeds (accessed through their mobile app) and a g-spot stimulator, this vibe is perfect to use (or even wear out *wink*) on a date night or a solo sesh.
ANEWKODI, Amazon, $36
Best For Long Distance: Lovense Quake Dual Stimulator
Away from your partner? The Lovense Quake Dual Stimulator is an internal and external stimulator that’s controlled via app, so your partner can give you pleasure from miles and miles away. However, this vibrator is also a great pick to use solo–especially due to its dual stimulation.
Lovense, Lovehoney, $140
Best Kit For Beginners: Dame “The Beginner’s Luck” Set
If you’re looking for the one-stop shop for your vibrator search, the Dame “The Beginners Luck” set is the answer to all of your sex-shopping woes. With a “lipstick” bullet vibe (Kip), g-spot stimulator (Arc), and a fantastic aloe-based lube (Alu) all wrapped up in a cute pouch, this kit is great for a beginner’s exploration.
Dame, $192
Quickest Delivery: SVAKOM G Spot Vibrator
Can’t wait to try out a new vibe? We’ve been there. Luckily, the SVAKOM G Spot vibe is available on Amazon Prime, and is eligible for next day delivery (score!). Not only is this toy quick to arrive, but it’s quick to please both your internal and external pleasure points.
SVAKOM, Amazon, $46
Most Unique: Adorime G Spot Rabbit Vibrator
With so many sex toys existing in the world, we’re so glad Adorime came up with a fresh take on the rabbit vibe. Instead of the typical bunny-ear shape, this vibrator is complete with a horseshoe clit stimulator hat will hit your pleasure points with ease (including your nipples). Not to mention, it has eight different vibration and massage patterns, so you can explore and experiment all sesh long.
Adorime, Amazon, $24
Easiest to Use: Bellesa Finger Pro
This fan-favorite porn platform has a sex toy boutique, which includes the conveniently designed Finger Pro. This powerful clitorial simulator fits right over your finger word whether it’s powered on or off: complete with textured silicone rods and a tongue-flicking function, this little toy is easy to use and easy to please.
Bellesa, $59
Most Versatile: Tracy’s Dog Sex Toy Kit
Three for the price of one? Count us in. The Tracy’s Dog Sex Toy Kit includes a cockring, butterfly vibe, and couples vibrator at an affordable price point. And if that wasn’t enough, each of these toys are equipped with nine different speed patterns and can be operated on a remote control, so you (and even your partner, if you want) can set them to your preferred sensation. Not to mention, the wearable vibrator and remote combo can be useful on a date night… just saying.
Tracy’s Dog, Amazon, $35
Most Quiet: LoveHoney Silencer
Masturbating is nerve-wracking sometimes, especially if you’re living with other people. However, the LoveHoney Silencer lives up to its name and gets the job done. Perfect for internal and external stimulation, this vibrator stays quiet through it all (although you probably won’t *wink*).
Lovehoney, $25
For the Techies: Lioness Vibrator 2.0
Whether you’re a tech fanatic or not, there’s no denying this vibrator is a certified bada**. Created by a team of women, engineers, and designers, the Lioness uses a mobile app in tandem with their rabbit vibrator to track your orgasms, adjust sensory settings, and help you understand your orgams like never before.
Lioness, $229
For Couples: Dame “Eva”
Looking to spice things up with your boo? A couples vibrator is an amazing way to connect with your partner in the bedroom, literally. The Eva vibrator is a hands-free way to mutually masturbate with your partner, as well as a powerful vibrator to use solo. Talk about versatility!
Dame, $135
Most Discreet: Kyss Rechargeable Lipstick Vibrator
Worried about anyone stumbling upon your vibrator? Or want to take your vibe with you for some on-the-go fun? The Kyss Lipstick Vibrator is small, discreet, and mega-powerful. Looking like a real tube of lipstick, this vibe is perfect for throwing in your bag and taking on the day.
Kyss, GoodVibes, $37
For Double Penetration: Adorime 3 in 1 Vibrating Dildo
As you grow more comfortable with toys, looking into a vibrator that stimulates pleasure points in both your vaginal and anal areas is worth exploring. The Adorime 3 in 1 provides you with clitorial stimulation (thanks to the classic rabbit shape), penetrative pleasure, and even vibrating anal beads to give yourself that full-body stimulation you might be craving.
Adorime, Amazon, $35
Best Ethical Vibrator: Maude “vibe”
Not only does Maude have aesthetically pleasing vibrators, they’re also a woman-owned brand! Their classic “vibe” is beautiful to look at, and will make you feel incredible. (Not to mention, Dakota Johnson joined the team as an investor and Co-Creative Director and Christian Grey might have taught her a thing or two…)
Maude, $45
Quickest Orgasm: Lelo “Sona Cruise 2”
If you’re looking for a vibrator, and love oral sex, the Sona is perfect for you. Equipped with a powerful suction, this toy simulates oral sex like no other vibrator (and it’s on sale too!).
SONA, Lelo, $111
Prettiest Vibrator: Maude “drop”
For the aesthetic girlies out there, the Maude “drop” is a beautiful toy that’s designed to help you explore your body’s pleasure points. This small, egg-shaped vibrator fits in the palm of your hand and is equipped with three different speeds to make you feel just as good as the toy looks. It’s so pretty, you could honestly use it as decor (not saying I would, but, you know, you can).
Maude, $45
Best All-Around Pick: Unbound “Best Sellers” Set
Finally, if you’re searching for the ultimate vibrator starter set, look no further than Unbound’s Best Sellers set. Complete with a clitoral stimulator, an internal vibrator, and an adorable storage bag, this affordable set is all you need to get started on your masturbation journey (ooh, and lube, too!).
Unbound, $98