A beginners guide to sex toys
If you’re intrigued by the idea of suction vibrators but don’t want to go over budget, there’s the Satisfyer Pro 2. Indigo Stray Conger, LMFT, a certified sex therapist viberators, previously recommended this popular model to SELF for its lower price, waterproof design, and intense settings. The long handle and larger buttons make it easy to use, especially for beginners.
The Satisfyer Pro 2 is waterproof and easy to clean, though it is a bit loud before it creates a suction, so you may want to use this toy under some covers. The Satisfyer Pro 2 uses a pulsing sensation that provides the feel of sucking against your clitoris. In fact, it has a little notch that slips over your clitoris and creates a bit of suction, giving you a true-to-life mouth feeling. To help narrow down the best of what’s available, I tested a variety of vibrators all with their own specific use case. There were couple’s vibrators and bullet models, as well as finger-worn vibes and suction models. I’ve also included some insight into the testing methodology I used at the end of this guide.
“It’s really a great option because it has Smart Silence, so when it’s touching your body, it turns on and then when you pull it away from your body, it turns off,” says Amrich. The best wand vibrators can be used for solo or partnered time and deliver deep, rumbling sensations that can feel seriously mind-blowing on external body parts. They’re really popular for using on the clitoris, but you can also try them on nipples, penises, butts, or anywhere else you want to feel a nice buzz. And BTW, you may see some wand vibes labeled as “personal massagers,” but not all massage devices are the same—a percussive one (like the Theragun) shouldn’t be used everywhere. “Discovering what helps you orgasm contributes to your sexual confidence and boosts your sexual desire, which is great for yourself as well as sex with your partner,” says sex and relationship expert Tara Suwinyattichaiporn, Ph.D. When choosing a sex toy for solo play, she says to try to get toys that offer various types of stimulation.
Whether you’re looking for a vibrator that can blend seamlessly with the decor of your bedroom or are just looking for a more out-of-the-ordinary device for your collection—you have options. The Crave Vesper is both of those things, with its long, sleek body that has multiple settings (including gentle and oscillating) for external use. “In addition to being easy-to-use, Vesper provides an aesthetic jewelry experience,” says Ti Chang, VP of Design and co-founder of Crave. If you like to engage in a little backdoor action, check out this beginner-friendly butt plug designed specifically for people with vulvas. It’s slim with an asymmetric base that won’t block the vaginal opening, and the curved tulip shape guides penises or toys toward the G-spot. Some are curved or have bulbous ends for G-spot stimulation, like the Lovehoney G-Slim G-Spot Vibrator ($20, Lovehoney).
The Enby 2 is the vibrator that looks at all the traditionally phallic-looking vibes out there and simply decides to say “No ❤️”. Customers appreciate the massager’s design, noting its stunning aesthetics and discreet appearance, with one customer highlighting its fine silicon finish. Prior to joining the Good Housekeeping Institute, she worked as a personal trainer, writer and fitness instructor for some of London’s most prestigious health clubs, including The Harbour Club, David Lloyd and The Chelsea Club.
Plus, the soft silicone coating and ergonomic design meant it was comfortable to wield, with no hand cramp reported. The sloped tip scored extra points with our panel for its ability to stimulate the G-spot, while the bunny ears are perfectly positioned to target the clitoris. The super-soft silicone also feels great against the skin, making it a pleasure to use and to hold.
“Some like to tap [external vibrators] back and forth on the glans, clitoral shaft, and labia,” Juliana Hauser, PhD, a Lexington, Kentucky-based marriage and family therapist, previously told Allure. You always want to buy a toy made with body-safe materials like stainless steel, silicone, and borosilicate glass. Silicone toys are the most popular but always remember to pair them with water-based lube to avoid breaking down the material. 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.
And that’s a wonderful thing, because everyone deserves the chance to explore their body in as many ways as they see fit. “But really, this tiny body-safe ABS plastic clitoral vibe packs an, [in my opinion], unmatched punch when it comes to power, and the angled tip delivers pinpoint vibration right where you want it.” For someone who prefers more traditional vibrations over suction, the Pro 2 delivers. Its shape is perfect for maneuvering and finding the perfect spot, which I struggled with trying more “blobby” suckers like LELO’s Sona 2. Not only did I have more fun with the Pro 2, but it’s nearly half the cost of the Sona 2 — and the second-cheapest vibe on this list — at $49.95. For me, sex toys are never embarrassing, so I don’t have such a high interest in aesthetics — I want a vibrator that’s going to get the job done.