The Best Orgasm of Your Life? It’s Here.

Even if you and your partner have regular eyes-rolling-to-the-back-of-your-head sex, there’s nothing wrong with investing in one of the best vibrators for women. Currently riding solo? Well, your hands work, but take it from the experts (and some seriously excited reviewers): Sex toys of all kinds can work even better.

“Vibrators, like other erotic toys, let the user explore sensation and arousal, get creative, and develop sexual interests and confidence,” explains Carol Queen, PhD, Good Vibrations staff sexologist and author of The Sex & Pleasure Book. Plus, genital nerve endings literally “developed to feel vibration,” she says—so vibrators can take your pleasure to the next level.

Anyone can enjoy vibrators, but they’re especially great for anyone who’s having trouble achieving orgasm during sex, explains Shamyra Howard, LCSW, a licensed sex therapist and Lovehoney sexologist. “Sex therapists often ‘prescribe’ the use of vibrators to assist people with exploring their sexuality,” she says. We tend to agree—sex toys can be both fun and deeply revealing about what exactly makes you feel good. Here’s everything you need to know before purchasing your first (or your 10th) vibrator.

What are the types of vibrators for women?

There are so, so many kinds of vibes out there, each tailored to specific body parts and erogenous zones. But there are four main groups you’ll encounter when you’re on the hunt for the best vibrators for women, Howard notes: bullet vibrators, wands, suction toys, and rabbits.

What are bullet vibrators?

“Bullet vibrators are always an excellent choice for beginners because they are small, mighty, and less intimidating than some other toys,” Howard says. They’re small (hence the name) and are best used externally on the clitoris and vulva, plus other sensitive areas like the nipples.

What are wand vibrators?

Wands are also external toys with soft, bulbous heads that are “especially great” at focusing on the same areas, Queen explains—and anywhere else you want a massage.

What are suction vibrators?

If you’re looking for something more intense, Howard notes, suction vibrators are a great option. They use pulses of air to massage the clitoris, mimicking the feeling of oral sex—and some are even combined with internal vibrators for extra pleasure.

What are rabbit vibrators?

Finally, rabbit vibrators offer dual stimulation with an internal shaft aimed at the G-spot and an external arm for the clit. There are so many more options to try, though, so keep an open mind.

What should you consider before buying a vibrator?

“There is a vibrator for every body,” Howard says. “The number one thing to consider before buying one is what kind of vibrator you like.” Once you decide which kind of stimulation you prefer—external, internal, or a bit of both—it’s time to pick a type of vibrator and start comparing shapes, sizes, and features.

Vibrator materials

Although most sex toys you encounter will be body-safe, it’s not a guarantee. Avoid all toys made with rubber, vinyl, and PVC, Howard warns. They’re porous—meaning they can trap moisture and bacteria—and might break down after being exposed to heat and moisture. (Nobody wants that, especially when you’re using them in sensitive areas.)