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“Hysteria” and the Strange History of Vibrators

“Sexual health is a really important factor in your overall health and wellbeing from a physical, mental, emotional and relational perspective,” says Zar. Open-air strokers are a godsend when it comes to breezy clean-up, and, much like its cousin the Fun Factory Manta, the Desire stroker is lightweight and a great travel-size toy. This 9.5-inch-long stoker, however, packs a whopping 20 functions and an angled stroking ring that makes it even easier to use for folks with limited range of motion or grip. Its hard to find something to complain about with this vibe, but we will say that though it can technically be used in the bath or shower, it’s only water-resistant, so you won’t want to submerge it in any water. Other than that, this is simply an elegant vibrator at an affordable price viberator, making it an ideal pick for vibrator users of all experience levels.

Some vibrators have forked ends that sit against either side of the clitoris, almost like a cradle or tuning fork, that are made specifically for people who like direct and intense vibration, Hodder says. Others have a scoop-like end that almost cups the clitoris for a “surround sound” type of stimulation. Some are textured with ridges or little nubs and others have thin, flexible fin-like extensions that flutter. The Vibrato has three buttons , which allow you to control each end of the toy separately. While I love that the vibrator’s dual motors can be operated independently, there is a learning curve to figuring out which buttons do what.

Below, we’ve assembled some of the best masturbators and penis toys, according to sex experts and educators. You’ll find high-quality, best-selling sex toys from brands like Tenga, Fleshlight, Fun Factory, Hot Octopuss, Arcwave, Lovehoney, and Lelo. While most discreet vibrators are compact in size, this one is fully disguised and functional as a chic statement necklace.

Clitoral suction stimulators are designed to replicate the sensation of oral sex, and this winning Womanizer toy is a top-tier option. Every product below has been tested by at least five people, who made sure it lived up to any claims made on the box. This included trying every speed setting, vibration type and any accompanying apps, as offered by toys like Lovense’s App-Controlled Love Egg Vibrator. Hard plastic and silicone toys are easiest to clean with anti-bacterial soap and cool or warm water.

While the world of sex toys can be overwhelming with endless options promising the moon and stars, every so often, a true game-changer comes along that actually delivers. Enter the Womanizer Enhance – the new clitoral stimulator that’s been generating serious buzz (pun absolutely intended) online. The new Enhance vibrator comes from Womanizer — a sex toy brand that has cultivated a devoted following for what reviewers describe as “unparalleled” pleasure experiences. Lastly, for wearable vibrators, choose models equipped with a remote control for added convenience and safety. Avoid relying solely on buttons located on the vibrator itself, as this may pose challenges in controlling stimulation during public play. A remote control allows for discreet adjustments and ensures easy access to settings without drawing attention.

A little butt stimulation feels incredible because of all the nerve endings packed in your anus, and vibrators can help get that buzz on. Sex toys are excellent for increasing intensity, adding variety to your play, and relaxing your body prior to anal sex. We consulted sex experts and educators to get their thoughts on the best anal vibrators (and how to choose one that’s right for you). Perfect for either solo or partnered play, our Le Wand winner is a great option if you want to enjoy intense orgasms through clitoral stimulation.

This cleverly conceived toy is made up of soft, heat-retaining stackable rings that can be placed on the base of the partner who is doing the penetrating; from there, simply adjust so you can control how deep your partner goes. Wyatt also points out that the rings can easily be added or removed to accommodate different positions so that pleasure takes center stage. Researching, discovering and shopping together is part of the fun — so grab your partner and read on to learn more about our top sex toy picks for couples, plus what you should be looking for before buying. As vibrators have become more mainstream, the types of products available have expanded.

Additionally, ensure the remote control has sufficient battery power before embarking on public play adventures. It can be submerged in water for a short period of time when cleaning the sex toy, according to the user guide. As with all silicone toys, only use either a water-based or oil-based lube, as silicone lube will degrade the material. Even if you’re not using it with a partner, I found the motors pleasantly stimulating enough to be worth occasionally breaking it out for solo play. While it’s not my favorite masturbation toy, it provides vibrations in a way that I don’t think most people with penises are accustomed to experiencing.

While it’s on the pricey side, it has 20 different vibration patterns and 10 intensity levels (that’s more than most other vibes on this list). Plus, five hours of run time on a single charge is pretty impressive. This rechargeable vibe is similar to the Magic Wand in lots of ways—with a powerful motor, large head, and intuitive buttons—but has a sleeker package. It “feels like a little bit of luxury,” Shadeen Francis, LMFT, an AASECT-certified sex therapist, tells SELF. If you’re impressed by a sex toy that has multiple functions, you’ll love the Satisfyer Partner Multifun 3, which Wyatt rates as one of her favorite choices for couples — especially those who want to get creative with sex play.

Vibrolator® ABU Ball Vibrator

Sam, the founder of a spicy audio membership club called Best Kept Secret, recommends the TENGA GEO Coral for men (or folks with penises) who want to be discreet and still have a good time. It has an oversized, flat tip that sits snugly against your G-spot, and unlike other internal vibrators, this one isn’t so big that you’ll have a hard time getting it in or out. If using lube, I do suggest a water-based lubricant to ensure everything slips in smoothly.

It’s both a clitoral and internal stimulator and is a source of “pleasure for both partners,” according to one tester. Grinding mimics the “humping” motion that many people learn to masturbate with (say, against a pillow), as well as the thrusting motions that people with penises do during penetrative sex. Toys elevate the sensation of grinding by adding vibration, texture vibrators, or other stimulating features. The noisy, room-shaking sex toys of years past have graduated to sleek, high-quality, and near-silent designs that don’t sacrifice power for discretion. From suction vibrators that are all about the clit, to precise G-spot vibrators, to backdoor action anal vibrators, there are a ton of whisper-quiet vibrators that get you there without waking up the whole house. Cue the Greek chorus, this is the ultimate trifecta of suction sex toys.

Other nice-to-haves include an intuitive button display, a travel lock, and a fully waterproof design (shower sex, anyone?). “If you’re looking for a versatile vibe that can be used on almost all body parts, the Tango X is the ideal option,” according to O’Reilly. It has seven vibration modes, eight intensity levels, and is super easy to use.

Fast-forward to the 1950s , when one company began marketing the Vibra Finger “Gum Massager” (uh-huh). Featuring a “full-size” finger attached to an electric base, the massager was dentist approved. The money-back guarantee is nice, but we have a feeling no one ever took advantage of it.

But for the purposes of this article, let’s assume you just want to incorporate some basic balls-based pleasure into sex or masturbation and don’t know where to start. “With the balls being so intimidating, I find that simpler is better,” Zizelman points out. There’s a surprising number of toys that work well for precisely that purpose. While we love this surprisingly rumbly bullet all on its own, in this nifty set it’s packaged with two attachments that can turn it into either a vibrating cock ring or an ergonomic finger vibe. The kit gives you a lot of options for the price, especially since you can use this toy in so many varying ways.

It’s an especially travel-friendly vibe, too, due to its compact size, its convenient travel-lock function, and the storage case it comes with. While vibrators have historically been—and remain—one of the best sex toys for women, men can also benefit—whether by taking the controls, or getting some prostate or perineum stimulation. Vibrators are also 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. An orgasm isn’t a cure, but a vibrator might be just the thing to push you over the edge and at least put a smile on your face. We tested the Zalo Bess as an alternative to the Zumio S. Like the Zumio S, the Zalo Bess has a narrow tip for precise stimulation.

It’s not as powerful as any of the other vibrators, although bullets rarely are. Both arms vibrate to four speeds and six patterns, although the outer arm has decidedly more oomph that the inner arm. Still, this little toy buzzes against your G-spot, your clitoris, and your partner’s penis, giving them a pleasurable sensation as they thrust. And those vibrations are the deep, rumbly kind instead of the topical buzzing that a lot of vibrators have, which is great for penetrative use. If you like the idea of a thrusting G-spot vibrator but want to get in on some of that clitoral action, too, then this is the sex toy for you. It features a self-thrusting head that engages the G-spot, while a swirling clitoral vibrator delivers intense pleasure to the clit.