The Best Vibrators We Tested in 2024
Though it’s no secret that the best vibrators can help you explore your own pleasure, choosing from the seemingly countless options can be, put simply, overwhelming. Do you start with a basic clit-targeting bullet? A wand for internal stimulation? A rabbit for a little bit of both? We tapped Glamour’s discerning editors and reviewers, who, combined, have tested and rated (check out our rating rubric below) more than 100 vibrators, plus certified sex experts, to help you pick the right vibe for youâwhether you intend to use it solo, with a partner(s), or both. And while (spoiler!) most agreed that the Lelo Sona Cruise was the best clitoral vibrator overall, there’s something that’ll please everyone on this list, regardless of your experience level.
Your questions about vibrators, answered:What type of vibrator is right for you?
Picking your vibe comes down to what feels good to you, but here are some things to consider:
Into the sensation of fingering? Try a finger vibrator that gently rubs the clit.Canât get enough of someone going down on you? A suction toy (a.k.a. an air-pulse toy or clit sucker) pumps air across the clit to mimic the feeling of oral sex, and that air feels fab puffed against the nipples and penis too.Chasing an internal O? There are G-spot vibrators for internal use and rabbit vibrators that hit that spot and massage the clit at the same time.Want to pleasure the penis? Vibrating cock rings fit around the shaft and send rumbly vibes all along the penis, and can feel fantastic against the clit.Just want a massage? Invest in a wand vibrator that can powerfully knead.You should read the toy’s instructions firstâand then experiment. Really, how you use the vibrator varies from body part to body part. Areas to try:
On the vulva and clitoris: All vibrators can be pressed (or hovered, in the case of some suction vibrators) against the clit for external stimulation. We recommend first lightly moving the vibe around the vulva, paying attention to how it feels on the labia, before moving to the clit itself. Wand vibrators are notably quite intense, so you might want to keep your underwear on to start or use some fabric like a blanket to cushion its effect.Inside the vagina: If you have a G-spot vibrator that can be used internally, start by teasing yourself externally with it, and then slowly slipping it inside. You’ll want to use lubeâan essential for comfort (see below).On the penis: Any vibrator (save maybe the aforementioned wickedly powerful wand vibe) might feel good gently teasing the penis and along the shaft.On (and/or inside) the anus. Buzz that vibrator against your butt and see how that feels. Some anal vibrators can actually be used up the butt too, but they must have a flared base to keep them from getting stuck.On the nipples, neck, wrist, and other erogenous zones: Get creative. Vibrators help you figure out what feels good and what doesn’t, whether you’re using them for masturbation or with someone else.Tips for trying a vibrator for the first time
Bullet vibrators and finger vibrators are great beginner sex toys, since they’re discreet, usually have limited features, and can easily be used by anyone externally.
When you’re ready to test your toy, you might want to set the mood. Pick a comfortable, quiet place like your bedroom, lower the lights, and queue up a sultry playlist. Whatever lets you focus and get in the zone. Start by turning on the vibe to its lowest setting and trailing it across your erogenous zones (nipples and neck, for example) and then down your body. It can also feel pleasurable stroked against the penis and anus.
If you have a vulva, start by lightly pressing on the hood of the clit with the vibrator, and then circling it and rolling the shaft back and forth while upping the toy’s pressure and intensity. As you reach your highest levels of arousal and hardness, the clit can become super sensitive, so you may want to lessen the pressure, Nan Wise, PhD, a neuroscientist, professor, and certified sex therapist, tells Glamour. She recommends pairing your toy with lube, which can make your experience more comfortable overall.
Tips for talking with a partner(s) about using a vibrator together
When opening up a conversation about using a vibrator with a partner for the first time, start in a playful way. Some people may have hesitant or even negative reactions to sex toys based on their own experiences. You can frame it as if you’re taking on a new hobby. You might emphasize that vibrators can open you up to different sensations, fantasies, and positions. They are not a stand-in for another personâthey simply enhance your time together, let you get to know each other better, and have some fun. When you do incorporate a sex toy, be considerate and take things slowly.
Can you use a vibrator while pregnant?
Yes! You can certainly use a vibrator while pregnant, but be sure that you’re diligent about cleaning your toys, as hygiene is extremely important, especially during this time. âAbsolutely no switching a toy from anal to vaginal,â Carol Queen, PhD, a staff expert at Good Vibes, saysânot that you ever should. Youâre likely fine to use most sex toys internally, but avoid deep thrusting and hitting the cervix. And of course, itâs always wise to talk to your ob-gyn and to get specific with your questions (i.e., if your doc tells you not to have sex, Dr. Queen suggests asking, âDoes that mean no orgasm? No intercourse? And how long into the gestational period is this advice intended to last?â).
Whatâs the best lube for sex toys?
Water-based lube: This kind of lube is the only option that pairs well with everything (such as silicone sex toys, latex condoms, and skin), says Dr. Queen. Itâs easy to rinse off and less likely to stain fabric. It does dry out more quickly than other types, requiring more frequent reapplication and rewetting.Silicone-based lube: These luxe lubes are silky smooth, long-lasting, and excellent for shower sex since they donât wash off with water alone, says Justin Lehmiller, PhD, a research fellow at the Kinsey Institute. They also combat vaginal dryness. They should not, however, be used with silicone sex toys or silicone prelubricated condoms, which can break down over time.Oil-based lube: There are many oil-based lubes, like coconut oil. Dr. Queen recommends sticking to plant-based oils and avoiding petroleum jelly, mineral oil, and baby oil. Though all oils pair with silicone sex toys, they degrade latex condoms and rubber sex toys, and petroleum-based products have not been formulated for use inside the body.What are the best vibrator materials and features?
Material: Since there are no federal regulations on sex toys, be sure youâre going with a body-safe silicone or ABS plastic, which wonât trap bacteria or moisture inside, says Amber Mallery, MPH, a certified sex educator and community manager at Bijoux Indiscrets. Stainless steel and high-quality glass are also safe.
USB-rechargeable vs. battery-operated vibrators: A USB-rechargeable option is the most convenient because all youâll need is the cord and youâre good to go. However, battery-operated sex toys are often cheaper (like the $13 Unbound Zip, which Amanda Chatel, sex writer and Glamour tester, loves), so they can be a good choice for beginners.
Cost: Vibrators can run from $10 to $200, but more money doesn’t necessarily mean better. The cheaper toys usually have less power and pattern settings, which can be a plus if you want to solely focus on one sensation. Looking for more power and sensation? Opt for a higher-end pick.
Warranty: If youâre spending a pretty penny on a vibrator, make sure it has a warranty, because you canât usually return them. For example, Womanizer has a five-year warranty on all their products, and Lelo has a two-year warranty. These are important factors to consider because you never know if your vibe is going to malfunction.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, sex toys can become breeding grounds for bacteriaâleading to the spread of infections and even STIs, Monica Grover, DO, MS, a board-certified gynecologist at VSpot Sexual Health Spa, tells Glamour. âThey should be cleaned before and after each use, even if you havenât used them in a while,â she says.
Studies show that the easiest sex toys to clean and disinfect are made of nonporous materials like medical-grade silicone, borosilicate glass, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic, and hypoallergenic metals (stainless steel and titanium).
Though many companies make sex-toy cleaners, you can usually use what you have on hand. To clean a nonporous sex toy that does not have a motor, Dr. Grover recommends boiling it in hot water for a few minutes, then wiping it with mild soap and letting it air-dry. If your toy has a motor or battery, skip the boiling, rinse it with warm water, wipe it down with mild soap, and air-dry.
How we tested the vibrators
Glamour reviewers and experts tested and rated more than 100 vibrators combined in four main categories, on a scale of 1 to 5: value (how fair the price is for its features and results); battery life (how long its charge last versus the length of time the product advertisesâand whether that length is over at least an hour); ease of use (how intuitive the toy was to use, comfortable to hold, and whether it included features like app-controllability and last-used setting memory); and intensity (did the toy offer a wide spectrum of sensations, from gentle to powerful? Did it maintain intensity?). We tallied up these scores to assemble our list of the best vibrators.
Carol Queen, PhD, staff expert at Good VibesAmber Mallery, MPH, certified sexuality educatorMonica Grover, DO, MS, board-certified gynecologist at VSpot Sexual Health SpaJustin Lehmiller, PhD, research fellow at the Kinsey InstituteJess OâReilly, PhD, Toronto-based sexologist and authorNan Wise, PhD, a neuroscientist, professor, and certified sex therapistShamyra Howard, LCSW, licensed sex therapist and sex expert for LovehoneyMicki Allen, sexual health and pleasure educatorSuzannah Weiss, certified sex educator and Glamour testerAmanda Chatel, sex writer and Glamour tester
