Vibrators 101: The Beginner’s Guide to Personal Massagers

You want to try a new sex toy, and someone told you to get a vibrator. You went online and searched “buy a new vibrator,” thinking it would be easy.

The next thing you knew, you were inundated by an avalanche of vibrating dongs, rabbits, wands, and other rumbly toys you’d never heard of.

The days of buying a simple, AA-battery-operated vibrator are long gone. But that’s not a bad thing.

Today, there are hundreds of different vibrators to choose from, each with its own special pleasure powers. The only problem? It can be hard to find the one that’s right for your body and your pleasure.

That’s what this guide is for.

We’ll give you a quick look at all the most popular types of vibrators today, from simple bullets to techy sonic vibrators.

You’ll learn how they work and which pleasure zones they target so you can choose the right one for your needs.

We’ll also recommend some of the best overall vibrators according to our experts and online reviews.

By the end of this beginner’s guide to vibrators, you’ll know exactly which vibrator to choose.

Note: This guide focuses on vibrators for vulvas/vaginas (though it includes a few penis-friendly couple’s vibrators too).

If you’ve got a penis and you’re looking for male vibrators, vibrating cock rings, prostate massagers, and vibrating strokers, you’ll find loads in our Sex Toy Gift Guide for Men.

Vibrator Basics (in 30 Seconds)

Who’s got time to become a vibrator savant? Do less reading and more vibrating with this quick 30-second guide for beginners.

👉 Vibrators are electronic sex toys that stimulate your erogenous zones with vibrating sensations. Most vibrators are made for people with vulvas.

👉 There are dozens of different kinds of vibrators and thousands of different vibrator products to choose from.

👉 There are vibrators for clitoral stimulation, G-spot play, full penetration, and anal play. Some vibrators, such as rabbit vibrators, pleasure multiple zones at once!

👉 Vibrators produce different types of vibrations. Most produce buzzy vibes, but wands have rumbly vibes, air suction toys stimulate with pulses of air, and sonic vibrators use sound waves.

👉 Vibrators are totally safe when used and cleaned properly.

👉 Vibrators are fun to use alone or with a partner. In fact, couples vibrators are among the most popular sex toys.

👉 The best type of vibrator for a beginner is a bullet vibrator. We recommend the VeDO Boom. 

👉 Always use a water-based sex lube with your vibrator, especially if you’re using it for penetration.

Keep reading if you want to learn more about the different kinds of vibrators and how each one pushes your pleasure buttons.

What is a Vibrator?

Let’s start with the basics. What is a vibrator, anyway?

Simply put, a vibrator is a sex toy that vibrates. It contains a small motor that’s powered by a battery. When you turn it on, it comes to life like an electric toothbrush.

Today, most vibrators are powered by a rechargeable battery, like your phone.

When you place the vibrator against your sensitive parts, it stimulates them much more than a finger or a normal toy could. This makes it easier to have an orgasm.

Most vibrators have buttons that allow you to change their settings. You can choose the intensity of the vibes, the pattern, and sometimes even the temperature of the vibrator.

This makes it easy to find the perfect level of intensity for your body.

Generally, higher-end vibrators have more settings and features, including a greater range of vibration intensity. So, if you’re extra sensitive, you may want to choose a premium vibrator (we like the Fun Factory Sundaze).

If you’ve had trouble climaxing in the past, you have to try a vibrator. I’ve known women who hadn’t had an orgasm in years. When they found the right vibrator, it took minutes.

With some toys (such as wand massagers), you barely need to move at all. Just rest the vibrator on your clit and let it do the work.

This is a lot easier than giving your fingers and wrist a workout, and climaxing is much more enjoyable when you don’t have to do all the work yourself.

Top Vibrators to Try Now

Ready to try a vibrator? You’ll learn more about each type of vibrator later. But if you’re ready to browse now, these are our top picks.

My colleagues and I tested all of these toys (we’ve worked with sex toys for years), and I scoured online reviews to see what others had to say.

All of the following vibrators are produced by trusted brands whose products undergo intense testing for safety.

If you want a vibrator to keep you safe and curl your toes as they’ve never been curled before, choose one from this list.

👉 The Best Beginner Vibrator VeDO Boom Bullet Vibrator	VeDO Boom Rechargeable Warming Bullet Vibrator - Turquoise $49.99 $54.99 VeDO Boom Rechargeable Warming Bullet Vibrator: A Symphony of Pleasure in Your Hands! Introducing the VeDO Boom – not just a sex toy, but a sensation that's about to rock your world! This turquoise powerhouse is not your average bullet… Read More View Product
👉 The Best Bullet Vibrator LELO Mia 2	LELO Mia 2 Bullet Vibrator - Pink $89.00 As classic as the little black dress... Mia 2 is the amazing new version of LELO's iconic USB-rechargeable lipstick vibe. Now fully waterproof with 100% more vibration strength than before, Mia 2 gives simple control over 6 thrilling vibration patterns.… Read More View Product
👉 The Best Wand Massager Magic Wand Rechargeable	Magic Wand Rechargeable HV-270 Personal Massager $129.95 $189.95 Magic Wand Rechargeable Vibrator Say hello to the Magic Wand Rechargeable Vibrator, your new best friend in the bedroom! 🎉🔥 For over 30 years, this powerhouse has been delivering mind-blowing, toe-curling vibrations that will leave you breathless. And now, with… Read More View Product
👉 The Best Vibrating Dildo Naughty Bits ‘Ombré Hombre’	Naughty Bits 'Ombré Hombre' Vibrating Dildo $98.99 Naughty Bits 'Ombré Hombre' Vibrating Dildo The Naughty Bits™ Ombré Hombre™ Vibrating Dildo is a soft, life-like dong with a sparkling glitter finish and 10 intense functions of vibration that will make you shine inside and out. The real-feel dong… Read More View Product
👉 The Best Air Suction Massager Satisfyer Pro 2	Satisfyer Pro 2 Air Pulse Clitoral Stimulator $49.99 $59.95 Satisfyer Pro 2 Air Pulse Stimulator You know you want it. The Satisfyer Pro 2 is a new style of clitoral stimulator. We call it "air suction" because it doesn't actually touch the clitoris!  Stimulates the clitoris using intense pressure… Read More View Product
👉 The Best Sonic Vibrator LELO Sona 2	LELO SONA 2 Cruise Sonic Clitoral Massager - Cerise $149.00 LELO SONA 2 Cruise SONA 2 Cruise is a pleasure toy that combines all the best features of LELO's technology, innovation, and pleasure-making. This is a sonic massager that stimulates 75% more of the user's clitoris and not only on… Read More View Product
👉 The Best G-spot Vibrator Hot Octopuss Kurve	Hot Octopuss Kurve - G-Spot Vibrator $99.00 The mystery of the G-spot is solved! KURVE features Hot Octopuss patented dual-motor Treble and Bass technology, offering the ultimate in user customization. Boasting a soft gel tip that provides a broad surface area and ergonomic contours that ensure the right kind… Read More View Product
👉 The Best Rabbit Vibrator Fun Factory ‘Miss Bi’	Fun Factory 'Miss Bi' Rabbit Waterproof Vibrator - Grape $149.99 Miss Bi Rabbit Vibrator This is Fun Factory's first rabbit-style vibe with dual motors and 49 different vibration combinations. FORTY-NINE. It even has a memory holder to save your favorite combination... this thing is HIGH END. Both the thick shaft and the clitoral… Read More View Product
👉 The Best Couples Vibrator Satisfyer Endless Love	Satisfyer 'Endless Love' Couples Multi-Use Vibrator $49.99 $54.95 "Endless Love" Couples Vibrator While they were busy designing their brand new Endless Love vibe, the geniuses at Satisfyer were also hard at work dreaming up fourteen different ways it could take you (and a partner) to orgasm heaven. Fourteen… Read More View Product
👉 The Best Anal Vibrator VeDO Bump	VeDO Bump Waterproof Anal Vibrator $43.99 $49.99 VeDO Bump Anal Vibrator (Purple) Ever wondered how to take your pleasure to the next level? Look no further because the VeDO Bump Anal Vibrator in Purple is here to bump up your bum game with its powerful vibrations and… Read More View Product

There are way more vibrators to choose from than just those above. The vibrators above were chosen for their overall quality and their appeal to beginners.

If you’re looking for something a bit friskier, you can check out Condomania’s entire selection of vibrators here.

Types of Vibrators

Every woman’s body is a little different, and we all react to stimulation in our own ways. Some can only finish from clitoral stimulation, while others love penetration.

Because of this, there are a lot of different kinds of vibrators to choose from. Each one offers a different type of pleasure and stimulation. If you hate one, you might love another.

This makes it tough to choose a vibrator. But if you know what sort of stimulation you enjoy, your vibrator voyage will be a lot smoother.

Below, we’ll cover the different types of vibrators and explain the pleasure zones they target.

Bullet Vibrators

Bullet vibrators are mini-vibrators used for clit stimulation. They’re about the size of a lipstick, and they’re shaped like a bullet (hence the name).

Thanks to their size, bullets are affordable, discreet, and portable. They’re super easy to use and clean. There’s no learning curve here. Just click it on and touch yourself wherever it feels good.

Just because bullets are simple doesn’t mean they offer a sub-par trip to pleasuretown. If you’re into clit stimulation, a bullet may be all you need.

A premium bullet, such as the LELO Mia 2, offers lots of variation in its vibration intensity, giving you maximum control over where and how you feel its vibes.

Simple bullets, like the Femme Fun FFIX, are fun too. And they cost less than a pizza delivery.

For these reasons, bullet vibrators are our #1 recommendation for your first vibrator.

Wand Massagers

Wand massagers are another type of clit vibrator. Instead of delivering buzzy vibrations like a bullet vibrator, wand massagers rock you with rumbley vibes.

Wands look less like something from Harry Potter and more like a mini baseball bat with a bulbous bobblehead on the end. To use a wand, you rest its rumbly head against your clit and vulva.

With its large vibrating head, wands send vibes over a wide surface area. Bullets, on the other hand, deliver pinpoint vibrations to a precise location.

Wands, thanks to their large size and motor, can also ramp up the intensity way more than bullets. Many women who prefer clit stimulation consider wands to be the best vibrators.

Wands are quite big—sometimes over a foot long and weighing over a pound. But this isn’t necessarily a drawback (unless you’re traveling).

Thanks to the wand’s size, you can sit on it, grind on it, or rest it on your clit and enjoy hands-free fun. You can’t do that with other vibrators.

Personally, I think every woman should try a wand once. I know many women who didn’t really get the appeal of sex toys until they tried one.

Wands can be a bit pricey, but if you’re looking for an affordable starter wand, I recommend the Magic Wand Mini.

Vibrating Dildos

Vibrating dildos are the closest thing to a classic vibrator on this list. It’s essentially a big fake dong that vibrates.

Vibrating dildos often look like penises, complete with veins and balls. Many are made with skin-like material and feel realistic too.

So, if you like dick, a dildo might be for you. Dildos are also popular among women who like the feeling of being full during penetration.

When it comes to sensation, vibrating dildos can be less intense than the other options on this list.

This is especially true of realistic dildos because the vibes need to travel through a thick skin-like or silicone material before they reach your body.

Some women like the lower intensity, but others feel as if they're lacking something.

The Naughty Bits ‘Ombré Hombre’ is an ideal starter vibrating dildo. It’s only about 5.5 inches long, so it won’t give you nightmares. It’s super soft and flexy, and it has a suction cup for hands-free fun (especially in the shower).

Air Suction Massagers

Air suction toys are included in the vibrator category, but technically, they aren’t vibrators at all. They use air pulses to stimulate the clitoris without actually touching it.

Air pulse vibrators can deliver incredibly intense pleasure without any discomfort or overstimulation of direct contact. If you’re extra sensitive down there, an air suction massager might be for you.

I also recommend air suction massagers to women who have trouble climaxing or who haven’t ever had an orgasm. These toys are known for unlocking new realms of sensation.

I’ve met women who had given up on their pleasure and rediscovered themselves thanks to these toys.

So what do they feel like? Air suction massagers surround the clit, stimulating it with air pulses from all sides. This feels a little like gentle suction, which is why they’re called “suction” massagers.

The best air suction massager to start with is the Satisfyer Pro 2. It’s one of the most famous vibrators of all time, and it’s incredibly affordable. If you’re looking for a premium air-suction toy, I’d go with the LELO Sila.

Sonic Vibrators

Like air suction massagers, sonic vibrators tantalize with intense clitoral stimulation without ever touching your clit. Instead of air pulses, sonic vibrators use sound waves.

Sonic vibrators are an upgrade from air pulse stimulators, in my opinion.

While air suction massagers use air to create a sucking sensation on the exterior of your clit, sonic vibrators penetrate you with vibes. It almost feels like your clit is vibrating from the inside out.

These vibrations are smoother than the motor-driven vibrations from a bullet or wand. You can also adjust sound waves with much more nuance.

Not everyone loves this level of stimulation, but if you like air-suction massagers, you’ll probably love sonic vibrators.

Due to the high cost of sonic vibrators, I recommend trying the Satisfyer Pro 2 air suction massager first as a gateway toy. If you like it, upgrade to the LELO Sona 2.

G-Spot Vibrators

For G-spot stimulation, many women go straight for a rabbit vibrator (see the next section). But others find dual stimulation of the clit and G-spot too intense.

For those ladies, there are G-spot vibrators. These vibrators are shaft-shaped with a bulbous head. They typically have a curve, which helps you apply pressure to the G-spot during penetration.

Many G-spot vibrators are similar to vibrating dildos and offer the same penetrating possibilities.

The main differences are the curved shape and the fact that they don’t look like penises (sans veins, balls, and all that junk). The Hot Octopuss Kurve is a good example, and it happens to be my favorite G-spot vibrator.

Others are not meant for deep penetration, such as the LELO Elise 2. Women who want to keep their focus on the G-spot often prefer these.

Rabbit Vibrators

Rabbit vibrators are the only dual-stimulating toys on this list. They stimulate both the clit and G-spot at the same time to grant you the queen of all orgasms—the blended orgasm.

If you like rubbing your clit while being penetrated, this might be the right toy for you.

Rabbits have two vibrating arms and two motors. The long arm is meant for penetration, and the short armrests on your clit. Sometimes, the short arm has two little rabbit ears that sit on either side of the clit.

Rabbits come in lots of different shapes and sizes, and prices range from affordable to luxe. Just like real rabbits, they’ve multiplied like crazy in a short amount of time.

It would be impossible to cover all the aspects of the rabbit here, which is why I wrote a separate guide covering rabbit vibrators exclusively.

If you’re keen on a rabbit, check out our 101 Guide to Rabbit Vibrators here.

Couples Vibrators

When you use your vibrator with a partner, your potential for pleasure increases exponentially. Couples vibrators are versatile vibrators that can stimulate a penis and a vagina, often at the same time.

Some couples' vibrators are worn by the penis-haver, such as the Hot Octopuss Duo Luxe. Others are worn by the vulva-haver, such as the We-Vibe Sync 2. Both add vibrations to foreplay and PiV sex.

Other couples' vibrators are more versatile, like the Satisfyer Endless Love. It can be worn like a cock ring during sex or used like a bullet during solo play.

I always recommend this couples vibrator first because it’s so easy to use (and for its attractive price tag).

Anal Vibrators

Why did we include anal vibrators on this list? Because you should get separate vibrators for butt stuff and vulva play. You don’t want to risk getting any butt bacteria where it shouldn’t be.

There’s also a risk of vaginal vibrators (especially bullets) getting swallowed up back there—earning you a trip to the ER for a very embarrassing extraction.

So, if you’re getting a vibrator primarily for vaginal stimulation but also want to explore the back door, make sure to double down and get an anal vibrator.

Anal vibrators have large bases to prevent them from disappearing in your butt. They are also tapered for more comfortable insertion.

For beginners, I recommend the VeDO Bump. It’s the right size and shape for a starter, but it has strong enough vibrations to ensure it’s a favorite for the long haul.

If you’ve never engaged in anal play before, you might want to start with a non-vibrating butt plug or an anal trainer kit.

To learn more about butt play basics, check out our 101 Guide to Anal Sex (it covers anal toys too).

How to Choose a Vibrator That’s Right for You

We just covered a BUNCH of different vibrators. How are you supposed to choose just one? Finding the right vibrator is all about knowing your body.

If you understand the type of pleasure you like, it’s going to be much easier to choose a vibrator.

Start by asking yourself where you like being touched. Do you prefer stimulation on your clit or inside your vagina?

Do you like the feeling of being fully penetrated, or do you like pressure on the G-spot? Or, maybe you like multiple types of stimulation at once?

If you’re not sure, take some time to find out. Have a glass of wine and do a bit of exploring. Be mindful of where you touch yourself and how you feel. If you touch an area that feels extra nice, make a mental note of it.

Once you’ve got an idea of what you like, use the following table to choose a toy:

How to Shop for a Vibrator

Choosing where you buy your vibrator is a big deal. Sex toys are not regulated, so there’s a lot of variation when it comes to quality and safety.

For example, you should never buy a sex toy from a convenience store or a gift shop. And you shouldn’t buy them from auction sites or private sellers.

If a sex toy seems too cheap to be true, it probably is. And if it doesn’t have a brand name, it’s a red flag.

Many globally recognized sex toy manufacturers produce medically tested, mind-meltingly orgasmic toys.

They might be more expensive than the cheap knock-offs, but quality matters when you’re sticking something in your most sensitive spaces.

These trusted manufacturers are the only brands we work with at Condomania. Condomania has been in the sex toy business for over 30 years.

We are actually America’s first-ever condom store (we opened our doors in NYC in 1991—today, we operate fully online).

We’ve worked with many of the best sex toy brands for decades, and we know which ones are legit.

So, when it comes time to shop for a vibrator, visit Condomania first. We make it easy to choose a premium-quality, safe toy because that’s the only kind we sell.

If you don’t buy from us, shop at a trusted retailer with a solid track record. If possible, contact their customer service team before you buy to ensure that humans actually work there and care about customer safety.

Or, if you have a particular vibrator in mind, buy directly from the manufacturer.

Vibrator FAQs

We know you can’t get enough of our vibrator buzz. Here are more answers to your deepest vibrator questions

Are vibrators safe? 

Yes, vibrators are completely safe when used properly.

Always use your vibrator in the way it was intended. Don’t use it on body parts it wasn’t made for. For example, don’t use a bullet vibrator for anal stimulation (you might lose the vibrator in your butt).

Cleaning your vibrator is the most important safety factor. A dirty toy welcomes bacteria and mold, which can give you an infection.

Clean your toy thoroughly before and after use. You can find your toy’s cleaning instructions in its packaging. It’s a good idea to invest in a sex toy cleaner —it makes clean-up much easier.

It’s also important to use the right lube with your toys. Most vibrators are made with silicone, and you can’t use silicone sex lube with silicone toys.

Silicone lube degrades silicone material, which can result in microtears and pores where bacteria thrive. To play it safe, only use water-based lube with your vibrator.

All vibrators are a little bit different, so remember to read the instructions that come with your vibrator for any additional warnings or safety hazards.

What is the best vibrator?

There is no single best vibrator for all women because every woman is different. Some women swear by air-suction vibrators for clitoral stimulation.

Others prefer vibrating dildos for penetration. When considering overall sales, rabbit vibrators are among the most popular. But that doesn’t necessarily mean a rabbit is right for you.

My personal go-to vibrator is the LELO Sila air suction massager. I’ve been using it for over a year, and I’m still in love with it. But many of my friends and colleagues prefer different vibrators.

If you’re looking for the best vibrator in each vibrator category, we’ve got a pretty comprehensive list in the article above. If you’re a beginner, the best toy to start with is a bullet vibrator.

We recommend the VeDO Boom.

How do you clean a vibrator?

To disinfect your vibrator, wipe it down gently with lukewarm water and mild soap. You can use the same soap you use on your body.

Or, you may want to use a sex toy cleaner spray to avoid getting too much liquid on your vibrator, especially if it has exposed charging ports.

Before cleaning your vibrator, check the cleaning instructions included with your toy. There are many different kinds of vibrators, and all of them have different cleaning instructions.

Remember that vibrators contain electronic parts. Sometimes, you need to remove those parts before cleaning.

Are vibrators illegal?

Vibrators are legal in the USA and most other countries. But you should do your research before traveling with your vibrator.

Sex toys, including vibrators, are still illegal in some places. Muslim-majority nations tend to have strict laws regarding sex toys.

Popular South East Asian vacation destinations like Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia have also banned sex toys.

Do vibrators affect your sex life?

There’s an urban legend that using a vibrator can desensitize your clitoris or vagina and make sex less enjoyable. There is no evidence of this.

Even if you use a vibrator every day, you’ll still feel just as much sensitivity and pleasure during sex.

In fact, using a vibrator is a great way to learn more about your body and the type of stimulation you prefer. This can actually boost your enjoyment of sex with a partner.

Can you use a vibrator while pregnant?

Yes, if your pregnancy is low-risk, it’s safe to use a vibrator externally and internally. If there are any complications with your pregnancy, ask a doctor before using a vibrator.