how to use a wand vibrator

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Buying a vibrator can be a daunting task. These days, there are so many different categories to choose from – G-spot, bullet, combination and the best for couples, to name a few – so it's understandable if you feel a bit overwhelmed.

Whether investing in your first-ever sex toy or trying something new, we've put together top tips on what to consider in order to make the right choice for your needs. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about vibrators...

The vibrators in our guide have been tested at the Good Housekeeping Institute using a panel of just under 1,000 women. Our testers revealed their thoughts on 95 vibrators, covering everything from which ones provide stronger, faster and better orgasms to which ones are most pleasurable to use.

The top 4 vibrators

Best vibrator for couples

Svakom Elva Rechargeable Remote Control Love Egg Vibrator

Score: 86/100

This is our favourite vibrator across all categories. Our panel loved the remote control, giving your partner the chance to join in and adjust the settings. It's a strong performer - 89% of the testers achieved a more intense orgasm - so it's a brilliant investment for couples. It even comes with an intelligent mode that imitates sex from foreplay to orgasm, meaning you needn't have to worry about changing the settings at all.

Best bullet Vibrator

Ann Summers Moregasm+ Rabbit Ears

Score: 86/100

Results were impressive across the board for our winning bullet vibrator. The entire panel praised it for being discreet in appearance and much better looking than they'd expected. In use, 88% of our panel said it led them to a more intense orgasm faster. However, 26% of testers said that the vibrator wasn't quiet in use. On the plus side, all testers found it pleasurable to use and 75% said they'd recommend it to a friend.

Best G-Spot Vibrator

Fifty Shades Freed Deep Inside Rechargeable Classic Wave Vibrator

Score: 85/100

This vibrator proved just the right size and shape for 88% of our testers, and while its appearance could be more discreet, it scored high marks for its performance. In fact, 86% of or testers found that it helped them to achieve a more intense orgasm, and every tester found it pleasurable to use. As a result, it rated an impressive average of 9.3/10 for overall satisfaction.

Best Rabbit Vibrator

We-Vibe Nova Rechargeable App Controlled G-Spot Rabbit Vibrator

Score: 84/100

This unique vibrator can be controlled by the We-Connect app to adjust and customise the power from any location. It's an ideal investment for long-distance couples. You can even save custom sequences to use again later. While it's not the most discreet in appearance, 89% of our testers found this vibrator easy to operate and quiet in use. It also scored an average of 8.6/10 for overall satisfaction, so it'll be a welcome addition to the bedroom.

What is the best kind of vibrator?

Many women struggle to talk about vibrators, let alone discuss which ones to try - that's where we come in. And don't worry, once you've got your head around what's on offer, what each type is for and how to use them, a world of pleasure awaits.

As sex toys can be designed for either internal or external use (or both), your first port of call is to decide how you want to use it. Make your decision based on how you stimulate yourself or what brings you to orgasm when your partner touches you. This will help you find the best vibrator for your needs.

If you tend to reach orgasm by stimulating the clitoris, opt for an external toy. Or do you prefer fingertip touch? Then choose a bullet or a vibrator with a tapered tip. If you prefer the broader contact of a couple of fingers, give a magic wand a go – or if penetration is what brings you to climax, choose a toy designed for internal use.

If you're not sure, or are stimulated by both clitoral touch and vaginal penetration, then choose a rabbit or combination vibrator that can stimulate both areas at the same time.

Bullet/clitoral vibrators

If clitoral contact works best for you – as it does for 61% of our panel – then opt for a clitoral vibrator. These come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from discreet bullets that mimic fingertip touch and are great for first-timers to wider-based magic wands that tend to be more powerful and have a longer-lasting battery.

The top 3 bullet vibrators

BEST BULLET VIBRATOR

Moregasm+ Rabbit Ears

Ann Summers annsummers.com

£50.00

Score: 86/100

This is our winning clitoral vibrator, and it scored results that were impressive across the board. All testers praised it for being discreet and better looking than they'd expected. In use, 88% of our panel said that it helped them to achieve a more intense orgasm, and the same 88% said that these orgasms were achieved quicker than usual. Only 26% of testers said the vibrator wasn't quiet in use. And all testers found it pleasurable to use and 75% said they'd recommend it to a friend.

Runner-up bullet vibrator

Moregasm+ Bullet

Ann Summers annsummers.com

£45.00

Score: 85/100

Small and compact, 90% of our testers liked this vibrator's discreet appearance. All testers felt that it had a good range of speeds and vibration options, and all testers also praised it for being comfortable to use thanks to the buttery soft silicone. We saw brilliant results for performance with all of our testers praising it for its effectiveness and the fact that it helped all testers achieve a more intense orgasm. All our testers even said that they felt more sexually satisfied after using this vibrator.

Best bullet vibrator for suction

Premium Rechargeable Smart Silence Clitoral Stimulator

Womanizer lovehoney.co.uk

£169.99

Score: 84/100

This vibrator went down very well with our testers, with 90% of them saying that they feel more sexually satisfied as a result of using it. It's an undeniably luxurious looking vibrator, and all of our testers praised it for being more attractive than they expected and 90% felt it was also discreet in appearance. All the testers found it comfortable to use and every tester also said it helped them to achieve a more intense orgasm. As a result, it scored an impressive 8.6/10 for overall satisfaction.

G-spot/vaginal vibrators

Some women find penetrative sex the easiest way to orgasm or get the most pleasure. The vaginal vibrator category offers a wide variety of products here, all designed for internal use.

The classic vaginal vibrator has a curved tip, offering easier G-spot stimulation. Others are ribbed along the shaft, which allows the raised ridges to pass over the G-spot. Some come in the form of a fully insertable egg, the tip of which sits right on the G-spot.

The top 3 G-spot vibrators

BEST G-SPOT VIBRATOR

Fifty Shades Freed Deep Inside Rechargeable Classic Wave Vibrator

Score: 85/100

This vibrator was just the right size and shape for 88% of our testers, and while its appearance could be more discreet, this vibrator scored high marks for its performance. 86% of or testers found that it helped them to achieve a more intense orgasm, and every tester found it pleasurable to use. As a result, it rated an impressive average of 9.3/10 for overall satisfaction.

Runner-up G-spot vibrator

Ricky's Ultimate Wand Massager Vibrator

Score: 84/100

This two-in-one vibrator has a massager for clitoral stimulation on one end and a G-spot stimulator with a tapered tip on the other. It features two separate motors, each with 10 unique vibration modes, and it helped all testers achieve a more intense orgasm, 90% quicker. The only downside is that you can't use it in water.

Best G-spot vibrator for versatility

Svakom Anya Rechargeable Warming Silicone Vibrator

Score: 83/100

All our testers found it comfortable to use and felt that it has a good range of speeds and vibration options to enjoy. When this vibrator was up and running 78% of testers achieved a more intense orgasm and for 66% of testers, this was quicker than normal. All testers found this vibrator pleasurable to use. With an overall satisfaction rating of 8.4/10 this vibrator is certainly a welcome addition to the bedroom.

Combination/rabbit vibrators

Combination – or rabbit – vibrators are ideal for women who are stimulated by both clitoral contact and vaginal penetration, achieving what is otherwise known as a blended orgasm.

Some combination vibrators look like a G-spot vibrator but have a small vibrating rabbit on top. Others are more abstract, with a shaft and clitoral stimulator – but aren't as detailed as those with a rabbit. Some are adjustable and can be manoeuvred into place allowing for hands-free fun.

The top 3 rabbit vibrators

BEST RABBIT VIBRATOR

We-Vibe Nova Rechargeable App Controlled G-Spot Rabbit Vibrator

Score: 84/100

This unique vibrator can be controlled by the We-Connect app to adjust and customise the power of the vibrator from any location. This makes it an ideal investment for long-distance lovers. You can even save custom sequences to use again later. While it's not the most discreet in appearance, 89% of our testers found this vibrator easy to operate and quiet to use. It also scored an average of 8.6/10 for overall satisfaction, so it'll be a welcome addition to the bedroom.

We-Vibe

Runner-up rabbit vibrator

Loving Joy Dua Magic Wand Vibrator with Rabbit

Score: 84/100

The look, feel and sound of this dual vibrator was a big hit among testers, who found it both discrete and attractive. Most importantly though, it provided a more intense orgasm for all testers, thanks to two interchangeable attachments: a massaging wand and a classic rabbit for G-spot stimulation.

Best luxury rabbit vibrator

Ann Summers Moregasm+ Boost Rampant Rabbit

Score: 82/100

We were impressed to see lots of positive feedback for this vibrator. Starting with the design, 75% of our panel liked its discreet appearance and 88% found it more attractive than they expected. All our testers achieved a more intense orgasm and all found it pleasurable to use. Sadly, our panel was split when it came to how quiet this vibrator is in use. Half of them said they'd be worried about using it if someone was in the next room.

Ann Summers

Couple's vibrators

If things have cooled down in the bedroom, it might be worth investing in a couples vibrator to crank up the heat again. Don't feel embarrassed by introducing a sex toy into your relationship, using a vibrator can introduce new levels of intimacy. In fact, 68% of our testers said that they openly discuss using vibrators with their partners.

There are a few options to consider. Couples vibrators can come in vaginal, clitoral or combination designs. Some are discreet, insertable vibrators, while others are remote- or app-controlled, at short or long-range – the latter is the perfect option for those in long-distance relationships.

Before purchasing, consider what you and your partner want from a sex toy. If you're looking for shared pleasure, choose a vibrator with a slim and flexible design – these will easily sit between you both when having sex. Or, if you're feeling nervous about the idea of introducing a sex toy into your relationship, start out with a smaller bullet. Above all, don't forget to talk about what works for both of you.

The top 3 vibrators for couples

Joint BEST VIBRATOR FOR COUPLES

Svakom Elva Rechargeable Remote Control Love Egg Vibrator

Score: 86/100

This is our winning couple's vibrator. Our panel loved the remote control, giving your partner the chance to join in and adjust the settings. It's a strong performer, as 89% of the testers achieved a more intense orgasm, so it's a brilliant investment for couples. It even comes with an intelligent mode which imitates sex from foreplay to orgasm, so you don't have to worry about changing the settings at all.

Joint best vibrator for couples

Je Joue Dua App Controlled G-Spot and Clitoral Vibrator

harmonystore.co.uk

£119.99

Score 77/100

This vibrator is a partner controlled G-spot and a clitoral vibrator that adapts to your body shape, with the option to have your partner control it via a discreet pen or a downloaded app. Our testers found that it provided a completely different experience compared to other vibrators on the market and said that it was beautifully designed.

Runner-up vibrator for couples

So Divine Addicted Love Egg

Score: 76/100

All our testers praised this vibrator for its discreet appearance and for being more attractive than they expected. It has a good range of speeds and vibration settings, and it was comfortable to use. 70% of testers said this egg-shaped vibrator helped them to achieve a more intense orgasm and they all championed this vibrator for how quiet it was, saying they didn't feel conscious of being too loud if someone was in the next room.

Vibrators: key features to consider

Dimensions

Check the dimensions to be sure you're happy with the size – it may be bigger or smaller than you thought. And make sure you like the way it looks, too.

Material

Just as vibrators come in a huge range of shapes and sizes, there is a also wide choice of materials.

Silicone: One of the most common materials used is silicone. It feels super-soft and has skin-safe properties. For extra security, many brands use "medical grade silicone", which is silicone that has been tested for biocompatibility to ensure that the material does not become toxic when exposed to bodily fluids, and as such is suitable for use in medical devices. Rest assured though, vibrators made of silicone that don't say "medical grade" are still body-safe.

Jelly rubber: Soft and slightly pliable, jelly rubber – when used to make vibrators – is designed to mimic the feel of skin. A less expensive alternative to silicone, but if you have a latex allergy, steer clear.

ABS: Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is a sturdy, non-porous plastic that is easily moulded, then set into shape – for example, LEGO is made from ABS. Firm but smooth, ABS is the material to look out for if you prefer harder vibrators.

Avoid anything containing phthalates (chemicals used to increase flexibility) as these chemicals have links to health risks. Look for the "phthalate-free" certification on the box. Silicone, skin-safe rubber and hard plastic products do not contain phthalates. None of the vibrators that we have reviewed contain phthalates.

Any product made of TPR, TPE and any "realistic-feel" materials need thorough cleaning after use as they are more porous than harder plastics and silicone, which makes them more susceptible to bacterial growth. However, all vibrators should be washed between use, with warm water and unscented soap (unless otherwise stated on the packaging).

Geber86 Getty Images

Settings, speeds and power

Look at the range of settings and speeds on offer and the way it's powered. Battery-powered vibrators tend to be the cheapest and most popular. Rechargeable toys are more expensive but mean you can avoid the ongoing cost of replacing batteries.

Battery-powered or rechargeable?

These are the two most common ways to power your vibrator and both methods have distinct pros and cons.

Batteries

Pros

No need to wait for your vibrator to charge – just pop the correct batteries in and you're instantly ready to go
Easy to travel with – just remove the batteries to avoid it turning on when you don't want it to!
Battery-powered vibrators tend to be more discreet

Cons

The batteries are an added expense
Some vibrators require obscure and difficult-to-find batteries

Rechargeable

Pros

The charge lasts a long time
Rechargeable vibrators are often more powerful
No need to buy replacement batteries

Cons

Rechargeable vibrators tend to be more expensive
You have to wait for it to charge before you can use it, which can be especially annoying if it runs out of battery while using it

Remote-controlled and app-enabled vibrators

Some vibrators, particularly those designed for couples, offer different methods of control. Remote control vibrators are exactly what the name suggests; they come with a separate device that offers short-range control. For couples, this allows you to put your partner in control, otherwise they are a hands-free option to use solo.

App-controlled vibrators are a brilliant option for long-distance couples as they can be controlled from anywhere as long as you have a wifi connection. More advanced than remote-controlled vibrators, some app-controlled models have features that allow you to customise your own speeds and patterns.

Lubrication

You may need to use a lubricant. Water-based lubricants are the safest bet for most as they are cheap, safe and generally don't stain. Be sure to check which lubricants can be used with your toy and never use a silicone lubricant with silicone toys, as it can damage the material and ruin your product.

Travel lock

If you plan to travel with your vibrator, knowing that it's not going to unexpectedly turn on is helpful. Not all vibrators have a travel lock though, so if you're a frequent flyer or are constantly on the road, this is something to look out for. If you're shopping in-store, try out the travel lock before buying to ensure you know how to turn it on, and more importantly turn it off.

If you have a battery-operated vibrator, we advise taking the battery out. This is a good way to avoid any embarrassing moments. If you're travelling with a rechargeable vibrator that doesn't have a travel lock, we suggest draining the battery completely and recharging when you can.

How loud is it?

If you're concerned about being overheard, look for "whisper-quiet" vibrators, though take this claim with a pinch of salt. Check whether the product description gives the decibel level - anything 40db or below is exceptionally quiet.

As a rough guide, the sound of an average whisper is about 30db and average speech volume is about 60db. If you're browsing vibrators in a shop, make sure you turn it onto the highest speed setting to get a true idea of the volume.

The best quiet vibrators (as voted by our testers)

Hot Octopuss AMO

Loving Joy Flux G-Spot Vibrator

harmonystore.co.uk

£49.99

Svakom Ella Vibrating Bullet

harmonystore.co.uk

£67.99

How to clean your vibrator

Safe-sex practices are important whether with a partner or on your own. Ensuring that your toys are clean keeps infections at bay and can improve the life-span of your bedroom-drawer buddy. Thankfully, cleaning your sex toys is easy.

Wash your toy with unscented, anti-bacterial soap, warm water, and a damp cloth before and after use. Many sex toy sites and shops sell their own specialist anti-bacterial cleaner that can be bought alongside your vibrator. Make sure it is completely dry (air drying is best) before storing it on its own in the box it arrived in. If you no longer have the box, we suggest investing in a silk or satin bag to avoid dust.

How we test vibrators

Our annual vibrator test is one of the biggest run by the GHI. Every year, our panel is made up of women aged 18-80, half of whom have used a vibrator before and half haven't. Within this again, half of our panel is single and the other half are in a relationship.

Once our panel has been selected, we send each tester a vibrator based on what they have or haven't used before and what they'd be willing to try. Each vibrator is tested over a few weeks to give each panellist enough time to properly try the product.

After those few weeks are up, we send out a survey about the vibrator they tested, how they felt about its performance, and whether their perception of vibrators has changed. Once all of the answers have been collected, we then divide the scoring into performance, ease of use, design and instructions. We also rate the products on whether the panellists would recommend them and if they would consider buying one.

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