Beginners Guide to Vibrators That Won’t Let You Down

In this guide: Types of vibrators | Safety tips | Cleaning and care tips | How to choose | Where to buy vibrators | Best vibrators | FAQs

You’re really spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a vibrator. And while we love that more people are shaking off the shame and getting down to what makes them feel good, we can’t turn a blind eye to the fact that not all sex toys are created equal.

Elisabeth Neumann, sexologist and user researcher at Lovehoney, advises caution when buying online, “because even well-known marketplaces can get flooded with fakes.” It’s important to know you’re good vibes from your bad ones before you put anything near your body.

Even if you can spot sex-tech imposters, the volume of what is available can feel a little intimidating if you’re choosing something for the first time. We get it. This guide will talk you through the different types of vibrators, how to choose one, and where to buy it. You’ll also get some tips on safe use and care of your new toy.

Only got time for a quickie?

Only got a sec? Here are all the essentials to get you started:

• Vibrators come in all shapes and sizes: The important thing to know is whether your toy can be inserted for G-spot or anal pleasure, as some wands and bullet vibes are for external use only. Check out our guide to the best vibrators for women for help choosing.

• Know what your vibrator is made from and how to store it: The material of your toy might change how clean, store and care for it. A good retailer will give you advice on all of these points.

• Know what you like first: Get to know your own body and learn how you enjoy pleasure before picking something off the shelf. Vibrators can use different features to target various pleasure zones.

• Reliable retailers: For you and your partner(s) safety, make sure the brands you’re buying from are known, trusted and reputable. You can do this by checking their reviews, who they are endorsed by, and by their pricing. Remember, if it’s too good to be true, then better not risk it!

• Keep things simple: Don’t break the bank by getting the most complex, powerful toy on the market for your first go. Try simple vibrators first so you can explore which sensations you enjoy most.

Some rumble, others buzz and some even pulse, thrust, or tickle. Some are designed for you to use externally, internally, or both! So, let’s break down the different types of vibrator and which pleasure zones they target.

Bullet vibrator

An itsy-bitsy vibrator that packs a punch. The bullet shape makes it precise, powerful and versatile, perfect for exploring erogenous zones, from perineum to nipple. This is why you’ll find it in every beginner’s starter pack. For more pleasure tips, check out our guide on how to use a bullet vibrator.

Wand vibrator

Wands the OG vibrators and they’re also pure magic. The broad stimulation head covers large surface areas, while the long-handle makes them easy to hold. Wands come in an array of rechargeable and mains-powered styles, varying in luxury and design with multiple settings and intensities to explore. Most aren’t insertable, so double check before you put anything inside you.

Clitoral suction vibrator

Did you know, only about 18% of women say penetration alone is enough to climax? The rest need (or prefer) external stimulation of the clitoris to have a really good time. Clitoral suction vibrators envelope your clitoris in a firm but silky-smooth silicone, and use a tiny motor to pulse the clitoris without direct contact. You can dial up the intensity from a light flutter to a powerful thud.

Our sex and relationship expert, Annabelle Knight, recommends using clitoral suction vibrators to help tip you over the edge during partnered sex. “Clitoral vibrators come in all shapes and sizes, but you’ll often find they fit between two partners,” she adds. Get more tips in our guide on how to use a clitoral vibrator.

Rabbit vibrator

If the thought of penetration and external stimulation at the same time makes you quiver, then you’re going to love rabbit vibrators. These toys are the masters of double sensations. The dual arms sit tightly against your body, with one external and one internal stimulating your G-spot and clitoris at the same time. Bliss. Our customers can’t get enough of Fifty Shades of Grey Greedy Girl’s quiet buzz and intense vibration settings.

Rose vibrator

You might have spotted the viral rose toy doing the rounds on social media, and for good reason! Not only is it very pretty; it’s also a pocket powerhouse with multiple vibration patterns to explore. The classic rose doesn’t buzz, but new versions have evolved to include internal vibrating love eggs or G-spot massagers.

The silicone petals are silky, firm, yet flexible, making them perfect to grind up against, while the clitoral suction mimics oral sex sensations. They’re compact, easy to use and soft to the touch. Find out how to use yours in our guide on how to use a rose toy.

G-spot vibrator

G-spot vibrators are insertable toys that offer deep vibrations to your internal pleasure zones. Their unique shape and curve are designed to caress your G-spot expertly with thrumming vibrations, leaving you weak at the knees. If squirting is on your wish list, then a G-spot vibrator is a worthy investment.

Love egg vibrator

Love egg vibrators are designed to be hands-free, making them perfect for public rendezvous or forlorn long-distance lovers. If your love egg as a remote, you can hand over control to a partner and let them tease you to climax. Look out for love eggs with a long ‘tail’ which makes them easy to remove.

Anal vibrator

The main types of anal vibrators are butt plugs, prostate massagers, and anal beads. Butt plugs have a tapered end for easy insertion. They offer a nice feeling of fullness for men, women, and non-binary people alike.

Prostate massagers are designed for people with male an anatomy. They have a large, bulbous head that vibrates against the prostate, which can lead to intense ‘full-body’ orgasms. Finally, vibrating anal beads give you a pleasing ‘popping’ sensation as they slide out of your butt – try slowly pulling them out during climax.

You can find detailed pleasure tips in our guide, how to use a vibrator, but here’s a quick safety guide:

• Buy from reputable brands: Before you put anything near your body, check the reviews and make sure the retailer has a good return policy.

• Squeaky clean, every time: Make sure your toy is cleaned properly, as per manufacturer’s instructions, before you use it. That goes for the first time, and every time afterwards, too.

• Check your usage guides: Is your toy waterproof? Is it submersible? Check before taking it into the bath or shower.

• Get wetter: “A good quality, water-based lube is always handy with any type of sex toy as it reduces friction, which can increase pleasure,” says Annabelle. Slather lube on your toy and your vulva, even if you’re not planning on penetration.

• Listen to your body: If you feel any pain or discomfort when using your toy, stop immediately.

• Try going solo first: You might prefer to explore on your own before introducing your vibe to your partner(s). That way, you know what your preferences and boundaries are.

• Protect yourself and others: Consider using barrier methods of protection, such as condoms, if you plan on sharing toys outside your primary relationship.

• Keep your toy charged: Nobody likes running out of steam when you’re oh so close... avoid disappointment by charging your toy after a long session.

• Check for damage: If you notice any mould, discoloration or damage to the materials of your toy, do not use.

Knowing how to keep your toys clean, dry and stored well is a vital if you want them to last a long time, be hygienic and keep delivering on the pleasure front. Here’s how:

• Wash and dry your toy thoroughly: Before the first time you use it, and after every single use, make sure your vibrator has been washed with a gentle, body-safe soap or a sex toy cleaner. That includes its first use out of the box. When you’re done, pat dry or leave it to air dry on a towel out of direct sunlight. Do not leave toys on or near hot radiators.

• Storing your toy: Always store your vibrators separately in fabric pouches or small boxes, especially if they’re made from porous materials. This helps to protect the surface from erosion, scratches, and material reactions. It also helps keep your toys clean between uses.

“You have to be especially careful with rubbers and life-like materials,” says Annabelle, our expert. "Hard ABS plastics and glass don’t have this problem, but you still want to store them separately, just to ensure you don’t get any nasty marks or scratches on them.”

• Pairing with lube: Make sure you know what material your toys are made from and use a compatible lube. “Don't use a silicone or oil-based lube [with sex toys] as this can damage the material,” says Annabelle.

• Power down properly: Battery powered toys must have their batteries removed between uses. If your toys are mains powered, make sure to turn off plugs and sockets when they are unattended. Our user researcher, Elisabeth Neumann, adds: “Like an iPhone, sex toys often use lithium-ion batteries which don’t last if you regularly let them drain until they’re completely flat. Charge your toy after a long session and unplug it as soon as it’s fully charged.”

Now for the really fun bit: choosing a toy that will last a long time and tip you over the edge and straight into the throes of passion-fuelled self-love.

Sensation

Hopefully by now you know whether you prefer to be pleasured via your G-spot, your clitoris... or both! Think about how you touch yourself and what feels orgasmic to you. (If you’re not sure, get tips with our beginner guide on how to masturbate).

Some people enjoy deep sensations and a feeling of fullness (try a vibrating dildo, G-spot vibrator, or rabbit). Others prefer precise clitoral stimulation (go for a bullet vibe or clitoral suction toy). When you know what sensations you like best, it’s easier to choose a toy. And if you’re still not sure, try an uncomplicated G-spot vibrator. That way you can use it for penetration or press it against any external erogenous zones you please.

Design

Your first toy doesn’t need all the bells and whistles; simple settings are plenty while you get to know what you like. But some design elements are worth thinking about in advance. For example, pick a wand or long-handled G-spot toy if you struggle with fatigue or pain in the hands or wrists (it might be easier to manage than a small, fiddly bullet vibe).

If you find penetration uncomfortable, choose slim toys or focus on external stimulation instead. Think about aesthetics, too. Do you want something that looks anatomically accurate, or something more genderless?

Cost

Sex toys range in price, but while you’re figuring things out, there’s no point breaking the bank. A good mini vibrator, like a bullet, can cost as little as £10 whereas a G-spot internal vibrator is priced anywhere from £15.

Expensive toys may have superior motors and technology, but there’s no shame in starting low cost. So long as your toy is fully compliance tested, you can still get your hands on brilliant budget vibrators for beginners. Check out our BASICS range, for example.

Materials

Silicone is one of the best materials for a vibrator, because it transmits vibrations really well and feels soft against your skin. Good quality silicone is also very easy to sanitize, and it will last a long time if you store it properly.

If you’re using toys made from soft plastic, jelly and rubber, remember that these materials are porous and therefore harder to sanitise. “Always clean and dry these toys carefully and never share them outside your primary relationship,” says Elisabeth. “You can also use a condom over your toy.”

Waterproof rating

Taking your toys in the bath may be one of life's great pleasures, but not all toys are waterproof. It’s helpful to know the difference between ‘waterproof’ and ‘splashproof’:

• Waterproof: Your toy can be submerged in water while you play or clean your toy. “It can be temporarily used under water but keep it short and shallow; no more than 30 minutes of play in the bath,” says Elisabeth.

• Splashproof: This means your toy can take a little bit of water exposure but shouldn’t be submerged fully. “It can likely withstand a light splash or damp cloth for cleaning,” says Elisabeth. “But it’s not safe to submerge in water.”

Battery life and power sources

Most modern toys are rechargeable and come with USB-charging cables. However, there are a few that require batteries.

Battery-powered toys are convenient and generally have a long shelf life, they do have environmental impacts to consider, like adding more waste to landfill. They can also leak battery acid if not stored properly. “Battery-operated toys can be safe to use – but if yours starts to feel hot, swells up, or releases a chemical smell, switch it off immediately. Wait for the batteries to cool before you remove them,” Elizabeth warns.

Rechargeable toys are easier to store and will usually give you around 60-120 minutes of play time per charge. Elisabeth suggests sticking to the manufacturer’s charging cable though, as "off brand, fast chargers can stress the electronics.”

Finding a sex toy online is easier than ever. While there’s much to rejoice in more people having access to pleasure, we should also be aware of the risks involved. Here’s what you need to know:

• Safety-information: Can the retailer tell you exactly what your toy is made of and how to use it safely? Are toys phthalate-free? “All our toys are carefully tested in our lab to ensure they're perfectly safe to use,” says Annabelle, resident sexpert at Lovehoney.

• What do the fans say: Look up reviews and see which toy has everyone talking. If you want to know how we do things at Lovehoney, read all about our sex toy testers who tell us exactly how it is.

• What do they stock: Aside from Lovehoney, of course, look out for high quality, trusted brands like Womanizer, We-Vibe, Lelo, Fleshlight, or njoy. These brands have years of experience developing and testing toys.

• Returns policy and warranties: Most sex toy companies won’t let you return used sex toys, but they should have generous warranties. We want you to find the right toy for you, which is why we also give you a 100 Day Pleasure Guarantee.

• Guidance: A trusted retailer will have a customer care team and plenty of resources to help you get the most out of vibrator. Not only that, but they’ll be endorsed by sex educators and experts who are willing to vouch for their products. Do doctors, sex therapists, and accredited sex educators recommend the brand? If so, you’re onto a winner.

• Pricing: Be careful of “too good to be true” pricing, because very low costs could indicate poor quality materials. Sex toys don’t have to cost the earth though. Keep an eye out for seasonal sales and student or keyworker discounts if you’re on a budget. Signing up to a newsletter can also keep you informed of offers and savings.

• Discretion: We may not want our postie knowing what we’ve been ordering, which is why low-key packaging matters. If they do fast delivery, bonus!

Check out these thoughtfully selected toys that are perfect for beginners, according to reviews by our customers and toy testers.