What’s The Best Vibrator? Your Expert Guide

What to look for in a vibrator

From bullet vibes to couples' toys, we’ve got loads more recommendations for you. But first, let’s talk about what to look for in a vibrator. There are plenty of sex toys out there – literally something for everyone. But that also means that there are tonnes of dupes that aren’t particularly high quality. But how much difference does it make, really?

The problem with dupes is they don’t have all the same features as the top toys in the market. They’re not made to last – and they might not even be made of body-safe materials.

If you’re confused about all the different types of vibrators or you don’t know your silicone from your ABS plastic, this guide is for you. We’ll help you figure out what you want and how you want it — so that when you're ready to add-to-basket, you can be confident that you've found the best vibrator for you.

Reviews

Only the people who’ve actually tried a vibrator can tell you what it’s like to use. That’s why the review section is your best port of call to find out what’s making other vibe lovers tick.

In the reviews, you can see whether a toy is powerful, how loud it is, whether it works with a partner, and more. Take a read through the comments, especially when a toy has mixed reviews. That’ll give you a better idea of why people rate the toy and whether it’ll work for you.

Materials

Ribbed? Smooth? Alien tentacle? Realistic penis? Anything is possible. From jelly rubber to silicone, sex toy materials each have their own characteristics. For example, jelly rubber tends to have a slight plastic taste while ABS plastic is tasteless.

If you’re looking for realistic feel, look out for soft plastics like CyberSkin and Real Feel. Just know these toys can also have a rubbery smell. If that’s an issue, go for silicone. You’ll still get toys that are soft and smooth to touch without any taste or smell.

Remember, the harder the material and the more powerful the vibrations, the louder the toy is likely to be.

If you want something that’s going to keep your private time private, maybe a mains-powered wand isn’t going to be quite right. Equally, if you’re looking for a compact vibe to hide away in your carry-on, then a rumbling rabbit is probably not the right choice, but a small (yet mighty) bullet could be just the ticket.

Speeds and patterns

Does it pulse? Suck? Or does it build from a purr to a rumble? Does it have broad head and fully controllable speed? Or is it something someone else can control over long distances?

If all this is making you feel like a kid in a sweet shop then, GOOD. Most vibrators have pick-and-mix settings to meet you exactly on your level. If you choose a toy with a big range of settings, you can easily create your perfect routine, like starting with low speeds and building, or simply mix things up whenever you like.

If you’re new to toys and find all those bells and whistles intimidating, go for something simple like a bullet vibe or a wand vibrator. Most importantly, notice how a toy makes you feel when you see it. For example, if you’re someone who loves the sensation or G-spot stimulation while touching your clit, a dual stimulator or rabbit toy should get you tingling with anticipation.

Extra features

There are so many ways to use a vibrator, and a vibrator for every occasion. If you're looking for a vibrator with the strength to make your bed shake (with you in it), then you probably need something you can plug into the wall. Mains-powered vibrators are excellent, versatile toys that cover a broad area, which means they're also brilliant for partnered sex or mutual masturbation.

However, if being able to take your vibe anywhere is important for you, and you don't want to be eyeing up where the nearest plug socket is everywhere you go, then there are plenty of rechargeable options that will still have your legs shaking. The best part about these is that you can literally take them anywhere you want.

From waterproof vibes that make a splash to little disguisable lipstick bullets that you can hide in plain sight (cheeky). Maybe you're looking for something small enough to pack away in a travel case under lock and key for that sexy weekend break you’ve got planned, or something extra quiet for total privacy?

What’s the best vibrator overall?

Drumroll, please, for the Lovehoney Extra Powerful Magic Wand Vibrator which has a whopping 5k plus reviews and an impressive 4.5 out of 5 rating by our customers. This powerful, multi-speed wand is the pinnacle of external vibrators.

Bottom line: A versatile, gender-neutral toy for couples and solo play

Pros: Intense vibrations that won’t quit since it’s mains powered

Cons: The wire can get in the way

Choose the Lovehoney Magic Wand if:

You want something that can be used on yours or your partner's body, that’s guaranteed to make your orgasms score on the Richter scale. It's suitable for all genders and is an all-around fun that starts at a simmer and ends with powerful vibrations. It has easily controllable speeds and intensity settings, so you can still enjoy variety. The head is broad, flexible and is perfect for pros and beginners alike, so long as you don't mind a little noise.

5 best vibrators, chosen by Lovehoney testers

We asked the dream team to find you the creme-de-la-creme — and they delivered.

Best vibrator for women (or anyone with a vulva)

Suction toys target sensitive erogenous zones with powerful, focused bursts that simulate oral sex. Meanwhile, the internal vibrator massages the G-spot for a deliciously intense, blended orgasm. The Womanizer Duo 2 is a high-quality sex toy made from soft materials, designed to take you to the moon and back.

Bottom line: A stunning dual stimulation toy to please you inside and out

Pros: Pleasure Air Technology uses pulsating waves to excite your clitoris without overstimulation

Cons: Large and intimidating for dual stim newbies

Choose the Womanizer Duo if:

You’re looking for a little bit of luxury that helps you reach truly blissful orgasms, then this soft-to-touch addition to the toy box is a must. Womanizer toys are best loved by celebrities like Katy Perry and Lily Allen – and we can see why. They’re beautifully designed and some of the smartest toys around.

With the Duo, there’s a variety of patterns to choose from, but it's the Smart Silence feature that stands out. You get to focus on the pleasure at hand, making solo sex an intimate, intense experience. If you’re new to dual stim and think the Duo might be a bit intimating, check out the Womanizer Blend. It’s a little smaller, a little lighter and has fewer settings to play with.

Best bullet vibe

First time with a vibrator? Bullets are versatile little toys that you can pair with cock rings and dildos, use solo or introduce to partnered sex. They really are the best clitoral vibrators — think targeted pleasure exactly where you want it. One of our reviewer’s favourites is the Supersex Bullet Vibrator.

Bottom line: Powerful toy that’s small enough to incorporate into practically any sex position

Pros: Totally waterproof so you can enjoy it in the bath or shower

Cons: A little noisy

Choose the Supersex Bullet Vibe if:

You want something small and compact, that’s powerful but can still be packed away discretely, used easily with a partner or solo with simple settings.

Best vibrating anal beads

When it comes to anal play, using a toy that’s your speed is key. It all depends on your experience and the sensations you’re after. This Lovense Vibrating Anal Beads toy comes with a slightly tilted head, designed to massage the prostate and deliver deep, vibrating pleasure.

Bottom line: App-controlled anal toy that vibrates and rotates

Pros: Sleek, ergonomic design made from soft silicone

Cons: Difficult to adjust settings without the app

Choose Lovense Anal Beads if:

You’re somewhat experienced with anal play and you’re ready to explore new sensations.

Best couple’s vibrator

Long-distance lovers, rejoice! The We-Vibe Jive 2 just made those late-night phone calls even more fun, especially since We-Vibe has totally redesigned the app for even better user experience. Partnered hands-free quiet vibrators spice up those saucy date nights and weekend getaways, and this one is no different.

Bottom line: Wearable, remote controlled vibrator for long-distance loving

Pros: Small, whisper quiet, and waterproof, it’s perfect for a weekend away

Cons: One or two reviewers said the vibrations aren’t strong enough. Unless you’re a power vibe user, this shouldn’t hold you back!

We-Vibe have a huge range of couples vibrators, including ones you can wear during partnered sex. If that’s more your speed, check out the Sync Lite. It’s a bit more ergonomic to wear during intercourse.

Choose the We-Vibe Jive 2 if:

You love building anticipation with your partner from afar. It’s perfect for phone sex – or long-distance public play.

Lovehoney’s Staff Pick

Ever had a blended orgasm? If you get fireworks when your G-spot is stimulated at the same time as your clitoris, you need to try our Fifty Shades of Grey Rabbit Vibrator.

It’s the Lovehoney’s staff pick because it was designed based on years of customer feedback. Rather than putting each element where we think it should go, it’s built on what you want from your rabbit. That’s why it’s one of the best rabbit vibrators you can find.

Bottom line: Lovehoney’s staff pick rabbit vibrator, built on years of user research

Pros: Separate motors in each arm mean you customise the experience to your body or mood

Cons: A little noisy

Just to note, there are more slimline rabbits available than this one. So, if you’re not a girth queen, we’d recommend the Slimline Happy Rabbit instead.

Choose the Fifty Shades of Grey Rabbit if:

You’ve got a vulva. But seriously, this one’s a must-try if you love dual stimulation and prefer the tickle of rabbit’s ears to the suction sensation offered by toys like the Womanizer Duo.