Vibrators 101

Traditional Vibrators

When people think of vibrators, this is usually the style that comes to mind. Traditional vibrators are slim, straight, between four and eight inches in length, and are usually (although not always) made of plastic. They are available in many different finishes, including bright colors and metallic. Most traditional vibrators are adjustable, allowing the user full control over the vibration level. The hard plastic outer casing helps maintain the strength of the vibrations by transferring them directly from the motor, making them a good choice for people who think they might like the feel of stronger vibrations but who don't want to purchase an electric vibrator.

Popular Traditional Vibrators: Pink Dot Vibe, Temptress Tiger, Hunk, Platinum Vibrtor, Rocket Vibe, Silver Star, Supercharge Vibe, Translucent Waterproof Vibrators, Temptress Leopard, Violet Fantasy

G-Spot Vibrators

G-Spot Vibrators are usually shaped like a traditional vibrator, with the exception that they're curved at the end to allow contact with the G-Spot. They are typically between four and eight inches in length and have a base-mounted controller for easy vibration control. If you want to try a G-Spot vibrator, be sure to look for one made of plastic or a firm jelly material so it doesn't bend when it's inserted. The best G-Spot orgasms come when you apply firm pressure, so you want to be sure the vibrator can withstand that kind of stress without flexing too much.

Popular G-Spot Vibrators: Celestial G, Cosmic Invader, Dazzle, Flicker, G-Spot Water Stimulator, Opulent G, Patchy Paul II, Seductive Pleasure, Tantalizing G

Clitoral Vibrators

It seems to be a fact of life that many women can only reach orgasm, or prefer the orgasm they have from direct clitoral stimulation. The orgasms achieved by stimulating the clitoris are intense and satisfying, as any orgasm should be. It seems natural, in light of this information, that women have demanded a vibrator that speaks to their needs...a vibrator that offers direct and intense clitoral stimulation...one that leaves them feeling as satisfied, if not more satisfied than manual stimulation.

Enter the category of clitoral vibrators. These vibrators are designed with the clitoris in mind, offering powerful direct clitoral stimulation while the user is free to sit back and enjoy the sensations. Some clitoral vibrators are small and non insertable - designed to stimulate only the clitoris. Some clitoral vibrators offer clitoral stimulation via a small "animal" or attachment on the shaft that reaches the clitoris when the shaft is inserted into the vagina. Neither type is "better" than the other, and each has certain pleasures unique unto itself. Whichever type you prefer, clitoral vibrators offer powerful clitoral stimulation that are just not possible during manual stimulation.

Clitoral-Only Vibrators:

These are vibrators that were designed to stimulate the clitoris exclusively. They are not usually the best choice for vaginal insertion, and they don't have fancy shafts adorned with gizmos or gadgets. What they do have are heads, balls or eggs that were designed to stimulate the clitoris. These toys are usually small and compact, making them great for travel, and they don't usually look like a traditional vibrator. Some of the toys in this category are so non-vibrator looking that If someone were to stumble across it they might not even know what it was.

Popular Clitoral-Only Vibrators: I-Vibe Pocket Rocket, Inner Desire, LAYAspot Massager, Micro Pleasure Egg, Pocket Rocket, Power Bullet, Rockin' Rabbit, Silent Rocket, Special Edition Pocket Rocket, Velvet Touch Pocket Rocket

Electric Vibrators:

Most electric powered vibrators are designed to stimulate the clitoris. The Hitachi Magic Wand, for example, is a large personal massager that isn't designed for insertion. Its large head and powerful vibrations are best suited for direct clitoral stimulation. Electric powered vibrators usually double as muscle massagers and are constructed of high quality materials. These vibrators usually come with an extended warranty from the manufacturer and typically last for many years.

Popular Electric Clitoral Vibrators: Hitachi Magic Wand, Rechargeable Jack Rabbit

Butterfly Vibrators:

Also known as "Venus vibrators" or "hands-free stimulators", these toys are designed to directly stimulate the clitoris. They are usually small devices about the circumference of a soda can that nestle up to the vagina and clitoris and are held in place by waist or leg straps. Butterfly vibrators are usually designed to resemble an animal, such as a dolphin, hummingbird, rabbit, or of course butterfly, and are quiet and small enough to be worn in public. Many people find that the best thing about butterfly vibrators is that they are virtually hands-free, which leaves the vagina exposed and ready for oral or manual stimulation and most can be worn during intercourse. They are wonderful little vibrators that can be used and enjoyed many different ways.

Popular Butterfly Clitoral Vibrators: Four Leaf Clover, Little Bunny, Micro Butterfly, Remote Butterfly, She Shell, Venus

Vibrating Eggs:

The egg vibrator is another advancement in vibrator technology. A small egg shaped capsule, usually two inches or so in length houses a powerful vibration motor. These eggs can be used internally or externally and usually come with a remote battery pack that lets you choose between several vibration options and multiple vibration intensity levels. Egg vibrators are in a sense basic, yet they are wonderfully satisfying and are capable of powerful sensations.

Popular Egg-Style Clitoral Vibrators: Inner Desire, Magic Bullet, Micro Pleasure Egg, Power Bullet

Combination Vibrators:

Also known as multipurpose vibrators, combination vibrators, or rabbit vibrators, these versatile toys are designed with both the clitoris and G-Spot in mind. A clitoral stimulating device, usually resembling an animal such as a rabbit, dolphin, butterfly, or hummingbird is situated on top of the vibrator's shaft. Usually having it's own control knob, the vibrating animal works much the same way a butterfly vibrator does. Simply place the animal in contact with your clitoris, adjust the vibrations to the desired level and away you go. The interesting thing about these vibrators is that the clitoral stimulator is designed for use along with the vibrator. So, you insert the shaft until the clitoral stimulator reaches the right spot, turn on any control you wish - whether it's clitoral vibrations or shaft vibrations or rotations and away you go. It's also important to note that many dual-action vibrators have rotating shafts and/or rotating pearls in the shaft for added vaginal stimulation. These vibrators really do it all and are worth a look whether you enjoy clitoral stimulation, G-Spot or vaginal stimulation or both.

Popular Dual-Action Clitoral Vibrators: I-Vibe Rabbit, Impulse Jack Rabbit, Jack Rabbit, Pearl Butterfly, Rabbit Pearl, Rechargeable Jack Rabbit, Supreme Indulgence, Waterproof Jack Rabbit

Anal Vibrators

At first glance, one might assume that a vibrator is a vibrator and that they can all be used either vaginally or anally. Is there really a need for a separate category for anal vibrators? Yes! While it's true that most vibrators can be inserted into any orifice, it's not wise to use a regular vibrator anally. The issue, as unbelievable or as funny as it seems, is that vibrators tend to disappear into the anus. The opening is tight, the cavity is endless (unless you're using a 24 foot vibrator), hands get slippery with lubrication and the anal sphincter muscle contracts rather strongly during orgasm. Add these factors together and you've got a recipe for a disappearing vibrator.

Now enter the anal vibrator. It may look like an anal plug, a traditional vibrator, or a dildo. Whatever the shaft is designed to resemble, the important factor is that the base is flared or that it's attached to a retrieval cord. The flare or the cord will prevent your erotic evening from culminating in a trip to the local emergency room. Nothing life threatening, but they might have to work a bit to remove the vibrating apparatus from your rectum.

Hopefully you can see the wisdom in using an anal vibrator for anal play. They're usually inexpensive, designed to be safe for anal use, and are a lot of fun.

Popular Anal Vibrators: Amethyst Shimmer, Anal Explorer Probe, Kiwi Gumdrop, Vibrating Jelly Beads, Vibro Anal Beads

Remote Control Vibrators

Remotely controlled vibrators usually consist of a pair of wearable panties or a thong that contains a small egg-shaped or cylindrical vibrator. Working in a way similar to that of a remote control garage door, one person simply adjusts the vibrations within 40 or 50 feet of the person wearing the unit and the vibration level increases or decreases. Remotely controlled vibrators are designed to operate quietly which makes these toys ideal for the bedroom or other private places as well as out in public. These toys can be a lot of fun and are primarily geared towards couples, although they can just as easily be worn and controlled by the same person.

Popular Remote Control Vibrators: Remote Butterfly, Remote Tiger Thong

Combination Vibrators

Combination vibrators are currently very popular. They have the ability to stimulate the vagina like a traditional vibrator as well as stimulate the clitoris and/or the opening of the vagina at the same time. A good example of a combination vibrator is the Jack Rabbit. This is the most recognizable combination vibrator on the market because of it's popularity and because it was featured on HBO's "Sex and the City". It consists of a small "rabbit" perched on top of a pink jelly vibrator shaft. The rabbit is designed to directly stimulate the clitoris and is controlled by a remote battery pack. The shaft, which is also controlled by the remote battery pack, is capable of twisting back and forth and of "rotating" the pearls around in a circular motion, which stimulates the labia and the opening to the vagina. Many women find the combined features of these vibrators to be the perfect recipe for orgasm. They require less work than other toys and the stimulation levels of the clitoral stimulator and the shaft can be adjusted independently to fit your mood. Combination vibrators are usually high quality toys and they come in many shapes and sizes. They're easy to use and work well for both experienced and novice vibrator users.

Popular Combination Vibrators: I-Vibe Rabbit, Impulse Jack Rabbit, Jack Rabbit, Pearl Butterfly, Rabbit Pearl, Rechargeable Jack Rabbit, Supreme Indulgence, Waterproof Jack Rabbit

Balls and Beads

Vibrating balls and beads are small vibrators that are designed to stimulate external areas such as the clitoris, vagina and anus. They are usually attached to a cord with a speed controller at the other end, and are a good choice if you want to stimulate a variety of areas.

Popular Balls and Beads:Magic Bullet, Ultra-7 Bullet, Vibrating Jelly Beads, Vibro Anal Beads, White Orchid

Specialty Vibrators

Some vibrators are made for very specific purposes. They are relatively self explanatory so we will only touch on them briefly. If you're interested in exploring any of them further click on one of the links below.

Waterproof Vibrators:

Waterproof vibrators are designed to be used in the bathtub, hot tub, pool, or any other body of water. The delicate internal electronic parts are sealed in to prevent moisture from entering, and the battery compartment is water tight.

Popular Waterproof Vibrators:Anal Explorer Probe, Dazzle, Dancing Dolphin, Hawaiian Vibe, Seductive Pleasure,Supercharge Vibe, Tantalizing G, Translucent Waterproof Vibrators, Torpedo, Waterproof Jack Rabbit

Realistic Vibrators:

Just as their name implies these vibrators are designed to look and feel like the real thing. Whether large, small or somewhere in between, realistic vibrators will amaze you with their skin-like textured surface and their very realistic appearance. Some realistic vibrators are made from lifelike materials such as Cyberskin, which looks and feels very much like human skin, while others are made from silicone or latex rubber, which can be painted or dyed in skin-toned hues. Some people find the look of a realistic vibrator erotic and appealing, while others find pleasure in the feel of advanced skin-like materials. Whatever your preference, there are several high quality models to look at in our online store.

Popular Realistic Vibrators: 7-Inch Ultra Realistic, Clone-A-Willy Kit, Emperor 8" Vibrating Dildo - White, Emperor 8" Vibrating Dildo - Brown, Vibrating Cyber Cock

Vibrator Kits

"I've read through all of your vibrator information and I'm still not sure which one to try."

With so many options it can be tough to settle on one style or type. Luckily, there are vibrator kits. Basic kits usually include several types of vibrators, a few sleeves of various shapes and sizes, and often some lubricant. If you want to get fancy you can find kits with items like feathers, blindfolds, masks, beads...you name it. It's usually cheaper to buy items together in a kit than it is to buy them separately, so if you find a kit you like, go for it! The vibrators sold in kits can range from medium to high quality, so check out what you're buying. Many people find that the inexpensive kits are a great way to sample several types of vibrators, say for example a bullet and an egg. So if you try an inexpensive kit and find a vibrator you really like you can always consider upgrading in the future.

Popular Vibrator Kits:Cherry Blossom, Clone-A-Willy Kit, Exotic Vacation Travel Kit, G-Spot Pleasure Collection, Tropical Sensations Kit

Quick Vibrator Links

This section is designed to help you locate a vibrator or find the vibrator category that best suits your needs, quickly and easily.

I want a vibrator that...

• is small, portable and for my clitoris: [clitoral vibrators, small vibrators]
  
• is soft and gentle: [jelly vibrators, vibrators for beginners]
  
• stimulates my G Spot: [G Spot vibrators]
• I can use with my partner: [sex toys for couples]
• is straightforward, without the gadgets: [traditional vibrators, clitoral vibrators, bullet vibrators]
• I can use internally: [traditional vibrators]
• is powerful, plain and simple: [electric vibrators, clitoral vibrators, bullet vibrators, traditional vibrators]
• I can use in the bathtub: [waterproof vibrators]
• looks and feels like a real penis: [realistic vibrators]
• I can use and abuse: [silicone vibrators]
• has a track record of success: [best selling vibrators, staff favorites]

This is a simplified list but it should get you started in the right direction. A complete category list is available on our adult toy shopping main page. For more information on a particular vibrator category please select a vibrator guide from the list below.

Find a vibrator by style:

Deciding which style will work best for you is perhaps the most important step to finding a vibrator. After all, a clitoral vibrator won't knock your socks off if you prefer G-Spot stimulation. If you're not sure what kind of stimulation you like, try thinking about your sex life. What kind of stimulation do you enjoy? What does your partner do that really works for you? Does oral or manual clitoral stimulation lead to orgasm, or is deep penetration more your style? Have you used adult toys in the past? If so, what aspect of the toy did you like? Was there anything about it you didn't enjoy? Whatever the case, applying your sexual experiences to the vibrator selection process will likely lead to success. Here's the product category breakdown:

• Clitoral vibrators are usually small and designed for clitoral stimulation. For more information, read our clitoral vibrator guide or see our selection of clitoral vibrators.
  
  
• G-Spot vibrators have a curved tip to reach the G-Spot. They can also be used on the clitoris and the outer-areas of the vagina. For more information, read our G-Spot vibrator guide or see our selection of G-Spot vibrators.
  
  
• Traditional vibrators have straight shafts and can be used both internally and externally. They can be used to stimulate the clitoris and G-Spot, but it's much easier to reach the G-Spot with a vibrator designed specifically for that purpose. For more information, read our traditional vibrator guide or see our selection of traditional vibrators.
  
  
• Combination vibrators stimulate everything. They work on the clitoris, G-Spot and outer vaginal area, and their features can usually be adjusted separately. For more information, read our combination vibrator guide or see our selection of combination vibrators.
  
  
• Waterproof vibrators can be used in a wet environment and are available in a wide variety of styles including combination, clitoral and G-Spot. For more information, read our waterproof vibrator guide or see our selection of waterproof vibrators.
  
  
• Bullet vibrators are small, shaped like an egg or bullet, and are designed for clitoral use. Their main function is clitoral stimulation but they can also be inserted. For more information, read our bullet vibrator guide or see our selection of bullet vibrators.
  
  
• Butterfly vibrators stimulate the clitoris. Some models can be used during intercourse while others include insertable probes for inner-vaginal stimulation. All models have leg or waist straps that keep it in place. For more information, read our butterfly vibrator guide or see our selection of butterfly vibrators.
  
  
• Anal vibrators are designed for anal insertion and have a base that's larger than the shaft so the vibrator doesn't slip out of reach. For more information, read our anal vibrator guide or see our selection of anal vibrators.
  
  
• Vibrating balls & beads consist of a string of pearls or beads that are usually used anally, although they can be used vaginally too. For more information, read our guide to vibrating balls & beads or see our selection of vibrating balls & beads.
  
  
• Rabbit vibrators are essentially the same as combination vibrators. They stimulate all areas at once and have clitoral stimulators shaped like rabbits. For more information, read our rabbit vibrator guide or see our selection of rabbit vibrators.
  
  
• Realistic vibrators are designed to look and feel like a real penis. For more information, read our realistic vibrator guide or see our selection of realistic vibrators.
  

Once you've narrowed your search down to one or a few categories you're ready to start shopping. Depending on your needs, consider fine-tuning your vibrator understanding by reading about vibrator materials, prices, noise level and other considerations below.

Find a vibrator by material:

Just as there are a variety of vibrator styles to choose from there are also a number of materials available. The material a vibrator is made of will affect how it performs and may ultimately determine how much you enjoy using it.

I want a vibrator that...

• is soft and comfortable: [jelly vibrators, vibrators for beginners]
  
• won't flex when I press hard on my G-Spot: [plastic sex toys]
  
• is hypoallergenic; I have allergies: [silicone vibrators]
• feels like the real thing: [realistic vibrators]
• won't get damaged easily: [silicone vibrators, glass vibrators]
• is smooth as a baby's butt: [electric vibrators, clitoral vibrators, bullet vibrators, traditional vibrators]

Read more about sex toy materials, including care and cleaning requirements, lubrication issues and descriptions. Our sex toy primer also addresses this issue and may be of interest.

Find a vibrator by cost:

Maybe you don't know which style will work best and want to find a vibrator for experimentation. Perhaps you know exactly what you want and it happens to be the latest and greatest high tech wonder vibe that your friends have been raving about. Or, maybe you're somewhere in-between. There are a wide variety of vibrators to choose from, regardless of where you fall on the pricing scale.

I want a vibrator that...

• won't cost more than $20: [items under $20]
  
• won't cost more than $40: [items $21 to $30]
  
• won't cost more than $60: [items $31 to $40]
• is the newest craze, and cost is not a factor: [items over $50]

NOTE: If you're relatively inexperienced with adult toys we recommend experimenting with some of the less expensive items and moving to something more elaborate after you gain some experience. This leaves you free to experiment and make mistakes without breaking the bank.

Other Considerations

You may have another concern that's influencing your vibrator choice that hasn't been mentioned yet. We've listed a few of these other considerations below.

I need a vibrator that...

• Won't wake the neighbors:
  Whether it's nosey neighbors, family or those ever-present roommates, you've got to find a quiet vibrator. Our Vibrator Volume Guide categorizes all of the vibrators in our online store by noise level. These levels range from one to five, and the relative meaning of each is explained. You can also read our Q&A article about vibrator storage and privacy, which gives examples of quiet vibrators and explains ways to keep your vibrator use private while living with roommates.
  
• Is hypoallergenic; I am allergic to latex (or jelly, Cyberskin etc.):
  If you suffer from latex allergies or have allergic reactions to other materials found in sex toys there's good news; there are a few materials that will not inflame your allergies. Silicone is hypoallergenic and a highly stable, inert material that is being used to make sex toys. Silicone vibrators are often more expensive than other vibrators because silicone is more expensive than the other materials. That will likely change as silicone becomes more and more popular. Glass is another non allergy-producing material, and glass vibrators are a popular option for those who may be allergic to other materials. The glass is high-grade Pyrex that is very difficult to chip or break, and the manufacturer guarantees the quality.

<< Vibrators 101 Part 1: Vibrator Basics