10 Types Of Vibrators You Should Know, Learn, Love

A simple guide to navigating the not-so-simple vibrating-sex-toy world.

Sleek vibrators that pulsate along with music, remote-controlled sex toys, and vibes so discreet and artful they double as decor: We’ve come a long way from the days when our only motored options were big, honking phalluses (though there are still plenty of those).

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“We’re seeing designers being more in tune with anatomy, and the importance of making toys that are versatile and are more innovative in concept,” says Lisa Finn, New York–based brand manager and sex educator at Babeland.

Basically? It’s never been easier to find the perfect toy(s) to suit your preferences.

And whatever style you choose, make sure your vibe is made from body-safe material in order to avoid the risk of infection. “Because there isn’t much legal regulation of sex toy materials, ‘body-safe’ can mean anything from ‘this is made from nontoxic materials’ to ‘this is made out of nontoxic and nonporous materials that are produced in a way that makes it completely safe to use anywhere on the body, internally or externally,’” Finn says. “Platinum-grade silicone, stainless steel, and ABS plastic — when purchased from a reputable sex toy shop — are almost guaranteed to fall into the latter category of safe.”

That said, whether you’re just beginning to explore the wide world of sex toys or looking to add another gadget to your growing collection, here’s the skinny on 10 common vibrator styles, how they function, and some picks to check out.

Wand Vibrators

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Designed with a long base and a vibrating head, wands can provide broad and intense external (i.e., clitoral) stimulation. While the Magic Wand has been been a cult fave for decades (for good reason!) and is now available in a rechargeable version with four speeds, the Le Wand line also features beautifully designed, high-quality wands of varied sizes. And if you don’t have a three-figure budget, there are plenty of more affordable options on the market as well, like the Shibari Mini Halo. These vibes are an especially good choice for anyone with mobility issues, since wielding them is a bit easier on the hands and arms than more diminutive gadgets. Wands are “perfect for using during partner play where further reach may be wanted (like on a clit during penetration!),” Finn says. Plus they’re a solid choice for perineum stimulation as well as for use on other erogenous zones on people of all genders.

G-Spot Vibrators

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If you’re perhaps uncertain where your G-spot even is, you’re not alone. While the majority of people with vulvas need clitoral stimulation to orgasm, if you’re interested in exploring your G-spot, there are plenty of toys on the market ready and willing to lend a hand. In addition to rabbit vibes (see below), the Unbound Bender is a sleek but powerful flexible internal vibrator that bends easily, and the We-Vibe Rave is also a toy that’s been created specifically with G-spot stimulation in mind.

Rabbit Vibrators

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With one appendage for internal stimulation and one for external stimulation, rabbit vibrators come in varied shapes and sizes and prove that yes, you can have it all if you so choose. We love the Desire Luxury Rabbit Vibrator, whose “ears” provide pinpointed clitoral stimulation and whose combination of speeds and patterns are virtually unrivaled, and the PlusOne Dual Vibrating Massager is also a customer favorite at a more wallet-friendly price.

Clitoral-Sucking Vibrators

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The Womanizer Pro uses suction and pressure waves for a targeted but delicate clitoral stimulation that some people swear mimics the sensation of oral sex. Similar toys on the market include the Satisfyer Pro 2, with 11 sucking modes ranging from gentle to intense, and the Lelo Sona Cruise, which uses sonic waves (fancy!) and features a “cruise control” mode, where intensity automatically increases the harder it’s pressed against the body.

Split-Tip Vibrators

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Another style providing targeted clitoral stimulation, there are a host of toys of various shapes crafted with two tips intended to surround the clitoris. There’s the incredibly sleek Crave Duet, with different beveled edges for two different width options; the budget-friendly Sweet Vibrations Pixie; or the (frankly adorable) JimmyJane Form 2, with flexible ears.

Egg Vibrators

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For an eggspress train to Climaxtown (here all night!), these toys are designed to be inserted internally and are often accompanied by a remote-control feature — which can be especially fun for partner play. Some customer faves include the Fifty Shades of Grey Relentless Vibrations Remote Control Egg and the Desire Luxury Rechargeable Remote Control Egg Vibrator.

Compact Handheld Vibrators

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Admittedly we’re remiss to lump all of these into one category, as there are so many options on the market with so many different functions and smart design elements. But some of our faves include the Dame Pom, a flexible vibe that provides both targeted and broad stimulation; the Maude Vibe, which looks a bit like a (very elegant) elongated egg and has made its way onto countless best-of lists; and the Unbound Squish (currently sold out, but you can sign up to be notified when it becomes available!), whose vibration increases the harder you squeeze it (and which Gigi Engle, certified sexologist and author of All the F*cking Mistakes: A Guide to Sex, Love, and Life, also recommends for anyone who can’t maneuver buttons very easily due to conditions like rheumatoid arthritis).

Bullet Vibrators

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An especially great style for anyone on a budget, bullet vibes are small, slim, and travel-friendly — you’ll want to take ‘em with you everywhere you go, and there’s no reason you shouldn’t! The Tracey Cox Supersex Bullet Vibrator packs a surprising punch for its size, while the Blush Novelties Gaia Eco Bullet Vibrator is an earth-friendly toy made from a starch-based, nonporous plastic called Biofeel.

Finger Vibrators

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Another stellar option for anyone who travels frequently, finger vibes are among the most compact options, and they’re available at pretty much every price point. Literally just slide it on your finger and go to town! Check out the Dame Fin or the Fukuoku 12K Fingertip Massager.

Rings

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Vibrating penis rings are a category we can’t forget. “All vibrators basically can be used on tips of penises and ballsacks and perineums,” Engle says — but there are some products specifically designed for that anatomy. Check out the Je Joue Mio and Lelo Tor 2, or the budget-friendly Tracey Cox Supersex Silicone Vibrating Love Ring.

And then, of course, there are countless other vibrators that simply don’t fit neatly into any specific category: the ultra-targeted Zumio Personal Stimulator, with its electric toothbrush–esque shape; the flexible Sweet Vibrations Tulips, which can be used in myriad ways; vibrators designed for use with a partner, like the We-Vibe Sync, Match, and Unite; and so many more. Happy shopping!