How to choose your first vibrator
There are hundreds of vibrators out there, and most "best of" lists just rank the expensive ones. Choosing your first is simpler than it looks: decide where you want the feeling, pick a shape that does that well, and check three practical things before you buy.
Start with one question: inside, outside or both?
Most people with a vulva get most of their pleasure from the clitoris, on the outside. So for a first toy, an external vibrator is the safest bet. If you already know you enjoy penetration, an internal or dual toy makes sense.
- Outside: bullet, wand or air-pulse toy.
- Inside: G-spot vibrator.
- Both at once: rabbit vibrator.
The five shapes, in plain English
| Shape | What it does | Good first pick if… |
|---|---|---|
| Bullet | Small, focused buzz on the outside | You want something cheap, discreet and easy |
| Wand | Big, deep, rumbly vibration | You like strong sensations or want a massager too |
| Air-pulse | Pulses of air around the clitoris, no direct contact | Direct vibration feels too much |
| G-spot | Curved tip for the front wall inside | You enjoy penetration |
| Rabbit | Inside shaft plus an outside arm | You want both at once |
Bullets: the easy yes
A bullet is the gentlest way in. It fits in a palm, is quiet, and works alone or during sex. The Loving Joy rechargeable bullet costs under £25, and the Svakom Tulip adds a nicer, softer finish. Browse all bullet vibrators.
Wands: when you want power
Wands are the strongest option and many people swear by them. They are larger and louder, but nothing else gives quite the same deep rumble. The Loving Joy rechargeable wand is a solid start; the LELO Smart Wand 2 is the upgrade that lasts for years.
Air-pulse toys: for sensitive bodies
These do not vibrate against the skin. They create gentle waves of suction around the clitoris, which many people find intense but never numbing. Read more in our air-pulse guide, or try the Loving Joy suction vibrator at under £20.
G-spot and rabbit vibrators
A G-spot toy has a curved tip that presses on the front wall, a few centimetres in. The LELO Moka is a good-value first one. A rabbit adds an outer arm for the clitoris: the MINA Sensation rabbit is a friendly size for beginners.
Three things to check before you buy
- Body-safe silicone. It is non-porous, easy to clean and lasts. Skip cheap jelly or rubber.
- Rechargeable. No batteries to buy, and usually stronger motors.
- Waterproof. Easier to clean, and the bath becomes an option.
Before the first use
Wash it with warm water and mild soap or a toy cleaner, and add a little water-based lube: not sure which? Our lube guide takes two minutes. Start on the lowest setting and work up. There is no right way to use it except the way that feels good.
Shop all vibrators. Every order arrives in a plain box, with nothing on the outside to say what is inside.