I could write here about how almost a fifth of women surveyed by Durex said using a sex toy was the most dependable way for them to climax. Or I could point out how Kinsey Institute research suggests regular masturbation can help relieve and prevent symptoms of menopause, such as vaginal atrophy. I could even tell you that studies demonstrate a significant correlation between intimate toy ownership and greater satisfaction – not only with sex but also with life itself.
But the potted version is that orgasms and erotic pleasure are glorious, and top-class toys can help you savour more of both. So here are the best vibrators available. Scroll to the bottom to find out how I selected these vibrators from the 67 I tested for this piece.
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Why you should trust me
I’m a multi-award-winning writer, broadcaster and educator with more than two decades of experience specialising in sexual wellbeing and culture. I’ve worked as an expert independent research and development consultant for more than a dozen adult product companies; I’m a board member of the Vagina Museum in London; I’m a campaigner for sexual health and gynaecological charities, including Terrence Higgins Trust and the Eve Appeal; and I helped write many of your favourite characters’ lines about dildos, douching and desire in the hit Netflix series Sex Education. All this means I’m well qualified to assess whether these devices have been crafted decently.
I’m also a freelancer who works from home. I’ll leave it at that.
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Types of vibrator
Asking, “What’s the best sex toy?” is a bit like asking, “What’s the best tool?”: a plethora exists, and selecting the most suitable one is influenced by what you want it to do. Here, I’ve examined three popular styles of vibrators.
Bullets
Small, versatile vibrators for external use only. They’re primarily designed for targeted clitoral stimulation but can be used to tickle nipples, glide up the insides of thighs, or take on a tour practically anywhere on the body (except inside the anus – that’s not safe).
Wands
Large vibrators with broad heads, again typically designed for external use. Wands deliver the most powerful vibrations over a wide area – this sector is where you’ll find the most bone-shaking master blasters on the market. Fantastic for people who need intense stimulation, and good for deep body massage, too.
Rabbits
These vibrators have two parts: an insertable shaft, designed to stimulate inside the vaginal canal and excite the G-spot, and an external head that stimulates the clitoris. This “dual stimulation” is intended to provoke a “blended orgasm”: a climax induced by mixing multiple forms of simultaneously delivered sensation.
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The best bullet vibrators
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<em>Best bullet vibrator overall:</em>We-Vibe Tango X
- What we love:Impressive, deep, rumbly vibrations for a bullet
- What we don’t love:Its magnetic charger has a weak connection
The original Tango came out about 16 years ago, and it’s consistently remained so high up in expert rankings that by this stage it might have altitude sickness.
Why we love it
Its Goat status is justified: while many bullets offer “buzzy”, high-frequency vibrations that don’t travel far into the body, the Tango is satisfyingly “rumbly” for its size, providing additional lower-frequency stimulation that carries deeper into tissues and awakens more nerve endings. It packs a lot of oomph into its small size.
This latest incarnation features a silicone grip to make it less slippery to hold, while the business end remains hard and glossy. There’s nothing to muffle the vibrations: they’re full-on and focused, which is exactly what tickles many people’s pickles. Others may find the feeling too “sharp”, however.
Three separate buttons to increase/decrease power and change pulse patterns make it easy to find the exact output to suit you. There’s excellent variety between the settings, the lowest of which is more a brisk twitch than a vibration. Plus, a travel lock means you won’t have to trot out the “it must be my electric toothbrush!” line when your handbag starts humming.
It’s a shame that … the magnetic charger can be accidentally knocked off its connections, but it’s more hygienic than a lead that needs to plug into a hole in the toy.
Speeds: eight
Vibe patterns: seven
Power: rechargeable
Run time: two hours
Charge time: one hour and 30 minutes
Waterproof: yes
Warranty: two years
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<em>Best bullet for innovation:</em>Lovense Ambi
- What we love:Shape offers diffuse vibrations and precision
- What we don’t love:Vibrations travel up handle; charger is fiddly
A palaeontologist friend told me the Lovense Ambi is shaped exactly like a Parasaurolophus’s head. I Googled it; they were right. But while its form may hint at the prehistoric, its function and features are futuristic.
Why we love it
The Ambi’s ingenious architecture means it can be angled so its pointy tip provides pinpoint pleasure. The broader head delivers more diffuse vibrations, or it can be nestled lengthways between labia. You can change speeds and patterns manually using a button on the base, but it really comes into its own when paired with the Lovense Remote app. This allows you to set it to respond in sync with music or voices, hand over control via mobile phone to a playmate anywhere in the world or adjust the power in itty-bitty increments all the way up to a top strength reminiscent of that T-Rex shaking the water glasses scene in Jurassic Park.
It’s a shame that … those meaty vibrations do transfer significantly into this toy’s handle, too, so your fingers can start feeling fizzy and numb after a short period of holding it. And like much of the Lovense range, the Ambi is solely available in shocking pink: fabulous for those who love a kitsch Barbie Dreamhouse aesthetic, but less so if you harbour refined Architectural Digest aspirations.
I’d also like to see the magnetic charging stand improved: it’s rather wibbly-wobbly, and the Ambi only seems to power up when it’s facing forward despite also clicking neatly into the dock the other way around, so you need to pay close attention to the red charging light to check it’s fitted correctly and actually charging.
Speeds: three intensity and four vibration patterns in manual mode; almost infinite increments when using the app
Vibe patterns: unlimited, as you can program it via the app
Power: rechargeable
Run time: up to two hours
Charge time: 70 minutes
Waterproof: yes, to IPX7 standard
Warranty: one year
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<em>Best sustainable bullet:</em> Love Not War Maya
- What we love:Recycled aluminium build; interchangeable heads
- What we don’t love:Alternative heads are expensive
- £54.99 for base at SheSpot SheSpot £54.99
- £54.99 for head at SheSpot SheSpot £54.99
If you want to feel the earth move without harming the planet, Love Not War is your friend with benefits. Its Maya bullet is made from recycled aluminium in a hydroelectric-powered factory, and minimally packaged in a brown cardboard box printed with soy ink.
Why we love it
Seven different screw-on heads are sold separately to convert the bullet into, say, a rabbit or a G-spot probe. Interchangeable efforts I’ve tried in the past have suffered from insufficiently strong motors, so they haven’t been able to successfully transmit vibrations throughout each attachment, especially longer/larger ones. Love Not War is mounting an admirable battle against that challenge, however.
It’s a shame that … at more than £50 a pop, amassing a collection of heads will cost you a pretty penny – although the brand will plant a tree for each one sold.
Speeds: four
Vibe patterns: seven
Power: rechargeable
Run time: one hour
Charge time: two hours
Waterproof: yes
Warranty: two years, and Love Not War will repair toys to keep them alive for as long as possible
For more, read 19 self-care treats for the perfect pick-me-up
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<em>Best soft and sensual option:</em>Smile Makers the Firefighter
- What we love:Flickers gently but has a pointy end to do the job
- What we don’t love:Its pink colour won’t be for everyone
Bullets are often designed to treat the genitals like a game of darts: if the clitoris is the bullseye, they aim to hit it dead on. The Firefighter instead approaches stimulation more like a curling match: gently brushing, sweeping and edging towards a climax.
Why we love it
The fluttering, flickering flame-shaped head will suit those who prefer a slow, delicate buildup before switching to the more traditional, targeted “pointy finger” part of the toy.
It’s a shame that … it only comes in pink. The Surfer, another Smile Makers bullet, is a refreshingly unusual zesty orange.
Speeds: four
Vibe patterns: two
Power: rechargeable
Run time: three hours
Charge time: two to two-and-a-half hours
Waterproof: yes
Warranty: two years
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<em>Best budget bullet:</em>The Rocks Off RO-90
- What we love:Affordable; wide range of shapes and colours
- What we don’t love:One-button controls are tedious
Rocks Off makes a whole shooting range of cheap-and-cheerful battery-powered bullets. Take your pick of pointed, rounded, angled or lipstick-shaped tip; select a slick gloss, powdery matt or silicone finish; and choose from more colours than the fabric of Joseph’s dreamcoat, including one that changes from purple to pink in response to body heat.
Why we love it
It’s a fair amount of bang for very few bucks. I singled out the RO-90 as my best budget buy because the AAA battery it takes is much easier to source than the N-size variety inside the smaller RO-80 model. The slightly longer shaft makes it better suited to use for penetrative play, too, if that’s your bag.
Hats off to Rocks Off as well for its collaboration with disability charity Enhance the UK to develop a truly accessible toy range, Quest. A 5% share of sales from that collection goes back to the charity.
It’s a shame that … single-button controls mean you have to cycle all the way through speeds/pulses to change them. I also question how the shiny metallic finishes might stand up to long-term cleaning.
Speeds: three
Vibe patterns: seven
Power: 1 x AAA battery
Run time: three hours 30 minutes
Waterproof: yes
Warranty: two years
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The best rabbit vibrators
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<em>Best rabbit vibrator overall:</em>Je Joue Hera Flex
- What we love:Flexible and poseable to fit every body
- What we don’t love:Big jump between lowest power levels
The Hera Flex is such a good problem-solver, it could probably win an algebra contest. Since everyone’s anatomy is different and distances between vaginas and clitorises vary, a frequent dilemma with rabbits is that once the shaft is inserted, the external stimulator doesn’t quite rest on the right spot. Many toys are too rigid to allow sufficient bending and angle adjustment to solve this issue.
Why we love it
This Je Joue genius solves that: it’s as flexible as a yoga master, and both parts of it are poseable, allowing you to easily customise how it curves to fit your bits. Another irritating rabbit habit is that the “ears” intended to tickle either side of the clitoris can pinch, poke or catch against sensitive flesh, depending on how your body happens to be built. Here, the Hera is a hero once more, replacing the traditional bunny head with a plush, spongy, smooth “thumb”. If you’re someone with a more frilly clitoral hood or labia that gets painfully pulled by rabbit ears, this could be a real thumbs up. A quality, thoughtfully re-engineered rabbit reboot.
It’s a shame that … there’s a bit of a jump between the first two power levels. A steadier climb would be preferable. The squishiness of the Hera Flex won’t suit folks who prefer firmer pressure on their hotspots, either. But as so often in the world of sex toys, that’s rather like saying, “people who prefer raspberries shouldn’t choose this banana”; it’s a question of taste, rather than a product being bad.
Speeds: five
Vibe patterns: seven
Power: rechargeable
Run time: one hour
Charge time: one hour and 30 minutes
Warranty: one year
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<em>Best for temperature titillation:</em>Lovehoney Glow Bunny
- What we love:Solid rabbit with unique temperature play tip
- What we don’t love:Power levels won’t knock your socks off
£51.99 at Amazon
If you just want to use this toy as an old-school rabbit, it’s a solid choice … but it also has new-fangled tricks up its sleeve.
Why we love it
The temperature-play plate on the top of the shaft heats to 38C in less than two minutes, feeling almost like a warm tongue, and swiftly cools to 18C, giving a whole new meaning to “Netflix and chill”. I imagine the cold setting could be particularly enticing during sweltering summer nights, and it works nicely for nipple play, too.
It’s a shame that … the power is perfectly acceptable, but not perfect for the power-hungry.
Speeds: three
Vibe patterns: four
Power: rechargeable
Run time: one hour
Charge time: three hours
Waterproof: yes
Warranty: 100 days
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<em>Best for air pulse stimulation:</em>Womanizer Duo 2
- What we love:Dual-action air pulse tech; clever automatic modes
- What we don’t love:Takes more practice than similar, cheaper products
Admittedly, this looks more like something Star Trek’s Captain Picard should be at the helm of than a conventional rabbit. Rather than stimulating the clitoris with vibrations, the Duo 2 uses pulses of air to create a throbbing, sucking effect. Womanizer was the first to introduce this technology to the adult market in 2014, when it represented one of the most groundbreaking innovations in years.
Why we love it
The firm continues to be a pioneer. This toy boasts multiple proprietary features, including “Smart Silence”: it will only turn on when in contact with skin. This means the battery life is preserved, and you don’t have to fumble to switch it off in a panic if your intimacy is interrupted.
An Autopilot mode alternates between surprise pulse patterns and intensities to prevent masturbation from becoming predictable, while the Afterglow setting helps you gradually wind down post-climax, rather than simply switching off.
It’s a shame that … the shape takes getting used to, and there are now more intuitive (and affordable) suction and vibration rabbit toys available. That said, I believe the Duo 2 is worth mastering due to its god-tier-level exclusive features.
Speeds: 14
Vibe patterns: 10
Power: rechargeable
Run time: two hours
Charge time: two hours
Waterproof: yes
Warranty: five years
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<em>Best for an innovative shaft:</em>Satisfyer Air Pump Bunny 1
- What we love:Inflating shaft with a whopping warranty
- What we don’t love:Loud inflating noises may have deflating effects
Satisfyer is known for two things. First, making excellent-quality, more affordable “dupes” of aspirational high-end sex toys – almost like an Aldi version of Lelo and co. Second, and in contrast to the first, rolling out vast multitudes of its own novel inventions, including this Air Pump Bunny.
Why we love it
It sports an inflatable shaft that can be enlarged by up to 15mm in diameter at the touch of a button, producing a “filling” sensation that some find mind-blowing. This could be just the ticket if your orgasm is intensified by the presence of a girthy internal toy, giving your vaginal muscles something to clench around as the waves of climax hit (more common than is discussed), especially if you need to build up to having something wide inside you. Magnetic charging, smart buttons and a walloping 15-year warranty show this toy is more than just hot air.
It’s a shame that … it makes a noise like a car tyre inflator while it’s pumping up, and sounds like your vagina is sighing mournfully as it deflates. Put the stereo on, because this toy’s noises make for an inappropriate and distressing lovemaking soundtrack.
Speeds: five
Vibe patterns: seven
Power: rechargeable
Run time: one hour
Charge time: two hours and 30 minutes
Waterproof: yes
Warranty: 15 years
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<em>Best sustainable rabbit:</em>Natural Love Company Senna
- What we love:Eco-friendly without compromising looks or results
- What we don’t love:Time-consuming to clean
£99.95 at Amazon
In the past, eco-friendly toys have been well-intentioned yet disappointingly ineffectual, and with an unattractively hippy vibe. There was a wind-up vibrator that required eight minutes of hand-cranking and looked like something you’d find in an army medical tent, and a solar-powered bullet that had to stay attached to its charging panel to work. But now the Natural Love Company is making beautiful, talented toys, with eco credentials, including the incorporation of reclaimed ocean plastics and carbon-neutral delivery.
Why we love it
I was intrigued to check out the Senna after being impressed by the Yarrow: a willow-green rabbit with a thrusting head that’s far more graceful-looking than this kind of gadget has any right to be. The Senna’s undulating shaft mimics a “come hither” motion, with swirling beads beneath a buttery-soft silicone covering, while the rabbit ears have been swapped for a little pulsating bean. It’s another winner that’ll give your knees the hippy shakes.
It’s a shame that … the crevices around the clitoral stimulating nub need extra attention to keep clean and bacteria-free between uses.
Speeds: three
Vibe patterns: seven
Power: rechargeable
Run time: one hour
Charge time: two hours
Waterproof: yes
Warranty: one year
For more, read 26 easy ways to spice up your love life
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<em>Best new animal:</em>Snail Vibe Curve
- What we love:Constant clitoral contact; two independent motors
- What we don’t love:Fiddly button controls
Another animal enters the scene, with an ingenious take on how to tackle those pesky rabbit problems. Instead of bunny ears, the Snail Vibe Curve has a vibrating spiral “shell” that rests externally on the clitoris. As you insert the internal shaft, this shell unrolls to maintain constant clitoral contact – check out the videos on Snail Vibe’s website to see what I mean. You can enjoy penetration that’s as shallow or deep as you wish or thrust the toy back and forth, without the clitoral stimulator slipping out of place.
The Snail has received a glow-up for its Curve edition, with a ribbed texture applied to the shell, magnetic charging, and most usefully, the addition of a looped handle for easier handling. It has two pleasingly throbby motors on the shell and shaft, which can be independently controlled to fine-tune your experience, inside and out. It takes a while to find your way around a toy this curious, but the payoff is worthwhile.
It’s a shame that … the buttons are a fraction fiddly, and don’t think about trombones during use, or you won’t be able to stop laughing.
Speeds: five for each motor
Vibe patterns: five for each motor
Power: rechargeable
Run time: one hour
Charge time: two hours
Waterproof: yes
Warranty: two years
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<em>Best budget rabbit:</em>Ann Summers Self Love Dual Simulation
- What we love:Classy vibe; high-end specs at an affordable price
- What we don’t love:Ann Summers’ trend-driven range sells out quickly
Rabbit-style vibrators emerged in Japan in the early 1980s, and the inaugural model had a trio of creature cousins – a beaver, a turtle, and a kangaroo. The zoological designs were a way of circumventing strict obscenity laws of the time, but as buyers realised how well the rabbit’s ears in particular were suited to their X-rated job, demand soared and word spread internationally. Ann Summers launched its own “Rampant Rabbit” in 1991 – and the store remains an excellent place to bag a bunny.
Why we love it
This rabbit feels far posher and more well-bred than you might expect for the price. It has a flexible shaft to help it better fit different anatomies. The Tiffany-blue diamond-textured silicone has a high-class aura. Is it rechargeable and waterproof, with a respectable degree of horsepower and plenty of speed and pattern options? Tick, tick, tick – and all without making your bank manager cross.
It’s a shame that … Ann Summers’ offering is trend-driven, with a lot of seasonal, once-they’re-gone-they’re-gone toys. It recently stocked some especially slender, petite rabbits I would have loved to recommend to people seeking smaller-than-average dual-stimulation toys, but they were gone in a heartbeat. The Rampant Rabbit Slim is a decent option from its core range for anyone who finds the Self Love’s shaft too thick.
Speeds: three in both the shaft and ears, separately controlled
Vibe patterns: seven in both the shaft and ears, separately controlled
Power: rechargeable
Run time: 60-90 minutes
Charge time: about two hours
Waterproof: yes
Warranty: one year
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<em>Best old-school throwback rabbit:</em>Lovehoney Jessica Rabbit
- What we love:Nostalgic design; lots of pleasing features
- What we don’t love:Its soft plastic build can become sticky
There’s a Y2K revival under way, and to me, the Lovehoney Jessica Rabbit screams “millennium” at least as much as flip phones, inflatable furniture and wearing high heels with cargo pants. It’s wonderful that many modern toys are so sophisticated, but since eroticism can have strong associations with past pleasurable experiences, the lure of “the old faithful” shouldn’t be discounted.
Why we love it
Jessica: she’s a camp icon. The translucent bubble-gum pink soft-plastic material. The swirling pearl beads in the shaft. The fact that the head rotates clockwise and anticlockwise. Lovehoney has sold versions of the Jessica since 2008, so for many people, a rabbit like this one will have been their first foray into sex toys.
It’s a shame that … soft plastic can quickly get grubby, and if the material degrades, it can become harder to clean hygienically. Keep this rabbit away from silicone-based lubes and anything oily, as these may damage the material and make it sticky – although Jessica will always be delightfully tacky.
Speeds: three speeds in the ears; three speeds and reversible rotation in the shaft
Vibe patterns: seven patterns in the ears
Power: 3 x AA batteries – not included
Run time: about 60-90 minutes
Waterproof: no, splashproof, IPX4
Warranty: one year
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The best wand vibrators
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<em>Best wand vibrator overall:</em>Doxy Die Cast Max Plug-In
- What we love:Punchy plug-in power that can take proper pressure
- What we don’t love:It practically needs its own roof rack if you want to travel with it
As they say: go hard, or go home. The mains-powered Doxy Die Cast Max Plug-In is arguably as hard as you can go. It’s not for the faint of heart (or parts), but it’s so mighty that it can probably conjure up an orgasm through walls. And speaking of your hopefully thick walls, you don’t get up to 9,000 revs a minute without noise, so be aware that even though the metal body rattles less than plastic wands, this is still loud enough to sound like you need a licence to drive it. Heck, though – what a ride.
Since Doxy launched more than a decade ago, its products have been revered for their tectonic-plate-juddering strength and have gained a fervent fandom – all of whom must have supreme confidence in their dental health, because I swear these wands could shake your teeth right out of your head. Earlier in 2026, the brand gathered feedback from more than 1,300 devotees and relaunched with an Alien-esque neon-green-and-black logo and a streamlined suite of hotly anticipated, improved toys.
The new edition of the Die Cast Max Plug-In model features a reinforced, flexible neck that can withstand greater pressure, so you can back your thang up on it and push against it with some serious welly. The buttons have also been redesigned to feel more tactile, and the packaging has been upgraded so it serves as long-term storage.
Why we love it
The reworked Doxy range now includes several less behemothic, cordless, USB-C rechargeable wands, including the smaller-but-still-serious Die Cast Compact and the petite yet powerful Doxy Go.
However, I’m recommending the most uncompromising, mammoth model of the lot. Nothing about it is a novelty; this right here is a professional power tool. It’s mains-powered, so the formidable rumbling never stops; it’s ravishingly, ruinously relentless. Its lead is three metres, so it stretches to most places you want it to go. And it’s built to last, from solid metal: I owned the old version for more than a decade, and it was still impeccable when I levelled up to the latest model.
The Die Cast is not subtle, but I’d argue that the push for sex toys to be “discreet” has roots in shame. Multiple women who’ve sought my advice for anorgasmia have called me, ecstatic, after my Doxy tip-off has given them their first-ever climax: something unabashed that works is better than something understated that doesn’t.
It’s a shame that … at 918g and the size of a rounders bat, the Die Cast Max Plug-In is a heavy beast. People without strong wrists or with problems such as arthritis should check out the Doxy Original Plug-In, 651g, and explore wand-positioning cushions such as those by Liberator or Sportsheets.
Speeds: eight power levels
Vibe patterns: variable escalating pulse mode
Power: mains powered and supplied with plug adaptors for the UK, EU, US & AU
Waterproof: no
Warranty: one year
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<em>Best classy all-rounder:</em>Lelo Smart Wand 2
- What we love:Chic, reliable and powerful
- What we don’t love:Horn shape adds to its heft
Lelo is the Idris Elba of the adult toy arena: chic, almost universally considered attractive, and a reliably fantastic performer.
Why we love it
This ergonomic delight is easy to wield and functions excellently as a massage gun in addition to its racier applications. It’s elegant, intuitive to use and packs plenty of punch at the higher settings. It would have been my top pick were it not for the fact that I’m confident the Doxy could get an orgasm out of a cabbage.
It’s a shame that … the large Lelo wand will intimidate some folks: for some reason its curved rhino-horn shape makes it seem even heftier than a straight wand. Luckily, there’s a medium size available too.
Speeds: 10
Vibe patterns: 10
Power: rechargeable
Run time: four hours (but I suspect that’s only achievable for users who solely prefer the gentlest speed)
Charge time: two hours
Waterproof: yes
Warranty: one year, plus a 10-year quality guarantee
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<em>Best for long-distance lovers:</em>Kiiroo ProWand
- What we love:Can be remotely app-controlled; 10-hour run time
- What we don’t love:The app could be simpler
The ProWand is a lightweight, velvety wand built to be comfortable for extended use – and boasting an impressive 10-hour-plus run time.
Why we love it
The ProWand can be remotely controlled or connected to other compatible toys with the FeelConnect app, perfect for facilitating shared erotic experiences for lovers who live apart or frequently travel separately. I’ve worked with cybersecurity experts at Mozilla to investigate the hackability of internet-enabled sex toys, and the company’s report says Kiiroo “do[es] a pretty good job protecting users’ privacy and security”.
The glowing LED handle can be set to match the colour of lingerie and is dim enough to not illuminate that distracting pile of washing in the corner of your bedroom.
It’s a shame that … the app takes a second to get the hang of, although overall the setup and navigation are much simpler than others I’ve tried.
Speeds: five
Vibe patterns: six
Power: rechargeable
Run time: 10+ hours
Charge time: four hours
Waterproof: yes
Warranty: one year
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<em>Best budget wand:</em>So Divine Wicked Game
- What we love:Two motors for internal or external stimulation
- What we don’t love:Less powerful than pricier wands
So Divine’s versatile value wand includes the option for vibrations to be emitted from each end of the toy.
Why we love it
This flexibility is a very good thing. Turn on the domed head at the top for external body massage or the insertable shaft at the bottom to enjoy penetration and internal stimulation. Despite this toy having dual motors, you can’t run both ends at once – although only the most adventurous among us would need that.
It’s a shame that … this toy doesn’t pack the power of pricier wands, and some prefer a material and design with more softness, flex and yield. However, it’s a great entry-level wand that gives you a chance to experiment with different stimulation styles and learn what you like before investing in a deluxe toy for three times the price.
Speeds: three
Vibe patterns: seven
Power: rechargeable
Run time: one hour
Charge time: two hours and 30 minutes
Waterproof: yes
Warranty: two years
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How I chose vibrators – and what you should consider
At least 20 toys were tested in each category, with 67 tested in total. In addition to his links to love and lust, Saint Valentine is also the patron saint of beekeeping, so he would feel quite at home amid the cacophony of buzzing that soundtracked the production of this article.
I discounted any products not made from body-safe materials, such as porous jellies that can harbour bacteria and dirt, or plastics containing phthalates, which have been linked to cancer and hormonal interference. I considered things such as whether each device lived up to the claims made by its manufacturer; how easy it was to position and control; how fast it charged and how long the battery lasted, where relevant; and how attractive, adaptable, powerful and comfortable it was.
What I didn’t do was automatically label a toy as a “holy grail” or an “almighty fail” if it didn’t happen to float my idiosyncratic boat, or provide what I personally need to reach orgasm, through no inherent fault of its own. Deciding upon the “best” vibrator is highly subjective, so I’ve tried to explain how different items might suit different folks.
When making your own considerations, useful questions to ask include:
Do I prefer gentle or potent vibrations (or both)? What styles of touch delight me, and do I want external or internal stimulation (or both)?
What shape and size of toy will suit my body and my tastes?
Do I want something simple, straightforward and intuitive, or experimental/multifunctional/tech-enabled?
What materials and textures feel inviting to me?
A note on volume: some reviews rate toys on how quiet they are, but I’ve NEVER met a vibe that’s as near-silent as it says it is. For that reason, I’ve only pointed out when a toy is notably loud enough to sound like you’ve rented it from a builders’ merchant.
In almost all cases, you do have to put your hand in your pocket if you want the best. Strong motors, neat details and high-performance designs don’t tend to come cheap. I believe pleasure should be accessible to all, though, so there’s at least one budget option included in each category. It’ll have some compromises, but it should give you plenty of “Ooh!” for not much dough.
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Can vibrators decrease your sensitivity?
Let me reassure you: using vibrators will not cause nerve damage to your genitals. However, if, over a prolonged period, you always reach for a toy when masturbating – particularly if it’s a high-strength model like a mains-powered wand – you may inadvertently condition your body to become used to intense stimulation. Much like a curry fan who’s been mainlining vindaloo and is then served a masala, the comparatively gentle feelings provided by fingers or partners may begin to feel less spicy, and you may struggle to orgasm without the potent or pinpointed vibrations with which you’ve become familiar.
A similar problem arises for people with penises who hold themselves very tightly and use rough motions during solo play. American sex educator Dan Savage nicknamed this “the death grip”, and it can cause erectile dysfunction and difficulties ejaculating via the relative tenderness of intercourse.
Luckily, solutions are simple. First: chill out on your vibrator use, to give your body time to reappraise the delights of the delicate. You may want to try a period of abstinence, where you return to manual masturbation without grabbing a toy. Or if you’ve been cranking your toy’s power straight up to 11, try being a little less Spın̈al Tap and experimenting with softer speeds and patterns. Lubricant can help too, by cushioning sensitive tissues a little.
If you find that sex without toys simply doesn’t feel as good, another option is to involve your toys in sex. Contrary to many people’s fears, vibrators can’t replace the profound intimacy and thrill of being with another human being, but they can vastly enhance shared experiences – they’re complementary co-pilots, not competitors.
If you’re someone who feels threatened by toys, it may help to think of them as specialist equipment. You wouldn’t feel emasculated or belittled if you had to equip yourself with an axe to cut down a tree instead of just using your bare hands, right? Instead, it’s more impressive to learn to wield that equipment like a pro, whether you want to chop timber or set your partner’s night alight. Using the right apparatus the right way is the fastest route to successfully starting a fire. Ask your lover to show you how they like the toy to be positioned, and be eager to take on any feedback they give.
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What to do when your old toys finally die
If all this toy talk has reminded you that you have enough bad vibes, shot bullets and dead rabbits gathering dust in your bedside cabinet to rival Watership Down, you’re not alone. Research conducted in 2025 by tech refurbishment specialists Back Market revealed that 15% of people keep old and broken sex toys stored ad infinitum because they’re embarrassed to throw them away. One in three surreptitiously chucks them in the household bin – even though anything with batteries, a plug or a charging port can be recycled. An unfortunate side-effect of increased sexual liberation and toy ownership is that worn-out erotic electricals are worsening the planet’s burgeoning e-waste problem, and valuable materials within them, including aluminium, gold, copper, lithium and steel, are being lost to landfill.
If your ancient wand vibe is now more tragic than magic, head to Recycle Your Electricals, enter your postcode, then select Vibrator from the drop-down menu (yes, it’s a legitimate category). You’ll be given recycling instructions specific to your location; some councils will even collect your raunchy rubbish directly from your door. I’d wrap it in a bag, mind, for discretion. The binman doesn’t need to have the dirt on all your filth.
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Alix Fox is an award-winning writer and broadcaster specialising in sexual wellbeing and culture, with 20 years of experience in receiving dick pics sent not to titillate, but because the worried texter wants an informed opinion on a weird lump/rash/wart. She’s currently a PhD researcher at UCL’s Institute for Global Health, specialising in HIV prevention and care. She rents a storage unit to house her collection of erotic apparatus. What’s NSFW for you is probably just W for Alix.
• This article was originally published on 23 February 2025. Reviews published in the Filter may be periodically updated to reflect new products and at the editor’s discretion. The date of an article’s most recent update can be found in the timestamp at the top of the page. This article was amended on 2 October 2026; four new vibrators were added, and prices were updated throughout
