“Hysteria” and the Strange History of Vibrators

Additionally, our packaging is discreet to protect your privacy, so you can shop confidently. Sex toys come in all different shapes, specs, and sizes, but if you want a toy that’s whisper-silent, travel-friendly, and discreet, a finger vibrator is your answer. These petite toys slip on top or in between your fingers and turn your hand into a well-oiled, love-making machine. The donut-shaped Ora 3 has a “tongue” that vibrates and rotates, with 12 settings that mimic the feeling of oral sex. It’s quiet, waterproof, and has an ergonomic shape that’s easy to hold. Unlike most toys , this one has a Smart Silence feature, so it only runs when it touches skin (this helps conserve its battery while reducing constant buzzing).

It’s way too easy to lose the charger, and there’s comfort in knowing you can use any charging cable you have lying around. The vibrations of the Je Joue Mimi felt jerky and choppy at the lower speeds and caused the motor to make wheezing noises. This toy works best if you use it at its maximum setting, provided that the maximum setting is not too strong or weak for your personal tastes. In some cases you can scrub off the stickiness, but we do not recommend using silicone lubricants with silicone toys because we don’t really know how such lubricants will affect the porosity and integrity of the toys over time. Vibrators with “loop” handles like the Dot’s are easier to grip, and toys that don’t vibrate too much in the handle are gentler on hands. Unlike some of the other toys we tested, the Magic Wand Rechargeable is not waterproof.

Balestrieri says those just starting to find their vibe might want to start with a wand because of its wider, rounded top. “It allows for more different types of stimulation than perhaps some of the smaller vibrators,” she says. She likes Bed Geek’s wand massager because of its compact size (which makes it easier to store in your home than other wands) and numerous settings “that make for a really nice entry into the wand world.”

Don’t be deceived by its size – this petite vibrator stimulates the clitoris with a powerful tapping sensation, with the help of three speeds and six vibration patterns. Our in-house team of reviewers has collectively tried over 500 sex toys—the ones we featured here are amongst their tried-and-true faves. We also asked sex educators and therapists to share the products that have been the biggest game-changers in their clients’ and patients’ solo and partnered sex lives. The final list only includes options that earned two enthusiastic thumbs up. Our favorite palm vibe, the Le Wand Point, has a sleek stainless steel handle and an uber-soft ridged silicone tip. The heavier steel end allows the toy to provide more pressure than an all-silicone option, Finn previously told SELF.

The sex tech industry has conditioned us to think of toys in terms of male and female, penis and vagina, but that’s reductive and inaccurate, contributing to a larger narrative about the relationship between genitals and gender. We opt to be as specific as possible and use anatomical terms to describe individual erogenous zones—and there are way more than just P and V. This step is optional, but lubricant can be helpful to reduce the friction that might cause discomfort. It’s important to note that the kind of lube you use depends on the material of your vibrator. For example, if the vibrator is made of silicone, a water-based lube will help preserve the material and avoid damaging it.

It also has a low battery indicator, so there are no mid-sex surprises. Wand vibrators are typically on the larger side, but there are still plenty of different shapes to choose from. “Vaginas vibrators, vulvas, and other erogenous areas come in different shapes and sizes, and finding the perfect length and width is key,” says Dr. Hack. The price range for vibrators is surprisingly vast, with the most affordable options in the $20 area and the most luxurious upwards of $300.

But despite its general reliability, a larger wand vibrator doesn’t necessarily scream discreet. This wand in particular tends to be louder, and definitely requires more real estate in your nightstand drawer. As with everything else when it comes to sex, what makes a good vibrator relies a lot on a single factor — your own preferences.