National Masturbation Month: The history of the vibrator

The VUSH Orb Pleasure Ring is an excellent clitoral vibrator that features dual motors for double the orgasmic joy and 10 pleasure settings for both P and V fun. For vulva owners, the elongated and uber-flexible bunny ears help with targeted clitoral stimulation. It also works as a ‘support’ for extra pleasure during penetrative sex – just nestle it on or on either side of the clit. Then, for penis owners, the toy’s stretchy ring works by restricting blood from flowing back down the phallus, which can help increase sensation. The Lovehoney Power Play is a fantastic choice with its curved tip, strong vibrations and multiple settings to making an exciting addition to any pleasure routine. Made from a silky smooth silicone , this toy is perfect for those exploring G spot stimulation offering 3 speeds and 4 vibration patterns.

On the website, the Cherry is listed as being waterproof with an IPX7 rating, meaning that you should be able to submerge the toy in about a meter of water for around 30 minutes. After struggling to insert the charger initially, and realizing that the entry point for it really wasn’t all that concealed, I ended up deciding not to test out submerging the toy. You can get more than just fruit-shaped vibrators from Emojibator—the brand sells multicolored bondage rope, anal plugs, lube, and more. This luxurious-looking vibrator earned top marks thanks to its sleek, modern design and noise control, with the majority of our panel finding it quiet in use.

Although we recommend this model as a starter vibrator, for some of our testers the hard plastic became slippery and difficult to hold when it came in contact with lubricant. This was not the case with the less expensive Satisfyer Purple Pleasure. While the Luna Ava vibrator is a steal at $30, don’t expect it to replace your Magic Wand anytime soon. We found its vibrations to be more buzzy than rumbly, and the 20 different settings are a nuisance given that there is no back-or-forth button—you have to click through all 20 to return to the one you started with. Waterproof toys made from nonporous materials such as silicone and stainless steel can tolerate washing with soap and warm water. If you have non-waterproof toys, carefully wipe them clean with a solution of soap and warm water.

These beginner-friendly sex toys are generally meant for clitoral stimulation, though some are meant for internal use, while others are meant for penises. Bring them on your next vacation for when you’re feeling adventurous in a place where no one knows you or keep things low-key by using them next time you’ve got a date night at home. When using your hands to masturbate, most people find using one or two fingers at a time to be the easiest starting place.

But for the purposes of this article, let’s assume you just want to incorporate some basic balls-based pleasure into sex or masturbation and don’t know where to start. “With the balls being so intimidating, I find that simpler is better,” Zizelman points out. There’s a surprising number of toys that work well for precisely that purpose. While we love this surprisingly rumbly bullet all on its own, in this nifty set it’s packaged with two attachments that can turn it into either a vibrating cock ring or an ergonomic finger vibe. The kit gives you a lot of options for the price, especially since you can use this toy in so many varying ways.

“I really like the ones where the internal and external parts can be controlled separately,” sex writer and sex toy reviewer Amy Norton says. This sleek U-shaped vibrator is a game-changer for shared pleasure, according to our panel. The longer arm can be inserted into the vagina and used to stimulate both the G-spot and penis, while the outer arm vibrates against the clitoris. It has a motor at each end and nine increasingly powerful settings – from a gentle murmur to deep rumbling vibrations – for heightened pleasure during intercourse. The lightweight design and travel pouch make it a worthy companion for holidays, and it can be used in the bath or shower. The battery life (one hour) isn’t the longest, but this wouldn’t put our panel off using it time and time again.

The soft Kanuka handcuffs come with a control cord and are perfect for “low-cutting” (that’s in-the-know speak for low friction) exploration, while the steel-capped rope allows couples to explore impact play. If you and/or your partner only have experience with clitoral orgasms, you might want to explore Lelo’s weighted vaginal beads, also known as Ben Wa balls. Who says rose petals should only be sprinkled romantically across your bed? The compact vibrator has seven suction settings and is waterproof, in case you want to use it in the shower or tub. Available in red or purple, it’s so pretty that you might want to leave it on your nightstand as some sassy home decor instead of tucking it away in a drawer. The Elemi’s quiet “gentle touch” vibration mode — one of 10 options — helps with the discretion factor.

The narrow tip also makes this vibrator a great toy for partner play, as it leaves plenty of room for other types of simultaneous stimulation. There’s a mode to simulate licking, if an oral sex vibe is what you’re seeking. There are also several speeds and settings so you can zero in on the sensations you desire in the moment. “The Magic Wand is a classic in the world of vibrators, and for good reason, too,” says Mariah Freya viberator, founder of the sexual wellness platform Beducated. There’s a vibrator for every sexual preference, proclivity, and situation — some even simulate oral sex. And using one doesn’t just feel good, it’s actually good for your health.

This vibrator has a forked tip and a powerful motor in each tip, which Hodder says guarantees intense vibration power and offers a unique way to stimulate the clitoris without having to make direct contact. “Simply position the clitoris between each tip and try pinching or squeezing them together, almost like a clit sandwich,” Hodder says (Jimmy Jane, $59). Rest assured there’s a good reason for their various curves and fork-like apparatus.

You can use your fingers to figure out which, if any, orifices you’re comfortable having penetrated, or if you’d prefer the stimulation stay on the exterior parts of your genitals. You can also experiment to see if you enjoy simultaneous internal and external stimulation. Hands can also allow for more finesse and precision than a toy can, so if you’re someone who finds that you prefer a more targeted sensation, hands are definitely your friend. They can be a way for you to experiment with vibration and other sensations if you don’t have access to a sex toy store. D.I.Y is often cheaper than buying a toy made specifically for sexy purposes.