If you’re looking for your first vibrator and feel like you have no clue what you’re doing, don’t sweat it. We all start somewhere! Plus, there are so many different types of vibrators out there from bullet vibrators to rabbit vibrators to wand massagers. And should you buy from a sex toy store, or can you just add it to your next Amazon order? It can be overwhelming but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with these recs for the best vibrators for beginners.
With the right background knowledge and info, you can narrow down your options to figure out exactly what will make for the perfect beginner vibe for you. But keep in mind, “the best beginner vibrator” is totally subjective. What works for your sister or BFF might not be good for you, and that’s totally okay, says sexologist Carol Queen, PhD, who works at Good Vibrations.
“This is because our sexual responses are not exactly the same; everyone might want something a little different. Some want vaginal insertion (in fact, some think that’s the main way to masturbate since it mimics intercourse), but [penetration] isn’t the main way most women orgasm!”
With that in mind, to get started, you’re gonna wanna ask yourself lots of questions about how you’ll be using your vibrator, says OB-GYN Brandye Wilson-Manigat, MD, a pleasure coach at LifeLoveLibido.
Will you be using the vibrator in the bed only? Do you want the option to be able to use it in the shower or tub? Do you also want something you can use with a partner? Do you want something for strictly clitoral stimulation or something for both vaginal and clitoral stimulation?
Think through these Qs to better narrow down your options. Then, it’s time to start shopping. Dr. Brandye says shopping for a sex toy online can offer a lot of advantages for first-time buyers. Not only can you get sex toys shipped discreetly right to your door, but you can check out the reviews, descriptions, and features of the toy.
A few things you’ll want to look for, depending on what type of vibrator you want:
Dr. Brandye would suggest beginners go with something small that vibrates—like a bullet vibrator, for example.
“Women can be shy about buying a sex toy, and having something small seems to minimize the ‘blush factor,’” she explains. Something that vibrates can, of course, be used on your clitoris, but you can also try it on other erogenous zones around your vulva or nipples.
Lastly, once you’ve bought a vibrator and given it a new home, Dr. Brandye suggests figuring out where and how the controls work before go-time. Honestly, flipping through the first few pages of the instruction manual is usually enough.
So, to help you on this journey, we’ve curated a list of the most simple (yet most orgasmic) beginner vibrators you’ll love. Enjoy!
If you’re someone who cares about aesthetics and likes things to match—or at least look cohesive—this cute set of pastel vibrators is a safe way to spend $40 and test out different vibrators. You get a bullet, a “classic” larger vibrator, a textured internal vibrator, and a small, wired egg vibrator for $10 each. The best part? You’ll save major $$$ buying this kit rather than buying each item separately. You’ll also need three AA batteries, one AAA battery, and two C batteries.
It may be helpful for beginners to start with a smaller, fingertip vibe, as it can feel the most organic transitioning from non-toy-assisted masturbation to adding in a vibrator. This toy slips over your finger, like an extension of your own touch, but better. It’s small and relatively unobtrusive, waterproof, battery-operated, and latex and phthalate-free with a quiet-yet-powerful vibe.
If you want something you can insert inside yourself and stimulate your clit with, try a rabbit. As immortalized on Sex and the City, the rabbit features two lil bunny ears that gently reach your clit.
Should you want a rabbit experience without all the accoutrement of the 11-piece kit, this affordable $30 option is a great battery-operated way to test drive it. The strong suction cup base means you can attach this toy to any surface like your floor or shower (it’s completely waterproof too!) and ride to your heart’s content. There’s an adjustable control at the base, so you can customize the strength as well. This one is also battery-operated, but for $30, it’s easy to justify.
5. If you want a toy you can put inside you: LELO Gigi 2
If you want a trustworthy beginner’s vibe you can use inside your vagina, the Gigi 2 has a very substantial motor for deeper vibrations, eight vibration patterns, and is nearly silent. It features a rechargeable battery (one hour of charge = one and a half hours of use = plenty of time to experiment.)
We love ZALO’s Bess Massager for newbies. The innovative toy comes with three attachments, so you can play with a variety of sensations like pinpointed clit stimulation, internal vibes, and penetrative vibrations. Plus, it looks like it belongs in a museum with all that gold, Egyptian-style detailing.
Wallet-friendly with seven preset patterns, the Lovelife Cuddle Mini is the perfect starter toy whether you plan to keep it in your bedside drawer, your suitcase, or take it with you everywhere. At only 4.84 inches, it features a quiet but surprisingly powerful motor. It’s also smaller than typical wands and dildos, and is rechargeable.
This app-controlled, rechargeable vibrator is the perfect starter toy since it has a whole lotta options and features. Not only does it heat up so you can experience temperature play, but it also features removable bunny ears for amazing clit or nipples stimulation. Use the wand on various erogenous zones, then play around with the five different settings to unlock a whole new world of sensations.
If you want a toy you and your partner can both enjoy, try a vibrating cock ring. It might not be what you envisioned for your first vibe, but hear me out: The ring that wraps around the penis increases sensations for the wearer, and the ridged, vibrating wand portion can be inserted in the vagina or rested against the clitoris for amazing intercourse. It’s a double whammy.
There’s a lot to love about this rechargeable vibe, but I am especially into how inconspicuous it is. It wouldn’t look out of place in your makeup bag, so if it gets inspected by the TSA, no one’s not gonna know you brought a sex toy on vacation. It features six different vibration patterns, and it’s 100% waterproof if you wanna have fun in the hotel bathtub or shower.
11. If you want to try a lil of everything: Lovehoney Wild Weekend Kit
For $90, this kit comes with 11 sex toys, including a multi-speed internal vibrator, a Rabbit, a wired, vibrating-rabbit-ear egg for clitoral stimulation, butt plug, anal beads, blow job sleeve, Kegel balls, and four cock rings. The only downside to this set is that you’ll need six AA batteries, as none of the toys are rechargeable.
(By the way, Lovehoney has a 60-day Happiness Guaranteed policy, so if you buy a toy and you hate it, you can fill out a form and get your money back.)
12. If you want a variety set without any penis toys: Lovehoney Turn Me On Clitoral Vibrator Kit
Into the idea of a variety pack but can do without any penis toys? Lovehoney also has a six-piece vibrator-only set that’s $25(!!!) and is all about clit stimulation. It includes two vibrating toys and four different textured sleeves so you can experiment with different sensations.
13. If you want something with all-around stimulation: Sweet Vibes TuLips
This cute lil vibrator is seriously so powerful. It’s designed to stimulate the entire clitoris rather than just the tip. It has 10 vibration patterns and five intensity levels, so you can find what really works for you. Plus, it goes for 2+ hours on a single charge. What more could you ask for?
As a rechargeable, silicone, and waterproof toy, this is a great first vibe for beginners. The three points of contact mean that you can pinpoint the vibrations to your clitoris directly, or press it against your entire vulva to disperse the vibrations for broader sensation. A lot of phallic vibrators also vibrate, which can be confusing (it’s meant to be put inside you, but wouldn’t the vibrations be better suited for clitoral stimulation?), so it’s nice that this toy is LOUD about being specifically for clit play.
The rechargeable Romp Free is a very affordable suction-based clitoral stimulator, which uses the same Pleasure Air tech as some pricier models, for only $31. If you’re looking to explore suction vibrators that stimulate the feeling of oral sex, this is a great starting point. While this toy doesn’t vibrate like most traditional clitoral vibrators, if you know that suction on your clit during oral sex gets you off like no other, you’ll definitely want to try this toy. There are ten modes, it’s 100 percent waterproof, and the tip (that comes in contact with your clitoris) is body-safe silicone.
If you want a toy that’s small and super cute, the Satisfyer “Sweet Treat” spinnator is probs the cutest toy I’ve seen in recent months. Shaped like an ice cream cone, this one spins around, which, when paired with water-based lube, can provide a totally new sensation for clitoris-havers.
Tenga’s Iroha Rin vibe looks more like a fancy water bottle than a vibrator, and the design isn’t just aesthetic. The firm shaft is made of silicone, which is perfect for internal stimulation, and the squishable topper makes for soft clitoral stimulation.
The Crave Vesper looks like sleek, minimalist jewelry, but don’t be fooled: It also acts as a super powerful bullet vibrator. Seriously, we’re not kidding when we say you’ll be very pleasantly surprised by the strength this thing has. It’s available in silver, 24k gold, and rose gold, aka you can definitely find one to go with all your outfits.
If you want a toy that actually thrusts and takes a lot of the work out for you, try Fun Factory’s Stronic Drei. It’s textured with ridges, so you can experiment with different internal stimulations, boasts 10 patterns, and is rechargeable.
If you want targeted, buzzy vibrations, try the Tango. It’s small enough to hide anywhere but packs a punch with three levels of intensity and five patterns.
If you’re on a budget, try the Cal Exotics Hide & Play Lipstick Vibrator. It’s $30, so won’t do damage to your wallet, but is still rechargeable via USB, and the discreet novelty packaging is pretty cute too.
For those who prefer vibrations spread out over their vulva rather than pinpoint targeted, try the Magic Wand. It’s often referred to as the “Cadillac of vibrators,” and is a bestseller for a reason — the vibrating head is nearly the size of a tennis ball, so you can feel the powerful vibrations everywhere.
And for the same Magic Wand power but with a rechargeable battery (so you can ditch the cord), there’s also the Magic Wand Rechargeable. Yes, it’s more than double the price of the OG wand, but you at least know it’s worth the investment.
Or try this cute heart-shaped vibrator if you want something smaller. You can use the broad sides for that same diffused-vibration feeling, or the tip of the heart for more targeted stimulation.
The Womanizer utilizes suction to create a seal around your clitoris and tiny rumbly vibrations to simulate oral sex. Reviewers claim it can provide them with multiple, full body orgasms, and is super quiet too.
For a more budget-friendly vibrator that also uses the same suction-feeling, try the Satisfyer Pro 2 Clitoral Stimulator.
For those that like clitoral stimulation during penetrative sex to orgasm (who doesn’t?), try the Eva. The small beetle-like toy has wings you can tuck into your labia for hands-free stimulation.
You can get up to 60 feet of coverage using the remote that comes with this panty vibrator, or download the app to have your partner take over from anywhere in the world. The vibrator tucks into your underwear for a discreet and non-clunky experience and is rechargeable for up to an hour of use
