The 33 Best Vibrators for Beginners in 2024, Per Experts
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Looking for the best vibrators for beginners is like shopping for a car: The style, size, and horsepower will have a huge impact on your experience. But across the board, the right vibe can totally revamp your self-care routine and change how you connect with a partner.
“Vibrators are designed to deliver stimulation, support sexual arousal, and even enhance orgasm,” says sex and relationship expert Tara Suwinyattichaiporn, PhD, an associate professor of sexual and relational communication at California State University, Fullerton, and host of the Luvbites by Dr. Tara podcast. But how do you figure out if you want the Cadillac of vibes or one that’s as tried-and-true as a Subaru? We’ve got you covered. Below, we rounded up the best vibrators for beginners, divided by type, plus some expert-backed shopping tips to help you get started.
Our top picks
- Best Bullet Vibrator: We-Vibe Tango X
- Best Wand Vibrator: FemmeFunn Ultra Wand
- Best Clitoral Vibrator: Jimmyjane Form 2 Pro
- Best Clit Sucker: Womanizer Liberty 2
- Best G-Spot Vibrator: Biird Gii
- Best Rabbit Vibrator: Adam & Eve G-gasm Rabbit Dildo
- Best Palm Vibrator: Dame Pom
- Best Grinding Vibrator: Rocks Off Ruby Glow Dusk
How do I choose the right vibrator?
Shopping for a vibe is easy, when you know what to look for. Here’s how experts recommend starting your search:
Type of stimulation
Internal vs. external
“When choosing your first ever vibrator, a good place to start is to consider what kind of stimulation you already know you enjoy,” Rachel Wright, MA, LMFT, New York-based licensed psychotherapist and host of The Wright Conversations podcast, tells SELF. If you’re into clitoral stimulation, try an external vibrator like a bullet or wand vibe. More into G-spot stimulation? Go with an internal option. And if you like both, a rabbit or dual-stimulation vibe could be your perfect match.
If you’re not quite sure what feels good, don’t be afraid to get hands on: “Experimenting with different types of touch with your hands and fingers on your vulva and vagina can give you a lot of information about what you like,” Holly Richmond, PhD, a somatic psychotherapist, AASECT-certified sex therapist, and the associate director at Modern Sex Therapy Institutes, tells SELF.
Pinpointed vs. broad
Consider whether you’re into broad stimulation or more pinpointed sensations, Wright says—some vibes have tiny tips, while others have flat heads that can be more versatile. Ask yourself: When I receive oral sex, what feels better? A wide, flat tongue against my whole vulva, or a tongue tracing my clitoris or labia? When getting fingered, do I prefer shallow or deep penetration? The answers can help you decide whether to go for a larger vibrator, like a wand, or something slimmer, like a bullet, Wright says.
Vibration quality
Vibration quality is usually classified as rumbly or buzzy: “Rumbly vibrations travel deeper into the body, while buzzy ones offer surface area stimulation,” Wright says. Usually, larger vibes have larger motors that feel more rumbly, she adds. If you’re totally new to sex toys, she recommends opting for one with a few different vibration modes so you can figure out what feels best.
Solo or partnered play
Most vibrators are as versatile as your imagination allows. For example, “G-spot vibrators can also be used externally, and clitoral vibrators can be used on penises or nipples too,” says Wright. (The one caveat: A vibe can only be used anally if it has a flared base.)
That said, it’s wise to think about how you want to use your new toy. If you plan on using your vibrator during partnered sex, you may want to opt for one that’s slimmer and less intrusive. If you’re using the toy solo, you might not care if it has a cord or has a larger, clunkier design.
FYI: Even if you plan to use the toy with a partner eventually, Dr. Richmond suggests using your first vibrator on your own a few times. “This offers a degree of agency and efficacy (confidence!), which helps the entire mood of the sexual experience,” she says. “This also allows you to tell your partner how you like to use it, which creates a scenario where they don’t have to guess.”
Noise level
If you have noise constraints to contend with—like a roommate with hypersensitive ears or in-laws occasionally staying in your guest room—you may prefer a quiet vibe. While it can be tough to assess a toy’s noise level online, we recommend skimming reviews to see what shoppers have to say.
What you need to know about vibrator safety and hygiene
Sex toys can be made from lots of different materials—some are porous, while others are non-porous. Porous materials, like PVC and elastomer, hold onto bacteria and can never be fully cleaned. Instead, look for vibes made from nonporous materials like ABS plastic and medical-grade silicone—these won’t irritate or damage genital and anal tissues, Dr. Suwinyattichaiporn says.
Provided your toy is nonporous, you should clean it often with water and mild, fragrance-free soap, Dr. Suwinyattichaiporn says: “This will help prevent infections and prolong the life of your toy.” You'll need to sanitize your vibe after each time you use it—this means between sessions or, if you're having group sex, between partners. Also, if you’ve used a toy vaginally, make sure to give it a quick scrub before using it anally (and vice versa).
Shop the best vibrators for beginners
Related:
- I’ve Tested More Than 100 Wand Vibrators—But This One Is My All-Time Favorite
- The Best Sex Pillows to Help You Hit All the Right Angles
- Yes, Sex Furniture Is a Thing—Here Are 24 Functional Options We Love
Get more of SELF’s great product recommendations delivered right to your inbox (for free!).