Vibrators provide a kind of stimulation no human body can. Unlike dildos, which only move the way you move them, vibrators have motors which move and whir and create strong consistent stimulation. There are thousands of different styles of vibrators, but the main differences between them are their power sources (plug-in, battery powered, or rechargeable), their relative quality, the material they are made of, and what the vibration feels like (higher pitched and buzzy, or lower pitched and rumbly).
How To Choose A Vibrator
In our collective mind, a vibrator is simply any device that vibrates. Some vibrators are called "massagers", while others are called "vibes" or "novelties", but they all generally work the same: when applied to body, they stimulate or relax the body part being vibrated.
Vibrators are used for all sorts of things by all sorts of people! We stock vibrators because they often feel super good when applied to genitals, but vibes are also used for vocal therapy, to work-out muscle tension (not on unexplained calf pain, though!), help relieve pelvic pain, and to relax the sphincter in preparation for anal play.
Vibrators come in many shapes, sizes, styles, and materials and each has its own benefits and drawbacks. Choosing the vibrator that's right for you is part process of elimination and part super fun homework assignment. Consider these questions when choosing a vibrator – whether it’s your first or your twenty-first time buying a vibe.
- Do you want a battery-powered, electric, or rechargeable vibrator?
- Are you looking for a vibrator for internal penetration, external stimulation, or both?
- What kind of vibration are you looking for?
- What kind of material would you like your vibrator to be made from?
- How much noise is okay with you, as far as a vibrator goes?
- Do you want a vibrator for you, your partner(s), or both / all of you?
Battery-Powered, Electric, or Rechargeable?
- The advantages of battery-operated vibrators are that they are portable, less expensive, and come in a mind-boggling array of shapes, sizes, and colours. The drawback is that they tend to break down quicker than electric and rechargeable vibrators.
- There are some exceptions to this rule. For example, Japanese Rabbit vibrators, like the Rabbit Habit and the Rosebud tend to be of significantly higher quality (and price).
- Electric vibrators are generally better made, will last for years, and provide a stronger buzz. Electric vibes like the Magic Wand Original need to be plugged into an outlet while in use.
- Rechargeable vibrators bring you the best of both worlds: strong vibrations with a less bulky design. Rechargeable vibrators tend to cost more than electric and battery-powered vibes, but have long warranties and are often very high quality. Lelo, Je Joue, Fun Factory, and We-Vibe all make silicone rechargeable vibrators with long warranties and strong vibrations.
Vibrator For Internal Penetration, External Stimulation, or Both?
One way to choose a vibrator is based on how you want to use it. Most people prefer hard plastic vibrators for external stimulation, and choose soft elastomer vibrators or silicone vibrators for penetration play. It's hard to find a vibrator that will be good for all seasons, as it were, but any soft vibrator that has a motor near the tip can be more versatile and suitable for either penetration or external stimulation. The mini vibes are ideal for external use.
Different Vibration Options
- In the old days a vibrator buzzed, and that's all it did. These days, you have what may seem like an infinite number of vibration speeds and patterns to choose from. There are even vibrators that move beyond just vibration.
- The wand-style electric vibrators, like the Magic Wand, offer a strong, rumbly purr.
- Mini vibrators offer a higher pitched buzz (like the One Speed Power Bullet).
- Some vibrators - including most rechargeable vibes - offer a range of vibration options, including escalating and rollercoaster patterns.
- In addition, there are sex toys that are often categorized as vibrators, but that also offer thrusting, pulsating sensations in addition to vibration (like the Fun Factory Stronic and the Lelo Wave series).
- Some vibrators like the Lelo Sona, Satisfyer, and We-Vibe Melt offer suction in addition to vibration for extra external stimulation.
- There's no right or wrong way to go here! We always say that more versatile is better, but most people end up finding a groove and sticking with it.
Choosing A Vibrator Material
Whether it's a hard plastic vibrator, a silicone vibrator or an elastomer vibrator, choosing the right vibe can be about finding a material that works for you. While many people many not react to less expensive rubbers, these materials contain chemicals (phthalates) that may cause immediate allergic reactions, or may have longer-term concerns that we don’t know a whole lot about at this time. If you have sensitive skin, live with environmental allergies or multiple-chemical sensitivities, or if you're concerned about what you put in and on your body, you might want to read up on our different sex toy materials and be sure you're using a vibrator that you can feel good about after it stops buzzing. Learn more about sex toy materials.
Noise Levels Of Vibrators
Most vibrators make a buzzing noise, but not all vibrators are created equal when it comes to noise level. Our site offers noise level ratings for all our vibrating toys. The quietest vibrators we have tend to be silicone rechargeable vibrators. These vibes are practically silent, as they don't have a motor that whirs. Beyond this, the softer, silicone-coated and elastomer vibrators tend to be quieter than hard plastic vibrators.
A Vibrator For You, Your Partner(s), Or Both?
Finding the right vibrator means thinking about how you want to use it. If you're looking for a vibrator for you and a partner to use, do you want a wearable vibrator that can go on a penis, a finger, or be worn around the pelvis (or in a harness)? Do you want an adjustable vibe that one of you can wear internally during penetrative play, that provides options for both internal and external stimulation (like the We-Vibe Sync)? Do you want a vibe with a nice long handle that will fit nicely between two (or more) bodies?
Also, when shopping for a vibrator for you and a partner, don't forget that what it looks like may be important. A discreet Pocket Rocket can be much more welcome than the large Magic Wand Original, but if you're looking to make a splash, maybe the bigger is the better. Your best bet is to talk about it in advance, and use our website to browse different toys. You can even suggest that each of you build a wish list and surprise each other with one item off each of your lists.
How To Use A Vibrator
Vibrators don't come with instruction manuals. You might think it's funny that we even mention it, but many of our customers have never used a vibrator, and just as many are uncomfortable or unfamiliar with the subtleties of self-love. So it's no surprise to us that people ask, and we'd like to help out a bit with some of the basics of using a vibrator.
Cleanliness Before...
When you get your vibrator home be sure to wash it well before first use. We recommend an unscented soap that doesn't contain a lot of chemicals - use something you'd be comfortable using on your body. We prefer Dr. Bronner's Unscented Soap. Look it over carefully, put the batteries in, and make sure you know how it works and that all of the functions are working properly.
Start Solo
Even if you're planning on using a vibrator with a partner, we recommend starting out on your own. This gives you a chance to check out the features, see what you like, work out any kinks, and pay close attention to what does and doesn't work for you with the new toy, without the distraction (pleasant though it may be) of a partner.
Make Nice
Before buzzing your way to ecstasy, get comfortable with the feel of your vibrator against your skin and on your body without the motor turned on. Vibrators aren't called massagers for nothing, and you might like the feel of a vibe pressed firmly in just the right places. Be sure to never use your vibrator on unexplained calf pain.
Don't Forget The Lube
You should use a good quality lubricant with any vibrator. Vibrators don't lubricate themselves, and using a lube will make everything you do with your vibe more sensitive and more slippery. Water-based lubricant is compatible with all materials, so when in doubt, use a water-based lube with your vibrator. Silicone lubricant is not compatible with silicone toys, and oil-based lubricants are not compatible with latex and rubber toys.
Start Gently, Build Slowly
When you first turn on your vibrator, leave it on a low setting. Start by feeling the vibrator in your hands, along your arms and legs, and across other parts of your body, such as your belly or feet. Very slowly direct the vibrator to the more sensitive parts of your body (remember there are many places other than the genitals that can turn us on and get us off). If your genitals are sensitive to stimulation, start first by slowly bringing the vibrator up your legs and along your inner thighs. You're only new at this once, so savour the tease and anticipation. Once you're comfortable with the feel of vibration move the vibrator closer to your erogenous zones.
Go To Town
The feeling of a vibrator on your body is a sensation that's hard to describe. Let's just say that people who like it, like it a lot - but some people don't love the sensation, and that's okay too. Here are several ways to explore with your vibrator:
- Try using just the tip of the vibrator on different parts of your genitals.
- Roll the vibrator across your bits, creating both pressure and friction.
- If your vibrator has texture or a flat edge, see what these feel like when pressed against or passed over different parts of your genitals.
- Experiment with applying pressure and then letting go. Press the vibrator deep against your body and feel the internal vibrations.
- Use the different settings to increase or decrease the intensity, try out different patterns, or experiment with pulsation.
Take Yourself To The Edge And Back Again
Vibrators can be a great way to explore and expand your sexual response. One way to do this is to use a vibrator to bring yourself to the point just before orgasm, and slow down the vibrator until you've backed off a bit. Then start using your vibrator again until you get yourself once more to the point before orgasm. Try doing this several times before you let yourself go over the top. Many find that a slow build up results in a bigger orgasm (some folks call this 'edging').
Using Vibrators To Explore Multiple Orgasms
We are not fans of the "orgasmic imperative" at Come As You Are. Some of our favourite sex acts don't involve an orgasm at all. But if you're interested in seeing if you can have multiple orgasms, vibration can be a great help. Immediately after you’ve had an orgasm (with a vibrator or not) use your vibrator, even if you don't feel like you could come again. Play with speed and pressure, and see what happens. For some people, nothing will happen. For others, is it part two of a story you thought was over. Read the Multi-Orgasmic Woman or the Multi-Orgasmic Man for more information.
Going Inside
Some people only use vibrators externally, lots of folks love vibrators for penetration, and if your vibe is safe for penetration, why not give it a try?!? You can use your vibrators to explore g-spot stimulation, prostate stimulation, and ejaculation. See what it feels like with the vibrator inside you as you press against the top, bottom, and sides of your genitals. Some spots may be extra sensitive, and you may enjoy the feeling of having a vibrator inside you without a lot of movement. Remember that only anal vibrators should be used for anal penetration, and they should have a flared base. You also shouldn't use a vibrator for both anal and vaginal penetration, unless you use a condom and replace the condom in between.
Care and Cleaning
Here are a few things you can do to help your vibrator last and last:
- Take the batteries out of the vibrator when you're not using it. This prevents leakage and corrosion of the motor and also prevents you from accidentally leaving the vibrator on low speed.
- Vibrators can be cleaned by wiping them with a damp cloth and mild soap (avoid harsh detergents). Avoid getting water near any metal parts that can corrode.
- If your vibrator has a cord between the body and the battery pack be sure not to tug too hard on the cord. If you're using the vibrator for penetration always retrieve the vibrator from the base, not the cord.
- Use condoms on toys that are being shared, or that go from anus to vagina.
Warranties
With gentler vibrations and a wide variety of sizes, shapes, colours, and textures to choose from, battery-operated vibrators are a very popular and more affordable alternative to our electric vibrators. Unfortunately, many of these vibrators are of lesser quality and have an unpredictable life span – ranging from a couple of weeks to a couple of years. We offer a 30 day warranty on all battery vibrators.
We also offer a one year in-house warranty on rechargeable vibrators and electric vibrators.
Learn more about how to choose your first sex toy or view our selection of vibrators.