I’d brought Eva along with me in the black silk carrying bag

A Newcomers Guide to Masturbating with a Vibrator

The sex toy industry is unregulated—so, whether you’re shopping in person or online, it’s essential to seek out reputable retailers, says Dr. Berkheimer. The Lelo Gigi is a classic G-spot vibrator—and the latest version doesn’t disappoint. The ultra-quiet toy has a uniquely flattened tip that makes it easier to find and stimulate the hot spot.

“The sex toy industry is valued at $29 billion, and it is expected to reach more than $50 billion within the next few years. Shoppers literally have thousands of sex toys to choose from for different sexual orientations, kinks and fetishes, specific body parts and so much more,” Kort says. It features a suction head that sucks and blows your clit, and it’s attached to a flexible vibrating arm so that you can enjoy both external and internal arousal.

Whether you’re looking for the best bullet vibrators or the best vibrators for couples to spice things up in the bedroom, we’ve done the hard work for you. “Wands can feel intimidating to someone who has never used a sex toy before vibrators, so I recommend this as something that’s a bit more approachable and discreet for beginners,” sex therapist Madeline Cooper, LCSW, tells SELF. Despite its size, this mini massager still has an impressive number of speeds. It’s also budget-friendly, has only one button (no need to spend time deciphering the controls), and comes with a small—and discreet—silicone case. Wands are bigger than many other types of vibrators, which makes them amazing at radiating strong sensations across larger areas.

If you love frenulum stimulation, a vibrator designed specifically for that purpose is worth a shot—and this is one of the best and most unique options out there. It features two independently-controllable bullet vibes , one more “treble-y” in tenor and one more “bass-y,” for a titillating sensation that keeps your dick guessing. A silicone sleeve keeps the two vibes pressed firmly right where you need them, hands-free.

Some of the frustration came from the way that the buttons were sunk into the silicone surface of the toy—it felt like some functionality and ease of use was sacrificed for the Strawberry’s appearance. I found the Tenuto Mini most comfortable during solo use, but it’s great with a partner, too. Using a vibrator with a partner, especially during penetration, can sometimes be a challenging (if satisfying) logistical problem. While it feels great for both of us, someone generally has to hold it in place.

Slip it inside and your partner can pleasure your G-spot or prostate via vibrations from a connected smartphone app. There are nine different vibration modes to choose from so you’re bound to find one that you love. It has a warming feature so you don’t have to worry about a cold device touching intimate areas. The size of this more traditional vibrator and dildo isn’t discreet, but despite being a little over 7 inches long, and delivering high-intensity buzz, it stays quiet.

In fact, I’ve only charged it once since I received mine, and it’s been put to use several times since. There are so many of these stealth sex toys on the market that allow you to keep your sexy business on the DL. You can absolutely find a sex toy that isn’t obviously recognizable to the untrained eye, and that doesn’t sound like a threatening swarm of bees every time you turn it on. The last thing you want is for your vibrator to lose its juice before you hit your sweet spot.

One of the slimmest suction vibrators available, the We-Vibe Melt is our pick for partnered and multi-partnered play. Designed to fit between two bodies during intercourse, it can seamlessly slide in place for non-intrusive clitoral pleasure. Choose from 12 different intensity levels using the buttons on the back of the toy or through the We-Vibe app. This wand from FemmeFunn is one of my all-time favorites, thanks to its simple controls, wide range of vibration patterns, and delightful texture it delivers. Covered in buttery, body-safe silicone, it feels silky and skinlike—not sticky or tacky, as can be the case with lower-quality toys.

Unsurprisingly, it was among the first personal devices electrified, only falling behind the sewing machine, fan, tea kettle and toaster. I’d brought Eva along with me in the black silk carrying bag it comes with, and I tried to sneak the vibrator in before we started doing the deed. “Wait,” said Dave, “I want to see how this thing works.” Already, the vibrator was starting to get in the way of sexy time. I showed him the technique I had now mastered, and we proceeded to have sex. Instead of simply whipping Eva out in the bedroom, I thought it best to check in with Dave beforehand to see if he’d be cool with it.

Whether you’re looking for your first vibrator or your 101st, this is the list for you. While your hands are great tools for masturbating, using a vibrator can make your ~alone time~ more fun. From bullet vibrators to those more advanced, rabbit-inspired toys, there are plenty of options out there to explore different methods of self-pleasure. Library of Medicine, vibrations increase blood flow and improve both pelvic muscle tone and relaxation, and they’re more likely to help you orgasm. “Because the surface area is small, especially at the tip, these toys will seem pretty intense to many users when they touch their clitoris or other sensitive bits,” Queen says.