If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more. Please also consider subscribing to WIRED
What to Look for in a Vibrator
Vibe Advice
Best Overall
Magic Wand Mini
Runner-Up (and Smart)
MysteryVibe Crescendo Flexible Vibrator + App
Discreet and Stylish
Crave Vesper Vibrator
Vibrators are probably the most recognizable sex toys. The ones everyone knows about—these sex toys use internal motors to stimulate erogenous zones. Yes, zones plural; they aren’t just for vulvas. Phalluses and nipples also respond very well to stimulation with the right vibrators. In fact, most of the vibrators on this list have been tested on vulvas, phalluses, and the extensive network of erogenous zones all over the body. Regardless of your gender, your genitals, or your sexual preferences, I guarantee there’s something on this list that can give you sensations you never thought possible. Be sure to check out our Best Sex Toys guide for more recommendations.
Special offer for Gear readers: Get a 1-year subscription to WIRED for $5 ($25 off). This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com and our print magazine (if you’d like). Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.
-
Photograph: Megan Madden/Getty Images
What to Look for in a Vibrator
Vibe Advice
Vibrators are some of the most approachable sex toys on the market, but there are a lot of them, so shopping for one can get overwhelming. Luckily, I have a few tips and tricks that I use when shopping for and testing vibrators that can help you narrow things down.
First, look at the materials. For vibrators, you really want them to be made with 100 percent platinum silicone. Hard glossy plastic is OK for parts that don’t touch your genitals, but platinum silicone is medical grade, nonporous, easy to clean, and body-safe. Unlike lesser grades of silicone, platinum silicone doesn’t off-gas any weird smells or compounds that may be unpleasant or even harmful to your genitals. That’s because it’s chemically different from other kinds of silicone.
Second, look at the charger the vibrator comes with. Is it USB-A, USB-C, or a proprietary AC adapter? I try to keep things simple and stick with vibrators that charge with USB-A or USB-C. It’s way too easy to lose the charger, and there’s comfort in knowing you can use any charging cable you have lying around. There’s nothing worse than a toy that dies on you mid-use.
Lastly, use your nose. When you get your hands on your new vibrator, test its vibration strength on the tip of your nose first. You should feel it tickling your nostrils and sinuses, and it should give you an idea of how deep into your genital tissue it can stimulate. Remember, about 90 percent of the clitoris can’t be stimulated directly because it’s under the skin, so deep vibes are important. The same goes for the phallus—the erectile tissue goes deep into your body, and stimulating it with a vibrator can provide a new and exhilarating experience.
-
Photograph: Vibratex
Best Overall
Magic Wand Mini
The Magic Wand Mini is exactly what its name suggests. It’s everything that made the original Magic Wand so enchanting but packed in a much smaller (and wireless) design. The size difference is huge for me—this one can be easily wielded with just one hand, and the buttons are easy to reach and discern with just your fingertips. You’re never in doubt as to which button does what, which is always nice in the heat of the moment. Plus the battery life is great, lasting around three hours, which is either one really long session or several smaller ones. Unfortunately, it uses a proprietary charger, but you can get replacements here.
AC charger, silicone head, hard plastic body.
-
Photograph: Mysteryvibe
Runner-Up (and Smart)
MysteryVibe Crescendo Flexible Vibrator + App
Not for the faint of heart, the MysteryVibe Crescendo packs a whopping six individual motors spaced throughout its multi-jointed body. Each one is individually programmable using the MysteryVibe app, and it comes with a few built-in vibration patterns that provide an all-new level of sensation. Did I mention there are 16 intensity settings? It really allows you to be precise with the vibration strength, allowing you to find exactly what you like. The Crescendo is also flexible, so you can contort it into various shapes, and it’s waterproof.
Waterproof, USB-A charging, platinum silicone body.
-
Photograph: Crave
Discreet and Stylish
Crave Vesper Vibrator
Vesper’s Crave has been turning heads ever since it first hit store shelves. It’s the synthesis of fashion and sex tech, a pendant that’s also a vibrator. It’s discreet, but it’s not that discreet. Definitely don’t wear it if you’re worried about someone realizing what it is. It’s more of a cheeky statement piece than a super-secret vibrator. It is a functional vibrator, though. Don’t let its shiny exterior fool you. This thing packs a surprisingly powerful motor, but it is not meant for internal use—external only. It’s way too small to go sticking in places it might get lost.
The downside? The battery is pretty small, lasting only about 40 minutes. Make sure you charge it up before you head out for a night on the town.
Splash-proof exterior, Micro-USB charger, nickel-free plating.
