Whether you’re in the market for a wand massager, a bullet vibrator or something with dual-stimulation features, your new pleasure toy doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. But, you do have to consider your budget.
One way to save is by shopping at sex-positive adult stores, where employees are generally well-trained and truthful. Another is to watch for sex toy sales, which can often offer up pricier toys at budget-friendly prices.
Price
Whether you’re looking for an inexpensive vibrator to experiment with or a sex toy you and your partner can enjoy together, there is an option for every budget. But the price of a vibrator isn’t necessarily indicative of its quality or effectiveness.
Ultimately, figuring out what kind of sensations turn you on and how much power you want to put in the clitoris, g-spot or perineum will take time and trial and error. For this reason, it’s often better to invest in a midrange toy that can offer a variety of settings and can help you find the sensation that feels just right.
Plus, many sex toy sites and shops have a wide range of sales, from percentage off to buy one get one free promotions. Keeping your eyes peeled for these can help you land a pricier viber without blowing your whole paycheck on the new toy. Plus, you can also sign up for a customer loyalty program at some of these stores, which can earn you points with each purchase that you can cash in later for free or discounted sex toys.
Material
The material used to make a vibrator determines how it feels, how easy it is to clean and care for, and how it holds up over time. It’s also important to know what kinds of lube can be safely used with a particular toy.
Silicone tends to be the safest choice, especially if you’re going to use it on a delicate part of your body like your vagina. But it’s not the only option. ABS plastic (or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is another common choice for its sturdy, durable nature. It’s also completely hypoallergenic and can withstand a lot of thrusting and stroking.
But it’s important to remember that no two people are exactly the same in terms of what they want from a vibrator. For example, some people might need a toy that’s hypoallergenic or easy to clean for medical reasons. Others might prefer to experiment with a variety of different materials to find what works best for them. That’s why many people start with cheaper toys before investing in something more expensive. You’ll likely spend between $25 to $75 when you’re starting out.
Size
Some vibrators are small, like The Strategist’s best-selling, gender-neutral Vibe from Maude, which features three speeds controlled via one button, is made with a medical-grade (Restrictions on Hazardous Substances passed/FDA grade) silicone and comes in a convenient canvas zip pouch for travel. Others are more akin to wands, like this Lelo rabbit vibrator with multiple settings that stimulate the shaft, internal vagina and clits.
Another factor to consider is whether you want a vibrator with one or multiple motors. The more motors, the more options for customization and intensity. A few options for beginners include the JimmyJane Intro 4 or the Iroha mini vibe. For more advanced play, the Stronic Surf pulsator and the Lelo Inez are a few good options.
If you’re a sexy newbie, try starting with a cheaper vibrator to see what feels good for you, Moali suggests. Avoid ones with a lot of bells and whistles, she adds, such as suction stimulators or “high-tech” features. These can cause more discomfort than pleasure and may even hurt your anatomy if they aren’t designed with the intended area in mind.
Features
There’s no shortage of options when it comes to vibrators. From the budget-friendly bullet that’s perfect for solo play to the sexy, snake-like Gyr8tor with 12 mind-blowing functions, there’s something for everyone. Plus, many sex toy shops offer sales and customer loyalty programs that let you score a pricier model for less.
“Vibrators are a great way to explore sensations that might arouse you and see what feels right for you,” Fleming says. If you’re new to sex toys, she recommends starting with something like a bullet because they’re body-safe and small enough to discreetly put in your purse or pocket. She also suggests shopping at a sex-positive adult store in person or online so you can get advice from employees who know what they’re selling and how to use it.
For more advanced users, there are wands that feature multiple functions to satisfy a range of desires, like the squiggly Sex Wand from Maude with bumps on the shaft that treat your V to different sensations. Alternatively, try Dame’s Egg-shaped vibe, which offers clitoral stimulation and nipple stimulation in one.
Warranty
Vibrators can cost as little as ten dollars or as much as your paycheck. Typically, you get what you pay for with sex toys; a cheap vibrator will break more easily than a well-made model that comes from a reputable brand name. However, there are a number of ways you can cut the costs without sacrificing quality.
One is to shop around and take advantage of sex toy sales. These often offer everything from percentage discounts to buy one, get one free promotions. Another is to make sure you choose a brand that offers a warranty. These tend to have better warranties than generic ones and give you peace of mind if something goes wrong with your vibration toy.
In addition to bringing pleasure, vibration toys can bring benefits that extend far beyond the bedroom. They can help you explore your pleasure points and learn what feels good for you, and even improve your mental health. Just remember to keep your vibes sanitized and your hands clean to reduce the risk of infection. Also, the sexy vibes can release feel-good hormones like dopamine, oxytocin, and prolactin that will help you sleep, alleviate period pain, and reduce stress.
