This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

They say sex sells itself, but what about vibrators? It’s not so easy. Because shopping for a penis-shaped sex toy can be downright intimidating.

It’s not a task to take lightly. After all, you’re buying something that’ll go inside, around, and on top of all the most intimate bits. You want something that, erm, gets the job done, but you also want a high-quality model that’s easy to clean and maintain.

As with any other sex toy, you should do your homework before investing in anything. Step one: Deciding which kind of vibrator you want. Rabbit, classic, or bullet? Are wand vibrators up your alley, or do you prefer a device geared toward G-spot stimulation? And how much do you care about vibration speeds and patterns? How about a clitoral vibrator that imitates oral sex? Are you OK with battery-operated, or do you want one that has a remote control? 

There are a lot of questions to consider before getting your vibe on. Here’s some helpful information to help you make that all-important decision.

Are there different types of vibrators?To help you make sense of the world of vibrators, we’ve lined up all the different types of devices you should know about.

Rabbit vibrators — These vibrators offer internal and external pleasure. The main shaft is designed for internal use while the rabbit ears stimulate the clitoris.

Bullet vibrators — These small and discrete devices are designed for clitoral stimulation and external clitoral contact.

Clitoral vibrators — This type of vibrator focuses solely on the clitoris by simulating the feeling of oral sex.

Wand vibrators — These are often larger and more powerful than other types of vibrators, and are designed for external use only.

G-spot vibrators — These vibrators stimulate the G-spot with a curved tip.

Not every type of vibrator will suit everyone’s pleasuring needs, so it’s worth taking some time to consider your options before taking the plunge.

How do you choose a vibrator?You’re almost ready to start shopping, but there are a few things to keep in mind before taking the plunge. It’s worth thinking about a vibrator’s charging system, power settings, sound level, dimensions/weight, durability, and materials when shopping. We know that’s a lot to consider, but this is an important decision.

It’s better to think about these factors before shopping, so you can avoid any unpleasant surprises after purchase. We’re not asking you to make an exhaustive list of features. Instead, we’re reminding you to think carefully about when you’ll be using your vibrator, what you want from it, and how your body responds to stimulation.

What is the best vibrator?We know that’s a lot of questions to consider, but the moral of the story is that you’ve got a lot options. We’re not here to tell you which vibrator should be top of your list, or which one you must love or there is something wrong with you. Instead, we’re here to lend a helping hand in the form of recommendations for different kinds of vibrators, which we’ve selected based on customer reviews found all over the internet. 

Whether you consider yourself a size queen, a bullet buff, or something in between, you’ll find at least one option here to rock your world.

These are the best vibrators in 2023.

Best For Reliability

Specs

Power: 2x C batteries Designed to be felt but not heard, the Silencer(Opens in a new tab) is a whisper-quiet classic vibrator that comes from the “sexual happiness people” over at Lovehoney. 

Don’t misconstrue its lack of sound for a lack of power, though. This bestselling, pretty-in-pink device sends intense stimulation to various pleasure points at multiple vibration speeds. Just give it a quick twist to customise its power setting — anywhere from a steady quiver to deep, intoxicating rumbles.

Insertable up to seven inches, the battery-operated Silencer features a rounded tip and a silky-smooth shaft that’s ribbed for extra pleasure. It’s battery operated and completely waterproof, so go ahead and get your rub-a-dub-dub on in the tub.

Best For Massage

Specs

Power: USB charging This kind of vibrator is often marketed as a muscle massager. And to be fair, it does do a good job of massaging. But let’s be honest: That’s not what most people are using them for. And that’s certainly not what we’re here for.  

The Bed Geek Wand Massager(Opens in a new tab) is one of the highest rated wand vibrators on Amazon, largely thanks to its versatile features. It come packed with a whopping 20 patterns and 8 intensity options. Best of all, it remembers your previous settings. Just flick it back on and it resumes the same pattern and speed, getting you right back into it. Especially handy if you’ve spent ages finding a combo that hits just right.

It’s also waterproof for bathtime fun, and easy to recharge. A flexible head also gets into every spot. If you prefer a vibrator to actually insert maybe look elsewhere, but as far as wand massagers go, this Bed Geek has a well-earned buzz.

Best For Bullets

Specs

Power: 1x AAA batteries The highly rated Supersex Bullet(Opens in a new tab) vibrator doesn’t even look like a vibrator… which is sort of the point. Is it lipstick? A phone charger? A laser pointer pen? Who knows!

Designed by sex-pert Tracey Cox, its sleek, ambiguous look and small size are both geared toward inconspicuous use — just slip it right inside your bag, backpack, or purse (or elsewhere, ladies) for intense pleasure at a moment’s notice.

Adding to that discreet factor is the Supersex’s ultra-quiet yet powerful vibration, and a compact frame that’s fully waterproof for fun shower play and easy cleaning. 

Best For Oral Simulation

Specs

Power: USB charging Gentleman need not apply for this particular activity. With the Satisfyer Pro Plus Vibration(Opens in a new tab), you can experience the explosive goodness of oral sex all on your own.

Featuring 11 air pressure speeds and 10 vibration settings, this award-winning toy’s centrepiece is a skin-friendly silicone head that gently covers the clitoris. The head uses contactless clitoral stimulation (in the form of air pressure waves) and gentle, massaging vibrations to mimic the feeling of oral sex. The result is glorious.

On the spec side, the Satisfyer Pro Plus Vibration is 100% waterproof and comes with a USB magnetic cable for easy charging. That’s right — no batteries needed.

Best For Size Queens

Specs

Power: USB charging This is bananas. Literally. At 1.5 inches throughout its shaft — and even wider at the realistic-looking head — the Big Boss(Opens in a new tab) has as much girth as two standard bananas. 

Thick, long, and powerful, this silicone beast boasts 9 impressive inches of length, 6.5 of which are insertable for ridiculous vaginal and G-spot stimulation. Once you switch it on, you can grasp its loop-style handle and click through 12 different vibration patterns and intensities using the buttons embedded within that helve. 

Each Big Boss is handcrafted in Germany, and features FlexiFUN Technology for a design that moves as you switch positions. Feel free to take said positions to the tub or shower, as the Big Boss is completely waterproof and submersible. 

Best For Rabbits

Specs

Power: USB charging The rabbit took the vibrator world by storm several decades ago (it created a buzz, you could say) and it’s since inserted itself into the top end of the sex toy market. With the Fidech G-Spot Rabbit Vibrator(Opens in a new tab), you get the the power and pleasure of a rabbit, but at a pleasingly low price. It’s no wonder this has five stars on Amazon.

Two powerful motors offer 9 vibration modes, which are easily controlled by the built-in buttons on its handle. Its two massagers work on both the G-spot and clitoris, with both vibrating ends working in unison.

It’s safe, easy to clean, and made for top-of-the-line food grade silicone. If there’s a downside, it’s that the budget level spec misses out more advanced features you’ll find on other rabbit vibrators. But let’s face it: An orgasm is an orgasm.

Best For Connectivity

Specs

Power: USB charging Ah, yes, the elusive G-spot — the source of some of the most life-changing orgasms you’ll ever experience. 10/10 would highly recommend such an orgasm, which is easier to reach you’ve got the extra-smooth We-Vibe Rave(Opens in a new tab) in hand.

According to reviews, its enlarged tip makes finding and stimulating the G-spot incredibly easy, while its unique, asymmetrical 7.5-inch shaft shifts with your movements for complete vaginal stimulation.

You’re free to toy around with the We-Vibe Rave’s 10 built-in vibration modes (including powerful pulsating action), but why let the fun stop there? If you download its free companion app, you (and your partner) can design custom vibration patterns and control the device from anywhere. Welcome to 21st century pleasure.

Shopping Editor

Joseph joined Mashable as the UK Shopping Editor in 2018. He worked for a number of print publications before making the switch to the glittery world of digital media, and now writes about everything from coffee machines to VPNs.

Matt Ford is a freelance contributor to Mashable.

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