Our vibrator buying guide for beginners: How to choose a sex toy

If you’re looking for a vibrator but don’t know your rabbit from your bullet, here’s how to choose the best vibrator for you. Read our sex toys buying guide for beginners.
How to choose your perfect sex toy, according to experts
By Priyankaa JoshiUpdated: 11 March 2025Tested by Kim HawleyHealth and Fitness TesterJump to Products - How to choose the best sex toy
- Bullet vibrators
- G-spot vibrators
- Rabbit vibrators
- Couples vibrators
- Clitoral suction stimulators
- 6 vibrator features to consider when purchasing
- How to clean your vibrator
- How we test vibrators
Best vibrator overallWomanizer Next Clitoral Suction Stimulator£190 at LovehoneyScore: 89/100
This winning Womanizer toy is designed to mimic the sensations of oral sex, with gentle waves and pulsations taking orgasms to a new level. Our testers loved the ‘autopilot’ feature, which automatically controls the suction speed and depth in a way that mimics oral sex from a partner. “It gave me the most intense orgasms I’ve ever experienced,” said one satisfied tester.
Best wand vibratorLe Wand Rechargeable Massage Wand Vibrator£140 at LovehoneyScore: 88/100
This sleek, stylish vibrator received a clean sweep of top reviews. Not only were panellists able to climax faster than with other toys, the massage wand also increased the intensity of their orgasms. Testers said the silicone head felt beautifully soft on their skin and the rechargeable battery lasted for an impressive three hours — so your alone time won’t be cut short. It’s on the larger side, but we would recommend making space for this one.
Best rabbit vibratorLovehoney Glow Bunny Rechargeable Warming and Cooling Rabbit Vibrator£80 at LovehoneyScore: 88/100
Thanks to its warming effect, this slick toy left our panel feeling hot and steamy, in the best way. Able to heat up and cool down, it’s perfect for those who enjoy temperature play. The navy and silver design was described as “elegant” by our panel, and the smooth material felt lovely to hold and use. The unique sloping side scored extra points for its ability to target the G-spot, while the bunny ears were positioned in just the right spot to stimulate the clitoris.
£190 at Lovehoney £140 at Lovehoney £80 at Lovehoney Best bullet vibrator Lovehoney Magic Bullet 10 Function Silver Bullet Vibrator£15 at LovehoneyScore: 87/100
Not only is this petite and packed with vibration patterns to play with, it’s also amazing value for money. Our panel found it easy to grip thanks to its small size, and said the tapered shape was able to provide precise stimulation that helped them achieve more intense orgasms than other toys they’d used. If value for money is priority, you’ve met your perfect match.
Joint runner-upWe-Vibe Tango X Lipstick Rechargeable Bullet Vibrator£80 at LovehoneyScore: 86/100
The We-Vibe Tango X Lipstick really is the Rolls-Royce of the bullet vibrator world and according to our panel, it’s worth the premium price tag. The discreet, lipstick-like appearance is handy for travel and it was whisper-quiet in use. With eight speeds and seven vibration patterns, panellists found they had complete control over their experience, and flicking between settings was a breeze thanks to the easy to access buttons on the base.
Joint runner-upAnn Summers Moregasm+ BulletNow 20% Off£38 at BootsScore: 86/100
Our testers couldn’t believe how powerful this palm-sized vibrator was, even on the lower speed settings. The vibrations were a bit too intense for some, but if you’re in the market for a small but mighty bullet vibrator, this is a hot contender. “I orgasmed in no time at all,” said one tester. Made from soft silicone with a squidgy gel tip, all testers said it was comfortable and easy to use and were impressed with the wide range of settings to explore.
£15 at Lovehoney £80 at Lovehoney Now 20% Off £38 at Boots - The top 10 bullet vibrators
Best G-spot vibrator Lovehoney Floral Fantasy Rose Clitoral Suction Stimulator with G-Spot Vibrator £60 at LovehoneyScore: 85/100
This dual-stimulation suction toy boasts the brand’s best-selling rose suction toy head, but with an exciting addition – a shaft you can flip round and insert for G-spot stimulation. It scored well for its design, which testers described as “discreet” and “aesthetically pleasing”. They also raved about its simple-to-use controls, which delivered quiet waves of pleasure and resulted in an “intense orgasm” for one happy tester.
Best G-spot wand vibrator Ricky’s Ultimate Wand Massager VibratorNow 22% Off£70 at ricky.comScore: 84/100
This two-in-one vibrator has a massager for clitoral stimulation on one end and a G-spot stimulator with a tapered tip on the other. It features two separate motors, each with 10 unique vibration modes, and it helped all testers achieve a more intense orgasm, 90% quicker. The only downside is that you can’t use it in the tub or shower.
Best G-spot vibrator for couplesWe-Vibe Rave App Controlled Rechargeable G-Spot VibratorNow 23% Off£99 at we-vibe.comScore: 83/100
The We-Vibe Rave can be controlled using buttons on the vibrator itself, or you have the option of linking it to an app. This not only gives you (or your partner) the option to control it remotely, but also allows you to create your own vibration patterns. Testers loved the vibrator’s clean design too, saying the curved shape was great for G-spot stimulation. It’s on the louder side, but it’s a lot of fun for couples.
£60 at Lovehoney Now 22% Off £70 at ricky.com Now 23% Off £99 at we-vibe.com - The top 10 best G-spot vibrators
Best rabbit vibratorLovehoney Glow Bunny Rechargeable Warming and Cooling Rabbit Vibrator£80 at LovehoneyScore: 88/100
This Lovehoney rabbit can be set to your desired temperature between 18-38 degrees, which our testers thought was a fun, unique feature. The sloped tip scored extra points with our panel as it’s perfect for stimulating the G-spot, and the bunny ears were ideally positioned to stimulate the clitoris. The super-soft silicone feels great against the skin, making it a pleasure to use and to hold.
Runner-up rabbit vibratorLoving Joy Dua Magic Wand Vibrator with RabbitNow 34% Off£66 at AmazonScore: 84/100
The look, feel and sound of this dual vibrator was a big hit among our testers, who found it discreet, straightforward to use and aesthetically pleasing. Most importantly though, it provided a more intense orgasm for all testers, thanks to two interchangeable attachments: a massaging wand and a classic rabbit for G-spot stimulation for double the fun.
Best for controlSmile Makers The Artist£120 at LookFantasticScore: 79/100
Unlike most rabbits, this one has two motors of equal power so you can simultaneously stimulate the clitoris and G-spot. The inner shaft and external arm offer different vibration modes and you can control them separately to create all manner of combinations. According to our panel, it’s extremely powerful, with many reporting “very intense orgasms” while using it. Still, the device is whisper-quiet and, best of all, the angle between the motors is adjustable to help you find the perfect fit, whatever your body shape.
£80 at Lovehoney Now 34% Off £66 at Amazon £120 at LookFantastic - 11 best rabbit vibrators for 2025
Best vibrator for couplesLe Wand Rechargeable Massage Wand Vibrator£140 at LovehoneyScore: 88/100
According to our panel, Le Wand was “a lot of fun” during partnered play. The versatile toy can be used for sensual massages, foreplay and during sex. Our panellists were blown away by the number of speed settings and distinctive vibration patterns there were to experiment with, allowing them to achieve orgasms that were both fast and intense.
Joint runner-upSo Divine Duet 2in1 Couples Toy£45 at so-divine.comScore: 86/100
This aesthetically pleasing two-in-one toy, which features a vibrating dildo and an external stimulator, was a big hit with testers. They said it was extremely straightforward to use and would make a great starter toy for couples who are new to sex toys. There are no less than 20 functions to explore, with something for all preferences, and the device can be used in the shower or bath.
Joint runner-upSvakom Elva Remote-Controlled Vibrating Egg£48 at AmazonScore: 86/100
Our panel loved the remote control that comes with this vibrating egg, giving your partner the chance to join in on the fun and adjust the settings. It even comes with an intelligent mode that imitates sex from foreplay to orgasm, so you don’t have to worry about changing the settings at all. Overall, it was a strong performer, with the majority of our the testers achieving a more intense orgasm.
£140 at Lovehoney £45 at so-divine.com £48 at Amazon Best suction toyWomanizer Next Clitoral Suction Stimulator£190 at LovehoneyScore: 89/100
Our best suction toy and our highest scoring vibrator overall, the Next uses innovative 3D pleasure air technology to produce slow, pulsating sensations our testers loved. “I had sensations I’ve never experienced before, it’s amazing!" one told us. It has 14 speed and intensity settings, a ‘climax control’ function and, best of all, an ‘autopilot’ option, which automatically controls the suction speed and depth to mimic oral sex from a partner.
Best rose toy Lovehoney Rose Glow 2-in-1 Clitoral Suction Stimulator with Egg VibratorNow 17% Off£50 at LovehoneyScore: 86/100
This “beautiful looking product” provides double the pleasure with a suction head to mimic oral sex and an insertable love egg to target the G-spot. Testers loved the feel of the soft silicone against their skin and said it was a cinch to use thanks to easy-to-follow instructions. The are plenty of settings to choose from, including nine vibrating functions and 10 suction settings, so rest assured you won’t get bored.
Best for dual stimulationLovehoney Floral Fantasy Rose Clitoral Suction£60 at AmazonScore: 85/100
This attractive dual-ended rose toy is designed for blended orgasms. It uses gentle air pulses and suction to stimulate the clitoris and there’s a 4.5-inch handle to target the G-spot, too. It went down a treat with our panel, who praised the gorgeous design and ultra-soft silicone material. “It’s one of the best toys I’ve ever had,” said one. Everyone enjoyed playing around with the settings and they agreed it was exceptionally quiet, too.
£190 at Lovehoney Now 17% Off £50 at Lovehoney £60 at Amazon Check that you’re happy with the size – it may be bigger or smaller than you thought. And make sure you like the way it looks, too.
2. Material
Most vibrators are made from plastic, silicone or skin-safe rubber. Plastic is the firmest option, while silicone has a more velvety feel. Skin-safe rubber is the softest and most flexible.
2. Settings and speeds
Most sex toys come with a range of speeds and vibration patterns to tick all your boxes. But the sensations they provide can differ, so think about what you prefer. Bullets and smaller vibrators tend to be buzzy, delivering targeted pleasure direct to your clitoris, while wands come with a larger, more powerful motor that creates deeper, rumbly vibrations.
3. Battery power
These days, most sex toys are USB rechargeable, but battery-powered toys do still exist so it’s worth checking before you make a purchase. Rechargeable sex toys are better for the environment and your pocket, but bear in mind that you will have to wait for your toy to charge before use.
4. Remote-control and app-enabled vibes
Some vibrators offer different methods of control. Remote control options come with a separate device that offers short-range control or hands-free fun. Meanwhile app-controlled vibrators are ideal for long-distance sessions.
5. Travel lock
If you plan to travel with your vibrator, look for a sex toy with a locking system and a carry case to avoid any embarrassing buzzing suitcase moments.
6. Noise level
If you’re concerned about the sound, shop for quiet vibrators or check the product description for the decibel level; anything 40db or below will be exceptionally quiet.
How to clean your vibrator
Safe-sex practices are important either with a partner or on your own. Ensuring your toys are clean keeps infections at bay and can improve the life-span of your bedroom buddy. To keep your sex toys clean and safe, follow these tips.
- Always clean your sex toys before and after use.
- Wash with a specialist sex toy cleaner, warm water and a damp cloth, taking care not to get liquid in the battery area.
- Make sure your toy is completely dry before storing in its original box.
- If you no longer have the box, invest in a satin bag or keep it in a closed drawer, away from heat sources.
How we test vibrators
Our Good Housekeeping Institute testing panel, made up of over 130 women of all ages and sex toy experience levels, tested a range of vibrators to find the ones worth investing in.
Each model was tested by at least five people, who tried every speed setting, vibration pattern and innovative feature to make sure they delivered a pleasurable experience.
Panellists scored each sex toy on its ease of use, design, battery life and instructions, while also providing detailed feedback on its overall performance.
Priyankaa JoshiSleep & Wellness EditorPriyankaa is our sleep and wellness expert, specialising in expert-tested reviews and roundups on the latest health and fitness products. From walking boots to running machines, Priyankaa has written about hundreds of products and is passionate about providing in-depth, unbiased reviews. Plus, as an avid runner and gymgoer, she knows exactly what to look for when finding the right gymwear, fitness tracker or earphones. Priyankaa has an MA in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University and over five years’ experience in health and fitness journalism. Priyankaa has written for Stylist’s Strong Women Training Club, where she regularly wrote about diversity in the fitness industry, nutrition tips, training advice and her experience completing various fitness challenges. She has also written for a variety of publications including Business Insider, Glamour, Bustle, Metro, HuffPost UK, gal-dem and more. Outside of work, Priyankaa can usually be found trying out a new gym class, seeking out London’s best eats or watching a Spanish TV show in a bid to keep up her language skills.
Tested byKim HawleyHealth and Fitness TesterKim Hawley is our health and fitness product tester. Her career in fitness has spanned over 30 years. Prior to joining the Good Housekeeping Institute, she worked as a personal trainer, writer and fitness instructor for some of London’s most prestigious health clubs, including The Harbour Club, David Lloyd and The Chelsea Club. Passionate about women’s health and fitness, especially in pre/post menopause, she is also a Level 4 PT and holds a professional nutritional qualification. Kim is responsible for rigorously testing everything from cross trainers to smart watches.
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