“Hysteria” and the Strange History of Vibrators
The sex toy industry has experienced a huge boom over the past few years, with a dramatic increase in the sale of the best vibrators across all categories. But one toy that’s still streets ahead in the popularity stakes is the humble rabbit. Each toy was tested by at least five people over the course of a few weeks. Panellists tried every speed setting and vibration pattern they had to offer, as well as other features such as waterproofing and app functionality vibrator, where relevant. If you’d like to try one out but aren’t sure where to begin, we’re here to help. The Good Housekeeping Institute recruited a panel of over 120 women to test the best rabbit vibrators on the market.
“While a vibrator needs to be in contact with the skin for stimulation, air pulse toys surround the clit without touching the head directly,” Finn says. Growing in popularity (have you seen the hype surrounding the rose suction vibrator on TikTok?), these sexy little suction sex toys have quickly become a nightstand must-have. We’re sharing the 16 best suction vibrators worthy of an ohhh-vation! And if you’re new to the category altogether, we’ve got some insights from Lisa Finn, sex educator at Babeland, on what they are and how to use them.
Invest in one for its health benefits or just because you want to give your hand a break — it’s your life, so you do you. Vibrators provide intense stimulation, so if you’ve struggled to reach orgasm (and you want to have one), adding a vibrator to your sexual toolkit can help. So, here are 10 of the benefits that I’ve seen sex toy companies advertise — and if vibrators actually can help with them in a meaningful way. There are a variety of G-spot-specific vibrators available with a range of different designs, but all aim to provide a more intense orgasm.
Get frisky with six intensity levels and four speed patterns, and travel in comfort by knowing it has a travel lock function to avoid accidental buzzing. Over the years, Fun Factory’s Manta has topped numerous best-of lists from the best toys for oral sex and the best toys for couples. “[It’s] designed to be great for solo play and partnered sex,” Rebecca Alvarez Story, founder of wellness brand Bloomi, previously told us. The toy hugs the shaft and vibrates, and you can maximize its potential by having your partner pair it with a blowjob. The open design of this toy makes cleanup a whole lot easier and also allows you to combine the Manta’s vibrations with blowjobs or handjobs for even more mind-blowing sensations. In case you aren’t on #SexTok, suction toys, also known as pulsators, are one of the most popular external stimulators, as they mimic oral sex.
Not to mention, there are proven mental and sexual health benefits to getting your O, which a good sex toy can all but guarantee. In 2021, there was a study that found subjects who were sexually active (yes, solo play counts as “active”) experienced less anxiety and depression. For a simple but powerful vibe, look no further than this elegantly designed , waterproof model from Dame, which is meant to stay in place during intercourse and provide pleasurable sensations to both partners. While the mechanics of that takes some trial and error, you can’t beat the Eva’s powerful vibrations, which are also lovely for solo play. Though it has a shorter run time and fewer settings than some of the other options on this list, the Eva reminds us that less can be more; its three high-intensity settings are more than sufficient.
As such, I’d recommend it to people who already know that they enjoy dual-stimulation (or who are all ears for rabbits, if you will). Turns out, getting down and dirty with a toy made to resemble escargot doesn’t just allow me to levitate in pleasure—it also lifts my mood. “It makes sense that a toy shaped like a snail might feel good emotionally, too,” Wright says.
Whether you prefer a gentle buzz or a more intense pulsation, you’re in control. This customization is key for finding the perfect vibration to soothe aching muscles or relieve stress. With 16 pre-set modes and the ability to create your own custom vibrations, this app provides a personalized relaxation experience.
This rabbit vibrator has an adjustable external arm that moves with you for clitoral stimulation while the curved shaft of the internal arm stimulates the G-spot. Both arms can be controlled independently so you can enjoy different speeds and vibration modes. There is also an app so you can hook up multiple toys and your partner can operate no matter how far away they are. Not all wand vibrators are created equal, according to Stephanie Hack, MD, founder of women’s health platform, Lady Parts Doctor, who has a list of criteria your sex toys should meet before you shell out your hard-earned cash.
“They are designed to go in your butt and stay in your butt,” Wright says. This creates a feeling of fullness while leaving your hands free for other activities. Meanwhile, anal beads are meant to move in and out of your butt, massaging all of the nerves you have down there, she adds. Some anal toys also vibrate, notes psychotherapist Joy Berkheimer, PhD, LMFT, an expert at SXWA, a sexual wellness award platform, which can feel even better. Smile Maker’s Ballerina is designed to wrap your entire vulva in a hug of rumbly vibrations. It’s curved to match the shape of your body, which means you can use the toy hands-free when you’re lying on your back.
Own your journey, embrace your power, and indulge in self-care like never before. The We-Vibe Rave 2 is app-controlled, which means you — and mostly importantly, your partner — controls the fun from a smart device. It has 10 built-in modes, but with the app you can custom the vibration patterns and control the device from anywhere. Perfect if one of you is away but you want to keep the bedroom fun going. 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. There’s no one-size-fits-all beginner vibrator, because vibrators do all kinds of different things and all of our tastes are different.