Vibrators are a sex toy staple. From fingertip vibes that tremble and buzz, to wand vibrators that rumble and shake, vibrators add some extra zing to sex and masturbation. 

Vibrations are uniquely pleasurable because they massage past the surface. For those of us with clitorises, this deeper stimulation comes in handy: most of the clit is internal.  

There’s a wide variety of vibrators, with more coming to the market every day. Having so many choices is wonderful (there’s something for everyone!) but it can make shopping for one intimidating. Where do you even start? 

To help you narrow down your wishlist, here’s 8 questions to ask yourself about choosing a vibrator:

1. What will you be using your vibrator for? 

Because there are such a wide variety of vibrators available, it’s important to ask yourself what purpose your new vibe needs to serve. Are you going to use your vibrator externally (such as on the clitoris, nipples, or penis) or internally (like a vibrating dildo or butt plug)? 

Some sex toys, like g-spot vibrators or dual-ended wands, can be used vaginally or on your clit. Rabbit vibrators are designed to stimulate both simultaneously. The Silicone Anal Beads with Vibrating C-Ring provides vibrations to the penis (and potentially a receptive partner) as well as anal stimulation. 

You also need to consider if this toy will be use for solo sex, partnered sex, or both! Do you and your partner have different pleasure preferences? Vibrators like the Noje Fauna offer multiple sensory experiences. Looking for a toy you can easily fit between bodies? There are mini vibes!

2. What is your budget?

It’s easy to get distracted by the various functions and features sex toys offer and forget how much you were planning to spend. Luckily, Blush designs quality sex toys for budget prices, so everyone can afford the fun. 

3. What size toy are you looking for? 

It’s hard to determine the scale of something based on a picture, so Blush provides measurements for all their products. This is especially important when it comes to insertable sex toys. You don’t want to purchase something that’s too big for you! 

Everyone’s body is different. But generally, “beginner” insertables (like the Love Vibe Slim Vibrator or Gaia Echo) are 1.25 inches in diameter (as in width) and under. Average sized insertables (such as the Anal Adventures Propel Plug or Aria Magnify G-Spot Vibe) are around 1.5 inches in diameter. Anything larger than 1.75 is for more experienced users or girth enthusiasts. The Luxe Marco is 2 whole inches wide!

Proportions are also important. Pinpoint sex toys (which have ultra-narrow tips) and broad sex toys (like wand vibrators) offer completely different sensory experiences. 

4. What materials are you comfortable with? 

There are a variety of materials that sex toys can be made with, from hard plastic to silicone to plant-based biofeel. This can impact how flexible a toy is (and yes – sex toy firmness is a big factor!), what lubricants you can use, and even how easy it is to clean! 

For more information on the materials Blush uses, see Sex Toy Materials: Navigating Your Options. 

5. How firm or flexible do you want your toy?

Do you like to apply pressure when you’re using toys? Vibrators with flexible necks (like the Noje W4 Wand) might be less desirable. Enjoy a squishier surface on your vibrating dildos? You might want to choose a softer material. 

“Many G-spots and prostates respond best to a firm touch. The extra hardness pushes in and creates more impact. Blush Impressions vibrating dildos are made of a firmer silicone over a hard motor casing, so they deliver (1) high-speed vibration plus (2) lots of pressure,” writes Felicity. 

6. What features are important to you? 

Before you go shopping, it’s important to have an idea of what features you’re interested in.

For example, do you want a rechargeable vibrator, or do you prefer battery-powered toys? Do you like to masturbate in the bath or shower (and need a waterproof vibrator)? Do you need strong, rumbly vibrations… or something buzzier? 

Beyond basic functionality, there’s so many options to consider. There are vibrators that self-thrust or gyrate. Some sex toys come with a remote control. There are realistic vibrating dildos (like the Neo Elite Encore) as well as abstract designs (like the Impressions Amsterdam.) Are any of these fancier features important to you? 

7. What’s your desired vibration strength/range?

Some folks like to skip right to the strongest vibration setting and ride the wave to orgasm. Others prefer to start slow and gradually increase the speed – or even stick to the gentler settings the whole time. It’s important to check how many settings a vibrator has, so you know if it will work for you. 

8. Have you read any reviews?

Sometimes, there’s information a product listing can’t cover. Luckily, there’s a thriving community of sex toy enthusiasts that share their thoughts through reviews! You can find people detailing their experience on blogs, social media, and even Youtube. 

If you have a question about a sex toy, you can also contact the Blush team directly!

Betty Butch (they/she) is a queer sex and relationships writer. By blogging about their experiences as a fat, trans, autistic person, they hope to help change the narrative of who has sex and what sex “should” be. You can find their work on bettybutch.com and follow them on Twitter or Instagram.