Introduction
At Women’s Health, we pride ourselves on staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in sex toy technology. Over the past year, 13 of our editors and contributors have anonymously tested more than 50 vibrators in a variety of settings-alone, with partners, in the shower, and in bed-to provide you with the best recommendations.
The Clitoral Vibrator – A Beloved Choice
A favorite among many is the clitoral vibrator. For numerous individuals with vaginas, achieving orgasm often requires more than just penetration. Fortuitously, the clitoris is solely designed for pleasure, boasting 15,000 nerve endings-double that of the penis and pelvic floor, according to Janet Brito, PhD, a clinical psychologist and certified sex therapist in Honolulu, Hawaii. This makes it highly sensitive to external stimulation, and a clit vibrator is an excellent tool for engaging all those nerve endings.
Choosing the Right Clitoral Vibrator
Our editors have preferences ranging from buzzy or rumbly sensations to toys that mimic oral sex. Regardless of what you enjoy, there’s a clitoral vibrator out there to meet your needs.
Material Matters
When selecting your vibrator, ensure it’s made from body-safe materials. Lyndsey Murray, an AASECT-certified sex therapist at Relationship Matters Therapy, recommends silicone vibrators for their durability, ease of cleaning, and compatibility with water-based lubricants. Avoid porous materials like soft rubber, which can harbor bacteria even with regular cleaning. Laurie Mintz, PhD, a psychologist and sex therapist, advises opting for high-quality, medical-grade silicone.
Size and Design
Vibrators come in various sizes and designs. Some are more flexible, providing gentler sensations than their stiffer counterparts. Consider your personal preferences for clitoral sensations when selecting a vibe. Brito suggests experimenting to discover the ideal stimulation for you, as some may find direct clitoral pulsation too intense.
- Do you prefer buzzy or sucking sensations?
- Are you interested in a combination of external (clitoral) and internal (G-spot) stimulation?
- Is a waterproof option necessary for your needs?
Power Source and Warranty
Consider how the vibrator is powered-whether it uses batteries or is rechargeable. Ensure it’s fully charged or has fresh batteries before use, as there’s nothing more disappointing than a dying vibrator mid-use, notes Murray.
Lisa Finn, a sex educator and product expert with Babeland, advises looking for toys with a warranty to ensure the company stands behind their product. Be aware that not all retailers offer satisfaction guarantees, so check their return policy in case the product doesn’t meet your expectations.
Conclusion
Throughout the past year, Women’s Health’s team of anonymous testers has thoroughly reviewed over 50 clitoral vibrators to compile a list of the 11 bestselling and top-rated options. With input from experts like WH’s Love & Life editors Lindsay Geller and Lydia Wang, and sex therapists and educators such as Lyndsey Murray, MD, Janet Brito, PhD, and Laurie Mintz, PhD, we’ve gathered the best advice to guide you in choosing the perfect clitoral vibrator.