As long as the vibrator stays on the outside of your body (not

The SnailVibe is innovative, but left me feeling sluggish

And not only does it feel good, but it’s visually appealing too, with one tester describing it as a “beautiful looking product”. Although the brand says it’s perfect for couples, you’ll have just as much fun using it on your own – it would be hard not to when there are 20 (!) different functions to make your way through. You can customise the vibrations to suit your personal preferences, it’s suitable for use in the shower, and it’s easy to clean with warm soapy water or a dedicated sex toy cleaner. It boasts innovative 3D pleasure air technology, using gentle waves and slow, pulsating sensations to take orgasms to a whole new level.

There are many reasons why you may choose to purchase a mini vibrator or a bullet instead of other types of sex toys. The small size of these toys makes them very easy to store, and some products even come with storage cases of their own. Some mini vibrators are designed to look like other products that women often use, such as a tube of mascara or lipstick. These products are very discreet and are perfect for women who frequently travel.

You can use a palm vibrator to stimulate the clitoris or vulva, wrap it around the shaft of a penis, hold it against the nipples, cup the testicles with it, or do pretty much anything else that comes to mind. As long as the vibrator stays on the outside of your body (not inside the vagina or anus), you’re golden. We-Vibe’s flagship product is meant to be “worn” during intercourse to provide some extra stimulation for both partners, though it can level up masturbation or non-penetrative types of sex, too. This latest version is different from previous iterations in that its internal portion is shaped like an “O,” which helps the toy stay in place better during sex.

If a toy was rechargeable, versatile, durable, waterproof, easy to clean, or covered by a solid warranty, we considered those attributes to be bonuses. Many people said they also desired an aesthetically pleasing toy with multiple color options. As part of my research for this guide, I consulted sex educators and owners of sex-toy shops. I’ve also consulted all manner of sex-toy users, from first-timers to people who use vibrators daily vibrators, including cis and trans people across gender identities and sexualities. No toy offers the level of power and intensity as the widely beloved Magic Wand.

The sex tech industry has conditioned us to think of toys in terms of male and female, penis and vagina, but that’s reductive and inaccurate, contributing to a larger narrative about the relationship between genitals and gender. We opt to be as specific as possible and use anatomical terms to describe individual erogenous zones—and there are way more than just P and V. This step is optional, but lubricant can be helpful to reduce the friction that might cause discomfort. It’s important to note that the kind of lube you use depends on the material of your vibrator. For example, if the vibrator is made of silicone , a water-based lube will help preserve the material and avoid damaging it.

The Point Plus allows you to experiment with different textures and vibrations, thanks to the included sleeves. Place them over the smooth silicone bullet (which boasts 20 powerful modes) and enjoy the new sensations on your clit. SELF’s former commerce editor adores this vibe from sexual wellness company Maude, which blends an egg, finger, and wand vibrator in one.

The bottom button turns the toy off and on (long hold) and cycles through five vibration patterns (press). The upper buttons move the intensity up and down through five levels. According to the manufacturer, the Aer can fully charge in two hours and can operate at the highest setting for up to one and a half hours on a full charge. In our testing, we were able to achieve a full charge from a drained battery in only an hour and 16 minutes—and the toy was still going strong after we left it on at maximum speed for two hours.

So here are some other products that are great in their own right and worth checking out. In any sexual experience — with a partner or solo — you have the authority over what makes you feel good. “You know your body. Don’t continue use if it hurts. Toys are designed with specific anatomy in mind, so make sure to use the right products for the designated body part,” Chang says.

To top it off, it can also be controlled remotely via the Lovense app, or synced up with another toy from the brand, such as its Max 2 stroker. When two toys are paired up, the way you thrust the Nora will affect how your partner’s toy stimulates them simultaneously, even if they’re actually hundreds of miles away. I’ve loved using this one with my long-distance partner, though it just as much when I’m alone. This innovative vibrator comes with a silicone “band” that you can use to keep the toy securely wrapped around your dick, hands-free.

But we do not think this toy is the best pick for solo clitoral play (unless you prefer “riding” or grinding against a vibrator while lying face down, as opposed to holding it in place with your hand). We do think this toy has great potential for use during partnered intercourse, where the person with the vulva is on top. We decided to test the Fun Factory Volta on the recommendation of esteemed sex-toy blogger Epiphora, who gave it a glowing review and selected it as one of the best sex toys of 2018.