The SnailVibe is innovative vibrators, but left me feeling sluggish
Unsurprisingly, it was among the first personal devices electrified, only falling behind the sewing machine , fan, tea kettle and toaster. I’d brought Eva along with me in the black silk carrying bag it comes with, and I tried to sneak the vibrator in before we started doing the deed. “Wait,” said Dave, “I want to see how this thing works.” Already, the vibrator was starting to get in the way of sexy time. I showed him the technique I had now mastered, and we proceeded to have sex. Instead of simply whipping Eva out in the bedroom, I thought it best to check in with Dave beforehand to see if he’d be cool with it.
“It’s so easy to slip in your bag for a business trip or a weekend away,” says Dr. Mintz. This ergonomically designed vibrating dildo will delight users who have ever had to stop what they are doing, mid-pleasuring, to fumble with buttons, settings or to rest cramped fingers (a literal buzzkill!). It has 10 modes of vibration, but just one simple button to control them all. And the design allows users to hold it firmly and without any vibe-interfering awkwardness. After testing out the very best rabbit vibrators, Emilie found a Lalo model to be the ultimate vibrator for solo play.
Some of the frustration came from the way that the buttons were sunk into the silicone surface of the toy—it felt like some functionality and ease of use was sacrificed for the Strawberry’s appearance. I found the Tenuto Mini most comfortable during solo use, but it’s great with a partner, too. Using a vibrator with a partner, especially during penetration, can sometimes be a challenging (if satisfying) logistical problem. While it feels great for both of us, someone generally has to hold it in place.
This variation on a strap-on dildo is worn inside one partner while penetrating the other. Air-pulse suction that provides targeted clitoral stimulation to the wearer. Since they offer contactless sensations, suction toys can be particularly pleasurable to beginners or those who are especially sensitive.
If you love frenulum stimulation, a vibrator designed specifically for that purpose is worth a shot—and this is one of the best and most unique options out there. It features two independently-controllable bullet vibes, one more “treble-y” in tenor and one more “bass-y,” for a titillating sensation that keeps your dick guessing. A silicone sleeve keeps the two vibes pressed firmly right where you need them, hands-free.
At $55, it’s half the price as the currently-unavailable Shegasm 5 Star Rabbit we previously recommended for internal/external stimulation, although it lacks the thumping mechanism that made the 5 Star Rabbit model a standout. The Sonnet is a fine toy, but our tester preferred the 5 Star Rabbit overall. The 5 Star Rabbit is also covered by a longer warranty (five years versus the Sonnet’s one). The presence of possibly toxic chemicals in sex toys has been a source of significant concern in the sex-toy-aficionado community. Sex toys are not well researched—beyond this study by the Swedish Chemicals Agency—or regulated by any consumer-safety agencies.
Unlike the Womanizer Classic, which is widest toward the nozzle and has a narrow handle, the Aer has a narrow head that allows it to slip easily between the labia for positioning against the clitoris. This sleek, angled shape also makes the toy convenient to use for clitoral stimulation during intercourse, as it doesn’t take up a lot of space. Across 10 years of testing, we’ve relied on 11 people with vulvas—ranging in age from early 20s to late 70s—to compare clitoral toys. Prior to participating in our tests, all of the panelists had used vibrators and were reliably able to achieve orgasm through vibrator use, though some were more experienced than others.
Since these vibrators can be used in so many ways, beginners have the chance to experiment with different sensations and speeds all over the body. Finding out what types of sensations you enjoy is not only fun, it can help you get more out of partnered sex since you can tell a partner how you like to be touched. Speaking of which, plenty of these toys are ideal for using during partnered sex, since they generally have a slim, flexible design that makes them easy to maneuver between bodies while you’re getting down. Someone who’s more into internal play than clitoral stimulation might enjoy an egg-shaped internal vibe like this one. Its amazingly powerful vibrations thrum against the G-spot, whether you wear this toy during sexual activity or just casually while going about your day. You can even wear it while receiving oral sex, letting your partner rev up the vibrator as you get closer to orgasm.