The Expert: How to choose your first vibrator

Before you buy your first vibrator

For those looking for pleasant vibrations, the range is large to say the least, and knowing which vibrator to choose can be tricky. Suzann Larsdotter is a sexologist at RFSU and advises people to think first of all about where you want to use it.

“Many sex toys are for stimulating the clitoris, because clitoral stimulation is usually the absolute best and most effective way for women and people with a clitoris to have an orgasm. Most choose direct clitoral stimulation, but some also want vibrations inside the vagina. That should determine which type of model you should focus on,” says Suzann Larsdotter.

There are many good clitoral vibrators. Some look like eggs, others are flat. What they all have in common is that they stimulate the clitoris through pleasant vibrations. If you want vibrations inside the vagina, it can be smart to buy a vibrating rod. It can be used for penetration as well as being placed against the clitoris for pleasant vibrations. There are also variants that combine both internal and external stimulation. These are usually called rabbit vibrators. If you are just looking for a small, flexible vibrator, a small finger vibrator can be a good choice. If you like to stimulate the G-spot, the sensitive area that sits a few centimeters up the front wall of the vagina, there are also dildos that are specially designed for that, called g-spot vibrators.

Choose a vibrator according to its strength

Another thing to think about is how strong you want the vibrations to be. Small finger vibrators often have less powerful vibrations than larger varieties. Wands have the strongest vibrations. Some of them even have a cord so you are able to get extra-strong stimulation.

“What you want is a matter of taste and depends on how sensitive you are. It is also good to check that you can adjust the vibrations. There are also vibrators with a pulse function. It can give a nice, teasing feeling,” says Suzann Larsdotter.

Air pressure vibrators that revolutionized the sex toy market

In recent years, a new variant of vibrator has also appeared on the market and represented something of a revolution in the sex toy market. Namely, air pressure vibrators.

“They are incredibly effective and many people think they are highly superior for achieving orgasm. They provide a more intense and profound stimulation than other products. On the other hand, some people think that they provide such a powerful stimulus that it can get unpleasant,” says Suzann Larsdotter.

Air pressure vibrators, unlike other vibrators, use air to give a kind of sucking, pulsating sensation. And even within this category there is a plethora of variants in different price ranges to choose from.

“There is a certain difference in quality, feel and appearance. Some of the more expensive variants have a function with autopilot that switches between different intensities of the vibrations so that you don’t have to steer it yourself if you don’t feel like it. But before you buy a more expensive air pressure vibrator, I think you should try a cheaper version first, to see if you like this type of stimulation at all,” says Suzann Larsdotter.

Waterproof? Noise proof? Consider extra features when choosing a vibrator

Other things to think about before choosing a new vibrating friend are how it looks and its  extra functions.

“You should, of course, choose a vibrator that you think looks good. Think about whether you like a certain color and whether there is a particular variant you like. Do you want something like a cute dolphin or something more stripped down? It’s up to you. It may also be worth considering whether there is a particular extra function you are looking for. Do you want to be able to use it in the shower and do you think it’s important that it is quiet, for example?” says Suzann Larsdotter.