23 Best Vibrators for Beginners, According to Experts

Let's face it: The near-endless array of vibrators for beginners can easily become overwhelming—and then there's the matter of what to do with them. To make your first-time experience as enjoyable as possible, and to help you widen your pool of masturbation tricks, we asked sex experts everything you need to know about how to use a vibrator—and what the best vibrators are for beginners with all budgets and bodies.

What should you look for in a beginner vibrator?

No one type of vibrator is “better” than any other; it all depends on what you like and what you’re in the mood for. Just because one friend—or even thousands of people—swear by a certain brand or model (we’re looking at you, Lelo and Womanizer), that doesn’t mean the same toy will get you off. “We generally suggest people start with a vibrator or two that they can explore,” says Carol Queen, PhD, staff sexologist at toy seller Good Vibrations. “If you get an insertable one and a clitoral one, you can use both hands and have a comparable experience that you have more control over.”

More practically, it’s worth considering what the vibrator is made of. “Most good-quality vibrators are clad in silicone these days, which is a great material—it can be softer or firmer, but it’s nonporous and easy to clean,” Dr. Queen says. Plus, it feels like skin and easily lends itself to waterproof vibrators, making it perfect for beginners.

Next, think about what sensation you want your vibrator to provide. There are buzzier options and more rumbly ones. “Buzzy vibes offer more of a high-pitched hum, comparable to the vibrations of an electric toothbrush, which focuses stimulation more on the surface,” explains sexual health educator Navy Bastiaans. Some people prefer rumbly vibrators, meanwhile, because the vibrations are more low-pitched and go deeper into the body, which helps stimulate the outside and inside of the clit, hitting as many nerve endings as possible due to its frequency.

Another important factor is cost. Cheap sex toys are a great entry point for anyone early on in their experimental phase. (However, don't be afraid to invest upfront in a luxury sex toy. It’s your body!) Either way, beginners should look for vibrators that offer a range of speeds and modes.

And, what kinds of vibrators are out there for beginners?

Vibrators are categorized by where they stimulate you: internally (like your G-spot or prostate), externally (like your clitoris or labia), or a mix of both at the same time. From there, you can further break them down into groups with specific shapes and abilities, including everything from super-simple bullet vibrators to more complex rabbit vibrators. There’s no one-size-fits-all vibrator, and many people experiment with different toys until they find the one(s). With that in mind, let’s get into it.

They focus first and foremost on the most pleasurable spots inside your body, and they’re great for beginners because of their intuitive shape and functionality. G-spot vibrators, for example, feature slightly flared tips and curved shafts to help you find and tease just the right place. Anal vibrators, meanwhile, use their own flared tips to hit the P-spot or A-spot inside your anus; it's no surprise they're considered on of the best sex toys for men. (You can also pick up a vibrating dildo to use for both internal penetration and clitoral stimulation.) Any internal vibrator you use should have a handle or base to ensure you don’t accidentally lose it inside yourself.