Which vibrator should I buy?

Whether you're looking for your first vibrator or are looking for something new to put in your toy box, we understand that the huge range and variety of vibes on offer can be a tad overwhelming when you're not sure what you're looking for.

This guide is designed to get you thinking about some of the important questions you should ask yourself when trying to find the best vibrator that matches your needs. 

These are questions we talk through all the time with customers that come into Harmony in order to guide them to the vibrator range that's most in line with what they're after. If you're not sure what you want, then take a moment to consider the following and hopefully your perfect match will reveal itself.

Do you want internal stimulation, external only, or both?

This question is a great starting point as it can narrow down the options really quickly. Ask yourself what you want to use your vibrator for?

If you know that you enjoy penetration there's a huge range of internal vibrators to choose from. If you want the realistic look, the life-like veins and bulbous head of the Classic Silicone Vibrator will provide you with the realistic sensations you desire. 

For something a little different than straight-up vibrations, one of our favourites is the Stronic Petite from Fun Factory that has an internal thrusting movement inside its shaft to simulate penetrative sex and feels incredible!

If you want something with G-Spot stimulation, choose something with a curved and bulbous head that will target that sweet spot, like the Lelo Gigi 2 G-Spot vibrator.

If a dildo's not your thing and you know it’s all about the clit, then you’ll find what you’re after in our Bullets or Clitoral Stimulator range. Bullets are great for pinpoint stimulation directly on your clit and give a really buzzy sensation. For something with a deeper, rumbly vibration - a pebble vibe like the  Prestige Elena Stimulator is great for grinding against. 

For some users, what they want to use it for isn't always clear cut, in which case a longer Classic vibe like the Fifty Shades Of Grey Charlie Tango or Minx Silky Touch is an excellent choice. Particularly good for first-timers, these are brilliantly versatile, slightly bigger bullet vibes that you can use internally as well as over the clitoris and vulva to see what sort of stimulation you prefer.

If you know you want both, you can't go wrong with a rabbit vibrator, designed to stimulate the vagina and clitoris simultaneously for all-encompassing pleasure. Head over to our Guide to Rabbit Vibrators post for a bit more info.

What budget do you have?

Cost can be a big influence on which vibrator you go for. Deciding what you want to use your vibrator for will help decide how much you'd like to spend. For example, if you're buying a vibrator for the first time and wanting external stimulation only, then you may not need to spend any more than £15 on an excellent bullet vibrator. 

For more substantial vibrators that have dual motors or are made from high-quality, body-safe silicone, then you might be willing to spend anything between £40 and £200. Although this sounds like a lot, spending a little bit more on a quality vibrator can actually work out as being more economical in the long run. And whilst all our sex toys are made from body-safe materials, the more you're prepared to spend, the better the quality you'll get. 

So it's definitely worth considering whether you can stretch to spending an extra few pounds now, rather than having to replace your vibe completely a year down the line.

Do you want something really powerful?

Not everyone is desperate to use the most powerful vibrator ever made. Some shoppers prefer a soft buzz and find intense vibrations more painful than pleasurable. So go for something with multiple speed settings or vibration patterns, allowing you to up the tempo at your own pace.

If serious power is your thing, it's got to be a wand vibrator! These body massagers feel great used across the entire body, stimulating every erogenous zone, but used across the labia and clitoris they offer the most incredibly deep, rumbly vibrations. It's no wonder they're called magic wands!

Does size matter?

When it comes to picking the right vibrator, size really can matter. Picking the biggest beast on the shelf and taking it back to your partner might be pretty overwhelming, especially if it's your first experience of sex toys.

Decide if you want something long, or short; thick or slimline. If you travel a lot and need something easy to pack, then the key is small and light such as the Svakom Ella which you can use against the clit, or internally against your G-Spot.

How about colour?

Although it might seem like a trivial question, colour really can be a deciding factor for many shoppers and rightly so. If you're going to spend £50 or £60 on a vibrator, then you will want it to look attractive and appealing to you. If you really hate the colour pink, or detest purple, then it doesn't matter how tightly you close your eyes, when you spot it in the bedside draw you'll be much less inclined to take it out and use it in the first place. Luckily, vibes come in a rainbow of colours these days from orange and red, to greens and dark blues. We try to stock as many colour options as possible, so there's something to suit every taste. Use our colour selector on the left-hand side to help filter results.

Do you prefer something firm, or soft?

Using a hard sex toy can be really uncomfortable for some people, or the perfect tool to grind against for others. 

The majority of vibrators these days are all made from medical-grade silicone which is soft and smooth to the touch, with a rigid core - often referred to as 'dual-density'.

For those that prefer smooth, yet firm and more rigid in its shape then a bullet made from hard plastic like the Rocks Off bullet range may do the trick.

Is noise an issue?

Living in a house share, with family, or wanting to play in public means you want a vibrator that isn't too loud. An all-singing, all-dancing, high-speed rotating rabbit might not be the answer in this case. Generally speaking, silicone vibrators like the Prestige Natasha will appear quieter as the thicker material helps to dampen the sound. Also, you can count on designer vibes having better quality motors that are whisper quiet.

Do you specifically want vibration or do you want to try a different stimulation? 

If you're only looking for clitoral stimulation, you might want to try a suction toy like a Womanizer. Instead of vibrations, the circular silicone head envelopes the clitoris and stimulates with a gentle sucking action that simulates oral sex.

Are you looking for something to use alone during masturbation, or a vibrator to use during sex and with your partner?

While it's technically possible to use any vibrator with your partner, some lend themselves to the task better than others. If you're looking for a vibrator that you can use together, then we have a whole collection of sex toys suitable for use by couples. These include remote control vibrators, cock rings, vibrating strapless strap-ons and the very popular We-Vibe Chorus. Sometimes though, even something as simple as a bullet vibrator can be the perfect sex toy as it can be used on both men's and women's external hot spots and bring a whole new dimension to your foreplay.

Hopefully, this has helped you figure out what you're after and given you some good starting suggestions, but if you're still unsure, then drop us a line. We're only too happy to help so that you get a vibe you're truly satisfied with.

Once you've picked your perfect vibe, don't forget to order the essentials such as batteries if the toy isn't rechargeable, a good lube to enhance your pleasure and an antibacterial toy cleaner to keep your new vibe in tip-top condition. Head over to our Essentials Section where you'll find everything you need.