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May 05, 2023

The 15 Best Wand Vibrators of 2023 Are Worth the Buzz

By Kate Sloan All products featured on GQ are independently selected by our

By Kate Sloan

All products featured on GQ are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Wand vibrators are a super-popular category of pleasure product, with almost every major sex toy company making their own versions of the "best wand vibrators." Sure, you might think they're just a sex toy made for women, but it's also a very popular sex toy for men (more on that later). Last we looked, of the 25 best-selling vibrators on Amazon, six are wands, including the one in the top spot. Wands have had cameo roles in plenty of sex-positive media properties, from Sex and the City to Grace & Frankie to How to Build a Sex Room.

But are they really worth all the hype? I think so—and I would know. I’ve been reviewing sex toys for more than a decade, and some of my most-used toys are wands, whether I’m reaching for them to crank out an orgasm or to work out some muscle tension (or both at once!). I love wand vibes so much that I actually got one tattooed on my body.

Here's what makes wand vibrators so iconic and beloved, and which wands stand out from the pack.

You already know all about the power of wand vibrators, and you just want a new one for your nightstand ASAP. Here you go, no explanations necessary.

Wand vibrators all tend to look fairly similar: Usually they have an elongated handle and a big, rounded head. The most famous wand vibrator of all time is also likely the one which gave the entire category its name. The Magic Wand—formerly known as the Hitachi Magic Wand, but now distributed by the brand Vibratex, who took it over from Hitachi in the mid-2010s—was first sold in the USA in 1968, at which time it was marketed as a muscle massager.

But it turns out that the deep, rumbly vibrations required to soothe sore muscles can be repurposed. Sex educator Betty Dodson famously handed out wand vibes to the participants of her "Bodysex" masturbation workshops, starting in the 1970s. Since then, various studies have found that wand vibrators can be helpful in treating sexual dysfunction such as anorgasmia, or the inability to orgasm. The authors of one such study explained the wand vibe's usefulness by saying that its "very large head [is] designed for efficient transference of vibrations to the vulva and clitoral region without causing soreness or irritation of the tissue."

Indeed, the fact that a wand head covers so much real estate is likely a reason they’re so widely adored, not just for clitoral stimulation but for penises, too. "I’ve surprisingly used a lot of sex toys specifically designed for penises and find they never really come close to the experience of using a wand," says Dick Wound, a kink educator and cohost of the Off the Cuffs podcast. "I chalk this up to the superior sensation and controllability that wands offer by not needing [my penis] to be inserted in a toy, but rather, I can just move the toy to the spots I like best on my body."

In the 11+ years I’ve spent reviewing sex toys, I’ve tested dozens of different wand vibes, and I can tell you that they are not all created equal. Here are some key considerations when you’re shopping for a wand.

Power source: Some wand vibes use disposable batteries, some are rechargeable, and some plug into the wall. Generally speaking, those that use disposable batteries have the weakest vibrations and are the lowest quality. Electric wands tend to be the most powerful, although these days there are plenty of mega-strong rechargeable wands that can give the electric ones a run for their money. If you tend to masturbate or have sex near a power outlet, and if vibration strength is a priority for you, then you should consider plug-in electric wands, but if you prefer a little more mobility and don't mind potentially sacrificing some power, go with a rechargeable option.

Vibration quality: Sex toy reviewers often make a distinction between "buzzy" and "rumbly" vibrations. If a toy is buzzy, its vibrations feel localized on the surface of the skin, have a higher-pitched sound to them, and are more likely to cause the temporary numbness that puts some people off vibrators. Rumbly toys, on the other hand, have lower-pitched vibrations that create deeper, more resonant sensations, and are less likely to numb you out.

Size: Wand vibes range in stature from teeny-tiny to longer than your forearm. The bigger ones tend to be more powerful, but their beefy dimensions can make them feel obtrusive if you’re, say, trying to slide one in between your body and your partner's during sex. Go for a smaller wand if you’re mostly hoping to use it during missionary-position sex or any other situation where space is limited.

Weight: Because wand vibes are usually on the larger end of the sex toy spectrum, they also tend to be heavier than your average toy. This is especially worth considering if you struggle with chronic pain, hand strength issues or similar. "Personally, I always look at the weight of a wand vibrator [before buying it] because I don't want to hold a heavy wand vibe for ages," advises Ruby Rousson, a sex worker and sex work advocate.

Comfort: Besides weight and size, there are a few other factors that affect how comfortable a wand is to hold, including its center of gravity, the shape and texture of its handle, and how much vibration transfers into the handle during use. "A powerful wand is useless if the entire thing shakes to the point where you numb your hand just from holding it," warns Leanne Yau, a polyamory educator and founder of Poly Philia. This is another reason it can be a good idea to test out wands on your hand at a sex shop before purchasing one, if you can.

By Gerald Ortiz

By The Editors of GQ

By Gerald Ortiz

Ready to wander into the world of wands? Here are some expert-vetted wand vibes that’ll knock your proverbial socks off, as well as some accessories that’ll help you get even more value out of your wand.

Material: Silicone and ABS plasticBattery life: 3 hours

The vibe formerly known as the Hitachi Magic Wand was given a glow-up by Vibratex when they took over distribution of the toy from Hitachi, and the result was this rechargeable version. It boasts the same awesome power as the original, but features additional vibration settings and doesn't need to be plugged in (except when you're charging it, of course). "After trying most types of wands out there, I always find myself coming back to the Magic Wand for its strength, patterns, and reliability," Wound says.

Pros: Strong, rumbly vibrations; four vibration speeds and four patterns; can be used while chargingCons: Gets buzzier on higher speeds; gets loud on higher speeds; not waterproof

Material: Silicone and ABS plasticBattery life: Electric

Another overhaul of Hitachi's Magic Wand, the Plus is electric like the original, but has been upgraded to have four speeds instead of two. This is great news for anyone who likes to start at a low speed and work their way up to an explosive finish. "I can orgasm fairly easily, back to back. But this thing takes orgasms to another LEVEL," enthuses one Amazon reviewer.

Rumbly toys, like the Magic Wand Plus, are great, especially if you’ve disliked vibrators in the past because they’ve felt annoying, abrasive, or desensitizing. "Visiting a local sex shop to test the vibrations and get a feel for the toys firsthand can really help to figure out what you’re looking for, and what you definitely don't want," advises Rousson.

Pros: Strong, rumbly vibrations; four vibration speeds; significantly cheaper than the other full-sized Magic WandsCons: Gets buzzier on higher speeds; gets loud on higher speeds; requires an electric outlet; no vibration patterns

Material: SiliconeBattery life: 1 hour

This affordable wand comes highly recommended by Dr. Jess O'Reilly, a sexologist and sex & relationships expert for Lovehoney. It's "medium-sized, smooth, flexible and lightweight," she says, which—coupled with its rechargeability and very reasonable price tag—makes it an ideal pick for wand newbies, especially those on a budget.

Pros: Powerful vibrations for its price point; petite and portable; six vibration speeds and four patterns; waterproof; inexpensive; quietCons: Short battery life; not as powerful as many larger wands

Material: Silicone and ABS plasticBattery life: 4 hours

When I'm in the mood to use a wand and want to feel fancy AF, this is the one I grab. The sleek silicone and curved metallic handle look gorgeous together, and the vibrations are satisfyingly rumbly–it's the full package! As one Lovehoney reviewer put it, "[I] fell in love with the design of this product... It's great for sore muscles, as well as masturbation. You have to love a multifunctional and beautifully designed sex toy."

By Gerald Ortiz

By The Editors of GQ

By Gerald Ortiz

Pros: Strong, rumbly vibrations; 10 vibration settings; ergonomically-shaped handle; luxurious aesthetic; long battery life; waterproof; quietCons: Expensive; some users report mechanical issues (although Lelo offers a warranty)

Material: Silicone (head), casted aluminum and titanium (body)Battery life: Electric

With a price tag nearing $200, this wand is quite an investment, but its quality aluminum construction and extra-rumbly vibrations make it worth it. "It's super intense, but can be used through layers of clothing, or even through a duvet or pillow," Yau says. Being made of metal, though, this wand is one of the heaviest on this list, so it's best avoided if you have hand strength issues or just don't want masturbation to turn into an arm workout.

Pros: Very powerful vibrations; double-weighted head for extra rumbliness; luxurious metal construction; LED-lighted buttons for easier use in the dark; continuous speed progression (press and hold to incrementally turn up speed)Cons: Very heavy; initially cold to the touch; requires an electrical outlet; some users report mechanical issues

Material: Silicone and ABS plasticBattery life: About 1 hour

This petite wand is "small but mighty," Wound says, "and its size offers more precise stimulation over the larger head of the Magic Wand." Rather than cycling through predetermined vibration settings, you can adjust the strength of this one incrementally by pressing and holding its button until the vibration reaches the exact intensity you're looking for, so it's great if you want to build your arousal little by little.

Pros: Powerful, rumbly vibrations; one-touch incremental speed control; silicone cap is removable for cleaning; quietCons: Short battery life; only one button to control intensity

Material: SiliconeBattery life: 6 hours

German brand Fun Factory is known for making toys that look, well, fun. Their wand vibe is no exception: it comes in bright orange or cool blue, its rounded buttons click satisfyingly with each press, and it features a unique swirled texture on its head and handle. But, even more importantly, its vibrations are stellar. The first time I used this toy, I came so hard that I had the wind knocked out of me and worried I might've woken up my roommate with my yell.

Pros: Powerful, rumbly vibrations; five speeds and three patterns; fun aesthetic; ridged head holds onto lube better; travel lock function; buttons light up; very long battery life; quietCons: Ridged head can be hard to clean

Material: SiliconeBattery life: 5 hours

For long-distance play, you can't go wrong with a Lovense toy. I've been in a long-distance relationship for over five years and Lovense toys are some of our favorites to incorporate into phone or FaceTime sex. This wand connects via Bluetooth to the Lovense app, which you can use to create your own vibration patterns, sync the vibrations to music and other sounds, and invite a far-away partner to take control. However, it's got such a pleasingly rumbly motor that it feels great even if you don't use any of those bells and whistles.

By Gerald Ortiz

By The Editors of GQ

By Gerald Ortiz

Pros: Powerful, rumbly vibrations; incrementally adjustable intensity; Bluetooth-compatible; can be used long-distance; long battery life; waterproof; petiteCons: Can get loud on higher speeds

Material: ABS plastic (body) and thermoplastic elastomer (head)Battery life: Electric

If you want an electric wand that fits plenty of power into a small package, you want the Bodywand Midnight. This is one of my favorite wands because it has a dial, rather than buttons, so you can adjust the vibrations to the exact level of intensity you're craving at that moment, and immediately dial it back if it gets to be too much. Its all-black aesthetic is pretty cool, too.

Pros: Powerful, somewhat rumbly vibrations; dial for more precise control over vibration intensity; relatively petiteCons: Requires an electric outlet; gets buzzier on higher speeds; gets loud on higher speeds; ridged head can be hard to clean; porous head material can't be fully sanitized

Material: Silicone and aluminumBattery life: 1 hour

"For an all-round best pick that's silky-smooth, powerful, cordless, and sustainable, the Koi is a great option," Dr. O'Reilly says. This wand is made from recycled aluminum and silicone, so not only will it make you feel good, but you can feel good about buying it.

Pros: Rumbly vibrations; four speeds and six patterns; made from recycled materials; very petite; travel lock function; waterproof; modular design allows you to swap out the toy's head for other heads from the Love Not War collectionCons: Short battery life; can get loud; gets buzzier on higher speeds; not as strong as full-size wands

Material: SiliconeBattery life: 1 hour

The curved handle of this wand may look odd, but it actually makes it super easy to hold this toy while massaging your neck, shoulders, or wherever else. "Using other vibrators... can cause hypersensitivity or a loss of sensitivity for some, but this thing starts with a low, deep but soft rumble," one Lovehoney reviewer wrote. "Even at higher levels, the vibrations are just slower, deeper and extremely enjoyable."

The wand handle itself is definitely something you should take into consideration when shopping for one of these types of wand vibes. "As a person with mobility and chronic pain issues, wands offer me comfort by having a longer handle and not needing me to extend my arm as far as I would with a smaller, bullet-style vibe," Wound says.

Pros: Rumbly vibrations; five speeds and five patterns; ergonomically shaped handle; quiet; waterproofCons: Not as strong as some other wands; vibrations translate into the handle a fair bit; short battery life

Material: Silicone, ABS plastic, and metalBattery life: 4 hours

"I LOOOOOOOVE the Svakom Emma Neo," Yau says. "It warms to body temperature, which is a total game-changer in cold weather." Who knew masturbation could be so cozy? This wand also has Bluetooth compatibility—connect it to the Svakom app on your phone and you can experiment with programmed vibration modes, sync the vibrations to music, or even invite a long-distance partner to control your vibe.

By Gerald Ortiz

By The Editors of GQ

By Gerald Ortiz

Pros: Five vibration speeds and six patterns; heating function; waterproof; long battery life; very petiteCons: Relatively weak vibrations for a wand; gets buzzier on higher speeds

Material: Silicone and ABS plasticBattery life: 2 hours

Attachments can make a wand much more versatile, narrowing its strong vibrations into slimmer shapes that can be used to precisely stimulate the G-spot, clitoris, and other hotspots. When I was sent this wand to try, I loved experimenting with the different sensations it could provide, depending on whether I used it on its own or with one of the two attachments it comes with. It's pretty quiet and strong, too.

Pros: Strong, rumbly vibrations; six speeds and five patterns; comes with two optional attachments;Cons: Penetrative attachment is awkwardly angled for using on yourself (it points almost straight up from the top of the wand's head)

Material: Silicone

If you already have a (standard-sized, not mini) wand you love, the Gee Whiz can help you get more utility out of it. This silicone attachment pops onto the head of your wand and focuses its vibrations into a curved shape that's perfect for hitting the G-spot or prostate. "When I first got it, I was so excited that I put it on my wand, fired it up, and started using it in the standing position," one Amazon reviewer recounted. "I nearly instantly had an orgasm and almost fell down! My knees buckled with pleasure!"Pros: Turns your wand into a G-spot or prostate stimulator; wand head can also provide clitoral or perineum stimulation at the same timeCons: Expensive for what it is; only works on standard-size wands; can be hard to take off (lube helps)

Material: Metal and ABS plastic

Because of how bulky and heavy wands can be, it's understandable if you don't always want to physically hold yours. This mount can clamp onto a flat surface, like the edge of your desk or your bed frame, and fits standard-sized wands. This is perfect for lazy masturbation, as well as for consensual kinky fun like "forced orgasm" play. I don't pull mine out all that often, but every time I do, I'm glad I own one.

Pros: Allows for hands-free use of wand vibes; easy and quick setup; adjustable angle and placementCons: Only works with standard-size wands; requires a slim and flat surface to clamp onto; doesn't work as well with heavy wands