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May 01, 2023

8 Best Vibrators (2023): Cheap, Powerful, Flexible

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Jaina Grey

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Vibrators are probably the most recognizable sex toys. The ones everyone knows about—these sex toys use internal motors to stimulate erogenous zones. Yes, zones plural; they aren't just for vulvas. Phalluses and nipples also respond very well to stimulation with the right vibrators. In fact, most of the vibrators on this list have been tested on vulvas, phalluses, and the extensive network of erogenous zones all over the body. Regardless of your gender, your genitals, or your sexual preferences, I guarantee there's something on this list that can give you sensations you never thought possible. Be sure to check out our Best Sex Toys guide for more recommendations.

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Vibrators are some of the most approachable sex toys on the market, but there are a lot of them, so shopping for one can get overwhelming. Luckily, I have a few tips and tricks that I use when shopping for and testing vibrators that can help you narrow things down.

First, look at the materials. For vibrators, you really want them to be made with 100 percent platinum silicone. Hard glossy plastic is OK for parts that don't touch your genitals, but platinum silicone is medical grade, nonporous, easy to clean, and body-safe. Unlike lesser grades of silicone, platinum silicone doesn't off-gas any weird smells or compounds that may be unpleasant or even harmful to your genitals. That's because it's chemically different from other kinds of silicone.

Second, look at the charger the vibrator comes with. Is it USB-A, USB-C, or a proprietary AC adapter? I try to keep things simple and stick with vibrators that charge with USB-A or USB-C. It's way too easy to lose the charger, and there's comfort in knowing you can use any charging cable you have lying around. There's nothing worse than a toy that dies on you mid-use.

Lastly, use your nose. When you get your hands on your new vibrator, test its vibration strength on the tip of your nose first. You should feel it tickling your nostrils and sinuses, and it should give you an idea of how deep into your genital tissue it can stimulate. Remember, about 90 percent of the clitoris can't be stimulated directly because it's under the skin, so deep vibes are important. The same goes for the phallus—the erectile tissue goes deep into your body, and stimulating it with a vibrator can provide a new and exhilarating experience.

The Magic Wand Mini is exactly what its name suggests. It's everything that made the original Magic Wand so enchanting but packed in a much smaller (and wireless) design. The size difference is huge for me—this one can be easily wielded with just one hand, and the buttons are easy to reach and discern with just your fingertips. You're never in doubt as to which button does what, which is always nice in the heat of the moment. Plus the battery life is great, lasting around three hours, which is either one really long session or several smaller ones. Unfortunately, it uses a proprietary charger, but you can get replacements here.

AC charger, silicone head, hard plastic body.

Not for the faint of heart, the MysteryVibe Crescendo packs a whopping six individual motors spaced throughout its multi-jointed body. Each one is individually programmable using the MysteryVibe app, and it comes with a few built-in vibration patterns that provide an all-new level of sensation. Did I mention there are 16 intensity settings? It really allows you to be precise with the vibration strength, allowing you to find exactly what you like. The Crescendo is also flexible, so you can contort it into various shapes, and it's waterproof.

Waterproof, USB-A charging, platinum silicone body.

Vesper's Crave has been turning heads ever since it first hit store shelves. It's the synthesis of fashion and sex tech, a pendant that's also a vibrator. It's discreet, but it's not that discreet. Definitely don't wear it if you're worried about someone realizing what it is. It's more of a cheeky statement piece than a super-secret vibrator. It is a functional vibrator, though. Don't let its shiny exterior fool you. This thing packs a surprisingly powerful motor, but it is not meant for internal use—external only. It's way too small to go sticking in places it might get lost.

The downside? The battery is pretty small, lasting only about 40 minutes. Make sure you charge it up before you head out for a night on the town.

Splash-proof exterior, Micro-USB charger, nickel-free plating.

Lauren Goode

Lauren Goode

Julian Chokkattu

WIRED Staff

Maude's Drop vibrator is an adorable egg-shaped little thing. It's affordable, and it packs a surprising amount of power in its palm-sized body. The outer shell is made of soft silicone, and it has a hard plastic interior, giving it a mix of squish and stability. Don't let its small size fool you—it can run for about two hours on a single charge.

USB-A charging, platinum silicone shell.

The Dame Pom is one of the first vibrators we tested (8/10, WIRED Recommends), and it's been on our best-of list ever since. It's approachable for newcomers but comes packed with advanced features that experienced vibrator owners will appreciate. The body is a super-soft flexible silicone, and there's a firm but not too hard interior. It's flexible and will fit in the contour of your hand, plus the little silicone beak at the end offers some much-appreciated texture for targeted stimulation. This is one I recommend anyone with a phallus give a try if they've never tried a vibrator before.

USB-A charger, platinum silicone body.

The Dame Com (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is pretty similar to the Magic Wand Mini, but they're different in a couple of important ways. First off, the Com has an angled body that makes reaching everywhere super easy in a variety of positions. Secondly, the entire device is clad in squishy-soft silicone, which is a friendlier texture than cold hard plastic, especially in the middle of the night. However, the Com doesn't get quite as intense as the Magic Wand Mini.

USB-A charger, platinum silicone body.

Lauren Goode

Lauren Goode

Julian Chokkattu

WIRED Staff

Unbound's Bender vibrator is something of a unique beast. It's flexible, and it can bend to fit the contours of any part of your body. Each end is also broad and rounded, so it can deliver powerful diffused stimulation. This one is great for using when you're lying on your stomach, because it'll curve itself around you, and its intense vibrations will get trapped between the bed and your body. It's a great experience.

USB-A charger, platinum silicone body.

Lelo's Hugo vibrating plug is easily one of the best toys for anal use we've tested. It's coated in silicone, it's hard but flexible, and it's angled just right to hit your P-spot. Add to that some incredibly powerful but nuanced vibrations that are fully remote-controlled, and you've got a winner on your hands.

USB-A charger, platinum silicone body.

I mentioned phalluses throughout this story, but that statement deserves more explanation. Men, women, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming folks, listen up: The phallus is just a big clitoris. The shape and nerve density are different, but anything that works on a clitoris will work on a phallus. The trick is to find the right spots.

Most nerves are concentrated in the head or glans of the penis, including the urethral opening, and on the underside, the frenulum–a little bridge of skin connecting the glans to the phallus. Each of these spots can be sensitive to the right kind of vibrations, but proceed with caution, as they're going to be more sensitive than you realize.

Another commonly overlooked erogenous zone that responds particularly well to powerful, deep-tissue vibration is right between the legs below the scrotum. The penis has a lot of sensitive nerves and erectile tissue below the skin. With the right vibrator pressed in the right spot below the scrotum, you can stimulate erogenous zones you didn't even know you had—and sometimes even the P-spot.

Adrienne So

Rachel Fairbank

Adrienne So

Gear Team

WIRED Staff

Gear Team

Emily Peck

Adrienne So

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