The History Of Vibrators From 54 BC To Today In Just Two Minutes

Just be sure that the toy’s buttons are well-labeled and intuitively placed—there’s nothing worse than trying to up the ante right before orgasm, only to turn the entire vibe off accidentally. It can be hard to feel connected sometimes even when you live in the same city vibrator, but put a bunch of miles between the two of you and it can feel downright sucky. Sex toys have evolved to be interactive so video chatting and sexting aren’t the only tools to help you keep things steamy when you’re apart. Fans of the Lelo Nea 2 tend to be amazed that such a tiny little vibrator can pack such a strong and versatile punch. “It’s super petite and gives you the option to use solo, or with a partner — truly the best of both worlds,” says Reeves. And despite the intensity of the vibrations, the Nea 2 is quiet, adding to its already impressive discretion factor.

There are plenty of suction vibrators out there, including popular picks like the Satisfyer Pro 2 that are cheaper than the $129 Poet. This versatility will require a bit more patience in figuring out how to make this vibe work for you, but that’s par for the course with many a suction toy. This new model lets you take the ecstasy of the OG Hitachi anywhere while delivering the same legendary power of its predecessor. It’s got four different vibration speeds for its firm silicone head, a four-speed selector switch that lets you control its intensity, and a light display so you can see what level you’re on.

The best vibrators (and best sex toys in general) are not only powerful, but also easy and practical to use, with features like quiet motors, travel locks and extensive run times. We consulted experts for their advice on what to look out for when you’re shopping for one, and below have curated 10 of the best vibrators for just about every budget—ranging from accessibly priced options to high-end sex toys. We’ve also shared expert tips on how to properly clean and maintain your vibrator to get the most (and safest) use out of it. “If you want to enjoy more intense and overwhelming sensations (both internally and externally), it doesn’t get better than the Womanizer Duo 2,” Dr. O’Reilly tells SELF. It combines the air-pulse technology of a clitoral suction vibrator with a curved arm that has 14 vibration settings and slips inside. A toy that targets your clit and your G-spot at the same time, she says (sort of like a rabbit vibe, but better).

As the partner of a person with a penis (try saying that five times fast!), this toy is one of my absolute faves on this list, because of how well it combines with blowjobs and handjobs. You can use the toy around the base of a dick while you or your partner stimulates the rest of it, adding some intensity into an already-intense experience. It’s a smart pick for anyone who travels a lot, too, because it’s much more compact than a lot of other options on this list, and even has a travel lock function so it won’t go berserk in your suitcase mid-trek.

While it’s a similar size as many bullet vibrators, at 3.5 inches long, it also has the amped-up power of a wand. I love the sunshine yellow color and discreet charging case—you could almost mistake it for a pair of sunglasses in your bag. The design means that no matter which one you choose, insertion is made easy by the tapered shape and soft, sleek silicone.

Or, you can angle the arms to provide more pinpointed stimulation wherever you want it. One SELF editor called the compact Maude Vibe the “sex toy I didn’t know I needed.” Its slim, elongated body lets you use it like an extension of your finger , with a tapered tip that targets the clit. This simple, whisper-quiet vibe has three intensities that ramp up from fluttery to “eye-poppingly powerful,” she says. That original vibe had a long body that could enter the vagina, with rabbit “ears” that stimulated the clit. Some rabbit vibes today have preserved this signature style—because if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Others have replaced the “ears” with shorter arms that curve towards the clit or suction mechanisms.

But staring across the room at the new Godin Connaisseur MJ, glowing in soft spring sunlight, I kept thinking about two very classic American guitar companies. Martin and Rickenbacker are famous for very different things, and one of them rarely made acoustic instruments. But check out the Godin’s sunburst finish—it sure reminds me of Rickenbackerfireglo. The herringbone-patterned purling evokes that found on a D-28 as well as Rickenbacker’s checkerboard binding. There are practical reasons that this Godin feels like an alternate-universe offspring from the two American companies—most notably the super-satisfying playability.