“Hysteria” and the Strange History of Vibrators

If you’re well-versed in sex toys, you know that a wand vibrator is a must-have for your pleasure tool kit—and if you’re newer to the sex-essories scene, these microphone-shaped devices are a superb place to start. In 2024, there’s no shortage of sex toys to choose from, but the pleasure brought on by the best wand vibrators is second to none. You probably already know and love the Magic Wand vibrator marketed as a “personal massager” (yeah, right) way back in 1968. It’s since become the little black dress, if you will, of sex toy stashes, but there’s more to the genre than ‘ol faithful. The web is bursting with all sorts of fresh takes on the vibrating wand for your playing pleasure, like toys with up to 20 pulsation modes, two-sided designs, and app-controlled, titillating tech.

The vibe pattern between the shaft and the rabbit “ears” is just immense,” wrote one reviewer on the Lelo site. To experience a more realistic, tongue-mimicking experience, users highly recommend using it with a decent amount of lube or other body-safe gel. “For 20 years of my life I have never been able to achieve full orgasm … this toy has gotten me there every single time I use it,” a pleased customer wrote. Promising a “100 per cent orgasm rate”, our sex writer, Ebony Leigh, put the claim to the test and gave it her tick of approval in her full review.

The We-Connect app lets couples control the product even when they’re miles apart, bringing a new charge to long-distance relationships. In fact, while most sex toys are great for solo play, they can also be a fun part of partnered sex if you want them to be. “It’s also a way to signal more of what you like, which is a thrilling way to grow the relationship.” In particular, those who can’t reach orgasm through penetrative sex, or people who simply want to explore new avenues of masturbation.

Regardless, I found that the Womanizer Premium is user friendly and powerful, especially on the higher notches. With 12 intensity levels, there’s something for everyone, and I didn’t get near the top intensity in order to climax. Scouring the internet, asking sex educators, and looking at bestsellers on Babeland and Adam & Eve, however, led me to some of the most popular sex toys on the market. Vibrators of varying designs popped out as being the most functional or the best bang for its buck (literally) or the best blended orgasm. IntensityControl adjusts the thickness and throb of the vibe (chorus) effect from subtle waving all the way to a deep and strong «heart-beat» like warble. In vibrato mode it adjusts the amount of pitch de-tuning effect.SpeedControl adjusts the rate of the pulsations of the vibe (chorus) or vibrato effect.

When it comes to discreet vibrators, it also fits the bill with its compact design and sensonic technology, which mimics the act of oral sex with its 12 settings. Unlike a lot of other toys , this one has two independent motors in its respective ends that feature 10 unique speeds and rhythms. The wider end of the toy provides more “focused” tapping sensations, and the more tapered end pleases you with all the ‘good vibes’ you can handle. If you’re looking for discreet male sex toys, this is definitely the best it can get.

German brand Fun Factory makes some of the best-engineered vibes on the market, which is why this rabbit is so damn good. Its ultra-powerful dual motors serve up deep, thrumming vibration to both the G-spot and the clit (or to the prostate and perineum, if used anally). The flexibility of its external arm allows it to move with you when you thrust the toy—and thrusting is a breeze with this vibe, because of its looped handle.

The Enby 2 is the vibrator that looks at all the traditionally phallic-looking vibes out there and simply decides to say “No ❤️”. Customers appreciate the massager’s design, noting its stunning aesthetics and discreet appearance, with one customer highlighting its fine silicon finish. Prior to joining the Good Housekeeping Institute, she worked as a personal trainer, writer and fitness instructor for some of London’s most prestigious health clubs, including The Harbour Club, David Lloyd and The Chelsea Club.

And that’s a wonderful thing viberator, because everyone deserves the chance to explore their body in as many ways as they see fit. “But really, this tiny body-safe ABS plastic clitoral vibe packs an, [in my opinion], unmatched punch when it comes to power, and the angled tip delivers pinpoint vibration right where you want it.” For someone who prefers more traditional vibrations over suction, the Pro 2 delivers. Its shape is perfect for maneuvering and finding the perfect spot, which I struggled with trying more “blobby” suckers like LELO’s Sona 2. Not only did I have more fun with the Pro 2, but it’s nearly half the cost of the Sona 2 — and the second-cheapest vibe on this list — at $49.95. For me, sex toys are never embarrassing, so I don’t have such a high interest in aesthetics — I want a vibrator that’s going to get the job done.

You may want to do some research to pick a vibrator that will satisfy your needs, although many vibrators have a variety of possible uses and vibration strength settings. The Ruby Glow Massager contours to your body—one side has raised ridges that you can grind your vulva against, while the other features a smooth nub that targets your perineum. Each side has its own motor, so “you can either rock back and forth along the toy, or simply sit down on it and let the vibrations do all the leg work,” Finn tells SELF. The Ballerina stays easy to maneuver in any position and can even rest between two bodies without you holding it there. It has 12 different settings, two simple buttons, and is quiet (even at its strongest). I try to keep things simple and stick with vibrators that are USB rechargeable either with USB-A or USB-C.