The SnailVibe is innovative, but left me feeling sluggish
Silicone lubricants are great for anal play, but unfortunately they interact negatively with silicone toys. I’m a full-time writer and sex educator who has tested more than 200 different sex toys in the past 25 years. I began blogging about sex toys in 2011, and I worked as a toy tester and copywriter for the retailer The Stockroom for several years. And, like all Magic Wand models, it’s also useful as a whole-body massager. Shopping for sex toys can be intimidating, for first-time buyers and experienced users alike. We talked to sex experts to find out how vibrators can enhance pleasure during both solo and couple play.
When it comes to design, Shannon suggests thinking about sensations you know you like during solo or partnered sex and looking for a toy that can mimic them. Battery-operated toys are also nice for travel—just take out the batteries, and you won’t have to worry about them accidentally starting up in your bag. Plug-in toys won’t turn on unexpectedly either, but their real claim to fame is their intensity. Since they’re connected directly to a power source, they can provide much stronger vibrations than other models. All of the toys featured in this guide are paired with proprietary mobile apps that can be used to remotely control them from areas way outside the bedroom, often through WiFi-enabled connections. Some of these apps (Lovense Remote, FeelConnect chiefly among them) simply allow you to access your partner’s toy remotely even if you don’t have one yourself.
Before you invest in any vibrator, make sure it aligns with your sexual preferences and goals. For example, you don’t want to spring for a G-spot stimulator if you’re looking for anal play (doing so may result in an embarrassing trip to the emergency room). It’s all about the innovative combination of Pleasure Air Technology and deep, rumbly vibrations that work in perfect harmony to stimulate the clitoral glans in ways traditional vibrators simply can’t match.
“It’s clitoral massager that’s no bigger than a lipstick, but still packs a range of intensities perfect for those exploring on the go.” Throw it in your bag with your chapstick, and no one will ask questions. While the controller does have up and down arrows , you can also squeeze and hold the outer, squishy part. This increases the speed of the vibration for as long as you’re holding it, which I found to be a highly enjoyable alternative to fumbling with specific controls while in use. The vibrator also connects to We-Vibe’s app which, when connected to WiFi, can control your vibrators from anywhere in the world.
Some vibrators run on teeny viberators, tiny, batteries, but most these days (especially if you’re paying a bit more) are USB rechargeable. If you notice a vibrator uses a magnetic USB charger, it is most likely splash-proof and maybe even waterproof, which is especially good news if you like you use your time in the bath to really relax. Most rechargeable vibes have at least 30 minutes of runtime in them, but it’s definitely worth double-checking if you know you like taking your time and dislike feeling rushed.
“Vibrators are scientifically proven to help you orgasm,” says Laurie Mintz, P.h.D., a psychologist, certified sex therapist, and the author of Becoming Clitorate. “Orgasms are linked to increased sexual satisfaction and improving physical and emotional health outcomes. Think about what has given you pleasure in the past, specifically where you prefer to feel stimulation—and whether you enjoy penetration. Overall, the Lovense Lush is a strong choice for most people, with various connection and control options, high power, and pairing options.
Public play involving remote-controlled vibrators introduces an element of control and anticipation for both partners. Men often derive pleasure from exercising control over their partner’s arousal, edging, and orgasmic release. Observing subtle changes in expression and physical responses adds to the excitement of public play. For women, relinquishing control can lead to heightened sensations and a deeper sense of submission, fostering a thrilling dynamic between partners. So, when the opportunity arose to try out the latest in sex-toy technology, I jumped at the chance. Eva is a hands-free vibrator designed to stimulate the clitoris during sex.