Vibrator Advice

With so many wonderful vibrators to choose from, you'll want to start your search by thinking about your preferences. Our list of questions below will help you focus on the vibrators that will bring you the most pleasure. Click on any question you're curious about or simply scroll down to learn more.

• Plug-in, Rechargeable, or Battery-Operated?
• Penetration or Clitoral Stimulation?
• Clit Vibes
• Penetration Vibes
• Volume
• Intensity
• Butt Vibes
• Waterproof Vibes
• Vibes with Partners
• Materials and Cleaning

What are the differences between electric (plug-in), rechargeable, and battery-operated vibes?

Electric and rechargeable vibrators are well-made appliances that generally last longer than battery vibes. They often come with warranties, like other home appliances. Plug-in vibes are sometimes marketed as "massagers"... but we all know where they feel best! They often deliver stronger vibration than battery-powered vibrators. Electric vibes are plugged into the wall socket for use or recharging. With a non-rechargeable plug-in like the Hitachi Magic Wand, you are limited by the length of the cord, but you don't have to worry about your batteries getting weak or dying out. None of our plug-in vibes are designed to be inserted, but some can be adapted for penetration by adding various attachments like the G Whiz attachment for the Hitachi.

Battery vibes, such as the Slimline Vibrators, are portable, often less expensive than electric vibrators, and come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Many are cute and creative like the I Rub My Duckie, easy to stow in a purse like the Love Lipstick Vibe, and some are waterproof.

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Penetration or clit stimulation?

When you're ready to buy a vibrator, the first question to ask yourself is "Penetration or clit stimulation?"

Battery Vibes for clit stimulation come in an array of designs. Bullet vibes are egg-shaped (like the Babeland Silver Bullet) and pocket rockets are shaped like spark plugs (like the Babeland Pocket Rocket). Those toys that have soft casing around the vibrator component, like the Blue Bird Bullet, offer a cushier contact texture; often the cushion will absorb some of the vibration, making for more gentle stimulation.

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Penetration Vibes
 

There are many options for penetration vibes, many of which can be used either vaginally or clitorally. The inexpensive Slimlines are the classic penetrative vibes, and we also carry several more realistically shaped styles — the Boss Lady is a great example. The Blueberry Buzz is versatile and also waterproof. You can add attachments to the plug-in vibes for penetration like the G-Whiz with the Hitachi Magic Wand.  Or, go for the gold with the Gigi, one of our premium G-spot vibrators.

Vibrators shaped for penetration with a firm curve at the end are designed to stimulate the G-spot. The Babeland Nubby G is a classic customer favorite. The G-spot responds to firm rhythmic pressure more than vibration, so the vibration makes for pleasant stimulation at the opening of the vagina while the pressure from rocking the curve back and forth does the trick for many folks. For non-vibrating G-spot toys, see G-spot Dildos.

For those who want it all, get a vibrator that will do it all. With the dual-action Ina. Check out our complete multi-tasking Dual-Action Vibes selection here. We also encourage you to use your sexual creativity and combine toys that appeal to you: for example, try pressing the Hitachi Magic Wand against the base of any silicone dildo or butt plug for a powerful vibration throughout the toy. Or perhaps combine the Babeland Nubby G and Fukuoku 9000 Finger Vibe. Add a vibrating cock ring, such as the Sonic Ring Kit, to your dildo for extra stimulation. Let your imagination take the driver's seat.
 

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Volume/Noise Level

Are there quiet vibes? I don't want people hearing my sex life through the walls.There's no reason people with roommates, kids, or neighbors with acute hearing shouldn't get off as much as folks who are more insulated. The vibe for you will depend on many things, but here are some quieter vibes to consider:

• Wahl 7-in-1 is a classic plug-in model, and one of the quietest options we offer.
• The Gigi and Ina are rechargeable, powerful, high-quality, and quiet.
• Fukuoku 9000 is worn on your fingertip, and is nearly silent.

Babeland.com uses a volume rating system of 1-5 for vibrators: 1 is the quietest and 5 is the loudest, notated with this icon: (indicates a Volume of 2).  For variable-speed vibrators, the icon represents the highest level.
 

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Intensity/Strength Variation

I get aroused slowly, and need a vibe that can get more intense as I get more aroused. What should I look for?

Our vibrator descriptions specify whether the toys have one, two, three, or variable speeds. One example of a variable-speed vibe is the Blueberry Buzz. All of our electric/rechargeable vibes have at least one high and one low speed. Most battery vibes have variable speeds, often controlled by a dial on the base. If you have a strong vibe, like the Mystic Wand, you can put a cloth, blanket or underwear in between your clit and the vibe to diffuse the stimulation.

What's up with the pulsing vibes?Some vibrators offer pulsation, a variable vibrating throb. Some, like the Jimmyjane Form 2 and the Ina, allow you to choose various pulsing rhythms, or opt for consistent vibration.

Babeland.com now uses an Intensity Rating System of 1-5 for vibrators: 1 is the gentlest and 5 is the most powerful, notated with this icon: (indicates an Intensity of 4).  For variable-speed vibrators, the icon represents the highest level.
 

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Butt Vibes

Can I use my vibrator for anal stimulation?Anything you put up your butt should have a flared base to keep it from going all the way in. Safe, pucker-pleasing vibes are in Butt Vibes. In general:

• Don't insert bullet vibes in the butt, as the cord can break when you're removing the vibe.
• Anal-safe attachments for electric vibes include the G-Whiz for the Hitachi Magic Wand.
• The Wahl 7-in-1 comes with a suction cup, enabling you to add vibration to your favorite silicone dildo or butt plug.

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Waterproof Vibes

Can I bring this in the hot tub or the shower?Battery-operated vibes that have an extra seal around the batteries and waterproof casing are generally considered completely waterproof for usage and cleaning. All the waterproof toys in our collection have been forced to sink or swim — we toss them in water and run them to ensure they earn our Hot Tub Seal of Approval!  Some completely submergible premium vibrators are the Jimmyjane Form 2, Jimmyjane Form 3, and the Fun Factory click-n-charge line of vibrators. See our waterproof vibratorssection for a complete selection.

Water-resistant and splash-proof vibrators can be taken into the shower and can be thoroughly cleaned under running water, but are not recommended for complete or prolonged submersion.

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Vibes for Two

I'd really love to get something my partner and I can both use. What about safe sharing?

Double bullets, such as the Dynamic Duo, offer two bullet vibes in one toy — if you use them without a condom, be sure to remember which bullet belongs to which partner for hygienic use of the toy. The We-Vibe II is the only vibrator designed to be worn, hands-free, for simultaneous G-spot and clit vibration during intercourse. You can also check out our recommended vibrators for couples.If you want to take turns with the same vibe, be aware that only boilable materials (like silicone, pyrex, or stainless steel) can be fully disinfected. If you want to play with a non-disinfectable toy together, use condomsfor easy cleanup.

What's good to use during penetration?

Wearable vibes and vibrating cock rings are designed to provide clitoral stimulation during partner sex. Try the remote control Babeland Remote Vibrating Panty for a good time out in public together. Vibrating cock rings, like the Duet Vibrating Cock Ring, fit over a penis or dildo and can deliver clitoral thrills during penetration. They also make a great accessory to stretch over the hand during manual penetration or fisting!

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Material, Cleaning & Toy Care

Silicone

• Non-motored silicone toys are non-porous, non-toxic and can be disinfected.
• To disinfect, boil them for 5-10 minutes (as long as there's no motor attached), or pop them in your dishwasher.
• If you disinfect silicone toys between uses, you can share them with a partner; otherwise, use condoms.
• Silicone dildos can break at the base if they are forced into too-small rings. Be sure you have the right size harness ring for your dildo.
• Silicone is a pliable material and carries vibration like a dream.
• Silicone warms to the body and retains body heat.
• This material is very long-lasting and durable.
• Do not use silicone lube with silicone toys, as the chemical reaction will melt the silicone toy. Be sure to use a condom over the toy if you want to use silicone lube.

Although silicone can be boiled, do not boil a silicone vibrator, because you will destroy the vibrator mechanism. Wipe it down well with anti-bacterial soap and water. Some silicone toys, like the Vibrating Mistress dildo, have a removable vibrator, enabling you to boil the silicone portion of the toy.

You'll find that silicone is often more expensive than sex toys made of other materials. Not only is the material more expensive than plastics or rubbers, but silicone makers are often small shops who don't mass-produce their products but create them in more craftsman-like settings.  The higher price is worthwhile because of silicone's long lifespan and its ability to be disinfected for use with more than one partner.

Synthetic polymers: rubber, vinyl and cyberskin

Rubber materials are commonly used in sex toys, as they are soft and cushy. These materials are porous, making them difficult to clean, and their actual composition is often unknown. They are often translucent, lightly colored, and sometimes scented. Phthalates are a chemical softening agent found in most soft rubbery toys that may be harmful to your health; we (proudly) don't carry any toys with phthalates at Babealnd. We recommend using condoms with rubber, vinyl, and cyberskin toys as the most hygienic and safe method.

How can I make my battery vibe last longer?You can improve/extend the life of any vibrator by treating it well.

• Do not get the battery pack wet.
• Wipe down your toy with a damp, soapy cloth (don't run it under the water).
• Never pull on the cord of a vibe with a separate battery pack. If you want to insert an egg-style vibrator vaginally, put it in a condom and pull the condom rather than the cord to remove it.
• Remove the batteries when you store a vibe. Not only will this help the batteries last longer, it prevents battery corrosion from affecting the vibrator mechanism.

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