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From rabbits to suction toys, our panel of women tried a range of sex toys to find these winners...
Looking to enhance your sex life? Look no further than the Good Housekeeping Institute’s annual sex toy test for advice on what to buy. We reveal the best vibrators voted by our panel of women – from the best G-spot vibrator to the best bullet.
Our top 15 for this year are:
The sex toy market has exploded over the last few years and, if you’ve never bought a vibrator before, it can be difficult to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together an extensive guide on the five main categories of vibrators, including what they do, how to use them, and what kind of sensations you can expect. This way, you can make an informed decision about your purchase.
Let’s start with vaginal vibrators, which are probably the most well-known version. Sometimes called classic vibrators, these are designed for internal use but can also be used to stimulate the clitoris (although there is a separate category of toys specifically designed for this purpose, as you’ll find out below). Vaginal vibrators tend to be tall and slim with a tapered tip. They can differ in design, with some looking more realistic than others.
For external clitoral contact, most people turn to a bullet or clitoral vibrator. These are very similar, except the latter is often larger in size and has a stronger motor. Bullets make a great choice for first-timers because they’re compact, silent and small. In recent years, clitoral suction vibrators have also become popular – with these products designed to replicate the sensation of oral sex through the use of air and pulsations.
Designed exclusively for external clitoral stimulation, wand vibrators feature a round, vibrating massage head attached to a long shaft (or wand). As they’re bigger than most vibrators, the handles can host larger motors, allowing them to produce deeper vibrations than a bullet. They also cover a greater surface area than the tapered head of a bullet, with some saying this provides more powerful orgasms.
Commonly known as rabbit vibrators, combination vibrators have two key parts: a main shaft for internal use and a separate massager designed to stimulate your clitoris. This is often in the shape of “rabbit” ears, hence the alternative name. While this design remains constant, combination vibrators can come in all shapes and sizes, with an extensive range of sophisticated and petite options now on the market.
These are designed to be used internally and have a curved tip to stimulate your G-spot — this is the term often used to describe the cluster of nerves on the front of your vaginal wall. Don’t be alarmed if you do not enjoy stimulation in this area though – everyone is different. In fact, it’s notoriously tricky for women to climax through penetrative sex alone; according to studies, only 18% of vagina-owners are able to, with the majority experiencing sexual pleasure largely through clitoral stimulation.
Dimensions: Check the dimensions to be sure you’re happy with the size – it may be bigger or smaller than you first thought - and make sure you like the way it looks, too.
Settings, speeds and power: Look at the range of settings and speeds on offer, and the way the vibrator is powered. Battery-powered sex toys tend to be the cheapest and most popular, while rechargeable toys are generally more expensive. Rechargeable toys mean you don’t have the ongoing cost of replacing batteries though, or having to run out to the shop when you’re in the mood!
Noise level: This is especially important if you're worried about being overheard. Look for “whisper-quiet” vibrators, but take any claims with a pinch of salt. You could also check the product description for the decibel level; anything 40db or below is very quiet.
Material: There are three main types: plastic, silicone and skin-safe rubber. Plastic is the most firm, silicone has a velvety feel and skin-safe properties (well-known brands only use medical-grade silicone), while skin-safe rubber is softer and more flexible. Avoid anything containing phthalates (chemicals used to increase flexibility) as these chemicals have been linked to health risks. None of the vibrators in any of our roundups contain phthalates. Silicone often ranks higher on comfort.
Our Good Housekeeping Institute testing panel, consisting of 65 women of all ages, tested a range of vibrators. Every product below has been tested by at least five people, who made sure it lived up to any claims made on the box to deliver a pleasurable experience. This included trying every speed setting, vibration type and even trialling app-specific options offered by the likes of the Lovense Lush 3 App Controlled Rechargeable Love Egg Vibrator.
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Lab, we also assessed each vibrator on ease of use, design, battery life and instructions. See below for the GHI’s top-scoring vibrators across all categories…
This sleek and stylish vibrator received a clean sweep of top reviews from all who tried it, earning it the enviable title of “best vibrator on test”. Not only were panellists able to climax faster than when using other toys, they also said this massage wand increased the intensity of their orgasms.
Testers found the silicone head felt beautifully soft on their skin and the rechargeable battery lasted for an impressive three hours — so your alone time won’t be cut short. It’s on the larger side, but we would recommend making space in your bedside drawer for this one.
Key specifications Type: Wand Waterproof: No Flexibility: Firm Material: Silicone Travel lock: Yes Battery type: Rechargeable Size (cm): 37.5(L) x 9.5(W) x 12.5(C) Vibration modes: 10 speeds, 20 patterns
Discreet, petite and powerful, bullet vibrators are hard to beat — especially when they’re this good. The silver chrome finish gave it a luxurious feel, while the compact, lightweight design made it easy to hold and manoeuvre.
At just four inches, it can easily slip into most bags (ideal for travel) and there is a healthy selection of speed settings to flit between. There were mixed reviews on how loud it was, with some finding it too noisy, but it still left a string of satisfied customers in its wake.
Key specifications Type: Clitoral Waterproof: Yes Flexibility: Firm Material: Hard plastic Travel lock: No Battery type: 1 x AAA Size (cm): 10.2(L) x 5.7(W) x N/A(C) Vibration modes: 3 speeds, 7 patterns
Testers loved the remote control feature here, which allowed their partner to adjust the settings. The compact, egg-shaped sex toy scored well when it came to performance too, with testers having a more intense orgasm. It even comes with an "intelligent mode", so you can enjoy the experience without worrying about which buttons to press.
Key specifications Type: G-spot Waterproof: Yes Flexibility: Firm Material: Silicone Travel lock: No Battery type: Rechargeable Size (cm): 8(L) x 3.2(W) x 3.2(D) Vibration modes: 10
If you love the size and stimulation provided by beginner bullets, but you’re in the market for a more sophisticated vibrator, try this lipstick-like option from We-Vibe.
It has an impressive seven vibration modes and eight levels of intensity, putting you in total control of your experience. But it still comes in an attractive, compact (3.5”) case and makes minimal noise, making it a top choice for those after discretion. It’s also impressively quiet, so there’s no need to worry about being overheard.
Key specifications Type: Clitoral Waterproof: Yes Flexibility: Firm Material: Hard plastic Travel lock: No Battery type: Rechargeable Size (cm): 8.9(L) x 2.5(W) x 2.5(C) Vibration modes: 8 speeds, 7 patterns
This dual vibrator is a great investment for those who want the best of both worlds. It comes with two attachments: a massaging wand and a rabbit vibrator.
Testers were pleased with its size and shape, finding its appearance both discreet and attractive. But, most importantly, every tester said that it helped them achieve a more intense orgasm, earning it a winning score for its performance as well as design.
Key specifications Type: G-spot and combination Waterproof: Yes Flexibility: Flexible Material: Silicone Travel lock: No Battery type: Rechargeable Size (cm): 20.5(L) x 4(W) x 6(D) Vibration modes: 20
This rechargeable wand vibrator has two separate motors at either end, each with 10 unique vibration modes. The tapered G-spot end can be used internally, while the wand head can be used for clitoral stimulation or massage.
It scored highly in our tests, with the entire panel agreeing it helped them achieve a more intense orgasm, while most also orgasmed quicker than normal. All would recommend this vibrator to others, too. The only downside is that you can’t use it in water.
Key specifications Type: G-spot and clitoral Waterproof: No (splashproof only) Flexibility: Flexible Material: Silicone Travel Lock: No Battery Type: Rechargable Size (cm): 23.5(L) x 4(W) x 4(D) Vibration modes: 20
The very definition of a 21st century sex toy, this wearable and wireless vibrator leverages modern technology to take your solo sessions to new heights.
The clever curved design sits both internally and externally at the same time, simultaneously stimulating your G-spot and clitoris. Panellists also enjoyed the fact that the intensity and pattern of the vibrations can be customised and controlled remotely using an app, however far away the user is. This makes the Lovense Lush 3 a great toy for anyone with a long distance partner, allowing you to hand over the reins to a remote party.
Key specifications Type: G-spot and clitoral Waterproof: Yes Flexibility: Firm Material: Silicone Travel lock: No Battery type: Rechargeable Size (cm): 20.3(L) x 11.4(W) x 11.4(C) Vibration modes: 3 speeds, 4 patterns
The We-Vibe Rave earned brownie points straight out of the box, coming with a silky carry bag and a small provision of lube. Testers liked the understated colour and design, also praising the soft silicone material for its feel on their skin.
Unlike bullet vibrators, it can provide both internal and external stimulation thanks to its longer, curved shape, which our panel said enhanced their experience.
You can also turn your phone into a remote control by linking it to the We-Connect app — something our testers enjoyed playing with. It’s noisier than most vibrators we tried, but that was the only downside.
Key specifications Type: Combination Waterproof: No Flexibility: Firm Material: Silicone Travel lock: No Battery type: Rechargeable Size (cm): 19(L) x 11.4(W) x N/A(C) Vibration modes: 1 speed, 10 patterns
Heating to 38℃ to avoid discomfort, all testers found this vibrator - with its swirly pattern designed to hit the G-spot - comfortable to use and felt that it had a good range of speeds and vibration options.
From our panel, most said they achieved a more intense orgasm and said it was quicker than normal. With an overall satisfaction rating of 8.4 out of 10, this vibrator is certainly a welcome addition to the bedroom.
Key specifications Type: G-spot Waterproof: Yes Flexibility: Firm Material: Silicone Travel lock: No Battery type: Rechargable Size (cm): 19.5(L) x 3.3(W) x 4(D) Vibration modes: 26
Our panel loved the smooth silicone finish of this bullet vibrator, while the harder plastic handle helped them keep a good grip while using it. Testers said the tapered tip made it easier to target key pleasure points, and they enjoyed playing with the (many) vibration patterns.
This was made even more enjoyable by the buttons, which (unlike on many bullet vibrators) are smooth to press and accessible, making this an ideal introduction to vibrators for first-time buyers.
Given how simple it was to get started, there was nothing to stop our panel from reaching intense orgasms, with members saying they planned to continue using this product long after testing had finished.
Key specifications Type: Clitoral Waterproof: No Flexibility: Firm Material: Silicone Travel lock: No Battery type: USB rechargeable Size (cm): N/A Vibration modes: 1 speed, 10 patterns
If you’re after something a little bit different, the Pro40 Clitoral Stimulator is sure to hit the spot. Rather than the usual vibrations, it takes a gentler approach to providing pleasure, combining a gentle suction with pulsing sensations.
Panellists found the range of intensities on offer — from the subtlest of touches to stronger sensations — helped them climax in record time, and said they were able to switch between them without interrupting this toy’s pleasurable rhythmic pulsing.
Key specifications Type: Clitoral Waterproof: Yes Flexibility: Firm Material: Silicone Travel lock: No Battery type: USB rechargeable Size (cm): 16.5(L) x N/A(W) x N/A(C) Vibration modes: 6 speeds
If you’ve never owned a sex toy before, or have only ever experimented with bullets, rabbits can seem somewhat intimidating. If that’s the case for you, this petite option is a good introduction to combination vibrators.
Our panel found the smaller (4.5”) silicone body of the Moregasm Plus was soft to the touch and struck an enjoyable balance between being hard and pliable. The fact it’s waterproof provided plenty of fun too.
The clitoral stimulation split opinion, with some finding it too strong while others were big fans. But, overall, they recommended it as a great first-time rabbit.
Key specifications Type: Combination Waterproof: Yes Flexibility: Firm Material: Silicone Travel lock: No Battery type: Rechargeable Size (cm): 19(L) x 4(W) x 10.8(C) Vibration modes: 3 speeds, 3 patterns
This vibrator comes with a remote that can be used to control it from up to five metres away, making it an appealing option for couples looking to try something new in the bedroom.
Testers liked the rounded design for internal use, with some also enjoying the feel of the smooth silicone for external stimulation. Many found it came into its own when used as a couple, largely thanks to the remote control element, though a couple of panellists said they didn’t find the vibrations particularly pleasurable.
Key specifications Type: G-spot Waterproof: Yes Flexibility: Firm Material: Hard plastic Travel lock: No Battery type: 2 x AAA Size (cm): 7.6(L) x 10.8(W) x (C) Vibration modes: 6 speeds, 10 patterns
Discretion is the order of the day with this diminutive vibrator. Panellists liked the smooth design and found the material (silicone) was pleasantly soft to the touch.
The small size makes it a great option for those who are always on the go, though the absence of a carry case feels like an oversight. The petite dimensions also meant some people struggled to hold onto it. But there are plenty of vibration settings to play with.
Key specifications Type: Clitoral Waterproof: Yes Flexibility: Firm Material: Silicone Travel lock: No Battery type: Rechargeable Size (cm): N.A Vibration modes: 3 speeds, 3 patterns
The Moregasm+ G-spot Stimulator has an ergonomic design intended to mould to users’ bodies, with the aim of providing powerful vibrations during internal stimulation.
It’s refreshingly simple to use, with our panel finding it easy to turn on, switch between speeds, clean and recharge. They also said it was a top option for anyone who values discretion as it’s incredibly quiet. Some users found it wasn’t quite long enough to target their G-spot, but this is a matter of personal preference and anatomy.
Key specifications Type: G-spot Waterproof: Yes Flexibility: Firm Material: Silicone Travel lock: No Battery type: Rechargeable Size (cm): N/A Vibration modes: 3 speeds, 3 patterns