The Couples’ Guide to Vibrators
Here’s the deal: Any vibrator is a couples’ vibrator if you want it to be. Most vibrators don’t have singular prescriptive functions—they’re meant for exploration, for enhanced pleasure, for play.
To paraphrase a trusted sex therapist, partnered sex works best when each person takes responsibility for their own sexual desires. Introducing toys into your sex life can be a deeply satisfying expression of this principle.
Below, our current favorites, organized by needs and desires.
For Hands-Free Exploration
Designed for partner sex, Eva II has flexible “wings” that are meant to be tucked under the labia to help hold the vibrator in place so that all hands are free to support body weight or do whatever else you’d like them to. It might take some practice and adjusting to find the right position—pull one labium (lip) over one wing at a time.
Tilt is designed with pleasure for all genders in mind: It has two independently controlled motors—one in the plug end for stimulation of the G-spot or the prostate, and another on the longer, outer arm that can be used to stimulate the clitoris or the perineum. The sensation of the vibrations isn’t like a typical buzzing; it’s more of a deep thrumming, radiating sensation. It lies very flat to the body when it’s inserted—and it’s designed to remain in place as you explore. (Bonus: It has a warming function, which increases blood flow, making it easier to relax and eventually climax.)
For Remote Control
The We-Vibe Chorus has two distinct heads; you slide the smaller one into the vagina and the larger one rests against the vulva and clitoris. The smaller, internal head is unobtrusive and can be worn comfortably during penetrative sex. To adjust the Chorus’s vibrations, you can press the controls on the larger head or squeeze the accompanying remote control, which reacts to your hand’s pressure to build intensity. Or give that remote to your partner and let them take a turn at pressing your buttons. This set comes with the Womanizer Premium, a clitoral stimulator that uses pulses of air to create a sucking sensation (it’s one of our top five bestselling vibrators for a reason).
For When Penetrative Sex Feels Too Deep
Ohnut is designed to customize depth. You simply stack the four modular rings and fit them around the base of the penis of the penetrating partner (or around your toy of choice) to form a soft, compressible buffer. It doesn’t sacrifice pleasant sensations for either partner—each ring is squishy and stretchy and feels like skin. We recommend starting with three and adjusting up to four or down to two from there.
For Exploring Erogenous Zones
Made to stimulate sensitive spots all over the body, the We-Vibe Touch X is a versatile vibrator that fits nicely in your—or your partner’s—hand. Take a peek at the shallow cup on its head: You can press the whole thing against your vulva for broader sensation or use the ridge for targeted stimulation of the clitoris or nipples.
Think of the French Lover as a second tongue. The flexible tip lightly vibrates and can be flicked around to simulate a delicate licking sensation. It’s great for a teasing buildup, for beginners, or for those who are more sensitive to strong pressure.
Finger vibrators, like the Fin, are designed to be effortless, to feel natural to wear, and not to distract from the moment. Just slide your pointer and middle fingers along the grooves and change the intensity with the power button on top.
For Clitoral Stimulation
Sila is a clitoral vibrator that never makes contact with the clitoris itself. It has an extra-wide mouth that cups over the whole head of the clitoris, using gentle sonic waves that generate pulsation and suction.
Wands provide a rumbly, powerful external vibration, which is good for those who need more stimulation to get off. Our Double-Sided Wand Vibrator does that with its wonder-ball end, and more: The other end is slim and flexible for precise clitoral vibration, as well as exploration of the vaginal opening. (You can also use the slim end to penetrate one to three inches; it feels especially good pressed against the vagina’s front wall.)
For Erotic Massage
This plant-based massage oil—a blend of safflower, sunflower, grape-seed, and jojoba oils—has just the right amount of slip and doesn’t soak into the skin too fast. It’s silky-smooth and lovely all on its own. But it’s even better gently warmed up in the Pulse Warmer. Just pop a pod into the warmer, press a button, wait a minute, and hold your fingers under the dispenser for two seconds; it delivers a uniformly measured dollop into your fingers. (It’s brilliant for lube, too—Pulse makes pods with a clean water-based lubricant.) The warmer automatically turns off an hour after last use, and it has a locking function so it never goes off when you don’t want it to.
For Communication and Intimacy
Designed to be picked up right after sex, each entry in this journal prompts you and your partner to reflect—first separately, then together—on what felt best, what you each want out of play, and how you’re growing together. If talking about sex ever feels awkward, the journal includes a guide to managing those feelings, too. End goal? Greater openness, a bit of silliness, and some enjoyable sex.
