Sex Toys Have Surprising Health Benefits — A Guide to Finding the Right One for You

With a phallic shaft for vaginal stimulation and a clitoral stimulator attached that resembles bunny ears, rabbit vibrators are a popular choice for people with vulvas, and this model from We-Vibe is a longtime favorite for its high number of vibration patterns and unique flexibility.

The Nova 2 rabbit vibrator has 10 vibration patterns to help you find the intensity that feels right for you. It’s made from body-safe silicone, with two flexible arms. To reach the G-spot, one arm bends for easier insertion and positioning. The tip is cushioned to help fit into your unique internal curves. The external arm is designed to make constant contact with the clitoris, no matter how the internal arm is positioned. You can also connect and control the settings for your Nova 2 via Bluetooth with the We-Connect mobile app, which lets you pair remotely with a partner for couple play. It’s waterproof, so you can use it in the bath or shower, and the battery lasts up to two hours on a single charge.

This vibrator’s soft, flat silicone surface and 3.5-inch insertable length are designed to access the G-spot, even if you’ve never used a vibrator this way before. At the same time, because it has eight manual settings (plus two extra settings available only through the app), even those well-versed in G-spot stimulation will enjoy it. It’s also completely waterproof (as long as you don’t expose the charging port).

If you want to switch things up, it works well as a clitoral stimulator too. In our research, we found that people are happy with how quiet it is, but some users are dissatisfied with its vibration strength.

The Gush is a wraparound vibrating massager that adjusts to fit any circumference, and includes a silicone band you can wrap around the masturbator to increase pressure and keep it securely in place. It’s a great option for those who might have mobility issues or prefer a hands-free experience. With the app, you can also give control to a partner in the room or on the other side of the world. The app also syncs with other Lovense toys you can use on yourself or with a partner, and it syncs with games, music, and interactive videos.

In our survey, a majority of those who purchased a masturbator (71 percent) said comfort was the most important priority for this type of sex toy. Our research found that some say the Gush’s adjustable design has the potential to pinch skin.

The Sync 2 is a U-shaped vibrating toy that can be used on its own or worn during intercourse, with one end inserted in the vagina for G-spot stimulation and the other end resting over the clitoris. You can use it with a remote control or connect it to the We-Vibe app to change its settings, increase the intensity of the 10 vibration modes, and control the toy from a distance. It’s completely waterproof and lasts up to 120 minutes on a 90-minute charge.

Though it has a hinge to adjust its fit and positioning, our research shows that some people don’t love how it fits or moves around if worn while walking. Some also find that the vibrations aren’t strong enough for them.

This Magic Wand Rechargeable (formerly known as the Hitachi Magic Wand before the company was sold) has the same classic shape and power that have made it famous for generations, now in a cordless form. If you’ve avoided the other toys on this list because we mentioned that some find the vibrations not powerful enough, this is the option for you.

While people may have called this a “massager” with a wink, it is actually useful for massaging sore muscles — and for vibrating any erogenous zone that can withstand its strength. There are no gentle settings among the four you can choose from, but there are eight different vibration patterns. This wand is not waterproof, and it’s intended for external use only. 

Panty vibrators are discreet devices designed to be worn in your underwear and used anytime, anywhere, because it’s quiet enough to go unnoticed by others. When connected to the Lovense app (on a phone or a PC), you or a partner can control it, using an unlimited number of vibration patterns (there’s a database of more than 10,000 available) or even setting it on a timer. The app can sync to music, too. The waterproof silicone toy has a rechargeable battery that provides 195 minutes of use and 100 hours of standby time after 1 hour of charging.

In our research, we found that many enjoy how discreet the toy is, but some have been frustrated by problems connecting it to the app.

This compact, lipstick-shaped bullet vibrator can go from gentle to powerful to suit your needs, with eight levels and seven vibration patterns. It has a silicone base for easy holding, while the business end is ABS plastic. It lasts for up to 2 hours on a 90-minute charge. It’s waterproof, too, but definitely only for external use. This is a great device to take on the go, not just for its size but also for its travel lock, which prevents it from accidentally going off in your bag. While many love it, some may prefer a vibrator that gives more of a buzz instead of this one’s rumble.

Instead of vibrations, this device uses the brand’s Pleasure Air Technology, which stimulates the clitoris with air pressure and suction for a pretty intense sensation. The Premium 2 has 14 levels of power, as well as an autopilot mode, which varies the intensity in unpredictable ways. It lasts for 240 minutes on a single charge and is completely waterproof. It also comes with two stimulator head sizes, so you can find the right fit. This sensation isn’t for everyone, however, and it comes at a premium price.

Sexual wellness brand Maude, whose co-creative director is actress Dakota Johnson, makes some beautiful sex toys. Even the humble butt plug gets the aesthetic treatment here. It comes in a beginner-friendly small size, with a full length of 4.25 inches (insertable length 3.5 inches) and a 1.5-inch diameter (1-inch insertable).

The company also makes a medium-size Cone (5.75 inches long with a 2.15-inch diameter) that vibrates at three speeds.