One way to choose a vibrator is based on function, or what you want the vibrator to do/what you want to do with the vibrator. Vibrators are designed to be used:
- exclusively for vaginal penetration
- exclusively for anal penetration
- exclusively for external stimulation
- for both penetration and external stimulation
- for simultaneous external and internal use
- in any way you can imagine
First consider electric vibrators versus battery powered vibrators.
Most electric vibrators are only for external stimulation, although with some models you can purchase attachments for penetration. While many battery vibrators are also for external stimulation, there are more options if you are looking for something for penetration.
If you are looking for a vibrator for penetration, you may want to choose one made of soft rubber ( jelly rubber, silicone rubber, or elastomer ) as many people find the somewhat softer vibrations more comfortable.
If you're looking for a vibrator for external stimulation, hard plastic battery vibrators and electric vibrators will offer stronger vibrations and they tend to be easier to clean.
If you’re looking for a vibrator that you can use for both, just make sure that the motor is near the tip of the toy, and that most of the vibration can be felt at the tip. If the motor is near the base, it means you will only get the full vibration when you’re using it for penetration, so vibrators where the motor is at the tip are preferred.
Dual action vibrators are designed to offer simultaneous penetration and clitoral stimulation. They can be a lot of fun, but are arguably less versatile as they only really work when you are using them for both at the same time.
Finally, there are now many electric and battery vibrator models that offer different styles and patterns of vibration, in addition to having multiple speeds. Some will pulsate, some will vibrate in an escalating and deescalating pattern. Most vibrators like these come with five or six patterns. While most people tend to find one pattern that works for them and stick with it, having the option can be good for a first time vibrator purchase, or a nice change of pace for someone who has many vibrators and is looking for something a little different.
