7 Steps to Choosing a Penis Vibrator

While penis strokers have been the "name of the game" for years now, a new contender has stepped up to the plate: penis vibrators.

Just as orgasmic as the vibrators that have been around for years now, penis vibrators offer that same intensity—but in a package specifically crafted to hit the most pleasurable spots of the penis.

Curious? You should be! While a penis vibrator isn't for everyone (some people really do love strokers!) a penis vibrator can open up new pleasure possibilities—like hands-free orgasms and new types of sensations!

Because penis vibrators are still in their infancy, it can feel a bit overwhelming if you aren't sure what to try. That's where I come in!

To narrow down your choices, follow these seven steps to choosing a penis vibrator:

1. Decide where you want your vibrations

There are lots of orgasmic hot spots on the penis—and you might prefer a specific spot without even realizing it.

For example, a vibrating cock ring can stimulate the base of the penis—and the testicles too. If your testicles tend to be your biggest hot spot, this can be the perfect penis vibe for you.

Or, if you prefer full-shaft stimulation, penis vibrators designed to pleasure the entire length of the penis are probably your best bet. The Satisfyer Men Wand and Arcwave Ion are prime examples of that design.

The long shaft and wrap-around tip makes the Satisfyer Men Wand a penis vibrator designed for full-shaft stimulation.
Of course, a lot of penis vibrators focus on the penis head. Full of the most nerves, penis head and frenulum tend to be the most orgasmic for most penis owners. Need examples? The Nexus Eclipse and Fun Factory Cobra Libre 2 are iconic in the category.

Some penis vibrators are also designed to be extremely versatile and let you "pick your pleasure" for the day. These include the Fun Factory Manta and the Sir Richards Vibrating Edging Trainer, which you can easily use at the penis head, in the middle of the shaft or at the base. It's entirely up to how you're feeling that day.

Either way, you'll want to take a minute during your next solo pleasure session to figure out where you primarily keep your hands. Is it near the head? The base? Full-shaft strokes? Figuring out where you prefer your sensation can help you choose which style of penis vibrator is going to be best for you.

2. Decide if you actually want something designed for the penis

Even if you want to enjoy these vibrations on your penis, you don't have to buy a specific penis vibrator. In fact, if it's more reaffirming—or if you simply like the look of other penis vibes better—you can absolutely use any vibrator on the penis!

You might find a vibrator designed for the clitoris or butt isn't a perfect fit, in terms of shape or size, for penis use; but it can still be used for vibrational pleasure all the same.

Looking for something entirely ungendered? You might prefer something like the Wild Flower Enby, the Cute Little Fuckers Starsi, the Cute Little Fuckers Trinity or the Cute Little Fuckers Princette Puppypus. Most wand massagers are also entirely ungendered!

Read: Gender Neutral Sex Toys: What They Are and Why They Matter

A vibrator like the Wild Flower Enby feels entirely ungendered.

3. Decide if you prefer stroking

There are two distinct penis vibrator styles: stationary and stroking.

Stationary vibrators are crafted to be set in one place—and then held there until you explode. For many penis owners, the right level of intensity held in the same spot can definitely be orgasmic! Stationary vibrators can really appeal to people who want a toy that's mostly effort-free. Just keep it in place and it will help you climb to orgasm.

The "hat"-like design of the Cobra Libre 2 means that it can't be stroked up and down the penis. This makes it a stationary vibrator designed to stimulate the head of the penis until orgasm.

Stroking penis vibrators, on the other hand, are designed to be used while stroking the vibrator up and down the shaft. These vibrators offer extra interior texture on the vibrator to ensure the stroking motion is as pleasurable as possible. With the penis and toy nicely lubed up, these toys can easily slide up and down the shaft in a familiar stroking motion while simultaneously adding vibrations.

Which one is best? That depends on you and your preferences! If you're someone who regularly uses stroking motions to achieve orgasm now, I'd recommend starting off your penis vibrator journey with a stroking vibrator. It can feel more familiar and help your body process the vibrations as extra-orgasmic instead of foreign.

Read: Switch It Up: 7 Awesome Penis Masturbation Techniques

However, if you're looking for something that can eventually take stroking out of the picture, some stationary vibrators can provide a whole new type of masturbation experience. The Arcwave Ion, for example, uses suction on the frenulum to stimulate nerve endings that may not respond to standard stroking. (Also, Sezzle sex toys can help make some of the latest sex toy innovations workable for you.)

If you're a recent convert to stationary vibrators, though, just be aware it might take your body a bit to re-recognize the pleasure. When you get your body used to achieving pleasure (and orgasm) in a specific way, it can take your brain a bit to find drastic deviations just as pleasurable.

4. Decide how you want your vibrator to be powered

Nowadays, most penis vibrators are powered by a built-in, rechargeable Lithium battery. Simply plug your penis vibe in after using it and it will charge itself up for the next use. It works about the same way as your cell phone does.

However, especially if you're pulling a vibrator from outside of the penis vibrator category, it's very possible your vibe is battery-powered. The Hot Octopuss Jett and Blush Hot Chocolate Heather are the first ones that come to mind when thinking about battery-powered options.

Which one is better? Well, that's up to you. Some people love rechargeable options because it ensures you never need to hunt for batteries. At the same time, if your sex toy dies mid-use, there's no way to quickly get it going again. Battery-operated body-safe sex toys just require an exchange of batteries for a quick, mid-scene revival—but they also require a steady stream of batteries to ensure the vibrator works on a day-to-day basis.

It's entirely a personal preference!

5. Decide how often you'll be traveling with your penis vibrator

Speaking of how your vibrator is powered, you'll want to give things a bit of extra thought if you want to travel often with your penis vibrator.

The last thing anyone wants is their vibrator turning on mid-travel. Not only does that make checking into a hotel awfully awkward—but it also can be straight-up dangerous when flying commercially. Plus, your vibrator will end up completely out of juice when you finally get the privacy to use it!

Read: 4 Things You Should Look for in a Vibrator You Want as a Travel Buddy

If you plan to travel often with your penis vibrator, plan to use a battery-operated penis vibrator so you can manually remove the batteries. Alternatively, find a rechargeable option with a travel lock feature.

A travel lock prohibits the vibrator from turning on unless an obscure pattern of buttons is pressed beforehand. Not all rechargeable penis vibrators have travel locks; but if you travel often, you'll want to find one that does. The Fun Factory Cobra Libre 2 and Fun Factory Manta both have travel locks built right in.

6. Decide if you want to have long-distance sex

As technology gets better and more affordable, we're starting to see a rise in high-tech sex toys. And these innovations offer up new and different ways to play with your penis vibrator.

For instance, your penis vibe might offer remote control with a physical remote—like the Hot Octopuss Pulse Duo Lux or the VeDO Hummer 2.0.

The app-connected design of the We-Vibe Bond allows for wireless control of the penis vibrator - even out in public.
Advances in technology have also allowed for app-controlled penis vibrators like the We-Vibe Bond. Unlike a physical remote, most app-controlled vibrators can be controlled long-distance. This means someone across the continent can control your vibrator!

If you want to keep your options open for playing with your partner—or a stranger online—pick up a penis vibrator with high-tech functionality to make that an option. (And, if you're into it, some butt plugs offer a similar functionality—like the b-Vibe XL Rimming Plug, We-Vibe Ditto, b-Vibe Petite Rimming Plug, XR Thump-It! Thumping Plug, the OhMiBod Lumen and the b-Vibe Rimming Plug 2. You can have a full set of pleasure tools for someone else to control!)

Read: Anal Sex Toys 101

7. Decide if you prefer erection

Finally, I'd recommend taking some time to think about your (expected) erection status when using a penis vibrator. Some penis vibes work better with an erection, while others work flawlessly regardless of how hard you are.

If you don't normally masturbate while erect (for whatever reason!), seeing out a penis vibrator that can work with or without an erection can be a great fit for you. The Hot Octopuss Jett and Hot Octopuss Pulse Solo Lux are both fantastic fits.

Read: Yes, Pleasure is Possible, Even With No Erection

Conclusion

Penis vibrators can breathe new life into your sexcapades—both solo and partnered. And, a number of factors go into determining which one is best for you.

The gist? Your penis vibrator should be compatible with your lifestyle, work for your body and make mind-blowing orgasms a breeze.

Read: I Tried a Sex Doll. Here's What It Was Like