If you have ever stood in front of a wall of vibrators, online or in a shop, and left more confused than when you arrived, you are in good company. Most guides skip straight to 'our top picks' without explaining the basics: what each type actually is, where on your body it is meant to go, and what it tends to feel like. That is the gap this guide fills.
We are a pelvic health brand, so we come at this a little differently to a general adult store. Our starting point is your body and what feels comfortable, not the biggest motor or the longest feature list. By the end of this page you should be able to point at one or two types and think, yes, that one is for me.
Let's start with a quick map of the anatomy, because once that clicks, the rest falls into place.
The 30-second anatomy map
Almost every vibrator is built to stimulate one of three areas, or a combination of them.
The clitoris sits at the top of the vulva, where the inner lips meet. What you can see is only the tip. Most of the clitoris is internal, which is part of why gentle, external stimulation works so well for so many people. Toys made for this area are called external, clitoral, or bullet vibrators, and they never need to go inside.
The vaginal canal is the internal passage. Toys designed to be inserted here are called internal or G-spot vibrators. The G-spot is not a separate organ. It is an area on the front wall of the vagina, the side closest to your belly button, a few centimetres in, that many people find sensitive. Internal toys are usually curved to reach it.
Then there is both at once. Some toys are shaped to stimulate the clitoris externally and the vaginal canal internally at the same time. Rabbit vibrators and dual, or combination, vibrators live here.
That is the whole map. External, internal, or both. Keep it in mind as you read on.
How to choose, in four questions
Before we get into every type, these four questions narrow the field fast.
- What kind of touch do you enjoy - if stimulation on the outside, on the clitoris, is what works for you, start with an external toy. If you are more curious about sensation on the inside, look at a G-spot or dual toy. Neither is more right than the other. It is just what you like.
- How much experience do you have - if this is your first, smaller and simpler is almost always the better call. A gentle bullet, a slim insertable, or a compact external toy is a kinder place to start than a powerful wand. You can build up.
- What features matter to you - whisper-quiet, waterproof for the bath or shower, rechargeable rather than battery, app-controlled. Small things on paper, but they often decide whether a toy becomes a favourite or stays in the drawer.
- What is it made of - this one is not optional. Look for body-safe silicone: non-porous, easy to clean, gentle on delicate tissue. More on materials near the end, because it matters more than most people realise.
Now, the types.
Bullet vibrators
Where it targets: mainly the clitoris and other external erogenous zones, like the nipples or inner thighs. Small enough to use internally too.
A bullet is a small, discreet vibrator, usually about the size of a lipstick. It delivers pinpoint vibration to a small area, which makes it ideal for direct or lighter clitoral stimulation. Most people use one externally, but because it is so small, you can also insert it or hold it internally, and some are made to be worn that way. It is easy to hold, and it tucks away in a drawer or a weekend bag without a second thought.
Expect focused, buzzy vibration that you control by pressing lightly or moving in small circles. Start on the lowest setting. Bullets are one of the most beginner-friendly formats there is, which is exactly why they, along with rabbits, are the styles people most often suggest for a first toy.
A small bullet can also be a gentle stepping stone alongside the smaller sizes in a dilator set. Some people use one for a little vibration at the entrance, or for gentle, shallow insertion, as they build comfort.
Best for: first-timers, anyone who prefers precise external stimulation, and anyone who wants something small and discreet.
Clitoral and external vibrators
Where it targets: the clitoris, both the visible tip and the hood around it, and the surrounding vulva. External only.
If you want one place to start, start here. Clitoral stimulation is the most reliable route to pleasure for most women, which makes a gentle external vibrator the lowest-stress, least intimidating way to experiment. Clitoral vibrators rest against the outside of the vulva. Some are flat and flexible, some have a soft tip for more targeted contact, some are curved to sit in the hand while you guide them. They run from very gentle to quite strong.
Expect broader, cushioned stimulation than a bullet, spread across the whole clitoral area rather than one pinpoint. If direct contact ever feels too intense, an external toy lets you work over the clitoral hood or nearby tissue instead, which is often more comfortable.
Because you set the pressure and can keep it light, some people also use a gentle external vibrator for external desensitisation, easing into touch slowly on a low setting when the tissue feels sensitive, and only as far as feels comfortable.
Best for: anyone wanting a low-stress, unintimidating place to start, the many people who reach orgasm most easily through clitoral stimulation, and anyone who finds insertion isn't what they are after.
Try: the Dame Pom, a soft flexible external vibrator that moulds to you, or the compact iroha+ Tori if you like a smaller shape in soft-touch silicone.
Suction and air-pulse stimulators
Where it targets: the clitoris, without direct contact. External only.
These are the clever ones. Instead of vibrating against the clitoris, a suction or air-pulse stimulator sits over it and uses gentle waves of air and pressure. The sensation is different to vibration. Many people describe it as a rhythmic, pulling or fluttering feeling, and because nothing rubs directly, it suits people who find ordinary vibration too intense on the clitoris.
Position the little mouth of the toy over the clitoris and let the pulses do the work. It can feel unusual at first, then something many people really enjoy. Start low, as always.
Best for: anyone who finds direct vibration too much, and anyone curious about a completely different kind of clitoral sensation.
Try: the Dame Aer, an air-pulse clitoral stimulator that is approachable for beginners.
Wand vibrators
Where it targets: the clitoris and the broader vulva, plus general body areas. External, broad rather than pinpoint.
The wand is the large one, with a rounded, flexible head on a handle. Wands are known for broad, deep vibration across a wider area, rather than the pinpoint buzz of a bullet. You do not need precise aim, which a lot of people find relaxing. Plenty of people also use a wand as a general body massager, which is where the name comes from.
Wands can be powerful, so a lower setting and a layer of clothing or a towel between you and the head is a gentle way to try one the first time.
Best for: people who like broad, strong external stimulation, and anyone who wants a toy that doubles as a body massager.
Try: the Mini Swan Wand, a compact wand-style vibrator that is easier to handle than a full-size wand, or the Dame Com, a small flexible wand with a bendy neck.
A quick word on wands and pelvic health. A pleasure wand like the Mini Swan Wand or the Swan Wand is a different thing to an internal pelvic floor therapy wand. If you have been advised to work on pelvic floor muscle tension or trigger points, that is a job for a dedicated pelvic wand, ideally with your physio's guidance, not a pleasure toy.
G-spot and internal vibrators
Where it targets: the vaginal canal, and the sensitive area on the front, belly-side wall a few centimetres in. Internal.
Internal vibrators are made to be inserted, and G-spot vibrators add a curve or angled tip built to reach that front-wall area. Good ones are slim, smooth and often flexible, so they follow your body rather than asking your body to adjust to them.
Expect a fuller, deeper sensation than external toys, focused inside rather than on the surface. A generous amount of water-based lubricant makes insertion easier and more comfortable, every time. Go slowly, especially at first. If you are new to internal toys, a slim, gentle one is far more welcoming than a large or strongly textured one.
Best for: people curious about internal sensation, those who enjoy G-spot stimulation, and anyone building comfort with penetration at their own pace.
Try: the slim, flexible Svakom Cici for a gentle introduction, the Svakom Amy 2 if you want a little more power, or the curved Dame Arc, which adds a clitoral ridge.
Rabbit vibrators
Where it targets: the clitoris and the vaginal canal at the same time. Both, together.
The rabbit is the famous one. It has an insertable shaft for internal, G-spot stimulation and a second arm, the 'ears', that reaches up to rest on the clitoris, so both areas are stimulated at once. That dual action is why rabbits stay so popular, and why, alongside bullets, they are one of the most recommended styles for a first do-everything toy.
Two sensations at once can feel intense, especially at first, and it takes a little coordinating. The two motors are usually separate, so you can adjust each one to suit you. Lubricant helps, and a lower setting is the sensible starting point.
Best for: people who enjoy, or want to explore, internal and clitoral stimulation together, and anyone drawn to one toy that does both jobs.
In our current range, we lean toward dual (combination) toys rather than a classic twin-motor rabbit. If a rabbit-style, do-both experience is what you are after, the dual toys in the next section are the closest match.
Dual and combination vibrators
Where it targets: the clitoris and the vaginal canal, in one shape. Both, usually one at a time.
Dual, or combination, vibrators are the flexible all-rounders. One toy is shaped to be used externally on the clitoris and internally in the vaginal canal, either in turn or, depending on the design, together. They are a great answer to 'I don't know yet what I like', because they let you explore both without buying two toys.
Use it externally one day, explore internal sensation another. Start external, add insertion when you feel ready, and keep lubricant handy.
Best for: people who want one adaptable toy to explore with, and anyone deciding between external and internal without committing.
Try: the Dame Dip 2.0, made for both internal and external use, or the dual-ended Swan Wand.
Beginner and slimline insertables
Where it targets: the vaginal canal, gently. Internal.
Less a marketing category than a kindness: slim, simple, gentle insertable vibrators for people new to internal toys, or who simply prefer something smaller and less intense. Soft silicone, a slim profile, one-button controls, nothing to puzzle over.
Expect gentle, manageable sensation with none of the 'where do I even start' of a feature-packed toy. This is the format we most often point first-timers toward when they want to try insertion.
Best for: absolute beginners, anyone who prefers gentle over powerful, and anyone rebuilding comfort at their own pace.
Try: the iroha Koharu, about as gentle and simple as they come, or the pleated iroha Zen, which is soft-touch and waterproof.
Couples vibrators and rings
Where it targets: shared use during partnered sex, usually with external clitoral contact. External, worn or held.
Couples toys are made to be used with a partner. Vibrating rings are the most common: a soft, stretchy ring that sits on a partner during penetrative sex, positioned so the little motor makes contact with the clitoris. Others are hands-free wearables that stay put while you move together.
They add clitoral stimulation during partnered sex, which is a common and completely normal thing to want, given how much clitoral stimulation matters for many people's pleasure. Shared, low-pressure, and often an easy first toy for couples.
Best for: partnered play, and anyone who wants clitoral stimulation built into penetrative sex.
Try: the Ohnut Vibrating Ring, a soft, skin-like vibrating buffer ring. If comfort and depth during sex is the bigger question for you, our Ohnut review has the detail.
Finger vibrators
Where it targets: wherever you guide it, most often the clitoris. External, finger-worn.
A finger vibrator slips over one or two fingers, so the vibration follows your hand. That makes it intuitive and precise. You already know how to use your hands; this simply adds gentle vibration. Small, discreet, beginner-friendly.
Expect natural, guided stimulation with almost no learning curve, mostly external. A lovely first toy, or a nice addition to partnered play.
Best for: people who like the control of their own hand, first-timers, and anyone wanting something tiny and discreet.
Egg and wearable vibrators
Where it targets: internal (egg) or hands-free external and internal (wearables), often app or remote controlled.
Egg vibrators are small, insertable toys, often app or remote controlled, sometimes designed to be worn discreetly. Wearable vibrators sit against the clitoris or inside and stay in place, freeing your hands, and many pair with a phone app so you or a partner can adjust them from across the room.
Expect hands-free stimulation and, with app control, playful long-distance or partnered options. If you go app-controlled, check the range and that the app is straightforward.
Best for: people who want hands-free or remote play, and couples who enjoy handing over the controls.
At a glance: which type targets what
| Type | Where it targets | External / internal | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet | Clitoris, erogenous zones | External | First-timers, pinpoint stimulation |
| Clitoral / external | Clitoris and vulva | External | Reliable clitoral stimulation |
| Suction / air-pulse | Clitoris, no contact | External | Sensitive bodies, a new sensation |
| Wand | Clitoris, vulva, whole body | External | Broad, strong stimulation, massage |
| G-spot / internal | Vaginal canal, front wall | Internal | Internal and G-spot sensation |
| Rabbit | Clitoris and vaginal canal | Both, at once | One do-everything toy |
| Dual / combination | Clitoris and vaginal canal | Both | Exploring without committing |
| Beginner slimline | Vaginal canal, gently | Internal | New to internal toys |
| Couples / rings | Shared, clitoral contact | External, worn | Partnered play |
| Finger | Wherever you guide it | External | Hand-guided precision |
| Egg / wearable | Internal or hands-free | Both, often app | Hands-free and remote play |
How to use a vibrator, the gentle way
Whatever you choose, the same few basics make the experience better.
- Start on the lowest setting - you can always turn it up, and starting low helps you learn what your body responds to without being overwhelmed.
- Start externally, even with an internal toy - a little gentle external stimulation before any insertion makes everything more comfortable.
- Use plenty of lubricant - especially for anything internal. A good water-based lubricant suits silicone toys and makes insertion smoother. If you tend to feel dry, this is not a small detail. Our guide to lubricants walks through the options.
- Go slowly and follow comfort - there is no target and no 'doing it wrong'. If something doesn't feel good, change the pressure, the angle, or the toy. Your comfort is the only instruction that matters.
Keeping it body-safe and clean
Materials matter more than almost any other feature, and here is something a lot of guides skip: in Australia, sex toys are not regulated the way medical devices are, and 'body-safe' is a marketing phrase, not a certified standard. So look past the label to the actual material. What you want is non-porous, ideally full silicone, which does not harbour bacteria the way porous materials can and is gentle on delicate tissue. Buy from brands that are specific about what their toys are made from. If a product is vague about its material, that tells you something.
Clean your toy before and after every use with warm water and a mild, unscented cleanser, and let it dry fully before you put it away. A waterproof toy is easier to clean and opens up the bath or shower. Store toys somewhere clean and dry, ideally in a pouch, away from each other.
Rechargeable toys tend to be more powerful and more convenient over time than battery ones. And quiet matters. If discretion is important to you, look specifically for toys described as whisper-quiet.
A note on comfort, sensitivity and different life stages
Bodies change, and what feels good changes with them. Many women notice their needs shift after having a baby, through perimenopause and menopause, or during times when tissue feels more sensitive or intimacy feels different. Gentle, body-safe toys, a slow pace and plenty of lubricant can make exploring feel more comfortable through those seasons.
One honest boundary, because we are a pelvic health brand and we would rather be useful than sell you the wrong thing. A vibrator is a pleasure product, not a treatment. If intimacy is genuinely painful, if you have persistent pelvic pain, or if penetration feels impossible rather than just new, that is worth raising with a pelvic health physiotherapist. For those situations there are purpose-made tools, like vaginal dilators and pelvic wands, and dedicated intimate moisturisers and lubricants, designed for comfort and used as part of a plan with your physio. If that sounds more like you, what causes deep pain during sex and our menopause dryness guide are better starting points than any toy.
That boundary runs both ways, though. For a lot of people, a vibrator is a lovely progression once that work is underway. After building comfort with a dilator or a pelvic floor wand, adding gentle vibration can bring pleasure back into the picture, help you keep easing sensitivity, and support the move back toward comfortable intercourse and intimacy, or it can simply be something for your own wellbeing. Plenty of people use one exactly this way, at their own pace, often alongside their physio's guidance.
Where to start
If you are still unsure, keep it simple. Pick the area that appeals most, external, internal, or both. Choose the gentlest, simplest toy in that group, and go from there. Many people trial a few different vibrators over time before they settle on what suits them, and that is completely normal. Your first one is about learning what you enjoy, not getting it perfect. When you are ready, our full range of vibrators and pleasure devices for women is a good place to browse.
