Clit Vibrators: How To Use One & Everything You Need To Know

Clit vibrators are perfect for those who can’t orgasm without clitoral stimulation. With so many styles and sizes, you can find exactly what works best for you.
Artistic Photograph Of Bare Arm And Thigh Wrapped In Satin Sheets With Red Bullet Vibrator Laying Nearby
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With thousands of nerve endings in the clitoris, the connection between it and an earth-shattering orgasm is closer than many women realize — and this is where clit vibrators excel beyond all others.

Also known as clit stimulators or clitoral massagers, these little wonders focus on your literal pleasure center, allowing you to get off faster and easier than you ever dreamed possible.

The bonus? You’re not limited to a single style or design with this type of vibrator. Clit stimulators and massagers can include:

On top of that, clit vibrators can be used on any external erogenous zone from your head to your toes!

We’ll explain everything you need to know about clit vibrators, but if you’re thinking about trying one right now, check out our top recommendations.

In this article, we’ll talk about:

Editor’s Note: This article is part of our How To Use A Vibrator and Everything Vibrators hubs, in-depth and evolving resources that comprehensively explore all aspects of vibrators from the different types and how to use them, to materials and safety — created to help you achieve the sexual pleasure you deserve.

What Is A Clit Vibrator?

Simply put, a clit vibrator, clit simulator, or clit massager is a sex toy that directly stimulates your clitoris while nestling comfortably against your vulva.

Clit vibrators are available in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and styles — and this is where your personal preference comes into play.

Bullet vibratorsClose Up Photo Of Light Pink Adam & Eve Rechargeable Finger Vibrator, egg vibes, and finger vibrators are small, discreet, and often very quiet. They’re perfect for keeping your self-pleasure to yourself without letting anyone else know what you’re up to.

Wand massagersClose-Up View Of Le Wand Massager With Attachments, like the Hitachi Magic Wand, tend to be much larger and louder in comparison. They’re not necessarily designed for discretion but they can provide big, powerful, and often overwhelming orgasms. Some include attachments for varied methods of stimulation and use.

Panty vibratorsPhotograph Of Nu Sensuelle Pleasure Panty With Vibrator And Remote often consist of little more than a bullet vibe that slips into a special pocket sewn into the crotch of specialty underwear, although some are designed to be held against your clitoris using any pair of well-fitting underwear you own.

Close Up Photograph Of Purple CalExotics Silicone Venus ButterflyAlthough some butterfly vibrators offer dual stimulation through an insertable shaft designed to hit your G-spot, many offer clitoral stimulation only and are held against your clit using a harness that keeps it in place.

Clitoral suction vibratorsSplit View Of Hot Pink LELO SONA 2 Cruise Showing The Front And Back Sides (aka: ‘clit suckers’) like the rose vibrator are a relatively new style of clit massager that’s emerged in recent years thanks to the wonders of technology, and for many women, they deliver the Holy Grail of orgasms.

Using sound waves, pressure, or even puffs of air, these clit stimulators put all the focus on your clitoris, often mimicking realistic cunnilingus. Many women report faster, more powerful orgasms when they use them.

No matter what type of clit or vulva stimulation you prefer, there’s a perfect clit vibrator for everyone who’s looking to add a little magic to their sex life.

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How To Use A Clit Vibrator

The simplest way to use a clit massager or stimulator is to place it against your clitoris and turn it on. It really is as simple as that.

Using lube might also make the experience more pleasurable depending on the type of vibrator and its intended use.

But as with all things sexy and fun, there are so many ways to play.

How you use a clit vibrator depends on the kind that you choose and when and how you play with it.

  • Finger, egg, and bullet vibrators are usually held in the hand with the tip placed directly against your clit, although they can be placed anywhere on your vulva for varied sensations. Bullet vibrators can also be worn in your underwear like you would any other panty vibrator.
  • Wand massagers, like the Hitachi, are larger — and often heavier. You hold the handle and press the head against your vulva during use. You can avoid direct contact with your clitoris if the stimulation is too powerful for you, focusing elsewhere on your vulva instead. You can even diffuse the sensation further by placing a towel between your bare vulva and the wand to lower the intensity.
  • Clit suckers like the rose sex toy may or may not be hands-free, depending on the type you choose. The opening is designed to fit around your clitoris using the pressure and suction of the toy to stay firmly around your clit until you pull it away. Some clit sucking sex toys “latch” onto the clitoris more effectively with the addition of personal lubricant.
  • Butterfly vibrators typically use a harness for hands-free pleasure. Designed to resemble their namesake, butterflies usually have wings that stimulate your entire vulva while the “antenna” focus directly on your clitoris.
  • Any clit vibe that comes with a remote control can be used for solo or partner play.

And, of course, how you use a clit vibrator depends on whether you’re using it for masturbation or sex.

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How To Use A Clit Vibrator For Masturbation

Using a clitoral stimulator for masturbation is one of its most common uses.

On your bed, in a bathtub, or anywhere else you can be alone and comfortable is a great place to use a clitoral vibrator whenever the mood strikes.

As we mentioned earlier, the type of clit massager you use will depend on your situation and how you like to get off, but the way you use it is wholly dependent upon its design.

  • For those who don’t want the world to know what they’re doing, look for something small and quiet, such as a finger vibrator, bullet, or a clit sucker. If you find that your favorite vibrator is a little too loud, there are ways to make it operate more quietly.
  • Enjoy getting off in the tub or shower? Choose a toy that’s waterproof — and quiet. Many clit sucking vibrators like the LELO SILA or LELO SONA 2 Cruise are completely waterproof, so you can take them into the bath for some solo waterplay.
  • If you need a lot of power and stimulation directly against your clitoris, wand massagers are ideal. They’re often loud and can become overwhelming quickly, however. Placing a towel over your vulva to reduce the sensations can make them more manageable if they become too intense.
  • For hands-free masturbation, butterfly vibrators, remote-controlled clitoral stimulators, and vibrating panties can be used with abandon — in some cases, even in public if they’re quiet enough.

You can use your clit vibrator on other erogenous zones, as well — teasing your nipples, vulva, neck, and anywhere else that feels good.

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​​How Can Couples Use Clit Vibrators?

A clit stimulator isn’t just for solo play. Couples can definitely have a lot of fun with the right toy in hand.

If you’re too tired for penetrative sex, try mutual masturbation using a vibrator with your partner instead!

You get yourself off with your favorite clitoral vibrator. Your partner can get themselves off in their favorite way, and everyone has a good time together.

Clit vibes are also great to use on your partner — regardless of gender. You can:

  • Touch their nipples with your clit vibrator.
  • Press the vibrator against their genitals. If your partner has a penis and enjoys the sensations, clit massagers are great when used along the shaft, testicles, and perineum.
  • Let your partner use your clitoral stimulator on you. They will likely touch you and use your toy in ways you don’t — at different angles or intensities — so you’ll get an entirely new experience with it.

And of course, clit vibrators are great during partnered, penetrative sex, too!

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How Can You Use A Clit Vibrator During Sex?

65% of heterosexual women don’t always have an orgasm during partnered sex. Why? Because they usually need clitoral stimulation and aren’t getting it.

If this sounds like you, a clit vibrator could be your new best friend.

The most important thing to know is that you should talk to your partner before you whip out your vibrator during sex for the first time.

Although some men are comfortable with buying vibrators for their wives or girlfriends, unfortunately, too many partners feel insecure about women using vibrators during sex.

It’s important to help your partner understand it’s a tool and that it enhances sex for you — it doesn’t (and won’t) replace them.

After you’ve had the conversation, it’s time to put your clit vibrator to good use.

Pick a clitoral stimulator that you can easily use in your preferred positions. Your vibrator (and possibly your hand) must be able to reach your clit easily.

  • Missionary sex works well with a larger vibrator like a wand massager because its long handle makes reaching and maneuvering easier. Additionally, the wand can lay between both partners, stimulating each at the same time.
  • Doggy style and other sex positions that give you easy access to your clitoris mean you can use any clit vibrator that you can hold in place and that feels good. Butterfly vibrators held in place with a harness can be great for this, provided they don’t have an insertable shaft for vaginal penetration. If they do, however, they’re best worn during anal sex so your clit, G-spot, and anus are stimulated simultaneously.
  • For any penetrative sex you plan to have, consider a vibrator that sits in or on your body without the need for your hands, like the We-Vibe Sync or Chorus or Dame Eva II.

Clit vibes can be fantastic additions to partnered sex and most can be used through a variety of positions, thanks to their wide range of designs.

  • Do You Need Lube With A Clit Vibrator?

Lube is never a bad idea. Whether you need it with a clit vibe is a matter of personal preference.

If your arousal makes your vulva extremely wet, you might not need lube at all.

Still, you might want to add lube anyway, because the slickness of the lubricant will help your clit stimulator feel even better against your body.

A water-based lubricant is made with a texture similar to your body’s natural lubrication.

It’s a universally safe lube because it pairs well with toys made from any material. If you’re not exactly sure what your toy is made from, always go with water-based lube.

Consult your clitoral vibrator’s manual if you intend to use silicone or oil-based lubricants. Not all lubricants are compatible with all sex toy materials. Using the wrong lube could damage your vibrator.

Can You Put A Clit Vibrator Inside You?

Can you insert a clit stimulator? Sometimes yes.

Should you put one in your body? Not always.

Some vibrators are meant to be inserted. Rabbit vibrators and vibrating dildos can be used against your clit and also penetrate your vagina, as can longer bullet vibrators.

Other vibrators, like wand massagers or clit suckers, simply won’t fit or be comfortable if they’re inserted. Small sex toys, like most finger vibrators, probably won’t do much for you internally, at least not in your vagina.

Before you stick your clitoral vibrator up your butt, you need to consider whether it’s safe for anal play or not.

Safe anal toys should have a tapered tip for maximum comfort during penetration. They also need a wide, flared base at the bottom so nothing gets sucked into your rectum.

If your clit vibrator doesn’t have both of these things, don’t use it for anal penetration. It’s not safe, and you’ll likely end up in the local emergency room having to explain what happened after it gets stuck inside you.

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Are Clit Vibrators Safe?

Many clitoral vibrators are quite safe because they’re often made of high-quality silicone or ABS plastic — two of the safest sex toy materials on the market.

When you shop for a clitoral sex toy — or any vibrator for that matter — avoid any products made of jelly rubber, TPR/TPE blends, and other unsafe sex toy materials, or rubber if you have a latex allergy.

These can be potentially harmful to your health and are impossible to fully sanitize.

On the topic of safety, it’s important to remember that a clit vibrator won’t desensitize your clitoris to all sensation, even if you use it every single day.

It is possible to become accustomed to the stimulation to some degree, however, so it’s a good idea to mix up the vibrations and intensity from time to time.

Extended use of any vibrator could lead to temporary desensitization, but that does not equate to permanent nerve damage.

Taking a short break from using your vibrator or simply switching the intensity or type of stimulation is often enough to take care of the problem until full sensation returns.

In Conclusion

Clit vibrators are the savior of many women who wouldn’t be able to have an orgasm without clitoral stimulation.

They make getting off easier and faster, plus they’re fun to use during partnered sex. Even better, they come in so many styles and sizes, it’s easier than ever to find exactly what works best for you.

Not sure where to start? Take a look at our Everything Vibrators guide to explore all of your options. And if you have no idea which one to try, our vibrator quiz will help you find a perfect match!