There are more vibrators available than ever before and they all feel a little bit different depending on their design and your body’s sensitivity.
For this reason, there’s no single “right” answer to the question, “What does a vibrator feel like?”
A vibrator might feel buzzy to the touch, richly pulsating, deeply thrumming, or a combination of those descriptions.
Some vibrators may even feel more like suction or puffs of air against the skin.
If you’ve never used a sex toy before, you might be wondering what a vibrator feels like — or why vibrators feel so good, to begin with.
Although the actual sensations any person feels when using a vibrator are highly subjective, here’s everything you can expect.
In this article, we’ll cover:
Editor’s Note: This article is part of our Complete Guide To Vibrators and Everything Vibrators hub, 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 Do Vibrators Feel Like?
There’s no singular way to describe how a vibrator feels because any toy’s design ultimately impacts the type(s) of sensation it provides.
Additionally, everyone’s body is different.
Some folks are more sensitive to vibration (and thus feel it more intensely) while others won’t feel it as acutely.
It’s possible that your clitoris may be highly sensitive to vibration while your G-spot is impervious to it — or vice versa.
When shopping for a vibrator, specifications listed on the vibrator’s package will likely provide descriptive words characterizing the way that particular vibrator feels:
- Buzzy: Generally provided through traditional motors, this is what most of us think of when we hear the word “vibrator.” This is often an adjustable buzzing sensation that isn’t all that dissimilar to an electric toothbrush. Depending on the intensity setting, it may feel like a slight buzzing sensation (like a bee), a buzzsaw — or somewhere in between.
- Tickling: Often a characteristic of clit-specific vibrators, this sensation may be feather-light or more intense, depending on the vibrator’s setting. Some vibes have a “tickler” that flicks against the clitoris, not unlike a tongue or fingertip would.
- Deeply thrumming: Most often found in sonic vibes, this sensation is common in vibes that use sonic tech for deep vibrations that go beneath the skin. The vibrations penetrate more deeply and don’t offer as much surface buzz against the skin. These are fantastic for the G-spot if you’re into that.
- Pulsing: This is often a setting found on vibrators of all types, which creates buzzing or thrumming vibrations in a variety of pre-programmed patterns. Many users, myself included, love rapid pulse patterns that can feel like a tap right where you want it most.
- Sucking or blowing air pulses: This sensation is primarily found in clit sucking vibrators. This style of vibe may be the greatest invention of the last 200 years — but I don’t want to oversell it. If you’re looking for something that simulates realistic cunnilingus, though, the sensations from a clit sucker may be just what you’re looking for.
- Thrusting: Vaginal penetration with or without vibration from thrusting vibes can feel like realistic intercourse — without the hassle of a partner. These typically offer thrusting patterns and speeds, with optional vibration intensities. The exact type of vibration can vary from buzzy to deeply thrumming, depending on the vibrator.
- Dual stimulation: Dual stimulation vibrators can offer a combination of any of the above sensations, generally directed against the clitoris and G-spot. Dual and triple stimulation toys can include rabbits, G-spotters that can do double-duty against the clitoris such as the Hot Octopuss Kurve, and even G-spot stimulation with clit sucking action like the Osé 2. New combinations are coming every day — as you’ll be too if you give any of these a whirl.
As you can see, how a vibrator feels can mean a lot of things.
It’s important to remember, too, that the sensations any vibrator provides are subjective to a degree.
A vibe that’s too strong and buzzy for one person may be considerably less intense for another. You might enjoy deeply-thrumming vibration while someone else prefers sucking air pulses against the clit.
And the way each person describes those sensations can be vastly different, too. A vibrator can cause an orgasm — or even make you squirt — but not always.
If you don’t feel your vibrator or it isn’t strong enough, you might just need to find one that offers more powerful sensations or higher vibration settings to choose from.
Vibrating sex toys may be highly versatile or they may be designed to stimulate one area in particular — but that doesn’t mean you have to be restricted by that.
Want to use a clit-sucker on your nipple? Go for it!
Think that sonic G-spotter would feel awesome on your neck or inner thigh? Try it out!
The only exception here is butt stuff.
If your sex toy doesn’t have a flared base and/or is specifically designed for anal use — do not use it inside the anus.
You do not want to have to explain your folly to emergency room staffers as a topic of conversation while they’re removing a lost vibrator from your butt.
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Why Do Vibrators Feel Good?
Vibrators provide very particular sensations that are not always achievable through sex with a partner or manual masturbation with our hands.
Additionally, some people experience whole body shakes after using a vibrator — simply because the orgasm feels so incredible!
In general, though, vibrators feel good because:
- The sensation from a vibrator is quite different compared to what fingers, hands, mouths, or genitals can provide — in a unique way
- Barring battery recharge, vibrators never tire — unlike fingers, hands, mouths, or genitals — so they can last as long as it takes you to reach an orgasm (or multiple ones!)
- A tireless buzzing, thrumming, sucking, or tickling sensation against the clitoris can be very pleasant — especially if you can’t orgasm from penetration alone or need clit stimulation to reach orgasm
- The multitude of vibrator designs available can meet your specific needs and help you reach orgasm in the way you need to
- Adjustable intensity levels and pulse patterns allow you to customize your experience from very gentle to strong and mind-blowing — whatever you need, right when (and where) you need it
- They can be discreet and act as our own “best-kept secret” — which is a thrill all its own
There are many reasons why we like the feel of vibrating sex toys even more than just a standard, non-vibrating dildo.
Most of that has to do with what we’re specifically looking for in terms of pleasure because they’re able to deliver highly-customizable stimulation to the areas we need it most — on demand!
In fact, more than 50% of women use vibrators as a tool for satisfying their sexual needs.
After cleaning and charging your new vibe, it’s a good idea to test it out on your hand, arm, or another innocuous body part like your thigh before trying it out on your nethers.
That will give you a good idea of the intensity, speeds, and various pulse patterns so you can adjust them accordingly.
Not sure how to select a vibrator? A great first step is reading plenty of thoughtful reviews. Or check out our vibe quiz!
If you’re trying to figure out how to make your vibrator feel good, especially if it’s your first time using one or if you worry it’s a sin, there is helpful advice available here.
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Vibrator Envy In Men — Is That A Thing?
People with male partners often ask, “Will using a vibrator make my partner or husband feel bad?”
Like many sexual concerns within a relationship, the answer is: It really depends.
A man who defines his worth as a partner by his penile-prowess is probably barking up the wrong tree.
If a sex toy is more satisfying than a partner — that should be an open invitation to learn more, adjust technique, and generally become more in tune with a partner’s needs.
It’s not a viable reason to hate sex toys.
Vibrators don’t have to be a replacement for a man’s penis (or mouth) — and they usually aren’t.
Plenty of men buy vibrators for their wives or girlfriends and some even use those toys together with them — or by themselves!
It’s true — vibrators can feel just as good on a penis as they do on a vulva or vagina.
In fact, sex toys like vibrators can be a fun accouterment to an active and fulfilling sex life.
It is at my place, anyway.
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Best Vibrators To Try
Vibrators offer unique pleasure experiences and there are a variety to choose from based on your personal stimulation preferences.
Our team’s top recommendations have all of them covered and no matter what gets you off the most, you’re sure to find something you love.
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Description:
Bottom Line: The Satisfyer Pro 2 is a popular clit sucker that gets rave reviews despite the inconvenience of the replaceable heads. Offering an ergonomic design and incredibly quiet operation, this affordable option is great for beginners who are new to using clit sucking vibrators. [Read Our Review]
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Description:
Bottom Line: While it might be intimidating for newbies, all experience levels can enjoy the blended orgasms this rabbit (our top consensus pick after testing) provides. It brings intensity to a whole new level — but it may come with a bit of a learning curve if you’re playing on your own. [Read Our Review]
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Description:
Bottom Line: The Hitachi Magic Wand is something no masturbation enthusiast should be without. This classic design is a tried and true favorite thanks to its ease of use and simple 2-setting interface, even if it lacks the bells and whistles of modern tech, but comes in a rechargeable version, too. [Read Our Review]
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Description:
Bottom Line: Mimicking a finger by design, this unique vibrator from MysteryVibe bends to every whim you can think of, whether you seek clitoral, G-spot, A-Spot, or P-spot stimulation. Incredibly adaptable to your needs, the Crescendo 2 is versatile, discreet, and works for literally anyone. [Read Our Review]
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Best Clit Sucker
Description:
Bottom Line: The Satisfyer Pro 2 is a popular clit sucker that gets rave reviews despite the inconvenience of the replaceable heads. Offering an ergonomic design and incredibly quiet operation, this affordable option is great for beginners who are new to using clit sucking vibrators. [Read Our Review]
Best Rabbit Vibrator
Description:
Bottom Line: While it might be intimidating for newbies, all experience levels can enjoy the blended orgasms this rabbit (our top consensus pick after testing) provides. It brings intensity to a whole new level — but it may come with a bit of a learning curve if you’re playing on your own. [Read Our Review]
Best Clit Vibrator
Description:
Bottom Line: The Hitachi Magic Wand is something no masturbation enthusiast should be without. This classic design is a tried and true favorite thanks to its ease of use and simple 2-setting interface, even if it lacks the bells and whistles of modern tech, but comes in a rechargeable version, too. [Read Our Review]
Best G-Spot Vibrator
Description:
Bottom Line: Mimicking a finger by design, this unique vibrator from MysteryVibe bends to every whim you can think of, whether you seek clitoral, G-spot, A-Spot, or P-spot stimulation. Incredibly adaptable to your needs, the Crescendo 2 is versatile, discreet, and works for literally anyone. [Read Our Review]
Things That Feel Like A Vibrator
If you’re asking “Why do vibrators feel so good,” but don’t want to purchase one just yet, there are a few items around your house that you could use as vibrators.
Keep in mind though, that items not developed for masturbation may not be body-safe, may not be sanitizable, and are not designed for the job.
Attempt these with extreme caution — or better yet, skip it and try a modestly priced beginner vibe like a bullet or a wand.
Some things that may feel similar to a vibrator include:
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In Conclusion
The best way to know what a vibrator feels like or why it feels good is to simply try one out for yourself.
You can start by reading up on basic vibrator types, uses, and models and take a helpful quiz to see which vibe might be right for you.
While you’re at it, you may want to pick up a bottle of lube that’s compatible with your vibrator.
Good news! There’s a helpful quiz for that too!
