Many women but also men discover how a vibrator can enrich their sex life. Yet its use often raises questions: how exactly does it work, what should you pay attention to, and which models are most suitable? In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about vibrators, so you can choose and enjoy with confidence.

Table of contents

How do you use a vibrator?

Vibrators can be used in many ways. For sensual and relaxing massages and arousing stimulation. Alone or during lovemaking.

During lovemaking together

A vibrator can be a delightful addition to making love together. For example, a small vibrator makes it possible to combine clitoral stimulation with penetration.
What works well is holding the vibrator against the clitoris during lovemaking/penetration. This way you both feel the same intense sensations at the same time and can climax together. You can also hold the vibrator between both your bodies, at the base of his penis, so you can both enjoy the sensation of the vibrations.
More inspiration and clear visuals can be found here.

For relaxing and sensual massages

Vibrators are also extremely well suited for sensual massages. As a massage device for all areas of the body, they bring pleasure to both of you.
Especially small (and somewhat powerful) vibrators are suitable for giving a sensual massage. You can first set the vibrator to the lowest speed/vibration strength and gently stimulate the erogenous zones. It is nice not to immediately start with the most sensitive spots, but to first use the vibrator to stroke the neck, the insides of the arms, the thighs and the ears.
During the massage, you can gradually increase the vibrator's intensity if you find that enjoyable.

For pain-relieving massages

There are also special vibrators (called wand vibrators or wand massagers) that can be used for relaxing massages and relieving muscle pain.

For anal play

Slim vibrators with a modest size and diameter can also be used for anal play.

For clitoral stimulation

A vibrator can be used in many ways, but most women use a vibrator to stimulate their clitoris. The best approach is to experiment with a good vibrator (stimulator) that has different vibration speeds and pulsation settings. The user manual always explains how to set it up and use it. Many women find it pleasant to first stimulate the area directly around the clitoris: pressing the vibrator against it, gently moving it along, or making circular motions. Other women prefer direct stimulation. They press the vibrator firmly against the clitoris or make small circular motions on it.

Fun to try: Very gently move the vibrator over your entire vulva, from bottom to top, up to the clitoris. Very lightly touch the clitoris with the vibrator and start again at the bottom of the vulva.
Wonderful for getting in the mood.

Other tips: Place the vibrator over your entire vulva, over your labia, with the tip at your clitoris. This way, the entire area is stimulated.
And use a nice lubricant for an extra sensual experience.

Is even the lowest setting on the vibrator too intense for you? Then a flannel between the clitoris and the vibrator can help. For the best experience, before turning the vibrator on, apply a little lubricant to it. This makes it feel more sensual and intense. What also works well is using a warming or stimulating balm or gel.

For vaginal stimulation (G-spot)

Vibrators specially made to stimulate the G-spot (in the vagina or of the prostate) are curved at the top so they can reach it easily. And they are not too large, because the G-spot is located just inside the vaginal entrance. Popular G-spot vibrators include the Gigi and the Amy. But other vibrators, such as the Mona 2, are also very well suited for G-spot stimulation. You can read more about G-spot stimulation in the next question.

Also for men

For men too, it is an exciting experience to feel vibrations on and around their erogenous zones. With a male partner, apply a little lubricant to the penis, testicles and perineum (the area between the testicles and anus). First gently move the stimulator over his testicles and from front to back over his perineum; even tease the anus a little if you think he would enjoy that. Let the stimulator glide up and down along his penis and over the glans, and leave the rest to your imagination.

How do I find my G-spot and how do I stimulate it?

The G-spot is still surrounded by a hint of mystery. Not everyone is convinced of its existence. Some scientists claim this spot has not been anatomically proven and therefore does not exist at all, while other scientists claim that the G-spot very much exists and is actually simply part of the clitoris. The clitoris is, after all, a long organ and not just the tip you see on the outside. The latter would be a good explanation for the fact that many women experience extra pleasure from stimulation of a special spot inside the vagina.

Would you like to experience this too? Then the first step is to discover where the G-spot is. This is actually quite simple. The G-spot is a small, sensitive, ridged, spongy area located approximately 3-5 cm inside the vagina on the belly side. Once you have found your G-spot, you can touch it and experience it.

Take your time. Which parts of the G-spot feel good, what feels numb, what feels less pleasant? Get to know yourself and your G-spot. From this journey of discovery, you can seek out the sensations and arousal. You do need to give yourself time. It is a process that can take a while. But one that can also provide a great deal of pleasure.
Keep in mind during your exploration that the G-spot is actually your clitoris, and that touching it in a non-aroused state may feel less pleasant. In an aroused state, it will be a completely different experience.

What is the difference between a dildo and a vibrator?

A dildo is essentially a vibrator that does not vibrate, pulse or move. A dildo is used for penetration and is therefore often on the larger side. Glass dildos in particular are popular. These can easily be heated or cooled, which creates unique sensations.

A dildo is also used in strap-ons.

I am buying a vibrator for the first time. What should I look out for?

If you are buying a vibrator for the first time, we recommend reading the article "How to choose the right vibrator?". In it you can learn which types of vibrators exist, what the differences are and what to look for when purchasing. In any case, it is advisable to buy a vibrator with multiple vibration settings and pulsation rhythms. It takes some getting used to at first, but this way you can explore at your own pace what you find pleasant: strong, gentle, subtle or firm.

Also make sure the vibrator you buy is made of safe silicone and is not full of toxic plasticisers. Go for quality and do not be tempted by very cheap models. These often make a lot of noise, are not effective, have superficial vibrations that do nothing for you. And they are made of poor, porous and even toxic material. Tip: also take our vibrator quiz for personalised advice. Also have a look at our overview of rejected vibrators.

Is a battery-operated vibrator worse?

A battery-operated vibrator is certainly not always worse. However, the newest and most innovative vibrators are often rechargeable. The manufacturers who make the vibrators and the brands that develop them put their innovations, their best motors and materials into the rechargeable vibrators. These are therefore also often more powerful.

The advantage of battery-operated vibrators is, of course, the price. They are always cheaper. And there are certainly good battery-operated vibrators, such as those from the brand Bgood. In terms of power and intensity, these are not far behind rechargeable vibrators. You do have to keep in mind that you still need to buy batteries and will need to do so regularly.
Looking for a vibrator with a lot of power? Then you should go for a rechargeable model or one with a cord.

Bouncer Shake dildo in paars siliconen vastgehouden in hand met zuignapbasis

How can I tell if a vibrator contains plasticisers?

Although it is still legally permitted to sell vibrators with plasticisers, we advise against purchasing them. The use of plasticisers has already been banned in children's toys, so why take risks? Unfortunately, there are still many vibrators on the market that contain plasticisers. How do you recognise them? If the product is made of plastic and has moving parts, there is a good chance it contains plasticisers. You can also recognise these products by their often striking colours.
You can read more about safe and unsafe materials used in vibrators in the article "What you need to know about materials in vibrators and other sex toys".

How do I know for sure that a vibrator is quiet?

Nobody wants a vibrator that makes a lot of noise. Unfortunately, completely silent vibrators do not yet exist. They always produce some sound. But there is a big difference between one vibrator and another. And that often has to do with the quality of the vibrator.

You can sometimes gauge the noise level by the number of dB listed with the vibrators. To give you an idea of what that means: 30 dB is roughly the sound of soft whispering at 5 metres away, and 40 dB is similar to the sound of a soft murmur. Below 50 dB is the level that manufacturers describe as 'whisper-quiet'. This is the level most quality vibrators have. Above 50 dB, you can expect somewhat more noise.
50 dB is comparable to the sound of a refrigerator, and 60 dB to the sound of a washing machine. The vibrators in our webshop are generally whisper-quiet. If they are not, it is noted in the description.

Do you really want a very quiet vibrator? And is that very important to you?

With all our vibrators, the expected noise level is indicated. In our comparison articles
(including What is the best wand massager? / What is the best stimulator? / What is the best rabbit vibrator? / What is the best classic vibrator?) you can easily see which are the quietest vibrators in these different categories.

If you want a super quiet one, do not choose a cheap rabbit or tarzan vibrator. Rabbit vibrators have two motors and, as you can imagine, two motors always produce more noise than one. Tarzan vibrators whose shaft also rotates or makes spinning movements are almost never truly whisper-quiet. The motors needed for these movements always produce some extra noise. A wand massager, due to the use of extremely powerful motors, is also never really very quiet.

What are good affordable vibrators?

If you are looking for an affordable vibrator, do keep in mind that there is a lot of rubbish on the market: products with toxic plasticisers, that are not effective, make a lot of noise and break quickly. With cheaper vibrators, the vibrations are often not effective (only superficial), the noise is genuinely too loud and the material is hard and porous. You will also often notice that the power significantly decreases over time. So the rule also applies here: buy cheap, buy twice. A good, somewhat more expensive but better vibrator will last for years.

But of course, there are affordable vibrators from lesser-known brands that are perfectly fine. Both rechargeable and battery-operated. In our webshop you will find, alongside the well-known brands, also budget-friendly vibrators (we have tested them all) of a good quality.

What is the best vibrator?

The best vibrator does not exist. That is because every woman is built just a little differently and finds different things pleasant and arousing. The question "What is the best vibrator" should really be "What is the best vibrator for me".
In the article 'How to choose the right vibrator?' we are happy to help you choose a vibrator that suits you and will enrich your sex and love life. You can also take our vibrator quiz to see which vibrator suits you best.

Do couples vibrators really work well?

Yes, especially the latest generation of couples vibrators work very well. Earlier generations still had some issues with insertion or were not powerful enough. But with the most recent couples vibrators such as the We-vibe, you will certainly both enjoy them. They are a worldwide success for good reason.

However, every woman is built differently and the distance between the vagina and the clitoris is not the same for everyone. This means couples vibrators do not have the desired effect for every woman. They are designed to fit the largest group of women physically. So unfortunately, there will always be women for whom a couples vibrator does not quite reach the clitoris.
In this article you can read which are the best couples vibrators.

I find it hard to reach orgasm. Can a vibrator help?

Yes, definitely - a vibrator can often help. Nothing can stimulate the clitoris as effectively as a good vibrator.

  • Powerful vibrators often help the most. You could look at the so-called 'wand massagers'.
    These are powerful and have a wide head so that not only the clitoris is stimulated, but also the area directly surrounding it.
  • Air pressure vibrators can also be a good choice. These do not vibrate but work with small pulsations. A way of stimulating that brings many women to orgasm.
  • And then there are vibrators such as the Zumio and the Rocky that stimulate the clitoris in a unique way and can therefore make reaching orgasm easier.

What also helps is using a nice lubricant and a stimulating balm or gel when using a vibrator. This creates an even more intense experience.
Tip: also read the article: Tips on reaching orgasm.

I suffer from vaginismus, can a vibrator help?

If you suffer from vaginismus, it is always advisable to visit a GP, sexologist or pelvic floor therapist. You are not alone, and fortunately a great deal can be done about it. Even women with a completely healthy sex life can develop vaginismus. Your body unconsciously resists penetration, your pelvic floor muscles tense up when something comes near the vagina, which then causes pain during insertion.

The sexologist or pelvic floor therapist will work with you to look at the causes and draw up a treatment plan based on those. A common part of this is training with dilators (tube-like devices in various sizes) to gradually accustom the vagina to having something inserted.

A vibrator can also be used as a dilator and help with vaginismus complaints. You can read more about this here. Good vibrators for this purpose include the Slinky and the Cutie. But the Salfijn can also be a good choice. These vibrators are slim and feel pleasantly soft.
The choice depends on the symptoms. Also use a good lubricant with it.

My partner thinks a vibrator is unnecessary. Is he the only one?

There are still many men who perceive a vibrator as threatening. They often picture a large vibrator in their mind. They think: "She has me, so why on earth would she need a vibrator?". There are also women who think this way: "I have a partner, so surely I do not need a vibrator?".

No, nobody truly needs a vibrator. But research shows that women who use a vibrator have a higher libido, experience more sexual arousal and can reach orgasm more easily. They feel sexually satisfied more often than women without a vibrator. And research shows that women who own a vibrator are even simply happier.
The women in the study did not see their vibrator as a replacement for their partner at all, but rather as an addition to their sex life. They also often enjoyed using it together with their partner. In short, a vibrator is a wonderful addition to the sex life of both women and men.

How do I clean my vibrator?

It is important to clean a vibrator thoroughly after use. This ensures that all bacteria are removed and there is no risk of infection. You can do this with water and good antibacterial soap. Then simply let the vibrator air dry and do not towel it off. This prevents fibres from remaining on the vibrator.

You can also use a toy cleaner to clean and maintain your vibrator. This guarantees your vibrator stays beautiful and safe for longer. A toy cleaner ensures that all bacteria and fungi are killed.
We personally recommend using a good toy cleaner every 2 to 3 uses. Are you prone to infections? Then it is better to clean the vibrator with a toy cleaner before and after every use.

If you use a silicone-based lubricant, cleaning with just water and soap is also difficult, so a toy cleaner is recommended.

Does your vibrator run on batteries? Then it is best to remove the batteries before cleaning. A cheap vibrator made of porous material is often impossible to clean properly; bacteria can remain on it and cause infections. That is a good reason not to buy cheap, poor-quality vibrators.

Can a vibrator be addictive?

It is a common concern: is a vibrator addictive? Can you still enjoy sex without one afterwards? No and yes. A vibrator is not addictive. It is very easy and effective for reaching orgasm, however, so you may find yourself grabbing the vibrator for the sake of convenience. And always using the vibrator, including together, as a race to orgasm is not a good idea. That does both you and the vibrator a disservice. Just as with all other forms of sex, variety is important here. Do not always use the vibrator, and do not always use it in the same way. Vary and experiment, and a vibrator can be an enormous enrichment.

How do I charge the vibrator with a USB cable?

Nowadays, most vibrators, including those from premium brands, come with a USB cable without a plug. How does that work?
One end of the USB cable goes into a small opening on the vibrator. This opening is often marked with the letters DC. The other end of the cable goes into a laptop or computer. Or into the plugs used for charging smartphones.

It does not matter which plug or smartphone you use. Some brands claim that only their own separate plugs are suitable, but that is not true. All plugs work perfectly fine with all brands.

You can also purchase a separate plug from our shop if you do not have one at home and wish to charge the vibrator this way.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you use a vibrator?

Vibrators can be used in many ways. For sensual and relaxing massages, arousing stimulation, alone or together. You can use them for clitoral stimulation, vaginal stimulation, anal play and pain-relieving massages.

How do I find my G-spot and how do I stimulate it?

The G-spot is located 3-5 cm inside the vagina on the side of the abdomen. It is a sensitive, ridged area. Use special G-spot vibrators that are curved for optimal stimulation.

What is the difference between a dildo and a vibrator?

A dildo is a vibrator that does not vibrate. Dildos are used for penetration and are therefore often larger. Glass dildos are popular because they can be warmed up or cooled down.

What should I look for when buying my first vibrator?

Choose a vibrator with multiple vibration settings, made from safe silicone without softeners. Go for quality and avoid cheap models that are noisy or ineffective.

Is a battery-operated vibrator worse?

Not always. The latest vibrators are often rechargeable and more powerful. Battery-operated vibrators are cheaper but you need to replace batteries regularly. For maximum power, rechargeable models are the best choice.

How do I recognise vibrators containing softeners?

Plastic vibrators with moving parts often contain softeners. You can recognise them by their striking colours and hard material. Choose quality products made from safe silicone.

How do I know if a vibrator is quiet?

Check the dB level. Below 50 dB is considered whisper-quiet. Rabbit vibrators and tarzan vibrators produce more noise due to multiple motors. Wand massagers are never very quiet due to their powerful motors.

Can a vibrator help if I have difficulty reaching orgasm?

Absolutely. Nothing stimulates the clitoris as effectively as a good vibrator. Wand massagers, air pressure vibrators or special models such as Zumio can help you reach orgasm.