I bought my first sex toy when I was 22, and after hearing about the wonders of vibrators from my then-girlfriend, I was finally ready to see what all the hype was about. It looked almost exactly like the toy in this picture – a simple, straight vibrator with no texture. I bought it because I had no idea what I was doing (and because it cost $12).
While it wasn’t the most exciting of sex toys, and I’ve definitely upgraded since then, this reliable little vibrator exceeded my expectations. It taught me that I really like penetrative sex and that masturbation can last more than five minutes.
But like many other people who are finally intrigued enough to flip through the seemingly endless lists of available toys, I could use some help. So I’m here to help you.
Ahead is a selection of the best sex toys for beginners, whether you’re looking for a simple vibrator (like the one I bought) or are interested in anal play and need a recommendation on plugs. Have fun with it!
Dame Pom.
The best vibrator for beginners the size of a pinhead
This super-soft, flexible vibrator is shaped and sized like a computer mouse and invites you to explore what feels good to your body.
Reviewers say, “POM is my first toy, and I love it! Only after two years of minimal use did it start having trouble recharging – I called and was quickly provided a replacement! Great service!!! I highly recommend this small, discreet, very effective toy. Thanks for the quick service!” – Whitney, Dame reviewer
Store Dame.
Dame Products Pom, $95.00, available at Dame Products.
LELO Sona Cruise 2.
The best clitoral stimulator for beginners
The iconic Sona model has a curved body, round opening and releases sound waves that provide fast but gentle stimulation.
Reviewers say, “The Sona 2 was my first vibrator ever, and while I regret that I’ve never experimented with them before, I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction! I love that it’s small, inconspicuous, but very powerful. I rarely ever orgasm normally, but with this little gadget I get an orgasm every time.” – FitChick2011, LELO reviewer
Store LELO.
LELO SONA™ 2 Cruise, $139.00 $125.10, available at LELO.
CalExotics Joy G-Spot bunny vibrator.
The best rabbit vibrator for beginners
Even if you’re new to sex toys, you’ve probably heard of the bunny. It rose to fame after an episode of the show Sex and the City, in which Charlotte locks herself in her apartment for days with her new favorite toy – and that’s hardly an exaggeration of the rabbit’s capabilities. The dual stimulation of the vibrating shaft and the bunny’s lugs that act on the clitoris creates the mind-blowing mixed orgasms that make this toy a favorite. In addition, this particular model has a subtle design that makes it a great option for beginners.
Reviewers say, “This was my first vibrator – and let me tell you, it WORKS!!! I am 20 years old and had never experienced an orgasm before buying this vibrator. After using it for the first time, I have had 3 OWN EARTH WALKING ORGASMS!!! Definitely recommend to anyone looking for their first vibrator!!!” – Very V., reviewer Lovehoney
CalExotics Store.
CalExotics Joy 10 Function Powerful G-Spot Rabbit Vibrator, $44.99, on sale at Lovehoney.
Luna Rechargeable Personal Massager Wand
The best personal rod massager for beginners
You can’t go wrong with a wand massager, and this Amazon favorite has the reviews (22,000 of them, in fact) to back it up. This massager has 8 different speeds and 20 vibration modes. Because it’s adjustable, it’s a great first clitoral stimulation toy that you can use solo or with a partner. (Worst-case scenario: if the sensations seem too intense for you, feel free to use it as a back massager. Not a penny wasted).
Reviewers say, “I just love this product, it’s so quiet compared to other toys I’ve bought in the past. The packaging was discreet and came on time, it looked exactly like the picture, it came with a pouch, charging cord and a few instructions (which were very helpful when it came to charging). I would recommend it to anyone who wants one but is afraid. I would buy more toys from this brand in the future.” – Anonymous, Amazon reviewer
Store Luna.
LUNA Rechargeable Personal Wand Massager, $29.99, on sale at Amazon.
Dame Ayer.
The best suction vibrator for beginners
If you love oral stimulation, this will be an investment you probably won’t regret. We’ve heard that the Dame Aer feels like “oral sex from the cloud.”
Reviewers say, “I bought the clitoral stimulation toy for the first time and, oh my god, my orgasms got so much better and so fast. The toy feels and looks really nice.” – Cholung N., Dame reviewer
Store Dame
Dame Aer, $95.00, on sale at Dame.
Mood Naughty Silicone Butt Plug.
The best butt plug for beginners.
Beginner plugs can be intimidating for beginners because there are all kinds of sizes, materials and shapes to choose from. If you’re just starting out, look for one that’s smaller to make anal play easier for you, plus lube – obviously.
Reviewers say, “This is my first plug, and I love it! It slides in great, and you can do anything you want while wearing it.” – Anonymous, Adam & Even reviewer
Store Adam & Eve.
Mood Naughty Silicone Butt Plug, $15.95, on sale at Adam & Eve.
Je Joue Bullet Vibe.
The best bullet vibrator for beginners
Bullet vibrators are ideal toys for beginners because they’re small, usually inexpensive, and have only a few different settings, so you won’t be overwhelmed with choices. The Je Joue offers a bit more variety than your typical bullet: five speeds and seven models. This model also comes in three different shapes. You can get a traditional bullet with straight edges, a curved vibrator for the G-spot, or a vibrator with bunny ears for clitoral stimulation.
Reviewers say, “I’m thrilled with my new bullet! Very versatile, so very good for trying different sensations. Really like the finger bushing!!! I will definitely recommend it to my friends.” – Tess, Amazon reviewer
Store Je Joue.
Je Joue Classic Bullet Vibrator, $59.00, on sale at Amazon.
Tracy’s Dog G Spot Dildo Vibrator.
The best classic dildo for beginners
If possible, make sure your first toy is versatile because you’re not yet sure what type of toy excites you the best. This Amazon selection has both a long (but not too long) shaft and slight curve to be a G-spot toy, and a curved ribbed tip that will stimulate your clitoris when used externally.
Reviewers say, “It has good speed and shape, doesn’t take long to charge and is waterproof, which I really like. Definitely recommend it if it’s your first toy because it’s not too big.” – Mika, Amazon reviewer
Tracy’s Dog store.
Tracy’s Dog G Spot Dildo Vibrator, $27.99, on sale at Amazon.
Maude Vibe + Drop Duo.
The best beginner’s kit.
This duo from Maude includes the best-selling soft-touch Vibe and the newest Drop body massager. Both are very versatile, discreet and have three speed modes.
Reviewers say, “This was my first vibrator, and I’m just obsessed with it. I sent the link to all my friends and recommend it to everyone. The first speed is great and the second and third speeds are great for completion.” – Kat N., Mod Reviewer
Maude Shop.
Maude Vibe + Drop, $90.00 $80.00, on sale at Maude.
Lovehoney Mini Vibrator with 8 functions.
The best mini wand for beginners
External vibrators like magic wands are very popular among those with clitoris, but they can be powerful, so it’s probably best to start with a relatively inexpensive one. Try this mini wand from Lovehoney, which costs less than $50 but has eight speeds and vibration modes to choose from.
Reviewers say, “We decided to try this wand as a starter in our collection. It’s a universal favorite that can be used in most positions and is perfect for couples. My partner enjoys using it on me and uses it regularly. The only problem I have found with this product is that it is very noisy.”
Store Lovehoney
Lovehoney 8 Function Mini Wand Vibrator, $39.99, on sale at Lovehoney.
Better Love Don’t Text Your Ex Vibrator
The best heart-shaped vibrator for beginners
If embarrassment is holding you back from buying your own sex toy, consider a discreet toy like this heart-shaped treasure. You can leave it on your coffee table and no one will notice. (Although it’s probably worth clarifying that there’s nothing shameful about sex or masturbation). The heart vibrates, has 10 settings, and is covered in soft silicone – so feel free to run it over any part of your body.
Reviewers say, “My first vibrator! I’m a little shy, so when I saw this, I thought this was my chance to get a vibrator! I didn’t regret it!” – Anonymous, reviewer Ella Paradis
Store Better Love
Better Love Don’t Text Your Ex Vibrator, $89.99 $46.99, on sale at Ella Paradis.
Better Love Poseidon.
The best toy for novice partners
Perhaps you’re a pro at solo sex but want to add toys to your partner sex life. This silky and stretchy penis ring is comfortable for beginners but has a powerful charge. Use it on your penis or strap-on to add a little something extra to penetrative sex.
Reviewers state: “I can’t believe that such a small toy could make a huge difference in our bedroom. I have to admit that I was very hesitant when we bought it, but it proved me wrong.” – Niomi, reviewer Ella Paradis
Store Better Love.
Better Love Poseidon, $149.99 $43.99, on sale at Ella Paradis.
Firefly Glow-in-the-Dark Butt Plug Trainer Kit.
The best plug trainer kit for beginners
About to get into anal play? Look for a series of plugs in different sizes so you can start small and then move up to a higher level. This set is popular with beginners because of the variety of sizes and the tapered shape that makes insertion easier.
Reviewers say, “I’m very new to the world of anal play and was a little nervous at first, but the sizes are perfect! The smallest one is small enough not to injure, but big enough to really “practice”. I think the sizes of each are great for beginners and increase in a large range to help build them up. The material is very soft, which is also helpful for those just starting out. Because it is a soft plastic material, it easily grabs hair or lint, but it was easy to clean. I honestly forgot that they glow in the dark and was so surprised at how bright the colors were! So much fun! Overall, if you are new to this, I would 10/10 recommend this product.” – Anonymous, Lovehoney reviewer
Store Lovehoney.
Firefly Glow-in-the-Dark Butt Plug Trainer Kit (3 Piece), $36.99, on sale at Lovehoney.
Byrne’s No. 1 mod.
The best massage oil candle
There’s a lot more you can do with candles than just create ambiance. But if you’re not ready to play with wax yet, get one of Maude’s massage oil candles. They are wax-based with jojoba oil and are naturally scented and fragrance-free. They melt at a much lower temperature than regular wax, so the oil can be applied directly to the skin without fear of burns.
Reviewers say, “I bought a vibrator (awesome) and wanted to try something new and interesting. This massage candle is everything I wanted and more. It smells amazing and leaves such a nice feeling on the skin. You definitely need a lot of it. A little bit lasts a long time. My partner really likes it too. I’m going to buy a second one already.” – Marisa, Mod Reviewer
Maude Shop.
Maude burn #1, $25.00, on sale at Maude.
Bondage Boutique Faux Leather Wrist Cuffs
The best handcuffs for beginners.
Want an introduction to bondage? Start with the soft faux leather handcuffs to get acquainted with the art of bondage.
Reviewers say, “These are perfect for beginners! They open doors to bondage, and I love using them.” – Rebecca, Lovehoney reviewer
Bondage Boutique Shop
Bondage Boutique Faux Leather Wrist Cuffs, $19.99, on sale at Lovehoney.
