National Masturbation Month: The history of the vibrator
As the partner of a person with a penis (try saying that five times fast!), this toy is one of my absolute faves on this list, because of how well it combines with blowjobs and handjobs. You can use the toy around the base of a dick while you or your partner stimulates the rest of it vibrator, adding some intensity into an already-intense experience. It’s a smart pick for anyone who travels a lot, too, because it’s much more compact than a lot of other options on this list, and even has a travel lock function so it won’t go berserk in your suitcase mid-trek.
But staring across the room at the new Godin Connaisseur MJ, glowing in soft spring sunlight, I kept thinking about two very classic American guitar companies. Martin and Rickenbacker are famous for very different things, and one of them rarely made acoustic instruments. But check out the Godin’s sunburst finish—it sure reminds me of Rickenbackerfireglo. The herringbone-patterned purling evokes that found on a D-28 as well as Rickenbacker’s checkerboard binding. There are practical reasons that this Godin feels like an alternate-universe offspring from the two American companies—most notably the super-satisfying playability.
The We-Connect app lets couples control the product even when they’re miles apart, bringing a new charge to long-distance relationships. In fact, while most sex toys are great for solo play, they can also be a fun part of partnered sex if you want them to be. “It’s also a way to signal more of what you like, which is a thrilling way to grow the relationship.” In particular, those who can’t reach orgasm through penetrative sex, or people who simply want to explore new avenues of masturbation.
Get intimate from afar with these app-controlled vibrators , suction toys, rings and more. You can read more about how we enlisted actual long-distance couples to test and review sex toys at the end of the guide. Panellists scored each sex toy on its ease of use, design, battery life and instructions, while also providing detailed feedback on its overall performance. Despite being most of the most powerful massagers on the list, it’s also one of the quietest—a major bonus for those with roomies, kids, or skittish pets. “It’s super intuitive and easy to use, as it has a tactile switch for modulating settings and an ergonomic handle,” Dr. O’Reilly adds. It can even be synced with the We-Vibe Connect app on your phone, so you can adjust the settings more easily or use it with a long-distance partner.
Just be sure that the toy’s buttons are well-labeled and intuitively placed—there’s nothing worse than trying to up the ante right before orgasm, only to turn the entire vibe off accidentally. It can be hard to feel connected sometimes even when you live in the same city, but put a bunch of miles between the two of you and it can feel downright sucky. Sex toys have evolved to be interactive so video chatting and sexting aren’t the only tools to help you keep things steamy when you’re apart. Fans of the Lelo Nea 2 tend to be amazed that such a tiny little vibrator can pack such a strong and versatile punch. “It’s super petite and gives you the option to use solo, or with a partner — truly the best of both worlds,” says Reeves. And despite the intensity of the vibrations, the Nea 2 is quiet, adding to its already impressive discretion factor.
The best vibrating cock rings are the sex toy definition of a win-win, bringing good vibes to everyone in the room. You get the constriction of a cock ring, which strengthens an erection and boosts your sensitivity. And then there are the vibrations, which can stimulate both your partner and you, potentially at the same time. A great way to get a partner involved in the experience is with a remote-controlled vibrator. This egg vibrator can be used both internally and externally and is waterproof and rechargeable. She says, “The different vibrations can be kind of confusing…You don’t need all those functions as a beginner.” Dr. Tara also recommends starting with a soft surface (like silicone) for its feel and ease of use.
Jawed-Wessel, whose area of research expertise is postpartum sex, likes Lelo’s clitoral vibrators, “which are perfect for the woman who doesn’t even want to be reminded of vaginal penetration,” she says. The nipples are very sensitive, so showing them some attention can be an exciting way to bring more pleasure to solo or partner sex. This is super lightweight, so you can really focus on the sensations, plus there are five modes to find your ideal intensity. And don’t be afraid to explore beyond the breasts — try tickling around the vulva or penis to see what feels good. Introducing hands-free vibration during sex can enhance things for both you and your partner, and this is a good first option for people who haven’t experimented with wearable toys before (just note that it may feel snug at first).