Wand vibrators have been bringing sensation to people of all ages since the first variation hit the market in 1968. The patent for wand vibrators was filed that year by Hitachi, Ltd, a company that still makes them today (under the name Magic Wand).
Easily recognized for their bulbous head and long handle, wand vibrators have also existed under a number of names throughout their long tenure of stimulating external body parts. But whether you call them a “personal device,” “massager,” or “magic wand,” there’s no question that these beginner-friendly toys have the capacity to dial up pleasure during solo or partnered play.
Why wand vibrators?
What does it do? The rounded heads on these microphone-shaped massagers deliver vibrations, while the handle elongates reach, making it easier to touch external erogenous zones, muscles, and more. They are available in both plug-in and cordless models, which offer the same sensations but at slightly different price points and portability options.
What body part or parts is it for use with? Wand vibrators can be used on any external area that responds pleasurably to the powerful sensation they deliver. On their own, these toys aren’t made for internal vaginal or anal stimulation, but there are attachments—essentially, body-safe hats—you can outfit your toy with to transform it into a prostate, anal, g-spot, or dildo toy.
What’s it feel like? Powerful, rumbly, and intense are the adjectives most commonly ascribed to this category. But there are as many pleasure preferences as there are people exploring theirs. With that, different people will report different sensations.
Other words used for wands include, orgasmic, overstimulating, and overwhelming. That’s because wands often transmit vibrations that radiate beyond the place they touch your skin to travel deep into the pelvic tissues. So, even if the toy is only touching your clitoris, its sensations may be felt across your entire vulva, thighs, or even belly.
Quick facts
What material(s) are wand vibrators made of? The best wand vibrators are made from a combination of medical-grade silicone and ABS-plastic, both of which—yay!—are body-safe. Silicone is a soft, skin-like material, while ABS-plastic is hard and firm, but smooth.
Are they loud? Short answer: Yes. Very. The bigger the toy, the larger the motor; and the larger the motor, the louder the vibrations. As some of the largest sex toys there are, wand vibrators motors pack a punch—though how loud they can vary by brand and product. Some sound like power-sanders and others like an electric toothbrush, while many newer models are no more noticeable than a phone vibrating in your pocket.
If noise is a concern, check reviews before purchase. There are now mini-wands that are as quiet as other toys if noise is a concern, but you still want to use a wand.
Is it beginner-friendly? Absolutely! Just because they are powerful doesn’t mean that they are advanced. You don’t have to have any prior experience with pleasure products, people, or masturbation to use these intuitive toys. Just push the—usually, clearly labeled—button and enjoy.
Still, their strength can be surprising and placing one right on your most-sensitive bits can feel overwhelming. To ease in, hold the head against your hand, thighs, or chest so you can become accustomed to the intensity before bringing them to your nerve-rich places. You could also explore using the wand over your clothing to start.
Do I need anything besides the toy to use it? A water-based lubricant can be beneficial if you’re using the toy on skin, as it allows the toy to glide over, rather than stick to, your skin. If you’re using a plug-in model, you’ll also need a nearby outlet.
Some people like to use a sex toy cleanser or wipe after use—but that is not essential as, for body-safe materials, fragrance-free soap and warm water will clean your toy just as effectively.
Are wand vibrators safe?
Yes, yes, and yes! Just be sure to buy one made from body-safe material (again, silicone or ABS-plastic) and stick to external use. Additionally, you should never use a plug-in variation in the shower and double-check your massager is waterproof before using it while you soak.
The rumor mill has been buzzing with the myth that wand vibrators can harm your genitals since their creation. So, let’s clarify the facts: You will not permanently desensitize your genitals, nor ruin your ability to orgasm with a partner or by other means, by using a wand vibrator.
The genitals of someone using a wand may sometimes feel temporarily numb or less sensitive after a marathon session with a high-powered vibrator, or if you’re using a lot of pressure with it. But sensation will come back and your body will return to its baseline after just a few minutes. (Anecdotally, many people report that using the bathroom or hopping in the shower fast-tracks this process).
How can you keep it clean? Most wand-vibrators can be properly cleaned with warm water and a fragrance-free soap. If your wand is not waterproof, you can use a washcloth to clean the head rather than placing it directly under the faucet. Another option is to utilize a store-bought sex toy cleaner. If you share a bathroom with roommates or siblings, sex toy cleaning wipes can be a discrete choice for keeping things clean.
How to use it?
Wand vibrators can be used anywhere external, including on genitals, nipples, sore muscles, and more. There is no wrong way to use these toys, but the key is to listen to your body, leaning into the sensations that feel good, and shifting gears when something doesn’t feel great.
Can I use it alone? Absolutely. Wand vibrators are a wonderful addition to a masturbation session. Not to mention, they come in handy for massaging your muscles when your pals or partner aren’t in the mood to play masseuse.
Can you use it with a partner? If so, how? Yes! Using a wand vibrator with a partner can facilitate a sense of adventure, enhance connectivity, and make new sensations accessible! After all, these vibrators were literally designed to move at speeds and durations that the human body physically cannot.
But there’s one important rule about incorporating a toy into play with a partner: Talk about it first. Using a sex toy isn’t something you want to spring on your partner mid-session. Instead, introduce the idea in a non-sexual setting. A simple, “Hey, I read an article about wand vibrators and I think it could be really fun for us to try together—would you be open to trying it sometime?” is a great way to start that convo.
Once everyone consents, you can take turns using the wand on one another’s backs, sore muscles, nipples, or external genitals. You can also use a wand during other sexual activities, rather than only using the wand. For example, you could position it against your perineum or pubic mound while a partner utilizes their mouth or hands to stimulate the rest of your genitals. Or, they might hold it against their front genitals during intercourse or other kinds of sex.
Alternatively, you can position the wand between bodies for shared stimulation.
Where to get it?
Where can I buy it? Wand vibrators are widely available both online and in physical sex shops, big-box stores, and even some general wellness and beauty retailers. In fact, because they are often sold under the “personal massager” category, they can be easier to access—including for younger people who are not ready or legally able to shop at adult retailers.
Most sellers offer discreet shipping, sending products in plain brown boxes with unidentifiable return labels. However, you’d be wise to check out the company website to see how the purchase will appear on credit card and bank statements, if privacy is important to you.
What do they usually cost? Wand vibrators can ring up for anywhere between $25 and $250 USD. There are sound options on the lower end of the cost spectrum, but you’ll need to spend more for features like waterproof coating, app-compatibility, longer warranty, and a wider range of settings.
Is there something I can find at home? Some places forbid sex stores from selling sex toys to minors, so if you’re under 18, know that it’s common for shops to verify your purchase ahead of sale. Thankfully, with a little creativity, care, and caution, there are a handful of household items you can DIY for pleasure.
Electric toothbrushes, electric razor handles, back massagers, cell phones, vibrating spatulas, vibrating facial massage rollers, vibrating foam rollers, and more can all double as make-shift sexual massagers. However, because these products are not designed specifically for your genitals, most are not made from genital-safe materials. As such, for your safety—as well as that of anyone who will be using the product for its intended use after you—it’s best to use these toys over your underwear, a bedsheet, towel, or with a condom on top.
How can I pick the right one for me?
Size and Weight: Longer wand vibrators can make it easier to reach your genitals, especially if you have a bigger belly, long torso, or mobility limitations. But long wands can be harder to store and are more likely to get in the way during partnered play. While 12+ inches is the standard wand vibrator length, you might want a mini model if that much, well, toy, feels over the top.
You’ll also want to consider the weight of the toy, as holding anything heavy for a long period can be fatiguing for your arm muscles, particularly if you have any disabilities that make it difficult to hold onto something heavier for periods of time. (That said, you don’t have to hold a wand vibrator to use one. One great accessibility hack is positioning it against a pillow and grinding against it face-down, having a partner hold it, or purchasing a wand-holding pillow, a thing that exists in the world.)
Corded vs. Rechargeable: Corded wand vibrators are generally less expensive but more powerful compared to their rechargeable counterpoints. Additionally, corded options require an outlet and can never be used in the water, while cordless variations can be used almost anywhere. For most first-time vibrator owners, a rechargeable option may be best because of their exploratory potential.
Settings and Intensity: Most wand vibrators come with a variety of settings, allowing you to experiment with different degrees of intensity. A variety of power and pattern options gives you an opportunity to explore your preferences, but options with more settings are generally more experience. For first-time wand users, an option with at a minimum of three intensity levels is probably best.
