In This Article
Of course there are a number of products I love that extend well into triple-digit territory, but many if not most folks aren’t prepared to shell out so much on something that might be good for them. So how do you find a toy that’s affordable but doesn’t compromise quality while helping you achieve orgasmic bliss? You call in the sexperts. Below, learn the concrete markers of quality in a sex toy, and then highlight some of the best affordable vibrators on the market.
- Kenneth Play, sex hacker, international sex expert, and sex educator
- Marla Renee Stewart, sexologist and sexual wellness expert for Lovers
- Rebecca Alvarez Story, sexologist and founder of Bloomi
- Taylor Sparks, erotic educator and founder of Organic Loven
- Tyomi Morgan, Tyomi Morgan is a certified sexologist, authentic tantra practitioner, and international pleasure coach.
5 factors to look for in a high-quality vibrator, according to sexperts
1. Material
“When seeking a high-quality toy, you want products that are made with medical-grade silicone—good enough for surgeons to use—body-safe silicone—good enough to be on or in the skin—stainless steel, and borosilicate glass,” says Taylor Sparks, erotic educator and founder of online intimacy shop Organic Loven.
She adds that you also want to be mindful of what materials to pass on. “It’s important not to use non-acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic and jelly toys, as most of them have harmful phthalates and parabens which, when heated, can leach these chemicals,” says Sparks. “The last thing you want to do is put a jelly toy in a 98.6°F body.” So, if it looks like a hot-pink vibrator straight out of 1999, you might want to steer clear.
2. Design
“Toys designed ergonomically [such as] toys that curve are fantastic for those who have difficulty reaching their intimate parts,” says Tyomi Morgan, in-house sexologist and pleasure coach for Sweet Vibes. “This type of design allows users to feel comfortable in making a purchase because they know the toy can be used easily. [Also], toys that can fit between two partners are also great buys for people who want to use them to enhance partnered sex.”
3. User-friendliness
“A toy that’s easy to use with simple button controls and comes with instructions on how to use, clean, and store makes for an amazing buy,” says Morgan. “Toys that come with chargers, storage bags, and a booklet for how to use them on the body are also winners.”
4. Being waterproof
“Rechargeable toys enable more toys to become water resistant or completely waterproof, depending on the port the charger uses,” Morgan says. “This feature makes using toys in the shower or bathtub possible, expanding a user’s options for where to play with self-pleasure.”
5. Eco-Friendliness
“Toys of the past required the use of batteries that not only ended up in landfills, but had the potential to leak out and damage the toys if left inside for too long,” says Morgan. “Toys that are rechargeable are gentle on the environment and allow the user to keep the toy for a much longer lifespan.”
In my experience, too, rechargeable vibrators or just easier to deal with. (I, for one, almost never have AAAs in my house.) However, this component is more of a bonus, especially if price is a concern. “Just because a toy is rechargeable doesn’t make it high quality or justify the higher price tag,” says Sparks. “It’s primarily what the product is made of that counts.”
Best affordable vibrators under $25
For those who play well with others, a cock ring can be a beautiful way to add buzz into your relationship. “The VeDO Drive Vibrating Cock Ring is made of silicone, is waterproof, and can be used alone or with a partner,” says Sparks. “This can turn any dildo into a dual-stimulation vibrator, too, so it’s super-handy to have laying around.”