When you look at much of the marketing around sex toys that buzz, you could easily get the mistaken impression that vibrators are exclusively for women. Since the Rampant Rabbit exploded onto the mass market, the word ‘vibrator’ has often been synonymous with clitoral or G-spot stimulation. But there are far more uses for vibration, for men as well as women. So if you’ve never experienced the joys of a rumble in the right place, here’s a run-down of what’s on offer in the male vibrator world, and how to use one to get the best results.
Before we begin, a quick note: Although people most frequently search for sex toys in a gendered way (‘male vibrator’ or ‘female sex toys’ – that sort of thing), by ‘male’ here we’re talking about toys which can be used on either the penis or the prostate. While most people who have a penis will identify as ‘male’, there are also many who don’t. So as we’re pushing back against the idea that vibrators are only for women, it’s worth also noting that no matter what your gender and how you identify, somewhere there’s a toy that’s perfect for you. If you have a penis and/or a prostate? Your perfect toy might be right here on this list…
Male vibrator – for anal play
Vibrating anal toys come in all shapes and sizes, from small vibrating butt plugs to larger, curved dildos designed to stimulate the prostate.
When it comes to anal sensation, everyone’s different, so if you’ve never experienced prostate stimulation before you may need to experiment with one or two different types until you find the right fit for you. Some people prefer that ‘full up’ feeling, while others want something slimmer that has just the right shape to nudge up against the prostate.
The key thing to remember when choosing an insertable vibrator is that it must be specifically designed for anal use: that means something which is safe to insert and has a flared base, so that it is easy to remove when you’re done.
Male vibrator – for solo play
Of course, there’s one vibrator that sits in its own category, because it does something that no other male vibrator can. PULSE SOLO ESSENTIAL – aka the ‘guybrator’ – is made of soft, matt silicon with ‘wings’ that curve around the shaft of the penis, holding it in place. The vibration is provided by the PulsePlate™ which sits snugly against the frenulum – the most sensitive part of the penis. This male vibrator uses oscillations, which feel very different to the kind of tingly, buzzing sensations that you’d get from holding a bullet vibrator against the same place, and the deeper rumbling vibrations travel through the head and down the shaft.
Because of this, PULSE SOLO ESSENTIAL is perfect for people who want to experiment with a genuinely new feeling, and it’s also great for those who want to try out a hands-free orgasm, or who have limited mobility that makes using other sex toys difficult. Vice described PULSE SOLO ESSENTIAL as the ‘next generation’ of male vibrator, because it offers targeted vibrations to the head of the penis.
Other male vibrators include the Cobra Libre – a toy which uses two vibration motors to stimulate the frenulum. It’s a different sensation to the PULSE SOLO ESSENTIAL: PULSE uses medical-grade technology to create oscillations, as opposed to vibrations which are similar to those found in other standard toys on the market. In our opinion, it’s a bit like comparing a very fast road car with something made for formula one.
Male vibrator – for couples play
When it comes to pleasure as a pair, one of the most common go-to vibrators is the vibrating cock ring. Perhaps because cock rings can be picked up very cheaply – a rubber or jelly-like cock ring with a vibrating bullet attached can be yours for as little as a tenner. However, you definitely get what you pay for when it comes to sex toys, and cheap vibrating cock rings are liable to break during sex, or offer a fairly disappointing ‘buzzy’ vibration which fails to satisfy. Sturdier cock rings, made of silicon and with vibrators that you can recharge, will probably offer you a better deal in the long run.
Of course if you’re looking for stronger vibrations and a more intense experience, PULSE DUO is the one to get. The toy wraps around your penis, and the internal oscillating PulsePlate™ sends rumbling vibrations through it. On the outside, there’s a powerful vibrator to stimulate your partner.
Which male vibrator is for you?
In a world where vibration is often synonymous with clitoral stimulation, it can be hard to conceive of a vibrator designed primarily for stimulating either the penis or the prostate. But with the help of a few great sex bloggers, some awareness-raising, and reviews from guys who’ve been turned on to the joys of vibration, the male vibrator is hitting the mainstream. So if you haven’t tried it yet – what are you waiting for?
