Best sex toys for women: Take pleasure into your own hands

See how the Maude Vibe compares with other budget-friendly sex toys.

If you're looking into buying your first sex toy, you've likely realized you have a lot of options. While sex toys ultimately come down to personal preference, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better all-around sex toy than the Maude Vibe, especially at this price point. You get choice, but won't be overwhelmed by it, with three vibration intensities and the option to use the toy both internally and externally. All you need to do to change the intensity is click the same button you use to turn the toy on and off (this is especially important when things are getting hot n' heavy). It's stylish, great for solo and partner use, and even has a travel mode so you won't have to worry about any suspicious buzzing. Let's just say, there's a reason it's a favorite vibrator of former Mashable culture reporter Jess Joho and current Mashable culture reporter, Anna Iovine. 

More from Jess Joho: 

"Without sacrificing uniqueness or quality, its single-button functionality leaves no room for fumbling error in the moment. A minimalist yet striking design, powerful yet discrete motors, practical yet luxurious feel, the Vibe is so inviting I found myself reaching for it more often than toys that cost triple its price."

Read more about why the Crave Vesper Vibrator Necklace is great for beginners.

There are a lot of ways to use a vibrator, but there's a reason that good old-fashioned clitoral stimulation is one of the most popular. For a classic vibrator that gets that and will get you off, look no further than the Crave Vesper.

The design is both fairly standard and unique. It's standard in the way it's not any crazy shape, but unique in that its elegant simplicity allows you to wear it as a necklace without garnering any odd looks (there's also a gold and rose gold version if you prefer not to rock silver). That simplicity carries over to this vibrator's functionality — just one button is needed to turn it on, switch through the three vibration intensities and two patterns, and turn it back off. 

The slim design makes it great for targeted stimulation and for taking on the go, although you might want to bring your charger along just in case — the battery only lasts about 40 minutes. The discreet cherry to top it all off is that this vibe is whisper quiet.

More from Former Culture Reporter Jess Joho: 

"Break the sex toy taboo with a gorgeous necklace that's also a pinpoint clitoral stimulator designed to get you off wherever and whenever you want. Wearing the Vesper turns your shame into an unapologetic pride. While not the most powerful, it's perfect for those nervous about introducing toys into partnered sex since unscrewing it from your necklace is sexier than fumbling for one in your bedside table."

Finding a sex toy with a budget price tag that doesn't skimp on quality can feel risky, but the Unbound Pep promises quality, value, and functionality (plus, it's cute as hell). In other words, you can feel good knowing that you didn't break the bank and that this vibrator is completely safe to use on, in, and around your genitals (and wherever else you like to use it) on the regs. 

This wallet-friendly vibrator still has the features of a pricier option — it's waterproof and has five vibration intensities and three vibration patterns. If you're a newbie, Pep's manual does a great job of breaking down those different patterns and intensities, but if you're an old pro, this vibe's three-button interface makes finding that just-right setting fairly intuitive. The soft egg shape of this vibe also allows you to experiment with pinpointed and target vibrations. 

Also, unlike other cheap vibrators, turning it on won't give every soul in a five-mile radius an audio cue that you're about to have some much-deserved you-time. 

More from Culture Reporter Anna Iovine: 

"While there's no technical breakdown of Pep's speeds, the toy revs up as much as bigger vibrators in my arsenal do. Intensities two and three (medium-low intensity and medium intensity, respectively) were enough to get me over the edge, but there are numerous intensities and patterns to cycle through when using Pep; there's lots of room to explore. Pep's body is pretty "squishy," so it feels good on even the most sensitive areas."

Read our full review on the Unbound Pep.

See how the Womanizer Premium compares to other popular vibrators.

This just in: there are sex toys other than vibrators that are worth your time during a solo sesh, and the Womanizer Premium is one of them. This clitoral stimulator uses air pulsation (or suction) to get you where you need to go. It may be tricky to line up at first, but once you do, you definitely go. The autopilot mode on this toy makes the going even better, as it switches between the 12 intensities automatically while you sit back and relax.

Our reviewer doesn't even really vibe with (no pun intended) suction toys, and she was still willing to sing this one's praises (seriously, check out the excerpt below). Will it cost you a pretty penny? Yes. But this is a powerful, quiet, and frankly, artistic-looking toy that'll deliver on what it promises — a very, very good time. 

More from Culture Reporter Anna Iovine: 

"Yes, the Womanizer is a suction toy, meaning it's not this writer's favorite. Regardless, I found that the Womanizer Premium is user-friendly and powerful, especially on the higher notches. Its shape is easy to handle, and it's not bad to look at either. With 12 intensity levels, there's something for everyone, and I didn't get near the top intensity in order to climax."

No matter how excited you may feel to dive right in, one of the cardinal rules of anal play is to ease in at your own pace, beginner or not. You know, slow but steady wins the race and all that. That's why we think the b-Vibe Snug Plug, which comes in seven different size and weight options (with slightly varying prices), is one of the best butt plugs out there.

This plug is made with soft, body-safe silicone (you should always use a water-based lube with silicone toys) and a shape that's easy to maneuver by yourself or a partner. Though it doesn't vibrate, this toy is weighted, with the smallest size at 55 grams and the largest at 515 grams. That weight provides pressure and fullness, some of the most sought-after feelings when using butt plugs. Whether used alone or with other toys, this plug is a great way to experience unique sensations. And as an added bonus, you'll also receive an educational guide for anal training, with information that'll likely be useful to most users.

More from former Culture Reporter Jess Joho:

"What stands out most about b-Vibe is how beginner-friendly its overall approach is. Aside from having escalating sizes that accommodate all experience levels and are ideal for anal training (which they offer in an awesome bundle), their educational guides include detailed instructions and common questions and advice for a great anal experience. The weighted Snug Plug, while more expensive, brings a feeling of fullness that adds pressure stimulation." 

Read our full review of the b-vibe Snug Plug.

Hump it, grind on it, curl it up, wear it in a harness, or put it between two bodies. No, we're not pitching a sexy adult Bop-It. We're just listing some ways you can use Wild Flower's Enby 2. 

Immediately from its appearance, you can tell this sex toy was built differently. This mermaid fin-shaped toy can be twisted, curled, or laid flat, so you can use it in all the wonderful ways you can think of. It works well for solo use, partner play, in the shower, in your bed, on some pillows, standing up — literally, wherever and however you like it. As for the vibrations, let's say you'll definitely feel it. 

If you're curious about the name, it comes from the term "NB," meaning nonbinary, which aptly suits this toy that can be used on every body, regardless of gender, making it a very appealing choice for straight and queer women alike.

More from Culture Reporter Anna Iovine:

"For such a versatile toy, the price is on point. [Y]ou're almost getting multiple toys in one. I'll be real, I love my wand vibrators, but they don't have anywhere close to the variety of the Enby 2 — and they're pricier and bulkier to boot."

Read our full review of Enby 2.

LELO is no doubt one of the chicest sex toy brands out there. From the packaging to the product design, LELO has made itself known as the luxe and sophisticated option for intimate pleasure.

The LELO Smart Wand 2(opens in a new tab) has an ergonomic, curved handle that makes it easy to maneuver, even for longer sessions. However, during testing, we noted that it isn't really designed for prolonged use. This wand is powerful, and the vibrations can be intense and sometimes a bit jumpy — but that's one of many reasons to love it. If you need a quick, intense orgasm, this toy is the way to do it.

The Smart Wand 2 also has a reliable battery life, is easy to clean, and is 100% waterproof.

Even if you're a wand aficionado with a collection of gazillion wands and only one go-to, the VIM(opens in a new tab) is definitely worth checking out. Its revolutionary design and functionality are impressive, and it might just earn a spot in your top five favorites.

Unlike other wands, the VIM is lightweight and the vibrations don't reach the handle, making it easier to use. (It shouldn't hurt your wrist after extended use like other wands do.) The buttons are easy to see and use, and switching between the three vibration patterns is straightforward. The VIM has a flexible neck, so you can adjust the angle and pressure to hit the perfect spot every time.

The most unique feature of this wand is the type of orgasm it provides, which cannot be replicated with other toys. The VIM offers deep, rumbly vibrations that are intense but not in an OMG I'm going to come right now kind of way. They're more of a slow-building pleasure that culminates in a mind-blowing release. The rumbly nature of this wand allows you to prolong your playtime instead of having a one-and-done experience.

Plus, the VIM is super multi-functional. You can use it alone or during partnered sex, and it's great for all types of play, from foreplay to edging to blended orgasms (it's also great for grinding against). And it has a travel lock, so you can throw it in your luggage without worrying whether TSA will cart you off to a private room for questioning.