The best clitoral vibrators in Australia

Why clitoral stimulation is the shortest route to orgasm

The clitoris is the most nerve-dense structure in the body. It contains far more nerve endings than the vagina or the rest of the vulva, which means that touch and pressure around the clitoris can do a lot more to build arousal than penetration usually does. It makes sense, then, that stimulating the clitoris can often be the quickest and most effective way to orgasm.

Research into sexuality and pleasure consistently finds that most people require clitoral stimulation to orgasm. Our own survey into this found that 92% of respondents need some form of clit stimulation, either alongside or in place of penetration, in order to be able to orgasm. Penetration can definitely be enjoyable and pleasurable, but for most people, it’s not enough on its own to bring them to orgasm.

A sex toy like a clit vibrator can often be really helpful for people looking to increase their pleasure. It’s specifically designed to target the most nerve-dense parts of the anatomy, and can be used solo or alongside partnered sex to reach orgasm quickly and reliably.

The best clitoral vibrators in Australia

Best for everyone: Quinn

What it is: A bullet vibe on one end and an air toy on the other.

Who it suits: Anyone who’s curious about air toys but doesn’t want to give up their reliable bullet vibe.

What it feels like: Rumbly, strong vibrations on one end of the toy and rhythmic bursts of air that mimic oral sex on the other.

Price: A$180.

Pros: There’s no need to choose between a vibrator and an air toy with Quinn, because it combines them both in one. If you want an all-in-one toy to stash in your bedside table or overnight bag without taking up too much space, this is it!

Cons: Only one end of the toy vibrates, and it’s not the end that’s set up like an air toy. This toy is somewhat limited because you can’t enjoy both functions at the same time.

Best for those who prefer oral: Mae

What it is: A vibrating air toy.

Who it suits: Anyone who loves oral, because this mimics the sensation really well. Alternately, anyone who likes air toys and vibes and wants to use them both at once.

What it feels like: Rhythmic bursts of air plus strong, rumbly vibrations.

Price: A$180.

Pros:This combines two of the world’s best and most effective sex toys, a clit vibe and an air toy, into one. You can use both functions at once or switch between them depending on what you prefer.

Cons: This toy can’t be used for penetration or internal stimulation.

Best for beginners: Cheek

What it is: A discreet, quiet, and small vibrator.

Who it suits: Beginners who want to find out what they like.

What it feels like: Rumbly vibrations in a soft, palm-sized vibe.

Price: A$150.

Pros: This toy is designed to be quiet and discreet, perfect for anyone sharing their space with others. It’s designed to be used on any external erogenous zone, making it perfect for experimentation. It’s also nice and neutral: the shape can best be described as a soft, smooth triangle.

Cons: This toy can’t be used for penetration or internal stimulation. Our reviewers tend to note that it’s ideal for beginners, but more experienced users have found other toys to be more intense.

Best for clitoral and internal together: Piper

What it is: A rabbit-style vibrator that has a long arm for penetration and a shorter arm for clit stimulation.

Who it suits: Anyone who wants to combine penetration and external stimulation.

What it feels like: Targeted vibrations on the clit plus rumbly vibrations inside.

Price: A$200.

Pros: It combines penetration and clit stimulation, meaning you get the ‘best of both worlds’. Internal and external vibes mean that you can target the clit and the g-spot together.

Cons: This toy is designed to be used internally and externally at the same time. If you want to choose one or the other (for example, only clit stimulation or only penetration) it’s a little trickier.

Best for partnered play: Darcy

What it is: A wand-style vibrator that can be used internally and externally by all bodies.

Who it suits: Anyone who wants a versatile toy that they can share with a lover.

What it feels like: A rumbly wand vibrator that can also be used for deep penetration.

Price: A$180.

Pros: This is a really versatile toy! The wand end can be used for penetration, while the bulb end can be used as a vibrator (or for penetration at an angle). The wand end is long enough that you can maneuver the toy between two bodies for use during partnered play.

Cons: This toy doesn’t offer internal and external stimulation at once.

Our comparison table

What clitoral stimulation actually feels like

Vibration

Vibration feels like a steady and reliable sensation where the toy makes contact with your body. A good vibrator should rumble rather than buzz, and feel like a pleasurable hum. A lot of people say that the intensity builds with time, but increasing the intensity settings on your toy can also bring it up a notch. 

Rhythmic bursts of air

This feels closer to a warm, pulsing sensation than a buzz. Because air toys are designed to surround the clitoral glans rather than touch it directly, rhythmic bursts of air can feel closer to oral sex than stimulation with a toy and can be a little easier to get comfortable with for people who find direct stimulation too intense.

Combination toys

Combination toys allow you to choose both vibrations and bursts of air at once, or to switch between them both easily. This doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re more intense or the sensations are stronger: it’s just about having both sensations available at once. Sometimes what feels good can change moment to moment, so a combination toy can be useful.

How to choose your first clitoral vibrator

The first thing you should look for is the material the toy is made of. Plastics like jelly and PVC can be porous, which means that they can harbour bacteria and become unsafe to use over time. They can also contain phthalates, which have raised concerns for some. Body-safe silicone is one of the best materials available at the moment. It’s soft, non-porous, and safe to use on your most intimate parts.

Next, consider the intensity of the toy. Some toys are advertised as being really intense, but that’s not useful if you’re still learning what kind of sensations you enjoy. Equally, a toy that’s not intense enough is unlikely to be satisfying. A toy that offers a range of sensations is ideal, so you can start low and build up as you become more comfortable.

Noise is also a really important consideration. If you live with people or even have thin walls between your bedroom and the place next door, it may be best to choose a toy that is advertised as quiet or low-noise. It’s true that a louder toy may mean a more powerful motor, but the most intense settings are rarely the ones that you’d use day-to-day.

Waterproofing is also something you’ll need to consider. If you plan on using your vibe in the shower, you’ll need something that’s waterproof so it doesn’t become damaged. If not, consider something water-resistant. It won’t be safe to be fully submerged in water, but it can be safely wiped down with warm water and soap or a liquid toy cleaner.

A lot of vibrators are rechargeable these days, which means you don’t have to worry about having a constant supply of batteries on hand! However, check out the battery life of a toy before you purchase it. If you enjoy a longer sesh or don’t want to charge your toy between every use, a toy with a higher battery life is going to be best for you.

Finally, check out the warranty. Toys don’t last forever, but you can expect a high-quality toy to last you for at least a year if stored and maintained properly. A brand that offers a warranty for its toys is one that has faith in its products, so make sure that your toy has at least a year-long warranty in case there are any hiccups.

How to use a clitoral vibrator

Find a quiet and private spot, and start on the lowest setting. Even if it doesn’t quite feel powerful enough at first, it’ll be a lot easier and more pleasurable to build up the intensity rather than dialling it down if you start too high. Sensation and arousal tend to build over time rather than hitting all at once, so give it a few minutes if you’re not feeling anything at first.

Lube is essential! It is there to make everything feel better, even with a toy and even if it’s not a penetrative toy. Lube can help to reduce friction and prevent tugging and pulling, so we recommend using a small amount on the part of your body that the vibrator is coming into contact with. 

Along with experimenting with different intensity settings, you can try different levels of pressure and types of movement. Rather than simply holding the vibe in one place, stroke it up and down, move it in circles, tap it lightly, or try swooping motions. Press lightly and more strongly, and see which one feels better. Some parts of your vulva may feel more responsive than others: it’s totally common for one side of the clit to be more sensitive than the other, for example.

Lastly, don’t expect all of this to happen in the blink of an eye! The internet, porn, and mass media tend to imply that arousal and orgasm can happen within minutes if not seconds, but that isn’t the case in reality. Trying something new and finding out what you like can take a little while, so give yourself some patience.