The Wirecutter Show – "The Vibrator Episode (Encore)"

Date: February 11, 2026
Hosts: Christine Cyr Clisset, Caira Blackwell, and Rosie Guerin
Guest: Bianca Alba (Nonbinary sex toy educator, Wirecutter’s sex toy writer)

Episode Overview

This special encore episode of The Wirecutter Show dives deep into the world of vibrators—a product category perennially in the top spot of Wirecutter’s most popular guides. With Valentine’s Day approaching, the hosts revisit their candid, laughter-filled yet rigorously researched discussion about choosing vibrators, busting myths, increasing sexual well-being, and giving practical advice for anyone, from total beginners to seasoned users. Wirecutter’s veteran sex toy reviewer and nonbinary sexual health educator Bianca Alba returns to share expertise, product tips, testing insights, and thoughtful, inclusive perspectives.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Popularity—and Stigma—of Sex Toy Reviews

• Vibrators are one of Wirecutter's most-read topics year-round ([02:23]).
• There's a real hunger for "straight review on vibrators"—rigorous testing and expert advice, often lacking elsewhere ([02:42], Christine).
• The subject is still taboo; even the NYT’s audience drops jokes and some are scandalized at the Times covering sex toys ([07:34], Christine).

Bianca: "There is a real double standard about male sexuality... the idea that there is a product that is specifically just to give a person with a vulva a clitoral orgasm is like, oh no. It's either funny or uncomfortable or titillating, when I think it's really just a part of health." ([08:09])

The Health Perspective & ‘Closing the Orgasm Gap’

• The guide isn't about titillation, but sex positivity and closing the “orgasm gap.”
  • 75% of people with vulvas (especially heterosexual women) can't orgasm from penetration alone ([08:34])
• Vibrators play a crucial role in sexual well-being; Bianca shares the story of a 75-year-old reader having her first orgasm thanks to the guide ([09:13]).

Vibrators: Not Just for People with Vulvas

• Vibrators are versatile tools: for clitoral, nipple, and even back massage use ([09:44], Bianca).
• Newer vibrators cater to diverse anatomy and stimulation preferences—including models for penises and suction or thumping devices ([10:20]).
• There’s a huge expansion in types and technologies.

How To Start Shopping for a Vibrator

• Before shopping, do a self-assessment about your needs: solo vs. partner play? First orgasm or variety? ([11:04])
• If possible, visiting a physical store is advantageous—touch and feel different options with help from a sex educator ([11:04], Bianca).
• Major types:
  • Wand vibrators (powerful, larger; e.g. Magic Wand)
  • Palm-sized clitoral vibrators (Dame Air, Lelo Dot, Satisfier Purple Pleasure)
  • Slim, partner-friendly styles
  • Internal vibrators (for vaginal, anal, or prostate play)
  • Dual stimulators ("rabbit" archetypes; internal + clitoral) ([12:02])

Product Recommendations & Considerations

• Small, Handheld Picks:
  • Satisfier Purple Pleasure – Budget, discreet, fits vulva comfortably ([14:08]).
  • Dame Air – Suction stimulator, good for partner or solo use.
  • Lelo Dot – Pinpoint stimulation for precise targeting of sensitive areas.
• Magic Wand:
  • The "iconic" and perennially recommended choice for high power.
  • Powerful, versatile, not subtle: "Even if you hate it as a sex toy, it's a really good back massager..." ([15:51], Bianca, echoing her opening joke).
  • Available in corded and cordless versions; corded is lighter but needs a plug ([20:11]).

Bianca: "For people who struggle to reach orgasm, the Magic Wand is often the thing that gets them over the edge... there's a lot of academic research done about women with anorgasmia having their first orgasm using Betty Dodson's strategy with the magic wand." ([18:56])

• Choosing:
  • Don't assume “beginner” means you want less power. Many need more intensity, so start with an honest self-assessment ([15:51]).
  • Consider sensitivity: if highly sensitive, a gentler toy; otherwise, don't go too mild if you want strong sensations ([15:51]).

How Bianca Tests (and Who Tests)

• Bianca researches trends, visits trade shows, and tests toys personally, multiple times, across cycle phases ([21:12]).
• Spreadsheets track features: warranty, battery life, charging time, material ([22:53]).
• Only truly remarkable or disappointing products prompt wider tester distribution.
• Testers are diverse in age, gender identity, and ability; expanded effort to include more trans, menopausal, and disabled perspectives ([25:05]).

Shopping Pitfalls (and How to Avoid Them)

• Beware Knockoffs:
  • Rampant on Amazon, Temu, Alibaba.
  • Risks: Unknown materials (can be unsafe), unreliable quality, possible health hazards (phthalates, bacteria) ([29:43]).
• Spotting Fakes:
  • “If the price is too good to be true, it’s not the real deal.” A Magic Wand for $30 isn’t real ([30:35]).
  • Go direct or with trusted retailers; check for a good warranty ([30:56]).

What if You Don’t Like What You Buy?

• Don’t give up immediately—your body may need time to adjust to new sensations ([31:32]).
• Try it multiple times, vary timing, add lube, use on different body parts, involve a partner ([31:32]).
• Final recourse: Rehome (after disinfecting), but note responsible disposal is tricky due to batteries—some toys have no clear recycling path ([32:46]).
  • Amusing suggestion: "There's an artist building a house out of sex toys..." ([32:46])

Lightning Round: Quick Q&A ([33:59])

• Buying for a partner: Involve them in the process—don’t buy secretly ([34:06]).
• Does size matter? Only if it matters to you; power often means larger toys, but internal use varies by individual ([35:05]).
• Lube compatibility: Use water-based lube with silicone toys; don't use silicone lube with silicone toys, and be wary of oil-based with mechanisms ([35:34]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On stigma:

  “There is a real double standard about male sexuality...This is something I'm very passionate about as an educator. Like, I actually just got an email from a 75 year old woman who got her first vibrator after looking at the guide. And she's like, this is what I've been missing out on all these years.”
  — Bianca Alba ([08:09]–[09:25])

• On Magic Wand's design:

  "It is big, and it's kind of ugly...But they've sort of owned that, and that's their brand....A lot of competitors have been like, 'oh, we offer a more elegant wand that's purple or black or something like that.' And Magic Wand is like, 'no, we have this really iconic brand.' Maybe it's kind of ugly and clinical looking, but people recognize it."
  — Bianca Alba ([18:09])

• Universal Magic Wand utility:

  "Even if you hate it as a sex toy, it's a really good back massager so you're not wasting your money."
  — Bianca Alba ([46], [15:51])

• Host takeaways:

  "If all else fails, your magic wand can be a back massager."
  — Kyra ([37:13]) "I think my big takeaway was—was it Socrates? Know thyself."
  — Rosie ([37:21]) "[If] you at first do not like it, try, try again...maybe try it at a different time of the month, or when you're less stressed."
  — Christine ([37:47])

Episode Highlights With Timestamps

• Intro/Context & Candidness (01:55–04:11):
  • The hosts acknowledge the taboo and vulnerability around discussing vibrators; Christine nervous about family listeners.
• Bianca’s Perspective on Stigma & Purpose (07:34–09:25):
  • Double standards, orgasm gap, impact stories.
• Vibrator Types & Choosing (12:02–18:56):
  • Walk-through of types, dueling the "rabbit," Magic Wand’s history and purpose.
• Testing & Inclusion (21:12–26:52):
  • Bianca’s spreadsheet, research, and dedication to diverse feedback.
• Hazards of Knockoffs (29:28–30:56):
  • Why to avoid untrusted sellers, ensuring safety and investment.
• Not Loving Your Toy (31:32–33:42):
  • Try more than once, responsible disposal.
• Lightning Q&A (33:49–36:08):
  • Concise, relatable answers to common questions.
• Final Thoughts (37:06–38:12):
  • Recap: try, try again, know thyself, universal utility of the Magic Wand.

Final Takeaways

• Start with self-knowledge:
  • What feels good to you solo or with a partner? This should guide your purchase ([26:52]).
• Do your research and seek trusted guides:
  • Quality over price; warranty is important ([30:56]).
• Try before you judge:
  • Sensations take adjustment; try toys in different moods or times ([31:32]).
• Magic Wand is a solid default pick—if only for back massages! ([15:51], [37:13])
• Keep it inclusive and open:
  • Vibrators aren’t just “for women” and aren’t about shame—they are tools for health and pleasure at any age, gender, or ability ([09:44], [25:05]).

Links to current product picks and Bianca’s guides are in the show notes.

Happy Valentine’s!