The Vibrator Episode (Encore)

Summary

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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)

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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.

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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]).

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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])

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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.

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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]).

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

Happy Valentine’s!

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Transcript

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[Rosie Guerin]

This episode we'll be talking about adult topics with sexual language. If you've got kids around, probably best to save the episode for another time.

[Bianca Alba]

The thing I always tell people is even if you hate it as a sex toy, it's a really good back massager so you're not wasting your money. That's really funny. Yeah, like there are other things you can use it for.

[Christine Cyrclassette]

Christine's year Classette.

[Kyra Blackwell]

I'm Kyra Blackwell.

[Rosie Guerin]

I'm Rosie Guerin and you're listening to the Wirecutter show. Hey there, it's Rosie. Valentine's Day is coming up this week and whether you celebrate or not, love is in the air. So we wanted to re air one of our all time favorite episodes, the Vibrator episode. This one is chock full of great tips and recommendations for finding a vibrator that will suit you or the person you love. Heads up. Some of our picks have changed since we recorded this episode. So if you like the sound of something we're talking about, make sure you check the show notes for the most up to date product links in that category. Hope you enjoy it. Happy Valentine's. Christine, you're blushing.

[Bianca Alba]

I totally blushing.

[Rosie Guerin]

What's going on?

[Christine Cyrclassette]

I feel so immature right now. I've kind of been dreading but super looking forward to this episode because I think it's gonna be great and I think it's super interesting. But I also know that maybe my family is gonna listen.

[Kyra Blackwell]

Yeah, please mom, turn this off.

[Rosie Guerin]

I love that right now we're just shaking ourselves out. We're doing all the vocal warmups, all the giggles. Because today we're talking about vibrators.

[Christine Cyrclassette]

That's right. We are talking about vibrators.

[Rosie Guerin]

And by the way, one of the most popular guides on the Wirecutter site. All time.

[Christine Cyrclassette]

People cannot get enough of this guide. It is way, way up at the top of what people read on Wirecutter long almost every day of the year.

[Kyra Blackwell]

They're just pulling up their little private browsing page for Vibes.

[Bianca Alba]

I mean, we are laughing, right?

[Christine Cyrclassette]

But it's also, I think it points to something much deeper. Honestly, I think there's a real hunger for this kind of straight review on vibrators. Well tested, well vetted options, and I feel like there's just not a lot of great sources for that on the Internet. And our writer has tested so many vibrators for this guide and tested with a wide group of people.

[Rosie Guerin]

It's through the wire cutter lens. I mean, that's at the end of the day, right? It's given the sort of same treatment that KitchenAid mixers or rollaway suitcases are. It's just a harder thing maybe to crowdsource advice on. So I think some people crave it in a guide somewhere. They can go one stop shop for really straightforward advice about what you might want to look for when you're going to make this purchase. Because a lot of these aren't cheap.

[Kyra Blackwell]

Nope, cannot return them.

[Christine Cyrclassette]

So who are we talking to today? We are bringing in Wirecutter's MVP of sex toy coverage.

[Bianca Alba]

Our.

[Christine Cyrclassette]

Yeah, our longtime sex toy writer.

[Kyra Blackwell]

Yeah. Today we're going to talk with Bianca Alba and they're going to tell us about the hang ups people have when it comes to sex toys and how they test for our guide. And we'll run through a ton of different types of vibrators and advice on how to shop for them because it can be kind of scary and intimidating.

[Christine Cyrclassette]

Bianca is going to walk us through exactly how to buy a vibrator that you'll hopefully love. And they are also going to dish on the things that you really want to avoid because there are some products out there that you really just don't want to buy.

[Rosie Guerin]

Bianca's brilliant. I'm pumped.

[Kyra Blackwell]

Next we'll be back with Bianca, our sex toy writer. See you in a sec.

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[Bianca Alba]

Foreign.

[Kyra Blackwell]

Welcome back to the Wirecutter Show. Bianca Alba is a non binary sexual health educator with a master's in public health and also works as a coach and journalist. They're Wirecutter, sex toy writer. Working on our guide to vibrators since 2014. They've also written our guides to personal lubricants, condoms, and anal toys, among others. For the vibrator guide alone, Bianca interviewed more than a dozen experts and sex toy users and tested about 30 vibrators.

[Christine Cyrclassette]

Bianca, welcome to the Wirecutter Show.

[Rosie Guerin]

Hi.

[Bianca Alba]

Thanks for having me.

[Rosie Guerin]

Bianca, I've gotta ask, what is the most common reaction that you get when people find out you're at a restaurant, you're at a party, wherever you are? People find out that you review sex toys for a living?

[Bianca Alba]

Giggly discomfort. Or sometimes they think I'm being provocative or seductive and it's like, no, this is really my job. And then when they find out that I'm doing it for New York Times, they're like, the New York Times does what? You know, there's this kind of like, shock.

[Rosie Guerin]

What are the eye roll reactions that you usually get?

[Bianca Alba]

There was some guy that I was chatting with and I said something about how I had to work on the guide and he was like, oh, do you want me to come over and help you? And. And I was like, oh, do you want, do you want to help me set up a spreadsheet and email some vendors? Because that's what I'm going to be doing.

[Rosie Guerin]

I love a tour of the new Excel.

[Bianca Alba]

Right.

[Christine Cyrclassette]

I do actually want to talk a little bit about the reactions that people have to this guide, especially coming out of a publication that that is part of the New York Times Company. Whenever we promote this guide, we tend to get a lot of little jokes dropped on social media and even within the comment section of the guide. We have certain people who comment who seem to be sort of scandalized that a publication from the New York Times would be reviewing vibrators. So, you know, I'm just wondering, why do you think this guide is both so popular but also so polarizing?

[Bianca Alba]

There is a real double standard about male sexuality. I mean, because there's a lot of discussion of stuff like Viagra and condoms are not so taboo to discuss. But 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. You know, healthy sexuality, healthy connection, healthy intimacy. For me, what this guide is really about is closing the orgasm gap. Like, research has shown that 75% of people with vulvas, namely heterosexual women, are not going to be able to have an orgasm just from penetrative sex. And it's. There's sort of an expectation that they should be able to. A lot of the time people need direct clitoral stimulation and a vibrator is a very effective way to, to close the orgasm gap. 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.

[Kyra Blackwell]

Wow.

[Bianca Alba]

At age 75, having her first orgasm. So I hope for future generations that there are fewer people who have to wait until they're 75 years old to have their first orgasm.

[Rosie Guerin]

Who are vibrators for broadly speaking, vibrators.

[Bianca Alba]

Aren'T just for people with vulvas. The guide that I've written up to this point has been focused on vibrators for clitoral stimulation, but that doesn't mean that they're only for people with vulvas. Vibrators can also be used on nipples. They can be used for massage. Like the magic wand started out as a massager. And historically vibrators were used in a lot of medical applications. So it's not just for sexual titillation. It's a stimulator. And they're increasingly coming out with more vibrators that can be used with penises or other body parts.

[Rosie Guerin]

And some don't even vibrate.

[Bianca Alba]

Yeah, I just came back from a big trade show and there's also a lot of suction toys now that fit over the clitoris or nipples and suction. There are Toys that thump. There are toys that like flicker or oscillate. So there's a lot of emerging technology about what's going to be the next big thing in this industry in terms of different people, like different types of stimulation.

[Kyra Blackwell]

So for people who have never had the chance of using a vibrator in your guide, you recommend that people go to a brick and mortar store, just like walk right in and ask somebody for help. What are some of the basic things that you should ask if you really don't know where to start?

[Bianca Alba]

So do maybe like a little bit of a self assessment beforehand about what do you hope to get out of this experience? Is this going to be solo exploration? Is this going to be something you use with a partner? Are you trying to have your first orgasm? Are you trying to just diversify the types of stimulation you enjoy? And maybe you don't have a clue about that, but it will definitely make a it a little bit easier if you go in having some sense of what it is you want out of the experience. And then from there you can talk to a sex educator employee of one of these establishments and hopefully they can guide you.

[Kyra Blackwell]

So, Bianca, can you tell us a little bit about the different types of vibrators that are out there and the ones that you recommend? Because there's more than just the one classic magic wand style. Right?

[Bianca Alba]

So depending on what you're looking for, there are the big wand vibrators, there are smaller, kind of like palm sized vibrators that are specifically clitoral stimulators. But you can also use them on other body parts. And if you're wanting to use them, say like in tandem with intercourse, there are some that are like really skinny or narrow, so they don't really get in the way, which is cool. And then we have more internalized stimulators. So ones that are designed to be used for anal or vaginal penetration, G spot or P spot play. And those can usually be used on other body parts too, but they're shaped in a way that they can be used for penetration. And then there are dual stimulators, which is, you know, the classic rabbit archetype where you have an internal stimulating part and an external stimulator. You know, that's great if you want an all in one toy that gives you a blended orgasm.

[Christine Cyrclassette]

What happened to the rabbit? That was the one that was really popular with my friends when I was in college.

[Rosie Guerin]

Yeah, it was like mainstream. It crossed over.

[Kyra Blackwell]

Yeah.

[Rosie Guerin]

Never.

[Bianca Alba]

Yeah, that was because of a Sex and the City episode. It Kind of went viral because of that. I had the original Rabbit Pearl. It never really had enough oomph for me personally, but it has led to many new generations of dual stimulators. So, I mean, the Rabbit is sort of like the grandmother of a bunch of a whole new generation of dual stimulator vibes. And I think dual stimulator vibe be wonderful toys. There are a lot of people who cannot have an orgasm just from clitoral stimulation. And if you need the G spot stimulation as well, rather than having two toys that you have to use simultaneously using both hands. The cool thing about the suction rabbits is once you put it in, it kind of stays in place because the suction kind of like, locks onto you. So that's very convenient.

[Christine Cyrclassette]

What are some examples of the handheld type that you. That you mentioned? The one that's that kind of fit in your palm? Like, I think we have a recommendations in the guide right now for those.

[Bianca Alba]

Sure. Our budget pick is the Satisfier Purple Pleasure, which I think is about $40 on the satisfier site. So it's very affordable, and it does fit in the palm of your hand. And it has kind of a rounded, tapered tip. So, you know, it fits between the vulva lips very nicely. It's small. It's easy to, like, put in a purse or in a bedside table drawer or something like that. Like, that's one of the real advantages is that it's very portable and it's rechargeable. So it doesn't have a cord. It's not bulky. I think the other small picks we have is the Dame Air, which is a suction vibrator, which is also very small and is great for partner play because it is so narrow that it doesn't get in the way, but also great for solo play. And then we have the Lelo Dot, which is very unique and one of my personal favorites because it's very pointy. So it focuses all of the vibration right at the tip at this little pinpoint, which you can direct. There's been research that shows that different people's clitorises have different sensitivities. On, like, I always go on the left side. I'm sure there are people who go on the right side, but most people have more sensitivity in more parts of their clitoris than the others. So it allows you to target the stimulation and exactly where you want it. So those are some examples of handheld vibrators that we currently have in our guide, like, smaller ones.

[Christine Cyrclassette]

Okay, so what are some Strategies or ways that people can think through how to choose between the various options. Is it by price? Is it by style of vibrator? Like, what do you recommend?

[Bianca Alba]

I think it's helpful if you know what sort of intensity I feel like. That's a really good place to start because I would say a lot of the quote unquote, beginner options, the more affordable, not all of them, but a lot of them, tend to be less powerful. There's this sort of idea that if, oh, if this is your first vibrator, then you don't want it to be as strong because that's scary. But the reality is there are a lot of people who cannot have an orgasm unless the vibrator is very powerful. So they might buy this, you know, $30 bullet, and it just doesn't get them anywhere. For me, my first sex toy was the Magic Wand, which is one of the most powerful ones on the market. And that's usually the one I go to. So I don't think that, oh, you're a beginner, therefore you need a milder vibrator. I don't think that's universally true, but it's good to assess, like, am I someone who's kind of ticklish? Is, like, a little bit of stimulation a lot for me, or am I someone who's gonna need a lot to get over the edge just based on, like, previous experiences? You know, if you're someone who can masturbate with your hand and have an orgasm in under two minutes, then you might be fine. With a less powerful vibrator, you might need less stimulation. On the other hand, if you're someone where you're receiving oral sex for an hour straight and you still cannot get over the edge, then you might want something that's a little more powerful, that gives you a little more intensity. So if you're more sensitive or kind of in the middle, and maybe start with the budget pick, you know, because it's not real high risk and it works for a lot of people. If you want more power, go for the Magic Wand. And honestly, I do recommend the Magic Wand to everyone. Not everyone loves it because there's no one size fits all. But the thing I always tell people is, even if you hate it as a sex toy, it's a really good back massager so you're not wasting your money. That's really funny. Yeah. Like, there are other things you can use it for. So I think it's a worthwhile investment.

[Kyra Blackwell]

You've brought up the Magic Wand a couple of times. Can you describe what that looks like? Because in my head, I think I've seen it on the guide. Like, it looks really big, and it's kind of intimidating.

[Bianca Alba]

It is big. It is big, and it's kind of ugly. It's like blue and white. When I did my first iteration of the guide, a lot of people gave feedback, oh, this is ugly. This looks like a medical device. This looks like a microphone. But they've sort of owned that, and that's their brand. Like, a lot of competitors have been like, oh, well, 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. So, yeah, it is huge. I don't know exactly how. How big it is.

[Christine Cyrclassette]

It's like, very tall. I've seen. I've seen these before. They're very big. Magic Wand has also been around for a long time, right? I mean, it's like. Isn't it from, like, the 50s or something?

[Bianca Alba]

I believe the 1960s. But yeah, it is manufactured by Hitachi, which is a Japanese company, and it was originally sold as a back massager. And then sex educators like Betty Dodson kind of helped popularize it as a sex toy. And there's actually been a lot of academic research done about women with anorgasmia having their first orgasm using Betty Dodson's strategy with the magic wand. So there has been scientific research that shows that 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 reasons why it's been our top pick for a decade. Yes, it is very powerful, but if you need milder stimulation, you can do something like put a blanket or towels between your vulva and the wand, and that'll help kind of diffuse the stimulation somewhat. And also, like, I know lots of people with penises who like it too. Like, it's very versatile. There are attachments. So I don't think it's a bad first investment. And I think if you get the corded version, you can get that for under a hundred dollars, which is a very reasonable price.

[Christine Cyrclassette]

And what's, like, the difference? Like, why would you choose corded versus battery convenience?

[Bianca Alba]

I guess, like, they've released a bunch of different iterations. And the rechargeable one, you don't have to deal with carrying the cord around, but it is heavier because more of the mechanism is internal. So I actually. My favorite one is The Magic Wand plus, which is the kind of upgraded, fancier corded one. It has a silicone head, it has more settings, it has a detachable cord. Because one of the issues with like the older versions is that the cord would fry out and then the thing was done. Whereas this one, if the cord wears out, you can just replace the cord and still have the body of the toy work.

[Rosie Guerin]

That's interesting. Sustainability, but also accessibility, I think.

[Bianca Alba]

Absolutely.

[Rosie Guerin]

The idea of having it be something that's heavier could potentially be prohibitive. You're speaking about using these toys. I'm curious. You've tested a lot of vibrators, both for this guide and for the guides that you've published in Wirecutter over the years. Describe your testing process. What is it like?

[Bianca Alba]

Well, initially I do research. I just went to a big trade show and I met all these companies face to face, which was amazing because I can read reviews online and I get a lot of information from seeing, you know, what are the trends, what are the things that people are reviewing, what's on the different store websites. But actually getting to go in person and talk to the people who designed it and feel it on my hands and whatever is a big game changer. So I go through the research process. I also, where I am in Chicago, live close to early to bed. They're literally two blocks from my house. I will just walk in there and I will just play and I will talk to their sex educators. It's an amazing resource for me to have. I'm just lucky enough to live right next to them. And then I do research online. So I am constantly paying attention to, like, what has hype, what is the things that are sticking around. Like, for example, suction vibrators first emerged in 2014 with the womanizer. And that was a very controversial thing. A lot of people hate the name. And the original iteration was very tacky looking. It had a lot of rhinestones and leopard print. It was a very strange looking toy. But when that first came out, people were so divided about this new sensation that it was suction, and it was hard to get your hands on one. And now suction vibrators are a huge part of the industry and most companies make one. So I'm just always looking for what's gonna be the next thing that blows up.

[Christine Cyrclassette]

You know, you referenced earlier the spreadsheet. Can you explain a little bit how you build out like a research spreadsheet to keep all the information in?

[Bianca Alba]

Sure. I have a spreadsheet with the list of the toys and then I keep track of all the different criteria we're looking at. So that might be like, okay, what kind of warranty does it have? How long does it take to charge? How long does it hold a charge? And then I have to do a battery test to see if that's actually true, all the different technical things. And then I usually test it on my own at least three or four times, because the first time I use a toy, especially if it's a novel type of stimulation that I'm not used to, I may not vibe with it. And also, I am afab, so I have a hormonal cycle, and I'm perimenopausal at this point, too. So my sex drive can be kind of variable. And depending on where I am in my cycle, if I'm on a low sex drive day, it doesn't matter how good the toy is. I might just not really be into it. So I try to make sure that everything I test gets a fair shot from me. And a lot of the time it's just like, okay, this is nice, or sometimes it is really terrible. But most of the time just like, okay. And then once in a while, I'll get something where I'm like, wow, like, this is a game changer. And at that point, that's when we send it out to secondary testers to be like, okay, what do you think of it? Because I'm only one body, and I don't think that I am the authority on what toys are good, but I've had enough experience testing things in these different categories that I can be like, oh, yeah, this is significantly more powerful than what I've seen up to this point. Or this has this feature which is really new. So regardless of what my personal physiology is, I'm able to objectively compare the features and the strength and the qualities of any toy that I test.

[Rosie Guerin]

And you describe yourself as afab, meaning assigned female at birth.

[Bianca Alba]

Assigned female at birth, yeah.

[Rosie Guerin]

Which begs the question, the testers, the folks you are sort of crowdsourcing for information. Is there a broad diversity of folks you're testing with so that you're getting as wide array of feedback as possible for each product?

[Bianca Alba]

Absolutely. We try to test across the lifespan. I haven't had a chance to work with testers in their 60s or 70s yet, although that might be something I get to do in future because I've connected with some really cool, actually, cougars that I met at a sex club in Toronto. So we're like, oh, yeah, we want to test. And these are ladies in their 60s and 70s. And I was like, that would be so cool to work with seniors who are really, like, excited about vibrators. But up to this point, I would say it's been people in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s at this point. So I'm trying to get a range. We did a little bit of an audit recently where I was like, I want to get more input about what is criteria for a good sex toy for trans women who have either had gender affirming surgery or not. And so I did a lot of research on that. I did a lot of research on what are good sex toys for afab. People who are perimenopausal or menopausal. How do the needs shift? And also disability accessibility. So, you know, maybe people who have limited grip strength. There are a lot of different considerations for different folks about what's going to make a good toy. So I interviewed a lot of people and we have limited space, but I'm trying to incorporate more information about. Okay. In addition to everything else about this toy. It is great if you have arthritis in your hands because the handle is shaped a certain way or this works equally well with penises as it does with vulvas, you know. So we're trying to make it as inclusive as possible in the limited space that we have for the guide.

[Christine Cyrclassette]

What I'm hearing here is if you want to buy a vibrator, the first place to start is to kind of understand what you like, either in partnered or solo sex, to help you figure out what type of vibrator you might want to get. And if you can access a physical store, it's a great idea to go in and kind of try things out on your hand. And if you're lost, just get the magic wand.

[Kyra Blackwell]

We're gonna take a quick break and then when we come back, we'll talk through things to avoid when shopping for a vibrator and why you shouldn't give up on a vibrator if you don't really love it the first time around. Be right back.

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[New York Times Games Player]

I've been playing against Dan, my colleague at the New York Times. I'm gonna play stupe S, T, u p e across the triple word multiplier.

[Advertisement Voice]

Square Cats played another move.

[Kyra Blackwell]

Ugh.

[Advertisement Voice]

And she did have an S. She played stoop for 36 points. Points.

[New York Times Games Player]

I've got a Z which is 10 points. If I can put my X over there, I can make box.

[Advertisement Voice]

I have two A's, N's and T's. I'm guessing tenga is not a word. Let's see. Tenga is a word.

[New York Times Games Player]

Oh, don't know what tenga means, so I'm going to press down on the word and. Oh, definition popped up. Former monetary unit of Tajikistan. Learn something. Every time I play this game, even.

[Advertisement Voice]

Though I'm about 50 points ahead, one thing I've learned in crossplay is that the game is never over.

[New York Times Games Player]

I just got a notification and Dan played his last turn. Let's see who won. It's so close. But I did win Crossplay, the first.

[Bianca Alba]

Two player word game from New York Times games. Download it for free today.

[Advertisement Voice]

It's devastating when you see a game that you could have won.

[Christine Cyrclassette]

Welcome back to the Wirecutter show. Today we're talking about vibrators. Our guest is Bianca Alba, Wirecutter's sex toy writer for over a decade now. We're going to get into some of the things to avoid and what to do if you don't end up liking the vibrator you buy.

[Kyra Blackwell]

It's really interesting because at Wirecutter, we're always coming across knockoffs for all kinds of things. People don't want to spend that much money. But I think nowadays it's just, it's a hazard when you're trying to shop online. So to that end, Bianca, are there knockoff vibrators being sold out there?

[Bianca Alba]

Absolutely. Especially when you're using a retailer like Amazon. You know, you can buy sex toys on like, Temu and Alibaba now too.

[Advertisement Voice]

What?

[Bianca Alba]

So, yeah, you do want to be careful, especially in terms of like, what materials they're using because it might say it's silicone on the package, but it's actually something else. And there's issues with like, materials off gassing chemicals like phthalates. You know, those materials also harbor bacteria and can lead to infections. So you want to make sure that you're getting a genuine product that's actually what it says it is. And you might have issues with longevity too. You know, if you buy a cheaper model, it's going to break in a few months. So it's worth spending the extra money to get an authentic product.

[Kyra Blackwell]

And what are the telltale signs that you might be buying a knockoff?

[Bianca Alba]

I would say the main thing to look out for is if the price is too good to be true. So if you see something that's claiming to be a magic wand, but it's $30 when the product usually retails for $130, that's not going to be the real deal.

[Christine Cyrclassette]

Yeah, it's kind of true of all things.

[Rosie Guerin]

That may be true of a lot.

[Christine Cyrclassette]

Of things too cheap to be true.

[Bianca Alba]

Yeah, like plan to invest, you know, ballpark, 100 bucks to get something really good. Maybe you can find something for 50. Maybe it's 150. And also look at the warranty because some brands offer really great five or ten year warranties. And that way as long as, you know, it's like a long term investment that might be worth a little bit more money knowing that if it breaks, you can get a replacement.

[Christine Cyrclassette]

What if you buy a vibrator and you just don't like it? You can't take it back? What do you advise people do then?

[Bianca Alba]

I would say don't dismiss it on the first try. I had my first orgasm using showerhead, to be perfectly honest. And it took me a while to acclimate to a different type of stimulation because I was used to having an orgasm with water. Basically from water pressure switching to a vibrator felt very different. And initially I wasn't really a fan of it. So I think it's important to remember that your body kind of has a learning curve and it could be that like if you don't like a toy, you don't like a toy and that's fine. But don't dismiss it without giving it a couple tries unless it's like painful or like you really gives you a sensory ick or something like that. But if you're just kind of like meh, revisit it. Try it using it different ways, you know, ad lube, try it with a partner. Maybe it's fun as a teasing or warmup toy. Or maybe try it on a different body part. There might be some other way that it's more pleasurable or a different type of purpose that it can serve for you.

[Christine Cyrclassette]

So what if you just really don't like it? You just Throw it away.

[Bianca Alba]

Okay. This is where things get messy. There's not really a lot of good information about what to do with toys, how to dispose of them, because a lot of them contain lithium batteries, and so you can't really throw it in the garbage. There's an artist who's, like, building a house out of sex toys. Like, she's collecting sex toys to build this art project as a statement about how to dispose of them. Because I have to test so many sex toys, I will disinfect them with bleach and rehome them with friends. And I realize that's not for everyone, but I go through so many toys.

[Rosie Guerin]

Well, now you know that you have another option, which is to build a house.

[Bianca Alba]

To build a house.

[Christine Cyrclassette]

And with the crisis, you know.

[Bianca Alba]

Exactly.

[Kyra Blackwell]

That is not our official guidance.

[Adobe Creative Cloud Ad Voice]

That's not our official guidance.

[Christine Cyrclassette]

It's not in the guidance. It's not our official guidance here, but it's not official.

[Bianca Alba]

But we also, we do have a.

[Rosie Guerin]

Guide, I think, on the site for how to clean sex toys. So that might be a good resource for folks, too.

[Bianca Alba]

Yes. Yes.

[Kyra Blackwell]

Bianca, you did this really, really good. Ask me anything on Reddit about vibrators. So we thought we'd bring some of those here as a lightning round. Are you up for it?

[Bianca Alba]

Okay, I'll do my best.

[Kyra Blackwell]

Question number one. What do you advise if buying for a partner?

[Bianca Alba]

Talk to your partner. So I had this conversation with the owner of early to Bed, and she says there are so many times that, like, men will buy a vibrator for their female partner and just surprise them with it. And then it's like, oh, she didn't like it. Now I want to return it. And it's like, did you even ask her if she wanted this?

[Rosie Guerin]

So not a good surprise gift.

[Bianca Alba]

Yeah, yeah. Not a good surprise gift. Like, if you have a relationship where sex toys is already a part of it, and you use sex toys regularly and you know each other's tastes, that's fine. But I would say that, like, make that decision together and work together. Like, if you're like, hey, I want to buy you a sex toy, let the person pick out and pay for it, rather than just picking something out and being like, here, use this.

[Kyra Blackwell]

You know, kind of like an engagement ring.

[Christine Cyrclassette]

Yeah.

[Bianca Alba]

Yes, absolutely. Wow.

[Rosie Guerin]

People are going to come for us in the comments.

[Bianca Alba]

What? Yeah. Okay.

[Kyra Blackwell]

Question number two. Does size actually matter with vibrators or is it just about how you use them?

[Bianca Alba]

Okay. It depends on whether this is an external vibrator, an internal vibrator. Everyone has different preferences. I would say with external vibrators, if you want more power, it's probably going to be bigger because it's going to need a bigger motor. With internal vibrators, everyone has their size preference. So I don't think that bigger is better unless you like bigger. Got it.

[Kyra Blackwell]

Okay, your last question. What type of lube should you use with a vibrator?

[Bianca Alba]

It depends on what type of vibrator you have. So anything that's silicone. There are issues with using silicone toys with silicone lube because the molecules can bond and cause the toy to warp. So I would say that, like, water based lube is generally a safe bet. Oil based lubes can sometimes damage mechanized toys. So I just, you know, default to the water based if you're gonna use lube with your toys, which I do recommend you use lube with your toys.

[Kyra Blackwell]

Before we wrap, we always ask our guests one last question. So, Bianca, what was the last product that you bought that you absolutely love?

[Bianca Alba]

Okay. The thing I'm currently obsessed with, it's this little blender that's called the Beast blender. And it's like a mini smoothie blender that maybe holds 12 ounces of liquid. Because I was making smoothies in my Vitamix and I'd always end up with like three quarts worth of smoothies to put all the stuff in it that I thought I wanted in my smoothie. I would have too much smoothie and this itty bitty blender. I actually get one smoothie or one coffee frappe out of it, and it's just like my new obsession. I'm making myself drinks with it all day long. I do not recommend it as a sex toy. That would be a one.

[Adobe Creative Cloud Ad Voice]

Oh, my God.

[Christine Cyrclassette]

Thank you so much, Bianca. It's been great to chat with you.

[Bianca Alba]

It's been wonderful. Thank you so much.

[Christine Cyrclassette]

All right, guys, we kept it in. We kept our giggles in for now. For now.

[Bianca Alba]

And we learned and we learned a lot.

[Christine Cyrclassette]

Oh, my goodness. There were so many things that Bianca shared that I didn't know before. So what are your takeaways from this episode?

[Kyra Blackwell]

If all else fails, your magic wand can be a back massage.

[Bianca Alba]

Right?

[Christine Cyrclassette]

The original use of the magic wand. It can just be that again.

[Rosie Guerin]

I think my big takeaway was it Socrates, know thyself.

[Bianca Alba]

Yes.

[Rosie Guerin]

I assume Socrates was indeed talking about vibrators.

[Bianca Alba]

Duh.

[Rosie Guerin]

Fact check me. But no. But just this idea that in order to sort of wade into this wide world of vibrators, it's important to understand what you want.

[Christine Cyrclassette]

Yeah, I like that, too. I think my takeaway is that if you at first do not like it, try, try again. And that thing Bianca said about how a person's body can change throughout the month, I think sometimes as a culture, we sort of ignore that. That's just not part of the conversation. So I think that was really interesting, that maybe if you don't like something at first, try it at a different time of the month. Maybe you're stressed, try it on vacation and then if you don't like it, then give it up.

[Rosie Guerin]

It's true. So many great insights from Bianca. And if you want to find out more about Wirecutters coverage, you'll find links to Bianca's vibrator and lubricant guides in the show notes. You can also go to nytimes.com Wirecutter linked in the show notes. And that's it for us, Kyrie and Christine.

[Christine Cyrclassette]

See you next time.

[Rosie Guerin]

Peace.

[Bianca Alba]

Bye.

[Christine Cyrclassette]

The Wirecutter show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel. Engineering support from Mattie Mazziello and Nick Pittman. Today's episode was mixed by Kathryn Anderson. Original music by Dan Powell, Marian Lozano, Rowan Ni Misto, Katherine Anderson and Diane Wong. Cliff Levy is Wirecutter's deputy publisher and general manager. Ben Fruman is Wirecutter's editor in chief. I'm Christine Cyrclassette.

[Kyra Blackwell]

I'm Kyra Blackwell.

[Rosie Guerin]

And I'm Rosie Guerin.

[Christine Cyrclassette]

Thanks for listening.

[Rosie Guerin]

I did. There was a moment where I was like, my grandmother's rolling in here. Grace.