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Sep 14, 2023

Ann Summers U

We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article. Plus, a famous actress has just been revealed as the founder of the innovative sex toy... A vibrator is a must-have item

We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.

Plus, a famous actress has just been revealed as the founder of the innovative sex toy...

A vibrator is a must-have item for many of people; providing pleasure and being an instrumental part in many people's self-care and sexual wellness routines.

With many vibrators to choose from these days, with brands such as Lovehoney, LELO and Smile Makers offering a plethora of options, it can be hard to know which vibrator to choose. Keeping an eye on new launches can be a good way to keep up with the latest sex toy developments ⁠— allowing you to choose a model that utilises the latest innovations to provide pleasure.

Enter the U. Exclusively stocked at Ann Summers, this vibrator uses a unique design to encourage an experience that's focused on pleasure and sexual wellness. It's a clitoral vibrator that uses layering technology to deliver deep ripples of vibration against the vulva and inner clitoris. For those who prefer clitoral stimulation (rather than targeting for G-spot) it's a great choice; providing pleasure for part of your self-care experience.

The U has proved to be a hugely popular vibrator since its launch in 2022; and now actress Charlie Brooks, who is perhaps best-known for her role as Janine in Eastenders, has been announced as the founder behind the sex toy.

Speaking of the process of creating and being the face of the U, Charlie says: "I created The U because I want women to explore, know and understand their bodies without shame and to be unapologetic in asking for what they want. I hope to inspire women to take action on ideas, as you just never know what might be possible. When I first met with Ann Summers to discuss my idea, it immediately felt right, we connected on all of the same things including mindfulness, sex education and wellness, it’s an amazing opportunity and I am so excited to be on this journey with them."

The U Self Love Stimulator is available to shop via Ann Summers. It costs £100.

The brand advises using the vibrator with the U Pleasure Serum for an "enhanced sensation" to help make for the most pleasurable experience.

If you're searching for a new vibrator or are curious to try one, these are the top-rated vibrators to shop now, as tested by the GHI:

Our GHI testing panel, consisting of 123 women of all ages, put a range of vibrators through their paces.

Every product below has been tested by at least five people, who made sure it lived up to any claims made on the box to deliver a pleasurable experience.

This included trying every speed setting, vibration type and even testing app-specific options offered by the likes of the Lovense Lush 3 App-Controlled Rechargeable Love Egg Vibrator.

In the lab, our experts also assessed each vibrator on its ease of use, design, battery life and instructions.

See below for the GHI’s top sex toys across all categories.

Score: 88/100

This sleek and stylish vibrator received a clean sweep of top reviews from all who tried it, earning it the enviable title of “best vibrator on test”. Not only were panellists able to climax faster than when using other toys, they also said this massage wand increased the intensity of their orgasms.

Testers said the silicone head felt beautifully soft on their skin and the rechargeable battery lasted for an impressive three hours — so your alone time won’t be cut short. It’s on the larger side, but we would recommend making space in your bedside drawer for this one.

Score: 87/100

Discreet, petite and powerful, bullet vibrators are hard to beat — especially when they’re this good. The silver chrome finish gives this one a luxurious feel, while the compact, lightweight design made it easy to hold and manoeuvre.

At just four inches, it can easily slip into most bags (ideal for travel) and there is a healthy selection of speed settings to flit between. There were mixed reviews on how loud it was, with some finding it too noisy, but it still left a string of satisfied customers in its wake.

Score: 86/100

Testers loved the remote control feature here, which allowed their partner to adjust the settings. The compact, egg-shaped sex toy scored well when it came to performance too, with testers having a more intense orgasm.

It even comes with an "intelligent mode", so you can enjoy the experience without worrying about which buttons to press.

Score: 86/100

If you love the size and stimulation provided by beginner bullets, but you’re in the market for a more sophisticated vibrator, try this lipstick-like option from We-Vibe.

It has an impressive seven vibration modes and eight levels of intensity, putting you in total control of your experience. It also still comes in an attractive, compact (3.5”) case and makes minimal noise, making it a top choice for those after discretion.

Score: 84/100

This rechargeable wand vibrator has two separate motors at either end, each with 10 unique vibration modes. The tapered G-spot end can be used internally, while the wand head can be used for clitoral stimulation or massage.

It scored highly in our tests, with the entire panel agreeing it helped them achieve a more intense orgasm, while most also orgasmed quicker than normal. All would recommend this vibrator to others, too. The only downside is that you can’t use it in water.

Score 84/100

This dual vibrator is a great investment for those who want the best of both worlds. It comes with two attachments: a massaging wand and a rabbit vibrator.

Testers were pleased with its size and shape, finding its appearance both discreet and attractive. But, most importantly, every tester said it helped them achieve a more intense orgasm, earning it a winning score for its performance as well as design.

Score: 84/100

The very definition of a 21st century sex toy, this wearable and wireless vibrator leverages modern technology to take your solo sessions to new heights.

The clever curved design sits both internally and externally at the same time, simultaneously stimulating your G-spot and clitoris. Panellists also enjoyed the fact that the intensity and pattern of the vibrations can be customised and controlled remotely using an app, however far away the user is.

This makes the Lovense Lush 3 a great toy for anyone with a long distance partner, allowing you to hand over the reins.

Score: 83/100

The We-Vibe Rave earned brownie points straight out of the box, coming with a silky carry bag and a small provision of lube. Testers liked the understated colour and design, also praising the soft silicone material for its feel on their skin.

Unlike bullet vibrators, it can provide both internal and external stimulation thanks to its longer, curved shape, which our panel said enhanced their experience.

You can also turn your phone into a remote control by linking it to the We-Connect app — something our testers enjoyed playing with. It’s noisier than most vibrators we tried, but that was the only downside.

Score: 83/100

Heating to 38℃ to avoid discomfort, all testers found this vibrator — with its swirly pattern designed to hit the G-spot — comfortable to use and felt it had a good range of speeds and vibration options.

From our panel, most said they achieved a more intense orgasm and that it was quicker than normal. With an overall satisfaction rating of 8.4 out of 10, this vibrator is certainly a welcome addition to the bedroom.

Score: 82/100

Unlike most clitoral vibrators that use traditional vibrations to stimulate your sweet spot, this tech-savvy toy uses gentle sonic waves to stimulate the entire clitoris and provide “even more pleasure”.

With 12 vibrations patterns – ranging from a gentle murmur to powerful pulsations – there was something to please all our testers. “I had the most intense orgasms ever while using it,” commented one.

The sleek, ergonomic design proved particularly popular with panellists – they said the device fitted comfortably into the palm of their hands, making it easy to use with no awkward manoeuvring or hand cramping.

Plus, it comes with a handy travel pouch so you can take it on holiday, and it’s 100% waterproof for bath and shower play. It is slightly noisier than some of the devices we tested but it was also the quickest to charge.

Score: 82/100

Our panel loved the smooth silicone finish of this bullet vibrator, while the harder plastic handle helped them keep a good grip while using it. Testers said the tapered tip made it easier to target key pleasure points, and they liked playing with the (many) vibration patterns.

This was made even more enjoyable by the buttons, which (unlike on many bullet vibrators) are smooth to press and accessible, meaning this an ideal introduction to vibrators for first-time buyers.

Given how simple it was to get started, there was nothing to stop our panel from reaching intense orgasms, with many saying they planned to continue using this product long after testing had finished.

Score: 81/100

This good-looking vibrator stands out for its unique tear-shape design. According to Lelo, the fine, bendable tip means it’s extra precise and won’t numb the entire area around the clitoris, allowing for multiple orgasms. Moving in a constant figure-of-eight pattern around your erogenous zones – instead of circular motions like traditional sex toys – the brand promises a “sweeping release of sensations”.

Sure enough, it was a big hit with our testers, with one enthusiastic panellist describing it as, “the best vibrator ever”. Everyone praised the soft, supple material and agreed it was extremely quiet, giving them the confidence to use it with others at home or when travelling.

Thanks to the ergonomic design, it was comfortable to hold and easy to manoeuvre into different positions. As a bonus, it’s completely waterproof (not just water resistant) so you can happily take it into the tub and it’s easy to clean.

Any downsides? The instructions could have been clearer, and the unusual design may take some getting used to, but we think it’s worth the effort.

Score: 80/100

If you’re after something a little bit different, the Pro40 Clitoral Stimulator is sure to hit the spot. Rather than the usual vibrations, it takes a gentler approach to providing pleasure, combining a gentle suction with pulsing sensations.

Panellists found the range of intensities on offer — from the subtlest of touches to stronger sensations — helped them climax in record time, and said they were able to switch between them without interrupting this toy’s pleasurable rhythmic pulsing.

Score: 79/100

Looking for a toy that both you and your partner will enjoy? Try this top quality Ricky’s design for mutual pleasure made easy. The U-shaped vibrator has two arms – the smaller one sits on your clitoris while the longer arm sits inside the vagina to stimulate the G-spot. Your partner will also feel the vibrations flow alongside the penis.

Our panel loved the wireless remote control, which added an element of fun and made it easy to switch between the settings during use. It took a little manoeuvring to get in the right position, but once the fit was right, it was smiles all round. The flexible material moulded to testers’ bodies nicely and the stretchy, soft silicone had a luxurious, high-end feel. There are nine distinctive vibration settings to play around with, from gentle murmurs to powerful pulsations, and it can be packed away into a sleek silk pouch that won’t attract unwanted attention when on the go. The battery life was slightly disappointing, but overall, it’s a worthy addition to your bedside cabinet.

Score: 78/100

This floral-shaped suction toy is all over the Internet right now and after testing it, we can see why. Gorgeous design aside, it helped our panel reach orgasm at lightning speed. “It gave me one of the best orgasms of my life,” said one satisfied tester.The Rose uses pleasure air technology to mimic the sensation of oral sex and provides 10 increasingly powerful intensity levels to suit every preference. Made from medical grade silicone, it was a pleasure to hold and felt gloriously soft against the skin – plus it comes with a detailed user guide and in-depth diagrams, which are particularly helpful for beginners.It also boasts magnetic USB charging, so unruly wires won’t get in the way during ‘me’ time, and it’s fitted with a travel lock to avoid any unwanted vibrations on the go. It wasn’t the quietest toy on test, and we would have liked a storage pouch, but those were our only quibbles.

Score: 77/100

If you’ve never owned a sex toy before, or have only ever experimented with bullets, rabbits can seem somewhat intimidating. If that’s the case for you, this petite option is a good introduction to combination vibrators.

Our panel found the smaller (4.5”) silicone body of the Moregasm Plus was soft to the touch and struck an enjoyable balance between being hard and pliable. The fact it’s waterproof provided plenty of fun too.

The clitoral stimulation split opinion, with some finding it too strong while others were big fans. But, overall, they recommended it as a great first-time rabbit.

Score: 75/100

This clitoral-focused vibrator, which fits in the palm of your hand and cups around the vaginal opening, stood out from the crowd thanks to its “human touch” texture. Our panel couldn’t get enough of the velvety soft material, with many commenting on how amazing it felt on sensitive areas.

The innovative pebble is fitted with six experiential pleasure modes – including a fun “surprise me” option – and six speed settings to keep things exciting. The ergonomic design means it can also be used upside down and will fit snuggly over the vulva and labia while touching the clitoris. It comes with a travel pouch and the battery life was the longest out of all the products we tested.

If all that wasn’t enough, the vibrator comes with a useful diagram of the vulva to help you feel confident with your anatomy and get the most out of the product.

Score: 75/100

This palm-sized bullet vibrator is a fantastic starter toy at a decent price. Its petite dimensions mean it's comfortable to hold and manoeuvre, the controls are intuitive, and the user-friendly design lets you switch between the speed settings without stopping your flow. Better still, it’s so tiny and discreet, you can take it just about anywhere.

It scored highly with our testers, who appreciated the whisper-quiet motor (it was one of the quietest devices on test) and loved the soft, skin-like feel and gentle vibrations. Look elsewhere if you’re on the market for a powerful bullet with a variety of pulsation modes to experiment with, but for those who value simplicity and quality, The Surfer is hard to beat.

Just note that it’s battery-operated, so make sure you have a stash of AAAs handy in your bedside drawer to avoid disappointment at crucial moments.

Score: 74/100

Looking to invest in a bedroom gadget to use with your partner? Consider this remote-control egg vibrator, which our panel confirmed was a lot of fun during partner play.

Hand your other half the remote and let them take control of your pleasure – there are seven different vibration modes and three speed settings to experiment with. We like that it can be used without the remote as a bullet during solo sessions, too.

Testers enjoyed “intense orgasms” on the higher speed settings, while the device is a breeze to set up and, although it’s a touch noisy, it’s fully waterproof, comfortable to hold and feels soft against the skin. The battery life divided opinion among testers and we would have liked a travel pouch for storage but those were our only niggles.

Score: 71/100

Discretion is the order of the day with this diminutive vibrator. Panellists liked the smooth design and found the material (silicone) was pleasantly soft to the touch.

The small size makes it a great option for those who are always on the go, though the absence of a carry case feels like an oversight. The petite dimensions also meant some people struggled to hold onto it. But there are plenty of vibration settings to play with.

Score: 71/100

The Moregasm+ G-spot Stimulator has an ergonomic design intended to mould to users’ bodies, with the aim of providing powerful vibrations during internal stimulation.

It’s refreshingly simple to use, with our panel finding it easy to turn on, switch between speeds, clean and recharge. They also said it was a top option for anyone who values discretion as it’s incredibly quiet.

Some users found it wasn’t quite long enough to target their G-spot, but this is a matter of personal preference and anatomy.

Score: 70/100

Another pick from luxury Scandinavian wellness company Lelo, the Smart Wand 2 is a large, premium tool (for external use only) with 10 diverse massage patterns to explore on your own or with a partner. According to testers, the device is supremely powerful, particularly on the highest settings, leading to intense orgasms in no time at all.

Some testers thought the wand was a tad too bulky and heavy for a sex toy, but everyone agreed it’s great as an all-over body massager to relieve stress, relax the muscles and make you feel good. The long, curved handle allows you to reach different parts of the body, the deep rumbling vibrations feel highly satisfying, and it’s waterproof so you can take it with you into the tub.

Whether you want to massage all the knots out of your body or you’re in need of some “me time”, this trusty toy won’t let you down.

The sex toy market has exploded over the past few years and, if you’ve never bought a vibrator before, it can be difficult to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together an extensive guide on the five main categories of vibrators, including what they do, how to use them, and what kind of sensations you can expect. This way, you can make an informed decision about your purchase. But, here's a quick rundown.

Vaginal vibrators

Let’s start with vaginal vibrators, which are probably the most well-known version. Sometimes called classic vibrators, these are designed for internal use but can also be used to stimulate the clitoris (although there is a separate category of toys specifically designed for this purpose, as you’ll find out below). Vaginal vibrators tend to be tall and slim with a tapered tip. They can differ in design, with some looking more realistic than others.

Bullet and clitoral vibrators

For external clitoral contact, most people turn to a bullet or clitoral vibrator. These are very similar, except the latter is often larger in size and has a stronger motor. Bullets make a great choice for first-timers because they’re compact, silent and small. In recent years, clitoral suction vibrators have also become popular – with these products designed to replicate the sensation of oral sex through the use of air and pulsations.

Wand vibrators

Designed exclusively for external clitoral stimulation, wand vibrators feature a round, vibrating massage head attached to a long shaft (or wand). As they’re bigger than most vibrators, the handles can host larger motors, allowing them to produce deeper vibrations than a bullet. They also cover a greater surface area than the tapered head of a bullet, with some saying this provides more powerful orgasms.

Rabbit vibrators

Commonly known as rabbit vibrators, combination vibrators have two key parts: a main shaft for internal use and a separate massager designed to stimulate your clitoris. This is often in the shape of “rabbit” ears, hence the alternative name. While this design remains constant, rabbit vibrators can come in all shapes and sizes, with an extensive range of sophisticated and petite options now on the market.

G-spot vibrators

These are designed to be used internally and have a curved tip to stimulate your G-spot — this is the term often used to describe the cluster of nerves on the front of your vaginal wall. Don’t be alarmed if you do not enjoy stimulation in this area though, as everyone is different. In fact, it’s notoriously tricky for women to climax through penetrative sex alone; according to studies, only 18% of vagina-owners are able to, with the majority experiencing sexual pleasure largely through clitoral stimulation.

Dimensions: Check the dimensions to be sure you’re happy with the size – it may be bigger or smaller than you first thought — and make sure you like the way it looks, too.

Settings, speeds and power: Look at the range of settings and speeds on offer, and the way the vibrator is powered. Battery-powered sex toys tend to be the cheapest and most popular, while rechargeable toys are generally more expensive. Rechargeable toys mean you don’t have the ongoing cost of replacing batteries though, or having to run out to the shop when you’re in the mood!

Noise level: This is especially important if you're worried about being overheard. Look for “whisper-quiet” vibrators, but take any claims with a pinch of salt. You could also check the product description for the decibel level; anything 40db or below is very quiet.

Material: There are three main types – plastic, silicone and skin-safe rubber. Plastic is the most firm, silicone has a velvety feel and skin-safe properties (well-known brands only use medical-grade silicone), while skin-safe rubber is softer and more flexible. Avoid anything containing phthalates (chemicals used to increase flexibility) as these chemicals have been linked to health risks. None of the vibrators in any of our roundups contain phthalates. Silicone often ranks higher on comfort.

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