A wand vibrator looks like it means business. Big head, handy handle, absolutely no interest in pretending to be a lipstick. You could leave one beside the bed and claim it's for your shoulders, but we're a sex shop. We know where this conversation is going.
Its appeal is fairly simple: a broader patch of vibration and a shape that's easy to hold. If vibration on one precise spot is your favourite thing, a wand might feel quite different. If you'd rather have more of your vulva getting some attention, pull up a chair. Or don't. The bed's right there.
More contact, less hunting for one spot
The head of a wand vibrator gives you a larger area to play with than a little bullet tip. You can rest it against your vulva rather than trying to keep one tiny end parked exactly where you want it.
That broader contact can feel lovely if direct pressure on your clitoris gets too much. You can also use the edge of the head for a more focused touch. The whole thing doesn't need to be pressed flat against you like you're stamping an envelope.
A wand's handle also keeps your hand a little farther from the action. Useful on your own, and quite convenient when your partner wants to hold the toy without blocking their view. Some people appreciate a good view. Very thoughtful of them.
How strong does a wand vibrator feel?
Wands have a reputation for powerful vibration, but they don't all feel alike. A bigger toy isn't automatically the stronger one, and the highest setting isn't a compulsory destination.
Start low and let the toy earn its promotion. More pressure can change the feel too, so a lighter touch might be all it takes to turn “bloody hell” into the sort of bloody hell you were hoping for.
If strong, broad vibration sounds delicious, a wand is worth a look. If you prefer a pinpoint flutter, a bullet vibrator may suit you better. Our rabbit versus bullet guide compares a couple of smaller shapes without treating the biggest toy as the winner.
Corded or cordless: what suits your bed?
A corded wand stays plugged in, which suits a regular spot near a power point. There's no charging break, but the cable does put a limit on how far you can wander. Excellent if you like your usual corner of the bed. Less excellent if the nearest socket is behind the wardrobe.
A cordless wand gives you more freedom to move and hand it over. You'll need to keep it charged, but you won't spend the evening remembering how short the cord is. Neither power source tells you how strong the vibration will feel.
Think about the shape in your hand as well. A full-sized wand can be lovely for broad contact; a smaller one can be easier to tuck between bodies. You want a toy you enjoy holding, not something you keep asking your partner to take because your wrist has clocked off.
It doesn't need to go inside to earn its keep
A wand's head is for external play. That leaves plenty of room for it to join in while you use your hands, enjoy penetration or simply lie back and give it your undivided attention.
For couples, holding a wand against a partner can be an enjoyable little job. Let them guide the spot and pressure. Having a toy in your hand doesn't suddenly make you the world's leading authority on someone else's clitoris.
If the kind of vibration matters more to you than the shape, our rumbly versus buzzy guide explains those differences. And if the vibration feels too intense, these ways to soften intense vibration can help. One setting that feels too strong doesn't mean every setting will.