Thrusting dildos and vibrators can seem a little intense at first glance. We get it, you’re curious, in the same way you’re curious about anal sex toys or triple-stimulation vibrators, but they can feel daunting to say the least. That’s why you need your besties to hold your hand and gently talk you through it all.
The best thrusting dildos and vibrators can genuinely transform your solo sessions. Not only do they allow you to sit back and let technology do the work for you — as it absolutely should — but they’re also guaranteed to expand your sex toy horizons in the best possible way.
No, thrusting dildos won’t replicate penetrative sex exactly, but they come closer than even the best G-spot vibrator. And, honestly? They’re a brilliant experience in their own right.
“A thrusting vibrator is an insertable toy that provides an in-and-out motion for penetrative play,” explains Lisa Finn, Sex Educator at Babeland. “Instead of relying on manual thrusting with your own hands, these toys use a motor to create that pumping or stroking sensation for you. Most use a shaft that extends and retracts, while some — often called ‘pulsators’ — use magnet technology to generate a back-and-forth motion.”
“Because a motor controls the motion, it maintains a reliable, consistent rhythm throughout your session,” she continues. “This can feel especially satisfying for internal hot spots like the G-spot or prostate, helping you find the perfect tempo — without tired wrists.”
So settle in; we’re here to walk you through the best thrusting dildos and vibrators out there, from options designed for vaginas to those made for butts, with multiple speeds and patterns, warming functions, and more. And if anything feels intimidating, just ask us (or our lovely experts) for advice. We gotchu.
How I test the best thrusting vibrators and dildos:
I’ll admit it: testing the best thrusting vibrators and dildos is a little easier than some of my other sex toy assignments, since, let’s be real, they do most of the work for you. That said, a job is a job, even when it’s enjoyable at times. Testing thrusting sex toys involves trying a wide range of products from different brands and then rounding up the very best.
But it isn’t just about my opinion. I want to capture every perspective on thrusting dildos and vibrators. That’s why the Glamour team — plus their helpful partners — are put to work, testing a variety of pulsating toys in real-life scenarios.
I then combine their findings with feedback from my friends, who are roped into the challenge as well, and insights from online reviews, so that we cover all our bases. Everyone’s solo sessions look different, and that’s totally fine. Some people love realistic thrusting dildos, while others prefer a subtler approach. Obviously, it’s always combined with the best water-based lubes.
Each vibrator was rated against the following criteria:
- Ease of use — Could they work out the control panel without a cover-to-cover read of the instruction manual?
- Speed and intensity of orgasm — Did it provide pleasurable sensations, or simply numb them?
- Design — Was it ergonomic, easy to hold and fit for purpose?
- Settings — Was there enough variety? Any unique patterns we haven’t seen before?
- Volume — Could it count as a quiet vibrator? AKA, would you finish to passive aggressive texts from your flatmate?
- Waterproof — Did it work effectively in the bath and/or shower?
Why you can trust me:
This ain’t my first rodeo, folks. I’ve been writing about sexual wellness for over three years, which yes, involves reviewing a lot of sex toys. From G-spot vibrators to anal toys, clit suckers to sex games, I’ve been the sheriff in this town for a while now.
But it’s not just about trying different toys; the sexual wellness industry is constantly evolving. Every week brings something new: dating apps for married couples, long-distance sex toys, completely waterproof vibrators… you name it. I stay on top of it all by attending press events, tracking emerging research, testing the latest launches, and speaking directly with leading sex experts and brand founders.
I write from the perspective of a bisexual woman, but I always aim to consider all genders, orientations, and identities when forming my verdicts. Great sexual wellness advice should be inclusive, informed and genuinely useful to everyone.
While I test as many products as I can get my grubby hands on, if something isn’t accessible, I rely on trusted brands or robust user-generated feedback. My ultimate goal? To help you get the absolute best out of your bedroom experience — whether that’s solo, partnered or anywhere in between.
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