Hitachi Magic Wand

The Best Sex Toys of 2025

Kate Sloan

Yep, it’s that time again… I’m gonna tell you about my favorite sex toys of the year!

2025 has been a total shitshow politically, and was one of the most challenging (and yet also most joyful) years I have personally lived through, what with moving to New York, throwing myself back into improv, getting painfully rejected by a crush, and starting a new long-distance relationship. (Damn, did that all really happen in just one year?!)

But despite all the ups and downs of the year, one thing remained true: My sex toys were always there for me. It’s always calming to know that no matter how many cuties break my heart, and no matter how many fascists try to break my spirit, I can still enjoy the simple pleasures of a tool-assisted wank, and the positive neurochemical effects of an orgasm or three.

So, without further ado, here are the sex toys I adored most in 2025…

Most photos via the toys’ respective manufacturers; some via me

Old favorites

They may not be new, or flashy, or exciting (though some of them are!), but here are the top-drawer faves that I’ve owned longer than a year and still use regularly:

 

My favorite new toys of the year

I’ll be honest with you: There weren’t many new toys I liked enough this year to put on this list! Only a handful, really, but I still think they’re worth shouting out. Here are my picks…

#5: Valm 8-inch realistic dildo ($110 at Valm)

This is just a big ol’ realistic dick. And as regular readers of this blog know, I am a fan of dick!

As a colorful femme who eschews neutral shades, I always prefer a bright-‘n’-bold shade over skin tones, so I was thrilled that Valm custom-made this dildo for me in a delicious orange-to-fuchsia ombré. In use, the toy strikes a satisfying balance between firmness and softness, and its measurements are perfect for when I get into a size-queen-y mood. Big recommend (literally)!

Image via Peepshow

#4: Solina Aura ($50 at Peepshow)

Another silicone dick? Yep. What can I say; I know what I like!

I find this one a little easier to thrust with than some of the previous Solina dildos I’ve tried, because the Aura’s balls and suction-cup base act as a handle. Its 6.1″ of insertable length is ideal for hitting my A-spot. This dildo is also modeled after ‘uncut’ cocks, which I appreciate, as someone who has enjoyed both circumcised and uncircumcised penises in my sexual history but has rarely seen the latter represented in the sex toy industry!

L to R: Lush Mini, Lush 4, and Lush 3

#3: Lovense Lush 4 / Lush Mini ($129 and $129 at SheVibe, respectively)

I once again did a lot of long-distance play this year, and Lovense toys made it more intuitive and connective than ever.

The difference between these two vibes is their size; I find the Lush Mini easier to insert without necessarily being wet/aroused already, while the Lush 4 feels slightly more satisfying during orgasm. These wonderfully rumbly G-spot vibes can almost feel like a partner is fingering me, when controlled by someone with skill and patience!

#2: Lelo Switch ($200 at Lovehoney)

Before I compliment this toy, I gotta roast it. The Switch is a perfect example of why Lelo’s reputation has gone downhill: the Switch is overpriced, and boasts some gimmicky features that never quite work the way you want them to. In this case, they’ve made a mini wand vibrator that has two motors – one in the head of the wand (as you’d expect) and one in the handle, which can be used as a G-spot vibrator when you flip the toy around.

I didn’t like dual-ended toys when Tantus tried it back in 2014 and I still don’t like them now, for the same basic reason as back then: when you’re continually switching back and forth between the toy’s two ends (as the Switch’s name encourages you to do), you end up getting lube and/or bodily fluids all over your hands. I guess some people might be into that, but for me it’s a bit of a sensory nightmare.

That being said… This is a strong, rumbly, waterproof, and very quiet wand with a wide range of vibration settings. It’s also visually stunning, as Lelo toys often are. And it seems to have fewer mechanical issues than Lelo’s previous attempt in this category, the Smart Wand. It’s one of the better things Lelo has put out in years, which admittedly isn’t saying much – and yet, it has definitely earned its 2nd-place spot on this list with the amount of orgasms it’s given me.

#1: Magic Wand Waterproof ($190 at Peepshow)

I mean, let’s face it: nothing was ever gonna top this one. The launch of the long-awaited Magic Wand Waterproof was the most exciting news in the sex toy industry all year, if you ask me. (And yeah, I might be slightly biased, given that I spent a year of my life interviewing people about the Magic Wand and creating a podcast miniseries about it, but I still think I’m right!)

As if it wasn’t astonishing enough that they managed to engineer a waterproof version of this decades-old classic, Vibratex also gave this toy more power than any of their previous wands, making this the strongest rechargeable/non-electric wand I’ve ever tried. It actually ended up being a little too strong for me, so I still reach for my Magic Wand Rechargeable more often – but I’m soooo glad the Waterproof exists, especially for those of you who like your vibes jackhammer-strong.

 

What were your favorite sex toys this year, dear readers? Feel free to let me know in the comments!

Review: Magic Wand Waterproof

Kate Sloan

When I interviewed 35 people about the legendary Magic Wand vibrator for my podcast miniseries about it, certain sentiments recurred again and again. For instance, people frequently described it as “dependable” and “reliable,” it was repeatedly compared to jackhammers and Cadillacs, and… you guessed it… almost everyone wished it was waterproof.

Some of them expressed this with a certain guilty reservation, like they felt “greedy” for wanting a famously ultra-powerful vibrator to also stand up to shower sex. How decadent, how maximalist, to imagine bringing earth-shattering power offshore with you into uncharted waters.

Well, guess what? I’m here to tell you that it’s okay to be greedy. It’s okay to be maximalist. It’s okay to want it all. Sometimes you’ll even get what you want – like when Vibratex heeds user feedback and actually makes a waterproof Magic Wand.

Magic Wand Rechargeable (top) and Magic Wand Waterproof (bottom) – (and no, those parentheticals are not me speculating on what positions the wands prefer during anal sex)

What is the Magic Wand Waterproof and how does it compare to other Magic Wands?

I’m not going to include the Magic Wand Mini or Magic Wand Micro in the table below, because they’re not on the same level power-wise. But here is a comparison table of all the full-size Magic Wands currently available:

Magic Wand...

Price (USD)

$200

$75

$150

$85

Power source

Rechargeable via 100-240V electrical outlet

110-120V electrical outlet

Rechargeable via 100-240V electrical outlet

100-240V electrical outlet

Battery life

2.5h on a 4h charge

n/a (electrical)

3h on a 3h charge

n/a (electrical)

Speeds

4 (2700, 4200, 6000, and 7000 RPM)

2 (5000 and 6000 RPM)

4 (2700, 3800, 5400, and 6300 RPM)

4 (2700, 3800, 5400, and 6300 RPM)

Patterns

4

None

4

None

Dimensions

13.2" x 2.4"

12" x 2.25"

13" x 2.4"

13" x 2.4"

Weight

1.3 lbs

1.2 lbs

1.3 lbs

1.3 lbs

Materials

ABS plastic body, silicone head

Plastic body, porous vinyl head

ABS plastic body, silicone head

ABS plastic body, silicone head

Useable while charging?

No

n/a (electrical)

Yes

n/a (electrical)

Waterproof?

Yes

No

No

No

Things I like about the Magic Wand Waterproof:

  • It is indeed waterproof! Hurrah! This is worth rejoicing about. I am a bath aficionado and have been known to rub one out in the tub from time to time, and it’s sooo nice to be able to take a super-strong toy in there with me, instead of being relegated to whatever waterproof little clit vibe happens to be charged. (The We-Vibe Tango X is the best one, incase you’re wondering.) It’s also nice to be able to massage my neck and shoulders, etc. while lying in a warm bath, since the heat helps relax my muscles even further. Vibratex even made the buttons on the MWW slightly bigger, perhaps to make them easier to see underwater.
  • Okay, here’s the real bombshell: This is the MOST POWERFUL MAGIC WAND that has EVER EXISTED. Yes, I’m caps-lock shouting at you, because if you take away nothing else from this review, it should be that. This vibrator’s amazingly strong motor might even be its primary selling point, moreso even than its being waterproof. As you can see in the comparison table above, the Magic Wand Original (MWO) tops out at 6,000 RPM, while the Magic Wand Rechargeable (MWR) and Magic Wand Plus (MWP) both go up to 6,300 RPM – but the Magic Wand Waterproof (MWW) has them all beat, maxing out at a whopping 7,000 RPM. Its lowest setting (2,700 RPM) is the same as the lowest setting of the MWR and MWP, but each of its 3 subsequent settings is more powerful than its equivalent in other Magic Wands, with the MWW’s 3rd speed (of 4) being the same as the highest speed of the Magic Wand Original. So, if you love wands but have found that your current Magic Wand doesn’t feel quite powerful enough, the Waterproof might be exactly the upgrade you need.
  • Relatedly: This wand is so strong that it’s given me a greater appreciation for how, contrary to popular belief, sometimes wands are a good pick for days when you’re feeling extra-sensitive, because you can hold them further away from your clit/cock/etc., use them through labia or through underwear, etc. and still feel the vibrations, because of how powerful they are. (JoEllen Notte has also written about this.) I find direct clit stim quite painful so I love how wands are so versatile in this way. When I come with a wand, usually it’s pressed against the side of my clit through two layers of labia and one or two layers of clothing – and even then, this wand feels wildly intense, which brings me to my next point…
  • Oh, the orgasms!! This thing gives me the type of orgasms that make me say “Oh my god” out loud while I’m coming, because the sensations are so unexpectedly strong. (Pretty rare for a professional sex toy reviewer of over 13 years to be surprised by how her own orgasms feel!) Sometimes those orgasms have an element of discomfort or overstimulation to them, as I’ll discuss further below – but the strength of these vibrations, and the Magic Wand’s signature blend of rumbliness with a topcoat of buzz, makes these orgasms awe-inspiring.
  • As with all Magic Wand products, this one feels solidly constructed and well-engineered, its buttons respond quickly and reliably, and it’s overall the sex toy equivalent of a great friend who always keeps their promises.
The cursed charging port cap

Things I don’t like about the Magic Wand Waterproof:

  • My biggest issue with the MWW is one of personal taste: it’s a bit too strong for me! The jumps between speeds sometimes feel jarring, partly just because I’m so accustomed to using my MWR instead – but there were several MWW testing sessions where eventually the first speed felt too weak but the second speed felt too strong, and I eventually gave up and switched back to my MWR because its second speed is slightly weaker than the MWW’s (3800 RPMs versus 4200) and thus more enjoyable to me. When I did use the MWW “to completion,” it often left my vulva feeling a bit overstimulated and achy afterward, in the way that ultra-strong vibration tends to.
  • While the official Magic Wand website says that both the MWW and the MWR weigh 1.3 lbs, the MWW feels heavier to me somehow, and my arm gets tired/sore more quickly from holding it. It’s possible that the weight is just distributed differently within the toy (more top-heavy, perhaps?) but in any case, I find the MWW slightly unwieldy compared to the MWR.
  • The blue rubbery cap that fits over the charging port, which presumably is one of the things that makes it waterproof (since the manual warns that the cap must always be on when the MWW is in water), is not attached to the wand itself in any way, and would therefore be easy to drop/lose. I’m not sure what Vibratex would do in that event – some sex toy companies sell individual replacements for parts that are easily misplaced, for instance – but I wish that the problem had been avoided altogether by having the cap be attached to the body of the wand.
  • Unlike the MWR, the MWW cannot be used while charging. This is rarely an issue, especially since the MWW lasts about 2.5 hours on a full charge, but I’ve always liked that when the MWR dies, you can literally just plug it in and keep using it. It guarantees that you’re never left in the lurch, and so I wish every other vibe could have that feature, including the MWW. (Obviously you still wouldn’t be able to use it in water while it’s charging…)
  • Like the MWR before it, the MWW shuts off automatically after 20 minutes of use, to prevent overheating. (You can turn it back on again immediately.) I don’t usually encounter this because I take frequent breaks where I turn the vibe off for a few seconds to manage genital overstimulation throughout a session, but it’s pretty annoying to have to worry about it at all.
  • The MWW is the most expensive product in the Magic Wand lineup, at $200. I imagine this has something to do with the Trump tariffs (sigh). It’s not as pricey as the upscale Doxy Die Cast wand ($215), but it’s also not as powerful (the Die Cast maxes out at 9000 RPM versus the MWW’s 7000). That being said, the MWW does bring value to the table that’ll make it worth the high price for some users, namely its waterproofness and its added motor strength.
  • I’m sure there are valid engineering-related reasons this cannot be, but I wish the MWW and MWR used the same charger, just for convenience’s sake. Alas, they do not.

Final thoughts

I’m thrilled to have a Magic Wand Waterproof in my collection, particularly for those times when I’m craving a bathtub wank and don’t want to have to compromise on power. It didn’t end up being my personal favorite product in the Magic Wand lineup, though; that title is still held by the legendary Magic Wand Rechargeable, because I’m sensitive enough that the MWW’s jumps in power felt too big for my delicate, picky clit. I also love being able to use the MWR while it’s charging, so it never gives up the ghost mid-session, a feature that the MWW lacks.

But I think a lot of people will absolutely love the MWW. It opens up entirely new avenues of play, both because it’s waterproof and because it’s even stronger than its predecessors. Diehard Magic Wand devotees will enjoy the added power and versatility – although I’m not sure I’d recommend the MWW as a gateway for a first-time wand user, because of how strong it is.

Overall, though? Look. It’s been a tough year so far, to say the fucking least. Global slide into fascism. Queer and trans people existentially threatened. Climate change lapping at our heels. And on and on.

So when something actually good happens these days, I feel it’s my responsibility to shout it from the top of a mountain… [Ron Burgundy voice] but I don’t have a mountain; I have a sex blog, and so it is here that I must say to you: the Magic Wand Waterproof exists, and it is good. It’s the most powerful Magic Wand that’s ever been made. It is the answer to our vibrator prayers. Good things still can happen in this godforsaken world. 🪄

 

This post was NOT sponsored and I was NOT required to review this product, although Vibratex did kindly send me a pre-release sample to test. Yes, I am #blessed.

The Best Sex Toys of 2024

Kate Sloan

I’ve been lucky enough in my career to write sex toy listicles for all sorts of big publications. I love being able to spread sex toy awareness to the masses, but ultimately, this website is still my favorite place to write about these products – because this website is the only one where I can give you the full, detailed, unvarnished lowdown on why I like (or dislike) any given toy. I love having that kind of freedom!

With that in mind, I want to tell you about the toys I used and enjoyed the most in 2024…

Old faithfuls

Before I tell you about my 8 favorite new-to-me sex toys of the year, I gotta shout out the nightstand workhorses that’ve stuck around for a while:

 

My 8 favorite new toys of the year

Yep – I’m gonna do a “top 8,” MySpace-style!

Not all of these were released this year, but they all arrived in my collection sometime in 2024. I’ll start at the bottom and work my way up…

8. Mr Hankey’s Perfect Penis

Not much to say about this one, except that it’s a huge, beautiful silicone dick that I reach for when I want to feel well and truly fucked. And also it works better as an iPhone stand than many actual iPhone stands.

 

7. Uberrime Suavis plug

There are two vaginal plugs that I love: this one, and the Hole Punch Fluke, which has long been my go-to when I want some passive G-spot stimulation while receiving oral sex. The problem with the Fluke, however, is that I can’t wear it for longer than about an hour before my vag starts to get a little sore from the firmness of the silicone.

That’s where the Uberrime Suavis comes in – it’s softer, squishier, and more comfortable for longer wear (I think I’ve comfortably left it in for up to 3 hours before). The trade-off is that it doesn’t feel as good for me during orgasm as the Fluke does, because I prefer a firmer silicone at that moment – plus, sometimes my vag swallows the whole Suavis, base and all, which can make it a little tricky to retrieve. In any case, though, I love having two different vaginal plugs for the two different ways I like to use ’em!

6. Magic Wand Micro

They made a miniature version of the Magic Wand. Of course I love it!

The teeny-tiny Micro might disappoint some Wand diehards, because naturally it doesn’t quite stack up to its bigger siblings in terms of power – but it’s respectably rumbly and strong for its petite size, it’s portable as hell, and (perhaps most importantly of all) it’s really fucking cute.

 

5. Fun Factory Stronic G Forte

Hate to do this to ya, but this appears to be sold out everywhere… most likely because of Fun Factory’s recent acquisition by Satisfyer and it increasingly seems like they’re phasing out the brand. That would be a HUGE bummer for sex toy nerds around the world, because Fun Factory has long been one of the best and most ethical companies in the biz.

But it would feel weird to omit this toy from my list, even though you’ll have a hell of a time trying to sleuth one out at this point. Fun Factory’s Stronic line of “pulsators” thrust back and forth in small motions, and nowhere is this technology used more effectively than in the G Forte, which is made to target the G-spot with those quick little strokes. It’s girthier and stronger than the original Stronic G, and I’m sad that more people won’t get to experience it.

 

4. Solina Mega L dildo

At first glance, this toy may not look especially remarkable. It’s a straight, average-sized, realistic silicone dildo. So what?

Here’s what: This dildo is made of dual-density silicone, widely regarded as the best balance between realism and body-safety (since realistically squishy toys are usually made of porous and/or toxic materials) – and it only costs $40. It wasn’t so long ago that you’d have to shell out $100+ for a great dual-density silicone dildo – and the ones in that price range are still gorgeous and worthy of their price tags, but I love having an option I can recommend to folks who are on a tighter budget.

I’ve recently been sent a new addition to the Solina line, which I’ll write about sometime in 2025, and it’s lovely too. I’ve definitely got my eye on this brand!

3. Mr. Hankey’s Captain’s Hook

This toy’s deep curve and hefty girth make it one of the most breathtakingly G-spotty toys I’ve ever used. I find its realism sexy both visually and tactilely – that coronal ridge is simply marvelous.

I’d probably use it a lot more often if it wasn’t so heavy. But it speaks well of this toy that I’m willing to put up with the sore hands and arms occasionally in order to experience its pleasures.

 

2. Hot Octopuss Pulse Queen

One of my core skills as a sex toy reviewer is being very aware of my own “baseline,” in terms of sensitivity and sexual response, so that I will know when a toy causes significant deviations in those areas. And to that end, I noticed immediately that the Pulse Queen clitoral stimulator feels deeper and more stimulating than other vibes – and that the orgasms it gives me have a unique quality to them as well, a depth and sweetness that frequently makes me swear like a sailor while I’m coming.

The only reasons this toy isn’t in the #1 spot: It doesn’t stand up well at all to pressure (which makes it effectively useless in many PIV positions), and it has an annoyingly short battery life. But damn, nothing else feels quite like this toy, and when I’m craving it, absolutely nothing else will do.

 

1. We-Vibe Wand 2

The toys at the top of my list each year are usually fairly straightforward. They do one thing, and they do it well. Let that be a lesson to any sex toy company reps who may be reading this!

We-Vibe’s updated wand is a prime example. It’s “just” a wand – but oh, what a wand it is! It’s easily one of the rumbliest ones I’ve ever tried, and its speeds range from a low, gentle purr to a full-on jackhammer rumble. I’ve reached for it more times than I can count this year, because, simply put, it gets the fucking job done. It may not be the prettiest wand (or the most affordable), but it’s probably the wand that got me off the most times this year, and that’s a pretty big deal!

 

What were your favorite new toys this year?

 

As a reminder: when you buy toys through my links, I get a li’l monetary kickback (at no extra cost to you), which is a great way to “tip” me if you’ve appreciated my toy guidance this year 😘 Thanks, babes!

“Making Magic” is Nominated for an Award!!! (& You Can Help!)

Kate Sloan

For the year that I spent working on my podcast miniseries about the Magic Wand vibrator, Making Magic, I assumed that it would be meaningful to a small but passionate audience. I certainly never dreamed it would be nominated for awards.

And yet, that is exactly what has happened!! Can you believe?!

Making Magic is nominated for two different Signal Awards. It’s a top-3 finalist in the Limited Series – Health & Wellness category, and it’s also one of the nominees for the Signal People’s Choice award in the same category.

Here’s where you come in: it would mean a lot to me if you could click here and vote for Making Magic, which should take you 15 seconds or less.

Ever since being banned from Instagram and Facebook a couple months ago due to their sex-negative policies, it’s been harder than ever for me to promote my work and earn a living. So I’d really appreciate any help you can give in getting the word out to your networks, online and off, both about the podcast itself and about voting for it.

I want as many people to hear this show as possible, not just because I poured my whole soul into it for a year of my life, but because it conveys a message that our world sorely needs right now – about sexual freedom, equality, and the importance of pleasure. So I’d appreciate it to the depths of my soul if you could throw a vote my way, to help more people hear about this series!

Thanks, as ever, to the dream team who partnered with me on Making Magic, without whom this achievement would have been impossible: my editor extraordinaire, Jamie Pityinger; the folks at Vibratex, who believed in and funded this strange passion project of mine; and Addison Finch, who did the stunning album art. I am so lucky that I got to make this show, especially with such awesome people in my corner. 💖

Thanks, and keep on making magic! 🪄

Announcing the Secret Project I’ve Been Working On For a YEAR…!

Kate Sloan
Art by Addison Finch

About a year and a half ago, I met via Zoom with some folks at Vibratex, the current distributor of the famed Magic Wand (sometimes known more colloquially as “the Hitachi Magic Wand” or just “the Hitachi,” although Hitachi’s name is no longer on the toy). The company had seen my tattoo of their product, and the many GQ articles in which I declare my love for the Wand, and they wanted to chat about how we could collaborate. Needless to say, I was intrigued!

See, back when I was in journalism school in 2015, I spent a whole semester researching and writing a longform feature article on the Magic Wand. I had been reviewing sex toys on this blog for about three years at that point – not long, but long enough to know that the Magic Wand was probably the best-known vibrator in the world, and was certainly the vibrator with the longest and richest history, having been around since 1968.

I don’t recall what grade I got on that article, but I do recall that at one point, one of my interviewees said to me, “There could be a whole book about this – and you should be the person to write it!” At that time, I hadn’t seriously considered writing a book on anything, but the Magic Wand seemed as good a subject as any. I filed away that idea for the future, hoping it’d come to fruition someday.

When I connected with Vibratex eight years later, that’s what I pitched them as our potential collaboration: a book about the history and impact of the Wand. And while I definitely still think there’s a book’s worth of stories to tell about it, we tweaked the idea during our discussions, and landed on doing it as a podcast miniseries instead. That way, I could incorporate the voices of many different experts and laypeople, telling their Wand stories in their own words.

Sipping a Magic Wand-themed cocktail at last night’s Magic Wand-themed event at the Museum of Sex

So, for about a year now, I’ve been interviewing people about the Magic Wand, researching its history, thinking deeply about it, combing through interview transcripts, and piecing them together into episodes. The result is my new podcast miniseries, Making Magic: How the Magic Wand Became the World’s Most Famous Vibrator, which is launching wherever you get your podcasts on May 30th, 2024. There’s a trailer available now, if you’d like a little taste of what’s to come!

I’m so, so excited for people to hear this series. There’s an episode about the legendary sex educator who made the Magic Wand famous in her all-nude masturbation workshops; there’s an episode about the trailblazers who started the first feminist sex shops and kicked off a movement of women reclaiming their own bodies and pleasure; there are episodes about why the Wand is so important to so many queer people, trans people, and people with disabilities or mental illness; there are episodes about its ubiquity in porn, kink, and art.

I interviewed sex-positive superheroes like Carol Queen and Tristan Taormino, porn dynamos like Stoya and Ava LaPrima, sex history buffs like Hallie Lieberman and Lynn Comella, industry icons like Shay Martin and Andy Duran, kink geniuses like Danarama and Billy Lore, pervy intellectuals like Tina Horn and Sinclair Sexsmith, and badass academics like Laurie Mintz and Debby Herbenick, just to name a few. It’s been a hell of a process, and I’ve been so lucky to get to have so many fascinating conversations with such clever and wise folks.

Making Magic is edited and co-produced by Jamie Pityinger, and made possible by the generous support of Vibratex, with art by Addison Finch. I really hope you’ll tune in when the first episode launches on May 30th. If we’re not available in your podcast app of choice just yet, you can paste this RSS feed into your app and subscribe that way:

https://feeds.captivate.fm/making-magic/

It’s an honor to have gotten to work on this project, and I can’t wait for y’all to hear it!