When an electronic item comes to the end of its life, it can be hard to know what to do with it. You might find yourself wondering whether it can be recycled or whether there's a way to ensure it doesn't just end up at landfill.

Like any electrical item, vibrators and sex toys fall into this category. While it can be hard to know what to do with them when they stop working, there are some things you can try...

How to recycle your vibrator or sex toy

Vibrators and sex toys are classed as Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). This means they have to be disposed of properly/recycled using special facilities to ensure they don't just end up at landfill or being incinerated.

What to read next

For more information on how you can recycle your vibrator as part of a WEEE recycling scheme, Recycle Now has some useful information. Its website states:

"Some local authorities collect small electrical items as part of their kerbside collection, otherwise you can recycle these and larger items at selected retailers and at Household Waste Recycling Centres."

Recycle Now also has a useful location tool which can help you find specialist recycling services near you. Alternatively, you can look at retailer's websites, such as Lovehoney, to see if they outline any environmental tips for their products.

Replacing your vibrator

If you're looking for a replacement vibrator after recycling, look no further than these, which have been tried and tested by the Good Housekeeping Institute...

how we test vibrators

We asked our Good Housekeeping Institute testing panel, made up of over 130 women of all ages, to 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. This included trying every speed setting, vibration type and any accompanying apps, as offered by toys like Lovense's App-Controlled Love Egg Vibrator.

After the trial period, testers reported their findings to our health & wellness tester and each product was awarded a final score. Here are our top picks for all wants, needs and budgets...

Best suction vibrator
UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Next Clitoral Suction Stimulator
Womanizer Next Clitoral Suction Stimulator

Pros

  • Made from high-quality silicone
  • Mimics oral sex effectively
  • Wide range of settings and controls

Cons

  • Pricey

Score: 89/100

Clitoral suction stimulators are designed to replicate the sensation of oral sex, and this winning Womanizer toy is a top-tier option.

It boasts innovative 3D pleasure air technology, using gentle waves and slow, pulsating sensations to take orgasms to a whole new level. In addition to 14 speed and intensity settings, ‘climax control’ allows users to play around with the depth of suction, so you’re bound to find something that works for you.

The neat Afterglow function offers a gentle comedown after you’ve climaxed and for lazy days, there’s also an ‘autopilot’ option, which automatically controls the suction speed and depth in a way that mimics oral sex from a partner – our testers were big fans.

The smooth silicone toy was a resounding hit with our panel, who all said they would whole-heartedly recommend it to friends. “It gave me the most intense orgasms I've ever experienced,” said one happy tester, while another told us: “I had sensations I've never experienced before, it’s amazing!”

Best wand vibrator
UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Rechargeable Massage Wand Vibrator
Le Wand Rechargeable Massage Wand Vibrator

Pros

  • Made from soft silicone
  • Impressive battery life
  • Improved testers' orgasms

Cons

  • On the heavier side

Score: 88/100

This sleek and stylish wand vibrator received a clean sweep of top reviews from all who tried it. Not only were panellists able to climax faster than when using other toys, but they also found 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 definitely on the larger side, but we would recommend making space in your bedside drawer for this one.

Best rabbit vibrator
UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Glow Bunny Rechargeable Warming and Cooling Rabbit Vibrator
Lovehoney Glow Bunny Rechargeable Warming and Cooling Rabbit Vibrator
£80 at Lovehoney
Tap to Copy -- Expires 31 August 2025

Pros

  • Innovative heating and cooling functionality
  • Elegant design and comfy to hold
  • Effective performance, according to our panel

Cons

  • A tiny bit noisy on the highest setting

Score: 88/100

Thanks to its warming effect, this toy left our panel feeling hot – in all the right ways. Able to heat up or cool down, from the inside out, it's perfect for those who enjoy temperature play.

With a navy and silver design, it was described as “elegant” and “classy” by our panel, and the smooth material meant it felt lovely to hold and use, even for lengthy periods. The unique sloping side scored extra points for its ability to target the G-spot, while the bunny ears were perfectly positioned to stimulate the clitoris.

Described as “one of the best rabbits I have ever tried” by one tester, it’s no wonder the Glow Bunny scored so highly in our tests.

Best bullet vibrator
UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Magic Bullet 10 Function Bullet Vibrator
Lovehoney Magic Bullet 10 Function Bullet Vibrator
£13 at Amazon
Tap to Copy -- Expires 31 August 2025

Pros

  • Budget friendly
  • Small with discreet design
  • Good range of speed settings

Cons

  • A little noisy

Score: 87/100

Discreet, petite and powerful, bullet vibrators are hard to beat — especially when they’re this good. The sleek, matte 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.

Best sex toy for couples
UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Duet 2in1 Couples Toy
So Divine Duet 2in1 Couples Toy

Pros

  • Variety of settings
  • Flexible against the body
  • Good for solo use as well as couple

Cons

  • No storage bag

Score: 86/100

Pick up this aesthetically pleasing pink device for a double dose of fun. The two-in-one toy features a vibrating dildo and an external stimulator, which proved a big hit with testers. One panellist said they thoroughly enjoyed using it with their other half, while another tester told us it was great introduction for those who are just venturing into partnered play for the first time.

Although the brand says it’s perfect for couples, you’ll have just as much fun using it on your own – it would be hard not to when there are 20 (!) different functions to make your way through. You can customise the vibrations to suit your personal preferences, it’s suitable for use in the shower, and it’s easy to clean with warm soapy water or a dedicated sex toy cleaner.

Best dual suction toy
UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Rose Glow 2-in-1 Clitoral Suction Stimulator with Egg Vibrator
Lovehoney Rose Glow 2-in-1 Clitoral Suction Stimulator with Egg Vibrator

Pros

  • Variety of settings
  • Aesthetically pleasing
  • Has a travel lock

Cons

  • Slightly noisy
  • Indiscreet clear storage bag

Score: 86/100

Lovehoney received rave reviews when it first brought out the Rose Clitoral Suction Stimulator, and it recently revisited the original design to add some bells and whistles – or to be exact, a G-spot egg. And it achieved a higher score from our panel of testers this time round, so it’s clear the upgrade has paid off.

Our testers praised the wide variety of settings to choose from, including nine vibrating functions and 10 suction settings. The also loved the super sleek, sculpted design and soft feel of the silicone against their skin. And not only does it feel good, but it’s visually appealing too, with one tester describing it as a “beautiful looking product”.

When fully charged, you can expect to enjoy up to 55 minutes of uninterrupted pleasure. However, according to one tester, you don’t need a lot of charge as the toy does its job “very quickly”. Stylish and speedy.

Best egg vibrator
UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Rechargeable Remote Control Love Egg Vibrator
Svakom Elva Rechargeable Remote Control Love Egg Vibrator

Pros

  • Remote control feature is great for couples
  • Testers reported a more intense orgasm
  • 26 different combinations to try

Cons

  • No case included

Score: 86/100

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

It even comes with an ‘intelligent mode’, so you can enjoy the experience without worrying about which buttons to press. The newbies on our panel were a big fan of this feature.

Best lipstick vibrator
UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Tango X Lipstick Rechargeable Bullet Vibrator
We-Vibe Tango X Lipstick Rechargeable Bullet Vibrator
Now 25% Off

Pros

  • Discreet, travel-friendly design
  • Case included
  • Good range of modes for experimenting

Cons

  • On the pricey side

Score: 86/100

If you love the size and the stimulation provided by beginner bullets, but are 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, so it's a top choice if discretion is the name of the game.

Best app-controlled sex toy
UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Lush 3 App Controlled Rechargeable Love Egg Vibrator
Lovense Lush 3 App Controlled Rechargeable Love Egg Vibrator

Pros

  • Range of customisation options
  • Can be controlled remotely via the app
  • Quiet motor

Cons

  • Instructions could be clearer

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 works 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.

Best heated vibrator
UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Anya Rechargeable Warming Silicone Vibrator
Svakom Anya Rechargeable Warming Silicone Vibrator

Pros

  • Extremely comfortable to use
  • Good range of speeds and vibrations
  • Ergonomic design easy to manoeuvre

Cons

  • Not the quietest device we tested

Score: 83/100

Heating to 38℃ to avoid any 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.

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

Best pulsing vibrator
UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Power Pulse Pulsing Clitoral Vibrator
Lovehoney Power Pulse Pulsing Clitoral Vibrator
£60 at Lovehoney
Tap to Copy -- Expires 31 August 2025

Pros

  • Travel-friendly design
  • Powerful despite small size
  • Comes with a handy travel lock

Cons

  • No battery life indicator
  • Instructions in small print and tricky to read

Score: 82/100

Don’t be deceived by its size – this petite vibrator stimulates the clitoris with a powerful tapping sensation, with the help of three speeds and six vibration patterns.

Thanks to the compact design, it's ultra discreet and will fit into the palm of your hand nicely – a particularly popular feature among our testers. One of our panellists noted that it didn’t look like a sex toy, so you can easily carry it around with you. The travel lock also adds to its discretion and portability, eliminating the fear of having to explain your vibrating bag.

Best for travel
UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Mini Thrill Rechargeable Silicone Bullet Vibrator
Lovehoney Mini Thrill Rechargeable Silicone Bullet Vibrator
Now 23% Off
£23 at Lovehoney
Tap to Copy -- Expires 31 August 2025

Pros

  • Great value for money
  • Discreet, travel-friendly design
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Less premium build

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 during use. 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, making this a good pick 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.

Best pinpoint vibrator
UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Dot Clitoral Pinpoint Vibrator
Lelo Dot Clitoral Pinpoint Vibrator

Pros

  • Impressive performance, according to panel
  • Attractive, ergonomic design
  • Fully waterproof

Cons

  • Pricey
  • Instructions could be clearer

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.

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.

Best classic rose vibrator
UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Rose Clitoral Suction Stimulator
Lovehoney Rose Clitoral Suction Stimulator

Pros

  • Attractive design
  • Allows for fast, intense orgasms, according to our panel
  • In-depth instructions for beginners

Cons

  • No storage pouch included
  • Could have been quieter

Score: 78/100

This floral-shaped suction toy is the original Lovehoney Rose that went viral a few years ago and after testing it, we can see why it's so popular. 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 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.

Best for discretion
UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Eli Clitoral Stimulator
Wuzz Eli Clitoral Stimulator

Pros

  • Non-intimidating, beginner-friendly design
  • Travel pouch included
  • Waterproof design for use in the tub and shower

Cons

  • Unusual shape not for everyone
  • Charging cable came loose at times

Score: 76/100

This discreet Wuzz design could easily be mistaken for an elegant ornament. In actual fact, it’s an ultra-soft clitoral stimulator, designed to deliver natural tongue-like sensations and mimic oral sex. It certainly impressed our panel, with one tester saying: “I had quite a few ‘wow’ moments” and another telling us: “It’s my first ever adult toy – where have I been?!”

Quiet, ultra lightweight and suitable for use in the shower and tub, it ticked several boxes for our testers, who said it was straightforward to use. The mini vibrator also comes with a travel pouch, so you can subtly slip into your bag and carry it around with you.

Not everyone rated the unique design – a few testers found it awkward to manoeuvre – but you can’t win ‘em all. All in all, a good entry level model to get you going.

Best lay-on vibrator
UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Dew Drop
Satisfyer Dew Drop

Pros

  • Handsfree
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Weaker vibration modes

Score: 75/100

The powerful vibrations of this toy shouldn’t be slept on, but they can be laid on (quite literally). To use the Dew Drop, lie down on your bed or sit in comfy chair, place the device on the desired area (whether it’s your clitoris, nipples or elsewhere) and let the toy work its magic – it couldn’t be easier. In fact, it was designed especially for beginners, and testers confirmed it was a breeze to use, with just two simple buttons to control the power and intensity.

It may not be groundbreaking for experienced sex toy users, with one panel member describing the functionality as “lacking”. Still, it’s an excellent choice if you’re at the beginning of your vibrator journey, or you’re just after something that requires minimal effort after a long day at work.

best epilators

How to clean your vibrator

As sex toys come into contact with bodily fluids, it's crucial you know how to clean them properly.Most vibrators can be cleaned using gentle soap and warm water, or you can buy a specialist sex toy cleaning spray, with options available from Lelo, Intimina and So Divine.

It's advisable to clean your toy straight after use or as soon as you can. Make sure it's completely dry before stashing it away, as moisture can encourage bacteria to grow. To prevent your toy from getting dusty, it's a good idea to store it a pouch or box.

Of course, cleaning protocols vary depending on material and waterproofing capabilities. Consult the user manual that came with your device or look for instructions online. If you're unable to find any information, it's worth contacting the brand to request help.

How often should you replace your vibrator?

This depends on a range of different factors, including material, frequency of use and whether you've been cleaning it regularly. A good-quality rechargeable sex toy should last you several years. A cheaper, battery-powered option may not last quite as long.

If your sex toy looks rusty, discoloured or just generally worse for wear, it's probably time to replace it. Similarly, if the battery looks damaged or there are frayed electrical wires, then you should look for a new vibrator.

Final verdict on vibrators

If budget is no object, then our winning Womanizer Clitoral Suction Toy is easy to use, effective and discreet.

If you enjoy a rabbit vibrator, look to Lovehoney's innovative Glow Bunny and if partner play is on the cards, then we'd recommend the Lovense Lush Love Egg Vibrator.

On a tight budget? The Lovehoney Magic Bullet is an excellent entry level model.

A full list of all GHI tested vibrators is available HERE