Rabbit vibrators explained: how they work and how to choose one

The rabbit is one of those toys almost everyone has heard of, even if they've never held one. The name comes from the little ears on the outer arm, but the idea behind it is simple: one toy that stimulates inside and outside at the same time. If you've been curious, this guide walks you through how rabbits work, what the different styles do and how to pick one that suits your body.

What makes a rabbit a rabbit

A rabbit vibrator has two parts joined at the base:

• The shaft, which goes inside the vagina. Many are gently curved towards the front wall, where the G-spot area is.
• The clitoral arm, a shorter branch that rests against the clitoris while the shaft is inside.

Many rabbits let you control the two parts separately, so you can have strong vibration on the outside and something softer inside, or the other way round. That independent control is worth looking for, because bodies rarely want exactly the same thing in both places.

The main types

Rabbits have come a long way from the original design. Here are the styles you'll find in our rabbit vibrators collection:

1. Classic vibrating rabbits. Both parts vibrate. Simple, and a good first choice. The Mina Sensation Rabbit Vibrator (£39.99) is a straightforward example.
2. Rotating rabbits. The shaft turns in circles, sometimes with rows of beads inside that roll as it moves. The Jessica Rabbit Ultimate Plus Vibrator (£44.99) has a reversible rotating shaft with three rows of metal beads and a slightly fuller girth.
3. Thrusting rabbits. The shaft moves in and out by itself, so your hand doesn't have to. The Mina Tide Thrusting Rabbit Vibrator (£54.99) is a compact, rechargeable option.
4. Come-hither rabbits. The tip moves in a beckoning motion against the front wall, a bit like a curled finger. Try the Mina Hail Come Hither Rabbit Vibrator (£54.99), or at the luxury end, the Lelo Soraya Wave Dual Action Vibrator Midnight Blue (£229.99).
5. Two-in-one designs. Some rabbits come apart. The Svakom Duoglow 2in1 Vibrator (£99.99) has two interlocking parts that you can use together or on their own.

How to choose: size, shape and fit

The trickiest thing with a rabbit is the fit. The gap between the shaft and the arm is fixed on many models, so the arm might sit perfectly on one body and land slightly off on another. A few pointers:

• Check the insertable length and circumference. The Mina Lover Rabbit Vibrator (£39.99), for example, lists an insertable length of 9.5 cm and a circumference of 10 cm, which is a modest size for starting out.
• Look for a flexible arm. A bendy clitoral arm can be nudged into place so it meets you where you are.
• Start smaller than you think. You can always size up later, and a slimmer shaft is often more comfortable while you're learning what you like.
• Look at the controls. Separate buttons for the shaft and the arm, and an easy way to switch off, make everything less fiddly.

Materials, charging and water

Look for body-safe silicone. It's smooth, non-porous and easy to clean. Most rabbits are now USB rechargeable, which saves on batteries, and many are waterproof, so they can come into the bath with you. This varies from toy to toy, so check the product page before you get it wet.

With silicone toys, a water-based lube is usually the safest pairing, because silicone lube can damage some silicone surfaces. Our lube compatibility guide explains why.

Getting started with your rabbit

1. Charge it fully and give it a clean before the first use.
2. Add a little lube to the shaft and the arm.
3. Start with the clitoral arm on its lowest setting before inserting anything. Warm up first. There's no rush.
4. Insert the shaft slowly, then adjust the angle until the arm settles somewhere that feels good.
5. Try different settings for the shaft and the arm, and explore rotation or thrusting once you're comfortable.

If anything feels uncomfortable or painful, stop. Pleasure should never hurt.

Rabbits with a partner

Rabbits aren't only for solo time. A partner can hold and guide the toy while you focus on how it feels, or it can be part of foreplay before anything else. Talk about what you'd both like beforehand, and agree a simple way to say "slower" or "stop". For more ideas, read our guide for couples.

Looking after it

Clean your rabbit after every use with warm water and a mild soap or toy cleaner, paying attention to the join between the shaft and the arm. Let it dry fully, then store it somewhere clean and dust-free, away from other toys. Our toy care guide covers it step by step.

If this is your very first vibrator, have a look at our first vibrator guide too. When you're ready, browse the full rabbit range. Every order arrives in a plain, unbranded parcel, with nothing on the outside to show what's inside or where it's from.