Power Up: Batteries, Cords, and Rechargeables...Oh My!

How do you power your vibrator? Are you disappointed in its performance, or have you never really thought about it? Have you ever wondered if a different power option was better for your needs?

There are some vibes that can be attached to the wall by a cord, recharged like a cellphone, or powered by batteries just like a remote control (because really, TV remotes are the only vanilla thing anyone uses batteries for anymore, right?). There are benefits and drawbacks of each power choice. Some are more environmentally friendly than others, some are annoying to replace, and we all have our preferences. So, which one is right for you?

Corded

These are generally considered old school. Vintage and classic vibes like the Hitachi *ahem* Magic Wand Original have power cords. Corded vibes are often strong because they have a reliable and intense power source. However, they limit you by the length of the power cord. Corded vibes are what you'd have found under "personal massager" in a Sears Roebuck catalog decades ago, but that doesn't mean that these tried-and-true models don't measure up to the task. There is a reason why they're still on the market.

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Pros: Corded vibes are really, really strong. There is also something astoundingly convenient about never worrying about a battery dying or remembering to charge your toy so that it doesn't run out of juice right before you reach orgasm.

Cons: These toys tend to have old-school designs (although you might be into that, and that's OK!), and you have to be near an outlet to use them. Some corded vibes have long cords, but most do not. If you're scarce on outlets, you'll have to get an extension cord. There is also the tripping or tangling hazard of having a cord near or your the bed.

Common Models: (Hitachi) Magic Wand Original, Eroscillator, Wahl

Batteries

Whenever I think about batteries I think about most things from the '90s, but especially remote controls and toys. I may be dating myself by that last sentence. Batteries were at one point convenient; they were the only other option if you didn't want to deal with a power cord. Now, they just feel like a wasteful stopgap before rechargeable batteries came along. Most mid-range and inexpensive vibes use batteries, which can be anything from little watch batteries that fizzle out after 45 minutes of use to C batteries that power old-style slimline vibrators.

Pros: If you have batteries on hand, they'll be faster to replace than it will be to charge your vibrator. If you have some around, it's more convenient, and you're not tethered to the wall. Battery-powered vibes also tend to be less expensive.

Cons: They can explode. They can literally explode, and sometimes that happens without warning. It is dangerous because when batteries explode, the battery acid goes everywhere and can cause damage. Batteries can go bad if you don't use them fast enough. They're hard to properly dispose of and are wasteful. Batteries can also be expensive. Common vibrator batteries are LR44s and Ns. How often do you even see those?

Common Models: More than I can name, but they don't usually have a "brand name." They are known by their shape, like the pocket rocket or missile vibe.

Rechargeable Vibes

By far the more popular choice, rechargeables have left the realm of high end luxury vibrators and are now more commonly found in a huge array of designs at a variety of prices. You can find clitoral, G-spot, cock ring, and a variety of other forms of vibe in rechargeable form if you know where to look.

Pros: Relatively environmentally friendly, at least in comparison to regular batteries. Similar to batteries, rechargeables are difficult to recycle. Sex toy recycling programs are few and far between, and people do not generally want to go to their nearest hazardous waste facility to have their toys properly taken care of, as you should do with all broken or old electronics. Rechargeable sex toys can be long lasting, and it's nice to not be tethered to a cord. They can be, but are not always, truly waterproof.

Cons: If you have multiple rechargeable sex toys and don't keep an organized cord drawer, you might get confused about which charger goes to which toy. The battery does still die, and then you'll have to recharge it. If you're like me and let it go until it dies seemingly out of nowhere right before a climax, you'll have occasional frustrations. If they're not waterproof, you can't remove the battery to clean your toy.

Common Models: Some of the common rechargeable sex toys you'll find most will be from WeVibe, OhMiBod, Fun Factory, and Minna. That isn't an all-inclusive list. You're sure to find other rechargeable sex toys from other manufacturers. If you have a particular manufacturer you love to purchase your toys from, check with them to find out if they have rechargeables.

There are a lot of different considerations when it comes to your sex toys. How your vibes are powered isn't always the first thing that comes to mind, but it can be very important! Different people have different concerns when it comes to choosing the right sex toy; hopefully this list of considerations will help narrow things down in your search for a good buzzer.