Rumbly vs. buzzy vibrators: What’s the difference and how do you tell them apart?

Do you prefer being tickled or massaged? Perhaps you have a preference, or maybe it depends on your mood. What about when this sensation is applied to your clitoris? When learning about sex toys, we rarely question the type of vibration—but this is probably one of the most important factor when choosing a toy for our pleasure.

The different types of vibrators are split between “rumbly” and “buzzy”, and this has a lot to do with the way the product is made, the size and position of the motor, and the material used. The differences between whether we prefer “buzzy” or “rumbly” sensations has a lot to do with the anatomy of the clitoris, and our personal preferences when it comes to what type of experience we want.

Amidst the many Reddit threads debating these two types of vibrators, some say “buzzy” is bad, and “rumbly” is good, and while that may be the case for some toys and some people, it’s not so cut and dry.

What’s better, rumbly or buzzy and tingly?

Obviously, every body is different and every person has different preferences between buzzy and rumbly vibes. In our experience, the majority of people lean towards preferring rumbly vibrators! Ultimately, it’s up for you to explore and decide for your body and your pleasure.

When deciding between these two types of vibrators, you can use this checklist:

Rumbly vs Buzzy

How can you tell which toys are rumbly or buzzy?

There are three things you can do to easily check if the vibrator you want is more on the buzzy or rumbly side:

• Read the description, some include the frequency
• Go into a sex toy store and test it on the tip of your nose
• Read professional sex toy reviewers and reviews from existing users

What determines a rumbly vibrator?

As the name suggests, a rumbly vibrator rumbles. It operates at a frequency typically between 45 to 180 Hz. Designed to massage deeply, penetrating deep into the muscle tissue. Most massage guns operate at this frequency— it’s no wonder the Wand became such a popular sex toy.
Rumbly vibrators typically have a large motor and heavier weight, causing the motor to oscillate at a slower rate.

This can result in quieter sounds in comparison to its buzzier counterparts. Making it better for when living in a house share, or making sure your family doesn’t get disturbed.

The rumbling sensations allow for the vibrations to travel further and deeper when applied to the genitals.

Massaging the muscle tissue and nerve endings in the entire body of the internal clitoris, which can result in bigger and longer orgasms—‍because the entirety of the clitoris ranges from 7 to 12 centimetres in length, and grows from between 50% and 300% when engorged.

What determines a buzzy vibrator?

Buzzier vibrators get their “buzzy” name because they operate at a high frequency, as high as 10,000 Hz., giving them a loud high pitched wasp or bee-like buzzing sound.

Compared to the “rumbling” tech, these toys often have a smaller motor and a lighter weight, which means the vibrations are quick and when applied to the skin will feel like a tickle, only stimulating the tips of the nerve endings. They can sound louder, and if used in the same spot for a long period of time, can cause a numbing effect.

The notion that vibrators will permanently desensitize your clitoris is a myth. However, it is down to “buzzy” vibrations that will cause this temporary experience.

Buzzy vibrators are typically much smaller than the rumbly toys, and offer more direct stimulation, vibrating the shallow nerve endings and the tip of the clitoris.

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