There’s nothing more frustrating than your vibrator dying on you at the very last minute when you’re just about to reach climax. Don’t resign yourself to disappointment, just yet! Vibrator alternatives are here to save the day. There are actually quite a few household items that can step in and save the day. When desire strikes and your trusty toy fails you, these creative alternatives might just be the emergency backup you need.

But before we get started, let’s get something out of the way: safety first! Not everything is meant to go in or on your lady bits. Make sure that anything you use is clean, has no sharp edges, can’t break, and won’t leave behind pieces or chemicals. And please – never use anything that could get lost inside you, or that doesn’t have a flared base for anal play. Your body deserves respect and care, even in your most desperate moments.

Best Alternatives to Vibrators

Electric Toothbrushes

The electric toothbrush is probably the most notorious vibrator substitute out there—and for good reason! That intense vibration can work wonders when you need a quick fix. Nearly everyone has one in their bathroom, making it the most accessible option.

How to use it: The handle end (not the bristle end—unless you use a clean brush head that you'll replace afterward) can provide a delightful buzz against your clitoris or other external hot spots. Some models have a smoother end that works perfectly. For extra safety and hygiene, wrap the handle in a clean piece of plastic wrap or use a condom.

Pro tip: Different toothbrush models offer different vibration patterns and intensities. Ones with rechargeable batteries typically pack more punch than those with regular batteries.

Your Shower Head

Water pressure can be an amazing stimulator, and many ladies discovered this as teenagers. The combination of warm water and consistent pressure creates sensations that are quite different from traditional vibrators.

How to use it: A detachable shower head with adjustable settings is ideal. Start with gentle pressure and find the setting that feels best for you. Let the water flow over your clitoris and labia. Experiment with different temperatures (but avoid extremes—safety first!).

Pro tip: If you don't have a detachable shower head, try positioning yourself under the faucet in your bathtub. The steady stream can provide consistent stimulation that many find heavenly.

Phone Apps

In our digital age, even your smartphone can become a pleasure device in a pinch. Those vibrations that alert you to texts can serve a much more intimate purpose with the right app.

How to use it: Search for "massage" apps in your app store—many create vibration patterns using your phone's built-in vibration feature. Place your phone (in a clean ziplock bag for hygiene) against your erogenous zones and explore the different patterns.

Pro tip: This won't be as powerful as a dedicated vibrator, but it can provide subtle stimulation. Some apps even let you create custom patterns by tapping on the screen.

Electric Face Cleaners/Massagers

Those sonic face cleaners and facial massagers can definitely give your skin that much needed glow after you get an O. These devices pack surprisingly powerful motors in their sleek designs. The fact that they’re designed to be gentle on sensitive facial skin makes them perfect for other sensitive areas too.

How to use it: Clean it thoroughly, then apply it (preferably covered with plastic wrap or a condom) to your external erogenous zones. Many facial devices have multiple settings and a smooth surface that can feel amazing.

Back Massagers

Personal back massagers, especially the wand-style ones, make excellent vibrator substitutes due to their intense vibrations. These powerful devices were originally designed for soothing aching muscles but have gained notoriety for their "off-label" uses.

How to use it: Apply the massager to your clitoris, labia, perineum, or wherever feels good. The broad head provides diffuse stimulation that many people love.

Pro tip: Many back massagers plug into the wall, giving them more power than battery-operated devices. Just be careful not to use them for too long, as they can sometimes overheat.

Washing Machines

This classic technique has been featured in many comedy movies for a reason—it works! The powerful motor inside your washing machine creates rhythmic vibrations during the spin cycle that can travel throughout your entire body. It might seem silly but don't knock it until you've tried sitting on top during that final spin.

How to use it: Sit on top of a running washing machine during the spin cycle. You can even experiment with different cycles to find which creates the most enjoyable vibrations - some prefer the uneven rumble of an unbalanced load. Try sitting on a corner rather than the center for more targeted sensation, or lean against it standing up for a different experience.

Game Controllers

Who knew that losing in Mario Kart could feel so good? Those feedback mechanisms designed to enhance your gaming experience can enhance other experiences too. Some gaming controllers have rumble or vibration features that can be quite stimulating.

How to use it: Find a game or demo that causes consistent vibration (racing games are good for this). Cover the controller with something clean, then hold it against your sweet spots. Some controllers allow you to adjust vibration intensity in the game settings. Experiment to find what works for you.

The Basics: Your Hands

Sometimes, we get so caught up in finding the perfect toy that we forget about our built-in pleasure tools—our hands! They're attached to you, always available, and can be infinitely adjusted for pressure and speed.

How to use them: Experiment with different strokes, pressures, and rhythms. Try circular motions, tapping, pressing, or whatever feels good to you. Add some lube to enhance the sensation.

Pro tip: Try warming your hands before touching yourself or cooling them slightly with cold water for a different sensation. Wearing silk or latex gloves can also create an interestingly smooth feeling.

Pillows

Pillow humping is a classic for a reason! The firm yet yielding nature of pillows makes them perfect for grinding against when you need some friction-based pleasure. Many people discovered this method during puberty, and it remains effective well into adulthood.

How to use them: Find a firm pillow, fold it if needed, and place it between your legs. Grind against it in whatever way feels good. Some people like to cover the pillow with a smooth fabric like silk or satin.

Pro tip: For added stimulation, place a clean electric toothbrush or small massager inside the pillowcase before getting down to business.

Hairbrush Handles

The smooth handle of a hairbrush is perhaps one of the oldest DIY sex toys in the book. Its firm, cylindrical shape makes it an obvious choice for those seeking penetration without a purpose-made toy.

How to use it: Choose one with a smooth, rounded handle. Clean it thoroughly, cover it with a condom, and use it for penetration if that's your thing. Make sure there are no cracks or rough edges.

Pro tip: Warm the handle under hot water before use (but make sure it's not too hot!). The warmth can enhance the experience.

Final Thoughts

One last reminder about safety: always clean anything thoroughly before use, check for any damage or rough edges, use a barrier like a condom when possible, and never use anything that could break, shed pieces, or get lost inside you.

Happy exploring, you creative pleasure-seeker! Your body is wonderfully responsive, and with a little imagination, pleasure is always within reach—even when your favorite vibrator isn't.