Magic Wand review, the wand once called Hitachi and which model to buy

What it is.

The Magic Wand is a large personal massager with a long handle and a broad, rounded head. It was sold for decades as a body massager under the Hitachi name and became the best known vibrator in the US. In 2013 Hitachi had its name removed, and the product has since been sold simply as the Magic Wand, distributed in the US by Vibratex. When people search for a Hitachi Magic Wand today, the Magic Wand Original is that toy.

The FDA's device database lists the Magic Wand Rechargeable as a therapeutic electric massager sold over the counter and exempt from premarket submission. That is the regulatory category for massagers, not a medical claim about sexual use.

We grade toys on the brand's stated specs, the listings and how the design works on paper. We do not run hands on tests, so nothing here is a claim about how any one person will feel. For how the Magic Wand compares with other wands, see the best wand vibrators.

The four models.

	Original HV-260	Plus HV-265	Rechargeable HV-270	Micro HV-60
Power	Plug in	Plug in	Cordless, rechargeable	Cordless, rechargeable
Settings	2 speeds	More speeds than the Original	4 intensities, 4 patterns	Compact controls
Size	Full size	Full size	Full size	Pocket sized
Waterproof	No	No	No	No
Best for	Simplicity	Maximum strength with control	Most people	Travel, or a gentler wand

The Original is the classic, with two speeds, a flexible neck and a 6 foot cord, per its listing. The Plus keeps the corded power and adds speed settings. The Rechargeable drops the cord and offers four intensity levels and four patterns. The Micro shrinks the design to pocket size, with far less power.

What is in it.

There is no osmolality or pH for a toy, so this section is about the build.

Every Magic Wand is a sealed, hard bodied massager with a soft head. The motor is the whole story: a wand's broad head spreads strong, low frequency vibration over a wide external area, which is why it feels deep rather than buzzy. That strength is why many people buy one, and why others find it too much at first.

Attachments that slip over the head are sold separately, including ones shaped for internal use. A wand on its own is an external toy.

Pros and cons.

Pros

• The benchmark for strong, deep vibration
• Broad head covers a wide area, and doubles as a body massager
• Four models, from corded full size to pocket sized
• Long handle is easier to position for people with limited reach
• Long track record, with replacement parts and attachments available

Cons

• Full size models are large, heavy and loud
• Not waterproof, so it is wiped rather than rinsed
• Can feel too intense at first
• Counterfeits are common on marketplaces

Who it suits.

People who want strength above all. People who find small toys too precise or too weak. People with limited grip or reach, for whom the long handle helps. Couples, since the broad head works between partners; see the best couples vibrator for wearable alternatives. And anyone who also wants a body massager for the neck and shoulders.

Who should skip it.

Anyone who finds vibration too intense, who may do better with a sonic toy like the LELO Sona 2 Cruise; our LELO review covers it. Anyone who needs a quiet toy, since the full size wands are among the loudest. Anyone who wants to use a toy in the shower, since none of the models is waterproof. And anyone who wants internal stimulation without buying attachments, who should look at the best rabbit vibrators.

Strength, numbness and safety.

The most common worry about a wand this strong is numbness. Survey data are reassuring: in a nationally representative US study of 2,056 women, 71.5 percent said they had never had genital symptoms linked to vibrator use, and the authors described side effects as rare. Start on the lowest setting, through a layer of fabric if needed, and keep early sessions short.

Vibration also has clinical uses. A 2018 review led by Mayo Clinic researchers found evidence supporting vibratory stimulation for some sexual concerns, including difficulty reaching orgasm and arousal difficulties. That is not a reason to self treat, but it is a reason not to treat a wand as risky when used sensibly. With the corded models, follow the manual's guidance on resting the wand after long use, and never use a corded wand near water.

How it compares.

	Magic Wand Rechargeable	Le Wand Rechargeable	LELO Smart Wand Medium
Power	Cordless	Cordless	Cordless
Settings	4 intensities, 4 patterns	10 speeds, 20 patterns, per the listing	Multiple patterns
Head	Soft head	Soft silicone head	Body safe silicone
Waterproof	No	Check the listing	Yes, per the listing
Price tier	Mid to premium	Premium	Premium

Le Wand is the premium alternative, with more settings and a silicone head. The LELO Smart Wand is smaller and waterproof but less strong. All three are in the best wand vibrators.

Which model to buy.

• Most people. Magic Wand Rechargeable.
• Maximum strength with speed control. Magic Wand Plus.
• The simplest classic. Magic Wand Original.
• Travel, or a gentler wand. Magic Wand Micro.
• A premium alternative. Le Wand Rechargeable.

Value for money.

Strong. The Magic Wand costs less than most premium vibrators, lasts for years, and doubles as a massager. The Rechargeable is the best balance of power, settings and convenience. The Original is the cheapest full size model if you do not mind the cord and two speeds. The Micro is the low cost way to try the design.

Care and lube.

No Magic Wand is waterproof. Wipe the head with a cloth dampened with warm water and mild, unscented soap, then a clean damp cloth, and let it air dry. Keep water away from the switch and charging port. A condom stretched over the head makes cleanup faster, and is a good idea when sharing the wand.

Water based lube is safe with any wand head. Since a wand is used externally, a small amount mainly protects skin from friction. Good Clean Love Almost Naked measures 240 to 269 mOsm/kg with a pH of 4.7. Every popular brand is graded in the lube index, and the full logic is in lube safe for toys. For broader context, see the best vibrators.

Where to buy it.

The Magic Wand is sold through approved retailers and on Amazon. Counterfeits are a known problem, so on Amazon, buy only from listings sold under the Magic Wand brand or by a named retailer, and check the model number: HV-260, HV-265, HV-270 or HV-60. Start here: Magic Wand Rechargeable on Amazon.