© 2014 AIP Publishing LLC. Recent developments in dynamic Atomic Force Microscopy where several eigenmodes are simultaneously excited in liquid media are proving to be an excellent tool in biological studies. Despite its relevance, the search for a reliable, efficient, and strong cantilever excitation method is still in progress. Herein, we present a theoretical modeling and experimental results of different actuation methods compatible with the operation of Atomic Force Microscopy in liquid environments: ideal acoustic, homogeneously distributed force, distributed applied torque (MAC Mode™), photothermal and magnetostrictive excitation. From the analysis of the results, it can be concluded that magnetostriction is the strongest and most efficient technique for higher eigenmode excitation when using soft cantilevers in liquid media. ; This work has been supported by the Ministry of Education and Science (MEC) of Spain through the Projects TRA2009_0206, PET2007_0315, and MAT2011-26851-C02-02. S.H. acknowledges a JAEdoc position from CSIC and European Social Fund. ; Peer Reviewed