While there are natural ways to boost your sex life, incorporating sex toys into it can play a vital role in the sexual health of people of all ages, genders and sexualities, during solo or couple(s) play.
Sex toy use is on the rise. According to the 2020 Self-Pleasure Report from sex toy manufacturer Tenga, which surveyed 5,000 people about their sexual habits, the percentage of Americans who reported having used a sex toy increased from 31 percent in 2016 to 50 percent in 2020. Not only that, but the number of men reporting sex toy usage more than doubled from 2018 (18 percent) to 2020 (41 percent). sexdolls
That’s good news, since sex (and by extension, sex toys) can have many health benefits, such as improved heart health, a stronger immune system, reduced stress, and more, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
“Sex toys don’t discriminate,” says Lauren Haines, a sexual health nurse practitioner and founder of Integrative Sexual Wellness in Raleigh, North Carolina. “They can be used by all genders and sexual orientations in both solo and partnered sex.”
Haines adds that people with disabilities or sexual dysfunctions can also use sex toys to improve their sexual pleasure.
In this article, our reviews team has categorized each sex toy according to who it’s for (people with vaginas versus people with penises), but it’s important to note that most of the sex toys listed here are gender-neutral and can be used across the gender spectrum.
So whether you’re searching for the best sex toys for women, men, trans and nonbinary folks, sex toys for older couples, or bedroom toys for polyamorous relationships, this is good news as there are a lot of options out there based on your preferences and lifestyle.
The world of sex toys is extensive and varied, and choosing the best one can take time and research. Our reviews team spent more than 300 hours researching, testing, and wading through the details of some of the top options on the market. Whether you’re looking for sex toys for beginners or advanced sex toys, the goal of this article is to help you get one step closer to finding the best option for you, so that you can experience the physical and mental health benefits of improved sexual pleasure.
People with vaginas/clitorises, people with penises
People with vaginas/clitorises, people with penises
People with vaginas/clitorises, people with penises
People with vaginas/clitorises, people with penises
People with vaginas/clitorises, people with penises
People with vaginas/clitorises, people with penises
People with vaginas/clitorises, people with penises
Our reviews team chose the Lovense Osci 2 as the “Best G-Spot Vibrator” because of its battery life, personalized vibration patterns, and Bluetooth connectivity with both mobile and desktop computers.
You can use the Osci 2 for up to five hours after a 105-minute charge, which is one of the longest-lasting batteries on this list. In our reviews team’s survey of 600 sex toy users, a majority of respondents (47 percent) said battery life was the most important feature in a sex toy.
With the Lovense Osci 2, you can also create and store up to 10 personal vibration patterns within the Lovense Remote mobile app or by connecting to your computer directly via the Lovense USB Bluetooth adapter (sold separately for $5). More than half of the toys in this review have no app connectivity, so the ability to create and store your personalized vibration patterns using the app was a big reason that the Osci 2 was our pick for “Best G-Spot Vibrator.”
To pair your Osci 2 with the mobile app, just turn your toy on, click the link icon, and use your phone’s Bluetooth search to find “My Toys.” Once you’ve connected, you can personalize your vibrator using the “Create New Pattern” setting. The app also lets you share the controls with a partner for long-distance play.
Our second choice is the Lelo Gigi 2, which can also be used for couple play but doesn’t connect to an app. The waterproof Gigi 2 has eight vibration settings, an insertable length of 3.7 inches, a four-hour battery life after a two-hour charge, and is priced at $149 — $50 less than the Osci 2
Our third choice is the Dame Arc, which comes with a three-year warranty, as opposed to a one-year warranty from Lovense, and is $84 less than the Osci 2. The Arc is waterproof, has a full length of 7.5 inches, and a battery life of one and a half hours after a two-hour charge. But unlike the Osci 2, it has no app.
Our reviews team chose the We-Vibe Nova 2 as “Best Rabbit Vibrator” for its high number of vibration patterns and unique flexibility. Rabbit vibrators usually have a phallic shaft for vaginal stimulation with a clitoral stimulator attached that resembles bunny ears (hence the name).
The Nova 2 rabbit vibrator has 10 vibration patterns to help you find the intensity that feels right for you. It’s made from body-safe silicone, with two flexible arms. The G-spot internal arm, or the one that’s inserted into the vagina, bends easily, is repositionable, and the tip is cushioned to help fit into your unique internal curves. The external arm is designed to make constant contact with the clitoris, no matter how the internal arm is positioned.
You can also connect and control the settings for your Nova 2 via Bluetooth with the We-Connect mobile app, which lets you pair remotely with a partner for couple play, a perk of the We-Vibe brand. And it’s waterproof, so you can use it in the bath or shower.
Reviews for the We-Vibe Nova 2 on Babeland (a popular online sex toy store with retail locations in New York and Seattle) range from “excellent at hitting both the G-spot and clit” to “many settings, could be overwhelming for a novice.”
Our second choice is the Lovense Nora. It’s also Bluetooth enabled, with an optional mobile app you can pair with for long distance partner play. But at $199, it costs $50 more than the Nova 2, only has seven vibration patterns, compared with 10 for the Nova 2, and is water resistant, not waterproof.
Our third pick is the Fun Factory Lady Bi, chosen for its unique design and easy-to-hold loop. It’s waterproof, but it takes six to eight hours to fully charge, with a battery life of 30 to 60 minutes. Compare this to the Nova 2, which charges in 90 minutes or less and has a battery life of two hours, or the Lovense Nora, which has a four-hour battery life after a two-and-a-half-hour charge.
Another tough decision, but our reviews team chose the Lovense Gush for “Best Masturbator” because of its low price and unique hands-free option.
While some masturbators cost upward of $229 (like the Lelo F1S V2), the Gush is priced at a more accessible $119. The Gush is a great option for those who might have mobility issues or prefer a hands-free experience. It’s a wraparound vibrating massager, adjusts to fit any circumference, and includes a silicon band you can wrap around the masturbator to increase pressure and keep it securely in place. In our reviews team’s survey, a majority of those who purchased a masturbator (71 percent) said comfort was the most important priority for this type of sex toy. But it is worth noting that some reviewers reported that the adjustable design has the potential to pinch skin.
Like other Lovense toys, the Gush can be paired with the Lovense mobile app or a computer, where you can customize your settings.
Reviews on Lovense for the Lovense Gush range from “makes his body shake” to “did not reach my spot.”
The Fun Factory Manta, a handheld vibrating stroker, was our second choice, based on its unique design, but it does not provide hands-free masturbation, and the charge time is six to eight hours and lasts only two hours. Compare this to the Gush, which recharges in one hour and lasts for up to two hours. At a cost of $139, the Manta also costs more than the Gush.
Lovense also has the Calor, which is similar to the Gush in its material (silicone) and vibration patterns (10 options). The Calor is a tube-shaped masturbator that vibrates, squeezes, and warms the penis, but we ultimately chose the Gush because it is more compact for travel and costs less. The Calor costs $199 — $80 more than the Gush.
We selected the We-Vibe Sync as “Best Couples’ Sex Toy” based on its combination of unique design, range of settings, two-year warranty, and Bluetooth capabilities.
The Sync is a U-shaped vibrating toy that is designed to be worn during intercourse, with one end inside the vagina and the other end resting over the clitoris. While it may seem strange that a toy could stay in place or be comfortable for both partners during the thrusting motions of penetrative sex — and many reviewers even said that they were skeptical before trying it for the first time — the Sync is formed to fit securely, without getting in the way.
Like other We-Vibe toys, the Sync can be connected to the We-Vibe app to change its settings, increase the intensity of the 10 vibration modes, and control the toy from a distance. This best vibrator toy for couples includes a handheld remote control and hard-shell charging/storage case, and it has a battery life of 90 minutes after a two-hour charge.
Reviews on We-Vibe for the We-Vibe Sync range from “she had her first ever multiple orgasm while wearing this” to “takes a little getting used to” to “uncomfortable for both partners.”
The We-Vibe Match was a close second choice for our reviews team. It’s designed to be worn the same way as the Sync so that both partners benefit during penetrative sex. It has one more vibration mode than the Sync, a battery life of two hours after a 90-minute charge and a handheld remote for partner play. But it doesn’t sync to the We-Vibe app or have long-distance control capabilities. The Match costs $139.
The Lovense Lush 3 was our third choice, thanks to its battery life of up to five hours. The Lush 3 is also U-shaped, with one end inserted into the vagina and the other end resting over the clitoris, but it’s not designed to be worn during penetrative sex. Instead, the inserted end is shaped to stimulate the G-spot. Like other Lovense toys, the Lush 3 connects to the Lovense Remote app or a computer so that the settings can be personalized, and a partner can control the toy remotely. But at $199, it costs $40 more than the Sync, and it only has a one-year warranty and three fewer vibrations modes.
The Lovense Ferri won “Best Panty Vibrator” based on its long battery life and special features like long-distance control, music syncing, and “whisper quiet” vibrations. Panty vibrators are discreet devices designed to be worn in your underwear.
This panty vibrator’s rechargeable battery lasts three and a half hours, almost twice as long as the other panty vibrators we researched. It also only takes one hour to fully charge, less than the average of one and a half hours. Held in place with a magnet, the Ferri’s small size and “whisper quiet” vibrations make it possible to use discreetly in public settings.
Like the Lovense Osci 2, our pick for “Best G-Spot Vibrator,” and other Lovense toys, you can sync the Ferri to music. It’s also waterproof, so it can be enjoyed in a bath or while swimming. Using the Lovense mobile app or a direct connection to a personal computer, the Ferri can be programmed, turned off and on, or have the settings changed remotely by a partner for long-distance control. To use the remote feature, connect your toy to the Lovense Remote app, message or call your partner, and then they can use the app to send movements to your toy.
Reviews on Lovense for the Lovense Ferri range from “fits pretty comfortably to walk around the house with it on” to “tends to be quite loud.”
The We-Vibe Moxie was our runner-up because it also has 10 “whisper quiet” vibration patterns and mobile app connectivity, like the Ferri — however, the Moxie battery lasts just two hours, compared with three and a half for the Ferri.
Another close option was the OhMiBod blueMotion NEX 1 because it also connects to an app for long-distance control and is customizable based on user preference, but its battery life is only one hour, and it has fewer vibration options. The Nex 1 is also $129.
Our reviews team chose the Lelo Smart Wand 2 as “Best Massage Wand” for its sleek, waterproof design and long battery life.
This massage wand is nearly 12 inches long, weighs less than a pound, and has a curved design for easy holding. It’s waterproof, a rare quality in massage wands, so you can stimulate your favorite body part (clitoris, nipples, testicles, etc.) in the shower or bath. The Smart Wand 2 battery lasts up to four hours and takes about 2.5 hours to recharge.
Our second choice is the Lovense Domi 2. It has an even longer battery life of five to six hours and costs about $8 less than the Smart Wand 2. The Domi 2 connects to the Lovense app or a computer for settings control, and it can also be used long-distance and synced to music. But it’s smaller (9.21 inches) than the Smart Wand 2, and is only water resistant (not waterproof, like the Smart Wand 2).
Our third option is the Hitachi Magic Wand Rechargeable, a modern update on the classic massage wand. Our reviews team liked that it can still be used while it’s plugged in and charging, unlike most electric sex toys, but it only has four massage patterns and isn’t waterproof. The Magic Wand Rechargeable was priced at $129.95 at the time of this review.
The We-Vibe Tango X was selected by our reviews team as the “Best Bullet Vibrator” based on its combination of a high number of vibration patterns (eight), quick charging time, and low price. Bullet vibrators take their name from their shape — they are short, small devices that resemble a bullet, which makes them great for travel.
The Tango X is a small, pocket-sized, waterproof vibrator with eight vibration patterns. It has a two-hour battery life after a full-charge of 90 minutes and features a travel lock to prevent it from being accidentally switched on — a feature that’s becoming increasingly common in vibrators. It comes with a two-year warranty and is available in two colors: cherry red and midnight blue.
Reviews for the We-Vibe Tango X on Babeland vary from “easy to use” to “not a strong enough vibrate.”
The Lelo Lily 2, our second choice, is even smaller — 2.9 inches long, compared with the 3.9 inch Tango X. It has eight vibration settings and a battery life of four hours after a two-hour charge. A standout feature of the Lily 2 is the body-safe scented material (which means the material was tested on genital skin, which can be thinner and more sensitive than the rest of the body’s skin, and it won’t cause a toxic or immune response on your skin). Lelo offers three fragrances: bordeaux/chocolate, rose/wisteria, and lavender/manuka honey. But the Lily 2 has an even higher price at $79 —the same price as the Tango X.
A close third was the Dame Zee. A budget-friendly option at $30, the bullet-shaped Zee includes a longer warranty — three years, compared with two for the Tango X — but the Zee has only three speed settings, a battery life of one hour, and is water resistant, not waterproof like the Tango X and Lily 2. If you’re looking for a basic and affordable bullet vibrator, this may be a good option for you.
Our reviews team chose the Womanizer Pro W500 as the “Best Clitoral Stimulator” for its long battery life (four hours, compared with the average of two hours for products on this list), 12 intensity levels, and five-year warranty.
For those looking for clitoral stimulation, this 4.7-inch vibrator has 12 intensity levels and a battery life of four hours after a charge time of two hours. The Womanizer Pro W500 uses Pleasure Air Technology, which stimulates the clitoris with gently pulsing air pressure. According to the company’s website, these vibrating air waves use suction and massage together to provide an orgasmic feeling without making direct contact with the clitoris. The Pro W500 is also waterproof and includes two sizes of interchangeable stimulator heads to suit different body types. Womanizer has a five-year warranty for all of its toys, much longer than most other companies on this list.
Reviews on Womanizer for the Womanizer Pro W500 range from “It’s a steep price but worth it” to “An absolute must-have for all women who climax from clitoral stimulation.”
Our second choice is the We-Vibe Melt, because unlike the other clitoral stimulators we researched, it allows for shared control of the settings through the We-Vibe mobile app. The Melt also uses Pleasure Air Technology to stimulate the clitoris with gentle suction without touching it, and it is waterproof. The drawbacks are that the Melt battery life is only two hours, compared with four hours with the Pro W500, and We-Vibe has a shorter warranty period of two years for its toys — three years less than Womanizer.
Our third choice is the Womanizer Premium 2. It has all of the features of the Pro W500 but with more intensity settings and features. The Premium 2 includes Autopilot 2.0, a setting that gives users the option to allow the device to randomize the intensity. But at $199, the Premium 2 costs $50 more than the Pro W500.
Our reviews team chose the Lelo Ora 3 as the “Best Tongue-Like Vibrator” because of its controlled tongue-like feelings and high number of vibration patterns. This vibrator is a relatively small device, approximately the size of your palm.
The Lelo Ora 3 can be held in your hand with a loop that your fingers fit into, and the 12 vibration options allow you to add firm, tongue-like stimulation to your preferred area, either by yourself or with a partner, making it a great beginners’ sex toy.
The Ora 3 has a two-hour battery life after a full charge and its waterproof design allows you to take it in the shower or bath. A potential drawback is that the Lelo Ora 3 costs $179, but during our reviews team research, we noticed that it’s often on sale for around $134.
Reviews on Lelo for the Lelo Ora 3 range from “the tongue is genderless and so is this toy” to “was not quiet enough.”
Our second choice was the VeDO Yumi, a small, finger-like beginner sex toy that allows you to add extra stimulation to your erogenous zones. The Yumi has 10 vibration mode options, two less than the Ora 3’s 12, but at $49, it’s $129 less than the Ora 3.
The Dame Pom was also one of our reviews team’s top picks. It’s waterproof and designed to be flexible instead of rigid, but with only five vibration patterns, the Pom has fewer vibration options than both the Ora 3 and the Yumi. The Pom is priced at $95 — $45 more than the Yumi, and $84 less than the Ora 3.
Picking the “Best Lipstick Vibrator” was a tough choice, but our reviews team ultimately selected the We-Vibe Tango for its combination of low price, long warranty, and high number of vibration patterns. Lipstick vibrators are discreet devices designed to look like a tube of lipstick, making them good for travel or for those who value privacy.
The We-Vibe Tango is a body-safe thermoplastic lipstick vibrator that costs $79, has eight vibration patterns, and includes a two-year manufacturer’s warranty. Designed to look like a tube of lipstick, this sleek sex toy is a good option for those looking for something they can slip into their pocket or purse. The Tango measures 3.5 inches and has a battery life of two hours after a two-hour charge. It’s also waterproof for use in the bath or shower and “whisper quiet” for discreet use.
Reviews for the We-Vibe Tango range from “powerful, tactile, well-shaped, pretty” to “would have been better with a silicone coating.”
Our second choice was the Lovense Exomoon. It has a longer battery life than the We-Vibe Tango, up to three hours after a two-hour charge, and our reviewers liked its “lipstick case” cover that gives it the appearance of a real tube of lipstick. The Exomoon is also waterproof, and like other Lovense vibrators, it connects via Bluetooth to the Lovense Remote app for remote play. However, the Exomoon has one less vibration pattern than the We-Vibe Tango, and at $99, it costs $20 more than the Tango.
Our third choice was the Dame Kip, a 3.75-inch medical-grade silicone lipstick vibrator that does not look like actual lipstick, unlike the Tango and Exomoon. The Kip has a three-year warranty, compared with a two-year warranty for the Tango, but it has fewer vibration settings than the Tango and a shorter battery life of one and a half hours. The Kip costs $75, which is $4 less than the Tango.
For “Best Dildo,” our reviews team chose the Fun Factory Limba Flex for its size options, customizable design, and versatility.
The Limba Flex is a flexible, posable dildo that’s available in two different sizes, with insertable lengths of 4.33 inches for the small and 6.69 inches for the medium. A wire embedded inside the Limba Flex makes it possible to bend the dildo into a variety of shapes, and it holds the shape until you decide to change it. Some of the shapes you can make include a C-shape, an S-form, and a straight line, and it is also possible to bend the toy to reach different erogenous zones, such as the G-spot (the Gräfenberg spot, a sexually sensitive area about an inch inside the vagina, according to Planned Parenthood) and P-spot (the prostate gland, according to the International Society for Sexual Medicine).
With a tapered insertion end and flared base for fitting into a strap-on harness, the Limba Flex is an ideal dildo for pegging. And because it’s bendable, you can wear it under your clothes until you want to bring it out to play. The Limba Flex is good for anal sex or vaginal sex, and it can also be used as a suction cup dildo or a strap-on, making it very versatile.
Reviews on Lovehoney for the Fun Factory Limba Flex range from “tapered tip is fantastic and makes for very easy, comfortable insertion” to “for vaginal penetration I think I prefer something with a bit more length.”
A second option is the Fun Factory Bouncer, which has a unique design with three weighted, rotating balls embedded inside the dildo. It has an insertable length of 6.69 inches, like the larger Limba Flex, a flared base for strap-on play, and a suction cup for solo play, but at $100, it’s $30 more than the larger Limba Flex.
The Rainbow Bubble Dildo from Crystal Delights was another contender, thanks to its unique design. Made from body-safe Pyrex glass, the Rainbow Bubble has six smooth bubbles that taper at the end, a curved shape, and a full length of eight inches, including the base bulb. But at $89.95, the Rainbow Bubble costs about $10 more than the larger Limba Flex.
Our review team selected the Fun Factory Share Lite as “Best Double-Ended Dildo” because of its poseable, hinged double-penetration design, and its comparatively low price.
This double dildo, also known as a double-ended or U-shaped dildo, is a great alternative to a strap-on dildo. It has a G-spot friendly 5-inch insertable side for the wearer, and a 6.5-inch insertable side for the receiver. It can also be used for solo play, with one side being used as a handle, but it is mainly designed to be used as a harness-free dildo.
Perfect for pegging or for penetration between two people with vaginas/clitorises, the wearer’s end stays in place inside the vagina while thrusting, while the receiver’s end stays erect during play thanks to the built-in hinge at its center, making it one of the best toys for double penetration. It weighs less than a pound (0.73 pounds) and is made of body-safe silicone.
Another double-ended dildo our reviews team liked was the njoy Pure Wand. With a full length of eight inches, including the base, and a weight of 1.51 pounds — almost a full pound more than the Share Lite — this curved, stainless-steel dildo will give you a different sensation than silicone. The Pure Wand is priced at $120 on the njoy website, but it can be found for less on other sites.
Another close race, but the winner we selected for “Best Vibrating Butt Plug” is the We-Vibe Ditto, based on its above-average warranty and variety of vibration-pattern options.
The Ditto comes with a two-year warranty, one year more than most other brands our reviews team researched for this category. You can control the 10 vibration modes with the handheld remote or by connecting to the We-Vibe app, which can also be used for distance play. The Ditto measures approximately 3.5 inches, including the base, and it has a battery life of two hours after a 90-minute charge.
Reviews for the We-Vibe Ditto on Babeland range from “soft and easy to put in” to “wish it was available in larger sizes.”
The Lovense Hush 2 was a close second choice, based especially on its availability in four sizes, from an extra-small 1-inch-long plug to a large 2.25-inch plug. The Hush 2 also has an optional app for remote control, but the We-Vibe Ditto has more vibration patterns to choose from. The cost for the Hush 2 ranges from $109 to $119, a bit less than the Ditto.
Our third option was the We-Vibe Vector, which is very similar to the Ditto, only slightly longer — 4.3 inches, compared with 3.5 inches for the Ditto. The Ditto ultimately won because it’s $10 cheaper than the $139 Vector. If cost is important to you, you might prefer the Ditto. If you want a bigger toy, the Vector might be the better option.
Since 22 percent of the 600 participants in our reviews team survey said that size was one of the top three things they’re looking for in a sex toy, we selected Fun Factory Bootie as “Best Nonvibrating Butt Plug” because it has the most variety of sizes, compared with the others we researched for this category.
The Bootie nonvibrating butt plug comes in three different sizes, with insertable lengths of 2.56 inches for the small, 3.94 inches for the medium, and 4.33 inches for the large (not including the base). You can use the Bootie for solo or couple play, and while some butt plugs are specifically designed for prostate gland stimulation, the Bootie is made for anyone interested in anal play, from beginners to experienced participants, making it a versatile anal sex toy.
Reviews on Fun Factory for the Fun Factory Bootie anal sex toy vary from “great starter toy” to “the plug slips out completely within a very short time.”
Our second choice, the OhMiBod LoveLife Dare, has a unique design — a heart shaped handle at the end of a bulb-shaped plug — and an insertable length of 2.5 inches. The Dare costs a little less than the small Bootie at $29, but if size is important, you’ll find that the Bootie has a better variety of options for larger sizes.
Our reviews team selected the We-Vibe Pivotas the “Best Cock Ring” due to its high number of vibration modes, low price, and Bluetooth connectivity.
The We-Vibe Pivot is a vibrating cock ring with 11 different vibration modes, and like other We-Vibe sex toys, it has Bluetooth capabilities for app-controlled settings and long-distance play. The Pivot costs $109, a lower price than other vibrating cock rings our reviews team considered.
Reviews for the We-Vibe Pivot on Babeland vary from “feels amazing against balls or on fingers for clit stim” to “pretty hard to get on.”
Our second choice is the Lovense Diamo, which has a battery life of nearly three hours. It also has Bluetooth connectivity that allows the settings to be controlled through the Lovense Remote app or a PC, and at $119 it’s only $10 more than the Pivot.
Our third choice is the We-Vibe Bond, which has 10 vibration modes and can connect to Bluetooth, but it costs $129 — $20 more than the Pivot — and has one fewer vibration mode.
The number and types of toys available through stores and websites can be incredibly overwhelming, says Andrea Martin, a sexual medicine nurse practitioner based in Rockville, Maryland. “Don’t let analysis paralysis prevent you from joining in the fun. Many sex shops have knowledgeable staff that can help direct you toward your first purchase.”
Martin gives some helpful tips on beginning: “Ask a friend how they got started. If discussing it with another person makes you nervous, you can always purchase a simple vibrator online and avoid the interaction. Whatever you choose, don’t feel defeated if your first purchase isn’t your favorite. It does not mean that you will never find a toy that is right for you. Learning your body takes time. Enjoy the process and learn from each new experience!”
Rachel Sommer, PhD, a Cheyenne, Wyoming–based clinical sexologist and founder of My Sex Toy Guide, a sex toy review site, adds another simple but essential tip: “Get an affordable model, see whether you like the sensations, and then go all out with a luxurious toy.”
And Rebecca Blanton, a kink and sex educator based in Nevada City, California, recommends that you try all of the different speeds, pressures, or positions the toy offers. “If it does the job, great. If not, note what didn’t work and seek out a toy which looks like it will address those problems.”
“If you're considering using sex toys with your partner, research the best models together and, if possible, shop together,” says Sommer. “This way, both parties have a sense of belonging in the process — and with everyone pulling together, there are more chances for success.”
If you’re wondering when to bring up the topic with your partner(s), Sommer recommends always asking ahead of time for consent, as well as talking about using the sex toy before including it in sexy time.
Barbara Santini, a London-based sex adviser for sex toy companies Dimepiece LA and Peaches and Screams, says, “If you are introducing sex toys to your partner, please avoid popping them out during that heated moment. It may be a turnoff, especially if they dislike surprises. I recommend talking about it in advance to hear their opinion, which will help determine whether to get a toy or not.”
To find the best sex toy for you, the sex educators and nurse practitioners we spoke to recommend thoughtful self-questioning and going to a reputable sex store to ask questions. (Tip: Read online customer reviews for the store before visiting.)
“When trying to find the right sex toy, it is important to have some idea of what parts of your body give you the most pleasure," says Martin. "Is it the clitoris, G-spot, frenulum, prostate?”
Blanton encourages you to ask yourself questions during masturbation to help identify the types of touch you enjoy. “How firm or soft do you want the pressure? What is missing?” She adds that if you are living with limited mobility or a condition that limits certain types of movement (e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome) you may want to look for toys designed to address those issues.
For example, Lauren Haines, a sexual health nurse practitioner and founder of Integrative Sexual Wellness in Raleigh, North Carolina, says that “many people love vibrators because they can stimulate blood flow and improve sensation, but others feel like vibrators are too powerful and prefer more gentle options.”
Nina Nguyen, a sex educator based in Berlin, Germany, and cofounder of the sexual education site Fraulila, says, “If you are not shy, walk down to a sex shop and simply browse around. You can ask someone to guide you in the right direction and help answer any questions you have on the spot. Alternatively, do some extensive research online and order an inexpensive sex toy to give it a try.”
Haines recommended online companies like Lovehoney and Babeland. “These companies have a huge variety of toys and also offer information and advice for different types of toys if you’re not sure what you’re looking for,” she says.
Our Experience Shopping at Lovehoney
A member of our reviews team reached out to Lovehoney’s Live Chat for more information. The first communication is through an automatic robot, but then you can choose the option “I’d like to speak to a human agent” and fill out your full name.
Our support agent, Olivia, responded within two minutes and asked us questions to help guide us through the purchasing process. She took our answers and searched the Lovehoney inventory for six minutes, then offered four helpful product recommendations.
Our reviews team chatting with the customer service team at Lovehoney
If you need help selecting products from Babeland, you can email the company’s customer service at customerservice@babeland.com or send a question via its online chat. In the lower right-hand corner of the website, there is a help button that brings up a form to fill out.
If you’ve purchased a sex toy from Babeland and have questions about your purchase, you can contact the company by email at ordersupport@babeland.com, or by phone at 833-471-1255, Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Pacific Time (PT), and Saturday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. PT.
“How you use your sex toy will depend on the specific model and your preferred sensations,” says Sommer. “For starters, read the manufacturer’s manual before use, try different angles and positions, and even better, cycle through the available settings to make the most of the experience.”
Kate Delgado is a Los Angeles–based sex educator and writer at the sex toy company Lioness. She says that “when using a sex toy, it’s always best practice to keep in mind the limits of your body and your toy. Misusing a toy — such as submerging it in water when it’s not intended to be used that way — can lead to the toy breaking or bodily injury.”
When it comes to lubricants, many of the sex educators and nurse practitioners our reviews team interviewed suggested using a water-based lubricant with silicone toys, rather than silicone lubricants, since the latter can break down and damage the sex toy.
Proper care and cleanliness are important parts of being safe while using sex toys.
“Once you’re done using a sex toy, clean it with antibacterial soap or a sex toy cleaner and warm water before rinsing and air drying it. You can also use a lint-free towel or cloth to dry the toy,” Sommer explains.
Martin adds that if your toy has an electric or battery component, be sure not to submerge that part of the toy in water, as it can break the toy or lead to rusting of the internal components.
Many of the experts we interviewed recommend storing sex toys in a clean, cool, dry place. Sommer suggests a storage bag or using the case the sex toy came with, and Haines recommends using a clean plastic or rubber storage bin.
Using sex toys can come with a host of health benefits.
According to an article published in 2021 in Nature Reviews Urology, “Sexual devices are primarily designed to improve sexual well-being, pleasure, recreation, freedom, and diversity.”
Katie Ziskind, a licensed marriage and family therapist and the owner of Wisdom Within Counseling in Niantic, Connecticut, talked to us about the mental health benefits of sex toys, saying, “Sex toys can bring euphoria, make your brain shoot off mood-boosting chemicals, and bring sexual satisfaction.”
“All genders can have fun with sex toys,” says Ziskind. “Let go of any shame you may have and embrace your sexuality. Using sex toys can be healing and a form of self-care.”
Sexual health expert and board-certified physician assistant Aleece Fosnight practices at the Fosnight Center for Sexual Health in Asheville, North Carolina. She says that using sex toys promises many additional health benefits, such as, “body exploration, reaching orgasm, decreased pelvic pain, increased immune system, improved self-esteem, improved communication with a partner, better sleep, reduced stress, improved partner connection, boosted mood, stronger pelvic floor muscles, improved cardiovascular health, and helping to work through past traumas.”
“For solo play, toys allow people to feel more comfortable with their own bodies,” Blanton says. “Lots of people feel awkward touching their own genitals. Either shame developed when you were a child or some level of dysphoria can intervene and make manual masturbation feel awkward. Toys are a great way to address this issue.”
Suzannah Weiss, a certified sex educator, sex/love coach, and sexologist based in Los Angeles, says, “Sex toys are also very effective for those who have trouble getting aroused or orgasming, as they often provide more stimulation than a hand, mouth, penis, or vagina can.”
If you’re not ready for kids, Delgado makes the observation that “sex toys have zero risk of unwanted pregnancy.”
In our reviews team survey of 600 sex toy users, 23 percent said they purchased a sex toy because they wanted to improve their intimacy and relationship with their partner, improve their sex life, and break the monotony.
“By yourself, sex toys can inspire you to explore new ways of experiencing pleasure (like G-spot pleasure or anal pleasure), and the more pleasure you can experience on your own, the better you can teach a partner how to please you,” suggests Weiss.
For example, Weiss references a research article published in 2018 in the Archives of Sexual Behavior about the differences in orgasm frequency among gay, lesbian, bisexual, and heterosexual men and women. “Research shows that women who experiment with new things in their sex lives have more consistent orgasms,” she says.
“Sex toys can also help make pleasure accessible for people with disabilities,” adds Delgado.
Blanton gave a great example of what this could look like: “Can’t give your partner an extended hand job because you cramp up? Adding a wand with a stroker attachment is a great option!”
Our reviews team recommends products and services we believe will provide value in the lives of our readers. We spent more than 300 hours conducting in-depth research on sex toys to give you the most accurate review. Throughout this process, we:
Choosing the best sex toy for you or the best couples’ sex toy can be a challenging process since everyone has different preferences.
Having a healthy sex life, with or without sex toys, is important to your overall well-being, and we hope this article helped you if you’re seeking to add toys to your sex life.
Sex toys (also called adult toys or “marital aids”) are devices people use to have more pleasure during sex or masturbation, according to Planned Parenthood. Vibrators, dildos, and anal toys are some examples of sex toys.
You can purchase sex toys from local stores that specialize in sexual aids, from sex toy brands such as Lovense or We-Vibe, or through retailers like Spencer’s, Lovehoney, and Babeland.
“Once you’re done using a sex toy, clean it with antibacterial soap or a sex toy cleaner and warm water before rinsing and air-drying it,” says Rachel Sommer, a clinical sexologist.
Finding the best toy comes down to your own preferences — from rabbit vibrators and dildos to massage wands and butt plugs, there’s a variety of options. Martin recommends starting with finding the parts of your body that give you the most pleasure.
“You can only get an STI from a sex toy if you actively share it with someone who has an STI,” states Kate Delgado, sex educator at Lioness. Columbia University recommends cleaning sex toys before and after each use, then setting them aside for 24 hours before using them again, to ensure that any bacteria or viruses on them are dead.
Martin adds that “cleaning between uses, between partners, and between different areas of the body (like the rectum and vagina) is important” for STI prevention.
“It can be a good idea to use a barrier device (such as a condom) if sharing sex toys,” confirms Lauren Haines. “Additionally, it’s always a good idea to understand your partner’s sexual health status. Regular STI testing is recommended to prevent STI transmission.”
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
tifa lockhart sexdoll By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.