Best Sex Toys for Your Sexual Health In 2024
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).
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.
The Best Sex Toys of 2024
- Best G-Spot Vibrator: Lovense Osci 2
- Best Rabbit Vibrator: We-Vibe Nova 2
- Best Masburbator: Lovense Gush
- Best Couples Sex Toy: We-Vibe Sync
- Best Panty Vibrator: Lovense Ferri
- Best Wand Vibrator: Lelo Smart Wand 2
- Best Bullet Vibrator: We-Vibe Tango X
- Best Clitoral Stimulator: Womanizer Pro W500
- Best Tongue-Like Vibrator: Lelo Ora 3
- Best Lipstick Vibrator: We-Vibe Tango
- Best Dildo: Fun Factory Limba Flex
- Best Double-Ended Dildo: Fun Factory Share Lite
- Best Vibrating Butt Plug: We-Vibe Ditto
- Best Nonvibrating Butt Plug: Fun Factory Bootie
- Best Cock Ring: We-Vibe Pivot
The Best Sex Toys of 2024
Best G-Spot Vibrator: Lovense Osci 2
Who It’s For People with vaginas/clitorises
Type of Play Solo, couple
Price $199
Type Vibrator
Material Body-safe silicone, ABS plastic
Waterproof Yes
Rechargeable Batteries Yes
Pros
- Five-hour battery life
- 10 vibration patterns
Cons
- Only a one-year warranty (compared with an average two-year warranty)
Why We Chose It
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. 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.”
How It Works
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).
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.
What Users Say
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. 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.
Best Rabbit Vibrator: We-Vibe Nova 2
Who It’s For People with vaginas/clitorises
Type of Play Solo, couple
Price $149
Type Vibrator
Material Body-safe silicone
Waterproof Yes
Rechargeable Batteries Yes
Pros
- 10 vibration patterns
- Flexible G-spot silicone arm, up to 30 degrees
Cons
- Higher cost than some rabbit vibrators
- The many settings could overwhelm a novice
Why We chose It
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).
How It Works
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.
What Users Say
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.”
Best Masturbator: Lovense Gush
Who It’s For People with penises
Type of Play Solo, couples
Price $119
Type Masturbator
Material Body-safe silicone
Waterproof Yes
Rechargeable Batteries Yes
Pros
- Hands-free stroking option
- 10 vibration patterns
Cons
- Design has the potential to pinch skin
- Shorter length than other masturbators
Why We Chose It
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.
How It Works
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.
Like other Lovense toys, the Gush can be paired with the Lovense mobile app or a computer, where you can customize your settings.
What Users Say
Reviews on Lovense for the Lovense Gush range from “makes his body shake” to “did not reach my spot.”
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.
Best Couples Sex Toy: We-Vibe Sync
Who It’s For People with vaginas/clitorises, people with penises
Type of Play Solo, couples
Price $159
Type Vibrator
Material Body-safe silicone
Waterproof Yes
Rechargeable Batteries Yes
Pros
- 10 vibration modes
- Two-year warranty
Cons
- Charge time is longer than use time
- Some users say it’s uncomfortable for both partners
Why We Chose It
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.
How It Works
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. 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.
What Users Say
Many reviewers said that they were skeptical before trying it for the first time. This is because it may seem strange that a toy could stay in place or be comfortable for both partners during the thrusting motions of penetrative sex. However, the Sync is formed to fit securely, without getting in the way.
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.”
Best Panty Vibrator: Lovense Ferri
Who It’s For People with vaginas/clitorises
Type of Play Solo, couples
Price $199
Type Vibrator
Material Body-safe silicone, ABS plastic
Waterproof Yes
Rechargeable Batteries Yes
Pros
- Up to 3.5-hour battery life
- 10 vibration patterns
- Connect by app or computer
Cons
- One-year warranty
Why We Chose It
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.
How It Works
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.
What Users Say
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.”
Best Wand Vibrator: Lelo Smart Wand 2
Who It’s For People with vaginas/clitorises, people with penises
Type of Play Solo, couple
Price $179
Type Vibrator Massage Wand
Material Body-safe silicone, ABS plastic
Waterproof Yes
Rechargeable Batteries Yes
Pros
- Waterproof, with a curved design
- 10 massage patterns
Cons
- Costs more than other massage wands
- Doesn’t connect to an app
Why We Chose It
Our reviews team chose the Lelo Smart Wand 2 as “Best Massage Wand” for its sleek, waterproof design and long battery life.
How It Works
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.
What Users Say
User reviews mention the strength of orgasm this toy produces and the ‘ergonomic design’, while others mention its steep price and very large size.
Best Bullet Vibrator: We-Vibe Tango X
Who It’s For People with vaginas/clitorises
Type of Play Solo, couple
Price $79
Type Vibrator
Material Body-safe silicone, ABS plastic
Waterproof Yes
Rechargeable Batteries Yes
Pros
- Eight vibration patterns
- Two-hour battery life
Cons
- More expensive than other bullet vibrators
Why We Chose It
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.
How It Works
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.
What Users Say
Reviews for the We-Vibe Tango X on Babeland vary from “easy to use” to “not a strong enough vibrate.”
Best Clitoral Stimulator: Womanizer Pro W500
Who It’s For People with vaginas/clitorises
Type of Play Solo, couples
Price $149
Type Vibrator
Material Body-safe silicone, ABS plastic
Waterproof Yes
Rechargeable Batteries Yes
Pros
- Four-hour battery life
- Five-year warranty
- 12 intensity levels
Cons
- More expensive than some clitoral stimulators
Why We Chose It
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.
How It Works
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.
What Users Say
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.”
Best Tongue-Like Vibrator: Lelo Ora 3
Who It’s For People with vaginas/clitorises, people with penises
Type of Play Solo, couples
Price $179
Type Vibrator
Material Body-safe silicone, ABS Plastic
Waterproof Yes
Rechargeable Batteries Yes
Pros
- 12 vibration modes
- Easy to use, with three buttons
Cons
- Cost is higher than some other finger vibrator options
- Just a two-hour battery life
Why We Chose It
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.
How It Works
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.
What Users Say
Reviews on Lelo for the Lelo Ora 3 range from “the tongue is genderless and so is this toy” to “was not quiet enough.”
Best Lipstick Vibrator: We-Vibe Tango
Who It’s For People with vaginas/clitorises
Type of Play Solo, couples
Price $79
Type Vibrator
Material ABS Plastic
Waterproof Yes
Rechargeable Batteries Yes
Pros
- Discrete thanks to its small size
- Eight vibration patterns
- Two-year warranty
Cons
- Doesn’t connect to app/Bluetooth
- No silicone coating
Why We Chose It
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.
How It Works
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.
What Users Say
Reviews for the We-Vibe Tango range from “powerful, tactile, well-shaped, pretty” to “would have been better with a silicone coating.”
Best Dildo: Fun Factory Limba Flex
Who It’s For People with vaginas/clitorises, people with penises
Type of Play Solo, couples
Price $59.99 to $79.99
Type Dildo
Material Body-safe silicone
Waterproof Yes
Rechargeable Batteries Not applicable
Pros
- Three sizes: small, medium, and large
- Bendable for different pleasure spots
Cons
- More expensive than other dildos
Why We Chose It
The Limba Flex is a flexible, posable dildo that’s available in three different sizes, with insertable lengths of 4.7 inches for the small, 7 inches for medium, and 7.1 inches for the large. Our reviews team chose the Fun Factory Limba Flex for its size options, customizable design, and versatility. Its bendability is another great feature, so you can shape it to reach different pleasure spots.
How It Works
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.
What Users Say
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.”
Best Double-Ended Dildo: Fun Factory Share Lite
Who It’s For People with vaginas/clitorises, people with penises
Type of Play Solo, couples
Price $119.99
Type Dildo
Material Body-safe silicone
Waterproof Yes
Rechargeable Batteries Not applicable
Pros
- U-shaped design
- Built-in hinge for double penetration
- Multiple ways to use
Cons
- No warranty
- Doesn’t always sat in without a strap or harness
Why We Chose It
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.
How It Works
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.
What Users Say
User reviews mention that it “doesn’t really stay in without a strap”, and that “It may be a bit small if you are a size king or queen”.
Best Vibrating Butt Plug: We-Vibe Ditto
Who It’s For People with vaginas/clitorises, people with penises
Type of Play Solo, couples
Price $129
Type Anal toy
Material Body-safe silicone
Waterproof Yes
Rechargeable Batteries Yes
Pros
- Two-year warranty
- Bluetooth connectivity for long-distance play
Cons
- Only offered in one size
- A bit small for some
Why We Chose It
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.
How It Works
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.
What Users Say
Reviews for the We-Vibe Ditto on Babeland range from “soft and easy to put in” to “wish it was available in larger sizes.”
Best Nonvibrating Butt Plug: Fun Factory Bootie
Who It’s For People with vaginas/clitorises, people with penises
Type of Play Solo, couples
Price $35.99 to $44.99
Type Anal toy
Material Body-safe silicone
Waterproof Yes
Rechargeable Batteries Not applicable
Pros
- Three size options to choose from
- Made for variety of people
Cons
- Not all sizes available in both colors
- Can slip out
Why We Chose It
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.
How It Works
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.
What Users Say
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.”
Best Cock Ring: We-Vibe Pivot
Who It’s For People with penises
Type of Play Solo, couples
Price $109
Type Cock ring
Material Body-safe silicone
Waterproof Yes
Rechargeable Batteries Yes
Pros
- 10 vibration modes
- Less expensive than the other vibrating cock rings we researched
- Bluetooth capabilities and app-controlled
Cons
- Two-hour battery life, which is lower than some other options
Why We Chose It
Our reviews team selected the We-Vibe Pivot as the “Best Cock Ring” due to its high number of vibration modes, low price, and Bluetooth connectivity.
How It Works
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.
What Users Say
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.”
Comparison of the Best Sex Toys of 2024
How to Use Sex Toys
For Singles
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.”
For Couples
“If you're considering using sex toys with your partner, research the best models together and, if possible, shop together,” says Dr. 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.”
How Do I Find the Right Sex Toy for Me?
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.)
Ask Questions
“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 (such as 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.”
Go to a Sex Store
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.
Best Practices for Using Sex Toys
Use as Directed, but Experiment
“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.
Clean Thoroughly After Each Use
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.
Store Properly
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.
Health Benefits of Using Sex Toys
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 Singles
“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.”
For Couples
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!”
Why You Can Trust Our Expert Review
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:
- Engaged in independent research
- Consulted with 11 sexual health experts and nurse practitioners
- Reviewed academic research into the benefits of sex and sex toys
- Surveyed 600 sex toy buyers
- Mystery shopped 15 brands of sex toys
- Tested eight sex toys
- Read verified customer reviews
Bottom Line
Choosing the best sex toy for you or the best couples sex toy can be a challenging process since everyone has different preferences.
- Best G-Spot Vibrator: Lovense Osci 2
- Best Rabbit Vibrator: We-Vibe Nova 2
- Best Masburbator: Lovense Gush
- Best Couples Sex Toy: We-Vibe Sync
- Best Panty Vibrator: Lovense Ferri
- Best Wand Vibrator: Lelo Smart Wand 2
- Best Bullet Vibrator: We-Vibe Tango X
- Best Clitoral Stimulator: Womanizer Pro W500
- Best Tongue-Like Vibrator: Lelo Ora 3
- Best Lipstick Vibrator: We-Vibe Tango
- Best Dildo: Fun Factory Limba Flex
- Best Double-Ended Dildo: Fun Factory Share Lite
- Best Vibrating Butt Plug: We-Vibe Ditto
- Best Nonvibrating Butt Plug: Fun Factory Bootie
- Best Cock Ring: We-Vibe Pivot
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.”
- Sex Toy Survey. 600 respondents. Conducted using Pollfish. Launched August 18, 2022.
- Interview with Andrea Martin, Sexual Medicine Nurse Practitioner. August 11, 2022.
- Interview with Rebecca Blanton, Kink and Sex Educator. August 11, 2022.
- Interview with Lauren Haines, Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner. August 12, 2022.
- Interview with Nina Nguyen, Sex Educator and LGBTQ+ Expert. August 13, 2022.
- Interview with Rachel Sommer, PhD and Clinical Sexologist. August 11, 2022.
- Interview with Kate Delgado, Sex Educator. August 11, 2022.
- Interview with Katie Ziskind, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. August 11, 2022.
- Interview with Aleece Fosnight, Board-Certified Physician Assistant. August 12, 2022.
- Interview with Suzannah Weiss, Certified Sex Educator, Sex-Love Coach, and Resident Sexologist. August 12, 2022.
- Interview with Barbara Santini, Psychologist and Sex Adviser. August 12, 2022.
- Dewitte et al. Clinical Use and Implications of Sexual Devices and Sexually Explicit Media. Nature Reviews Urology. May 4, 2021.
- Frederick D et al. Differences in Orgasm Frequency Among Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Heterosexual Men and Women in a U.S. National Sample. Archives of Sexual Behavior. February 17, 2017.
- Sex Toys. Planned Parenthood.
- Sexual Health. World Health Organization.
- Chlamydia on Sex Toys. Go Ask Alice! October 13, 2017.
- Tenga 2020 Self-Pleasure Report. Tenga. May 27, 2020.
- 5 Benefits of a Healthy Sex life. Cleveland Clinic. June 9, 2022.
- Where Is the G-Spot and What Does It Do. Planned Parenthood. August 23, 2010.
- What Is a Prostate-Induced Orgasm. International Society for Sexual Medicine.