Pros: Powerful vibrations; 10 vibration settings; stimulates perineum and prostate simultaneously; waterproof
Cons: May be too large for some users; can’t be used with silicone-based lubes
The Best Vibrating Cock Ring: Tenga SVR
Materials: Silicone and ABS plastic
Battery Life: Up to 1 hour
Why you’ll like it: This vibrating cock ring has a deep, satisfying motor, which enhances sensation for both partners when the vibrating part hits the clitoris or perineum during penetrative sex. The vibrations are so good that I sometimes just use this vibe on its own for clitoral stimulation; it’s a good toy for travel because it’s so small and multi-purpose.
Pros: Can be used as a cock ring or as a handheld vibe; stretchy ring accommodates a range of penis sizes; powerful vibrations; waterproof
Cons: Only five vibration intensity settings; can’t be used with silicone-based lubes; short battery life
The Best Finger Vibrator: Dame Fin
Materials: Silicone
Battery Life: 5 hours
Why you’ll like it: The Fin is an easy way to take simple fingering to the next level. Wrap it around your fingers, and bam, now your fingers can vibrate. Add a dab of lube and get to business. It only has three vibration intensities, but hey, you can still have a lot of fun with this little thing.
Pros: Easy to hold onto, including during penetrative sex; tether is optional/removable; travel-friendly; quiet
Cons: Only three vibration intensities; can’t be used with silicone-based lubes; splash-proof (not waterproof)
The Best Low-Profile Pressure-Wave Stimulator: We-Vibe Melt
Materials: Silicone
Battery Life: 2 hours
Why you’ll like it: This petite toy uses rhythmic pulses of air to create clitoral sensations that mimic great oral sex—but unlike many other toys with this technology, the We-Vibe Melt is slim enough to slip between bodies easily during penetrative sex. I’ve found that this can result in awesome blended orgasms, without anybody having to bend their wrist at an awkward angle like some toys require.
Pros: Flexible nozzle for increased comfort; low-profile shape allows it to fit well between bodies during sex; 12 intensity levels; waterproof; quiet
Cons: May not fit all clit sizes; can’t be used with silicone-based lubes
The Best Hands-Free Vibrator: We-Vibe Sync
Materials: Silicone
Battery Life: 2 hours
Why you’ll like it: Many other companies have tried to riff on We-Vibe’s signature C-shaped vibrator design, but the original is still the best of the best. Meant to be used vaginally during intercourse, the app-controlled We-Vibe stimulates both partners at once, for stellar (and possibly simultaneous) orgasms. In my testing sessions, this vibe has always stayed put much better than its competitors, probably because of the hinges at the center of the toy that allow you to achieve your perfect fit.
Pros: Bluetooth-controllable; powerful vibrations; adjustable fit; stimulates clitoris and G-spot simultaneously; 10 different intensity levels; waterproof; quiet
Cons: Can’t easily use either arm of the toy on its own; can’t use with silicone-based lubes
The Best Stroking Toy: Fleshlight Quickshot
Materials: SuperSkin and ABS plastic
Why you’ll like it: Fleshlight is the biggest name in the stroker game, and for good reason: The ribbed texture inside this one is ultra-stimulating. The Quickshot differs from your standard Fleshlight, though, in that it’s open on both ends—which makes cleanup less messy and annoying. The other major benefit of the open-ended design is that you can incorporate this toy into a blowjob or handjob – I’ve found that this technique is always a hit!
Pros: Compact and travel-friendly; pleasurably textured interior; translucent for a better view; open-endedness allows it to be used during oral sex and other activities; easier to clean than a standard Fleshlight
Cons: Porous material will have a shorter lifespan than silicone; can’t be used with silicone-based lubes
The Best Body-Contoured Clitoral Vibrator: Lelo Nea
Materials: ABS plastic
Battery Life: 4 hours
Why you’ll like it: Sex therapist Chelsie Reed says this cute vibe is a good choice for beginners because it’s small, unobtrusive, and fits in the palm of your hand. It’s designed to fit the natural curve of the vulva, so it’s super comfortable to use clitorally during penetrative sex.
Pros: Small enough to fit between bodies during sex; travel-friendly; eight vibration settings; waterproof; quiet
Cons: May not be powerful enough for some users; can be hard to hold onto when hands are lubey
The Best Vibrator for Penises and Other Pleasure Points: Hot Octopuss Pulse III Duo
Materials: Silicone and ABS plastic
Battery Life: 1 hour
Why you’ll like it: This vibrator curves around your shaft, stimulating all its most sensitive spots whether you’re erect or flaccid. Best of all, the underside of the toy vibrates, as well, so your partner can grind against it while you use it. If you love dry-humping but would love it more if it were, well, less “dry,” this is the toy for you!
Pros: Very powerful vibrations; can be used flaccid or erect; nine speeds and five vibration modes; vibrating underside for a partner to grind against; underside’s intensity can be controlled independently with the included remote; fits a wide range of penis sizes; quiet; waterproof
Cons: Can’t be used with silicone-based lubes; short battery life
The Best Strap-On: Tantus Beginner’s Strap-On Kit
Materials: Silicone (dildos), plastic (vibrator), and nylon (harness)
Why you’ll like it: Curious about pegging? This set will get you started: It comes with an adjustable harness, two differently-sized dildos (including one super-small one for total newbies to butt stuff), and a bullet vibe you can slip behind the dildo to make sure you both enjoy yourselves. Throw some water-based lube into the mix and you’re good to go! I eventually upgraded to a leather harness because it’s comfier against the skin than the backpack-strap fabric of this one, but for a beginner who’s not even sure whether they’ll like strap-on sex, this is a great starter kit.
Pros: Smooth dildos for comfortable anal entry; comes with two differently-sized dildos; harness is machine-washable; waterproof; harness can be adjusted to fit hips up to 60” around; dildos and vibrator can be swapped out for other ones from your collection as long as they fit
Cons: Weak and buzzy vibrations; can’t be used with silicone-based lube
The Best Sex Toy for Shower Sex: Je Joue Mio Cock Ring
Materials: Silicone
Battery Life: 2 hours
Why you’ll like it: It’s high-time we stopped pushing the shower sex agenda, because, really, it’s never as good as you think it’s going to be. Water gets in your eyes, you can’t get enough friction, and you could slip and really hurt yourself. But a select few really enjoy shower sex, and if you or your partner is among that crowd, then go ahead and get this water-proof vibrating cock ring to add even more to the experience.
Pros: Deep/rumbly vibrations; five vibration functions and five intensities; fits penis diameters ranging from 1.25 to 2.25 inches; quiet; waterproof
Cons: Can’t be used with silicone-based lubes
The Best Sex Toy for Back Door Beginners: b-Vibe
Materials: Silicone
Battery Life: 1 hour
Why you’ll like it: Petite but highly efficient, the b-Vibe isn’t your ordinary vibrating butt plug. The device actually replicates the sensation of being rimmed, which, yeah, feels great. Its rotating beads make the “rimming” part of this toy feel so good, and there are seven types of patterns with varying intensity levels.
Pros: Rotating beads in neck for “rimming” sensation at anal opening; seven rotation and vibration patterns with six intensity levels; wireless remote included
Cons: Splash-proof (not waterproof); can’t be used with silicone-based lubes; no curve to target the prostate; may be too large for some users to enjoy; short battery life; remote uses disposable batteries
The Best Long-Distance Sex Toy: Lovense Osci 2
Materials: Silicone and ABS plastic
Battery Life: 5 hours
Why you’ll like it: If you’re in a long-distance relationship or just want to mix things up with your partner from the next room, a long-distance sex toy can go a long way. Using Bluetooth, one partner can control the toy from an app thousands of miles away. The Lovense Osci 2 has a curved design developed to hit the G-spot. Once it’s in place, it rapidly oscillates back and forth to (hopefully) create a body-shaking orgasm.
Pros: Curved to target the G-spot; oscillations feel deeper and more pinpointed than vibrations; Bluetooth-controllable; can be used long-distance; waterproof; long battery life
Cons: Can’t be used with silicone-based lubes; not anal-safe
The Best Handcuffs: Upko
Materials: Leather and 24-carat gold-plated zinc alloy
Why you’ll like it: Restrain your sex life with these cheeky Italian leather personalized handcuffs. You get to pick what they say, so buy someone cuffs with their (or your) name on them. Or, take the ultra-romantic route and simply have them say something filthy—up to you. Each letter is 24-karat gold-plated and inlaid with sparkly crystal. While we suggest strapping them on your partner so you can have full control, you might even be inspired to wear them out as jewelry.
