If you ask us, the best sex toys on the market today are right up there with fire and the wheel in terms of humanity’s greatest inventions. Go ahead, laugh, but what is technology supposed to do besides make our lives easier and more pleasant? And let’s be honest: What’s more pleasant than a toe-curling orgasm?
Because regardless of your gender, anatomy, and sexual orientation, it’s nearly guaranteed that you can find a sex toy that suits your needs. Toys lend some variety and intensity to masturbation, making it feel fresh and hot again when you’re bored of your hand. They can help you explore new pleasures, learning more about your body and preferences in the process, and thereby setting you up for better sex in the future. Scientists have even determined that using sex toys can improve sexual desire levels, pelvic floor health, and overall sexual satisfaction. It makes sense, then, that the massive catalog of available sex toys just keeps on growing, and that sex toys are a $30 billion industry.
The Best Sex Toys, According to GQ
And whether we’re considering sex toys for men or sex toys for women, the best sex toys also work wonders during partnered sex of all kinds. Adding clitoral stimulation to good old penis-in-vagina intercourse can amp up sensations for the both of you. Incorporating an anal toy like a butt plug or dildo or prostate massager into oral sex (for either the giver or receiver!) can take your pleasure to new levels. Some products, such as sex pillows and waterproof blankets, make sex comfier and more convenient so you can focus on feeling good. And when you get into a sexual rut, sometimes a kinky toy like a paddle or a blindfold is the ideal antidote for your erotic apathy.
No matter what sex toy(s) you decide to go with, remember that toys are just fun tools—they’re not your competition or your replacement, any more than a carpenter is in competition with their hammer. Because sometimes the most important part of getting a job done is knowing which tools to use and how best to use them—and when you use sex toys, you’re expanding not only your sexual tool kit, but also your capacity for life-altering pleasure.
Best Sex Toy for Men Overall: Hot Octopuss Pulse III Duo
This vibrator curves around your shaft and stimulates all the most sensitive spots. Best of all, the other side also vibrates, so your partner can press themselves against it at the same time. If you’re a fan of slow dry-humping but would love if it were, well, less “dry,” try this one out.
Best Stroker: Fleshlight Quickshot
While you’re likely aware of the infamous Fleshlight, the first and most well-known male masturbator, you might not know that the manufacturers came out with what they call the Quickshot. It’s smaller than the original, with only 3.5 inches to insert your penis, meaning it (likely) won’t cover the entire shaft. But the perks are that it’s easy to store discreetly, and doesn’t look like a typical Fleshlight, which isn’t necessarily something you want a casual hookup to stumble on.
Best Dildo for Prostate Play: Njoy Pure Wand
This gorgeous solid stainless steel toy is ideal for applying firm pressure to the G-spot or P-spot, and it’s great for both cis and trans guys. The curvature of the toy is super stimulating, and its firmness allows for direct, constant pressure. Just maybe pack a waterproof poncho if your partner is a squirter because things might get a little wet.
Best Vibrator for Penises: Lovense Gush
You can wrap this flexible vibrator around your dick wherever it feels the best, and keep it in place using the stretchy ring that comes with it. The toy connects to the Lovense app, which allows you to control its vibrations with your phone, or even let a long-distance partner take the wheel.
Best Sex Toy for Women Overall: We-Vibe Tango X
If good things come in small packages, this vibe is a prime example. Its tiny size means its big, rumbly vibrations come as a surprise the first time you flip it on. It’s waterproof, so it’s an ideal companion for bathtub masturbation or shower sex.
Best Wand Vibrator: Magic Wand Rechargeable
If you watch porn, you’ve probably seen a Magic Wand in action at some point. It’s the OG ultra-powerful vibrator, and it got even better when its maker introduced a cordless model a few years back. It may not be most discreet massager in the world, but that’s honestly a big part of its charm: There’s nothing subtle about this toy or the orgasms it doles out.
Best Rabbit Vibrator: We-Vibe Nova 2
Dual-stimulation vibrators hit inside and outside at the same time—you might remember the classic Rabbit vibrator from Sex and the City. But these things are notoriously difficult to pick out, because the distance between the clit and the vaginal opening varies so much from person to person. But this one is practically universal: It uses a super-flexible arm to reach the clit as the user thrusts the toy in and out without losing contact.
Best Sex Toy for Couples Overall: We-Vibe Melt
It’s no secret that standard P-in-V sex doesn’t always give the clit the stimulation it needs, and a slim toy can be just the thing to get both parties over the line. This petite toy is one of those “sucking” toys that uses rhythmic pulses of air to create clitoral sensations that mimic great oral sex—and unlike many other toys with this toe-curling technology, the We-Vibe Melt is slim enough to slip between bodies easily.
Best Long-Distance Vibrator: We-Vibe Sync
Many companies have done a version of We-Vibe’s signature C-shaped vibrator, but the original is still the best. Meant to be “worn” during intercourse, the We-Vibe stimulates both partners at once, for stronger (and possibly simultaneous) orgasms. This model has two hinges at its center, so you can adjust it to achieve the right fit.
Best Strap-On Set: Tantus Beginner’s Strap-On Kit
The power dynamics, the gender play, the potential for intense prostate orgasms? Pegging is fun. And if you’re curious, this kit will get you started: It comes with a harness, two differently-sized toys (including a starter-sized one for total newbies), and a small vibrator you can slip into the harness to make sure you both enjoy yourselves. Add lots and lots of water-based lube and you’re good to go!
Best Prostate Massager Overall: Lelo Hugo
The best massager on the market, bar none. It’s expensive, but if you plan on using it more than a few times, then there’s no reason not to splurge. The incredible precision of the vibrations separates Hugo from the pack. To control the speed and intensity, you simply tilt the circular remote. So if you tilt down and to the right, the vibrations will be stronger on the back right side.
Best Anal Toy Overall: b-Vibe Triplet Vibrating Anal Beads
Anal beads are great, but add vibration and it’s like being rocketed to a different dimension. The Triplet beads come in graduated sizes: Start by inserting the smallest one, then work up to all three. When it feels right, use the remote to up the intensity of the vibration.
Best Butt Plug: b-Vibe Rimming Plug 2
Rimming can feel amazing regardless of your gender or genitals. Everyone’s anus is a highly sensitive nerve-packed area that deserves some exploration. And what better way to do that than with the b-Vibe Rimming 2 butt plug? It has rotating beads at the base, for intense stimulation around your sensitive anal entrance. This toy will delight beginners who are new to butt stuff, but it’s powerful enough for seasoned pros too.
Best Anal Dilator Set: Future Method Glass Anal Dilator Set
You can’t just dive head first into anal play. Seriously, don’t even try it. Beginners should slowly “train” their rear end, and this anal dilator set from Dr. Evan Goldstein’s brand Future Method lets users gradually increase how much their derrière can take. These are also great for temperature play and because they’re waterproof, you can use them in the shower, too.
Best Vibrating Cock Ring: We-Vibe Pivot
Adding vibration to penetrative sex can make it feel awesome for both partners, and this is the best product for the job. It’s got deep, rumbly vibrations and is made of silky-smooth silicone for a luxurious feel.
Best Non-Vibrating Cock Ring: Blush Novelties Performance GoPro Silicone Cock Ring
Even the most basic of cock rings, like this one, can do a lot: They constrict the blood flow at the base of your dick to enable stronger, longer-lasting erections, and they increase your sensitivity and pleasure. This is an ideal first cock ring to try out if you’re curious about ’em.
Best Male Masturbator: Fleshlight Pink Lady
Designed to help you learn to last longer, this highly textured stroker can feel overstimulating at first—but the more you practice edging with it, the better you’ll be able to control yourself when boning an actual person.
Best Long-Distance Stroker: Lovense Max 2
This stroker offers vibrations as well as rhythmic “contractions” that feel a lot like when a partner’s pelvic muscles squeeze tight around you during sex. A partner can take control using the Lovense app, making this a solid choice for long-distance sweethearts.
Best Nipple Clamps: Spartacus Alligator Tip Adjustable Nipple Clamps
If you’ve never tried nipple clamps before, your best bet is a set of adjustable clamps like this one. Those with a low pain tolerance should be able to handle these alligator clamps thanks to their adjustability, which can be tightened or loosened for customizable pain. Also, the metal chain between them is fun to tug on when you want to send a jolt through the wearer’s body.
The Best Full-Body Bondage Set: Sportsheets Under-the-Bed Restraints System
This cult-fave product turns your bed into a bondage station. Slip the long straps under your mattress (it’s easier than it sounds) and you’ll have two wrist cuffs and two ankle cuffs hanging off the edges of your bed, ready to be used whenever you want. It’s like bondage on easy mode.
Best Sexual Positioning Aid: Liberator Heart Wedge
“The Heart Wedge from Liberator makes for a great sex wedge that is perfect for lifting and positioning for deeper stimulation, plus it looks like a decorative bed pillow and no one will know the other sexy uses for it,” points out Linnea Marie, a sexologist and relationship coach. Its discreet aesthetic might make it a good pick if you’re worried about kids, roommates, nosy relatives, etc. spotting it.
Best Sex Furniture: Liberator Kama Sutra Chaise Lounge
“Chaises and sex pillows are my favorites because they are great for anyone who wants better orgasms, regardless of where you are in your sexual journey, and who doesn’t want that?!” says Nikkita Grady, a sex educator and postpartum sex & intimacy coach. “They’re especially useful if you have trouble reaching orgasm because they allow you to elevate your hips and try different angles and positions that might not have been possible before.” This chaise ostensibly works well for yoga, stretching, and relaxing, but can also accommodate and facilitate a variety of sexual positions. It’s one of those rare pieces of sex furniture that might actually get used as furniture just as often as it’s used for sex, assuming you have enough space for it.
Best Ball Toy: Oxballs CockSling 2.0
The idea of a “ball-stretcher” might sound scary, but this type of product actually stretches your scrotum rather than your balls, similarly to how it would be stretched if you gently pulled downward on your sack. This toy functions similarly to a cock ring, inhibiting blood flow out of your penis to enable a stronger and longer-lasting erection, but it’ll also give you that nice ball-tugging sensation at the same time. “I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. The material is extremely soft and has a good amount of stretch,” one Amazon reviewer enthused. “It pulls on your balls with a good amount of pressure and feels great.”
Best Vibrator for Beginners: Je Joue MiMi Soft
Clinical sexologist and sex therapist Ness Cooper recommends this vibrator for its easy-to-hold “pebble” shape, which can fit right into the palm of your hand. Its lovely, low-pitched vibrations are wildly satisfying, whether you use it during sex, masturbation, or just incorporate it into a body massage. This vibe’s soft and squishy tip (hence the name MiMi Soft) makes it more comfortable to use than vibrators made of hard materials like plastic.
Best Dildo for Beginners: Lovehoney Glitter Silicone Dildo
Cooper recommends this slim, flexible Lovehoney dildo for first-time sex toy penetration, whether anal or vaginal, because of its “tapered tip that allows for effortless insertion, and its flared base which can also act as a handle.” Plus, its colorful glittery exterior is also fun to behold, so it might be a less intimidating option for newbies than something hyper-realistic.
