Jun 10, 2024
Best Sex Toys 2023
Determining the best sex toys on the market is a task best served with a heaping dose of subjectivity—arguably more so than with any other product. Everyone’s body, of course, along with their sexual
Determining the best sex toys on the market is a task best served with a heaping dose of subjectivity—arguably more so than with any other product. Everyone’s body, of course, along with their sexual preferences and how they experience pleasure, is unique. Luckily, it’s never been easier to experiment with an array of products (at an array of prices, including high-end sex toys) to find the best sex toys that work for you and your budget.
The Best Sex Toys, According To Experts
While it may seem like there are a head-spinning assortment of products and online retailers to sift through, there are a few key points to keep in mind while shopping for the sex toys that you’ll ultimately enjoy the most. In addition to making sure a product is made with nonporous, body-safe materials (like pure silicone, stainless steel or ABS plastic), it’s important to be aware of the sorts of sensations that you prefer, including factors like whether you want internal or external stimulation, how intense of a sensation you’re after or how portable you’d like the device to be.
Whether your knowledge of the market is limited or you’re looking to add something new to an already robust collection of vibrators, pulsating rings and other accessories, we chatted with several sex experts and educators to find some of the best sex toys worth your money. We’ve also pulled together a few expert tips for cleaning your toys, advice for selecting a personal lubricant and how to best introduce sex toys into partnered play.
Babeland
Size: 12.75 x 2.47 inches | Material: Silicone/ABS plastic | Settings: 4 speeds, 4 patterns | Run time on full charge: 3 hours | Waterproof: No
“This is a classic toy to add to a collection,” says Megan Stubbs, EdD board-certified sexologist and author of Playing Without a Partner. “[It’s] a very powerful wand vibrator and it can be used on any body part you like. Bonus: You can also use it for non-sexual uses too, like sore muscles.” Initially designed as a body massager, in fact, the Magic Wand gained popularity in the 1970s for its not-so-secret use as one of best devices for clitoral stimulation. And while previous iterations of the iconic sex toy needed to be plugged in during use, this much more convenient version packs a punch minus the cord. It features four intensities and four vibration patterns, and runs for an impressive three hours on a single charge. The Magic Wand can be used to produce pleasurable sensations for just about anyone, and the intensity of its vibrations is virtually unmatched. Note, however, that the Magic Wand is not waterproof.
Maude
Size: 4.9 x 1.5 inches | Material: Silicone | Settings: 3 | Run time on full charge: 2.5 hours | Waterproof: No, but water-resistant
Maude is a BIPOC- and woman-founded sexual wellness brand that sells high-quality products at wallet-friendly prices, and the Maude Vibe is one of its standouts. Crafted from smooth, platinum-grade silicone, the three-speed, flutter-tip device is designed for external stimulation, and its maximum intensity level doesn’t disappoint. It’s small enough to easily travel with, its motor is quiet compared to similar sex toys, and it’s backed by a one-year warranty.
Lelo
Size: 4.1 x 4.2 x 1.6 inches | Material: Silicone/ABS plastic | Settings: 6 | Run time on full charge: 2 hours | Waterproof: Yes
Lelo is a premier name in the luxury sex-toy market, and the brand carries an array of items for all bodies and preferences. This prostate vibrator is one of the best sex toys for men (or anyone with a penis), and puts two separate motors to use: one in the base and one in the tip of the device. It uses a remote control, which makes the toy enjoyable for both solo play or with a partner, and it’s made with body-safe silicone/ABS plastic. Like all of the brand’s products, the Lelo Hugo also comes with a one-year warranty and a 10-year quality guarantee.
We-Vibe
Size: 1.2 x 1.8 x 3.1 inches | Material: Silicone | Settings: 10 | Run time on full charge: 2 hours | Waterproof: Yes
The ergonomic shape of the We-Vibe Sync 2 makes it ideal for comfortable use while targeting both G-spot and clitoral stimulation during partnered sex. Like many of the brand’s other products, this one syncs with the We-Vibe app so you (or your partner) can control it via smartphone. With 10 intensity levels, the We-Vibe Sync 2 is made with a smooth silicone and is fully waterproof.
MysteryVibe
Size: 5.9 x 1.6 inches | Material: Silicone | Settings: 16 | Run time on full charge: 1 hour | Waterproof: No, but water-resistant
This bendable vibrator is designed to provide precise stimulation for the G-spot, or wherever else you prefer to use it—it can work for both internal and external use. With 16 intensities, the MysteryVibe Poco is made of premium silicone and uses two different motors. It also syncs to an app, making this one a fun toy for couples as well.
Dame
Size: 3.25 x 2.2 x 1.2 inches | Material: Silicone | Settings: 5 intensities, 5 patterns | Run time on full charge: 1 hour | Waterproof: Yes
The Pom is designed with a ridge to provide targeted clitoral stimulation, but its wide base also lends itself well to sensations across the vulva. It’s a small-but-mighty waterproof vibrator that features five intensity levels and five pattern modes. Made from medical-grade silicone, the Dame Pom is also impressively quiet for how powerful it is.
“Dame has really good products,” says Gigi Engle, resident sex expert at SexToys.co.uk and author of All The F*cking Mistakes: A Guide to Sex, Love, and Life. “They're reliable and high-quality.” While Dame’s collection does lean toward the pricier side, they're certainly less expensive than some of the other luxury brands out there. The Pom also has a handy feature that locks, so it won’t accidentally turn on in your luggage and surprise a TSA agent while you’re going through security.
Dame
Size: 2.4 (wings included) x 1.7 x 1.1 inches | Material: Silicone | Settings: 3 | Run time on full charge: 1 hour | Waterproof: Yes
The Eva is marketed as a couples vibrator, since it can securely stay in place during intercourse. Customers note that getting the hang of its use with a partner may take some trial and error, but rave about the power this one packs for its size, particularly at the highest of its three settings. Like the Pom, the Dame Eva is also designed with medical-grade silicone and comes with a travel setting.
We-Vibe
Size: 3.9 x 0.9 inches | Material: Silicone/ABS plastic | Settings: 8 | Run time on full charge: 2 hours | Waterproof: Yes
With eight settings and up to two hours of use on a single charge, this upgraded take on the classic bullet vibe is a worthy addition to your collection. “I love how powerful it is despite being so tiny, which makes it a lot easier to travel with discreetly,” says Lisa Finn, sex educator for Babeland and Good Vibes. “The inclined shape of the tip, the smooth plastic body and the easy-to-grip and control textured silicone buttons make the We-Vibe Tango X stand out to me when compared to other bullets.” It’s also waterproof and comes with a travel-lock feature as well.
Lovehoney
Size: 6.25 x 6.5 inches | Material: Silicone | Settings: 14 | Run time on full charge: 4 hours | Waterproof: Yes
If you’ve been interested in trying out a suction toy, the Womanizer Premium 2 is a sophisticated device with tons of features to experiment with. “This toy is amazing and very experiential,” says Stubbs. It uses an air technology “that puffs pleasurably and is amazing when used on the clitoris or nipples. It's a little spendy, but the sensation is very unique, and I recommend this whenever I can to someone asking for a good toy.”
The Womanizer Premium 2’s lowest setting is more gentle and its highest more intense than its predecessor model—it has 14 intensity levels total—making it a great option for beginners exploring what works best for them. It also has an autopilot mode, and thanks to a super-handy feature called “Smart Silence,” it only turns itself on when it comes into close contact with your body and automatically shuts off if it slips from your hands. Bonus: It has an impressive run time of up to four hours on a single charge.
Lelo
Size: 8.6 x 2.9 x 1.7 inches | Material: Silicone/ABS plastic | Settings: 12 | Run time on full charge: 4 hours | Waterproof: Yes
Not only is the sleek Lelo Soraya 2 as elegant as sex toys come, but it’s also an incredibly functional vibrator. Crafted with super-soft silicone, the waterproof rabbit-shaped toy (meaning: it’s designed to provide dual clitoris and G-spot stimulation) features 12 settings and has a flexible smaller arm meant to comfortably accommodate your body. It can run for up to four hours on a two-hour charge.
Fun Factory
Size: 7.1 x 2 inches | Material: Silicone/ABS plastic | Settings: 6 speeds, 6 patterns | Run time on full charge: 2 hours | Waterproof: Yes
If you’re looking for an upgraded take on the traditional vibrating ring, the Fun Factory Manta is worth checking out. It fits around the shaft of the penis for either stroking or focused sensations, and its “wings” are designed with ridges, intended to better hold onto lube. The Manta is waterproof, has six speeds and six patterns and features a travel lock. A versatile toy, it can be used with a partner as well as by those with a vulva.
“This German-made brand not only has sleek design and super-sophisticated motors (their thrusting toys use magnets to pulsate, how cool is that?) but they get the extra plus in my book for how eco-conscious they are,” says Finn. Fun Factory focuses on low-emissions production and extended battery life to help reduce lithium ion waste, plus the brand uses only recyclable cardboard materials in its packaging.
Amazon
Size: 3.75 x 0.5 x 0.5 inches | Material: Silicone/nickel-free plating | Settings: 4 | Run time on full charge: 40 minutes | Waterproof: No
A necklace and sex toy all in one sleek package—yes, you read that correctly—the Crave Vesper is a phthalate-free silicone and nickel-free vibrator that hangs on a 26-inch chain. It’s available in 24kt gold, rose gold and silver options, and customers say the diminutive 3.75-inch vibrator is surprisingly powerful. It features four settings and is charged via USB. (Many have also suggested that it makes a fun gift for bridesmaids or guests at a bachelorette party.)
Lelo
Size: 2.4 x 1.7 x 1.7 inches | Material: Silicone | Settings: 6 | Run time on full charge: 1.5 hours | Waterproof: Yes
With two buttons and six stimulation modes, the Lelo Tor 2 has a simple design and a flexible fit to help make it comfortable for penises of all sizes. It can last for up to 90 minutes on a single two-hour charge. Customer reviews attest to the Tor 2’s comfort both during solo and partnered use, with many noting how satisfied they are with the intensity of the ring.
One key thing you’ll want to keep in mind is ensuring the products you use are made with body-safe materials. “When it comes to ‘body-safe,’ the first thought that comes to mind is phthalate-free materials,” says Finn. “Phthalates are a group of chemicals used in plastics or rubbers to make them more pliable—in the sex-toy world they’re most commonly found in cheap materials like jelly rubber, but those chemicals can be endocrine disruptors and cause harm to our bodies, especially when used internally.”
An easy way to know your toy is body-safe, Finn advises: “Look for keywords. For instance, ‘100% pure silicone’ or ‘platinum-grade silicone’ will show that it’s not a polymer blend of silicone and another unknown material. Keep an eye out for the term ‘medical-grade’ on your products as well (like silicone, stainless steel and so on)—they are designed with certain standards that help them to be easily sanitized and cleaned, and specifically made for use in and around the body.” Some examples of quality materials: silicone, ABS plastic, stainless steel, glass (borosilicate or soda-lime) and elastomer (TPE/TPR).
Toys should always be cleaned before and after each use to prevent bacteria from building up. “You can't really go wrong with soap and warm water,” says Engle. “You want to be sure you're using a soap that isn't scented, because the residue it can leave can be irritating to your skin, and it could cause a yeast infection if you're someone who is really prone to those.” And if the product is made with glass or stainless steel and doesn’t have a motor? You can also pop them onto the top rack of your dishwasher.
While most experts agree that a mild soap and warm water is the way to go (“Rule of thumb: If you wouldn’t clean your bits with it, don’t clean your toy with it,” says Finn), if you’re looking to use your toy immediately and need a quick clean in between uses, it may be convenient to have an antibacterial spray cleaner on hand.
“Things that can make a sex toy more expensive are things like materials, motors and tech and other features and capabilities,” says Finn. “More refined motors that offer things like deeper vibrations and multiple intensities and settings are going to be more expensive to produce, and many of these more expensive vibes will come with warranties to back themselves up and protect your investment in a good quality product.”
At the end of the day, it’s really about how much use you’ll get out of a product. So if you’re new to experimenting with sex toys and aren’t sure exactly what you’ll enjoy most, you might want to try dabbling in more affordable products before investing in something you’re more likely to use regularly.
“You can't go wrong with water-based lubricant, because it's kind of like the jack-of-all-trades lube and it's compatible with all your toys,” says Engle.
“You want to avoid any lubricants that have glycerin, as it's a by-product of sugar and could cause a yeast infection,” says Stubbs. She also advises against any products that include a numbing agent in it. “Pain is your body's way of letting you know something is amiss. If you numb out a section, you could potentially be causing damage.”
If you have sensitive skin, since sensitivities can vary, “anyone who finds they are intolerant to body products should keep track of what products bother them, and what their ingredients are,” says Carol Queen, a sex educator and staff sexologist for Good Vibes. “Ironically, even organic botanicals are no help if a person is sensitive to the plant they're derived from.”
Maude’s organic personal lubricant is an excellent choice for many. It’s aloe- and water-based, and customers attest to how hydrating the formula is. It’s free of glycerin, parabens and fragrance, as well as vegan and cruelty-free, and can be used safely with condoms and sex toys, including those made with silicone.
And for those who are experiencing menopause or postmenopause, Queen and Stubbs both suggest trying CBD-infused lubricants. “Foria has a wonderful CBD-infused intimacy oil and suppositories that may help with making sex less painful by soothing vaginal tissues and increasing natural lubrication,” says Stubbs. If you're using any latex or polyisoprene barriers, however, oil will degrade these materials: “Use a polyurethane barrier if using an oil-based lubricant.” Queen also recommends Good Clean Love’s water-based moisturizing gel.
“If you’re looking for a toy to use with a partner, talk it over first,” says Finn. “There are plenty of tools for icebreakers. A personal favorite is the ‘Yes, No, Maybe List.’ If you do want to surprise your partner with a little sex-toy gift, give it to them outside of the bedroom so that you can gauge their interest and they don’t feel the pressure of having to accept it in the heat of the moment.”
And don’t limit yourself to only considering the toys marketed as couples toys. As Engle says, “Any toy can be used as a couples toy,” so it may be helpful to expand beyond the mindset of products that put an emphasis on use during penetration only. Or perhaps you might want to start out with something as simple as a massage oil candle rather than motorized toys. Ultimately, of course, communication is key to figuring out what you’re both comfortable with—and the type of products that you’ll each derive the most pleasure from.
Best Sex Toy Overall: Best Value Sex Toy: Best Sex Toy For Men: Best Sex Toy For Couples: Best Sex Toy For G-Spot Stimulation: Best Sex Toy For Travel: Best Sex Toy For Hands-Free Play:Best Bullet Vibrator: Best Suction Vibrator: Best Rabbit Vibrator:Best Vibrating Stroker: Best Discreet Sex Toy: Best Vibrating RingSize: Material:Settings:Run time on full charge:Waterproof:Best Value Sex ToySize: Material:Settings:Run time on full charge:Waterproof:Best Sex Toy For MenSize: Material:Settings:Run time on full charge:Waterproof:Best Sex Toy For CouplesSize: Material:Settings: Run time on full charge:Waterproof:Best Sex Toy For G-Spot StimulationSize: Material:Settings:Run time on full charge:Waterproof:Best Sex Toy For TravelSize: Material:Settings:Run time on full charge: Waterproof:Best Sex Toy For Hands-Free PlaySize: Material:Settings:Run time on full charge:Waterproof:Best Bullet VibratorSize: Material:Settings:Run time on full charge:Waterproof:Best Suction VibratorSize: Material:Settings:Run time on full charge:Waterproof:Best Rabbit VibratorSize: Material:Settings:Run time on full charge:Waterproof:Best Vibrating StrokerSize:Material:Settings:Run time on full charge:Waterproof:Best Discreet Sex ToySize: Material:Settings:Run time on full charge:Waterproof:Best Vibrating RingSize:Material:Settings:Run time on full charge:Waterproof:What materials should I look for in a quality sex toy?How (and how often) should I be cleaning my sex toys?Are high-end sex toys worth the investment?What ingredients should I look out for in a quality lube?How should I approach incorporating toys into sex with a partner?