Incorporating sex toys into your love life is a great way to increase your sexual pleasure, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. Unfortunately, a lot of men still feel shame or stigma surrounding bringing sex toys into the bedroom, and studies have shown they're less likely to use them than people of other genders.
Sex toys aren't just for partnered sex. Using sex toys during masturbation can greatly enhance your experience and expose you to new types of sexual pleasure that you wouldn't experience otherwise. Trust us: There's a whole world of solo fun to be had beyond jerking off the same way you've been doing since you were a teenager—like using an anal toy to work toward a prostate orgasm, for starters. (More on that later ...)
If you're in the market for a new sex toy to bring into the bedroom, you're in luck. These days, there are a ton of options to choose from. That's both good and bad. It can be challenging to know which ones are worth the money (and which are crap). "There are some basic qualities that you should always look for in a sex toy, such as a minimum 1-year warranty," says Alicia Sinclair, sex educator and founder of anal sex toy brand b-Vibe. "If you’re buying a butt toy, it should always have a flared base that is at least as wide as the largest part of the bulb or beads."
As you're perusing the many options, you'll also want to look for toys marketed as "body-safe." Most are, but not all. "Body-safe materials are ESSENTIAL when picking a high-quality sex toy," says Julieta Chiara, a sex expert for the sex toy manufacturer Velvet Co. "When toys touch your genitals (as well as being used internally), having body-safe materials ensures that they will not irritate your skin or intimate areas."
Keeping these basic standards in mind, you'll also want to consider the type of stimulation that feels good to your body and what brings you to orgasm. The best sex toy for you is the one that amplifies and increases that sensation! Don't be afraid to try new things, either. There's a reason they call it "sex play."
We included a range of sex toys on this list (many of which we personally tested), so no matter what you're into, there's something here for you. Some of these products are our personal favorites. Others come recommended by Taylor Sparks, erotic educator and sex goddess of Organic Loven, a company that improves adults' sexual health and wellness through organic and eco-friendly products, sex-positive books, and educational seminars.
Trust us when we tell you that Lelo hands-down makes some of the best prostate massagers for men. Its latest model, the Billy 2, is no exception. It has eight vibration patterns, from strong continuous vibes to a powerful pulsating throb. It’s made of silky silicone, and is 100% waterproof, so you can also use this bad boy in the shower. It feels amazing, whether you're playing with a partner or rocking it solo.
How to use: Apply a generous amount of lube to the shaft. Slowly insert comfortably inside you. Power it on. Switch through the settings to find the one that takes you to Valhalla.
Can be adjusted with 8 different pressure settings
Fits a wide variety of penis shapes and sizes
Cons
Pricey
"Too few penis toys account for the fact that penises come in all shapes and sizes (duh), but the brand new Arcwave Voy has a 'tightness adjustment functionality' that allows you to grip as firm or as soft as you like," certified sex educator Bobby Box previously told Men's Health. "It’s also an open-ended stroker, allowing you (or someone else) to stimulate the glans as you stroke yourself silly."
How to use: Apply a generous amount of water-based lubricant to your penis. Slide the male stroker over your penis and adjust the tightness until it feels snug but comfortable. Stroke away!
A lower price doesn't always have to mean lower quality. Some budget-friendly sex toys are actually great, and the Geo C ring from Blush proves this. It's a high-quality, body-safe silicone ring that can be worn around the base of the shaft or underneath your balls. It's surprisingly comfortable without feeling constricting.
How to use: Stretch it over the base of the shaft of your penis or underneath the balls—your call. Play as usual!
The motor on this self massager is powerful enough to start an engine—we, at least your engine. With 11 different vibration settings, this toy does all the work; just sit back, relax, and enjoy. We've found the middle settings to be the "sweet spot," while cranking it too high was just overkill. But, hey, to each their own.
How to use: Place the massager over the head of the penis. Switch the unit on. Dial in the your preferred vibration speed/intensity.
Two ball sizes (1 inch and 1.5 inch) to choose from
Can be warmed or chilled
Cons
A little pricey
Fellahs, you haven't lived until you've experienced a legit prostate orgasm. It's a completely different sensation from a regular orgasm, and this stainless steel men's sex toy provides just the right amount of pressure and stimulation to get you there—without the help of any vibration. The surface is also smooth and non-porous, which makes clean-up a breeze.
How to use: Start by warming or chilling the wand (optional). Apply a generous amount of lube. Insert whichever of the two balled ends is most comfortable. Massage away (or let your partner do all the work).
A wise man once told us that not all dildos are created equal, and the Velvet Thruster is no ordinary dildo. True to its name, it actually "thrusts" three inches inside of you, so it feels like you're actively getting penetrated by someone. The best part? The available mix-and-match heads, so you can find the shapes, size, and style that you crave. Our recommendation? Go with the Sammie Prime.
How to use: Apply a liberal amount of water-based lube to coat the entire shaft of the dildo. Slowly insert the head a few inches inside of you and turn on to get a sense of the thrusting action. Slide in and out as you feel most comfortable.
Dildo is useful for post-ejaculation refractory period
Cons
Harness can be tricky to adjust and fit properly
As far as we know, it's the world's first harness specifically designed for people with a penis. It has two holes: one for your penis, and one for a dildo. The dildo can come in handy if you're struggling to get or maintain an erection, or if you want to keep having sex during that pesky post-ejaculation refractory period. "This also makes for the perfect double penetration—without having to have an actual person that you have to buy a drink for and then check on them the next day!" Sparks adds.
How to use: Pull on the harness and adjust the buckles to fit snug and comfortable around your hips and thighs. Insert your penis through the harness' available second hole (optional). Pleasure your partner with single or double penetration—your call.
For just six bucks (!), this male masturbator is a treat. The silicone feels soft and great against your penis, and once you're done with it, you just throw it away. Easy clean-up! If we have one complaint, we wish the texture was even more pronounced. It feels pretty damn good, but ... it could be better.
How to use: Apply a generous amount of water-based lube to the sleeve or your penis. Adjust grip and pressure as you would to normally masturbate. Enjoy the ridiculously awesome textured feel that's way better than just a hand.
Five vibration intensities with five distinct vibration patterns
Waterproof
Comfortable, stay-put fit
Cons
Not big enough for more advanced users
Another high-quality sex toy that won't break the bank, the Free Spirit Scarlet Anal Plug comes with five vibration speeds and five patterns (Intensify, Throb, Rumble, Tremble, and Pulse). But of course, its many colors are what make it unique. In our "laboratory" tests, we loved how well this plug stays put—snug but comfortable. We found settings 3 and 4 to deliver just the right amount of vibration, and the Throb pattern pushed us over the edge more than any other.
How to use: Generously lube the tip of the plug. Slowly insert into the anus until it fits snugly. Dial in your preferred vibration and pattern for maximum pleasure.
This reusable cock ring from Satisfyer is one of the strongest on the market. On its highest setting, this thing feels surprisingly strong. Thankfully, you can dial in a more modest vibration speed, if that's your thing. The larger, more "bulbous" top presses against your partner's clitoris in many sex positions, allowing for maximum stimulation. We've been able to get around 45 minutes of run time out of it—not bad considering its compact size.
Are you someone who's very into music when you have sex (i.e., getting your groove on while you're getting your "groove" on)? Does a strong bass/beat make you feel more connected to your body and, subsequently, your partner's? If so, you need to get the Juno cock ring from Lovehoney, which vibrates to music! It's definitely one of the most unique sex toys we've seen in the last year. We found it surprisingly well-made, especially for a roughly $40 (on sale) sex toy. It's comfortable, easy to clean, and, most important, just plain fun to play with!
We've long been fans of Fleshlight's OG male masturbator, and it just keeps getting better. The Fleshlight Turbo replicates the sensation of getting a blowjob. It has three distinct sections that act as lips, tongue, and throat. Let me tell ya, it feels good—damn good. The unique texture is the closest thing to a real mouth this side of the latest Autoblow! It's the best alternative to a pocket pussy or oral sex doll.
Dual stimulation (internal and external) feels amazing
Cons
Expensive
This butt plug from b-vibe actually simulates analingus (getting your ass eaten), thanks to rotating beads at the neck of the plug. If you're new to the game, let us tell you that the simultaneous internal and external anal stimulation from this plug feels heavenly. We especially love letting our partner take control with the one-touch wireless remote. Just sit back and enjoy.
Despite its torture-device appearance, the Masturball is an automated men's sex toy that actually squeezes your penis while vibrating. The only other sleeve-like masturbator that does anything remotely similar is the much pricier Autoblow. The rest of the sleeves out there may vibrate, but don't actually add pressure to your member. The unique combination got us to finish faster than almost every other male masturbator in this price range, which is why it gets our stamp of approval!
These disposable male masturbation sleeves come inside of an egg-shaped container, and each has a unique texture. You can buy the eggs à la carte or as a pack of six (like a carton of eggs—get it?). They're functional, cute, and a fun way to connect with your body and your pleasure. Why race to orgasm when you can actually take time to enjoy yourself? In our tests, we loved being able to mix up our jerk-off routine with the different textures of these sleeves.
To be honest, masturbation sleeves can be, well, seedy. Not the pilot! Made from SuperSkin, it is sleek and, arguably more important, quiet. The Pilot offers a number of textures, from bumps to ridges. Bottom line for our money: It's one of the best Fleshlights yet—easy to use and it feels amazing.
Vibrators aren't just for vulvas. This creative couple's toy, made from body-safe silicone, delivers super-strong vibrations to one partner's penis and the other's clitoris. "Most exciting are the two wearable remote controls, giving each person full control of their own pleasure!," Sparks says. It's one of the most unique partner-friendly sex toys on the market that makes sure no one feels left out. We love everything about it, but all the high-tech features make this one pricey at almost $200.
This cock ring from Oxballs goes on the base of your penis, but as you'll notice, there's a third opening at the bottom. That's where you put your testicles. Having your testicles pulled down and away from your body can allow you to last longer during sex. The best part? In our experience, that extra "snug" feeling adds the perfect amount of feel-good pressure in all the right places. If you're looking for a basic men's sex toy that's easy to use, keep, and clean, this is your man.
Dimensions
3.9 x 1.9 x 1.9 inches
Weight
1.9 ounces
Material
Waterproof silicone and thermoplastic elastomer (TPE)
If your partner has a clitoris, Eva II is a must-have. This toy sits directly over the clitoris, with its flexible "wings" hooking under the labia to keep it in place. All of a sudden, intercourse becomes a super orgasmic experience for both of you. Plus, Eva is so small it doesn’t even look like a sex toy. It's fun to use for both solo and couples play. Our only gripe is that the unique design doesn't perfectly fit all vulva shapes, so you might need an extra hand to keep it in place.
In our review of The Duke, I mention how this vibrating sex toy stimulates your prostate, perineum, and deep inside your rectum. This might be the ultimate in prostate massagers because it literally hits every male pleasure zone. All of which makes it perfect for advanced users, but this definitely is not a sex toy for anal beginners. Play safe, boys!
Gigi Engle is a writer, certified sexologist, sex coach, and sex educator. Her work regularly appears in many publications including Brides, Marie Claire, Elle Magazine, Teen Vogue, Glamour and Women's Health.