18 Best Sex Toys for Beginners That Anyone Can Master
I also asked some experts about their favorite grinders and how they like to use them. “[Grinding toys are] perfect if you’re playing solo and want to keep things hands-free,” Madison says. Strap-on sex often benefits from the addition of a grinder, too, especially the kind that fits behind the dildo base in a harness to provide some extra stimulation and cushioning. Anyone of any gender or sexuality can use suction toys, but this one is a standout for LGBTQ+ couples in particular—or cis-het couples interested in anal play and pegging.
Get frisky with six intensity levels and four speed patterns, and travel in comfort by knowing it has a travel lock function to avoid accidental buzzing. Over the years, Fun Factory’s Manta has topped numerous best-of lists from the best toys for oral sex and the best toys for couples. “[It’s] designed to be great for solo play and partnered sex,” Rebecca Alvarez Story, founder of wellness brand Bloomi, previously told us. The toy hugs the shaft and vibrates, and you can maximize its potential by having your partner pair it with a blowjob. The open design of this toy makes cleanup a whole lot easier and also allows you to combine the Manta’s vibrations with blowjobs or handjobs for even more mind-blowing sensations. In case you aren’t on #SexTok, suction toys, also known as pulsators, are one of the most popular external stimulators, as they mimic oral sex.
With more options, you’re less likely to get bored or give up if your first trial option doesn’t quite hit your spots. “For instance, get a silicone vibrator, a clit-sucking wand and a rose toy that mimics the licking motion,” Dr. Suwinyattichaiporn says. Adding sex toys into your self-care routine comes with myriad benefits, explains Dr. Hack.
The bottom button’s sole purpose is to cycle backward through the aforementioned settings—a lifesaver when you wish to revisit a prior setting without cycling through 14 other settings along the way. The small, sleek Satisfyer Purple Pleasure vibrator is an excellent value at a typical price of $40 (a similar model from a different manufacturer that we’ve tested retails for $90), yet it makes no sacrifices in quality. With its aesthetically pleasing streamlined shape, waterproof silicone body viberator, and USB rechargeable battery, this toy looks and feels like a more expensive “luxury” vibrator.
Not to mention, there are proven mental and sexual health benefits to getting your O, which a good sex toy can all but guarantee. In 2021, there was a study that found subjects who were sexually active (yes, solo play counts as “active”) experienced less anxiety and depression. For a simple but powerful vibe, look no further than this elegantly designed, waterproof model from Dame, which is meant to stay in place during intercourse and provide pleasurable sensations to both partners. While the mechanics of that takes some trial and error, you can’t beat the Eva’s powerful vibrations, which are also lovely for solo play. Though it has a shorter run time and fewer settings than some of the other options on this list, the Eva reminds us that less can be more; its three high-intensity settings are more than sufficient.
If you’re on the hunt for a sexy toy that serves as a body massager and powerful sex toy, this VUSH wand will deliver on both fronts. It has five varying levels and 10 optimised vibration patterns to explore plus, it features an ergonomic body so you can wiggle, pump and slide it around for up to two hours. Unlike a lot of other wands this one is waterproof, which means you can take it into the bathtub for ultra-wet sessions — alone or in partnered sex. Made from smooth, squishy, body-safe silicone, it offers five suction intensities and five vibration patterns to suit your preference.
The build quality receives mixed feedback, with some describing it as sturdy while others find it weak, and customers consider it well worth the price. Customers disagree on the ease of use, with some finding it easy to manage with one hand while others say it’s hard to handle. At its price point, the Enigma Double Sonic is certainly an investment.
This remote control panty vibrator device is specifically designed to be used during long-distance virtual sex, so you can still get your fix even when your partner is far away. Additionally, the motion-controlled interface makes it easy to change up the vibration patterns to find the right settings for you. And if that wasn’t enough, the Lelo Hugo also comes with a 1-year warranty, so you can be confident that it will last. This unique prostate massager features dual vibrating motors that deliver intense stimulation, as well as a waterproof design that makes it perfect for use in the shower or tub.
Zee Krstic is a content strategy manager for Hearst Magazines, leading audience acquisition and affiliate revenue growth for Country Living, House Beautiful , ELLE Decor and VERANDA. He previously served as Health Editor for Good Housekeeping between 2019 and 2023, covering news, wellness trends and executing product reviews in conjunction with the Good Housekeeping Institute. Prior to joining Hearst, Zee fostered a background in women’s lifestyle media with seven-plus years of digital editorial experience, including as a site-wide editor at Martha Stewart Living. Zee currently produces design and lifestyle service content as a contributor; he has written about food and dining for Time, among other publications. If you plan to travel with your vibrator, look for a sex toy with a locking system and a carry case to avoid any embarrassing buzzing suitcase moments. Plastic is the firmest option, while silicone has a more velvety feel.