With a variety of product types, stimulation preferences, quality levels and prices, choosing your next sex toy requires some considerations – and for good measure. Investing in a sex toy is an investment in your own intimacy which is unique to every individual.
Scroll through the frequently asked questions below to find what things matter most to you.
Common FAQs About Choosing a Sex Toy
What Type of Sex Toy Should I Start With as a Beginner?
The most common beginner sex toys are vibrators and dildos. And while these two categories alone include many types, we recommend bullet vibrators, external vibrators and simple dildos for starters.
- Bullet vibrators are small in size and easy to hide, but have enough vibration power to explore varying intensities.
- External vibrators refer to vibrators used only on the outside of the body, primarily the vulva and clitoris, and can be in forms such as bean-shaped or cylindrical.
- Dildos are used for penetrative stimulation and are sometimes, but not always, combined with vibrating capabilities. They are almost always cylindrical in shape, especially for beginners.
Your main considerations should be how easy the toy is to use, how comfortable you feel using it, and any unique features you’re particularly drawn to.
What Materials Are the Safest for Sex Toys?
Because sex toys touch the most intimate parts of your body, quality materials are extremely important. Many lower end sex toys contain plastics and phthalates that can be harmful for your body during an experience that should have you worry-free. Avoid jelly rubbers and PVC that can potentially contain toxic chemicals.
Look for medical-grade silicone, ABS body-safe plastics, stainless steel and non-porous glass materials. They will be listed on product details to give you full peace of mind to enjoy exploring enhanced pleasure.
How Do I Know Which Toy is Right for Me?
Which toy is right for you depends on your personal preferences. Here are some questions to ask yourself before choosing a toy:
- Do you prefer internal or external stimulation (or a combination of both)?
- Do you prefer light or intense vibration?
- Will you be using your toy alone or with others?
How Do I Choose a Toy That’s Not Too Loud?
Most sex toy companies now list max sound levels in decibels (dB), however, it’s not easy to understand what this means by just a scale. Your best bet is to read product reviews to see if people mention noise.
While no toy will be completely quiet, most can be drowned out under sheets or with the TV on low, and toys are getting quieter as sex toy technology advances.
Are Rechargeable or Battery-Operated Toys Better?
While battery-powered sex toys are easier to store and transport because they don’t require a charger, they require frequent replacements with ongoing costs. Rechargeable sex toys are more eco-friendly and cost-effective when considering the longevity of the product.
How Important is Waterproofing in a Sex Toy?
Most people prefer a fully-waterproof sex toy whether they plan on using it around water or not. Between your body’s natural lubricating powers and added lubricant for comfort, waterproof toys put any concerns at ease. They, of course, are ideal for bathtub or shower masturbation and making cleaning a breeze.
It’s also important to consider the difference between waterproof and water-resistant products. Waterproof toys are fully submersible, including charging ports that are vacuum sealed from the inside, while water-resistant toys are splashproof but not submersible.
How Do I Choose a Toy for Partner Play?
If you’re looking for a toy to enjoy in tandem with a partner, explore couples’ vibrators, remote-controlled toys, and wearable sex toys.
- Couples’ toys usually refer to a U-shaped vibrator, where one “arm” of the U is worn internally in the vagina while the other arm sits along the clitoris, or penis rings that are worn around the base of the penis while providing vibrations on the clitoris. This allows for internal and external stimulation, and also leaves plenty of room for penetration from a partner. The bonus is that he can feel the vibrations too.
- Remote-control sex toys typically also refer to vibrators that you or your partner can control via remote or through an app on your phone. They even have company-specific “chatrooms” where long-distance partners connect their devices and allow each other to control them.
- Wearable vibrators are sex toys that are worn internally in the vagina with some type of string or external arm for easy removal. These can also be remote-controlled.
The most important thing when deciding on a sex toy for couples is open communication and making sure you’re both on the same page in the ways in which you want to enhance your sexual experience.
What’s the Best Toy for Sensitive Skin?
For those with sensitive skin, making sure your sex toys are made with quality materials is even more important. Medical-grade silicone, glass and stainless steel are all hypoallergenic materials that are good choices for sensitive skin. And, of course, if you feel any discomfort at any time, stop using the device.
Materials to avoid include latex, phthalates and strong fragrances. Even if you’re looking for a budget-friendly sex toy, you don’t have to compromise on materials that could cause an unnecessary reaction.
How Do I Pick the Right Size?
For beginner penetrative sex toys, like dildos or insertable vibrators, we recommend insertable lengths from 3–4in. and girths, or diameters, around 1.5-2in. This is equivalent to a slightly smaller than average penis.
Another great starter option is bullet or lipstick vibrators. While they’re compact in size, they still deliver with power – plus, they’re easy to hide. It’s better to start small and then work your way to different sizes or features based on what you like.
Some toys also have flexible designs that are meant to pleasure many different body types, since all of our anatomies vary. Some rabbit vibrators, for example, have flexible clitoral “arms” that lay comfortably on the vulva.
How Do I Keep My Sex Toy Clean?
Cleaning sex toys is simple, here are our easy-to-follow tips:
- Use a sex toy cleaner or mild soap with warm water. Use a cotton swab for any hard-to-reach areas that need extra cleaning.
- Dry your sex toys before storing them in a lint-free bag where they can remain clean until their next use.
- Avoid sharing porous sex toys, but if you do share them, always use a condom over them.
What’s the Best Budget-Friendly Sex Toy?
High-quality sex toys are available for any budget, and you should never settle for potentially unsafe materials. Look for simpler designs like bullet vibrators, small dildos and masturbators that may not have all the features that more expensive toys have, but still offer what stimulation you’re looking for with quality materials.
How Do I Know if a Sex Toy is Safe?
Safe sex toys will have body-safe materials listed in the product details so you can confirm the quality of the product. It’s also a good idea to shop from the top, trusted brands, because they’ll most likely have the most reviews and longest experience in the industry.
Check that the brands you’re shopping at have industry certifications, like phthalate-free and FDA-approved silicone.
What Features Should I Look for in a High-Tech Sex Toy?
While shopping for sex-tech, look for these features:
- App-controlled, Bluetooth connectivity – Sync your sex toy to your phone and control your product for a hands-free orgasm.
- Customizable programming settings – Some apps also offer the ability to create unique vibration patterns and intensities to match exactly what you like. You can even create a “pleasure workout” and track it over time.
- Encrypted privacy protection – Ensure that the apps offered by your sex toy’s company are safe and private, another reason to consider one of the more popular companies. Some companies even have virtual chatrooms where you and your partner can “meet” and control each others’ devices.
Can I Travel with a Sex Toy?
Of course, traveling with sex toys is common and nothing exciting from an airport security worker’s perspective. There are even compact, discreet and battery-free toys designed specifically with traveling in mind, and they even have features like product “locking” that will ensure no vibrations go off mid-flight.
We recommend packing them in your carry-on, and removing any batteries before flight if they are battery-powered.
Conclusion
Luckily, there is no one-size-fits-all choice when it comes to the right sex toy – what matters most is your personal comfort and taste. Don’t be afraid to explore different types of products and learn about what makes each unique, you may just come across the perfect one that speaks to what you’re looking for.
For more ideas, browse our selection of beginner-friendly sex toys and sex-therapist-approved sex toys.
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