Want a sex toy but have no idea where to start with features or pricing? We recommend the best way to reach orgasms within your financial means.
Factors That Influence Sex Toy Pricing
You can likely find your ideal erotic toy in any price range by first understanding the reasons that affect pricing.
Material Quality
There are endless, but the most common are three types:
- Jelly or rubber: The lowest quality sex toy material. Jelly dildos and vibrators are porous and difficult to clean thoroughly. They usually contain phthalates and other chemicals that can cause (at the very least) rashes, allergies, etc.
- ABS plastic: Easy to clean, don’t contain phthalates, and transmit vibrations well. They can be found at affordable prices, but the sensation of the plastic on your erogenous zones may not be what you are looking for. They are a harder texture and could potentially crack if dropped.
- Silicone: Easy to clean, transmit vibrations perfectly, and extremely durable. Different types of silicone provide different “skin-like” feelings.
Features
- Vibration modes: Most quality sex toys have at least 5 different vibrations modes (patterns). Generally speaking, if they come with just one or a couple, they are on the lower end of the spectrum when it comes to quality, too.
- Waterproof and submersible: Understand the difference between fully submersible and water resistant or splash proof. 100% waterproof toys should be fully submersible, meaning you can use them in the shower, bathtub, or underwater without worry – yes, that includes the charge port unless otherwise stated.
- Battery-operated or USB-rechargeable: Apart from the hassle of having to frequently replace (and pay) for batteries, sex toys that are battery-operated are usually less powerful than rechargeable ones.
- App-connectivity: Most of the prestigious brands in sextech already make their products app-controllable, allowing you to tailor sensations to your desire. Some apps even allow you to connect with partners in private chatrooms where you can control one another’s devices.
Brand Reputation
Companies that have been in the sector for a long time simply have more product experience based on customer feedback. This also comes with dedicated customer services teams, product guarantees and better return policies/warranties.
Design and Aesthetic
This totally depends on your budget and personal preference. More ergonomic designs, that are designed for comfort and ease of use with your anatomy, are higher quality and higher priced. If you’re willing to invest in your pleasure, you’ll notice a difference with ergonomic designs and their accuracy on erogenous zones.
Budget-Friendly Sex Toys ($10-$50)
Frankly speaking, you may find one that’s appealing, but you might also risk being disappointed.
The most common materials in this price range are usually jelly and rubber, although there are few ABS plastic ones. This is where, apart from others, most of the anatomically shaped dildos are concentrated, or, in other words:
- Traditional dildos: Veiny rubber penises that are sometimes seen at bachelorette parties, but are not so effective for masturbation or orgasm. Other eccentricities have also come onto the market, such as dinosaur dildos, Grinch dildos (of course, in green and with lots of veins), etc., which can delight some fetishists.
- Low-quality vibrating bullets: Small vibrators that can be inserted, but, being in this price range, are better used externally. Since they are made of low-quality materials, the pleasure is not worth the risk of the extraction tail breaking and the toy getting stuck.
- Basic anal plugs: For the same reason we mentioned above, you have to be very careful with penetrative sex toys of these prices, especially if they’re inserted anally. Remember that the anus has two sphincters, and we do not have complete control over one of them.
- Penis strokers: There are some at low prices that have been successful all over the world. The reason for the success of some brands with these products has been to generate textures that simulate the sensation of penetrating a vagina or an anus. But, once again, this sensation should be enjoyed with a good condom because the materials are low quality.
Pros and Cons of Sex Toy $10-50
Advantages: Cheap sex toys allow those who are new to them to explore different types before investing in ones that deliver better pleasure. They are, of course, also ideal for those with very tight budgets.
Disadvantages: Our advice is to avoid any toy that could be harmful for your body, and, unfortunately, there are many in this category that could risk that. Simply put, cheaper sex toys are usually made from less quality materials. They also lack durability and versatility with use.
Mid-Range Sex Toys ($50-$150)
It’s in this price range that we start to see products for people who want to enhance their intimacy or venture into different types of pleasure. This price point also typically includes higher quality materials and features, such as medical grade silicone, rechargeable batteries, and more powerful motors – to name a few.
- Rechargeable vibrators: Generally more powerful and practical for traveling, especially if they feature a vibration travel lock. Sonic massagers penetrate deep into the body and offer different intensities without the hassle of interchanging batteries.
- Premium dildos: You’ll also find dildos with safer materials for your body, in better designs.
- Safer anal plugs: Better materials and fastening prevent entrapment. They also tend to include vibration features in this price point.
- Werable couples’ vibrators: From vibrating penis rings, to toys that can be inserted vaginally or anally. Some even have remote controls for new power dynamics or public play.
Pros and Cons of Sex Toy $50-150
Advantages: In this range, most toys are made from durable, body safe materials. They tend to offer better orgasms thanks to more effective vibrations – low quality toys usually only stimulate externally. This range also opens up more options to explore fantasies.
Disadvantages: We are still in a delicate price range. A $70 toy may turn out to be a dud, but if it’s from a reliable brand, you should have a better guarantee to find one that suits you at an acceptable quality.
Luxury Sex Toys ($150+)
Products in this price range should be thoughtfull designed, highly durable, made with the best materials, and innovate in features and functionality.
Starting at $150, vibrators come with silky smooth silicone. As for dildos, you can rely on those made of glass, stainless steel, and – for the bougie – gold plated. Absolute luxuries for the body.
- Dual motor vibrators: With one motor to vibrate on the clitoris and another for the G-spot, or with one motor to stimulate the prostate and another for the perineum, these toys are highly desired for heightened pleasure.
- Smart vibrators: Controlled by apps created by their brands, these toys are infinitely versatile.
- High-tech penis sleeves: Anatomical and app-controlled, there are even some with customizable patterns and intensities.
- Luxury dildos or vibrators: Those that do not lose power when pressed against the body and are made of safe silicone. Some are so luxury that they are made to order… out of 24 carat gold.
Pros and Cons of Sex Toy $150+
Advantages: You’ll likely experiences climaxes or orgasms that you didn’t know your body was physically capable of. The materials and technology are reliable and come with little doubts compared to lower price points. A great investment in your or your lover’s intimacy.
Disadvantages: Far from pocket change, this price point requires investment or savings… but we think you’ll enjoy the benefits.
How To Get the Best Value for Your Budget
Follow these rules of thumb when shopping for a sex toy within your budget:
- Always choose materials that are safe for your body so you can play worry-free.
- Think about the investment – rechargeable products are more cost-saving in the long-run.
- Sign up for emails so you can be in the know for sales (and welcome discount codes).
- Avoid failed expectations by doing your research and reading product reviews.
And remember…
Investing in your pleasure is an investment in yourself. Sex toys are part of our sexual health, which, within sexual rights, is recognized by the international community as a human right.
Whatever your budget, ensure you do your research when it comes to quality materials and reputable brands. If you’re on the fence about a product, keep your eye out for special deals or sales. It’s always a good idea to read customer reviews and see what features pique your interest.
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