Long gone are the days where you’d pick out a “back massager” from the Sears catalog. Now, many types of sex toys are available at independent sex shops like Babeland and major retailers like Amazon.
To find the types of sex toys that are right for you, start with what sensations you want to add to your sex life. Do you have a G-spot that needs stimulation? Do you want to add some buzz to penetrative sex? Do you need to replace a partner who you can’t find your clitoris despite the Powerpoint presentation you gave them last week?
Check out this list of all different types of sex toys and see which ones match up to the sensations you want.
11 Types of Sex Toys You Should Know About
1. Clitoral Vibrators
A clitoral vibrator is a vibrating toy meant to be used on or around the clitoris. They are also called external vibrators, since they’re not designed for penetration. You can use them on any external part of your body where vibration feels good: try them on nipples, labia, testicles, or that one sore spot on your neck.
“Terrible sex ed and confusing pop culture references make it seem like vaginal insertion is the primary way to stimulate people with vaginas, but most orgasms for them are clitoral,” says Carol Queen, PhD, staff sexologist at Good Vibrations. “So exploring clitoral stimulation can be a revelation for those new to toys.”
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The classic bullet design is a popular option, but clitoral vibrators have come a long way. “This does vibration, suction, and tongue actions,” says Alex Miller, sexologist at Orchid Toys. “We hear nothing but good things about that combo.” We love any 3-in-1 that’s not shampoo.
2. Wand Vibrators
Get your hands on one of these magic wands. Wand vibrators are a type of clitoral vibrator with a long handle and large head that gives intense vibration. They usually come with multiple vibration patterns, so you can find the one that makes you say “Bibbidi-bobbidi-boo!” At least this one won’t turn back into a stick at midnight.
“Wand vibrators are among the most lauded and popular toys because they deliver significant stimulation,” says Queen. “They have helped many people with a clitoris have their first — and many subsequent — orgasms.”
Expert Recommendation: Vibratex Magic Wand
“It’s the magic wand that started it all but now it’s cordless. There are so many attachments for it and it just works,” they explain. If it doesn’t, maybe try turning it off and back on again.
3. Clit Suction Sex Toys
We’ve had sex toys and vacuums for so long, and yet only recently have these technologies been combined for the greater good. Clitoral suction toys are all the rage because they use air and suction to stimulate the clit, not just vibration. They feel like getting oral sex from someone whose tongue never gets tired and who has no opinions about your pubic hair.
“Many people LOVE these and say they can have orgasms more quickly and easily than ever before,” says Queen. “They can be sneaky-good nipple toys too!”
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Miller says, “This is a sonic air toy and it’s awesome.” It’s rechargeable, waterproof, and just the right amount of buttons. Not to be confused with an air horn, though you might disturb the neighborhood with either.
4. Dildos and Harnesses
A dildo is a phallic-shaped toy that’s used for penetration. They can come in many different shapes, sizes, textures, and colors. Some even have a suction cup base, can be made with materials like glass or stainless steel, thrust automatically, or be double-ended to use on multiple holes.
You can use a dildo in a harness to penetrate your partner, or wear it as a fun fashion statement that will get you kicked out of the grocery store.
“There aren’t lots of vibration-focused nerves deeper in the vagina or anus, but they do feel pressure, motion, and fullness,” says Queen. When shopping for a dildo, consider the weight, depth, texture, and even temperature you want to feel. Glass dildos can be frozen if you like your sex cold and with a popsicle.
Expert Recommendation: Tantus Beginner Kit
“Choosing a favorite dildo is like choosing a favorite ice cream flavor,” says Miller. “But anything by Tantus is amazing.”
5. G-Spot and A-Spot Sex Toys
You don’t need Young Money to make your room into the G-Spot, no matter how much he claims to make your bed rock. G-spot or A-spot toys are curved to help hit the front wall of the vagina, which contains the feel-good clitoral tissue that creates vaginal orgasms. G-spot and A-spot stimulation toys can come in many shapes and sizes, as well with or without vibration.
“They are intended to stimulate either the G-spot or the A-spot (anterior fornix, tucked in under the cervix) so they will be curved to better reach these areas,” says Queen. “G-spot toys may also have a rounded end that can ‘grab’ the G-spot and focus on it.”
Expert Recommendation: Gläs G-Spot Tickler
“For targeted G-spot toying, I find myself going to the Gläs Purple G-Spot Tickler,” says Miller. “It’s no frills, feels comfortable in my hands, plays well with all lubes because it’s glass.”
6. Combination or Rabbit Vibrators
Combination vibrators are like a dildo and a clitoral vibrator put together. They have an internal vibrator and external vibrating parts so you can stimulate the clitoris and the vagina at the same time. These vibrators can come with rotating or thrusting parts to increase the intense stimulation.
“Two separate erogenous areas are stimulated at the same time, and that can result in a blended orgasm or just a lot of pleasure,” says Queen.
They’re perfect for solo play since they can provide so much stimulation with one hand. Otherwise, you’d need one partner to hold the clitoral vibrator, another partner to thrust in the dildo, and somebody to prepare the post-game snacks.
The rabbit was invented by Vibratex and came in bright colors with cute vibrating animals to get around the country’s obscenity laws. They’re called rabbits because of their ear-shaped clitoral stimulators. If you’re looking for the OG, try the pearl rabbit.
Expert Recommendation: We-Vibe Nova 2 Rabbit
“This is a no-frills rabbit that provides great flexibility and a bit of rigidity for constant, body-hugging contact,” says Miller.
7. Cock Rings
Cock rings go around the base of the penis to keep the blood flow in, which helps erections last longer. They can also have attached vibrators for some extra buzz.
“Vibrating cock rings are often a form of a couple’s toy, with the vibe intended to add clitoral stimulation,” says Queen. “But plenty of users like to experience the vibrations themselves, and they will be more intense if the ring is worn up at the head of the penis.”
Expert Recommendation: Satisfyer Power Ring
“Satisfyer vibrating rings are affordable, rechargeable, and come in many shapes,” says Miller. One ring to rule them all, indeed.
8. Butt Plugs and Prostate Massagers
Butt plugs stimulate the anal cavity and, in people who have one, the prostate. It can also create a pleasant “full” sensation if you wear it while receiving vaginal penetration.
“People of any gender and anatomy might enjoy these toys, because they stimulate the sensitive anus and anal canal,” says Queen. Their anal play pro tip: “Always use lube!”
Toys are not one-size-fits-all-holes. Repeat after us: nothing goes in the anus without a flared base. You need a toy that can safely be inserted without getting lost. It’s all fun and games until somebody needs to go to the ER. They don’t have Twister there anymore.
Expert Recommendation: Blush B Yours Slim Anal Plug
“The Blush B Yours Slim anal plug is a great, body safe plug that’s non-threatening for beginners,” says Miller.
9. Anal Beads
Anal beads are a string of beads that are designed to massage the sphincter when inserted and when slowly removed. “Anal beads are often graduated in size, so smaller ones are inserted first, and they get larger as you go,” says Queen. “Pulling them out can be intense and pleasurable–it can trigger an orgasm for some people.”
Expert Recommendation: Naughty Bits Butt Balls
“They are tapered, made of silicone, and come in cute packaging,” says Miller. They’ll work great once you stop giggling over the name.
10. Cock Sleeves
“Sleeves are toys that the penis can penetrate,” says Queen. “They are hand job enhancers and may also have a vibrator built in for extra sensation.” Sleeves are perfect for mutual masturbation sessions or solo time. Additional fashion accessories like a jaunty hat are optional.
Expert Recommendation: 6-Pack of Studded Cock Sleeves
“This pack is cheap and gives you six options so you can try them out and see what you like the most,” says Miller. It also gives you the wearer feeling the feeling that they’re the missing member of Judas Priest.
11. Couples Sex Toys
“Any toy can be a couple’s toy, but some are specifically designed with partner sex in mind,” says Queen. Sex toys for couples may be insertables that create sensations for both partners. Some are remote controlled so your partner can push your buttons. In a fun way this time!
Expert Recommendation: We-Vibe Chorus Couples Vibrator
“The toy has amazing build quality and the best app in the industry,” says Miller. “It’s adjustable so it stays in better than earlier iterations.”
12. Impact and Sensation Toys
Our bodies are full of erogenous zones besides the genitals. There are toys that can enhance the sensations of sex: blindfolds, feather ticklers, handcuffs, whips, riding crops, and more.
When experimenting with sensations and kinks, it’s important to keep safety and preference in mind. “People choosing impact toys should familiarize themselves with safe striking information, since some parts of the body shouldn’t be hit,” says Queen. “They’ll also want to learn which toys are more ‘stingy’ vs ‘thuddy’, as people sometimes have a strong preference on which they like.”
Expert Recommendation: 665 Viper Crop
“Part of good BDSM play is feeling fancy and sexy, so I want a higher quality leather toy,” says Miller. “It makes it feel more exciting and celebratory.”
In her free time, she enjoys volunteering for reproductive justice causes, dropping that she worked at Walt Disney World into every conversation, and using her Wedding and Events Planner certification to throw Survivor watch parties. See more of her work on her website or follow her on Twitter @maddihiggs.
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