I’ve Tested 1,000+ Sex Toys. These 8 Are What I Always Recommend
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Unbound Babes Squish
I started writing about sexual wellness in 2010. I didn’t think, 16 years later, I’d have tested more than 1,000 sex toys and still be carrying on in this field, yet here I am.
I’ve witnessed a major shift in sex tech since I started writing. Sex toys were pretty basic back then. Most were phallic in shape—even if they weren’t necessarily meant to be used internally—made of mystery materials, and required actual batteries. The first sex toy I reviewed was a bullet vibrator that not only needed batteries, but its remote control was connected to the toy by a cord that was probably no more than 10 inches in length. Stockpiling AA and AAA batteries to keep my vibrators working was just as annoying as it sounds.
Rechargeable sex toys finally started to hit the market around 2012 or 2013. Then, there was a rise in women-owned sex toy companies with toys designed by women for women, like Dame and Unbound. Crude-looking dildos weren’t going to cut it in the new world of sex tech, especially as female pleasure and closing the orgasm gap became a topic of conversation.
Because the US Food and Drug Administration doesn’t regulate sex toys, the new generation of sex toy manufacturers took it upon themselves to design and create products made of body-safe materials like medical-grade silicone, nickel-free stainless steel, premium borosilicate glass, and ABS plastic. As sex tech evolved, we saw innovations like app-controlled toys that allow partners to stay sexually connected no matter their distance, intuitive technology that keeps track of your vibration and pattern preferences, and even toys that heat up to body temperature. I consider myself very lucky to have witnessed the epic evolution in sexual wellness products. I’m also relieved to see that the tides have turned on talking about sex toys.
The number of toys I’ve reviewed is very long; the list of the ones I’ve tried is even longer. With all this experience, I’ve narrowed down eight sex toys I always recommend. Not just because I personally love them, but in a world that feels like there’s no end to sex toy choices, these eight are a cut above the rest.
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If my Le Wand Deux had a passport of its own, you’d see that it has been to more countries than most people. Why? Because I’ve brought this bullet vibe everywhere. With its USB rechargeable base, it’s super easy to keep fully juiced. Its shape is ideal for both clitoral and nipple stimulation—because it gives each a little hug, so to speak—and despite its diminutive size, it has a whopping 15 vibration modes and six intensity levels that absolutely serve up major pleasure on a silver platter.
Who it’s for: Although anyone can enjoy the stimulation with this bullet vibe, I usually recommend it to travelers and anyone new to vibrators. The portable size and the ability to charge it via any USB-A port are very appealing.
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My first introduction to long-distance couples’ toys was the We-Vibe 4 Plus. At the time, I was married to a Parisian, and as we navigated the challenges of living in the same city together, the 4 Plus was an amazing asset that helped us feel close sexually. That product sadly isn’t on the market anymore, but the We-Vibe Sync 2 is my current recommendation. It’s the closest thing to the 4 Plus, both in design and features. The Sync 2 can be worn by those with a vulva during penetrative sex or solo, while a long-distance partner controls the device via the We-Connect app.
Who it’s for: Because this toy is geared toward dual clitoral and G-spot stimulation, I always mention this toy to couples where at least one partner has a vulva. It’s great for couples who are new to couples’ sex toys and for those experienced enough to give something like public play a try. It’s whisper-quiet for a reason.
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I love the Dame Fin so much that I’ve gone through three of them since it launched in 2016. This isn’t to suggest that the Fin has a short shelf life, but that I’ve used each one so much they simply couldn’t keep up. The Fin works like a vibrating extension of the hand, making it ideal for those times when I want to engage in prolonged foreplay with a partner, want to make foreplay the main course during partnered sex, or I feel like treating myself with a marathon masturbation session. The five intensities of the Fin can give any external erogenous zone the stimulation it needs.
Who it’s for: I have recommended the Fin to everyone. Anyone who loves external vibrations on any part of their body will love—and has loved—the Fin. Pair it with your favorite water-based lube, and it will seamlessly glide over any body, from head to toe.
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My coordination skills aren’t the best. To no surprise, those skills get even worse when I’m in the throes of masturbating, and I want to increase the intensity of a product. If it’s a new toy and I’m trying to find the right button, I can sometimes ruin the moment by accidentally turning the vibrator off seconds before climax. Having had ample conversations with friends who have suffered the same fate, the Unbound Squish is a godsend. With the Squish, your grip navigates through the four intensities and two patterns. In other words, buttons: I don’t need you.
Who it’s for: While the Squish can be used externally anywhere on the body, I mostly recommend it to those with vulvas as a great toy for masturbation. It’s also super newbie-friendly in size and how easy it is to use.
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Back in 2014, Ilana Wexler declared on Broad City that anal was on the menu, and that statement is even truer now than it was 12 years ago. For far too long, a percentage of the population steered away from anal play for a myriad of reasons, but I’m happy that has changed. For me, the first anal sex toy that really hit the spot and made me a convert was the b-Vibe Rimming Plug Petite—and ever since then, I’ve been singing its praises. The Rimming Plug Petite is the perfect size and shape for people new to anal play. It comes with a remote control, so whether you’re using it with a partner or alone, the rimming feature—rotating beads that mimic rimming with one’s tongue—can be controlled in the palm of your hand while you sit back and melt into the sensations. As always, when it comes to anal play, lube is a must, and because the Rimming Plug Petite is made of body-safe silicone, you want that lube to be water-based.
Who it’s for: Anyone who is interested in anal play or has a partner who’s interested in it.
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Although many other brands have created their own take on the wand vibrator, Hitachi’s Magic Wand did it first, and it’s my go-to when recommending wands. The Original is always the first one I mention to people, as it’s my personal favorite—not just for vulva stimulation, but it’s amazing on my neck and back knots—I also point out it’s just the tip of the iceberg. In recent years, Magic Wand has expanded its collection to include a rechargeable version, a waterproof wand, and a variety of different-size wands, including the Micro, which, despite its smallness, offers three powerful intensities and boasts up to three hours of use.
Who it’s for: Everyone. Like all external vibrators, the Magic Wand Original is perfect for anyone who loves to explore stimulation, via super-powerful vibrations, anywhere on the body.
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My first foray into cock rings back in college was far from a great experience, but with advances in sex tech, I’m now a sucker for a proper cock ring—especially one that both my partner and I can enjoy together. I’ve tried quite a few cock rings with penis-wielding partners over the years, but the Lelo Tor 2 was a game-changer. When my partner puts on the Tor 2—always using lube—we both get to enjoy the six vibrations during penetration, because the design isn’t just meant to stimulate his penis, but my clitoris too. As someone who can’t orgasm from penetration alone and absolutely needs clitoral stimulation, this device makes intercourse so much more pleasurable for me. Sure, my partners with penises also enjoy the Tor 2, but probably not as much as I do.
Who it’s for: If someone asks me about cock rings, the Tor 2 is the first one that rolls off my tongue. If someone hasn’t asked me about cock rings but has a vulva and struggles to climax from penetration alone, then I always suggest they take the Tor 2 for a ride, because it absolutely delivers on clitoral stimulation.
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I have a love-hate relationship with suction toys—some are amazing, others leave me questioning their existence. But the Womanizer Premium 2 is the real deal. I was fortunate enough to test the first Womanizer product in 2014 when the company launched, and I think because I was spoiled by experiencing the original clit sucker, I haven’t really been able to find the same amount of satisfaction in companies that have launched their own take on this sex toy.
Who it’s for: Anyone with a clitoris. Although there are cheaper brands, when it comes to intensity, design, and quality, Womanizer is in a league all its own. It also comes with a five-year warranty, for those who are skeptical about dropping more than $100 on a sex toy.
