the-best-sex-toys-for-masturbation

The Best Sex Toys For Masturbation

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

Come on, fess up. We all do it. And by it we mean masturbation. But have you ever tried it with a sex toy? If you’re a regular hand user, sex toys are great way for exploring sensations that are impossible without some kind of gadget.

The world of sex toys is vast, meaning there’s a high likelihood that there’s something out there that you’ll like. With all those options, it also means shopping for a new sex toy can be overwhelming. And though there are worse things than going through some trial-and-error with vibrators and dildos, shopping with a sense of what works, what’s built to last, and what’s safe to use helps avoids some frustration (and some money spent, since many places don’t accept sex toy returns).

Whether you’re looking to buy your first ever toy or are rounding out your collection, we’ve lined up a list of top picks (plus some extras) of the best sex toys for going solo.

Do you need sex toys for masturbation?If you’re in a masturbation rut, you might be able to get there physically, but you still find yourself emotionally, spiritually, and who knows, maybe even still physically, wanting something more. Maybe you’d simply like to take more time before reaching climax or you want to figure out new turn-ons. Sex toys can help.

There are sex toys out there for every kind of masturbation: For clits, penises, anal play, prostate massaging, and anything else you’d like to try.

What are the different types of masturbation toys?There’s a good selection on this list, representing the most popular categories. Sex toys for masturbation can include different styles of vibrator, clit suction devices that simulate oral sex, penis sleeves, prostate massagers and butt plugs, and all kinds of vibrating gadgets.

Can masturbation toys be used with a partner?Of course! If you want to incorporate a clit suction toy or a masturbation sleeve into partnered sex, go live your truth. The toys you’ll find on this list are geared toward taking your time and exploring your body, which while fun with a partner, is especially gratifying to do at your own pace, on your own time.

That’s also not to say this is an exhaustive list. Sexual pleasure is a deeply personal experience, so that super popular vibrator that everyone seems to rave about might not be your favourite, and that’s more than okay.

What is the best sex toy for masturbation?There’s no one-size-fits-all approach with sex toys (which is ironic, because some of them literally are one-size-fits-all). It’s about what works for you, which is totally different to what works for someone else. We can, however, give you a helping hand. We’ve highlighted the top picks for masturbation from top brands you might recognise. There is something for everyone to enjoy on this list.

These are the best sex toys for masturbation in 2023.

Best For Clit Stimulation

Read more from Mashable about the Womanizer Premium.

The Womanizer is a clitoral stimulator, meaning it uses air pulses, and not vibrations, to simulate a contact-free suction sensation.

The Premium stands out for a few reasons. One, it comes with more than one size of stimulator head, which is useful since the better the fit, the better the suction, and obviously not everyone has the same sized clit. Two, it has 12 intensity levels, is completely waterproof, and packs four hours of battery life.

What really sets it apart from competing models is the Autopilot function. Turn it on, and the toy will oscillate between intensity levels all on its own, so you can avoid falling into the rut of using the one setting you know will get you there in 30 seconds flat.

If you’re brand new to suction toys, you might want to check out something a bit more budget-friendly(Opens in a new tab) first — it’s not that the Womanizer isn’t worth it, it’s just that suction toys aren’t everyone’s favourite.

Best For Men

You’ve probably heard of the Fleshlight. It’s a modern-day classic for a reason.

The exterior is accurately based on porn star Riley Reid, while the interior offers plenty more. It’s made of a patented SuperSkin material, which is pleasingly soft, and has multiple textured chambers inside. Twisting the base of the toy will tighten or loosen the inner chamber, so no two sessions have to feel the same.

Whether you go for the Fleshlight or a Tenga toy, you’ll want to be generous with the lube — that inner texture is a lot less pleasurable with too much friction involved.

Fleshlight is most tailored to the person who enjoys a representational toy. If you want something a bit more abstract, the Tenga Flip Hole(Opens in a new tab) offers a similar experience with even more variation and emphasis on inner texture. Or if you want to spend a little less and take sleeves for a test run, the disposable Tenga Eggs(Opens in a new tab) are also a crowd favourite.

Best For Anal Play

Everything about the look of Lovehoney’s Vibrating Inflatable Plug screams intimidating at first, but there’s a reason that reviewers are singing its praises.

It’s self-explanatory: An inflatable plug that you can adjust with the squeeze of pump. If this is giving you the unappealing image of a balloon popping in your butt, we get it. It’s a bit of an out-there (not to mention up-inside-you) concept.

But this pump is made from a soft yet durable plastic to stretch you out with ease. Then, once you’re feeling like it can’t get any better, you can turn on this pump’s vibration (which of course, is also adjustable in its intensity), to really get exploring.

For fans of anal who aren’t into the idea of inflation but want some vibrations, this Amazon alternative(Opens in a new tab) is an affordable option with ten vibration intensities.

Best For Dual Stimulation

Ever doubted the existence of the G-spot? Well, the We-Vibe Rave is incredible at finding and stimulating it. At first glance, the Rave is shaped like most toys targeted at stimulating the G-spot — kind of curved with a more bulbous head. It’s designed to be twisted, as well as pushed in and out, to better hit that once-elusive G-spot.

Top tip: The G-spot actually swells when you’re aroused. So, the fact this toy vibrates means you can use it to get a little bit of pre-insertion arousal action.

It has ten pre-set modes, though you can also customise your experience via the We-Vibe app. That means you can use your smartphone to control the Rave anywhere in the world — so why not put the app on a partner’s phone and let them take control whenever you have to spend the night apart?

It’s not cheap, of course. We think the Rave is worth the cash, but you can also try the Lovehoney G-Spot Vibrator(Opens in a new tab) — a similar concept at a fraction of the price.

Best For Prostate Stimulation

At four inches long and one inch wide, Anero’s Helix Syn Trident may seem small and unassuming, the sensations that it can provide are anything but.

The smaller size allows for easy insertion. (But don’t skimp on the lube!) Once inside, the carefully crafted shape of the Helix Syn Trident applies pressure to prostate without stretching you to uncomfortable limits. No thrusting or remotes are necessary to increase the sensation — merely clenching, consciously or not, causes the toy to rub against your P-spot more and heighten the intensity of those oh-so-good sensations.

The massager is made of a flexible outer silicone layer which provides the comfort for long-term wear, but the solid inner core keeps the pressure on (in a good way).

The outer arms are there for external stimulation of the perineum, but how they much they do seems to vary depending on the user. At the very least, they provide easy handles for removing the massager.

Best For Tight Budgets

You know where are with a little stick that buzzes you in the right places. That’s exactly what the My Viv Slim Vibrator(Opens in a new tab) is. And you can trust it does the trick, as it’s made by top sex toy retailer, Ann Summers.

The My Viv is a vibrator that you can take on-the-go. It’s just over 12 cm long and just 1.5 cm in diameter so you can stick it in your bag, pocket, or, erm, anywhere that takes your fancy. There are three speed intensities to work your way through.

It’s obviously lacking in stature, which may be an issue if your mantra is “bigger is better”, but it’s made for targeting pleasure points all over your body. And for under £20, you’ll get more than your money’s worth of fun.

Best For Finger Action

Say what you will about fancy sex toys with tech-powered features, some people would swear by a simple finger. That’s understandable. It’s the age-old, tried-and-tested tool of manual masturbation. But what if you could enhance the classic finger?

The Lovehoney Finger Vibrator(Opens in a new tab) puts a lot of power and variety at the tip of your finger, with three different speeds and a buzz-tastic 17 patterns — all controlled by one button.

Considering the pleasure possibilities, it’s incredibly simple (which is all down to how brilliant the Lovehoney brand is), with the added bonus that it’s totally submersible for wet fun. It charges via USB and comes with a handy travel bag, so you can take it wherever you like. Because you never know when and where the moment will take you.

Shopping Editor

Joseph joined Mashable as the UK Shopping Editor in 2018. He worked for a number of print publications before making the switch to the glittery world of digital media, and now writes about everything from coffee machines to VPNs.

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