When buying the best sex toys in 2023, all you need to do is ask yourself a simple question: what turns you on? That is the best sex toy for you: one that works with your particular tastes, gets you going, is most compatible with your parts or your partners, and works in combination with other toys (or sex itself). It needs to make the experience completely unforgettable because there's little in life that's more personal than the stuff you like to do in the bedroom.
The sex toy market has exploded over the years, in tandem with the stigma around sex toys falling away. You can shop for the best sex toys in pretty mainstream stores, and there are plenty of sources online which can ship you a wild variety of sex toys quickly, easily and discreetly.
If you're just getting started, you'll probably find the sex toy market a little intimidating: there's such a large variety of sex toys for women, men, and for couples (or more) that even working out the kind of thing you want to try is tough, let alone finding the top choice in that department.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the broad categories of the best sex toys that are out there for you to enjoy, from Fleshlights to vibrators and beyond. We've also highlighted some of our favourite toys along the way to give you more expert guidance.
Just want sex toys aimed at guys? We have a separate guide to the best sex toys for men and the best sex toys for couples, plus other specialist guides, including best dildo, best vibrator and best condoms. And, as Lovehoney is an expert of all things sex toys, make sure to check out the best Lovehoney deals and use these Lovehoney discount codes for money off your next order.
Best sex toys: Fleshlights
There's no question about it: for most men, the Fleshlight is the best sex toy around. Though guys have had right hands forever, and there's certainly no reason for them not to access the vast array of toys designed for the fairer sex, specific sex toys for the penis took their time launching.
Fleshlight as a brand (yes, it's a brand name) got its patent 23 years ago, and initially was listed as a 'device for discrete sperm collection'. Since then, the branding has got a whole lot less clinical, and a string of imitators and third-party innovators have appeared on the scene – so much so that the term 'fleshlight' has become the term used for all gadgets of this ilk. You'll find a whole range of options in our best Fleshlights guide.
The idea of a Fleshlight is fairly simple: in general they consist of an outer shell, in which sits a soft, skin-like sleeve with an orifice, usually textured inside, into which you insert a penis. With plenty of lube and a steady hand a Fleshlight offers a sex-like experience, and perhaps even more.
From Fleshlight itself, you can get all kinds of devices; at first they trended towards the more anatomical, and the company's best sellers are still those which emulate actual body parts (and, in the Fleshlight Girls and Fleshjack Boys ranges, reproductions of real porn star genitals). But increasingly the more experimental Fleshlights are offering an experience all their own, with complex inners, open ends, clear materials and all kinds of other gimmicks. Don't discount Tenga's products, either, if you're looking for extra stimulation, as they tend to be a lot more experimental – try the 3D Module (with plenty of lube – head to our best lube guide for our recommendations).
Best sex toys: Dildos
Dildos can be, by their very nature, a bit intimidating. The classic image of a veiny, massive, dick-shaped whopper lives rent-free in many of our heads, and while that particular variety of toy has not gone away, there are plenty of alternatives out there to suit all tastes. There are compact, abstract and stylish designs, as well as toys that take size and texture to the extreme (our best dildo guide goes into depth about the different types and who they might work best for).
As with any other toy, it's all about what works for you. Think about the things you've enjoyed in past sexual experiences, and start there in terms of size; consider the thickness and length, too, as well as the texture of the dildo and its material. Something non-porous is a must in order to keep things properly clean – whether that means softer silicone or colder metal is really up to you.
Guys looking to work on prostate stimulation – or girls working on the A-spot – may prefer something smaller and smoother, and while a butt plug (see below) might work for that, there are specific slimmer dildos that will do the trick.
Best sex toys: Vibrators
A vibrator is not only a dildo that buzzes. Vibrators come in all shapes, sizes, and materials, offering you the opportunity to excite the parts that matter to you, whether that's inside, outside, or anywhere else. There are vibrating butt plugs, dual-purpose Kegel vibrators, specific g-spot vibrators, sonic devices which use moving air – a wide, wide range (you'll find a run-down in our best vibrator guide).
Recent years have seen the shapes of vibrators changing, and they're increasingly smarter, too. Varying vibration patterns add a little spice to proceedings, while connected devices can even work to keep you and a partner active even if you can't be in the same physical location.
While the term 'vibrator' is typically associated with female-focused toys, there are vibrating sex toys that can work very well for men too. Vibrating cock rings are a great example, but prostate massage with an anal vibrator can also be an interesting experience, and many Fleshlight-like devices (and, indeed, some Fleshlights) include small built-in vibrators to enhance the experience even further.
Best sex toys: butt plugs
A butt plug is an anal sex toy which basically does as its name suggests. Given that everybody has a butt, butt plugs can be enjoyed by just about anyone, but it doesn't mean they will be enjoyed by everyone. Not everyone likes the way they feel; others, though, enjoy the pleasurable feeling of being filled. For guys they can add a little pressure on the prostate, and they can also stimulate the internal nerves of the clitoris and G-spot, particularly when employing a vibrating butt plug. Having penetrative sex while a vibrating plug goes to work can work well for both partners.
They're also fantastic, as you may already have worked out, for anal sex preparation. This is true both if you're trying to train your anal muscles to relax and contract more reliably in a solo session, and if you're looking to stretch out a little before a session with a partner. Start with a smaller toy, if you're just getting used to the
Do bear in mind that butt plugs absolutely need a good lube (see below) and you'll need to be patient; gradual insertion is important, with frequent reapplications of lube, and gentle removal (with more lube) is a must. All toys made for anal play come with a flared base of some kind, so you don't need to worry about them getting lost.
Best sex toys: Lube
No sex toy is complete with out a generous amount of lube. OK, perhaps some might be viable without, if you're already warmed up and inserting into a self-lubricating area, but even then you may run into friction issues with certain toys or even toy-free sexual contact - it's imperative to have some on hand just in case.
But what to pick? Silicone lube is perfect for use in the shower, since water won't easily wash it off, but some bodies are sensitive to silicone and some toys, too, don't take kindly to it; if you're using a silicone toy, steer clear, as it can degrade the outer material.
There are also water-based lubes available, which are the most neutral and will work with any toy, as well as oil-based lubricants which can provide a seriously slippery experience as long as you don't mind getting them on your sheets and aren't using a latex condom. Some lubes are hybrids, mixing several kinds together - check the ingredients before you buy to make sure you're not inadvertently grabbing something unsuitable.
You don't necessarily need to opt for specific toy lube sold in little bottles, either. Here's a top tip: lube aimed at the gay market tends to come in more generous quantities, and is just as effective for straight or solo play.
