The Best Sex Toys For *Every* Situation, According to Sexperts

Wondering how to choose the right sex toy for you? Two sexperts teach us all about different types of sex toys for solo and couple use, plus their top picks for each.
Letβs face it: When it comes to sex, it can be easy to fall into a bit of a routine. Whether youβre with a partner or going solo, itβs all-too-tempting to stick to what you know. But trying new things in the bedroom can help you get to know yourself (and even your partner) better. Plus, it can unlock new levels of pleasure and excitement.
With the right tools in hand, you can take yourself on a toe-curling solo physical journey. Or, you can adventure into brand new territory with your partner. Of course, weβre not talking about hammers and nails. Rather, we’re referring to sex toys. But with so many on the market, it can be difficult to know how to choose the right sex toy. HUM tapped two sexperts to break down the different types of sex toysβand their favorite products on the market. Ready to turn the heat up? Read on to learn all about the best sex toys.
7 Types of Sex Toys to Know
We enlisted the help of two sexperts to help explain why (and even better, how) sex toys are very much worth the hype. Alicia SinclairβCEO of sexual intimacy purveyor COTRβand sex toy reviewer Gabrielle Kassell also offer us the best selects.
Whether used alone or with a partner, the gadgets listed below are sure to leave you cum-pletely satisfied.
1. Wands
Wands are one of the most basic types of sex toys. They look like, well, a wand, albeit with greater girth than anything Harry Potter ever carried around. Itβs worth noting, however, that depending on the type you get, the sensations can be very different. Bulb-tipped wands offer vibrating sensations at the tip, while non-vibrating wands capture the shape of the sex toy category without introducing pulsing frequencies into the pleasure sesh. Wands are some of the best sex toys for men, women, and others who prefer going solo because theyβre great at getting to hard-to-reach places.
Sinclairβs Pick: Le Wand Original Massager, $180
βItβs a versatile, rumbly powerhouse that offers a wide range of vibration intensities,β Sinclair says. βItβs a crowd-pleaser and must-have for all sex toy collections because it can please all bodies. With a broad head and long handle, this vibe can be angled in a variety of positions and hard-to-reach places. Plus, it feels good for pleasure and relieves pain like muscle soreness.β
Kassellβs Pick: NJOY 11 Stainless Steel Massage Wand, $400
βThis pleasure product is 11 inches long, which makes it easier to reach your bits. So it’s great for anyone with mobility issues or folks who donβt want to be all up on themselves,β Kassell explains. βItβs more comfortable to use, which is key considering you wonβt likely experience pleasure unless youβre as comfortable as possible. It doesnβt vibrate, which is awesome since vibration can sometimes be incredibly intense. Plus, since itβs stainless steel, it absorbs temperature. You can put it under warm water to heat it up or place it in the freezer for a cooler, more electric sensation.β
2. Plugs
A type of sex toy often met with more shyness, plugs are designed for anal play. However, Sinclair points out that they enable exciting partner play and enhanced sensations, whether used alone or paired with vaginal sex or stimulation. Butt plugs are some of the best sex toys for couples, as they can spice up your usual sexy routine.
Sinclairβs Pick: Texture Plugs, $170
βThese arenβt your average butt plugs,β she starts. βThe textures massage and please while inserting, helping with arousal and preparing the body for penetration (if thatβs your end goal). The vibration of the plug pleases once the plug is fully inside the body.β
3. Sex Pillows
Oftentimes we forget that sex toys arenβt the only objects to be inserted into, clipped onto, or wrapped around the body. Sex pillows are regularly omitted from roundups on the different types of sex toysβwhich is a disservice to us all. Weβre here to remind you that if youβve ever had trouble reaching climax, felt physically uncomfortable during sex, or felt like your partner canβt access the spots you need stimulated, pillows are here to help.
Kassellβs Pick: Dame Pillo, $95
βThe Dame Pillo is a dense, triangular-shaped foam pillow that can be used to put your body in a comfortable position throughout different sexual positions,” Kassell explains. “Itβs especially fantastic for oral play, as it makes it easier for your partner to access every inch of your bits so that they donβt have to crane their neck in the process. Itβs also great for bending over in missionary and doggy style to change the angle of penetration and encourage more G-spot stimulation.β
4. Bullets
Whether youβre traveling or hoping to inconspicuously start a collection, bullet vibrators are a must when it comes to choosing the right sex toy to add to cart. Their miniature size might make you think theyβre less powerfulβbut as soon as you switch them on, youβll go heart-eyed over their vibes. Bullets are some of the best sex toys for solo play, as theyβre easy to use and even easier to stash away.
Sinclairβs Pick: Le Wand Grand Bullet, $105
βThis chic and powerful pleasure tool is great for travel and for folks looking to hide their vibe in plain sight,β Sinclair says. βIncluded accessories allow the user to transform this bullet into a multi-use tool (e.g., dual sensation). It can also be cooled or heated for temperature play.β
5. Uniquely Shaped Vibes
Many vibrators and dildos are designed to mirror the cylindrical shape of penises. But hereβs the thing: Uniquely shaped vibrators are just as stimulating, if not more so. Whether youβre craving a contraption to hug both sides of your clitoris or a wider surface area to cover it altogether, Sinclair and Kassell offer up must-tries.
Sinclairβs Pick: Le Wand Deux, $125
βThis tool is perfect for focused clitoral sensation,β Sinclair says. βTwo powerful motors hug the clitoris with supercharged power. It’s also fun for pinching nipples, running along the frenulum (head) of the penis, or placing underneath the testicles to up the ante during playtime.β
KassellβsPick: Le Wand Point, $130
βThis palm-shaped vibrator is made of 50 percent stainless steel and 50 percent silicone,” Kassell begins. “Its part-steel composition makes it a much heavier product than most palm vibrators. It creates an incredibly satisfying pressure on your clit. The vibrational quality of the point is more rumbly, geared towards creating broad stimulation as opposed to buzzy, less satisfying vibes, which are more likely to result from bullet vibrators. This note is essential since itβs tough to find rumbly vibrations outside of classical wands, which are much larger than this vibe. And since itβs made with stainless steel and comes with a wide variety of intensities, it can be manipulated to your temperature and vibrational preference.β
6. Beads
If youβre looking to explore anally, you canβt go wrong with beads. Made with a series of small bulbs, anal beads create a unique sensation when inserted. You can enjoy them on their own or as preparation for anal sex.
Sinclairβs Pick: Triplet Anal Beads, $130
βThis toy is perfect for anal newbies who canβt decide between a plug or beads,β Sinclair says. βThis two-in-one butt toy functions like traditional anal beads, or can be worn as a plug. Plus, the remote control allows for fun couples-play dynamics.β
7. Pinwheels
Looking for another option for non-insertable sex toys? Try pinwheels: spiked toys designed to be rolled along your erogenous zones. Whether you use it on the thighs, chest, neck, or bum, itβs a great choice for foreplay-focused pleasure. Pinwheels are the best sex toys for couples just beginning their journey into the sex toy space.
Kassell’s Pick: The Wartenberg Wheel, $9
βIt looks really intimidating, but itβs actually not a dangerous toy,” Kassell assures us. “You’d really have to muscle it into skin to truly puncture it. Itβs not specifically meant for the genitals, and is actually best used on other parts of the body. When you roll it over nerve-dense erogenous zones, youβll feel an electric stimulation.”
Final Thoughts
Sex toy recommendations aside, Kassell adds two important notes. The first: “For any type of play thatβs kinky or based in BDSM, you should have a safe word. It’s always best to discuss the process before engaging in it.β
Second, the most important thing about choosing the right sex toy is to look for ones made with non-porous materials. βThis inclusion indicates theyβre not covered with tons of tiny holes in which bacteria can get trapped,β she explains. Different types of sex toys will state if theyβre non-porousβso if they donβt, itβs best to opt for a different one.
Seeking similar reads on intimacy? Check out relationship advice from a human connection specialist or see what happened when we tested the controversial jade egg.