15 best sex toys of 2026, from a writer who’s tested 100+

My very first sex toy was a cheap, super-sketchy double-ended jelly dildo from Amazon (which, worryingly, is still sold there today). To make matters worse, I had it mailed to my university’s mailroom and it arrived in a package that literally looked like a shrink-wrapped sausage. I was mortified, but at the time I didn’t know the difference between a “good deal” and a health risk.

Since then, I’ve come a long way (pun intended). Because I suffer from endometriosis, my relationship to pleasure, particularly penetration, is complicatedthat’s the least we can say. Testing sex toys isn’t just a fun job perk (although it certainly is); It’s something I’ve pushed my career into so I can improve my sex life and find products that work for my body. I have zero tolerance for anything that looks cheap or uncomfortable – which is a pretty good standard anyway. While this list includes products for pelvic pain, like Ohnut, there are plenty of heavy-duty products here for everyone and every body type.

I am also testing and reviewing other toys to include in this guide. In particular, I take a closer look at the legendary Hitachi Magic Wand Vibrator and all kinds Njoy Pure Wand stainless steel dildoboth of which enjoy an excellent reputation.

What to Look for When Buying Sex Toys

Walking into a sex shop (or browsing the web) can seem overwhelming, especially if you’re new to it. There are so many options to choose from, and if you’re not sure what you’re looking for, it can quickly become confusing (and expensive!).

After testing hundreds of products and consulting experts, I narrowed it down to a few non-negotiables.

Equipment is important (do the sniff test).

If there’s one rule you follow, let it be this: no mystery rubber or jelly. If the specific materials aren’t listed or you’re actually in the store and it smells like chemical fire or a new car tire, drop it off.

“Look for medical-grade silicone, stainless steel, or glass,” Emily Lambert Robins, LCSW and AASECT-certified sexologist, tells Mashable. These materials are generally non-porous and easy to clean. Robins also suggests avoiding materials such as PVC, gel rubber, and anything that contains phthalates.

Start simple.

It’s tempting to buy the most advanced or aesthetically pleasing toy with multiple vibration modes and app connectivity, but more features don’t always mean more fun. Honestly, I’m not a fan of toys with all their features, because if I press the wrong button or have to fumble with an app, I’ll lose interest. fast!

“Start simple, stay curious, and stay true to yourself,” advises Sarah Kelleher, LCSW and sex and relationship therapist. “Ask yourself: What type of stimulation appeals to me the most? Internal? External? Soft? Intense? This type of self-awareness is more useful than any list of recommendations,” she adds. “Your first toy doesn’t have to be the most powerful or the most high-tech – it needs to be accessible, whatever that means to you.”

Buy toys that work with your body, not against it.

It’s easy to get caught up in hype or friendly recommendations (or even things you see in porn), but one of the most important things to remember is that you’re buying this toy for your body. Therefore, it must work with your body and not against it. (This is something I learned the hard way.)

“The biggest mistake to avoid is buying based solely on popularity or buying based on what you want or want your body to feel/do/or like instead of based on what it currently does or what you like,” says Kelleher. “This is not to say that you shouldn’t be curious and be open to broadening your horizons, but knowing and recognizing your body and what feels good and what doesn’t should be taken into account when purchasing a toy.”

According to Mindy DeSeta, PhD, certified sexologist and sexuality educator at Hily: Dating app, this includes “comfortable grips, intuitive controls, appropriate sizing, and shapes that complement natural anatomy.”

Final note: don’t forget the lube.

Finding the right lubricant can make all the difference, especially when experimenting with penetration, vaginal or anal. But not all lubricants are compatible with sex toys. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best lubricant:

• Water-based lubricants are the gold standard: they are compatible with sex toys and condoms, and they are very easy to clean.

• Silicone-based lubricants are not compatible with silicone toys, but you can use them with latex condoms.

• Oil-based lubricants last a long time, but they are not compatible with latex products (i.e. condoms) and can stain fabrics.

• Flavored lubricants are great for oral sex, but you really shouldn’t use them for vaginal or anal penetration, even if they’re water-based.