The Very Best Sex Toys for Men

Cock rings can feel intimidating for the uninitiated, and a seamless silicone C-ring—no matter how stretchy—can still feel a bit claustrophobic around a beginner’s penis. Time and time again, I will toss a breezy, adjustable C-ring like this into my bag or back pocket. It’s discreet, and works for pretty much all penis sizes (the max adjustment level is 8.5 inches), and when you’re done using it, the release toggle is just a push away.

How to Use: With a healthy amount of lube, slip onto the base of a flaccid or semi-flaccid penis to help maintain an erection.

Our pick for the best basic cock ring is the Performance Pro Silicone Cock Ring: We like this one because it’s super affordable and the stretchy, soft silicone material can expand to fit most penis sizes. Plus, its flat design prevents any potential slippage off the shaft. This is a great cock ring for those just looking to dip their toes (or their penises) into the category, but it’s also a great choice for experienced cock ring users.

The Best Butt Plugs and Anal Toys

How to Use: Apply lubricant to anus and vibrator, then gently insert

We-Vibe has been at the forefront of long-distance partner play toys, from vibrating kegel balls to high-tech wands. But all of those frills would feel fruitless if the vibrator in question, the Vector+, wasn’t an absolute banger (luckily, it is). This workhorse is equipped with two motors and 10 settings for a variety of vibration and speed combos, whether you want more rumble towards your balls, the toy’s shaft—you name it, simply adjust the settings on the body of the toy itself, or via the remote control or smartphone app. At 3.5 inches in length and just over 1 inch in girth at its max, this is a solid intermediate toy, but it’s designed to handle even your most raucous smash seshes thanks to the extra-long, extra-secure base. Here’s an idea: Once inserted, rock back and forth while sitting on your butt while your partner blows or strokes you. Ideal Valentine’s Day weekend date!

How to Use: Start off with the smallest plug. Apply the lube of your choice to the plug and your anus, while gently inserting the plug. If and when you would like to graduate to a bigger plug (this can take as much time as you like, be it five minutes or an hour—no set rules here), apply more lube during the swap.

Every chef has their set of go-to knives, every carpenter, their trustiest tools. This set of glass anal plugs is one of my most trifectas for sex, whether I’m aiming for some backdoor foreplay or gearing up for full penile penetration. If the concept of glass sex toys sounds counterintuitive, fret not; these borosilicate glass toys are actually far more body-safe than your run-of-the-mill plastic toys, and will have less friction when entering your anus. The glass also provides a satisfying, slightly weighted sensation in the anus that can stimulate the P-spot. Each of these plugs is a star in its own right, but I find myself using the smallest size the most. At 4-inches of insertable length, it’s more small-medium in my book—but the narrow design makes it great for anal beginners.

How to Use: Apply water-based lube to the plug and slide it into your anus. Control it via the buttons on the toy or the Lovense app.

As someone in a long-distance relationship, I love the way Lovense toys can be controlled from near or far using the Lovense app, which is packed with fun features like video chat and the ability to create your own vibration patterns. This particular plug is one of Lovense’s best products, IMO: The angle is adjustable, so this toy can apply exactly as much (or as little) pressure as you want. There are two motors, one on the prostate and one on the perineum, allowing for precise control over your experience.

How to Use: Apply a lube of your choice liberally to the plug and insert it anally, with the curve facing forward (toward the front of your body) to hit the prostate.

“For anyone who enjoys backdoor play, it’s hard to beat glass butt plugs,” Trip Richards, a sex educator and porn performer, says. “Glass toys are easy to clean, compatible with all lubricants, and provide a pleasurable sense of fullness and weight.” They also hold temperature really well, so if you want some especially interesting sensations, dip this plug in a bowl or warm or cold water for a few minutes before using it. The looped handle on this one makes it much easier to insert and remove, even with lubed fingers, and the plug itself is shaped perfectly to nestle into the prostate.

How to Use: Apply lubricant to the toy before inserting it.