All the Best Sex Toys (That We’ve Written About on the Strategist)
Best sex toys under $50
45$
Though initially thrown by the cone-shaped design of this vibrator that doesn’t look like a vibrator at all, Strategist testers loved the Vibe for its surprising efficiency and ease of use with a partner. It’s a no-frills, high-powered (a.k.a. very buzzy) device that’s fairly unisex in color and form, and it comes in pretty packaging. It’s also subtle enough that you could leave it on your nightstand.
Charmed a wand by Sweet Vibes
$45
For something with lower, rumbling vibrations, try this affordable wand vibrator from the San Diego–based company Sweet Vibes. (The company offers all of its toys for $50 or less, and they all come with a lifetime warranty.) According to Tyomi Morgan, a certified sexologist and pleasure coach who recommended this toy, the round head makes it “easy to use on larger parts of the body, while the curved tip on the front allows the user to precisely place the vibration” wherever they may want it. “Everyone needs a pleasure device that can also double as a body massager,” Morgan adds.
Tenga Iroha Stick
$20
If you’re looking for a sneaky (and cute) little bullet vibrator that doesn’t look like a vibrator at all, this lipstick-shaped toy from Tenga is your best bet. We heard about it from Davia Frost, a sex expert and intimacy coach, who is a big fan of all Tenga toys, especially this one. The tip is made of body-safe silicone with a small divot to cup your clitoris or nipple. To increase the intensity of the vibration simply turn the dial at the bottom.
Satisfyer Pro 2 Air-Pulse Clitoral Stimulator
$30
Suction toys use pulses of air and pressure waves rather than traditional vibrations on the clitoris. There are many of them on the market, but the prices are usually around a hundred dollars or more. Since the sensation isn’t for everyone (some women find it too intense), it makes sense to start out with an affordable option in case you don’t love how it feels. This one is cheaper than most but still has a reputation of being very enticing. Jacq Jones, sex educator and owner of Baltimore’s Sugar shop says “One of my co-workers had to make rules for herself on how often she could use the Satisfyer.”
Blush Performance Plus, Prostate Massager
$41
If you’re looking for a sex toy for men, consider something that’ll stimulate the “P-spot.” Accessed in prostate play, it offers “a different kind of orgasm than regular ejaculation. It’s a deeper, more filling orgasm,” according to Samantha Bard, co-owner of the Williamsburg sex shop and event space Shag. Her pick for a prostate massager for beginners is this one from Blush, because it’s not too big or intimidating, but it’s still made of high-grade silicone.
Tenga Egg
$7
You might not guess from its appearance but this cute little egg is actually a wildly popular beginner-level penis stroker. Bard recommends it to customers because it’s “incredibly discreet, super-cute, and a really good gift.” Each Egg is ribbed inside, and although they’re designed to be single-use, Bard says that if you regularly wash an Egg with soap and water, you can extend its lifespan.
Buck Angel “Buck-Off” FTM Stroker
$21
In our search for the best sex toys for men, we spoke with experts who suggested this stroker, created in collaboration with adult-film star, producer, and trans advocate Buck Angel, that was specifically tailored for trans men. The strategic design gives an effect more similar to stroking as opposed to a more clitoral-focused toy.
Screaming O Vibrating Ring
$8
Vibrating rings are like two toys in one, benefiting both the wearer and the partner. The experts we surveyed about sex toys for men say this option is great for beginners because it’s affordable and enjoyable whether it’s used solo or during intercourse.