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18 Sex Toys For Women Actually Worth Trying, Recommended By Experts

Julie Nguyen
Author: Medical reviewer:
Updated on April 25, 2023
Julie Nguyen
Relationship Coach
By Julie Nguyen
Relationship Coach
Julie Nguyen is a relationship coach, Enneagram educator, and former matchmaker based in New York. She has a degree in Communication and Public Relations from Purdue University.
Heather Irobunda, M.D.
Medical review by
Heather Irobunda, M.D.
Board Certified Obstetrician-Gynecologist
Heather Irobunda, M.D. is a board certified obstetrician-gynecologist based in Queens, New York.
April 25, 2023
Our editors have independently chosen the products listed on this page. If you purchase something mentioned in this article, we may earn a small commission.
The best sex toys for women to try:

If you've ever peeked inside someone's underwear drawer, chances are you've likely found a sex toy tucked away somewhere in the back corner. Nowadays, sexual well-being and taking control of your own pleasure is at an all-time high, and for good reason. 

According to certified sex therapist and psychotherapist Lee Phillips, LCSW, CST, CSCT, sex toys can be a tantalizing addition to your sex life because they can add diversity, excitement, and creativity to the bedroom. "Routine sex and masturbation can get boring, so why not spice it up and try something new? Sex toys can help you achieve the orgasm you desire," he tells mbg. "Many of my female clients report this because sex toys provide extra clitoral stimulation."

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned sex toy enthusiast, it can be tricky looking for the right gadget for your orgasm needs. Fear not: We've done the heavy lifting for you so you don't have to break a sweat (until you want to, that is). We've picked the brains of couples' therapists and sex experts to round up the best sex toys for women and vulva owners. These recommendations will get you offline and into the bedroom for the ultimate plug-and-play pleasure. 

Types of sex toys for women

From clit suction vibrators to butt plugs to dildos, rest assured you can find something on the market to suit your saucy needs. Here are a few of the different types of sex toys to consider:

  • Vibrator: A vibrating sex toy that you can use on the clitoris, vagina, or erogenous zones of the body to stimulate pleasure. Vibrators can be in the form of a wearable toy, wand, rabbit, bullet, and more. 
  • Dildo: A phallic-shaped sex toy that is used for penetration inside the vagina, anus, and mouth 
  • Suction toys: An air-pressure sex toy that mimics oral sex by applying suction to the clitoris to increase blood flow 
  • G-spot toy: These toys are specifically shaped at an angle to easily access the so-called “G-spot,” which is a sensitive area on the upper wall of the vaginal canal about two to three inches in. 
  • Butt plugs: An insertable sex toy that stimulates the nerves and muscles around the anus for pleasure 
  • Finger sex toys: A sex toy added to the finger that can either extend or vibrate to enhance solo or partnered sex 
  • Sex accessories: There are many other aids and accessories meant to add to your sexual play, from lube and sex pillows to handcuffs and nipple clamps.

How to pick the best sex toy for you

“Just because one toy is popular, doesn't mean it's what you want and need in your experience,” sexologist Lilithfoxx tells mbg. She recommends just having fun with choosing your sex toy and enjoying the creativity and exploration of trying out different types. “Ultimately, I encourage users to try different toys, materials, and sensations. Consider practicality, cost, and the experience you're wanting to have."

Outside of the variety of features, licensed sex therapist Lauren Consul, LMFT, advises looking at the sex toy’s materials when making your purchase. She recommends choosing a toy that is non-porous and easy to clean, such as those made out of materials like medical-grade silicone, stainless steel, or a non-porous plastic. “Be aware of how the material of the toy may also interact with certain lubricants,” she adds. “For example, silicone lubricants will degrade silicone toys, so you'll want to use a water or oil-based lubricant with those toys.”

Since sex toys are an unregulated industry, Lilithfoxx recommends sourcing sex toys from reputable shops because many counterfeit and unsafe toys are usually sold at major online retailers like Amazon. (Note: We did vet the Amazon links included in this article, but always double-check before you make a purchase!)

How we picked:

Expert guidance

We asked sex therapists what to look for when searching for the best vibrators and used their expertise as a guideline for selecting these options, and we even included some of their personal recommendations.

Body-safe

These products are made from body-safe and nontoxic materials, they're safe to use on your body. You can try out these products knowing they're safe for your physical health and pleasure.

Inclusive

We chose these products from reputable and inclusive sellers who support diversity and the LGBTQ+ community with their product offerings and sexual wellness resources.

Good reviews

Through gathering expert recommendations and scouring certified customer reviews, we made sure these sex toy products are highly rated by the people who actually use them.

Our picks for the best sex toys for women to try in 2023:

Best budget: Lovehoney BASICS Mini Vibrator

Pros:

  • Great value for a basic vibrator
  • Internal & external stimulation

Cons:

  • Vibration may not be strong enough for some
  • Requires replacement batteries

Rechargeable:

No

Waterproof:

Water-resistant

Battery Life:

Depends

Type:

BulletVibrator

Lovehoney's AA-battery-operated waterproof mini vibrator has an angled tip that helps with direct clitoral and erogeneous zone stimulation during solo or partnered play. The 5-inch vibrator comes with a multi-speed dial for a variety of vibrations while keeping the sound whisper-quiet.

The hard plastic ABS materials are latex-free and phthalate-free, meaning it's safe to use on your genitals. Another favorite of Moore's, she recommends the toy as an effective yet budget-friendly option. "It gets the job done for a toy that costs less than your average trip to Starbucks."

Best for clitoral stimulation: Dame Aer

Pros

  • Sleek design
  • Medical-grade silicone
  • 5 intensity levels & 5 pattern modes

Cons

  • Reviewers say intensity can be low

Rechargeable:

Yes

Waterproof:

Yes

Battery Life:

120 minutes

Type:

Suction Toy

Dame Aer’s vibe comes with pressure-wave technology to emanate rhythmic pulses of air over the clitoris for a distinctive experience. The Aer fits easily in the palm of the hand and provides a teasing thrill for a fun romp in the bedroom. Reviewers note the intensity can feel soft and light, and has the potential to escalate into multiple orgasms in one round. Another happy reviewer says, “Be patient. It will be worth the wait. It took a little bit to figure the right pulse and angle, but so worth it.”

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Best G-spot toy: LELO Gigi 2

Pros

  • Flattened tip for targeted G-spot massage
  • Doubles as clitoral massager
  • Extra-soft silicone
  • 8 settings

Cons

  • The vibration could be stronger

Rechargeable:

Yes

Waterproof:

Yes

Battery Life:

240 minutes

Type:

VibratorDildo

“The Lelo Gigi 2 is a top-rated G-spot vibrator that features a curved and contoured design for targeted stimulation,” Lilithfoxx says, adding that it’s made with body-safe silicone and is equipped with a wide range of vibration patterns and intensities. 

“With any G-spot play, enjoy the journey and not the destination because it'll take relaxation to get you there more than precision,” she advises. “Plus, the g-spot is more of a general area than it is a ‘button,’ so explore a bit if you don't feel it immediately.”

Pros

  • 10 rumbly patterns
  • App-enabled
  • Great for long-distance couples

Cons

  • Users have reported issues with Bluetooth

Rechargeable:

Yes

Waterproof:

Yes

Battery Life:

120 minutes90 minutes

Type:

Butt Plug

Noted by many reviewers for its ideal size and mellow yet intense vibrations, the We-Vibe Ditto is satisfying if you’re looking for variety and comfort in the same product. “This butt plug is great for both newbies and experienced folks,” Consul says, noting that the smooth material and tapered shape help with easy insertion.

The vibrations and remote control function helps keep it interesting too, so there’s plenty of room for experimentation and endless play. “It’s a fun way to explore with your partner whether you’re in the same room or across the country,” she adds.

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Pros:

  • Hands-free design
  • Great for partnered sex

Cons:

  • Takes experimentation for the right placement
  • Loud on higher settings

Rechargeable:

Yes

Waterproof:

Yes

Battery Life:

60 minutes

Type:

VibratorWearable

"[The Eva] is an external-only clitoral stimulator that a clitoris-owner can wear during any type of sex. It's buzzy, on the lighter side, and great for folks figuring out how to integrate clitoral stimulation during other types of play," relationship and sex therapist Rachel Wright tells mindbodygreen.

The Eva's slim and compact wearable design allows it to stay in place comfortably while the three-speed motor can reliably get you to orgasm with your partner. Play with it in the bedroom or in the shower; the medical-grade silicone material and waterproof feature allows for fun wherever you want to go.

Best sex accessory: LELO Flickering Touch Massage Candle

Pros

  • Doubles as massage oil
  • Subtle fragrance
  • Comes in three different scents

Cons

  • Reviewer says the wax can become sticky

Type:

Sex Accessory

Sex is a multi-dimensional foray into all of the senses. When there’s a desire to heighten arousal and amp up the atmosphere, a massage candle can do the trick. The LELO Flickering Touch Massage Candle doubles as a massage oil and scented candle all in one. It’s made out of all-natural soy wax and soothing shea butter, so it’s body-safe. Use it to lather your sweetheart up in a relaxing massage, or drip the heated candle wax onto their skin to initiate wax play. One reviewer raves, “Warm and sensual to all of your senses. Real foreplay treat!”

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Best for couples: We-Vibe Chorus

Pros

  • Can be controlled via app or remote control
  • Adjustable fit
  • Touch-sense technology

Cons

  • Bluetooth can be tricky to connect

Rechargeable:

Yes

Waterproof:

Yes

Battery Life:

90 minutes

Type:

VibratorWearable

The We-Vibe Chorus is a C-shaped vibrator with two bendy, flat arms; one can press against the clitoris and the other can be inserted into the body and used during penetration. The arms are super flexible, and so is the vibrator itself—it can bend 180 degrees for all of your twistiest positions. Once you’re satisfied with your placement, it stays in place so you and your partner can whip out the controller to play around with the vibe pattern. 

“The We-Vibe is a highly recommended waterproof vibrator that is designed to be worn during partnered sex. It is app-controlled, allowing for customizable patterns and intensities,” Lilithfoxx says, though adds, “The remote is splash-proof and not waterproof, however so don't submerge that!”

Best to simulate oral sex: The Womanizer Pro40

Pros:

  • 4-hour battery life
  • Waterproof IPX7

Cons:

  • Suction may be too strong for some
  • Device is larger in size

Rechargeable:

Yes

Waterproof:

Yes

Battery Life:

240 minutes

Type:

Suction Toy

Womanizer's Pleasure Air technology provides clitoral stimulation without direct contact, so you get all the pleasure without overstimulating the nerves. The waterproof toy delivers suction at six intensity levels and packs four hours of battery life.

Certified sex therapist Bat Sheva Marcus, Ph.D., MSW, MPH, notes this is a brand she recommends often. "It's not inexpensive, but because the suction needs to be fairly powerful, it's worth paying up for this. Many women say it feels like oral sex. So if you are an oral sex fan, and that gets you off, this one might be for you."

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Best for beginners: Satisfyer Pro 2+

Pros:

  • Proprietary air-pulse technology in 11 strengths
  • Waterproof design

Cons:

  • Can be loud on higher settings

Rechargeable:

Yes

Waterproof:

Yes

Battery Life:

60 minutes

Type:

Suction Toy

Sex therapist Aliyah Moore recommends the highly reviewed Satisfyer Pro 2+ to vulva owners who are new to sex toys and looking for an orgasm without penetration. "Instead of the typical vibrations that you get from most clitoral vibrators of massagers, the Satisfyer uses pressure waves to stimulate your clitoris."

The medical silicone mouth on the sex toy provides suction to the clitoris, allowing for a unique pleasure that reaches deep into the sex organ. Between 11 intensity levels and 10 patterns of pulsing, the toy allows you to have multiple orgasms without putting anything inside of yourself. Plus, it's waterproof and boasts a 60-minute battery life—plenty of time to allow for experimentation.

Best for dual stimulation: Happy Rabbit Realistic Dual Density Rabbit Vibrator

Pros"

  • Soft & pliable for vaginal or anal use
  • Large selection of vibration settings

Cons:

  • Size can be too big for some
  • Fewer speeds in rabbit ears

Rechargeable:

Yes

Waterproof:

Yes

Battery Life:

120 minutes

Type:

VibratorRabbitDildo

The options are endless with this dual-stimulation design; the internal shaft packs 12 vibrations, while the smaller bunny ears offer 3 speeds. Rotate through the patterns to powerhouse combo that works best for your body.

Made with soft silicone and ABS plastic for safe play, it features rabbit ears for tickling the clitoris and a curved shaft to provide pulsations to your G-spot or prostate. Phillips recommends it for any of his clients looking for simultaneous vaginal and clitoral stimulation. 

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Best sex pillow: Liberator Wedge

Pros

  • Instantly up-levels classic sex positions
  • Soft material
  • Sturdy & firm composition so it doesn’t slide

Cons

  • Positioning takes time to figure out

Rechargeable:

N/A

Battery Life:

N/A

Type:

Sex Accessory

Sure, you can stack a bunch of pillows underneath you during sex. Or, you can use a sex pillow with a contoured design to give you a firm, stable base to work with that’s specifically designed for maximizing pleasure during sex. A satisfied reviewer said: “My girlfriend really wanted to try this, but I was skeptical, plus it’s not cheap. But I was delightfully surprised [by] how much this changes sex. Definitely recommend this.”

The Wedge was also angled with the perfect level of elevation to relieve any neck pain or muscle aches with oral or penetrative sex, and the pillow is wrapped in a micro-fiber cover that you can throw in the wash for hygienic purposes.

Pros

  • Long battery life
  • Plug-in & battery options

Cons

  • Bulky size

Rechargeable:

Yes

Waterproof:

No

Battery Life:

180 minutes

Type:

Vibrator

The Magic Wand is the little black dress of sex toys. In fact, it's so consistent, Marcus recommends every woman should have a wand in their vibrator collection.

The rechargeable pick comes with an updated, easy-to-clean silicone head and the same legendary deep, rumbly vibrations for orgasmic pleasure. "It's an all-around massager that works not only on my pleasure zones but also on other parts of my body or my partner's like the back, neck, and shoulders after long travels," Moore says. 

Pros:

  • Stylish option when you're on the go
  • Stainless steel & nickel-free plating

Cons:

  • Charge can wear down over time
  • Less variety of vibrations
  • Not waterproof

Rechargeable:

Yes

Waterproof:

No

Battery Life:

40 minutes

Type:

BulletVibrator

If you don't want to keep your sex toys locked away in your nightstand, take the Vesper with you for a night out on the town. Made from high-polish stainless steel, the 3-inch slim pendant shape hangs on a chain around your neck with an intense vibration on the tip for focused clitoral stimulation. "Wear it out and then use it wherever you'd like," Wright recommends. "It's sexy to wear something so out in the open–if you know, you know." 

Best bullet vibrator: We-Vibe Tango

Pros

  • Whisper-silent
  • Great for beginners
  • Angled tip provides pinpoint stimulation

Cons

  • Vibrations can be very intense

Rechargeable:

Yes

Waterproof:

Yes

Battery Life:

120 minutes

Type:

BulletVibrator

The Tango has been a We-Vibe bestseller for the past decade, per their website. Consul recommends it as her favorite bullet vibrator to recommend to friends and clients alike. The toy hits all of the marks needed to make it an instant crowd-pleaser: body-safe, rumbly, discreet, mini, waterproof, sleek design, and easy to charge. Plus, it comes with several vibration modes such as the tease, cha-cha, wave, and pulse so you always have the option to mix it up for solo and partnered sex.

One satisfied customer noted, “I’ve been having issues with self-pleasure for a very, very long time, and purchasing this has really helped. It’s also very quiet as advertised! Just keep a blanket on and your door shut if you’ve got roommates and you’ll be fine. It’s powerful even though it’s very small.”

Best for sexual pain: Ohnut Depth-Limiting Rings

Pros:

  • Easy way to control the depth of penetration
  • Sex therapist recommended

Cons:

  • Could be too tight for the wearer
  • Wrong sizing can make sex uncomfortable

Rechargeable:

N/A

Waterproof:

Yes

Battery Life:

N/A

Type:

Sex Accessory

For those with endometriosis, pelvic floor dysfunction, or who experience pain with sex for any reason, the Ohnut is a sex toy specifically designed to increase comfort by controlling the depth of penetration during intercourse. “Ohnut goes around the base of the penis or dildo and prevents deep insertion, which makes sex less painful and anxiety-filled,” notes Consul, who recommends the toy as a great way to maximize sexual pleasure while limiting any discomfort for the vagina owner.

The toy is made out of stackable, stretchy rubber rings which can be worn around the penis or insertable sex toy to cushion penetration. Plus, it’s ribbed and feels like skin for the wearer, so you aren’t taking anything away from the sex–in fact, you’re adding to the experience. “They also offer a vibrating ring for added sensation.”

Best for queer women: Wet for Her's Two Finger Extender

Pros:

  • Can be more comfortable than using a dildo
  • Phthalate & latex-free
  • Compatible with harnesses

Cons:

  • Material could be softer for flexibility
  • No vibrations or suction features

Rechargeable:

N/A

Waterproof:

Water-resistant

Battery Life:

N/A

Type:

Wearable

Ideal for G-spot stimulation, the finger extender was ergonomically designed so you could easily slip your two fingers into the toy. The body-safe material lets you feel your muscle contractions and the warmth of your body, so the touch feels natural and super-soft. Good for solo or partnered masturbation, customers rave that the toy is amazing for those who love finger play. 

Best for innovation: Lovense Nora

Pros:

  • Remote controlled
  • Great for long-distance relationships
  • Rotating head differentiates rabbit design

Cons:

  • Customers have noted problems with the toy holding a charge

Rechargeable:

Yes

Waterproof:

Water-resistant

Battery Life:

240 minutes

Type:

VibratorRabbitDildo

"I have to admit I don't get off from penetration alone, and I know most people don't either. That's where rabbit vibrators with clitoral and internal stimulation come in," Moore notes. The water-safe and body-safe Nora toy has an external vibrating arm to deliver rumbly vibes to the clit while the insertable arm rotates instead of vibrates, which uniquely stimulates your G-spot. So, where does the innovation come in? The technological features. The app-controlled vibrator can be used at close range or far away, which also makes it a great sex toy for long-distance relationships. "You can even sync it to your favorite playlist or your partner's voice," she says. 

Best lube: Pulse Warming System

Pros:

  • Touchless dispenser
  • Warms your lube for you
  • Hygienic with each use

Cons:

  • Needs to be charged & turned on prior to use

Rechargeable:

Yes

Type:

Sex Accessory

When looking for the best lube option that’s mess-free, hands-free, hygienic, and warming, look no further than Pulse. The company created the world’s first lubricant and oil-warming dispenser designed with airless pump technology so no bacteria can contaminate the system. Just wave your hand under the dispenser, and you get a dollop of warm lube for a smooth and frictionless sexual experience. Choose between a water-based lube, silicone-based lube, or massage oil (packaged in recyclable pods) to go with your system. 

Although it’s expensive, the quality and attention to the details of the system make it worth every penny. A reviewer raved, “Sleek design, user-friendly, discreet, effective. I cannot speak more highly about the Pulse Warming Dispenser.”

Tips to keep in mind:

1.

See your sexuality as part of your self-care.

Sexual self-care is about checking in on your sexual likes, dislikes, and preferences since they can change over time. Being in rhythm with your body and prioritizing pleasure via masturbation allows you to nurture a deeper connection with yourself. Bringing toys into your sexual self-care practice can be a bridge to work through any shame and traverse new sexual ground as well. 

2.

Get in touch with your body.

You can't find the right toy unless you know what makes your body tick. Phillips suggests running through several questions to help you figure out the particular features you'll want with your sex toy: "Is it to spice up your sex life with your partner? Are you not being pleasured enough, and you are tired of using your hands and fingers? Are you having a difficult time achieving an orgasm?" Getting down to the nitty-gritty opens you up to explore your pleasure zones and the type of touch you would prefer, which narrows down your choices.

3.

Elevate the sensations you already like. 

Think about what you already like in bed, and then look for a toy that can give you the sort of focused stimulation you crave. "For example, if you really like using your fingers in a fast, pressure-filled way on and around your clitoris, try something that vibrates on and around your clitoris," advises Wright. "If you like the feeling of flickering on your clitoris, find a toy that mimics this either with air, a tickler, or suction. If you like dual-stimulation (penetration and clitoral stimulation) find a toy with dual stimulation."

4.

Try out new things you're curious about.

It's not just about sticking with what you know. Sex toys offer a pathway to experiment with new kinks individually or in partnered scenarios. So, break away from the familiar activities and be as curious as you want to be. Trying out anal beads, remote-controlled vibrators, or internal g-spot vibrators can empower you to play out any secret fantasies or try out that hot move you saw in your favorite porno. (Here's our full guide to using every kind of vibrator.)

5.

Choose the proper materials. 

In the world of sex toys, not all sex toys are created equal. The FDA doesn't regulate the sex toy industry since they're not considered medical devices, so they're classified as "novelty items." Therefore, it's important to have some awareness about the chemical makeup in your sex toys to avoid any dangerous compounds. The exact material of your toy plays a heavy consideration here, and body-safe materials are king. "Don't use toys made from anything besides silicone, borosilicate glass, or stainless steel. It's OK if a handle is made of ABS plastic, but anything going on or in your bits needs to be body-safe," Wright says.

6.

Lube, lube, lube. 

Just like with sex, you don't need to just rely on natural lubrication to get you going. "Make sure you have plenty of lube on hand," Wright suggests. "Everyone needs it. I promise it makes everything better." The exact amount depends on whether you're using the sex toy internally or externally, but you can apply the lube directly on top of the toy or on your body. 

How to clean your toys.

Wright recommends using a sex toy cleaner that's gentle enough for the genitals but also strong enough to get rid of bacteria. "How you clean a toy varies depending on the material that the toy is made out of. Some say gentle soap and water is fine; however, there are so many variables when it comes to the ingredients in soap that I prefer to use something I know isn't going to mess up vaginal pH." (Here's a full guide about how to exactly clean every sex toy out there.) 

She shares a few tips below:

  • Store toys in a relatively temperature-controlled place to prevent bacteria growth.
  • Don't store silicone on silicone (the same reason you don't use silicone lubricant on silicone toys; it creates microscopic holes for bacteria growth).
  • If something is glass or stainless steel, boil them! Especially if they're being used anally.
  • If they're only being used vaginally and on one person, a toy cleaner will suffice.
  • Clean the sex toy before and after use to wash away dirt, bacteria, microscopic organisms, body fluids, etc.
  • Depending on the material of the toy, leave it out to air dry or towel dry before storage. 

The takeaway.

Sex toys are a great way to invite fun into the bedroom, even if it does require a little bit of research and experimentation to find the best sex toys that work for you. These sex toys are a great starting point to help you fulfill your sexual needs and stay curious about what turns you on. The best part is that you don't have to stop at just one toy—you can get as many as your heart desires.

Meet The Experts

Julie Nguyen is a relationship coach, Enneagram educator, and former matchmaker based in New York. She has a degree in Communication and Public Relations from Purdue University.
Heather Irobunda, M.D. is a board certified obstetrician-gynecologist based in Queens, New York.