Sex toys are an incredible invention. Designed solely for pleasure, sex toys have developed over the years to vibrate, thrust, pulse, pump, suck, tease, tingle and bring our bodies to orgasm. And to say there are a lot of toys to choose from is an understatement. Adulttoymegastore alone has over 8000 different styles from about 45 global brands. Yes, that means there is something for everyone, but it can feel overwhelming when you're not sure exactly what you are looking for.

This 101 guide to choosing a sex toy will hopefully make the journey to finding your first toy a little easier. We’ll cover the different types of toys and what parts of the body they are designed for, what you need to know about sex toy shapes and size, what features you want the toy to have (vibrating, pulsing, etc), and how the toy is powered so you aren’t running out of batteries in the heat of the moment.

What are sex toys?

A sex toy is a sexual aid used for masturbation and partnered play. They enhance pleasure, help with arousal and sexual stamina, and can help bring people to orgasm, which is why they are so damn popular.

Some vibrate, some thrust, some pulse, some add pressure, some work on increasing blood flow or even change the way it flows through your body (looking at you cock rings).

If there is a type of stimulation you like, there will be a sex toy to replicate that feeling.

How to choose the right sex toy

There are a few things to think about when it comes to choosing the perfect sex toy, as there are all sorts of toy types to consider

1. What’s your goal with a sex toy?

• Something to bring you to orgasm?
• Something to add more stimulation during solo play or with a partner?
• Something to help with becoming aroused?
• Which body part do you want to target?

2. What part of the body do you want to stimulate? 

This will determine what type of sex toy you choose.

Do you want an external toy that can stimulate the clitoris, vulva, penis, the balls, perineum or the nipples?

Or do you want an internal toy that will stimulate the vagina, anus or the prostate?

If you don’t know what part of the body you want a toy for, then you have some homework. Read this article first! Then, you need to explore your body with your hands.

Which parts of your body feel the best to touch? What type of movement and pressure feels good? What do you want more of? What area excites you the most? These are all questions to think about before choosing your toy.

3. Are you looking for a toy you can use with a partner?

Many toys can be used solo or with a partner. But if you know that you want something specifically to use with a partner, you might choose something with a remote control or a kit with more than just one toy so you can explore together.

Vulva sex toys

Vulva sex toys are any sort of sex toy that is designed to stimulate the clitoris and vulva. This is an extremely sensitive area of the body that responds well to stimulation. Lots of people find that they can’t orgasm without clitoral stimulation, so these toys are great to use during masturbation or to use during partnered sex.

Bullet Vibrators

Small, pinpoint and powerful, bullet vibrators are ideal beginner sex toys no matter your anatomy. Bullet vibes are perfect for clitoral stimulation and can also be used on the nipples, penis, testicles or the outside of the booty.

These toys add vibration anywhere on the outside of the body and are small enough to be used during masturbation or sex with a partner. The only downside is that their small size means they have a small motor too, so they aren’t as strong as other options. But for someone who has never tried a sex toy, these are a great place to start.

Share Satisfaction Rechargeable Waterproof Bullet Vibe$53.95Shop NowShare Satisfaction Dynamo Bullet Vibrator$39.95Shop Now

Layon Massagers

Layon massagers are a bigger clitoral vibe with a much wider surface area than a bullet vibe. This means they are great for people who aren’t looking for too much power. A wider area means that the vibration gets spread out more over your labia as well as your clitoris. It’s also great for using on nipples or testicles.

Satisfyer Layons - Dark Desire$59.95Shop NowShare Satisfaction Sana Luxury Gemmed Lay-on Vibrator $96.95Shop Now

Clitoral suction toys/ air pulse vibrators

The creme de la creme of toys for the clitoris, clit suckers are the ultimate masturbation sex toy. These toys use air pulsation to stimulate the clitoris. These toys are more intense than a bullet vibrator and are better suited to people who know they like a lot of sensation.

Air pulse vibrators create a pulsing sensation on the clitoris. This increases blood flow and clitoral sensitivity and can result in intense orgasms for many people.

From the SP2 to the Rose to the Lemon, clitoral suction toys keep on going viral for good reason.

Satisfyer Pro 2 Generation 2$79.95Shop NowShare Satisfaction Kama$89.95Shop Now

Wand Vibrators

When you want power, look no further than a wand vibrator. Wand vibrators (named because of how magical they are, of course) have a long handle and a wide vibrating bulb at the end. They tend to have deep, rumbly vibrations that cover the clitoris and labia. Because of their power, they might not be ideal for people with highly sensitive clitorises. But you can always use it over underwear to diffuse some of the vibration. They can also be used on the nipples and perineum.

Le Wand Rechargeable Massager$249.95Shop NowShare Satisfaction Ema Mini Digital Wand$79.95Shop Now

Penis sex toys

There are lots of ways to pleasure yourself with penis sex toys. From masturbation toys to toys that are perfect for increasing sensitivity when you play with a partner, there’s something for everyone.

Cock Rings

Cock rings are an amazing sex toy with lots of benefits. Cock rings trap the blood inside your erect penis, making you feel a lot more sensitive. They can also help to make your erect penis look and feel larger; they can help you to last longer before orgasm, and they can stimulate your partner if you go for a vibrating or textured option.

Share Satisfaction Stamina C-ring Set$18.95Shop NowSatisfyer Power Ring – Vibrating Cock Ring$59.95Shop Now

Penis Masturbators

Penis masturbators (also known as pocket pussies) are an extremely popular sex toy that is used to stimulate the shaft of the penis. Some of these toys are designed to simulate the feeling of vaginal, anal or oral sex, while others will simply add some extra texture and sensation to your average handjob.

There are also vibrating masturbators for even more stimulation and pleasure.

Nood Vagina Masturbator In Casing$129.95Shop NowSatisfyer Men Wand$89.95Shop Now

Vibrators

There are lots of styles of vibrators that stimulate the vagina (or anus if they have a flared base or handle). They can be short, long, thin, thick, textured, smooth, hard, soft, and they can even thrust in and out. The one similarity is that they all vibrate.

Classic Vibrators

Classic vibrators are perfect for people looking for a beginner-level insertable toy. They tend to be relatively thin and smooth, offering non-intimidating play options. They also come in more phallic-shaped silicone styles for penetrative fun that feels similar to sex.

Rocks Off Sugarboo Very Peri Vibrator$108.95Shop NowAmore Classic Vibrator$19.95Shop Now

Rabbit Vibrators

Rabbit vibrators are a classic sex toy made famous on Sex and the City. These vibrators have an internal shaft and a smaller clitoral arm so you can stimulate the clit and the vagina at the same time. They come in all sorts of shapes and sizes and are perfect for people who know they like both areas touched at the same time. If you're a beginner, make sure you check out the length and girth of the shaft properly, as some rabbit vibes can be quite large.

Rocks Off Every Girl Vibrator$99.95Shop NowSatisfyer Vibes Mr. Rabbit By Satisfyer$59.95Shop Now

Thrusting Vibrators

If you love penetration, a thrusting vibrator might be the perfect toy for you. With thrusting vibes, you can really lie back and let the toy do all the work as it moves in and out for you. Some thrusting sex toys even come with a suction cup base, meaning you can use them hands-free.

Fantasy For Her - Her Personal Sex Machine$117.95Shop NowRevolution Earthquake Teal$288.95Shop Now

Read more about vibrators: The Ultimate Vibrator Guide

Dildos

Dildos are non-vibrating insertable sex toys that are often in the shape of a penis but not always! They can be phallic or might be more up and down with a rounded tip for insertion.

Many will have a suction cup base that can attach to a smooth surface so you can use them hands-free.

They can be used to penetrate any orifice (so long as they have a flared base or handle) and are popularly used with harnesses for strap-on sex and pegging.

Colours Pleasures Dildo$55.95Shop NowDillio Platinum Wild Thing G-spot Dildo$85.95Shop Now

Read more about dildos: Dildo Buying Guide

G-spot toys

The G-spot is an area of increased sensitivity inside the vagina that can feel extremely pleasurable when stimulated. A lot of classic vibrators or dildos will reach this area, but there are some toys with curved or bulbous tips that are designed specifically for this.

Cosmo - G-spot Romance $79.95Shop NowNood Colours G-spot Dildo With Bullet$30.95Shop Now

Anal sex toys

Anal sex toys can be used by anyone and feel super pleasurable no matter your anatomy. The booty is full of nerve endings, and there are all sorts of toys to stimulate them. But you can't just put any sex toy up your butt! Anal toys need to have a flared base, a handle or a retrieval cord to be anal safe.

Read more about anal sex toys: Booty Basics 101. The ultimate guide to anal play

Butt Plugs

Butt plugs are a bulb-shaped toy that is inserted into the anus and kept in place. They create a sensation of fullness and stretch the sphincter muscles, which can make sex and masturbation feel a lot more intense. Butt plugs are a great entry point into anal play as you can start very small and increase the size if you want to.

Mood Naughty 1 Small$26.95Shop NowB-vibe Usb Rechargeable Petite Rimming Plug$129.95Shop Now

Anal Beads

Anal beads are designed to stimulate the sphincter muscles as you move them in and out of your body. The opening of the anus has a high concentration of nerve endings, and the goal of anal beads is to massage them with slow movements. These toys are perfect for beginners as they only need to be inserted in a small amount and will still be pleasurable for the user. No need to insert the whole length until you are ready. One bead at a time!

Share Satisfaction Silicone 3 Bead Plug $26.95Shop NowPetite Sensations Pearls$42.95Shop Now

Prostate Toys

The prostate is a gland inside the booty that feels awesome when stimulated and can create an intense, full-body orgasm for some. Many anal toys will massage this area with pressure or vibration, but there are also all sorts of prostate-specific toys that are perfectly curved to hit the right place.

Essential P-spot Vibe$44.95Shop NowAnal Fantasy Elite Collection Ultimate P-spot Milker$114.95Shop Now

Couples Sex Toys

A couple’s sex toy is an overarching term for any sex toy that can be used by a couple. This could mean something that stimulates you both at the same time, something that you can use on your partner, or something that can be controlled by your partner.

Wearable Vibrators

Wearable vibrators are toys which can be worn during sex, like a C-shaped vibe or a vibrating cock ring. Designed to be used hands-free, wearable vibrators attach to the body to add vibration without needing to hold something in place.

Share Satisfaction Gaia Remote-controlled Couples Vibrator$139.95Shop NowSatisfyer Endless Joy$79.95Shop Now

Remote Control Sex Toys

Plenty of sex toy styles have remote control options so that one of you can use the toy while the other partner is in control. There are vibrating clit vibes, anal toys and insertable eggs to play with.

Remember that there are no strict rules for what can and can’t be used by a couple, and many couple toys can be used for solo play too. Just like a lot of solo toys can be used with a partner.

We-vibe Jive 2 Couples Vibrator$199.95Shop NowSecret X Magnetic Panty Vibrator With App Control$85.95Shop Now

Read more about remote-controlled vibrators: The best remote-controlled vibrators for couples

Sex toy size and shape considerations

Now that we've covered product categories, let's look at how size affects comfort and usability.

Sex Toy Sizes

Sex toys really come in all shapes and all sizes, and it is common for people to buy a toy that is larger than they realise, especially when they shop online. Here are some of the terms to look out for when you buy a sex toy.

Sex Toy Length

The length is the distance between the top and the bottom of the toy, and there are two different lengths to consider.

1. Insertable length

The insertable length of the toy is the part of the toy that can be inserted into the body. Basically, how far the toy will go inside you.

If you are choosing a penis masturbator or penis pump (or any other toy that you will be inserting your penis into), this language will differ slightly and will usually say “fits up to however many inches.” This means that if they say fits up to 6 inches, then a 6-inch or smaller penis will fit comfortably inside the toy or pump.

2. Total length

This is the total length of the toy, which includes any base or handle that will sit outside of the body while the toy is in use.

Girth

The girth is the measurement around the middle of something.

Width

The width is the measurement of a toy from one side to the other. In most cases, this will be the width at the widest part of the toy too.

You might see one or both of these measurements listed on product descriptions. Remember that the girth is around the toy and width is across from one side to the other.

Sex Toy Shape

If you are going to use an internal sex toy, you also need to consider the shape, as this can make a big difference to how the toy feels inside your body and how it is going to stimulate you. While the type of sex toy you choose will sometimes determine the shape, there are a few other things to think about too.

Curved sex toys

A curved sex toy is any type of internal toy with a curved shaft or tip. These toys are usually designed to stimulate the G-spot inside the vagina, or the prostate inside the anus.

Bulbous sex toys

A toy with a bulbous tip can have a similar effect on the body as a curved tip. Both the G-spot and the P-spot respond well to direct pressure, and a toy with a bulbous tip can often stimulate this area.

Toys with a bulbous tip also provide some extra stimulation as the toy is moved in and out of the body. The opening of the vagina and the opening of the anus are both nerve-rich areas and feel lovely when stimulated.

Realistic dildos and vibrators often have a bulbous tip to replicate the head of the penis.

Tapered tip sex toys

On the other hand, some toys have a tapered tip, meaning the tip is narrower than the rest of the shaft. This shape is great for beginners as it can make insertion easier. A thin tip will glide more easily into the body than a bulbous tip.

Textured sex toys

While texture doesn't change a toy's shape, it can make a big difference in how it feels inside your body. Toys may be completely smooth, feature only a few raised veins, or they may be covered from tip to base in ribbed texture.

The vagina and the anus are both highly sensitive areas, and the amount of texture you have is going to make a big difference. If you are new to insertable toys, I recommend avoiding anything that is too textured, as it may feel overwhelming to you if you are not used to the sensation. You can always go for a textured toy when you have some experience under your belt.

Sex Toy Material Guide

Sex toys are available in all sorts of different materials, and each one is going to feel different inside your body. Here is a rundown of the main sex toy materials.

Silicone sex toys

Silicone is an amazing material for any sex toy, as depending on the formula, it can be soft or firm and is completely body-safe. Here are the key features of silicone sex toys.

• It is non-porous, body-safe, and hypoallergenic.
• Silicone can be sterilised.
• Can be used vaginally or anally. Just clean and sterilise it in between.
• It’s safe to share the toy with a partner so long as you sterilise it between shares.
• Safe to use with water-based lubricant & oil-based lubricant.

Champion Super Soft Dildo$96.95Shop NowShare Satisfaction Raya Luxury Clit Vibrator$69.95Shop Now

TPR & TPE sex toys

TPR & TPE are used for lifelike sex toys designed to feel as close to human skin as possible. Here are the key features of TPR & TPE sex toys.

• Very soft and lifelike feel.
• Often used for soft dildos and masturbators or stroker sleeves.
• They are porous materials, meaning they can’t be sterilised and will harbour bacteria over time.
• Delicate and can tear easily without adequate lubrication.
• Need to be replaced more often than other toy materials.
• Only safe to use with water-based lubricant. 

Share Satisfaction Reversible Honey Stroker$12.95Shop NowNood Dildo With Balls$19.95Shop Now

ABS plastic sex toys

ABS plastic is another common sex toy material. It is sometimes referred to as hard plastic, as it is a hard, rigid material.

• It is non-porous & body-safe.
• It is able to be sterilised.
• Can be used vaginally or anally. Just clean and sterilise it in between.
• It’s safe to share the toy with a partner so long as you sterilise it between shares.
• Hard material without any flexibility.
• Safe to use with any lubricant type.

Essential P-spot Vibe$44.95Shop NowAmore Bionic Classic Bullet Vibrator$10.95Shop Now

Borosilicate glass

If you are looking for an internal toy that is going to be extremely firm, glass is a great option. Only use borosilicate glass sex toys, as it is strengthened for safety.

• It is non-porous & body safe.
• It is able to be sterilised.
• Can be used vaginally or anally. Just clean and sterilise it in between.
• It’s safe to share the toy with a partner so long as you sterilise it between shares.
• Hard material without any flexibility.
• Ideal for G-spot or prostate massage due to the firmness.

Lucent Teardrops Glass Massager$29.95Shop NowOhwii Double Ended Glass Dildo$96.95Shop Now

Metal or steel

Metal and steel sex toys have similar qualities to glass but are heavier, adding even more pressure to the sensitive internal areas of the body.

• It is non-porous & body safe.
• It is able to be sterilised.
• Can be used vaginally or anally. Just clean and sterilise it in between.
• It’s safe to share the toy with a partner so long as you sterilise it between shares.
• Hard material without any flexibility
• Ideal for G-spot or prostate massage due to the firmness.

Satisfyer Star Force 3$79.95Shop NowB Vibe Stainless Steel Anal Beads$192.95Shop Now

And if you are worried it will be too cold, you can always warm it up in a bowl of warm water before you play. You can cool it down in ice too.

For a full breakdown of sex toy materials, check out our Sex Toy Material Guide.

Sex Toy Features

Sex toy charging

If your sex toy has a motor, you need to consider how you prefer to charge it.

Do you want a sex toy that uses batteries, is USB rechargeable, or one that is mains-powered?

Waterproof sex toys

If your toy doesn’t have a motor, in most cases it will be completely fine to use it in water. You can take it into the bath or shower without any worries.

If it doesn’t vibrate, then you need to be more careful to make sure you get the toy's water resistance level correct.

Vibrators all have motors, so you need to check whether the vibe is waterproof or not. This is going to determine where and how you can use the toy and how you clean the toy too.

Waterproof to IPX7 & IPX8 means that the toy can be used in running water like the shower and can be submerged in water. Different toys have different waterproof levels though, so you need to ensure you check out the level of your specific toy and follow the rules to a T. If you don’t, you might damage the toy.

Some toys might also be splashproof, with IPX4 and IPX5. This means that the toy is ok in running water like the shower, but it can’t be fully submerged in water.

And some toys won’t be waterproof at all, meaning that using them with water is a no-go. This also means that you will want to be careful with bodily fluids and lubricant around the battery port or charging point.

Sex Toy Buying Checklist

If you still feel lost in a sea of sex toys, here are a few questions to ask yourself.

• Are you looking for a toy for solo play, partnered play or both?
• Which part of the body do you want to stimulate?
• How big does the toy need to be?
• Does the toy need to vibrate?

Knowing the answers to these questions should help you in the right direction. 

Read more: