Amanda Reed
Published Feb 9, 2024 4:00 PM EST
Come one, come all, and come together with couples-friendly sex toys that make the horizontal tango even spicier.
Best overall
We-Vibe Sync O
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A wearable vibe that’s fun during foreplay or during sex.
Best for beginners
Unbound Squish
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A squishable entry point to the world of buzzy vibes.
Best budget
plusOne Personal Massager
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Low budget, high quality.
Published Feb 9, 2024 4:00 PM
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We love masturbation, but using a sex toy as a couple is, for lack of a better phrase, incredibly hot. Being behind the steering wheel of someone else’s desires? Doing some long-distance debauchery with the help of a smart vibe and app? Implementing tools so your hands can go other places? You won’t just get two tickets to Pleasureville—you’ll get a season pass, the keys to the city, a memorial plaque along main street, and even a statue built in your joint honor. Casting sexual stigma aside is a task that doesn’t undo itself overnight. If you decide to take the journey, you’ll be a stronger couple thanks to the communication, direction, and confidence you gain from experimentation. The best sex toys for couples make coming together easy, intimate, and even a little spiritual.
Best overall: We-Vibe Sync O
Best rated: Magic Wand Cordless Vibrator
Best for beginners: Unbound Squish
Best for men: Fun Factory Manta Vibrating Male Stroker
Best for women: Womanizer Next
Best budget: plusOne Personal Massager
How we chose the best sex toys for couples
I previously covered the best sex toys, so I’ve been around the block when it comes to knowing what to look for. We also looked at reviews and recommendations. We also … tested them ourselves, so you can feel better a real person has handled what’s in this story. We also looked at versatility in use and the kinds of bodies they can be used on. High-end sex toys are well worth the money, but we want to make sure you get your money’s worth out of them.
Everything on this is body-safe, meaning it’s non-toxic and non-porous. Bad bacteria and your sensitive bits aren’t the best couple here.
PS: We know gender is fake! We use some gendered terms here, but just know all these toys are made for bodies regardless of how you identify.
The best sex toys for couples: Reviews & Recommendations
It’s not every day you get to polish the banister (real euphemism for masturbation, by the way) in the name of product journalism. One of our picks should help you and your honey paddle the pink canoe or shuck corn.
Best overall: We-Vibe Sync O
Settings: 10 vibration modes
Waterproof?: Yes, IPX7
Pleasure point: G-spot, clitoris
Battery life: 150 minutes
Pros
Secure fit
Comfortable to wear
Waterproof
Cons
Remote is small, so be cognizant not to lose
Still hard to keep on clitoris
I previously tried We-Vibes’ other hands-free C-shaped vibrators, like the Chorus and Sync Go, and found it difficult to keep the internal parts inside my body. I still will recommend both vibes—what isn’t my cup of tea could certainly be yours—but the We-Vibe Sync O is the answer to my personal problem. It provides dual stimulation, and the insertable portion has a little more surface area to stay put. The O-shaped internal arm is flexible and comfortable to insert, and there’s more than one way to use it. You can use it by yourself hands-free, during penetrative intercourse, during foreplay, or with another G-spot toy or dildo. You can control it yourself via the remote or on the device itself. We recommend the remote so your hands can focus on other places.
Its 10 intensity levels range from a low, rumbly purr to a buzzy high. Like the Chorus and the Sync Go, you can control the We-Vibe Sync O on your phone, making it perfect if you’re looking to stay while dating long distance. It’s also IPX7 waterproof rated so that you can use it in the bath or shower, and body-safe silicone gives us peace of mind.
Some reviews mention that you still have to hold the external part in place to really get it on the clitoris. Otherwise, you get overall vulvar stimulation. We also experienced that. Body movement tends to knock anything out of place, so it wasn’t a deal-breaker for us. The remote is very small, which screams “lose me,” so just keep an eye on it or keep it in the included drawstring bag when not in use.
Best rated: Magic Wand Cordless Vibrator
Specs
Settings: 4 speeds, 4 patterns
Waterproof?: No
Pleasure point: Anywhere
Battery life: 180 minutes
Pros
Great battery life
A classic, now rechargeable
Doubles as a percussion massager
Cons
Not everyone’s cup of tea
Not waterproof
The Magic Wand is the toy that people think of when talking about sex toys. This wand has been around since 1968, and with that history comes great responsibility. The Magic Wand has been used in scientific studies, so its power (up to 6,300 RPMs) is pretty legit. Its settings are simple but still get the job done: You only get four vibration speeds and four vibration patterns. It lasts for a marathon 180 minutes, which blows the battery life out of almost every single sex toy on this list. You can use it on clits, frenulums, nipples, or on the shoulders for a nice massage. It did originate as a percussion massager, after all.
We’ve also tried the Magic Wand Micro, which packs the Magic Wand’s simplicity and flexible neck into a pint-sized package. I personally prefer it over the Magic Wand. I love a good buzzy, too, but the Magic Wand can be … a little much! If you’ve found that regular wand massagers leave you uncomfortably numb, give the Micro a try. You can also show your sex toy allegiance by using the Micro as a keychain. Two birds, one stone, you get it.
Best for beginners: Unbound Squish
Settings: 6 total; 4 intensities and 2 patterns
Waterproof?: Yes (Rating not listed)
Pleasure point: Anywhere
Battery life: 2.5 hours on lowest setting; 1 hour on highest
Pros
Haptic settings
Soft silicone
Easy to hold
Cons
Reviews note haptic controls are hard to use
A little expensive for how the user experience is
A bullet vibrator is most often everyone’s entrance into sex toys. However, they can be hard to hold and don’t give you the power or rumble some may crave. They’re also not that waterproof, depending on the kind you buy. That’s not the case with the Unbound Squish. We love that you can control it via the buttons on the vibe or by squeezing it. The tech isn’t perfect, but it does make for a fun experience. The pointed tip can be used on many erogenous zones, and the ridge at the top provides an extra yummy sensation. It’s waterproof, and it comes in its own little bag for easy travel. It is a little pricey for an entry-level vibe and the experience it provides, which isn’t bed-rocking but great as an entrance to sex toys. We also love the MysteryVibe Poco, which is flexible and the best for beginner choice in our original sex toy story.
Best for men: Fun Factory Manta Vibrating Male Stroker
Settings: 12 total (6 speeds, 6 patterns)
Waterproof?: Yes (Rating not listed)
Pleasure point: Penis, frenulum
Battery life: 40-120 minutes, depending on settings
Pros
Finger loop base for easy holding
Can be used in many different ways
Travel lock
Quiet
Cons
Motor could be more powerful
Foreplay and masturbation don’t have to be all spit and friction. Consider adding a toy, like a stroker or cock ring, to experience different sensations. We love the Fun Factory Manta Vibrating Male Stroker just for that reason. Its vibrations (it comes with six speeds and six patterns) and ridges are different than a hand, and you can use it by yourself or with a pal. In fact, it’s designed with couples in mind. You can slide it in-between bodies during penetrative sex, or you can position it at the base of the penis to step up oral sex. Its finger loop base makes it easy to hold and it’s extremely quiet, meaning noise from vibrations won’t wreck your mood. Plus, it’s waterproof so that you can bring it into the shower built-free. Reviews note, however, that the motor could be more powerful. If you’re looking for something gentler, congratulations, you’ve found it.
Best for women: Womanizer Next
Settings: 14
Waterproof?: Yes, IPX7 rated
Pleasure point: Clitoris
Battery life: 120 minutes
Pros
Incredibly quiet
Climax control
3D Pleasure Air is a game-changer
Extra stimulator head for different bodies
Cons
Unwieldy
Suction vibrators are some of my favorite vibes to use by myself or with a partner during foreplay. I’ve tried many of them based on the nature of my work, and some have stood out more than others. The Womanizer Next, with its 14 intensity settings and 3D Pleasure Air tech, is at the head of the pack by a mile. It has everything I want in a vibrator: It’s powerful but quiet, waterproof, easy to clean, and made of oh-so-soft silicone. An extra stimulator head helps you find what fits best with your body, and you can order more online. Climax control is the cherry on top, giving you three Air Wave depths to choose from. You know that one SpongeBob meme? You’ll feel like that after using this vibe.
You can also choose Autopilot mode, which puts the control in Next’s metaphoric hands. You won’t have to worry about pushing buttons, and you get to try something new. Win-win!
It has a chunkier profile compared to others I’ve tried, but frankly, I don’t care. I glean over this con. It’s just that good. If it really worries you, consider the Womanizer Pro 40, which is a little sleeker but just as beloved.
Best budget: plusOne Personal Massager
Settings: 10 vibration modes
Waterproof?: Yes
Pleasure point: Everywhere
Battery life: 4 hours
Pros
Compact
Discreet
Long battery life
Cons
Reviews note performance issues
The brand plusOne makes some of our favorite budget sex toys. They’re high in quality but won’t leave your wallet dry. This compact wand can be used all over the body, making it a perfect addition to foreplay and sex. It’s also waterproof, meaning you can use it in the shower. The battery life is crazy long for how small it is, and its flexible head is reminiscent of the one on the Magic Wand. It fits well in your hand, isn’t unwieldy, and has soft silicone that rivals higher-end vibes. If you’re beginning your vibrator journey, plusOne is a great place to start.
You get what you pay for with this wand, however. Reviews note that it doesn’t have the vibration juice compared to other vibes, and it doesn’t have the shelf life of higher-end toys.
What to consider when buying the best sex toys for couples
In these kinds of stories, we often say, “Not all [blank] are made equal,” but we really mean it this time. Sex toys, despite being products that promote sexual wellness, are not regulated by the FDA, which means anyone can make, market, and produce a sex toy that’s a little shady, just like that one situationship in college. Here’s what you should look for before putting anything in or on your partner’s body or your own:
Material
You want to look for body-safe toys. This means you can use them around and inside your body. If you see that it’s made of silicone, stainless steel, and borosilicate glass, you’re in the clear. Body-safe materials are free from phthalates and won’t change forms when exposed to different temperatures.
Generally, be wary of anything porous. You’ll know something is porous if it’s see-through, sticky, stretchy, or has a strong rubbery odor. “Porous” doesn’t mean “inherently dangerous,” however; some porous materials can be phthalate-free and non-toxic, but they can harbor germs and be almost impossible to disinfect. Most cock rings and a few wand heads use porous materials. You’ll want to keep it to yourself if it’s made from cyber skin, jelly, PVC, rubber (even skin-safe rubber), UR3, and vinyl. You can cover it with a polyurethane condom to reduce risk if using it with another person (and change the condom with each new person that uses it), emphasis on “reduce risk.”
If you’re unsure if your sex toy material is body-safe, simply ask. Many manufacturers have emails and customer service chats that can answer any questions about a certain toy.
Buying from reputable brands can also give you peace of mind. Platforms like Lovehoney and Spectrum Boutique, buying right from the manufacturer’s website, and buying from the manufacturer’s Amazon storefront are surefire ways to know you’re purchasing from a good place. If you see a storefront name that looks like it was made by your cat walking across your keyboard, you might want to stay clear of it in this case.
Kinds of sex toys
There are so many kinds of sex toys. So many! Here are just a few that are perfect for partner play:
Glass toys: Great for temperature play (can throw it in the freezer/fridge for cold and put it in warm water for hot), also non-porous and easy to clean and maintain.
Wands: Fun and rumbly, you can use these all over, even for sore shoulders.
Bullets: Perfect on nipples, clitorises, frenulums, perineums … the world is your oyster.
Strokers: Great to assist during oral play or add some pizazz to solo play.
C-shaped toys: Can use them on your partner during foreplay, on yourself during solo play, or with your partner. You can also use them while having sex or with a G-spot vibrator (we’re huge fans of the We-Vibe Rave 2) or dildo. You have options!
Regardless of the sex toy you use, we also recommend the Liberator Fascinator Throw to protect soft surfaces from bodily fluids.
A note on lube and cleaning
Lubes are perfect for getting things slippery, which reduces friction and increases fun. You’ll want to use silicone lube like the Shine Silicon lube from Maude on glass toys, when you’re getting frisky in the water, or when you’re just using your hands. However, do not use silicone lube with silicone toys—that will damage them. Instead, use a water-based lube like good ‘ol Astroglide. We also have to recommend Astroglide because of its rocket-science roots.
If you’re using a toy with someone who isn’t fluid bonded to you (aka, you both haven’t had the conversation and taken steps to stop using barrier contraception with each other), or you just want to keep your body fluids separate from your honey’s, use a polyurethane condom with your toy and change it after playtime is over, or when a new partner comes into the mix.
When you’re cleaning toys, don’t submerge non-waterproof toys in water. You can wash them with warm water and mild, fragrance-free soap, or you can use sex toy cleaner like this one from Hello Cake. Add a soft toothbrush if your toy has crevices, like suction toys. You can also boil toys made from silicone, borosilicate glass, and stainless steel to disinfect them. You can even disinfect your toy in the dishwasher. If your toys have mechanical parts, it’s best to keep them out of boiling water. As we mentioned, ask the manufacturer before you mix your vibrator with last night’s dishes. Last, air dry your toys to prevent lint and fibers from sticking to your toys.
FAQs
Q: Is it normal for couples to use sex toys?
Yes! Absolutely! Duh! The myth that couples only use sex toys when they’re unsatisfied has been busted. They can strengthen relationships and sexual satisfaction, create intimacy, and liven up the moves already in use. Using sex toys promotes open communication and direction. And, it’s OK if your partner doesn’t feel comfortable introducing toys into the dynamic. After all, consent is always key.
Q: Are high-end sex toys worth the investment?
Personally, we think yes. Although you can get an affordable toy that does the job safely (as seen by the plusOne personal massager), you get better materials, designs, and features when you spend a little extra. It will also last longer and be less prone to breaking. If you do the “cost per orgasm” math, you’ll find that your investment was worth it.
Q: Can I get an STI from a sex toy?
Tl;dr: yes. The longer explanation: If you’re only using it on yourself or you have a long-term monogamous partner and both of you have already tested, you’re all good. However, if you share a sex toy with another person with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and use it on yourself, you are at risk of catching an STI. Cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting sex toys before and after use can keep dangerous germs and bacteria at bay, as we mentioned above. Put a condom on the toy to prevent STI spread when using toys with a new person or a different partner.
Final thoughts on the best sex toys for couples
Best overall: We-Vibe Sync O
Best rated: Magic Wand Cordless Vibrator
Best for beginners: Unbound Squish
Best for men: Fun Factory Manta Vibrating Male Stroker
Best for women: Womanizer Next
Best budget: plusOne Personal Massager
There is nothing wrong with good old regular missionary. But what if you could add some seasoning—say, something spicy and rich like tajin or harissa—to your vanilla sex life? Sex toys for couples do just that, making foreplay and partnered play more pleasurable than it already is. Trying something new in the bedroom can bring you and your sweetie closer and rekindle a flame into a roaring fire.
Why trust us
Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.
Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.
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