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Sep 20, 2023

13 Best Sex Toys for Beginners of 2023 To Unlock Your Sexual Pleasure

By Kate Sloan All products featured on GQ are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. The wide array of

By Kate Sloan

All products featured on GQ are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The wide array of bedroom accessories (AKA sex toys) out there can be intimidating if you’ve never tried any, but the best sex toys for beginners are designed to make things easy for you, whether you're new to masturbating or want to find ways to spice up sex with a partner. In the past, we've gone deep on the best sex toys for men, women, or couples, as well as specific categories—like vibrators, clit suckers, and a whole lot of cock rings.

And thankfully beginners have an arsenal of entry-level sex toys at approachable price points to help them test the waters. Through hours and hours of research and tons of interviews with experts, we've rounded up the best sex toys for beginners below so you can dive in with ease.

Consider this your introductory lesson to sex toys, minus all the jibber jabber from the professor.

First and foremost: You don't necessarily need to purchase something fleshy or vibrating to get off in the bedroom, but having accessories on hand can help you tap into new sensations and add an element of play and excitement to a sexy romp. “Sex toys can add another layer of pleasure to sex, and being curious in sex is a great way to grow sexually,” echoes Deb Laino, a clinical sexologist and relationship therapist.

Sex toys can also introduce a higher level of intensity to your orgasms than what you can achieve without them, so they’re worth considering if you're jonesing for a more powerful experience or having trouble getting off in the first place. Toys “can increase the chance of reaching orgasm, whilst also reducing the time it takes to orgasm,” explains clinical sexologist and sex therapist Ness Cooper. Not to mention that they can help with increasing blood flow to areas where they're applied, “helping with lubrication for those with vulvas and vaginas, plus activating erectile tissue in the penis if used in that area,” Cooper adds.

Trying something new together generally—whether it be vacationing in a faraway place, checking out a new restaurant, or (yes!) using new sex toys—has been shown to activate reward centers in the brain, too, prompting a release of dopamine and norepinephrine, the same chemicals that flood your system when you first fall in love.

“Sex toys are personal decisions, so choose toys that speak to the sex life you have, or would like to have,” clinical sexologist and sex educator Linnea Marie says. For instance, if you tend to have a lot of sex in the missionary position—and want to continue to do so—then maybe you’d like a vibrator small enough to fit neatly between bodies, so you won’t have to change up your current bedroom habits to accommodate your new toy.

Material is a major consideration when choosing a new toy. “Not all sex toys are created equal, so make sure they are made from body-safe materials such as silicone, glass, or metal,” Marie suggests. Some other safe choices include properly sealed ceramic or wood, and hard plastic. “Stay away from sex toys made from toxic, porous materials like jelly,” which can cause hormonal imbalances, chemical burns, and other effects you definitely don’t want.

Simplicity and ease of use are also important factors, especially if you're shopping for a gadget like a vibrator. “It can be tempting to look for a sex toy with a lot of features, [but] many people can find them overwhelming when first learning how to use a sex toy,” Cooper says, so aim for one with simpler controls.

Different vibrators can produce varied sensations, depending on their motor, so you'll have to get a feel for what your preferences are. “There are ‘rumbly’ vibrations that are nice and deep, and there are ‘buzzy’ vibrations that are surface-level and can sometimes tickle,” Marie explains. Just be sure to check the product description before purchasing to double-check what types of sensations it offers.

Ready to leap headfirst into the world of sex toys? Here are some highly approachable picks for newbies.

Trojan Divine Contoured Vibrator

Walmart

Materials: SiliconeHow to Use: Apply some water-based lube if desired. Use the toy’s one button to turn it on or off and to cycle through its three speeds.

Yep, the company best known for its condoms has also branched out into sex toys—who knew? Laino describes the Divine as “a non-intimidating vibrator that is great to use internally and externally,” whether you're with a partner or flying solo. It's certainly not the strongest or fanciest vibe out there, but it's super affordable and available at many drugstores, making it a convenient pick for someone who's curious about vibration.

Pros: Affordable; versatile shape for internal or external use; textured ridges for internal stimulation; three vibration speedsCons: Uses disposable batteries (included); not as powerful as rechargeable/electric vibrators; not anal-safe (doesn’t have a flared base)

We-Vibe Tango

Amazon

Materials: PlasticHow to Use: Hold down the toy’s button to turn it on or off, and use the same button to cycle through its speeds and patterns.

By Sean Manning

By The Editors of GQ

By Gerald Ortiz

Bullet vibrators like this one are most often used for clitoral stimulation, especially since they fit between bodies easily during penetrative sex, but you can also experiment with using this one on other erogenous zones like the nipples, labia, balls, and taint. Marie calls it a “powerful, versatile, and discreet bullet vibrator suitable for all genders and anatomies,” and notes that its compact size and strong vibrations “make it perfect for pinpoint stimulation.”

Pros: Small size and slim shape are versatile for a variety of positions; eight vibration modes; strong, rumbly vibrations; waterproof; quietCons: Hard plastic may rattle against genital piercings if you have them

Je Joue MiMi Soft

Je Joue

Materials: Silicone and ABS plasticHow to Use: Apply some water-based lube to the toy if desired, and place it on your clit or another external erogenous zone. Control the vibe with its two buttons.

Cooper recommends this vibrator for its easy-to-hold “pebble” shape, which can fit right into the palm of your hand. Its lovely, low-pitched vibrations are wildly satisfying, whether you use it during sex, masturbation, or just incorporate it into a body massage. This vibe's soft and squishy tip (hence the name MiMi Soft) makes it more comfortable to use than vibrators made of hard materials like plastic.

Pros: Deep, rumbly vibrations; good size and shape for holding in the palm of your hand; versatile enough to be used on many different body parts; five vibration speeds and seven patterns; made of soft, comfortable silicone; waterproofCons: Might not be firm enough for users who like to apply a lot of pressure

Dame Com

Nordstrom

Materials: SiliconeHow to Use: Hold down the power button to turn the vibrator on or off, and use the other two buttons to cycle through its speeds and patterns.

Laino likes products made by Dame because it's “a company designed by women for women.” This wand vibrator is ideal for beginners because it's smaller and slimmer than a typical wand, so less likely to seem intimidating, but still packs a punch. The contoured handle makes it easier to manipulate into a variety of positions and angles, and (as with most wands) it works just as well for muscle massage as it does for sexier applications.

Pros: Rumbly vibrations; five speeds and five patterns; ergonomically-shaped handle; quiet; waterproofCons: Not as strong as some other wands; vibrations translate into the handle a fair bit; short battery life

Lovehoney Glitter Silicone Dildo

Lovehoney

Materials: SiliconeHow to Use: Apply water-based lube before insertion.

Cooper recommends this slim, flexible Lovehoney dildo for first-time sex toy penetration, whether anal or vaginal, because of its “tapered tip that allows for effortless insertion, and its flared base which can also act as a handle.” Plus, its colorful glittery exterior is also fun to behold, so it might be a less intimidating option for newbies than something hyper-realistic.

By Sean Manning

By The Editors of GQ

By Gerald Ortiz

Pros: Small-to-average size (6 inches long by 1.27 inches in diameter) makes it beginner-friendly and comfortable for vaginal or anal penetration; harness-compatible; suction cup base for hands-free use; good curve for targeting G-spot or prostateCons: Can’t be used with silicone-based lubes

Lelo Ella

Amazon

Materials: SiliconeHow to Use: Apply water-based lube before insertion.

This dildo is a favorite of long-time sex toy reviewer Epiphora's since it's responsible for her first G-spot orgasm and squirting experience. “I felt, for the first time in my sex toy testing life, like a toy actually belonged inside of me,” she wrote in her review. Its double-ended design offers two different sensations: One end is curved to target the G-spot perfectly with its flat head, while the other end is thicker and straighter for a fuller feeling. The dildo's matte silicone also feels luxurious to the touch, and you can use it on yourself or have a partner use it on you.

Pros: Double-ended shape for extra versatility; flat head stimulates G-spot well; thicker end is more fillingCons: Can’t be used with silicone-based lubes; lack of a proper handle can make it hard to thrust with; not anal-safe

Svakom G-Spot Vibrator

Walmart

Materials: SiliconeHow to Use: Hold down the “S” button to turn the toy on or off, and use the other two buttons to cycle through its vibration modes.

Hot tip: "If you’re looking at internal sex toys and sometimes don’t want to explore vibrations, you can always use it with the vibrations turned off like a dildo," Cooper points out. To experiment with that concept, look for one with a great G-spot-targeting shape like this one by Svakom. That way, you can use it externally or internally, with some rumbly action to it or not.

Pros: Five vibration speeds and five patterns; rumbly vibrations; good shape for targeting the G-spot; quiet; waterproof; affordableCons: Vibrations may not be strong enough for some users; can’t be used with silicone-based lube

Satisfyer Pro 2

Walmart

Materials: Silicone and ABS plasticHow to Use: Apply water-based lube to the nozzle of the toy, then place it over your clitoris or other erogenous region (you may need to experiment with positions to find the one that feels best). Hold the power button for one to two seconds to turn the toy on or off. Use the “+” and “–” buttons to scroll through the toy’s intensity settings.

Pressure-wave stimulation uses rhythmic pulses of air to "touchlessly" stimulate a sensitive area, usually the clitoris. This is one of the better pressure-wave toys you can get for under $50, so it's a good option for beginners who are curious about the sensations of pressure waves. Marie points out that it's not just for clitoral usage, either, it's "great for nipple, frenulum, and other erogenous zone stimulation" too.

By Sean Manning

By The Editors of GQ

By Gerald Ortiz

Pros: 11 pressure-wave intensities; soft silicone head for a better, more comfortable seal around the clitoris; waterproof; relatively inexpensive Cons: Won’t fit all clit sizes; some people find pressure-wave stimulation overly intense or uncomfortable

Tenga Egg

Amazon

Materials: ElastomerHow to Use: Take the toy out of its packaging, and use the included packet of lube to lubricate the inside and opening of the toy before sliding your penis inside. Tenga Eggs are disposable toys and are meant to be thrown away after one use, though many users report that flipping the Egg inside out and washing it thoroughly between uses (leaving it to dry before flipping it right-side-out-again) can extend its lifespan to four or five uses.

"Discreet and compact, the Tenga Egg is a disposable masturbator for people with penises, providing an enjoyable and affordable solo experience," Marie says. While technically one-use-only, you can get a few more sessions out of it if you flip it inside-out, rinse it thoroughly, and let it dry fully after each use. It should at least give you an idea of whether you enjoy strokers and want to invest in a longer-lasting option, like a Fleshlight.

Pros: Cheap; wide variety of pleasurable textures available; comes with its own lube; can apply as much or as little pressure as you like while stroking; small and discreet; stretchy enough to fit a variety of penis sizesCons: Can only be used a few times before you’ll need to throw it away; may not stretch to fit very large penises; can be noisy

Tantus Perfect Plug

Tantus

Materials: SiliconeHow to Use: Apply water-based lube before insertion.

“It’s quite common for people to buy sex toys which are too big for their anatomy the first time,” Laino says, which is why smaller is always better when trying a sex toy for the first time. This is especially true when it comes to anal toys: It's easy to cause yourself pain or even injury if you're overzealous when inserting it, so out of an abundance of caution, consider starting with a super-slim product like this one. It tops out at less than an inch wide, so it's an approachable introduction for the anal-curious, regardless of gender or anatomy.

Pros: Small size makes it beginner-friendly; tapered tip for easier insertion; contoured shape for sphincter stimulation; crescent-shaped base fits comfortably between butt cheeksCons: May not be large/satisfying enough for some users; can’t be used with silicone-based lubes

Tantus Compact

SheVibe

Materials: SiliconeHow to Use: Apply water-based lube before insertion.

If you're into exploring anal stimulation, this ultra-slim dildo is one of the best ways to ease into pegging or solo play. The mild curve is good for hitting the prostate, and the texture on the shaft can stimulate the anal walls pleasurably on each thrust.

Pros: Beginner-friendly small size; slight curve for prostate (or G-spot) stimulation; mildly textured shaft for extra stimulation; harness-compatibleCons: May not be large/satisfying enough for some users; can’t be used with silicone-based lubes

Liberator Jaz

Brookstone

Materials: Polyurethane foam, polyester liner, and microvelvet coverHow to Use: Place wherever you want some lift, some support, or a different angle—such as under your hips (or your partner’s) in various sex positions. If needed, zip off the removable cover after using and machine-wash it.

By Sean Manning

By The Editors of GQ

By Gerald Ortiz

Ever find yourself wishing you had a little more support in certain sex positions, either to make yourself (or your partner) more comfortable or to change your angle of approach? This firm pillow is designed specifically for that purpose. It comes highly recommended by many experts, including sex journalist and ex-porn star Kitty Stryker, who says it can help you achieve comfier positions for anything from masturbation to oral sex to strap-on play.

Pros: Soft, machine-washable microvelvet cover; moisture-resistant lining; provides support for various positionsCons: May be too narrow for some users; may be too large to fit well alongside your other stuff in a small suitcase when traveling

Unbound Cuffies

Unbound

Materials: SiliconeHow to Use: Slip the cuffs onto your wrists (or your partner’s wrists). Take them off immediately if you notice any tingling or numbness, and never leave a person in bondage unattended in case they need assistance.

Bondage is one of the most popular kinks for newbies to the world of BDSM, and bondage products don't get much simpler than these cuffs. You just slip 'em on and you're good to go—no fussing with buckles or locks required. While they're easy for beginners to master, even seasoned bondage pros can enjoy them.

Pros: Easier/faster to put on than most cuffs; won’t cut off your circulation like metal cuffs; stretchy and therefore easier to remove and put onCons: Not as secure as traditional cuffs; may not fit all wrist sizes (two-inch internal diameter)