Jun 18, 2023
14 Best Sex Machines Of 2023
Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. Why Trust Us? There's even one called "The Unicorn." From The Stepford Wives to Westworld,
Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. Why Trust Us?
There's even one called "The Unicorn."
From The Stepford Wives to Westworld, fiction has chronicled advances in AI—notably how humans love to develop interactive sex robots. While this fantasy could certainly become reality within our lifetime, in the meantime, sex machines are filling a growing market for people interested in sex toys that offer even more bang for their buck.
“Sex machines can take you to pound town with more intense and faster thrusting than a partner may be able to provide,” says Javay Frye-Nekrasova, a certified sex educator for Lovehoney. And sure, if you look at pictures of sex machines online, they can seem overwhelming at first. But once you understand how they work—and their many potential benefits—you'll want to *add to cart* ASAP (especially if another night swiping on Tinder is the alternative).
But before you shop till your panties drop, peruse these FAQs first:
If you’re imagining a mechanical bull (à la Urban Cowboy) but with a sex toy mounted on top, well, you’re not wrong. Yes, some sex machines can be massive (and intimidating), but many more are actually much smaller and more accessible for the average user.
In fact, a sex machine can be pretty simple. “[A sex machine is] a mechanized appliance that provides sexual experiences whether or not a partner is with you—the term is often used for machines that stroke or thrust, less so for items like vibrators,” says Carol Queen, PhD, a sexologist with sex toy company Good Vibrations. “Sex machines are usually (though not always) larger than other sex toys.” Indeed, picture a saddle-type machine with a dildo positioned in the middle for the user can straddle. Or, there are sex machines that simulate oral sex—both licking and thrusting, depending on your anatomy and preferences.
Ultimately, there are sex machines that can do just about anything! But a few common styles, according to Queen, include:
Any handyperson will tell you it’s important to use the right tool for the job. And that advice applies to sex toys, too. Sure, vibrators, dildos, and strokers can be a lot of fun, but sometimes you’re looking for more stimulation. “If someone enjoys deep, rapid penetration or simultaneous sucking and stroking, no other toy (or human) can give the kind of stimulation that sex machines can offer without taking breaks,” says Sarah Tomchesson, Lovehoney’s resident sexual wellness expert.
Whether you’re craving more intensity or more elaborate sensations, there’s probably a sex machine that will get the job done—and well. Sex machines bring versatility to the bedroom, and can be a great addition to everything from BDSM play to simulating a threesome with only two people involved.
Below, Queen offers a few more reasons a sex machine might be a worthwhile investment:
High-quality sex toys are often an investment, and that’s doubly true for sex machines. Some come with price tags into four figures. So before buying, it’s important to do your research and make sure the sex machine you think you want is actually a good fit for you and your desired sensations.
Ahead, Queen offers a checklist of questions to consider while shopping:
Unfortunately, there's no official seal of approval for sex machines, so it’s important to shop at reputable sex toy stores that have already done extensive research on the brands they carry. “Shopping with a reputable retailer is one of the best ways to ensure you’re buying safe, legitimate products,” says Frye-Nekrasova.
User reviews are another helpful resource when considering a serious sex machine investment. “Actual user feedback will help you determine if you can achieve your desired fantasy,” says Tomchesson. “In that vein, sex machines that offer versatility are the best investment and can be used in a number of ways to achieve different sensations and experiences. Compare the features and user reviews to find your perfect match.”
You can also read reviews on retailer and manufacturer websites, Queen suggests, with one caveat; “Just remember to read between the lines for ‘This person was expecting something the machine could not deliver’ vibes or ‘Yikes, seems like they probably used it wrong.’ [These reviews are] definitely informational, but not necessarily indicative of quality or your own experience.”
As with all sex toys, “best” is subjective. Ultimately, the best toy for you will be the one that has the right features to meet your needs. So with that in mind, check out these 14 popular and well-reviewed sex machines:
Perhaps the best-known sex machine (and a kink porn mainstay), the Sybian is the original sex machine. Developed in the 1980s, the Sybian even graced the cover of Penthouse Forum in 1987. The Sybian may look simple at first, with its no-frills saddle-style base, but with a nearly endless variety of attachments available, this machine can provide a wide range of sensations. There are attachments for grinding, vaginal penetration, anal penetration, and any combination of those desires. The knob-style control of the Sybian also allows you to take the intensity from mild to wild, with separate vibration and rotation controls to customize your experience.
Rave Review: “I'm notoriously hard to get off, especially with an audience, but this thing can RIP A GUSHING O OUT OF YOU IN SECONDS. I'm not even exaggerating.”
The Cowgirl takes the classic saddle-style sex machine and gives it a modern upgrade. The saddle base is made from vegan leather, and the toy can be controlled by an app from anywhere in the world—perfect for keeping long-distance relationships spicy. “The Cowgirl offers versatility, fantasy fulfillment, and a range of fun features,” says Tomchesson. “The app-controlled riding machine allows you to give control to a partner, boasts a 360-degree swivel rotation, multiple vibration modes, and two interchangeable hygienic silicone attachments that allow you to explore your favorite way to ride.” Giddy up!
Rave Review: “Oh my, where do I even start... I guess I should start off by saying that it works extremely well, providing lots of pleasure. Me and my girlfriend did this together and it was even more fun. Although it's hefty price, I would buy it again!”
Want a sex machine that won’t break the bank, and even fits in a suitcase? The Love Thrust might be for you. This compact sex machine offers three different speeds plus a variety of vibration patterns to try. It also has a suction cup base that can be attached to smooth surfaces and adjusted to the penetration angle of your liking.
Rave Review: “This thing is amazing! Great battery life, powerful, bigger range of motion than any other I've tried, and very rewarding to use!”
If your summer vacation happens to be on a private island, why not stay on theme with an inflatable sex machine? You can really ride the wave of pleasure with this "floaty"! The Dark Magic comes with three vibrator attachments in a range of sizes and provides thrusting action, too. Unlike the saddle-style toys, the Dark Magic allows you to sit back and relax while enjoying the range of sensations this machine provides. Bonus: It even includes leg supports.
Rave Review: “We decided to take the plunge into a sex machine and chose this one as a starter. I have to admit at first it looked a little daunting but once the wife had straddled it I could see her eyes rolling into the back of her head.”
The aptly-named Sexobot provides the intense vibration and thrusting power you’d expect from something called a “sex machine” and its high-tech black and yellow color scheme further leans into the machine fantasy vibes. You can either set the angle and speed before you start to play or keep the remote in hand to customize the experience in real time. Of course, you can also hand the remote off to a partner for coupled play.
Rave Review: “...Having the machine pound me, I had a super-strong orgasm... It was a huge turn on... It feels so much like the real thing and if you rub your clit or have a partner joining in, the orgasms are very intense.”
The Cloud 9 is more ergonomic than many sex machines, so those who can’t get comfortable on saddle-style toys might especially appreciate the chair style of this option. And though this sex chair only comes with one dildo, it has an adaptor that will allow you to use the chair with any of your favorite dildos—a nice bonus compared to only buying branded attachments. Worth noting: This machine is entirely mechanical, meaning it’s powered by your own movements. You can hop on and ride it the way you would a partner, or another person can guide the handle and provide thrusting motion for you.
Rave Review: “The verdict for this sex machine is that it is actually better than some electronic plug-in ones I’ve explored. The thing I like the most is that it really is effortless during use, and I don’t tire as quickly when I use it when compared to riding one of my lovers.”
“Keon by Kiroo delivers an interactive blow-job experience unlike any toy. Link your toy to a variety of virtual reality video content, and let it move up and down your shaft to your liking,” says Tomchesson. You can even customize the speed and length of the strokes for a truly one-of-a-kind orgasm.
Rave Review: “This thing is solid, well made, and feels so good! I love the different variations in speed that you can use when you want long deep strokes, or you want quick shallow strokes. What is so good is the hands-free action when you orgasm.”
This purple beauty brings the power of a sex machine to your hands. Unlike sex machines you ride or mount on the wall or floor, you hold this toy like a standard vibrator. But that’s where anything “standard” stops. Rather than vibrate, this toy uses dual motors to provide realistic thrusting options that mimic partnered sex.
Rave Review: “It brought about the MOST exquisite, incredible, full-body orgasm I ever experienced!”
The Power Banger delivers up to 195 strokes per minute, with customizable positioning and stroke length. Unlike the saddle-style toys that you can ride, the Power Banger provides thrusting motion you can approach either on your back or on all fours. Just make sure you start with one of the smaller depth options until you get the hang of it.
Fair warning: This toy relies on four suction cups to keep it in place, so you’ll need a suitable surface to attach it to. (If all else fails, a shower or bath may do the trick.)
Rave Review: “Big enough to do it's job and make you feel it. Small enough to let you last and last.”
The Stronic Surf straddles the line between sex machine and vibrator. Unlike most vibrators, the Stronic line of Fun Factory toys provide a thrusting motion, which many users find pleasurable. For people who enjoy vaginal penetration and G-spot stimulation, these thrusting toys do what standard vibrators can’t. This toy can even be held between the thighs to be enjoyed hands-free.
Rave Review: “This is a great toy. The different settings are excellent, there's one for every mood (always gets me to the finishing line if I'm struggling). It hits all my criteria: nice texture, easy to wash, rechargeable, holds a charge, comfortable handle, good controls.”
Want to DIY your very own sex machine? (No tools required!) You can with the Wanda, a wedge sex pillow designed to hold a wand-style vibrator. Once your favorite vibrator is in place, you can straddle the Wanda upright or doggy-style for a wild ride either alone or with a partner. And because wand-style vibes also have attachments, you can make the Wanda work for penetration, too.
Rave Review: “This mount is so much fun. It's a good height for me, a 5'8" woman, and it's sturdy enough to hold up. It's comfortable to use and the color is a nice purple. It is soft and velvety to the touch.”
Another entry in the saddle-style sex machine genre, the Motorbunny is so similar to the Sybian that their attachments are interchangeable. But the Motorbunny stands out from similar toys with the inclusion of four eyelets—one at each corner—making it a great choice for kink play, like attaching someone to the toy with wrist and ankle restraints.
Rave Review: “Got this to watch my girlfriend ride and it was quite the show! Be ready to help her up and carry her to the bed afterwards.”
Quite possibly the cutest sex machine out there, The Unicorn can bring a wide range of fantasies to life. This toy is fully committed to its look, including a rainbow sky floor mat and a rainbow unicorn tail—that doubles as a detachable flogger. Some of the attachments even mimic the texture and swirl of a unicorn horn!
Sex machines aren’t only for penetration, they can also provide sensations to mimic oral sex. The Message in a Bottle offers a combination of thrusting, spinning, and stroking to mimic the offerings of an enthusiastic partner. It even comes with headphones and multiple audio tracks to enhance the fantasy. And thanks to the suction cup mount, this toy can also be used hands-free, so there’s nothing in the way of your fantasy or enjoyment.
Javay Frye-Nekrasova is a certified sex educator for Lovehoney.
Carol Queen, PhD, is a staff sexologist with sex toy company Good Vibrations.
Sarah Tomchesson is Lovehoney’s resident sexual wellness expert.
Stella Harris is a certified intimacy educator, professional coach, trained mediator, and the author of Tongue Tied: Untangling Communication in Sex, Kink, and Relationships and The Ultimate Guide to Threesomes. Her freelance career is never dull; highlights include being sent to a strip club with a press pass, appearing on the evening news to discuss the importance of sex education in schools, and speaking as an authority on banana slug mating habits. In her free time, she curls up with scary books and horror movies.
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