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Jun 23, 2023

9 Best Ball

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 best sex toys

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 best sex toys for men include a wide array of categories, but an underrated grouping is that for ball-stimulating sex toys. When it comes to underrated pleasure zones, the balls and scrotum are right up there with the palms of the hands, the inner thighs, and that spot where your shoulder meets your neck. Since they’re not considered a central source of sexual pleasure, they’re far too often cast aside. “Most people don't see how to incorporate them, or the benefits, so we tend to let them just hang in the background,” says Chad Zizelman, a certified clinical sexuality coach. “Those of us with balls often don't know what to do with them, so why would partners who don't have them?”

But despite the balls and scrotum typically being relegated to a supporting role (if that) in any given sexual encounter, there are countless inventive ways to stimulate them. For instance, cupping them, stroking them, and tugging on them can feel good. Vibrators, cock rings, and ball-stretchers can all create interesting scrotal sensations. Some people take ball-play even further, such as by using kinky “ball-crushers” for sadomasochistic play (ouch!) or by engaging in “muffing,” a sex act described by the late Mira Bellwether in her zine Fucking Trans Women, which can involve using the testicles to penetrate the inguinal canals.

But for the purposes of this article, let’s assume you just want to incorporate some basic balls-based pleasure into sex or masturbation and don’t know where to start. “With the balls being so intimidating, I find that simpler is better,” Zizelman points out. There’s a surprising number of toys that work well for precisely that purpose. Let’s talk about some of the best ones.

Just can't wait to explore your nether regions? Here, our top picks for the best ball-stimulating sex toys.

CalExotics Island Rings

Amazon

Materials: Thermoplastic rubberHow to Use: Apply water-based lube to your penis and scrotum and to the inside of one of the rings. Slide it down to the base of your flaccid or semi-erect penis, and then pull your balls through the ring one at a time. Remove the ring immediately if you feel any pain, tingling, or numbness.

Some people prefer to use cock rings around their shaft only, which might be more comfortable, especially if you're on the girthier side. But if you've got a ring that's flexible enough, like this favorite of Zizelman's, it can be stretched around the base of your shaft and your balls, increasing its positive effects. "Around the shaft, you are going to get restricted blood flow to help keep a strong and longer-lasting erection," Zizelman says. "When they are applied to both the shaft and balls, though, you will also get the benefit of lasting longer without ejaculation [because] the scrotum will have a more difficult time contracting during orgasm." Since you get three rings for under $10, this product is a great first purchase if you're interested in ball-play.

Pros: Inexpensive; comes with three different-sized rings to try; increases stamina, erection strength, and sensitivity; “pleasure beads” for extra stimulationCons: Made of a porous material that will break down faster than silicone and can’t be cleaned as thoroughly

Oxballs Cocksling 2.0

Amazon

Materials: Blend of thermoplastic rubber and siliconeHow to Use: Apply water-based lube to your penis and scrotum and to the inside of the sling. Slide your flaccid or semi-erect penis into the largest hole, and then pull your balls through the other hole one at a time. Remove the sling immediately if you feel any pain, tingling, or numbness.

The idea of a "ball-stretcher" might sound scary, but this type of product actually stretches your scrotum rather than your balls, similarly to how it would be stretched if you gently pulled downward on your sack. This toy functions similarly to a cock ring, inhibiting bloodflow out of your penis to enable a stronger and longer-lasting erection, but it'll also give you that nice ball-tugging sensation at the same time. "I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. The material is extremely soft and has a good amount of stretch," one Amazon reviewer enthused. "It pulls on your balls with a good amount of pressure and feels great."

Pros: Tugs gently on balls and scrotum; increases erection strength, sensitivity, and stamina; stretchy and comfortable; anatomical channel at the bottom of the sling prevents the “pinching” sensation some cock rings cause during orgasmCons: Made of a porous material that will break down faster than pure silicone and can’t be cleaned as thoroughly

Doc Johnson cock ties (2-pack)

Lovehoney

Materials: SiliconeHow to Use: Apply water-based lube to your penis and scrotum and to the inside of one of the ties. Slide it down to the base of your flaccid or semi-erect penis, and then pull your balls through the ring one at a time. Adjust the tightness as needed. Remove the tie immediately if you feel any pain, tingling, or numbness.

If you like the idea of a cock ring that goes around your balls as well, but worried about finding the right fit, maybe you'd prefer an entirely adjustable toy. Zizelman loves and recommends these "cock ties" for exactly this reason. "You have complete control of how restricting they are, and can adjust them very quick," he says. “Even in the middle of intercourse, you can reach down and just pull the little bead and lessen the restriction with ease.”

Pros: Stretchy and fully adjustable; increases erection strength, sensitivity, and stamina; easy to remove quickly if need beCons: Sliders may pinch skin or pull pubic hair

CalExotics silicone ball spreader

SheVibe

Materials: SiliconeHow to Use: Apply water-based lube to your penis and scrotum and to the inside of one of the ties. Slide it down to the base of your flaccid or semi-erect penis, and then pull your balls through the other two rings one at a time. Remove the tie immediately if you feel any pain, tingling, or numbness.

By Sean Manning

By The Editors of GQ

By Gerald Ortiz

While many cock rings pull your balls downward or push them forward, there aren't many that spread them and pull them slightly outward like this one. It makes for an interesting sensation, and also isolates each ball so your partner can lick them or suck on them more easily. "WOW," one PinkCherry reviewer wrote. "Tight on the balls and cock! Once hard, kept ultra hard and the wife loved it! I did too!"

Pros: Increases erection strength, sensitivity, and stamina; pulls balls down and outward; isolates balls for easier accessCons: May not fit larger balls; some users report that getting the product on is difficult and can be painful if not done carefully

Dame Pom

Dame

Materials: SiliconeBattery Life: About 1 hourHow to Use: Apply water-based lubricant to the toy if desired and put it on any external body part you want to stimulate. Hold the power button down to turn the toy on or off, and use the other two buttons to change the vibration intensity.

It's understandable that you might not want to buy a toy designed just for balls stimulation, especially if you're not sure you'll like it. This little vibrator fits perfectly into the palm of your hand and can feel good on not only the balls and scrotum, but also the perineum and frenulum. You can use it with a partner, too—it fits nicely between bodies during penetrative sex. "It is very soft and I love how it’s curved to fit," one reviewer on the Dame website wrote. "This is my first vibrator so I would say it is beginner-friendly and works well."

Pros: Strong, rumbly vibrations; five intensity levels and five vibration patterns; fits unobtrusively into the palm of your hand; comfortably squishy and flexible; waterproof; quietCons: Short battery life

Lovehoney Double Fun Vibrating Beaded Double Penetration Strap-On

Lovehoney

Materials: SiliconeHow to Use: Lube up the inside of the cock ring and stretch it down onto the base of your flaccid or semi-erect shaft. Remove it immediately if you feel any numbness, tingling, or pain.

This thing is essentially a cock ring attached to a vibrating butt plug, but what sets it apart from other such toys is the clitoral stimulator for use on your partner. The vibrator itself has two speeds and five vibration patterns, while the beaded shaft adds extra pleasure for penetrative sex. "I had a great time with this toy, even as someone who is newer to anal play!," one Lovehoney reviewer wrote. "The beaded probe is on the narrower side which is great for semi-beginners, plus the feeling of the beads is super unique and pleasurable."

Pros: Very stretchy ring; increases erection strength, sensitivity, and stamina; two vibration speeds and five functions; waterproofCons: Some users report that it might be too tight

MysteryVibe Tenuto 2

Amazon

Materials: SiliconeBattery Life: 2 hoursHow to Use: Apply water-based lube to your penis and to the inside of the ring. Open the Tenuto’s “wings” outward and stretch it down onto the base of your flaccid or semi-erect penis, so that the vibrating portion sits underneath your balls, or pull them through the opening at the bottom of the toy for more constriction. Control the toy with its buttons or by connecting it to the MysteryVibe app.

By Sean Manning

By The Editors of GQ

By Gerald Ortiz

This luxe toy is a cock ring that also stimulates your balls and perineum, and can provide some pleasurable vibrations for your partner during penetrative sex as well. It's a bit clunky, and reviewers tend to report that its design could use some work, but with its four powerful motors, it's probably the most intense vibrating cock ring that also cups your balls. You can even control it with your phone and create your own custom vibration patterns. "It's probably not enough to send you to the moon, but it definitely provides variety to enhance other forms of stimulation," one Amazon reviewer wrote. "Worth the money. I've seen no other product like this."

Pros: Stimulates penis, perineum and balls all at once; can also stimulate your partner during penetrative sex; increases erection strength and sensitivity; four motors for intense vibrations; 16 vibration intensities and eight patterns; can be controlled via the MysteryVibe appCons: Expensive; only water-resistant (not fully waterproof); can be difficult to get the toy onto your penis and balls

Doc Johnson Super Ball Sucker

Amazon

Materials: Thermoplastic elastomerHow to Use: Apply water-based lubricant to the inside of the toy and slip your balls into it. Leave it still or stroke it up and down for more stimulation. Control the bullet vibrator with its one button.

Not many toys focus exclusively on the balls, but this is one of them. What with its squishy, textured interior and the way it generates subtle suction with each stroke, it's sort of like a Fleshlight for your sack – and it vibrates, too, amping up the sensations even further. You could pair it with masturbation or have your partner incorporate it into a blowjob or handjob for some added stimulation. "A truly unique design," one Amazon reviewer wrote. "This has a good suction effect; the long bullet [vibrator] is very powerful and has multiple settings. Fun all around."

Pros: Textured “massage cup”; included bullet vibrator has seven vibration functions; creates mild suction when stroked up and downCons: Porous material isn’t as durable or hygienic as silicone and some users report it has an odd coconut-like smell; vibrator uses disposable batteries; can’t easily be used hands-free

Balldo

Babeland

Materials: SiliconeHow to Use: Trim or shave the hair on your scrotum beforehand. Apply water-based lube all over your scrotum and to the inside of the Balldo. Gently tug your balls downward and stretch the Balldo around them, pushing your balls inside the toy one at a time, until the ring of the Balldo sits at the base of your scrotum. If you want more stability/rigidity, stretch one or both of the included “spacer rings” over the Balldo and down to the base of your scrotum, behind the Balldo. Then, get into position and slide the Balldo into your partner. (If this all sounds too complicated, check out a video tutorial.)

Ever wanted to penetrate someone with your balls? Frankly, probably not, but hey, guess what – you can! The Balldo basically turns your balls into a dildo, encasing them in a silicone sheath you can slide inside your partner's vagina or butt. There are openings on either side of the Balldo, so your balls will be stroked on every thrust. Some users—including my partner, when we tested this toy—have reported being able to have "ballgasms," i.e. climaxes from balls stimulation alone. Who knows whether "ballsex" will ever become a widespread practice, but if you're curious about it, this is the one and only toy I'm aware of that makes it possible!

Pros: Allows you to penetrate your partner with your balls, potentially creating new and unique sensations for both of you; doesn’t require an erectionCons: Can be difficult or uncomfortable to get on; can be hard to get used to thrusting with your balls; the dildo itself may be too short and/or girthy for some users’ penetration preferences