The 15 Best Sex Toys for Solo & Couple Play, According to Reviews
Overview
From remote-controlled favorites to beginner-friendly vibrators, the market for intimate wellness products has expanded well beyond the discreet, one-size-fits-all designs of a decade ago. Today's lineup spans app-connected devices, body-safe silicone options, and toys built specifically for shared use between partners. This guide breaks down the main categories worth knowing before you shop, along with the practical factors reviewers consistently flag as most important.
Why the Category Has Grown
Increased openness around sexual wellness, combined with more retailers (from specialty boutiques to mainstream beauty and health platforms) carrying these products, has pushed brands to compete on design, materials, and functionality rather than novelty alone. That competition has translated into better build quality, quieter motors, and more intuitive controls — all details that show up repeatedly in customer reviews.
Key Categories to Know
Remote-Controlled Toys
Designed for use during partnered play or long-distance relationships, these devices are typically controlled via a handheld remote or smartphone app, allowing one partner to adjust intensity or patterns without needing to be in physical control of the toy itself.
Beginner-Friendly Vibrators
For first-time buyers, reviewers generally recommend smaller, simpler designs with straightforward one-button controls, moderate price points, and a limited number of settings — reducing the learning curve compared to multi-function devices.
Couples' Toys
Built to be worn or used by two people simultaneously, this category includes wearable vibrators designed for intercourse and dual-stimulation devices, often prioritizing a low profile and quiet operation.
What to Look For Before Buying
Regardless of category, a few factors come up consistently in product reviews and buying guides: material safety (body-safe, phthalate-free silicone is the industry standard), waterproof or water-resistant ratings for easy cleaning, battery life and charging method (USB-rechargeable is now standard over disposable batteries), and noise level, which matters more than many first-time buyers expect.
Care and Maintenance
Proper cleaning after each use — typically with mild soap and water or a dedicated toy cleaner — and storage in a breathable pouch away from direct sunlight helps extend the lifespan of silicone products and maintain hygiene.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do more expensive toys perform better? Not always — price often reflects app connectivity or premium materials rather than core functionality, and several budget options receive strong reviews for basic performance.
Are these products discreet to purchase? Most major retailers now ship in unmarked packaging, a shift that has contributed to the category's mainstream growth.
Source
Originally published at www.harpersbazaar.com.