There are almost as many types of sex toys as there are sex positions — trying to pick one that fits your preferences can be harder than finishing your first CrossFit WOD. But most can be relegated to specific categories. To the rescue, sex and relationships educator Sarah Sloane (who's been teaching sex toy classes at Good Vibrations and Pleasure Chest since 2001) breaks down 12 of the most common types of sex toys with info on the benefits and best-use practices for each. (Related: I've Tried 100+ Vibrators — and My Favorite Looks Like a Banana)
(Keep in mind: This list doesn't include all types of sex toys — if you have Q's about toys such as nipple clamps, handcuffs, pinwheels, spreader bars, fetish gear, etc. don't hesitate to ask the expert at your local sex shop or sex shop onine!)
Vibrators are probably the most common type of sex toy, and when you hear the word, you likely visualize the notorious Hitachi Magic Wand
"Wand vibrators typically offer vibrations at a higher RPM, so they're more intense than other vibes," says Sloane. "They work really well for people with vulvas or penises who enjoy a strong sensation, or who have difficulty getting fully aroused without intense stimulation."
Wand vibes can also be used for applying stimulation to your non-nether regions — they double as back and shoulder massagers, a teasing tool to trace on someone's bod, or a very intense nipple toy, says Sloane.
Clitoral vibes have emerged as their own category, according to Sloane. They're typically much smaller, less phallic-shaped, and are intended specifically for (yep) the clit. "These are best for people who like direct clitoral stimulation," she says.
That said, there are a variety of shapes and sizes under the clit vibe umbrella. Or, you can go with a more straightforward bullet vibe such as the xinghaoya which looks like (obv) a bullet. There are also clit vibrators that look like everyday objects like lipstick and/or a necklace — fun!
True to their name, clit suction toys use air pressure to create a gentle sucking. "They're a very, very different sensation than vibrators; people who really love oral sex or the feeling of a partner curving their tongue around their clitoris and folks who find vibration patterns too intense tend to like these," says Sloane.
Sexpert tip: If you're trying a clit suction toy because your clit is ultra-sensitive, first use it over your panties to warm up, then apply a dab of lube to the tip of the toy. "Super sensitive clitorises typically need more warm-up than going from zero to a suction toy," says Sloane. Makes sense. (This type of sex toy sound up your alley? Then you should definitely check out the best clit suction toys on the market, too.)
ICYWW, dildos are qualified as a dildo if they're "anything vaguely phallic-shaped that is meant to simulate penile penetration," says Sloane. They can be any length or girth — there are ones that are 2 inches and ones that are monster-sized." She says that people who enjoy the feeling of being penetrated or like the feeling of fullness in their vagina or anus might count these as one of the best types of sex toys.
Note: While dildos are meant to simulate penile penetration, that doesn't mean that all dildos look like realistic penises. In fact, most don't — there are even some that like icicles, tentacles, or candy canes. (That said, if you are looking for a realistic dildo, no one does it better than New York Toy Collective).
When it comes to all the types of sex toys out there, butt plugs are great for experimenting with anal play. "They can teach your body to accept anal penetration and train your sphincter to relax around different-sized toys," explains Sloane. But, lest you think butt plugs are only a stepping stone to full-blown anal, she says, "they're awesome for stimulating the ring of nerves around the anus."
What's the difference between using a butt plug and using a dildo in the butt? "I tell people that dildos are more dynamic and meant to be taken in and out, while butt plugs typically go in and stay in to give a sustained, feeling of fullness," explains Sloane. Plus, butt plugs have a flared base, which means they can be used safely without being attached to something like a harness. (See more about why butt plugs need a flared base here.)
Thanks to their slight curve or expertly positioned bump, G-spot toys make it easy to apply firm pressure to the G-Spot (which, yes, does exist). For your foray into these kinds of sex toys, Sloane recommends what she calls an "egg-on-a-stick" toy. "They're great starter toys because they can be used internally and externally, for G-spot or A-spot play, and are typically pretty inexpensive." She recommends the Blush Novelties G Slim Classic
A rabbit toy is a combo of two types of sex toys: an external vibrator and a G-spot toy. "It has an external part that usually looks like rabbit ears that provides vibration to the clitoris, while a second attachment goes inside the vagina for G-spot stimulation," explains Sloane. She says this kind of sex toy is best for people who find duel sensations pleasurable or those who want to experiment with blended orgasms.
Shopping tip: "Make sure the toy you purchase allows you to control the vibrator patterns of both legs separately because usually the G-spot and clitoris need different intensities,"
