Whether you're brand new to sex toys or just looking to expand your collection, knowing what's out there is the first step to finding what works for you. The world of pleasure products has grown enormously — and that's a good thing. More options means more ways to find exactly what your body loves.
Here's your no-judgment, no-confusion breakdown of every major type of sex toy.
Vibrators
Vibrators are the most popular category of sex toys — and for good reason. They use motor-powered vibration to stimulate erogenous zones and come in dozens of styles.
- Bullet vibrators — Small, discreet, and precise. Great for clitoral stimulation and beginners.
- Wand vibrators — Larger, more powerful, and great for broad stimulation. A favorite for those who like intensity.
- Rabbit vibrators — Dual-stimulators with an internal shaft and external clitoral arm for simultaneous pleasure.
- G-spot vibrators — Curved to target the G-spot internally.
- Suction & air pulse vibrators — Use contactless air pressure to mimic oral sex on the clitoris. Wildly popular.
- App-controlled vibrators — Connect to a smartphone app for customizable patterns and partner control from anywhere.
Best for: Anyone with a vulva, beginners, couples, long-distance partners.
Dildos
Dildos are non-vibrating insertable toys designed for penetration. They come in a huge range of sizes, shapes, and materials.
- Realistic dildos — Designed to look and feel like a penis, often with veining and skin-like texture
- Non-realistic dildos — Abstract shapes, smooth finishes, and artistic designs
- Double-ended dildos — For simultaneous penetration or partner play
- Strap-on dildos — Designed to be worn with a harness for partner penetration
Best for: Anyone who enjoys penetration, solo or partnered play, strap-on play.
Cock Rings
Cock rings are worn at the base of the penis (or penis and testicles) to restrict blood flow, helping maintain erections and intensify orgasms. Many include a vibrating component for added stimulation.
- Stretchy silicone rings — Flexible, beginner-friendly, and easy to use
- Vibrating cock rings — Add clitoral stimulation for a partner during penetrative sex
- Adjustable rings — Great for beginners who want a customizable fit
Best for: Penis owners, couples seeking mutual stimulation during sex.
Anal Toys
The anal category covers a wide range of toys designed for backdoor stimulation — for all genders and orientations.
- Butt plugs — Insertable toys designed to stay in place during solo or partnered play
- Anal beads — A string of graduated beads for insertion and removal stimulation
- Prostate massagers — Curved toys designed to target the prostate (P-spot) for intense male orgasms
- Anal vibrators — Butt plugs and prostate massagers with vibration
Best for: Anyone curious about anal play, prostate owners, couples.
Safety note: Always use toys with a flared base for anal play — this prevents toys from getting lost inside the body.
Masturbators & Strokers
Designed for penis owners, masturbators and strokers simulate the sensation of penetrative sex.
- Pocket strokers — Compact, textured sleeves for discreet solo play
- Masturbators — Full-size devices with realistic openings and internal textures
- Vibrating strokers — Add vibration for enhanced sensation
- Automatic & thrusting masturbators — Hands-free devices with motorized stroking motion
- App-controlled masturbators — Interactive toys from brands like Lovense that sync with video content or partner devices
Best for: Penis owners, solo play, long-distance couples.
Couples Toys
Designed to be used with a partner during sex, couples toys enhance mutual pleasure.
- Wearable vibrators — Worn internally during penetrative sex to stimulate both partners simultaneously
- Vibrating cock rings — Worn by the penetrating partner to add clitoral stimulation
- Remote-controlled toys — One partner wears, the other controls
- App-controlled couples sets — Long-distance intimacy tools from brands like Lovense and Svakom
Best for: Couples looking to enhance partnered sex, long-distance relationships.
Kegel & Pelvic Floor Toys
Kegel exercisers are designed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles — which can improve bladder control, sexual sensation, and orgasm intensity.
- Kegel balls — Weighted balls worn internally to engage pelvic floor muscles
- Smart Kegel trainers — App-connected devices that guide pelvic floor workouts
Best for: Anyone looking to improve pelvic floor health, postpartum recovery, enhanced orgasms.
BDSM & Bondage Accessories
BDSM toys cover a wide range of power exchange, sensation play, and restraint products.
- Restraints & handcuffs — Wrist and ankle restraints in leather, fabric, and metal
- Blindfolds & sensory deprivation — Remove sight to heighten other senses
- Paddles, floggers & whips — Impact play tools ranging from gentle to intense
- Nipple clamps — Adjustable clamps for nipple stimulation and sensation play
- Fetish masks & hoods — For immersive role play and sensory deprivation
Best for: Those exploring power dynamics, sensation play, and kink.
Lubricants & Intimacy Accessories
Not a toy exactly, but essential for comfortable, pleasurable play.
- Water-based lube — Safe with all toys and condoms; easy to clean
- Silicone-based lube — Longer-lasting but not compatible with silicone toys
- Flavored lube — Great for oral play
- Warming & cooling lubes — Add sensation during use
- Toy cleaners — Keep your toys hygienic between uses
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best sex toy for beginners? A bullet vibrator or suction toy is the most popular starting point — small, affordable, and effective for clitoral stimulation.
Are sex toys safe? Yes, when made from body-safe materials like silicone, ABS plastic, glass, or stainless steel. Always check the material before buying.
Do I need lube with sex toys? For most insertable toys, yes. Lube reduces friction, increases comfort, and enhances sensation. Use water-based lube with silicone toys.
How do I clean sex toys? Wash with warm water and mild soap or a dedicated toy cleaner after every use. Non-porous materials are easiest to clean thoroughly.
Can couples use sex toys together? Absolutely — and many toys are specifically designed for partnered use. Vibrating cock rings, wearable vibrators, and app-controlled toys are all great options.
Ready to Explore?
Browse our full range of body-safe, discreetly shipped pleasure products at Sweetly Sassy Toys. Not sure where to start? Check out our beginner's guide to choosing your first vibrator or shop our Kits & Bundles for curated starter sets.
Holly is a Certified Sex & Kink Educator and Relationship & Intimacy Coach with more than 20 years of experience in sexual wellness and pleasure products. She is the founder of Sweetly Sassy Toys and The Pleasure Professor.