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The best sex toys for masturbation that anybody can enjoy

Elevate your me-time this Masturbation May.
By Bethany Allard  on 
All products featured here are independently selected by our editors and writers. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission.

May is National Masturbation Month, and we're celebrating with Feeling Yourself, a series exploring the finer points of self-pleasure.


Yeah, masturbating is cool, but have you ever tried masturbating with sex toys?

We want to be clear, we say this with all the love in our hearts toward using your hands. But, if you're a power hand user that's interested in something else — not necessarily something more — then sex toys can be a great way to explore sensations that are physically impossible to create without some kind of tech.

The world of sex toys is vast, meaning there's a high likelihood that there's something out there you'll like. With all those options, it also means shopping for a new sex toy can be overwhelming. And though there are worse things than going through some trial-and-error with vibrators and dildos, shopping with a sense of what works, what's built to last, and what's safe to use helps avoids some frustration (and some dollars spent, since many places don't accept sex toy returns).

Whether you're looking to buy your first-ever toy or are rounding out your collection, we've rounded out a list of our top picks (plus some extras) of the best sex toys for getting busy with yourself.

The big benefits of using sex toys for masturbation

Most people that masturbate with regularity have a tried and true routine. While knowing how to get yourself off is a handy (sorry) skill, there's also something to be said about introducing a bit of variety.

For starters, if you're in a masturbation rut, you might be able to get there physically, but you still find yourself emotionally, spiritually, and who knows, maybe even still physically, wanting something more. Maybe you'd simply like to take more time before reaching climax or you want to figure out if you have any undiscovered turn-ons. Sex toys can help.

If you're a fan of clit stimulation, for instance, but have trouble breaking out of your usual ways, the Womanizer Premium's Autopilot mode builds the teasing and surprise into the process for you. For penis-having people used to the feel of their own hand, masturbation sleeves like the Fleshlight or Tenga Eggs allow for easy variety in sensation and grip strength.

As Anna Lee, the co-founder of Lioness, said of sex toys, "There [are] so many different ways to explore like sensations and just what works for you and what doesn't. It's a feeling of sexual empowerment to be able to buy your own toy and be like, this is something that I bought for myself for a self-care moment.” And we love a self-care moment that involves pleasure and orgasming.

Anyone who wants to use sex toys for self-pleasure should

Dr. Justin Lehmiller, a research fellow at the Kinsey Institute and Scientific Advisor to Lovehoney(opens in a new tab), also noted that while the stigma surrounding masturbation spans across gender, it is particularly strong when it comes to men using sex toys.

"Some people seem to subscribe to this idea that 'real' men don’t need sex toys," Lehmiller wrote in an email. "Many men masturbate in the same exact way every time they do it. However, mixing it up can help you to understand yourself and your own body better." One particularly easy way to mix things up? Using sex toys.

The science backs the benefits, too. The Kinsey Institute and Lovehoney conducted a survey of 2,000 American adults and found that 69% of men found that masturbation allowed them to discover new turn-ons and sources of pleasure.

"This tells us that self-pleasure is self-exploration," Lehmiller wrote.

At the end of the day, no matter what gender you identify as, masturbation is your time to get in touch with yourself, despite the stigmas or negative attitudes that may exist around it.

"Remind yourself the myths and taboos surrounding masturbation are rooted in moralistic pseudoscience," Dr. Eric Sprankle, a clinical psychologist, sex therapist, and author of the upcoming book DIY: The Wonderfully Weird History and Science of Masturbation, wrote in an email to Mashable. "It’s all nonsense. Your body is your own, so you should feel free to do with it as you please."

And remember: masturbation doesn't have to be all about orgasming

Yes, orgasms feel great, but one of the best parts about using sex toys while masturbating is that it really emphasizes the journey and not the destination.

At the end of the day, masturbation is about enjoying yourself, getting in touch with your body, and feeling pleasure — all of which are possible, sans orgasm. Lee has a big presence on TikTok, and mentioned that most of the questions she receives from people on the app are some variation of "Is this normal?" I.e. Is liking a certain sensation normal? Is taking X amount of time normal? Is not orgasming every time normal?

For an activity that's supposed to be all about the self, it can be pretty easy to worry about what everyone else is doing. Our advice? Find your pleasure in your journey, specific to you. Worst case? You don't come and you've given yourself a bunch of pleasurable feelings. Best case? You come and you've given yourself a bunch of pleasurable feelings. Once you stop seeing orgasming as the only goal, we promise your solo (and probably partnered) sex life will be so much better.

Are these toys good for just masturbating?

Of course not! If you want to incorporate a clit suction toy or a masturbation sleeve into partnered sex, go live your truth. The toys you'll find on this list are geared toward taking your time and exploring your body, which while fun with a partner, is especially gratifying to do at your own pace, on your own time.

That's also not to say this is an exhaustive list. Sexual pleasure is a deeply personal experience, so that super popular vibrator that everyone seems to rave about might not be your favorite, and that's more than okay.

"It’s trial and error, so don’t get discouraged if the first toy you try is a dud," Sprankle wrote. "Reflect on what you liked and disliked about it, and try another one that is closer to your interests. There’s a toy out there for everybody and every body."

So while we do highlight our top picks, we've also listed a few honorable mentions for each toy category you find on this list, just in case you're interested in checking out a wider variety of options.

Read Mashable's full review of the Luna Massage Wand.

Note: Luna has recently rebranded to AVA and released an updated version of this wand as their Premium Personal Massager(opens in a new tab). We're in the process of testing it now and will update this recommendation accordingly once we're done.

To be honest, most vibrators will probably feel pleasurable during masturbation, whatever body parts you're working with. But the Luna Massage Wand(opens in a new tab) stands out as an especially good pick for a solo sesh.

The head of the wand is just under two inches wide, meaning that you can get some more pinpointed stimulation if you want, but you get more flexibility than the tiny tip of a bullet vibe. Speaking of flexibility, the neck underneath the head bends, so the Luna can form some to the contours of your body, whether you're using it on your genitals or other erogenous zones.

Don't let its tiny size deceive you though — this wand vibrator is still a wand vibrator, so it packs a punch in the power department. Unlike other wand favorites like the classic Magic Wand(opens in a new tab), however, the Luna also has 20 vibration patterns, so you're not locked into the two settings of Intense or Really Intense that other wands might be limited to. And it's waterproof.

As of all that wasn't magic enough, you can also grab this vibrator for just under $30. If, however, you're looking for something a little less intense, that's still flexible, the Dame Pom(opens in a new tab) is another great (albeit pricier) pick. If you like the shape of the Pom but appreciate a vibe that offers the choice between pinpointed and widespread stimulation without a hefty price tag, the Maude Drop(opens in a new tab) might be best for you.

Honorable Mentions: Maude Drop(opens in a new tab) and Dame Pom(opens in a new tab)

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Read more from Mashable about the Womanizer Premium.

Womanizer's name sucks, but god damn does this suction toy deliver. At a whopping $199, the Womanizer Premium certainly lives up to its name, but thankfully, it has the features to back it up, too.

The Womanizer is a clitoral stimulator, meaning it uses air pulses, and not vibrations, to simulate a contact-free suction sensation. While there are other options on the market that can achieve this sensation, the Premium stands out for a few reasons. One, it comes with more than one size of stimulator head, which is useful since the better the fit, the better the suction, and obviously not everyone has the same sized clit.

Two, it has 14 intensity levels, is completely waterproof, and packs four hours of battery life. Now those specs alone might've made this toy our top clit stimulator pick. But what really set it over the edge (and what could very well do the same to you) is the Autopilot function. Turn it on, and the toy will oscillate between intensity levels all on its own, so you can avoid falling into the rut of using the one setting you know will get you there in 30 seconds flat.

If you're brand new to suction toys, you might want to check out something a bit budget-friendlier first — it's not that the Womanizer isn't worth it, it's just that suction toys aren't everyone's favorite, and Womanizer is one of those brands with a strict no return policy. The Unbound Puff(opens in a new tab) is super simple to use, small-storage space friendly, and clocks in under $50.

For about $10 more, the new Satisfyer Pro 2(opens in a new tab) (a recent favorite of ours) offers air stimulation and vibrations, an ergonomic design that makes maneuvering it into place a cinch, and Bluetooth capabilities that let you get creative.

Honorable mentions: Unbound Puff(opens in a new tab) and Satisfyer Pro 2(opens in a new tab)

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Read Mashable's full review of the Thruster Mini.

Masturbation can be a lot of fun, but it can also be a lot of work. And while the effort is worth it, we all deserve a low-effort, high-reward sex toy. Enter the Thruster Mini.

As the name suggests, the Thruster Mini is a dildo that thrusts itself. Yes, it's a bit intense, yes, you should definitely try a standard dildo before graduating to this one, and yes, it freaking rules. While it's totally valid to feel a bit concerned about the safety of this toy, it was designed by literal aerospace engineers, so you can be rest assured some thought went into it.

The Thruster comes in several different sizes (though this mini option might be best for those new to automated fucking machines). The ultra-flexible dildo can pump 2.5 inches at six different speeds, meaning you can definitely start small and work your way up (all the way up to 128 strokes per minute). If your ideal masturbation session involves just lying there while the sex tech does the work, the Thruster can promise just that. Just remember to again — say it with me — use plenty of lube.

And if you want to be super hands-off, the Thruster's suction cup base sticks to the walls, floor, or anywhere else you might want, so you don't have to worry about holding on while you're in the throes of passion. It's definitely cheaper than the infamous Cowgirl Machine(opens in a new tab), and is pretty one-of-kind for what it offers at its size, hence our lack of alternatives.

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Read more from Mashable about the Lioness Vibrator.

If masturbating allows you to learn about your body, the Lioness Vibrator 2.0(opens in a new tab) gives you the data to write a well-researched dissertation about what you've learned.

Maybe that doesn't sound super sexy, but here's why this vibe is so freaking cool. Its outer arm is pretty standard, providing clitoral stimulation as you would expect most rabbit-vibe-shaped toys to do. But the inner arm isn't there just to make you feel good — it's there to sense how you're feeling good, tracking pelvic floor movements and using biofeedback to send what it's learned to an app that'll create a graph about your arousal.

The app itself functions as a convenient masturbation log (or sex diary, if that's your preference), where you can add notes about your mood, environment, health, or other factors that may have impacted your body's response to stimulation. Having this data uploaded directly makes it simple to keep track of what's working for you. As for any privacy concerns(opens in a new tab), any data that the company may collect is anonymized.

Unlike most of our other toys on this list, we don't really have any alternatives because the Lioness stands alone in the smart vibrator category.

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Everything about the look of Lovehoney's Vibrating Inflatable Plug screams intimidating at first, but there's a reason plenty of customer reviews sing its praises.

People tend to like plugs because they give a feeling of fullness, but finding the exact right size for that fullness can differ from person to person. And once you're used to one size, you might find yourself preferring something a bit bigger. The solution? An inflatable plug that you can adjust with the squeeze of a pump. If this is giving you the unappealing image of a balloon popping inside of you, we get it, but this Lovehoney pump is made from a soft yet durable plastic to stretch you out with ease. Then, once you're feeling like it can't get any better, you can turn on the vibration (which of course, is also adjustable in its intensity), to really get exploring.

For those looking to get a little experience in the anal arena before going straight to an inflatable plug, the Tantus Neo(opens in a new tab) is a great plug that's small enough to start out with but big enough that you won't adjust to it and want something bigger too soon. Plus, Tantus's ultra-smooth silicone allows for super easy insertion (although again, you'll want to use more lube than you think).

For fans of anal that aren't into the idea of inflation but want some vibrations, Unbound's Shimmy(opens in a new tab) is an affordable option with five vibration intensities that'll keep you plenty occupied. The circular handle at the base is especially maneuvering during solo play.

Honorable mentions: Tantus Neo(opens in a new tab) and Unbound Shimmy(opens in a new tab)

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If you're a person with a G-spot, there's a 99% chance you've doubted that it exists. Though every body is different and for some people, hitting it will just make them feel like they have to pee, for others, stimulating it can feel really, really nice. And the We-Vibe Rave(opens in a new tab) is incredible at delivering that stimulation.

First things first — the G-spot swells when you're aroused. So the fact that this toy vibrates means you can use it to get a little bit of pre-insertion arousal action. But it's got a lot going for it once it comes to the actual insertion part, too. At first glance, the Rave is shaped like most toys targeted at stimulating the G-spot — kind of curved with a more bulbous head. But that head isn't perfectly symmetrical, as the Rave is designed to be twisted, as well as pushed in and out, to better hit that elusive G-spot. More than one customer review noted that this made all the difference.

This toy is $119, and while we think it's worth the cash, the Lovehoney G-Spot Vibrator(opens in a new tab) is a similar concept at a fraction of the price. Or, if you want a vibration-free toy, the stainless steel Njoy Pure Wand(opens in a new tab) is another incredibly popular pick, thanks to its curved shape and smooth surface which make insertion as frictionless as it can be (plus, it's great for temperature play). For solo use, though, it is on the heavy side, which can feel nice — just be prepared for a bit of a workout.

Honorable mentions: Njoy Pure Wand(opens in a new tab) and Lovehoney G-Spot Vibrator(opens in a new tab)

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At four inches long and one inch wide, Anero's Helix Syn Trident(opens in a new tab) may seem small and unassuming, but the sensations that it provides are anything but. Truly, this toy is a marvel of prostate massager engineering.

Here's what we mean: the smaller size allows for easy insertion, that'll still require lube, but maybe not half a bottle. Once inside, the carefully crafted shape of the Helix Syn Trident applies pressure to the prostate without stretching you to uncomfortable limits. No thrusting or remotes are necessary to increase the sensation — merely clenching, consciously or not, causes the toy to rub against your P-spot more and heighten the intensity of those oh-so-good sensations.

The massager is made of a flexible outer silicone layer which provides comfort for long-term wear, but the solid inner core keeps the pressure on (in a good way). The outer arms are there for external stimulation of the perineum, but how much they do seems to vary depending on the user. At the very least, they provide easy handles for removing the massager.

If the whole concept behind the Trident makes you long for P-spot stimulation via thrusting, the Njoy Pure Wand(opens in a new tab) is a good pick for that route. Or, if you're down with Aneros but would really appreciate some vibrations, the Vice 2(opens in a new tab) is the way to go.

Honorable mentions: Njoy Pure Wand(opens in a new tab) and Aneros Vice 2(opens in a new tab)

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Whether or not you've ever looked into buying a sex toy marketed toward men, you've probably heard of the Fleshlight. As the saying goes, this pocket pussy is a classic for a reason.

Despite the design that aims for the appearance of anatomical accuracy, the Destroya Fleshlight's(opens in a new tab) interior actually offers an experience much different than partnered sex. The patented SuperSkin material is soft, yet offers a unique sensation thanks to the four textured chambers (though it's worth mentioning the insert is nine inches long, so not every penis will reach all the way to the fourth chamber). Still, when it comes to accommodating size, Fleshlight is one of the more adjustable and flexible toys.

As for adjustability in the way this sleeve feels, twisting the base of the toy will tighten or loosen the inner chamber, so no two sessions have to feel the same. While the Destroya sleeve on its own offers a decent amount of room for experimenting, you can remove the sleeve from the case, so trying out additional sleeves without buying an entirely new toy is always an option.

With all that said, Fleshlight is most tailored to the person who enjoys a representational toy. If you want something a bit more abstract, the Tenga Flip Hole(opens in a new tab) offers a similar experience with even more variation and emphasis on a unique inner texture. Though it can be slightly cheaper than the Fleshlight, it is known to show its age much faster than the Fleshlight. Or if you want to spend a little less and take sleeves for more of a test run, the disposable Tenga Eggs(opens in a new tab) are also a crowd favorite.

Whether you go for the Fleshlight or a Tenga toy, you'll want to be generous with the lube — that inner texture is a lot less pleasurable with too much friction involved.

Honorable mentions: Tenga Flip Hole(opens in a new tab) and Tenga Egg Variety Pack(opens in a new tab)

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More in Sex, Sex Toys

How we tested

To make sure we're recommending the best sex toys, we do extensive research for each pick, looking at customer reviews, brand quality, and in every instance we can, testing the products ourselves.

For this article, we looked at toys Mashable's sex and relationships reporters already reviewed and included those we thought were especially good for masturbation (you'll be able to see the full reviews linked in the above blurbs wherever applicable). We also tested a couple more specifically for this article, including the Womanizer Premium, Unbound Puff, and Satisfyer Pro 2 Generation 3.

For several of our picks, you'll be able to find a link to a full review with more info. For this article, we focused on features that make a toy especially good for solo use, including:

  • Ergonomics: This makes sex toys sound like office chairs, but what we were looking at is how easy toys were to hold and use without inducing wrist fatigue or other discomforts.

  • Brain-off features: This is a wide category that applies to any feature that lets you, well, turn your brain off while the toy does the work for you. Examples are the Thruster's Mini self-thrusting features and the Womanizer Premium's Autopilot mode.

  • Body-safe materials: This is a no-brainer for any sex toy we test, but we make sure to select toys made with care and materials that are safe to go on, around, and in your genitals. That's why you'll find the price tends to skew in the $50 and up range.

We decided to include honorable mentions since masturbating is, by definition, a very solo experience. While we chose our top picks based on what we thought might be the most generally appealing toys, our honorable mentions are not meant to be seen as second- or third-string picks, but rather, true alternatives for those looking for a slightly different sensation.

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Bethany Allard

Bethany Allard is a shopping reporter at Mashable covering beauty tech, dating, and sex and relationships. She graduated from New York University with a B.A. in Journalism and English Literature. You can follow her on Twitter @betallard and reach her by email at [email protected](opens in a new tab)


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