By Diana Hill · Updated November 12, 2026
Expert input: Suzannah Weiss, AASECT-certified sex educatorHi, I'm Diana. I've tried more toys than I can count, and honestly, most of them aren't worth the money.
These are the ones I'd happily recommend to a friend, whether you're buying your first toy or adding to your bedside drawer.
Hi, I'm DianaSuzannah Weiss, an AASECT-certified sex educator and author of Subjectified and the award-winning Eve's Blessing, for expert insight on pleasure and wellbeing.We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Like listening to a steamy story that touches you back.
Diana's tip: Charge it fully before the first go, and pick a story with a slow start until you know what you like.
Diana's take: “This is the one I reach for most. Letting the story set the pace means I stop overthinking and just enjoy it – and the build-up is unreal.”
Your little secret, all day long.
Diana's tip: It can take a couple of tries to get it sitting right. Once it's in place, you'll forget it's there.
Diana's take: “Small, soft and easy to forget about – until it isn't. Perfect for a date night with a little secret between the two of you.”
Feel each other, even when you're miles apart.
Diana's tip: For long-distance play you'll both need the Lovense app and an account, so set that up before date night.
Diana's take: “If you and your partner spend time apart, this is the one. Feeling their movements from wherever they are is surprisingly intimate.”
No app, no fuss – just reliable pleasure.
Diana's tip: It's louder than the app toys, so maybe not one for a flat with paper-thin walls.
Diana's take: “My pick if it's your first toy. Strong, simple, and nothing to figure out – it just works.”
Feel your favourite song.
Diana's tip: Try it with a playlist you know first. It follows the beat, so drum-heavy songs get intense.
Diana's take: “Put on your favourite slow song and let it lead. That's all I'll say.”
Tiny, quiet, and charges in minutes.
Diana's tip: If noise is your main worry, this is the one to pick.
Diana's take: “The quietest toy on this list. Great for wearing out, or when the walls are thin.”
The air-pulse classic, now with vibration.
Diana's tip: Air-pulse can feel like not much is happening at first. Give it a minute before you turn it up.
My take: The easiest, cheapest way to find out if air-pulse is for you.
Pleasure Air that fits in your pocket.
Diana's tip: The lid is magnetic, so it stays on even in a packed bag.
My take: If you travel a lot or you're short on drawer space, get this one.
Suction outside, curve inside.
Diana's tip: Start on the lowest suction setting. Seriously.
My take: Start on the lowest suction. It's stronger than it looks.
The cult-favourite 2-in-1.
Diana's tip: No setup. Charge it and go.
My take: It does the basics well for the price.
Air-pulse with an app, at a budget price.
How we picked it: Not tested by Diana yet. Chosen on 288 owner reviews (4.8★) and SVAKOM's specs.
What owners say: Strong for its size and easy to hold. A few wish it had a second button instead of double-taps.
Wear it, forget your hands.
How we picked it: Not tested by Diana yet. Chosen on 343 owner reviews (4.8★) and SVAKOM's specs.
What owners say: Stays put and works inside and out. A few say the shape didn't fit them, and it needs charging often.
Slim, flexible, beginner-friendly.
How we picked it: Not tested by Diana yet. Chosen on 345 owner reviews (4.7★) and SVAKOM's specs.
What owners say: Quiet, simple and stronger than it looks. Lots of first-time buyers rate it highly.
A wand that warms up.
How we picked it: Not tested by Diana yet. Chosen on 117 owner reviews (4.7★) and SVAKOM's specs.
What owners say: Strong, rumbly and feels premium. Some find it heavy, and the app a bit fiddly in the moment.
Wear it together during sex.
Diana's tip: If it slips, bend it a little tighter. It's made to adjust.
My take: Give the fit a few tries before you decide.
Squeeze the remote, feel it more.
Diana's tip: Let your partner have the squeeze remote. That's the fun part.
My take: Worth the extra over the Sync if you'll actually use the remote.
Clip it in, hand over the remote.
Diana's tip: The magnet goes on the outside of your underwear. Check it's sitting flat before you head out.
My take: Fun and discreet, but it's external only.
A slim bullet that follows a story, or a partner.
How we picked it: Not tested by Diana yet. Chosen on Erojoy's specs and early owner reviews (4.9★ from 11 reviews on erojoy.com).
What owners say: Small, quiet and easy for a first toy; several mention using it in the bath.
Here's how I explain the main kinds to friends.
“Just make sure it is made of body-safe materials like silicone and free from harmful chemicals like phthalates or jellies.”
Reviewer · hands-on testing
Hi, I'm Diana. I've tried more toys than I can count, and honestly, most of them aren't worth the money.
I started this list because friends kept asking me what to buy. I test everything on it myself, and I'll always tell you what I didn't like.
AASECT-certified sex educator · expert input
Suzannah is a sexologist and AASECT-certified sex educator. From The New York Times and Glamour to Teen Vogue and Vice, her writing on gender, sexuality, love, and social justice is everywhere, with over 8,800 articles published. She's the author of Subjectified: Becoming a Sexual Subject, and her expertise has been featured on The Today Show, The View, Cosmopolitan, Men's Health and the BBC.
Her role on this page: toys are tested by Diana, with feedback from Suzannah. suzannahweiss.com
Completely. Most women find it easier to orgasm with clitoral stimulation, and a toy just makes that easier, on your own or with a partner. It doesn't replace anyone.
I'd start with a suction (air-pulse) toy or a small wand. Both are external, simple, and you can go as gentle as you like. If you already know you like G-spot play, a rabbit-style toy covers both.
Most of these brands ship in plain packaging and use a neutral name on your statement. Amazon orders arrive in a normal Amazon box. Check the checkout page if it matters to you.
Most modern toys are about as quiet as an electric toothbrush. Wands are usually the loudest; small wearables and air-pulse toys are the quietest.
Water-based lube works with every toy on this page. Avoid silicone-based lube with silicone toys, as it can break down the surface over time.
Wash with warm water and mild, unscented soap or a toy cleaner after each use, let it dry fully, and store it in a pouch away from other toys.
