It didn’t take long to learn, though, that folks weren’t coming to my office for storytime. For many, it was a question of discovering what actually made them feel good and excited to explore. And sex toys, such as remote-controlled vibrators, can help jumpstart that exploration. 

“If we don’t know what we like and don’t like, it’s difficult to communicate or find that with another person,” says Sarah Kelleher, LCSW and Sex and Relationships Psychotherapist. “Conversations surrounding technique, toys, and myth-busting are common. But I think they could be discussed more.”

When it comes to introducing toys like partner-controlled vibrators into your sex life, Kelleher recommends leading with curiosity and including your partner in the research. She offers a simple script: Hey, babe, I know we talked about wanting to shake our sex life up. Do you want to look up some toys to buy? I’m feeling excited!

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: 11 Best Sex Toys for Men, According to Horny Reviewers

Quick Look at the Best Remote Control Vibrators

• Best Overall Partner-controlled Vibrator: We-Vibe Moxie Tease Us Vibrating Silicone Clitoral Vibrator Boxed Set
• Best Overall Bluetooth Vibrator: Lovense Lush 3
• Best Affordable Couples’ Vibrator: Tiani 3 Remote Control Couples Massager 
• Best Budget Wearable Vibrator: JimmyJane Ascend 3 + Carpo Vibrating Panties
• Best Vibrator Made For the Club: OhMiBod Club Vibe 3.0H Wearable Panty Vibrator 
• Best Wearable Egg Vibrator: We-Vibe Jive 2
• Best App-controlled Vibrator: Lovense Hyphy App-Controlled Clitoral Vibrator 
• Best Suction Vibrator: We-Vibe Melt 2 App Controlled Rechargeable Clitoral Stimulator
• Best Hands-free Vibrator: Svakom Phoenix Neo 2 Vibrator
• Best Budget Egg Vibrator: Lovehoney Rechargeable Remote Control Small Love Egg

Best overall partner-controlled vibrator: We-Vibe Moxie Tease Us Vibrating Silicone Clitoral Vibrator Boxed Set

The Tease Us set is high on our list for its versatility and anatomical inclusivity. Unlike many sets, you can customize yours to fit your and your partner’s needs (and bodies). For example, this kit comes with a panty vibrator (Moxie). But it’s also available as a vibrating stimulation ring (Bond). Mix and match—Moxie and Bond, or opt for two Moxies or two Bonds. Additionally, the silicone toys have adjustable fits to help them work best for your body.

The toys’ vibration settings can be controlled by an app or a remote control. The remote works up to distances of 3 meters, while the We-Vibe app lets you control each other’s toys even when you’re apart. To get started, you’ll configure your toy to your partner’s phone. Having the option to switch between the remote and the app makes this an ideal set for both in-person and long-distance play.

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We-Vibe

Moxie Tease Us Vibrating Silicone Clitoral Vibrator Boxed Set (opens in a new window)

Available at Lovehoney

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Best overall Bluetooth vibrator: Lovense Lush 3

Lovense made a big claim when it released the Lovense Lush 3, dubbing it the “most powerful Bluetooth remote control vibrator.” Hard to live up to? Yes. Did Lovense deliver? Also, yes, according to many of the satisfied reviewers.

While advanced Bluetooth connectivity and a super-strong motor are certainly draws, what makes the Lovense Lush 3 stand out from the crowd is that IRL, it doesn’t. The toy is discreet and quiet, meaning you can use it anywhere. And we mean anywhere. With a five-hour battery life, the Lovense Lush 3 is a solid option for your next date night with your partner.

Also noteworthy: the Lovense Remote App. This isn’t your average remote-control HQ. The Lovense app has tons of curated vibration patterns for you and your partner to explore, and it makes it easy to hand off control, whether you’re across the room or across the country.

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Lovense

Lush 3 (opens in a new window)

Available at Lovense

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Best affordable couples’ vibrator: Tiani 3 remote control couples’ massager 

Tiani 3 is a remote control vibrator that doubles as a couples’ massager toy. Unlike a lot of the toys on this list that are built with long-distance play in mind, this is a great option if you’re looking for a partner-controlled vibrator designed to enhance sensation during sex (for both of you).

With its trademark SenseMotion technology, your partner can use the motion-sensitive remote to increase the toy’s vibrations with just a flick of the wrist. It features eight different intensity settings, from the faintest tease to a more intense pulse. It’s made from certified body-safe silicone designed to feel super soft and warm to the touch. The Tiani 3 is also fully waterproof, so you can use it in the bath or shower, too.

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LELO

Tiani 3 Remote Controlled Vibrator (opens in a new window)

Available at LELO

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Best budget Wearable vibrator: JimmyJane Ascend 3 + Carpo Vibrating Panties

When it comes to wearable vibrators, the luxury sexual wellness retailer JimmyJane makes easy-to-use, minimalist toys, and lingerie to match. The Ascend 3 is a pebble-shaped clitoral stimulator that can be used as a handheld toy, or worn when paired with JimmyJane’s lace panties.

The underwear is designed with a little pocket where your typical panty liner would be, which is where you can slip the Ascend 3 once you turn the vibrator on and put it in Standby Mode. Once it’s in Standby Mode, the Ascend 3 can start taking signals from the included remote control, which you can pass to your partner for some discreet fun.

While the Ascend 3 has one of the shortest battery lives on this list at 60 minutes, we appreciate that the remote only needs charging every 10 hours.

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Jimmy Jane

Ascend 3 + Carpo Vibrating Panties (opens in a new window)

Available at JIMMYJANE

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BEST VIBRATOR made for the club: OhMiBod Club Vibe 3.0H Wearable Panty Vibrator 

Another notable wearable panty vibrator comes from OhMiBod. Like the Ascend 3, the Club Vibe 3.0H is a clitoral stimulator. As the name suggests, this wearable vibrator is designed for taking your bumping and grinding at the club to new levels. It actually has a Club Mode that vibrates to music or other ambient sounds.

That’s not its only function, though. It also has a Groove Mode that vibrates to curated pulse patterns. Like many of the toys on this list, you can hand over control to your partner using the included remote.

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OhMiBod

OhMiBod Club Vibe 3.0H  (opens in a new window)

Available at LoveLife Toys

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Best wearable egg vibrator: We-Vibe Jive 2

For a different kind of wearable vibrator, consider the We-Vibe Jive 2. This wearable egg vibrator sends vibrations to the G-spot, and vibrations travel through the outer tail for a dual-stimulation feel.

Unlike wearable panty vibrators, We-Vibe’s Jive 2 can be adjusted to fit your body best. And like the others, it’s whisper quiet and discreet enough to use at home or out in public. We also appreciate the versatility of its control settings: you can hand over the remote to your partner, or use the We-Vibe app to control the vibrator.

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We-Vibe

Jive 2 (opens in a new window)

Available at We-Vibe

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Best APP-CONTROLLED vibrator: Lovense Hyphy App-Controlled Clitoral Vibrator 

Another pick from Lovense, the Hyphy app-controlled vibrator gives all its attention to the clit. It also offers a wider range of vibrational frequencies from low to high. On the highest intensity side, it provides 12,000 vibrations per minute, designed for clitoral stimulation or nipple play. Meanwhile, the lower frequency side reduces the intensity to 5,000 vibrations per minute, making it better for slower sessions and internal exploration.

The vibrator comes with three different silicone attachments and can be controlled through the Lovense app, where you can program up to 10 preset modes and control the vibrator, near or far.

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Lovense

Hyphy App-Controlled Clitoral Vibrator (opens in a new window)

Available at Lovense

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Best suction vibrator: We-Vibe Melt 2 App Controlled Rechargeable Clitoral Stimulator

With a nearly 5-star rating, the We-Vibe Melt 2 is a quality clitoral stimulator—especially if you’re already plugged into the We-Vibe app through your other toys. The We-Vibe Melt stands out from other picks on this list because it uses more than just vibration technology: it also utilizes pulsing and sucking sensations to bring you to powerful clitoral orgasms.

Plus, it has 6 suction patterns, all of which you or your partner can control in the We-Vibe app. And it’s totally silent. Truly versatile, it can be used solo, or during sex with your partner.

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We-Vibe

Melt 2 (opens in a new window)

Available at We-Vibe

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Best hands-free vibrator: Phoenix Neo 2 Vibrator

App-controlled vibrators aren’t just for play with your partner. There are plenty of Bluetooth vibrators out there that are perfect for adding more excitement to your solo sessions, too. Take the Phoenix Neo 2 Vibrator, for example. It can be used totally hands-free, thanks to its snug fit and malleability, which help it adjust to a comfortable placement.

You can use the Bluetooth Fee Connect App to control intensity levels, pick from preset patterns, and even sync the Phoenix up with videos or music. And if you do choose to bring a partner in, you can hand over the controls to them.

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Svakom

Phoenix Neo 2 App-Controlled VIbrator (opens in a new window)

Available at Pinkcherry

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Best budget egg vibrator: Lovehoney Rechargeable Remote Control Small Love Egg

Shopping for a toy that’s super simple? Try Lovehoney’s silicone Love Egg toy. Grab your favorite lube and slip the egg inside to start enjoying hands-free stimulation wherever you are.

The small remote-control egg vibrator has seven vibration patterns and four intensity levels. Taken together, you can find your own sweet spot. We also appreciate that the Lovehoney Love Egg is designed with a long retrieval cord, keeping safety in mind. It’s got plenty of 5-star reviews on Lovehoney, with customers praising its quality and ease of use.

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Lovehoney

Rechargeable Remote Control Love Egg (opens in a new window)

Available at Lovehoney

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How to pick the best remote-controlled vibrator For You

We’re taking Kelleher’s advice to heart and talking about all things remote-controlled vibrators. Whether you want to bring your partner in on the fun with a partner-controlled vibrator, or you’re looking for a high-tech Bluetooth vibrator you can use on your own, I’ve selected toys designed with both pleasure and safety in mind.

“Approaching your body with calm, warm curiosity rather than judgment is key,” she says. 

Overwhelmed about where to start? Kelleher poses some guiding questions for exploring new toys: “What are you trying to achieve? Is it a new sensation? Is it one that offers a certain type of stimulation that is difficult to reach? Is it a versatile toy? This will help in determining what type of toy might be the best fit.”

For couples in long-distance relationships (or just spending time away from each other), app-controlled vibrators can be a great place to start since they offer a way to keep sharing sexual intimacy even when IRL is off the table. Meanwhile, partner-controlled vibrators can also be a good fit when you’re exploring kinks together, like relinquishing control to your partner or arousing each other in public.

With that in mind, I’ve combed through reviews from satisfied shoppers and spoken to experts to give you a launching point for your own explorations.

And remember: “We don’t need to judge what you do or don’t find intriguing,” says Kelleher. “We’ve had enough of that.”

The post 10 Mind-Blowing Remote Control Vibrators for Couples appeared first on VICE.

But what else was I supposed to do at 18? Clueless and overwhelmed by the options out there, I settled for a cheap thrill that turned out to be a risky purchase. From vibrators to dildos to butt plugs, there’s a lot to consider.

Since then, I’ve come a long way (pun intended) in expanding my knowledge and appreciation for a wide range of high-quality, body-safe toys designed with pleasure (and safety) in mind.

So, if you’re on the hunt for a new sex toy, whether you know what works for you or you’re a newbie shopping around for the first time, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve got your back. And your front. And… you get the idea.

These are the best sex toys for women or people with vulvas, based on real-world testing. I own and use all of the toys in this roundup, but don’t just take my word for it. I combed through reviews from hundreds of satisfied shoppers, then asked experts to chime in with helpful tips on what to look for when shopping for your next climax-inducing companion.

So strap in for this guide to the wonderful world of women’s sex toys. It’s going to be a wild ride.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Best Anal Sex Toys for Beginners: Starter Kits, Plugs, Beads, and Dilators That Hit Just Right

Quick look at the best sex toys for women 

• Best Sex Toy Overall: Playboy Pleasure Swan Vibrator
• Best Wand Vibrator: VIM by Fun Factory 
• Best Bullet Vibrator: Je Joue Duet Bullet
• Best Clit Sucking Toy: Namii by biird
• Best Vibrating Pussy Pump: Apex by JimmyJane
• Best Thrusting Vibrator: Thruster Shaft by FemmeFunn
• Best Dildo: Playboy Pleasure Jewels King Multi-Play Glass Dildo
• Best Butt Plug: Playboy Pleasure Jewels Plug

Now, with all of that in mind, here are my top picks for the best sex toys for women.

Best sex toy overall: Playboy Pleasure Swan Vibrator

It’s so hard to choose just one toy when there are so many options, but the Playboy Pleasure Swan vibrator has had a dedicated place on my nightstand since the day I unboxed it.

This vibrator isn’t just a vibrator—it’s a dual stimulator with two gently curved arms that you can use for all kinds of play. As part of Playboy Pleasure’s Multi-Play collection, this uniquely shaped vibe can do just about anything you want it to. You can use it to stimulate the clitoris and the G-spot, or flip it around for anal and vaginal penetration (just remember not to cross-contaminate).

Each shaft has 10 vibrating speeds, and the bulbous, textured heads make it perfect for internal and external stimulation. You can use it solely for external stimulation and come within seconds, or slowly build yourself up to a more powerful orgasm.

I like to insert one end vaginally and the other anally while I use a third toy or finger on my clitoris. It’s a super versatile toy that’s helped give my solo sessions some serious oomph.

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PinkCherry

Playboy The Swan Multi Play Vibe (opens in a new window)

$39.98 at PinkCherry

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Best wand vibrator: Fun Factory VIM

Fun Factory dropped the VIM, the world’s first weighted-rumble wand, with a ton of fanfare. At first, I admit I was skeptical about whether it could really be that different from other wands I’ve tried.

But the VIM has somehow earned a permanent spot on my nightstand. It’s my go-to now, and I truly believe it’s the best wand vibrator I’ve ever used. (Before the VIM, LELO’s Smart Wand 2 was there for me whenever I wanted a one-and-done orgasm. It’s efficient, powerful, and gets the job done—a good second choice if you can’t get your hands on a VIM.)

The VIM delivers sensations I didn’t even know were possible in a wand: deep, rumbly vibrations that build toward a mind-blowing climax. Instead of an intense buzz that leaves you numb and overstimulated, these vibrations melt into you and reach deep down, building to an all-body orgasm. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be used for a quickie—turn the setting up and place it against your vulva or a pillow (it’s great for grinding against), and you’ll be quivering fast.

Even with all of its power, the VIM is lightweight, and the vibrations don’t travel into the handle, so it’s easier to use than most wand vibrators I’ve tried. It shouldn’t hurt your wrist even after a longer session; it was designed with edging in mind. The buttons are intuitive, and it has a travel lock, so you can toss it in your bag or suitcase without worrying it’ll turn on and die before you get wherever you’re going.

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Fun Factory

VIM Wand Massager (opens in a new window)

$75 at Amazon

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Best bullet vibrator: Je Joue Duet Bullet

There are a lot of great bullet vibrators, but if I had to pick one that’s versatile enough to be most people’s go-to, it’d be the Je Joue Duet Bullet.

It’s smooth to the touch and has several small, rounded “pleasure points” on one side so you can experiment with different sensations. You can use this tiny toy to stimulate your nipples and tease your labia, clitoris, and more.

It has five speeds and seven vibration patterns, but the simplest is my favorite: steady vibration. There’s a travel lock and it’s 100% waterproof, so you can bring it into the shower or tub. It’s also surprisingly quiet, unlike some of the other toys on this list.

Je Joue is a more luxurious brand, so even though the price tag is a bit higher, you’re getting a premium-quality, vegan product built to last.

If you’re looking for a bullet vibrator that’s a little more compact, or one with a convenient-to-hold handle, Playboy Pleasure makes two great alternatives: the Playboy Pleasure Bunny Bunch (best for discreet, targeted clitoral stimulation) and the Playboy Pleasure Ollo (my pick for accessibility thanks to its ring-shaped handle).

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Je Joue

Je Joue Duet Bullet (opens in a new window)

$32.50 at Je Joue

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Best clit sucking toy: Namii by biird

The Namii by biird is hands down the best clitoral suction stimulator and vibrator I’ve ever tried. (A few years back, I would’ve recommended the Tracy’s Dog OG Sucking Vibrator, which had its big viral moment, but my loyalty has shifted.) biird’s suction toy is unlike any other on the market, and it’s thoughtfully designed with the clit and vulva in mind: pebble-shaped, with a super-soft silicone exterior.

The Namii is a two-in-one toy. You can use the suction and vibration functions independently or combine them for extra oomph. There are five suction intensities and five vibration patterns, so there’s a ton of combinations to play with.

I love how gentle but still super pleasurable the suction feels. The intensities go from a light, pulsing sensation to a deeper, more intense suction that’s oh-so-good—nothing like the overpowering, numbing sensation I’ve experienced with other clit suckers in the past.

I can use this toy for a long time. Well, until it dies, which is about two hours. I place it where it’s most comfortable, underneath my underwear (to help hold it in place), and let it work its magic. And even though the Namii can get me there fast, it’s also ideal for longer, more drawn-out play sessions and edging.

Another thing that sets biird apart is the packaging. It feels like you’re getting a real gift in the mail, complete with a travel bag and cute stickers. Even the charging base features a mood light (you can turn this off if you want).

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Biird

Namii (opens in a new window)

$119 at biird

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Best vibrating pussy pump: JimmyJane Apex

The Apex by JimmyJane isn’t just a pussy pump—it’s a multifunctional toy that’s perfect for consensual exhibitionist play, direct clitoral stimulation, or G-spot stimulation. (The voyeur in your life will also love watching you use it, whether you’re literally in front of them or sending saucy snaps.)

There are four motors, three suction patterns, seven tongue-motion patterns, 10 vibration patterns, and a handle that doubles as a G-spot vibrator. The range of sensations is wild, and the intensity can be cranked up to levels far beyond what I’ve experienced with other toys.

You can also see everything going on through the transparent suction cup. (If you’ve never seen your clit and vulva up close and personal, get ready for a new perspective.) It also comes with two different-sized cups, so you can use it on your nipples or other erogenous zones, too.

The combo of suction, vibration, and motion is truly next-level. I have to keep the pump action relatively low; otherwise, it’s almost too much. The tongue-like motions are super intense when the pump runs, so I recommend exploring the patterns independently before trying them together. (The pump and “tongue” are also loud, so if you have roommates, this toy isn’t the most discreet.)

I won’t lie: The Apex has a bit of a learning curve. This toy isn’t for the faint of heart. Try the functions out in a non-sexual context first to get a feel for them before applying the Apex to your vulva/clit. And once you’re ready to play, use lube (lots of it) and start on a lower setting.

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JIMMYJANE

Apex (opens in a new window)

$169.99 at JIMMYJANE

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Best thrusting vibrator: FemmeFunn Thruster Shaft

I wasn’t a huge fan of thrusting vibrators until I tried the Thruster Shaft by FemmeFunn. (I also couldn’t handle deep penetration until after my second endometriosis surgery, so that’s probably a factor.)

This thrusting vibrator is soft and smooth to the touch. It looks pretty realistic, with “veins” and a head that feels shockingly lifelike. It also comes in skin-tone colors if you’re into that. (I’m not really into realistic-looking toys, so I have a purple one.)

There are 10 vibration modes and three thrust speeds to play with. The suction cup base, which is also harness-compatible, is super secure, so you can attach it almost anywhere: the floor, a chair, or the shower wall. It’s also completely waterproof (I’ve had this thing in the shower more times than I can count, and it still works flawlessly). The quick-release tab on the base makes it easy to detach.

With a one-and-a-half-inch thrust and nearly eight insertable inches, the Thruster Shaft is made for anyone who craves deep penetration and G-spot stimulation. I also love that it doesn’t stop thrusting in response to tension or resistance. Plus, the wireless remote makes it fun to play with a partner. (Sticking it to something you can back up onto is ideal if you want to give your partner head or a show while they control the settings.) Just be sure to use lube before hopping on.

I should note that this thing is loud, depending on where you put it. For reference, sticking it to the side of the bathtub sounds like an off-balance washing machine.

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FemmeFunn

FemmeFunn Thruster Shaft Remote Controlled Dildo (opens in a new window)

$144.99 at FemmeFunn

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Best dildo: Playboy Pleasure Jewels King Multi-Play Glass Dildo

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I’m obsessed with Playboy Pleasure sex toys, from their lipstick-style vibes to their glass dildos. My all-time fave dildo from the brand is the Playboy Pleasure Jewels King Multi-Play Glass Dildo. (If you’ve yet to experience what an absolute delight glass toys can be, I recommend perusing Playboy Pleasure’s Jewels collection.)

This dildo has everything you want in a dildo. The super-smooth, body-safe borosilicate glass is easy to clean, and the bulbous head (which is curved just right) feels delicious whether you’re using it vaginally or anally. I also love the length (5.5 insertable inches) and thickness—it’s the toy I run to when I want to feel full.

It’s also pretty to look at and shatter-resistant. I’ve accidentally dropped it a few times, and it’s yet to crack or chip. (If you do manage to break it, it comes with a five-year manufacturer’s warranty.) And if you’re into temperature play, you can pop it in some warm or cool water for a few minutes beforehand.

Best butt plug: Playboy Pleasure Jewels Plug

The first butt plug I ever owned was made by JimmyJane. It was glass (of course; I love glass toys), but it’s no longer available. The only thing I’ve found that compares is the Playboy Pleasure Jewels Plug.

This plug has a bulbous head, a narrow neck, and a flared base for easier insertion (and safety). Like the dildo mentioned above, this borosilicate glass toy is super smooth and easy to clean—just be sure to use lube, and lots of it.

But if I’m being honest, my favorite “butt plug” isn’t actually a butt plug at all. It’s the Booster Bullet by FemmeFunn. This mini bullet vibrator fits perfectly and doesn’t fall out when I reach climax (whether I’m alone or with my partner). Yes, you’ll need lube for this, too—but you’ll need lube anytime you’re dealing with anal play. Plus, the vibrations give it an extra oomph when you want more, and your partner can usually feel them, too.

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Playboy Pleasures

Jewels King Multi Play Glass Dildo (opens in a new window)

$42 at Lovers

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HOW WE CHOSE THE BEST SEX TOYS FOR WOMEN

Price: Dollar amount is a biggie for a lot of people. In this economy, it can be hard to justify going to dinner, let alone splurging on a new vibrator. However, according to certified sex educator Casey Murphy, you shouldn’t compromise your safety or pleasure to save money.
“There are many brands that offer unique, premium products with high-quality materials, a reliable lifespan, and manufacturer warranties—which is not the case for all Amazon products,” says Murphy. “Rock bottom prices are actually a huge red flag, as alluring as they may be for budget-conscious consumers.”

Material: I love sex toys that feel good in my hands and even better where it counts. I avoid anything made from rubber or “jelly” materials, which can contain porous, potentially toxic materials that harbor bacteria (yuck). Instead, I look for body-safe (platinum-cured) silicone, borosilicate glass, and stainless steel.

“The sex toy industry is unregulated, and some manufacturers take advantage of a lot of loopholes with materials and ingredients,” says Murphy. “Look out for subtle tricks in product descriptions. For example, a ‘silicone blend’ aka ‘lifelike’ material, or anything with ‘skin’ (second skin, realistic skin, etc.), is not pure silicone—they’re blended with porous materials like thermoplastic elastomer, which are not body-safe.” 

Design: The overall design of a sex toy is important for accessibility, comfort, and safety. That’s why the sex toys on this list have thoughtful, ergonomic designs that consider the physiology of vulvas and clitorises in their shape, size, and features.

Functionality: When it comes down to it, only you know what feels best for your body. So, this list includes a wide range of possibilities. If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, here’s some advice from Suzannah Weiss, a marriage and family therapist, AASECT-certified sex educator, and resident sexologist for Fleshy.

“Think about what type of stimulation tends to be most pleasurable for you,” she says. “If you tend to stimulate your clitoris when you are masturbating, then try an external vibrator. If you really like oral sex, there are sex toys geared toward simulating oral; suction vibrators can be good for this. If you enjoy penetration, I would go with an internal vibrator or dildo. If you’re a sex nerd and want something high-tech, I’d consider looking for remote-controlled sex toys that let you or your partner choose the vibrations from an app.” 

The post 8 Best Sex Toys for Women (That I Tested Myself) appeared first on VICE.

Yet disruptions are coming. One day, I opened my mailbox to find the Lovehoney Sqweel 2 Oral Sex Simulator, a pink-and-white wheel with ten “lapping silicone tongues” that you put on your vagina to mimic oral sex. The device, which resembles a Hubba Bubba Bubble Tape dispenser, has three speeds and goes in two directions. The product description reads, “Its reverse functionality allows you to switch the direction of the tongues for truly impressive oral sex skillz, as a flicker setting rocks the wheel back and forth to wow you into a powerful orgasmic stupor.”

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Lovehoney

Sqweel 2 Oral Sex Simulator (opens in a new window)

$42.99 at Lovehoney

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Before I tried the Sqweel 2 Oral Sex Simulator, I wondered: How would all the heterosexual men in my life feel about a device that might make their “oral sex skillz”—and thus, in many ways, them—obsolete?

“IT HAS TOO MANY TONGUES,” a guy named Jack said when I showed him the product. “Why does it have to have so many?”

RELATED: These Sex Toy Advent Calendars From Lovehoney Make More Sense For Valentine’s Day

Jack says he isn’t threatened by women using vibrators, but he is intimidated by devices that directly replicate, possibly better, something his penis or mouth could do. “I actually do like performing oral, so if my girlfriend were to buy [a Sqweel 2], it would definitely feel a bit like I wasn’t measuring up to the task,” he told me. “Similarly, I’ve always found vibrators to be less intimidating than regular dildos. Somehow, the fact that it vibrates in this way that would be physically impossible for me to replicate makes me feel like it’s not a thing I’m expected to measure up against.”

Another man, who asked that I refer to him as “Asahd” to honor DJ Khaled’s son, said he would only feel insecure if a woman preferred to use the Sqweel 2 when his tongue was perfectly available. “But if I couldn’t be there, and she used it, totally cool,” he said. “Maybe I could even learn a thing or two. I’ve been practicing with my hand.”

Ultimately, Asahd says he welcomes advances in women’s sex toys—they don’t make him feel more redundant or insecure than he already feels.

“We live in a world where everything is optimized through technology, and it would be naïve to think sex wouldn’t be treated the same way,” he said. “The female orgasm is much more nuanced and complex than its male counterpart, and thus can require additional methods of stimulation to come to fruition.”

Another man, Nick, echoed this sentiment. Whatever a woman can use to get off is great, as long as she still likes boning him, he said. But he’s not sure how he would react if a partner whipped out the Sqweel 2, or any vibrator, while they were hooking up.

“My thinking is that I may have some lizard-brain negative reaction to a vibrator being used while we’re having sex,” Nick said. “It would probably make me feel inadequate and less intimate. I don’t really care what she does by herself, though. I wouldn’t want her policing the type of things I do by myself.”

MORE FOR BEDROOM FUN: Best Anal Sex Toys for Beginners: Starter Kits, Plugs, Beads, and Dilators That Hit Just Right

Like Jack, Nick seemed to be at peace with his limitations as a human man. “I’m sure there are some parts of a vibrator or robot dildo or mechanical tongue or whatever that are better than me,” he told me. “As long as she still enjoys sex with me, I’m chilling.”

Most of the men I spoke with said they weren’t bothered by women’s sex toys, even the tongue machine—in fact, they said they liked the presence of technological aids in the modern sexual landscape, because they meant their partners are likely in touch with their sexual desires. But it’s hard to tell whether guys said this because they were truly unafraid or just wanted to present that way. Who knows—if they found the Sqweel 2 in their girlfriends’ underwear drawers, maybe they’d have, as Nick put it, a “lizard-brain negative reaction.”

But they probably don’t have much to worry about yet. After trying the Sqweel 2, I made my own assessment: It’s a fun novelty item that certainly does the job, but the ten “lapping silicone tongues” don’t come close to the feeling of an actual tongue, even when I added lube for moisture. I came faster than I would have with a guy, but there was something missing from the experience—perhaps the element of sharing that satisfaction with someone. A newer, more advanced tongue-wheel might eventually make straight men’s tongues feel spiritually unemployed, but for now, they’re still in business.

If The Sqweel 2 Seems TOO INTIMIDATING, Try These On Your Partner Instead

Lovehoney G-Tickler Clitoral and G-Spot Vibrator

This one is a friendly little dual-stim option that’s slim, straightforward, and great when you want to use a sex toy that can join the night without stealing all the attention away from your penis.

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Lovehoney

Lovehoney G-Tickler Clitoral and G-Spot Vibrator (opens in a new window)

$26.99 at Lovehoney

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Lovehoney Ignite 20 Function Finger Vibrator

You slip this on, touch your partner like normal, and let the buzz do all the heavy lifting. It’s a solid choice for foreplay, teasing, and adding more sensation without introducing a gadget that comes with a detailed instruction manual.

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Lovehoney

Lovehoney Ignite 20 Function Finger Vibrator (opens in a new window)

$44.99 at Lovehoney

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LELO IDA Wave Rechargeable App-Controlled Dual Stimulation Vibrator

This one’s for couples who want something high-end and intense without that cartoonish tongue energy. It’s app-controlled with dual stimulation, and it has an internal motion that’s designed to mimic that “come hither” move people always claim they’re doing correctly.

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Lovehoney

Lelo Ida Wave Rechargable App Controlled Dual Stimulation Vibrator (opens in a new window)

$134.99 at Lovehoney

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The post Are Men Scared of an Oral-Sex Toy Machine? Here’s What They Said appeared first on VICE.

The best part of the calendar format is that it turns sex into a series of small choices instead of one big production. You don’t need to scroll a sex toy site for an hour, overthinking what the right purchase is, or have a whole strategy meeting about trying something new. You open the day’s box and let it steer. Some nights that means a massage item that sets a softer tone. Other nights, it’s a toy that gets to the point quickly. The structure helps, and the element of surprise helps even more, because it interrupts the habit loop couples fall into when they’re doing the same thing in the same order and calling it variety.

The holiday connection is obvious, but Valentine’s is where these actually shine. A 12-day calendar gives you a built-in countdown to the 14th, with enough flexibility to make it sweet, spicy, or low-key depending on your mood. The only catch is quality. Some calendars are stuffed with junky minis and novelty items you’ll never touch again. The two below feel more curated, and that’s the difference.

RELATED: Best Anal Sex Toys for Beginners: Starter Kits, Plugs, Beads, and Dilators That Actually Work

Two Sex Toy Advent Calendars for Valentine’s Day

Lovehoney Romance Advent Calendar (12 Day)

If you and your partner like the idea of stretching Valentine’s Day into something that lasts, this one gets it. The Romance Calendar is designed for two people who want a reason to check in with each other, not just once, but twelve times. The We-Vibe Jive 2 is the showpiece—a sleek, wearable vibrator you control with an app while everything else keeps going. It’s less about interrupting the moment and more about making the whole night a little riskier, even if you never leave the house.

The rest of the lineup feels built for curiosity: a satin blindfold to sharpen focus, a soft restraint set that plays nice with beginners, and a body massager plus vanilla-scented oil for nights when touch is the focus. There’s also a rechargeable bullet with three attachments that turn it into whatever you need—a cock ring, a finger vibe, or a wand—so you can change sensations without rummaging through a drawer.

Then the intensity ramps up with the inclusion of an aluminum butt plug with a crystal base, toy gel, toy wipes, and orgasm balm that adds just enough heat to keep things interesting. Just be sure to use the boxes as invitations, not chores. Open one each night, take ten or twenty minutes to follow wherever it leads, and by the time you hit February 14, you’ll have twelve different ways to make the same partner feel brand-new again.

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Lovehoney

Lovehoney Romance Advent Calendar (12 Day) (opens in a new window)

$129 at Lovehoney

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Lovehoney Indulge Advent Calendar (12 Day)

The Indulge Calendar is built for couples who actually like getting a little adventurous together. Its anchor toy, the Venus Glow suction stimulator, delivers the pulsing air-pressure sensation everyone’s obsessed with lately. From there, each day pushes you toward a different flavor of foreplay or experimentation without demanding a dissertation on boundaries first.

You’ll find a silicone mini wand for deep, rumbly vibration, a bullet vibe with mix-and-match sleeves that shift it from pinpoint to broader stimulation, and a few toys that expand the menu entirely: kegel balls, anal beads, and a pair of nipple clamps that add just the right amount of tension. None of it feels clinical or extreme, and it delivers a tasting flight of sensations you and your partner can build into your own rhythm.

The rest of the pieces—massage oil, wipes, toy gel, blindfold, orgasm balm—fill in the spaces between the main events. Together, they have the possibility of turning a single night into a stretch of tiny surprises, and that’s the real charm here. It’s not about turning Valentine’s Day into a marathon. It’s about having twelve ready-made excuses to stop scrolling and make the next few weeks feel like you actually meant to plan them that way.

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Lovehoney

Lovehoney Indulge Advent Calendar (12 Day) (opens in a new window)

$109 at Lovehoney

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The Best Part Is It Doesn’t End On February 14

The easiest way for Valentine’s Day to flop is to treat it like one big night that has to deliver a spreadsheet of romance, sex, novelty, and connection. A sex toy advent calendar gives you multiple chances to show up for each other, try something new, and keep it moving without needing to plan a whole production.

By the time you hit the last day, you’ve likely learned something useful, too. Maybe you’re a massage-first couple. Maybe you like a little restraint. Maybe butt stuff is staying on the menu. With this, you just don’t have to guess or talk in circles. You try, react, and keep it in mind for next time.

Because the real win isn’t that you had twelve cute nights. It’s that you end up with a couple of new go-tos for the next time you’re both tired but still horny, which is most of adulthood. Not everything in the calendar will be a hit, and that’s fine. The point is you’ve got a few reliable moves in your back pocket, and that’s a hell of a lot sexier than forcing one perfect Valentine’s night and calling it a year.

The post These Sex Toy Advent Calendars From Lovehoney Make More Sense For Valentine’s Day appeared first on VICE.

“She wasn’t a whore at all,” a disembodied female narrator insists over footage of someone pulling on over-the-elbow leather gloves. “She liked fun, she liked excitement. Is there anything wrong with that?” These are the opening seconds of Roxanna—a 70s porno about a young blonde whose out-of-control libido plunges her into despair, insanity, and loneliness over 51 minutes of trashy, mostly-lesbian softcore with an acid-washed soundtrack. A freeze frame of her face, thrown back in ecstasy, would end up becoming the cover of Deftones’ Saturday Night Wrist.

Described by Chino Moreno as an album of “straight evil music,” Saturday Night Wrist was written when tensions between the band were at an all-time high, and the excesses of sex, drugs, and booze that fueled previous albums were wreaking havoc on their personal lives. It’s a bleak body of work that fires indiscriminately at everything around it. While it may begin with a pint-launching guitar riff and a “Woo!”, the first words Moreno utters on opener “Hole in the Earth” are a curdled, desperate plea: “Can you explain to me how / You’re so evil, how?” 

The album mulls this question as Moreno plunges himself into despair, insanity, and loneliness over 56 minutes of mostly miserable songs with a sinister erotic charge. Sex is conflated with sickness on “Pink Cellphone,” an injured woman wearily “haunts the roads” on “Riviere,” and “Drive”, a cover of The Cars, also works in a sample of Massive Attack’s “Protection”—a story about the impulse to shelter a wayward girl from harm, until the line between concern and possession begins to blur (“Who’s gonna drive you home… tonight?”). On “Beware,” Moreno moans over jackhammer guitars while repeatedly asking if “you like the way the water tastes.”

These tracks were almost certainly influenced by the ongoing dissolution of Moreno’s marriage, but crucially the emotions that come through in the abstract—obsession, danger, abjection—are the same ones that sit at the darker end of sexual experience. The uneasy thrust of songs like “Beware” almost veers into the gothic horror terrain of Ethel Cain, which perhaps helps explain Deftones’ venerated status among e-girls. Basically, loads of it is about women in a way that completely transcends gender because the songs are often written from the female point of view, and the lyrics are so cryptic you can never be certain what they mean anyway. The artwork was pulled together by designer Frank Maddocks, but its contents do coincidentally mirror-flip Roxanna, with psychodrama at the front and sex as subtext. Like, what if a B movie adult actress was also the frontman and primary lyricist of an alt-metal band?

Deftones’ reputation as a “sex band” has been around almost as long as they have. Granted, they’re not as on the nose with it as some of their “horny metal” peers—like Nine Inch Nails, whose breakout single had Trent Reznor threatening to “fuck you like an animal,” or Type-O Negative, whose 6’8 viking of a frontman, Peter Steele, appeared in Playgirl clutching a bouquet of pink flowers in one hand and his rock hard boner in the other—and the singles that first made Deftones massive, “My Own Summer (Shove It)” and “Back To School (Mini Maggit),” lumped them in with late 90s/early 2000s wallet-chain rebellion more than anything else. But you don’t have to dip your toe far below the surface to feel the erotic undercurrent.

“What if a B movie adult actress was also the frontman and primary lyricist of an alt-metal band?”

A lot of it is in the storytelling: a woman kidnapping a guy on “Feiticeira”; half-remembered fragments of “floating underwear” and “hours of pleasure” on “Sextape”; the Ed Kemper-style fantasy of electrocuting a girl to death and then re-dressing her on “Digital Bath.” But, even without all that, there’s something about the atmosphere of their music that has made it the primo ‘fingering at a house party’ soundtrack for four decades, and prompted sexual awakenings across three generations and counting.

For millennial goths, that awakening was likely delivered by Queen of the Damned, the 2002 vampire film in which Aaliyah has violent sex in a bathtub filled with rose petals to “Change (In the House of Flies).” For Gen Z, it straddles two separate trends—shoegaze and male-moaning ASMR—that have permeated social media since 2020. (In 2023, someone posted a long X thread where they went through every Deftones album in order, leaving annotated timestamps of when Moreno does his finest whimpering.) Gen X skaters and metalheads would, of course, have been dry humping to “Mascara” at Ozzfest long before that.

Yet while Deftones often reference sex and drugs, they’re hardly “a sex, drugs, and rock and roll” band. With the notable exception of “MX,” which Moreno opens by groaning about “your pussy and your bones,” their handling of sex is more subtle and cerebral than Mötley Crüe banging on about “Girls, Girls, Girls” or Lil Jon compelling the club to “Bend over to the front / Touch the toes!” Deftones have the effect of making you feel a certain way without really knowing why. The lyrics are all suggestion, and the rest is pure vibe. The phrase “around the fur,” for instance, is supposedly about the dark underbelly of the beauty industry. But it also makes you think, invariably, about pubic hair. The cover of the album does much the same.

“There’s something about the atmosphere of their music that has… prompted sexual awakenings across three generations and counting”

That’s what Deftones are best at. They place an image in your head, and leave you to do the rest. That cocktail of indirect references and gentle provocation accounts for their erotic pull across basically every demographic, from hot girl TikTok influencers to Iraq war veterans. One of the earliest architects of Deftones’ ascent was Madonna. She was passed their two-track demo by a friend of a friend of the band when she co-ran her newly minted entertainment company Maverick, which had already established itself as a purveyor of “risky business.” (Their first two releases were Sex, Madonna’s 1992 coffee table book of explicit self-portraits, and its accompanying studio album Erotica—both works of sexual taboo equally lauded and slammed by critics for their “audacity.”) She prompted the call that got Deftones signed for their first five albums, then gifted them an autographed, semi-naked poster of herself.

Obviously, you could also throw all this out of the window and simply say their music “fucks,” which it does. It boils with rage but blisters with tenderness at the same time, owing to the fact that they write monolithic metal guided by the yearning hands of trip-hop, shoegaze, and Sade. The result is a sound that feels like two people fucking in a burning building at the end of the world. There’s suffering there if you want it, pure animalism there if you want it, and male sensitivity there if you want it. A real gooner’s buffet. Moreno’s lyrics, though rarely fun, are predominantly made up of fantasies and fleeting impulses. They find a kind of excitement, evil or otherwise, everywhere from the strip club to the passenger seat. And as the faceless narrator wondered of Roxanna, “Is there anything wrong with that?”

Emma Garland is the author of Gabrielle, a newsletter about sex culture and desire. Follow her on Instagram: @emmaggarland

This essay is taken from the fall 2025 issue of VICE magazine, THE BE QUIET AND DRIVE ISSUE, a Deftones special. We’ve sold out our copies, the only ones left are in stores—perhaps there’s one near you? Secure yourself the next 4 issues by subscribing.

The post Deftones: Anatomy of a Sex Band appeared first on VICE.

These travel-friendly sex essentials are all small enough to tuck into a carry-on, but still fun enough to make “I’m going to bed early” sound suspicious. And don’t worry—together they cover everything from lube and clean-up to vibes, rings, and condoms that don’t feel like a downgrade from your at-home setup.

ALSO FUN: 8 Best Lovense Sex Toys You Should Gift Your Partner This Christmas

Satisfyer Epic Cock Ring

This vibrating ring is small enough to pass as a charger in your toiletry bag, but built for genuinely intense vibration once it’s in place. The stretchy silicone band hugs the base of the penis, while the motor sits on top to send buzz directly where bodies are actually grinding together. Because it’s rechargeable and waterproof, you can charge it in your hotel bathroom and rinse it off in the shower without drama. If you’ve ever tried to be quiet in a creaky childhood bedroom, this can keep the party going while your hands stay free to keep the headboard from slamming.

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Satisfyer

Epic Duo Cock Ring (opens in a new window)

$24.62 at Amazon

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Good Vibrations Fascinator Throw

This travel-size Fascinator Throw is the difference between hot sex and replacing a ruined duvet. It’s a compact, foldable blanket that looks like a normal plush throw but is lined with a moisture-proof barrier, so all the fluids stay on the blanket instead of soaking the mattress. The travel size is easy to roll up and toss into a tote or suitcase, and you can just wash and reuse it instead of panic-hiding it under the bed. It’s very “adult sleepover kit,” and honestly, I wish I’d started packing one years ago.

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Liberator

Fascinator Throw (opens in a new window)

$124.98 at Amazon

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Uberlube Silver Travel + Refill Bundle

A good silicone lube fixes more often than you’d think. Uberlube’s travel kit comes with a sleek little metal travel vial that looks like a perfume sample, plus a larger refill bottle you leave at home. The lube itself is silky, long-lasting, and doesn’t go sticky, which is clutch if you’re sneaking a quick session in and don’t have time for a full shower. Trust me when I say a couple of pumps go a long way.

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Überlube

Silver Travel + Refill Bundle (opens in a new window)

$33.25 at Amazon

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Flamingo Travel Razor Kit for Women

This Flamingo travel kit gets you a mini handle that fits both body and pubic blade cartridges, plus two little foaming shave gels and a vented travel case that keeps everything from rusting in your toiletry bag. The blades are five-blade cartridges with a 360-degree lubricating ribbon and aloe-shea butter strip, so you’re less likely to razor-burn your bikini line. Technically, this is a beauty product, but functionally, it’s pre-sex logistics in a TSA-friendly package.

Womanizer Peach Rechargeable Clitoral Stimulator

If you’re trying to get off in a house full of relatives, suction toys are your best friends. The Womanizer Peach is tiny, super cute, and uses “air pulse” suction on the clitoris instead of a big, buzzy motor. It has multiple intensity levels, a soft silicone tip, and a travel lock, so it won’t start humming in your carry-on mid-security line. It’s rechargeable, waterproof, and designed for very focused stimulation, too. Check, check, and orgasmic-level check.

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Lovehoney

Womanizer Peach Toy Rechargeable Clitoral Stimulator (opens in a new window)

$69.99 at Lovehoney

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Ace Stroker Men’s Masturbation Sleeve

Travel can be brutal if you’re used to toys at home and suddenly stuck with only your hand and bad Wi-Fi. The Ace stroker is a compact masturbation sleeve with a soft, textured interior that adds way more nuance than a rushed shower jerk-off. From the outside, it looks like a harmless black cylinder, so you can hide it in a shoe or dopp kit without raising eyebrows. It’s also easier to clean than a full-size toy, which matters when the only sink you have access to is in a shared bathroom.

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Lushense

Voila Ace Stroker (opens in a new window)

$18 at Lushense

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LELO Bijoux Warming Massage Oil

A good massage oil is the stealthiest sex toy you can pack, and LELO’s warming oil is specifically designed to feel luxe without being sticky. A few drops warm on contact and give a slow, glidey slip that works for back rubs, butt grabs, and everything in between. It can pass as a self-care item if anyone snoops, but in reality, it’s a very efficient way to go from “holiday stress” to “naked on the hotel bed” in about fifteen minutes.

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LELO

Warming Massage Oil (opens in a new window)

$27.90 at LELO

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Vesper 2 Necklace Vibe

The Vesper 2 is a legitimately pretty necklace that also happens to be a small, powerful vibrator. It looks like a minimalist metal pendant on a chain, but the “pendant” unscrews into a USB-rechargeable vibe with multiple speeds and patterns. Because it passes as jewelry, you can wear it through the airport, to family dinner, or out to a holiday party and then quietly plug it into a USB port later like it’s no big deal.

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Vesper

Vesper 2 Necklace Vibe (opens in a new window)

$109 at Babeland

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Future Method Anal Douche Kit

If anal is on your holiday menu, trying to improvise with a random drugstore bottle and your parents’ shower is… not the vibe. Future Method’s anal douche kit is designed by an anal-health-focused brand and comes with a reusable bulb and angled nozzles that make prepping faster, gentler, and more controlled. It’s compact enough to pack and much more hygienic than whatever mystery plastic is hanging in a rental shower. Again, I’m not saying you need to announce you brought your own anal care setup, but if you’ve ever tried to get ready for butt stuff in a shared bathroom, you know why this makes the list.

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Future Method

Anal Douche Kit (opens in a new window)

$24.99 at Amazon

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We-Vibe Touch X

The Touch X is one of those small, pebble-shaped items that ends up doing every job on the trip: clit stim, nipple play, edging, whatever your sleep-schedule-ruined brain can dream up. It has multiple intensities and patterns, a soft silicone body, and a shape that fits easily in your palm or under your hand during partnered sex. Toss it in the inside pocket of your carry-on and you’ve got a whole arsenal of orgasms in something roughly the size of an AirPods case.

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We-Vibe

We-Vibe Touch X (opens in a new window)

Available at Amazon

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Trojan G.O.A.T. Non-Latex Condoms

You can pack all the toys in the world, but if your partner is latex-sensitive and you forgot condoms, the holiday horniness dies fast. Trojan’s G.O.A.T. condoms use an ultra-flexible non-latex material that’s soft, odorless, and designed to move with you instead of feeling like a plastic bag. They’re lubricated with a smooth silicone lube and designed to transfer body heat more easily, making them feel less like a barrier and more like a slightly glossier version of skin-on-skin. It’s 2025, and no one should ever sacrifice safety in the name of a good time in your childhood bedroom.

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Trojan

G.O.A.T. Latex-Free Lubricated Condoms for Men (opens in a new window)

$9.99 at Amazon

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The post Travel-Friendly Sex Essentials for the Holidays For Those Who Still Want to Play appeared first on VICE.

Underneath the cute branding, most of these formulas are variations on the same theme. “Most of these products contain the same handful of ingredients presented in different ways: maca, ashwagandha, L-arginine or other nitric oxide boosters, sometimes fenugreek, ginseng, horny goat weed, zinc, B vitamins,” says urologist Dr. Justin Houman, MD, of Tower Urology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. The problem, he notes, is that the doses in gummy form are usually much smaller than the amounts used in actual studies. Sexual medicine physician and OB/GYN Dr. Michael Krychman adds that the placebo effect for sex supplements is huge, the marketing is often way ahead of the data, and plenty of these products can still interact with meds or cause side effects.

So think of libido gummies less as a cure and more as a ritual: a small potential nudge paired with a big psychological “I’m doing something for my sex life” moment. If your doctor says they’re safe for you and you still want a flirty little pre-sex chew in the mix, here are some of the buzziest options and what they actually claim to do.

ALSO RELATED: 10 Best THC Gummies for Sex (And More THC Products for Playtime)

Lemme Play Gummies

Lemme Play is framed as an “ignite your play” gummy that supports nitric oxide levels and blood flow with an S7 plant complex, plus horny goat weed, maca root, and organic ginger. The pitch is basically: better blood flow + a little energizing plant support = potentially better bedroom stamina and arousal. The gummies are vegetarian, gluten-free, and ditch synthetic colors, leaning into that clean-girl wellness aesthetic while still very much being horny gummies.

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Lemme Play Gummies (opens in a new window)

$30 at REVOLVE

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Maude Libido Gummies

Maude’s libido gummies are passion-fruit flavored daily gummies billed as “female arousal” support, made with a blend of adaptogens and botanicals designed to enhance sexual arousal and stimulation over time in support of an elevated sex drive. The positioning is long-game, not one-night miracle: think gentle nervous-system and libido support you take every day, not a pre-hookup rocket booster. If your entire personality is “soft lighting, good sheets, and slow burn horniness,” this is probably the one you’ll actually remember to take.

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Maude Libido Gummies (opens in a new window)

$45 at Maude

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Love Bites Desire & Libido Gummies

Love Bites lean all the way into the classic herbal “sex formula” lane. The gummies combine damiana, horny goat weed, organic maca, and a branded saffron extract (Saffr’Activ), which are all plants that have been studied in one way or another for mood, desire, or arousal. On the label level, it’s basically a greatest-hits playlist of traditional aphrodisiac herbs in chewy form.

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Love Bites Desire & Libido Gummies (opens in a new window)

$29.95 at Amazon

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Asystem Male Libido Gummies

Asystem’s Male Libido Gummies’ formula features S7, tribulus terrestris, pine pollen, zinc, and magnesium, plus an “Ocean Mineral Blend” with sea moss, bladderwrack, and burdock root, all wrapped in an “ASYSTEM Libido Complex.” The brand’s pitch is performance and vitality support across blood flow, minerals, and gym-bro-adjacent botanicals in one chewy dose. You can categorize it as more like a performance supplement that happens to live in the “sex” category, which might be a more comfortable lane to be in.

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Asystem Male Libido Gummies (opens in a new window)

$45 at Uncrate

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Novomins Turn Me On Gummies

Turn Me On is marketed as a drive-and-desire gummy with fenugreek, maca root, tribulus, and damiana—all plants with clinical data or traditional use supporting sexual function. The brand leans hard on “libido support” language, framing the blend as a way to help revive desire and overall sexual energy. If you want a formula that looks like it was put together by someone who actually read a few studies, this one’s in the mix.

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Novomins Turn Me On Gummies (opens in a new window)

$24.99 at Novomins

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Slumber “In The Mood” Libido Gummies

Slumber’s In The Mood gummies are designed for all genders and built around epimedium (horny goat weed) and maca root, plus other ingredients the brand describes as “research-backed” for sexual health. They’re positioned as a way to support desire and sexual wellness alongside Slumber’s main focus, which is sleep products—a sneaky nod to the fact that exhaustion kills libido faster than almost anything.

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Slumber “In The Mood” Libido Gummies (opens in a new window)

$49 at Slumber CBN

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Mojo Libido Gummies

Mojo’s Libido Gummies are a blend focused on mood, energy, and stress support as much as desire. The formula uses ingredients like maca and B vitamins, alongside adaptogens to help you feel a little more switched on and a little less fried from life, all in a chewy strawberry–tangerine candy situation. These are marketed as a daily supplement rather than a pop-it-and-instantly-pounce aphrodisiac, so think slow burn, not emergency erection.

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Mojo Libido Gummies (opens in a new window)

$10.69 at Mojo

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The post 7 Best Libido Gummies for When You’re Horny, Tired, or Both appeared first on VICE.

Trojan G.O.A.T.

People still want actual protection; they just don’t want to feel like they’re wearing it. After years of “thinner” and “ultra ribbed” versions of the same old latex, Trojan is betting big on a new material and tech they’re calling UltraFlex to give you that “closer to skin” vibe without actually ditching condoms altogether.

MORE ON CONDOMS: 5 Signs You and Your Partner Shouldn’t Stop Using Condoms

What Is Trojan G.O.A.T. Supposed to Be Even?

G.O.A.T. stands for Greatest of All Trojan, which is an absurd level of confidence for a condom acronym, but the tech underneath it is genuinely different from their usual lineup. Instead of latex, G.O.A.T. uses a patent-pending UltraFlex non-latex material that’s designed to be strong, super bendy, and way softer than what you’re probably used to.

It’s odorless and colorless, which sounds basic until you remember a lot of older condoms smell like a balloon factory. Trojan’s whole angle is that this lets body heat pass through more easily, so sex feels less “rubber barrier” and more like a real, warm body underneath.

On top of that, each condom comes pre-lubed with a silky silicone lubricant to smooth things out and boost sensitivity for both partners. It’s a classic straight-walled shape with a reservoir tip, so the fit feels familiar, just in a much softer, more flexible material.

YOU MIGHT ALSO BE INTO: What the Hell Is ‘Sex Dust’ and Why Are People Putting It in Their Smoothies?

Why the Non-latex Thing Actually Matters

Even if you’re not officially latex-allergic, a lot of people get some combo of itchiness or irritation from traditional condoms. G.O.A.T. is Trojan’s answer to that crowd: a premium non-latex option that still has the full Trojan protection vibe.

They’re positioning it as:

• “Softest Trojan yet” – The material is meant to feel more like skin than rubber, so there’s less of that stiff, crunchy texture that can kill the mood.
• “Moves with every motion” – The UltraFlex design is built to stretch and flex as you do, instead of feeling like it’s fighting your body every time you change positions.
• “Next-level intimacy” – By being thinner, softer, and warmer-feeling, the material is supposed to keep you present in the moment instead of being distracted by the condom itself.

Each one is electronically tested, designed to help reduce the risk of pregnancy and STIs, and backed by a brand that’s been in the game for over 100 years. So you’re not trading safety for anything else—the whole point is to get both.

What This Actually Means in Bed?

On paper, G.O.A.T. is “just” another condom. In real life, the details add up.

For anyone who hates condoms because they “ruin the feeling,” this is Trojan’s attempt to shut that argument down. It’s still a barrier, obviously, but the brand is clearly trying to make it feel more like a thin, flexible second skin than a plastic wrapper between you and your partner.

And if you’ve been stuck choosing between sketchy non-name non-latex options and classic Trojan latex, G.O.A.T. finally gives you a big-brand, non-latex condom that’s designed to feel upscale instead of purely medical.

Where to Find It (And Why It’s Very On-brand for 2025)?

Trojan G.O.A.T. is available nationwide and online at TrojanBrands.com, slotting in as the “premium” member of the family with the same Trojan reliability, but upgraded to feel softer, more flexible, and less distracting for both people involved.

If you’ve been raw-dogging your way through situations that definitely don’t deserve that level of trust, or you’ve written condoms off as a vibe killer, this is literally Trojan saying: OK, fine, here’s the best we can do to make you happy and still keep you alive and not pregnant.

Safety and sensation can coexist—who knew?

The post Trojan Launches G.O.A.T.™ (the Greatest of All Trojan Condoms, They Say) appeared first on VICE.

A new nationwide survey of 1,000 adults conducted by Joi AI helps explain what sits underneath that dry spell. Nearly 22 percent of respondents said they hadn’t had sex in over a year, and 6 percent said they’ve never had sex at all. Although 37 percent reported sex within the past week, researchers noted the figure still dips below pre-pandemic levels. The sex recession that experts flagged years ago has not eased its grip.

When people were asked why their sex lives had slowed down, the answers reflected the state of modern adulthood. Thirty-six percent said they have no one to sleep with. Low libido hit 30 percent. Financial stress wore down 24 percent, workload pressure affected 19 percent, and mental fatigue hit 25 percent. Many also cited a lack of time or privacy. Taken together, the picture looks like a generation managing too much and connecting too little.

1 in 5 Adults Haven’t Had Sex in a Year, and the Reasons Say Everything About Where We Are Now

Emotional closeness followed the same pattern. A little more than half of the respondents said they feel close to at least one person. Nearly 30 percent said they feel close to no one, and half of that group said they wish they did. When people were asked about what they missed the most, they said emotional connection was at the top. Physical closeness followed that, with sex being third.

Coping habits vary. More than 40 percent said they use adult content as a replacement for sex. Around 17 percent mentioned trying sexting, and 8 percent rely on AI companions. Meanwhile, half of the people surveyed revealed they don’t replace sex with anything, which seems to reflect emotional exhaustion rather than a deliberate decision.

The survey did highlight some optimism. Over 55 percent believe they will be in a relationship in 2026, and 63 percent expect to have at least some sex next year. At the same time, 42 percent said relationships only make sense now if they serve a practical purpose like a financial partnership or raising children.

Nearly half listed loneliness as one of their biggest fears for the near future. They may not say it publicly, but the concern is there. The numbers sketch a portrait of adults who want connection in every form and feel it slipping further from reach.

The post 1 in 5 Adults Haven’t Had Sex in a Year, and the Reasons Are Pretty Telling appeared first on VICE.

The promise is simple and seductive: maca is a “natural aphrodisiac” and “hormone balancer” that will fix your low libido, mid-30s burnout, and maybe your entire personality, all without having to say “erectile dysfunction” to another human being. It’s ancient. It’s plant-based. It comes in minimalist packaging rather than a blister pack next to the register.

But when you strip away the branding, is maca actually doing anything for your sex life… or are you just very horny for hope?

PERHAPS YOU’RE IN THE MARKET FOR: ‘Sex Dust’ (Which People Are Putting It in Their Smoothies)

Wait, what even is maca?

Maca is a cruciferous root from the Peruvian Andes. Traditionally, people ate it as food: boiled, roasted, or ground into flour. Modern wellness culture turned it into powder, slapped “endurance, mood, hormones, libido” on the label, and now it shows up in lattes, gummies, and “superfood” blends.

On paper, it sounds plausible that this could nudge your sex life. There are human trials looking at maca and sexual function. But “there are some studies” and “this will fix your sex drive” are very different statements.

Dr. Justin Houman, MD, of Tower Urology at Cedars Sinai Medical Center, says the data are not completely imaginary, but they’re also not mind-blowing.

“What stands out is that the signals are small but consistent,” he says. “A few randomized trials show a modest improvement in self-reported libido, usually after 6 to 12 weeks of supplementation. These are not dramatic changes, but they are not nothing either.”

When you separate libido (how much you want sex) from erectile function (what your penis can actually do), the picture sharpens. Maca seems to lean more toward desire than erection quality, and even then, Houman calls the benefits “mild.” This is not Viagra in a smoothie; it’s a gentle nudge for some people over a couple of months.

Dr. Judson Brandeis, a board-certified urologist and sexual medicine specialist, sums up the research similarly: “The most clinically meaningful findings from human research on maca root are modest improvements in sexual desire (libido) and mild erectile function in select populations, but the magnitude of benefit is small, and the evidence is limited by study quality and sample size.”

So: there’s a signal. It’s just quiet, and coming from small, imperfect studies.

Spoiler: it’s not secretly fixing your hormones

A huge part of maca’s marketing is the “hormone balance” story… that it subtly normalizes testosterone, estrogen, and everything in between.

“Short answer: no,” Houman says. “The hype about maca as a hormone balancer is not supported by research.” Across human trials, he notes, “maca does not reliably raise testosterone, lower estrogen, or shift any major sex hormone marker in a clinically meaningful way.” People sometimes report a boost in libido with absolutely no measurable change in their hormone panels. If you’re expecting maca to rescue you from low testosterone, “they are going to be disappointed.”

Brandeis sees the same thing in the data. “There is no strong evidence that maca root meaningfully changes testosterone, estrogen, or other sex hormone levels in humans in a way that produces noticeable clinical effects,” he says. In other words: whatever maca is doing, it is not stealth-injecting you with hormones. The “balancing” is mostly branding.

YOU MIGHT ALSO WANT TO: Fix Your Erectile Dysfunction

Horny, hopeful, or some of both?

If hormones aren’t budging, why do some people swear maca made them feel sexier?

“From a urology standpoint, placebo plays a huge role in sexual medicine, especially when the symptoms are desire-based,” Houman says. Libido is wildly sensitive to psychology, stress, sleep, and relationship dynamics. Just deciding “I’m doing something about this” can change how you show up in bed.

Biologically, Houman says, “it is possible that maca has some central-nervous-system effects. There are compounds in maca that may influence mood and energy. But there is no compelling mechanism showing it directly boosts erection physiology.” He sees the real-world effect as “a combination of a small physiological effect on mood and desire and a large expectancy effect, because people feel hopeful when they are trying something new.”

Brandeis agrees it is “plausible that maca root could have a small, direct effect on sexual desire in patients with low libido,” but adds that “much of the observed improvement may be attributable to placebo effects or increased hopefulness from trying a supplement.”

That doesn’t make people’s experiences any less real. It just means maca is likely more “tiny nudge plus ritual with a dash of hope” than “this root cured my sex life.”

The actual problems maca can’t touch

Here’s where both doctors get concerned: when maca becomes a replacement for a proper workup.

Houman says that when someone comes is talking about maca, Tongkat Ali, fenugreek, or other libido supplements, it’s usually a clue that the real issue hasn’t been identified yet. The most common true causes he ends up diagnosing include:

• Low testosterone
• Vascular disease affecting blood flow
• Side effects from SSRIs or blood pressure meds
• Performance anxiety, relationship stress, or sleep disruption
• Undiagnosed depression
• Post-viral hormonal or inflammatory changes

“Supplements often become the first stop,” he says. “The root issue is usually physiologic, relational, or lifestyle driven.”

Brandeis sees the same thing: patients frequently mention maca, but the underlying causes turn out to be depression, anxiety, relationship stress, medication side effects, hormonal problems, and vascular or metabolic disease. The stuff that definitely does not disappear because you put a scoop of beige powder in your coffee.

Both are fine with people experimenting as long as it’s not at the expense of real care. “Maca is fine as an add-on,” Houman says. “It becomes a problem when it replaces evidence-based care.” Brandeis calls it “usually a harmless add-on that mostly has a placebo effect.”

Is maca actually safe?

Compared to some of the sketchier things the algorithm tries to sell you, maca is relatively low risk. But “natural” is not the same as “you can’t possibly mess this up.”

Houman points out a few caution zones:

• Thyroid disorders: maca contains iodine and “may affect thyroid function in sensitive individuals.”
• Hormone-sensitive cancers: he usually avoids it “in patients with prostate or breast cancer unless their oncologist approves it.”
• Anticoagulants or antiplatelets: maca “may have mild effects on blood viscosity,” not usually a huge deal, but still worth noting.
• Severe anxiety: “Some people feel overstimulated on higher doses.”

If you wouldn’t start a prescription without mentioning it to your doctor, don’t start a daily libido supplement without mentioning it either.

If you’re still interested in maca

Let’s say you’ve read all this and still want to know if maca does anything for you. The urologists just want you to be systematic, not delusional.

Houman tells patients to treat it like a structured trial:

• Dose: 1.5 to 3 grams per day
• Duration: 6 to 8 weeks
• Track: desire, morning erections, ease of arousal, mood, energy, and stress

“Stop if there is zero subjective improvement after 8 weeks,” he says. Also: don’t stack five libido supplements at once and then try to guess what’s working.

Brandeis is more ruthless: “I would give it a week or two” and move on if absolutely nothing changes. Either way, maca is not a supplement you just take forever “just in case.” If it’s going to help, you should notice something within a reasonable window.

Before either of them gives a full yes, they want to know your symptoms (is this low desire, poor erections, low energy, mood issues, or all of the above), your current meds (SSRIs, beta blockers, finasteride), your medical history (especially cardiovascular, endocrine, thyroid, prostate), key labs (testosterone, estradiol, LH, FSH, thyroid function), and what’s going on in your relationship. Libido is rarely just one thing.

If everything looks pretty normal and symptoms are mild, they’re generally okay with you trying it as part of a bigger plan.

Maca Products on the Market

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Maca Root (opens in a new window)

$21.59 at Gaia Herbs

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Organic Raw Black Maca Capsules (opens in a new window)

$23.98 at The Maca Team

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Be•Well Organic Maca Root Powder (opens in a new window)

$12.98 at Sunwarrior

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Buy Now (opens in a new window)

So… does maca actually make you horny, or just hopeful?

If you were secretly hoping maca would reboot your sex life on its own, here’s the mildly annoying truth: it probably won’t. The best evidence we have says it can offer a small, modest bump in libido for some people over a few weeks. A lot of what you feel will be some mix of minor biological effects and major “I’m finally doing something about this” energy.

Brandeis tells patients, “I would tell them that I believe in multi-modal therapy and that if they want to take Maca as part of a holistic treatment plan, that I am OK with this.” Houman’s version is that maca “can nudge libido, but it rarely moves the needle by itself.” Sexual function, he reminds people, rests on three pillars: hormones, blood flow, and psychological factors. A root powder only helps if the foundations are already decent.

The stuff that actually moves the needle in their clinics is treating low testosterone when appropriate, reducing stress, building cardiovascular health, addressing anxiety, and, yes, having uncomfortable conversations about your relationship and what sex actually feels like for you.

Maca can sit on top of that as a little ritual, and that thing you stir into your drink while you do the real work. Just don’t confuse it with the work itself.

The post People Are Taking Maca Root for Libido—Does It Actually Make You Horny or Just Hopeful? appeared first on VICE.