Toys for men have changed a lot in the last few years: better materials, smarter designs and far more variety than the novelty products of the past. Here is a straightforward guide to the three main types, and what to look for in each.
1. Strokers
A stroker is a soft sleeve designed to be used with lube. They range from simple manual sleeves to rechargeable toys that vibrate, squeeze or move on their own.
Manual strokers
- Tenga Puffy: an ultra-soft, spongy inner material inside a silky silicone cover. Squeeze the case to control the pressure. The top cover comes off for easy cleaning.
- Arcwave Pow: a textured silicone sleeve with an air-release valve. Cover the valve with a finger to increase the suction, no batteries needed.
- Arcwave Voy: a compact stroker you twist through 8 tightness levels for a custom fit.
Powered strokers
- Hot Octopuss Pulse Solo Essential: uses oscillating PulsePlate technology and is designed to be held in place rather than stroked, which also makes it suitable for people who find stroking difficult.
- SVibe Snail Evo: medical-grade silicone with two motors, waterproof, with a magnetic charger.
- Lovense Max 2: air pumps that mimic contractions and adjust tightness, app-controlled, and able to sync with a partner’s toy at a distance.
2. Cock rings
A ring sits at the base of the penis (and sometimes behind the testicles). By gently slowing blood flow out of the penis, it can help maintain firmness. Vibrating rings also add stimulation for a partner during sex.
- ILY by Je Joue: a soft, stretchy silicone ring with 3 speeds, 7 patterns and a quiet motor.
- Tenga SVR: a powerful vibrating ring with 5 strengths and 2 patterns, about 60 minutes per charge, plus a travel case.
- We-Vibe Verge 2: a stretchy ring that also vibrates against the perineum.
Ring safety: choose stretchy silicone over rigid rings, wear a ring for no more than 20 to 30 minutes at a time, never sleep in one, and remove it immediately if you feel pain, numbness or coldness.
3. Prostate massagers
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland a few inches inside the rectum, toward the front of the body. Many people find prostate stimulation intensely pleasurable. Prostate toys are curved to reach it and always have a flared base or handle.
- b-Vibe P-Spot Vibing: a contoured massager with 3 speeds and 7 patterns that can also be used unpowered, moving with your muscles.
- We-Vibe Vector+: an adjustable-fit massager with two motors for the prostate and perineum, plus app and remote control.
- Lovense Edge 2: adjustable, app-controlled and IPX7 waterproof.
- Nexus Revo Intense: a rotating shaft for the prostate and a separate vibrating perineum massager, both controlled independently.
New to prostate play? Read our beginner’s guide to anal toys first. Plenty of lube and a slow start make all the difference.
Care and hygiene
- Use water-based lube with silicone toys and most stroker materials.
- Clean strokers right after use with warm water and mild soap, then let them dry completely, inside and out. Many strokers come apart for exactly this reason.
- Porous materials like TPE are best kept for one person.
Our cleaning and storage guide covers every material. Browse everything for him, or the full male toys collection.
