12 Best Sex Toys for Beginners 2026 According to Sexologists

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Whether you’re looking to indulge in more pleasure for yourself or with a partner this year, but the thought of introducing sex toys intimidates you, let’s change that. The best sex toys for beginners are the perfect way to enhance your pleasure and explore your body. There are limitless options to browse, so we spoke with experts to compile a guide to the best toys to shop for.

Before you get started, Dr. Carol Queen, PhD, is the staff sexologist at Good Vibes and the lead author of The Sex & Pleasure Book: Good Vibrations Guide to Great Sex for Everyone says that no one toy suits everyone, nor even one specific type of toy.  “People are diverse!” she says. “In selecting the right sex toy for you, it helps to think about what you enjoy and want to experience.”

Best Sex Toys for Beginners at a Glance

Best Overall: Hello Nancy Lem Clitoral Massager, $89
Best Internal and External Stimulation: Mysteryvibe Poco, $125 (originally $249)
Best Sonic Vibrations: Lelo Sona 2, $127 (originally $159)
Best for People with Penises: Hot Octopuss Pulse Solo, $120
Best External Toy: Elixir Play The Explorer, $140
Best Compact Toy: We-Vibe Tango X, $85
Best for Solo Play: Maude Vibe, $52
Best Clitoral Stimulator: Satisfyer Pro 2 Vibrator Sex Toy, $70
Best Bullet Toy: Rocks Off Touch of Velvet RO-90mm Bullet Vibe, $21
Best Wand Massager: Doxy Die Cast Max Plug-In, $260
Best Rabbit Toy: ROMP Jazz Rechargeable Rabbit Vibrator, $45 (originally $50)
Best Dildo: Babeland The One Silicone Dildo, $36 (originally $60)

Best Types of Sex Toys for Beginners, According to Experts

The best sex toys for beginners are ones that are simple and easy to use. “Before spending a ton of money, explore what feels good and work your way up to something larger or more advanced,” says April Maria, resident accredited sex educator at Hot Octopuss. “You wouldn’t buy an expensive car without taking it for a test drive, and the same goes for toys.” Here’s a quick list of a few toys experts recommend exploring with.

External vibrators: Maria says that people will often start with external vibrators or toys designed to sit against the body rather than go inside it. “Buying an external vibrator will allow your body to get used to the sensations without the pressure to insert anything before you are ready.”

Penetrative devices: “If someone prefers penetrative devices, then size and shape matter,” explains Dr. Alexandra Dubinskaya, urogynecologist, reconstructive pelvic surgeon, and sexual medicine specialist at Cedars-Sinai. A postmenopausal woman with vaginal dryness who hasn’t been sexually active for some time may feel more comfortable starting with something smaller and softer. In contrast, a younger woman who had vaginal deliveries may prefer something slightly larger.

How to Shop for Sex Toys, According to Experts

Since there are so many brands online, shopping for sex toys is easy and discreet. Experts recommend shopping only from reputable retailers that invest time and research in their products to ensure their safety for sensitive body tissues. Keep reading to learn what else to look for when shopping for beginner sex toys.

Materials: Chelsea Newton, a licensed clinical social worker, sex therapist, and the founder of Phases of the Mind Therapy, also says to take a look at materials. “Look for body-safe materials, like medical-grade silicon or ABS plastic.” Newton also advises against jelly rubber or toys that don’t clearly list their materials. “You want something non-porous and easy to clean.”

Sensation: It’s also important to figure out what type of sensation you want to start with. “Do you want to try light tapping, steady pressure, or suction?” Newton questions. “If you already know what kind of touch you like, stick with something that will provide a similar sensation.”

Consider your budget: Dr. Dubinskaya says it’s reasonable to factor in your price point. “Brands like PlusOne are more budget-friendly and accessible,” she explains. “Higher-end brands such as MysteryVibe and Lelo tend to be more expensive, often reflecting more advanced engineering and design.”

Benefits of Sex Toys

Maria tells SheKnows that sex toys can support pleasure in ways that go far beyond just an orgasm. “They help people learn more about their bodies, understand what types of touch feel good, and build confidence around pleasure that feels good rather than performative,” she says.

Toys also help reduce stress, support relaxation, and offer an experience that helps you stay present in your own body.

Medical benefits are also noticeable with the use of sex toys. Dr. Dubinskaya and her team conducted research on vibratory devices at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles and observed multiple benefits with regular use.

“Women reported improved sexual function, better arousal, improved orgasm quality, and reduced pain,” Dr. Dubinskaya says. “We also saw improvements in certain pelvic floor conditions, including mild prolapse symptoms and urinary incontinence. Mood and overall mental well-being improved as well.” She also explains that topical vibration increases blood flow to genital tissue and essentially acts like rehabilitation.

Newton adds that for trauma survivors, sex toys can help them reclaim pleasure by “having control over pace, pressure, and stimulation that feels safe and empowering.”

How to Maintain Your Sex Toy

Every toy needs to be maintained, whether it’s a high-quality toy or a budget-friendly pick. That’s why Dr. Queen recommends handling it and storing it properly. PSA: You should always clean it after every use.

“If it doesn’t operate with batteries, or if it is waterproof, you can wash it with mild soap and water, then rinse,” Dr. Queen notes. If the toy is made with a battery compartment or rechargeable battery, use a body safe wipe, followed by a clean wet cloth to remove that residue.”

Dr. Queen also urges always to remember that if you’re sharing toys, “it’s best done with condoms or another barrier—make safe sex toy choices!”

Ready to treat yourself? Keep reading to discover 12 of our favorite beginner sex toys.

Our mission at SheKnows is to empower and inspire women, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Hello Nancy is a SheKnows sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Best Sex Toys for Beginners 2026

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