6 Best BDSM Restraints, Reviewed by a BDSM Educator

There’s no question that the Stockroom’s Premium Garment Leather Wrist and Ankle Cuffs are the best BDSM restraints. Skillfully manufactured from premium materials, they’re designed to be safe and incredibly versatile. Put all that together, and you have a set of adjustable cuffs that novice or experienced kinksters will enjoy.

Why You Should Trust Us

Hi, I am M.Christian. Over the last twenty-five years, I’ve written many books, stories, and articles about sex. For even longer, I’ve been an active member of the BDSM community. I’ve taught classes from floggers and sex canes to handcuffs, dos, and don’ts.

Aided by my loyal team of dedicated testers, I am ideally suited to select the top twelve restraints. Hang on as I go over why they’re a bondage lover’s dream come true!

How We Picked The Products

It wasn’t easy to pick the top twelve restraints as there are many important factors to weigh. Not to mention crucial elements like how well or not the company making them is viewed by the kink community. The same is true for what people using these various gears have to say about them.

When you get down to it, there are five basic test criteria to consider, which we could measure on a scale from 0 to 100. These are the following:

• Manufacturer: How well or not something is made is always worth pointing out. It’s especially true for manufacturing anything intended for BDSM play. As I’ve repeatedly said, safety should be the priority for making and playing with a kinky sex toy. It begins by putting as much effort as possible into constructing it and never cutting corners.
• Materials: It’s impossible to create high-end and safe products from substandard materials. I gave extra points to companies known for using the highest-grade leather, steel, or plastic to make their restraints. However, the opposite is also true. I mean, it’s equally important to know when affordable materials are necessary. For example, when more affordable materials do as good a job as more expensive ones.
• Design: Like how a chef has to enjoy eating, companies that build them must know why they’re so exciting to play with. It’s why I put so much time into checking every manufacturer’s BDSM reputation. Particularly regarding what active scene members like or don’t like about them. After all, they’re the people who are or will be using them. I’ll always give them credit when their cuff fastening is better or safer than most.
• Safety: I should move this to the top of what I look for in a product. Hot though they are, and all kinds of exciting pleasures to use, they must be safe above all else. If a manufacturer doesn’t make it a top priority, they risk injuring anyone using them. It’s another reason to find out what kinksters are saying about them.
• Versatility: Not as high on my list as manufacturing, materials, design, or safety, versatility is still worth considering. However, I didn’t reject any BDSM restraint for being great for a single bondage activity. Rather, I awarded bonuses to those made and designed for more than one purpose.

I began with the leading models on the market. This number decreased after I applied my criteria of manufacturer, materials, design, safety, and versatility.

My testers helped me reduce them even further. Using their first-hand accounts and my own BDSM expertise, I ended with twenty-four possible contenders. Those two dozen were then sent to a carefully selected team of BDSM experts, sexologists, and sex educators.

During testing, we rated each test criterion on a percentage scale from 0% (Worst) to 100% (Best). We then calculated the overall score using different weighted metrics depending on the importance of the test criteria. Half the total rating comes from Design (25%) and Safety (25%). After that come Manufacturer (10%), Materials (10%), and Price & Value (10%).

After collating all these reports, my final step was to see what the Internet and the kink community said about them.

The result was these twelve best BDSM restraints. All of which are outstanding, exciting, and arousing for any bondage activity.

Everything We Tested

In this chapter, you can see a comparison table with all the products we tested. As you can see, each row has the test criteria our team used during the testing. To make our testing process even more transparent, we also included the raw test data so you can see how the products performed with each test criterion.

1. Stockroom Premium Garment: Overall Test Winner!

Why We Love the Stockroom Premium Garment:

Our team tested dozens of different wrist and ankle restraints, and the Stockroom Premium Garment Leather Wrist Cuffs consistently scored the highest in comfort, build quality, and reliability. They especially stood out in the repeated stress tests without a single stitch loosening. The thick leather feels soft on the skin while staying strong under heavy pulling, which is exactly what we look for in restraints meant for extended play.

The design shows careful attention to detail. Rounded edges reduce the chance of rubbing or pinching during long sessions. Nickel-plated buckles and D-rings stayed smooth and scratch-free through weeks of testing. Even after multiple intense scenes, the leather kept its shape and became more flexible without stretching out. M.Christian summed his experience up like this: “These cuffs stayed comfortable the whole time and never left marks, which is rare for leather restraints.”

We also valued how easy they are to adjust and attach. As you can see in the image above, the four sizing holes fit a wide range of wrists, and the D-rings clip quickly to spreader bars or chains. Several cheaper cuffs we tested struggled here, either being hard to fasten or slipping under tension. These simply worked every time, making them a dependable choice for both newcomers and experienced players.

Another reason they topped our list is their long-term potential. After weeks of regular use, they still looked nearly new. No fraying, no stiff spots, and no creaks in the hardware. That level of durability means you can buy once and trust them for years, which is worth the higher price.

Minor Issues We Found During Testing:

The cuffs are a bit costly compared with entry-level restraints, and people with very large wrists might find the fit snug. Solo players will need some practice to buckle them one-handed.

You can read our full Stockroom Premium Garment Leather Wrist Cuffs review here.

Features:

• Premium garment leather with rounded edges for comfort
• Nickel-plated D-rings and buckles
• Four adjustment holes to fit wrists from 5.5 to 8 inches
• Smooth, reinforced stitching for long-term use

Pros:

• Highest-rated for comfort and durability in our tests
• Secure fit and easy attachment to chains or spreader bars
• Leather softens over time without stretching
• Hardware remains smooth after heavy use

Cons:

• Higher price than many basic cuffs
• Fit may be tight for very large wrists
• One-handed fastening takes practice

View On Stockroom

2. Bondage Boutique Under Mattress: Bed Restraint System!

Why I Love Bondage Boutique Under Mattress Restraint:

Regarding sex and restraints, nothing beats using a bed for both. Our next entry is extremely adjustable, from a single to a super king. If you have a bed, Bondage Boutique Under Mattress Restraints will fit it.

It’s tough to find a quality bed bondage system, which is why Bondage Boutique’s is so exciting. Unlike others on the market, it hits all the right points.

Like how this bed kit manages to be soft, comfortable, and solidly constructed, your partner will be snug as a bug in a rug and won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.

For those of you with roommates or relatives who enjoy stopping by unannounced, this BDSM kit can disappear at a moment’s notice. Simply tuck the restraints under your mattress; no one will know how kinky you are.

Minor Issues I Found During Testing:

Though you can use this Under Mattress Restraint with every bed, some are easier to set up than others.

Heavier than your average mattress and bolted to the frame, lifting a Sleep Number bed high enough to slide it under can be tough. I recommend soliciting volunteer help as it’ll likely be too much for one person to handle.

If you want to see what Bondage Boutique’s Under Mattress looks like and how to use it, please watch our unboxing and demonstration video below:

Features:

• Materials: Polyester And Metal
• Measurements: The Adjustable Strap Connected To The Cuffs is four Feet and two Inches Long. The Center Strap Is Four Feet From End To End.
• Colors: Black And Silver

Pros:

• A comfortable and adjustable bed restraint system.
• A very affordable bed restraint kit at forty-nine, ninety-nine.
• Available in red, white, and black.
• The bed kit can accommodate single to super king-size mattresses.
• Mattress restraints are effortless to conceal when not in use.
• The straps are perfectly sized and extremely easy to work with.
• Cuffs are Velcro fastening and can be used with little to no pain.

Cons:

• It was challenging to fit onto some beds.

View On Lovehoney

3. Fetish Fantasy Bondage Swing: Sex Swing With Restraints!

Why I Love Fetish Fantasy’s Bondage Swing:

If you’ve got the place, I’ve got a hugely entertaining restraint set-up for you! The title probably gave it away; this is a suspended BDSM swing system. Bolt it to your ceiling, set up its leg straps, and enjoy an uplifting, arousing bondage experience like no other.

Fetish Fantasy Bondage Swing comes complete with nearly everything you need for a very good time. Wrist and ankle cuffs (image below), a spring for bouncy BDSM play, a set of adjustable straps, it’s got it all. It even includes a headrest free of charge.

Fetish Fantasy Bondage Swing’s wrist and ankle cuffs are secured via Velcro, albeit of the more-secure-than-most variety. They aren’t as immobilizing as buckle cuffs, so the rig is only suitable for light bondage. Velcro fastening cuffs are also less expensive, which explains why the rig is so affordable. Quickie cuffs are a great option for people with joint concerns, as they are infinitely adjustable.

Connecting the wrist cuffs overhead was an inspired design choice and much more comfortable than when I tried linking the Screamer Leather Cuff Set to the Swing Stand. Another great feature of this type of sex swing is how many and well-placed its attachment points are. The trade-off is that the chain between the stirrups and their ankle cuffs can be short. So much so, I had to keep my knees bent instead of stretching fully out. People with joint issues or mobility concerns might want to replace the chains. Its single-mounting hook can also apply uncomfortable pressure on a user’s hips. So it’s more of a short instead of a long-term piece of bondage equipment. The same could be true for taller individuals as well. But removing the spring and lengthening the adjustable straps did wonders.

Minor Issues I Found During Testing:

The only serious issue I had with this swing was attaching it to the ceiling. It may come with a screw-in hook, but it’s not enough to safely suspend a person from it.

Only a qualified or expert-level contractor should do the attaching. It takes a considerable amount of skill to know how to mount it and to what. Beginners need to buy the sex swing stand, which is quite pricey.

The sex swing padding is also made from coated neoprene, slightly less comfy than the cotton canvas material of the other sex swings I recently tried. The padding is thinner and somewhat shiny, which can stick to you if you get sweaty like a car seat sticks to your legs in the summer.

Related: 6 Best Sex Swing Stands, Tested By Sex Educator [Video]

If you want to see what Fetish Fantasy Bondage Swing looks like and how to use it, please watch our unboxing and demonstration video below:

Features:

• Materials: Steel, Velcro, And Neoprene
• Measurements: Nineteen And A Half Inches Wide. The Double Strap Is Two Inches Wide. The Pad Is Four Inches Wide And Twenty-Three Inches Long.
• Colors: Silver And White

Pros:

• Good choice for novices.
• You can rotate and spin it.
• Affordable option at just one hundred and sixty-nine dollars.

Cons:

• Some people may find it uncomfortable or as stable as other sex swings.
• Difficult to clean or maintain.
• It cannot support more than two hundred pounds.

View On Sexswing.com

4. DOMINIX Deluxe Leather Wrist Cuffs: Our Budget Pick!

Why We Love the DOMINIX Deluxe Leather Wrist Cuffs:

Our testers lined these cuffs up against pricier restraints and were surprised by how consistently they held their own. At under fifty dollars, they earned the highest value score in our testing and still offered the strength and comfort you’d expect from premium gear. The two-layer leather construction feels reassuringly solid and stayed secure throughout repeated stress tests. We pulled, twisted, and clipped them to spreader bars without a single buckle slip or sign of stretching.

Comfort was a standout. The wide inner band distributes pressure evenly while rolled, and machine-stitched edges prevent chafing, even during hour-long sessions. Adjusting the fit is simple thanks to nine buckle holes that accommodate wrists from about 4 to 8.5 inches. Our tester Sandra Larson noted, “I expected budget cuffs to pinch or feel stiff, but these stayed comfortable start to finish.” That kind of comfort isn’t common in restraints at this price.

Durability impressed the whole team. The hefty D-ring (image below) and five sturdy grommets stayed firm through aggressive play and multiple attachment points. After weeks of use, the leather softened slightly for a more custom fit but showed no fraying or cracks. Many budget cuffs rely on thin leather or light hardware; these matched some of the premium models in overall resilience.

We also liked the small but thoughtful details. Each set includes a double-sided snap clip for quick linking, so they’re ready for play right out of the package. That’s rare with budget restraints and makes setup faster. While they lack the refined finish of our overall winner, the Stockroom Premium Garment Leather Wrist Cuffs, these are by far the best option if you want reliable leather restraints without overspending.

Minor Issues We Found During Testing:

The tongue holes can wear faster than reinforced notches, so avoid pulling too hard when fastening. Buckles feel slightly lighter than those on high-end cuffs, and solo players may need a bit of practice to secure them one-handed.

You can read our full DOMINIX Deluxe Leather Wrist Cuffs review here.

Features:

• Two-layer leather with rolled, stitched edges for comfort
• Nine buckle holes fit wrists from 4 to 8.5 inches
• Heavy D-ring and five metal grommets for secure attachments
• Includes a double-sided snap clip for quick connection

Pros:

• Best value among all restraints we tested
• Comfortable design with soft inner leather
• Sturdy D-ring and grommets for dependable play
• Wide size range and easy adjustments

Cons:

• Buckle hardware is less robust than premium cuffs
• Tongue holes may stretch with heavy use
• Solo fastening requires extra practice

View On Lovehoney

5. The Stockroom Stupid Cute Wrist Cuffs: Most Beginner-Friendly!

Why We Love the Stupid Cute Wrist Cuffs

If you’re looking for an easy, safe first step into bondage play, the Stupid Cute Wrist Cuffs from The Stockroom are the top beginner pick from all the restraints we tested. They cost just $32 yet feel like something much more expensive. After weeks of testing, here’s why they stand out.

These cuffs keep things simple without cutting corners. The leather is soft and flexible straight out of the box, so there’s no break-in period. Nickel-plated steel hardware holds everything securely but stays lightweight. With four slotted holes, the fit works for wrists from about 4.5 to 8 inches. New users will appreciate how the design avoids pinching and stays comfortable through longer sessions.

We also liked the small touches that show real attention to detail. The slots are reinforced to resist tearing, and the stitching is even and tight. During repeated use, we saw no fraying or stretching. For a set priced this low, that level of durability is rare.

Another reason these cuffs earn our beginner recommendation is how easy they are to use with a partner. The buckle system is straightforward and fast to adjust. You can clip them to a D-ring or connect them with the included snap clip for simple restraint setups. While self-bondage isn’t advised, couples who have tested these have found the process of securing and releasing them quick and reliable.

Finally, the playful pink leather helps set a relaxed tone. Beginners often mention that many BDSM products feel intimidating. These cuffs look fun and inviting while still being strong enough for serious play, which makes them an ideal first purchase.

Minor Issues We Found During Testing

Edges could be slightly rounder for the softest possible feel, and the small tongue holes make adding a lock a bit fiddly. Like most restraints, putting them on yourself is awkward, so plan on using them with a partner.

You can read our full review of The Stockroom Stupid Cute Wrist Cuffs here.

Features

• Premium pink leather with hand-stitched seams
• Nickel-plated steel buckles, grommets, and D-ring
• Four slotted holes for adjustable sizing
• Fits wrists from 4.5 to 8 inches

Pros

• Excellent price for the build quality
• Comfortable leather suitable for long sessions
• The simple buckle system makes partner play easy
• Durable hardware that resists wear

Cons

• Edges could be softer for extra comfort
• Limited color options
• Not practical for solo play

View On Stockroom

6. Lovehoney Black Furry Handcuffs: Best Handcuffs!

Why We Love the Lovehoney Black Furry Handcuffs:

We picked the Lovehoney Black Furry Handcuffs as the best handcuffs because they strike a rare balance of price, playful design, and safety features. At just $14.99, they cost less than most leather cuffs while still offering quick-release levers and a soft faux-fur lining. Our testers gave them the highest rating in our handcuff category for being the most practical way to try metal restraints without the harshness of real police cuffs.

During testing, the safety mechanisms stood out. Unlike standard cuffs that require a key, these include two release options: a small side lever and a front lever that prevents the cuffs from tightening further. This makes them safer for bedroom use and easier to remove if someone feels uncomfortable. Tim Larson, one of our testers, noted, “They feel secure but never risky, and the built-in levers are simple once you know where to find them.”

Comfort and fit also helped them win. The soft faux fur prevents the pinching that can happen with bare metal, and the adjustable ratcheting mechanism fits a wide range of wrist sizes. They work well for light bondage sessions where you want a firm hold but don’t need heavy-duty construction. That combination of gentle lining and adjustable metal frame gave them the best score in our comfort tests among all handcuff-style restraints.

Finally, they are fun. The choice of black or red faux fur adds a playful look that appealed to my colleagues. While they are best for couples who already understand basic bondage safety, the design and price make them a top pick for anyone seeking the classic handcuff feel without the discomfort or complexity of real law-enforcement gear.

Minor Issues We Found During Testing:

The release levers are easy once you know how to use them, but first-time users may need a quick demo. The slim metal frame can feel firm on the wrists during long sessions, and the short connecting chain limits positioning. We also noticed they are slower to remove than non-locking leather cuffs if you are completely new to restraint play.

You can read our complete Lovehoney Black Furry Handcuffs review here. You can also read more about handcuffs in this article.

Features:

• Metal handcuffs covered in black or red faux fur
• Built-in quick-release levers plus two included keys
• Eleven-inch total length with fixed connecting chain
• Adjustable ratcheting mechanism for a secure fit

Pros:

• Extremely affordable at $14.99
• Dual quick-release mechanisms for added safety
• Soft faux-fur lining reduces pinching and adds comfort
• Lightweight design makes them easy to pack or store

Cons:

• Slim metal edges can feel firm during extended use
• The short connecting chain limits the range of motion
• Requires a short learning curve for first-time users

View On Lovehoney

Other Good Alternatives

Bondage Boutique Extreme is our favorite Spreader Bar and a great choice for people who enjoy keeping their bound partners bent over. Though I wouldn’t suggest this spreader bar for newbies, it’s a fan favorite among experienced kinksters. Its cuffs are also pleasantly adaptable and can be used as arm or leg restraints. Therefore, it might be worth saving up for, as it can accommodate every play style and Fifty Shades fantasy. You can read more about spreader bars here.

Lovehoney Oh! Silky Restraints are the most comfortable BDSM restraints and an excellent option for those seeking a safer and gentler option for bondage rope play. They’re exceptionally comfortable to use at precisely the correct width and length and are made from latex-free satin. They are improved by having loops at either end, which enables them to be quickly and easily secured. More importantly, they can be untied or cut with emergency scissors in case of an emergency.

Types Of BDSM Restraints

In my experience, there’s a wide variety of ways to restrain someone. That said, just a few are safe to use.

Restraints and rope are often synonymous with each other. In actuality, only qualified experts should ever restrain someone with a bondage rope. There’s too great a risk for harm. Tendons, joints, nerves, and circulation can easily be injured, often permanently.

Cuffs: For safely restraining someone, a few things top a pair of premium-grade cuffs. Sometimes fur-lined, padded, or adjustable, they are great for beginners or experienced BDSM players.

Spreader Bar: These BDSM toys are designed to keep a person’s arms or legs apart. Steel, wood, and occasionally plastic can make a spreader bar. Spreader bars may also come with restraints or can be fitted with attachment points. Others might include quickie cuffs or velcro fasteners for Fifty Shades fun.

Bed Restraint: If you or your partner wants to be comfortable, consider purchasing mattress restraints. Slide a bed restraint kit under your mattress so its cuffs or attachments are at opposite corners. You can enjoy a restful yet restrictive good time once that’s done. Bed systems are also excellent for people with chronic pain or mobility issues. Bed bondage can be enjoyed with other toys like metal clips, ball gags, wooden spoons, or hot wax. However, some models are easier to set up than others. Sportsheets under the bed is another fine bed restraint system straight out of Fifty Shades, but be sure to set your hard limits before playing. Other bed kits can be equally enjoyable, so don’t limit your bed straps to just Sportsheets under the bed.

Collars: Sometimes a sign of subservience, occasionally a form of restraint, collars are another type of restraint. For the latter, they might be clipped to a leash. A collar may also be part of a more extensive setup. You can find the best BDSM collar in this extensive review guide.

Mummification: There’s nothing more restrictive or immobilizing than mummification. The only downside is that it can be incredibly expensive, but wrapping a person in plastic may also have the same effect for much less money. Hard limits can also come into play, as mummification may make some people uncomfortable. Sportsheets under the bed or other mattress restraints can be used along with them for an extra-intense feeling of restraint.

Mental: Here’s a style of restraint that’s as incredibly safe as it is affordable. The idea behind mental restraints is to command a person not to move.

How To Use BDSM Restraints?

Here’s a quick guide on using restraints safely. Before doing anything, thoroughly negotiate every aspect of the scene. Once that’s done, everyone must give and receive consent to proceed. Establishing a safe word, respecting hard limits, and so forth are extremely important.

Remember, Fifty Shades is fiction and not fact. Beginners shouldn’t use handcuffs, zip ties, or bondage rope. Experienced kinksters know how to use handcuffs safely and respect someone’s hard limits. Fifty Shades doesn’t show it, but communication and consent are what bondage is all about.

Your playspace should be free from anything potentially harmful. Have a pair of emergency shears at the ready and a smartphone. The first to instantly cut the restrained person free, the second to call in case of emergency.

It’s also something Fifty Shades doesn’t depict. Dominants aren’t there to please themselves but their submissive partners. Establishing hard limits, touching base with them, and knowing what to do in a crisis is why Fifty Shades isn’t what restraints are about.

Then and only then should you use your restraints. If you or your partner are new to this, take it slowly and carefully. Never leave a bound person unattended. I also recommend removing them after a few short minutes until you and they have gotten used to them. Quickie cuffs are great for newbies as they can be removed quickly.

If you are using a ball gag, make sure everyone can communicate with one another. Unlike in Fifty Shades, a ball gag is another expert-level restraint and is one of several common hard limits. If you want to play it safe, try Sportsheets under the bed or similar bed restraints. You can read more about ball gags here.

Handcuffs aren’t quickie cuffs, so be prepared to remove them as fast as you can. Handcuffs are designed not for pleasure but to immobilize someone painfully. Please keep this in mind, and not how they are in Fifty Shades. If you or your partner is having difficulty with handcuffs, unlock them and immediately check for any serious injuries.

Periodically check with one another. There’s nothing wrong with stopping, slowing, or ending a restraint scene anytime for any reason. It’s true for the dominant and the submissive, as well.

If you want more information, you can check out my other guide for some good BDSM restraint positions.

M.Christian

M.Christian loves nothing better than exploring the intersections of sex and technology. They regularly appear on sites like Kinkly, Tickle.Life, Sexpert, Queer Majority, Killing Kittens, Sex for Every Body, Future of Sex, and dozens more on topics like BDSM safety, sexual education, senior sexuality concerns, queer and gender issues, as well as reviewing numerous sextech products and adult entertainment sites.
Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Latest posts by M.Christian (see all)