Best condoms: these are the 10 best available to buy, according to sex experts

Shop the best on the market, from Lovehoney, Durex, Hanx, XO Condoms and more.

A product shot of the best condoms including Durex, Hanx, XO! and more

So, you're on the hunt for the best condoms. They're not usually synonymous with great sex - safe, sure, but not mind-blowing - as, for many, using them can lead to numbness or lack of feeling down there. So, yeah, not what you want mid sex session.

But let us stop you there. A bit like the best lube (we're looking at you, water-based lubes), Lovehoney sex expert Annabelle Knight reckons they're essential for hot sex. She shares: "In this day and age, with so many different colours, textures, and varieties of condoms available, there is no excuse for not protecting yourself and your lover. "Condoms can really enhance your play," she explains. 

Ready to scroll expert picks of the best? You're in the right place. Don't miss our guides to the best lube for anal and best lubes for sensitive skin, plus guides to how to use lube and whether you should use coconut oil as lube, while you're here. 

Testing process for the best condom

Lucky for you, Health, Sustainability, and Relationships Editor Ally Head gets to talk to sex experts day in, day out. She tasked some of the best experts in the business (see who, below), to test and share details of their favourite condoms.

  • Barbara Santini, psychologist, sex therapist and relationship adviser at Dime Piecela
  • Julia Kotziamani, love, sex, and relationship coach
  • Annabelle KnightLovehoney sex expert
  • Georgia Di Mattos, co-founder of sexual wellness brand iPlaySafe App
  • Rachel Worthington, sex and relationship expert and sex toy tester at Bedbible.
  • Sarah Mulindwa, presenter of Channel 4’s The Sex Clinic, qualified NHS sexual health nurse and Lovehoney ambassador.

A packet of some of the best condoms from Hanx on a bed

A packet of Hanx condoms, photographed by one of our testers

(Image credit: Future)

What was considered when testing the best condoms? 

Experts considered the following before buying:

  • Is the condom lubricated?
  • Is it ribbed or smooth?
  • Is it extra thin or extra thick?
  • Is it scented or non-scented?
  • Is it latex or non-latex?

Best condoms: 10 for sensitivity, safety, pleasure, and more

Regular: best all-rounders

Designed to offer the best fit for a standard-sized penis, regular condoms come in a variety of trusted brands.

"In general, regular condoms measure 190mm in length and 54-66mm in width, to comfortably protect," explains Knight. "The average thickness is around 70 microns, which provides protection without compromising on sensation."

Extra safe: best for preventing pregnancy

Ensure peace of mind during sex with an extra safe option. "Offering an increase in thickness and more lubrication, extra safe condoms are often used for anal sex, and provide even more safety without compromising on pleasure," the sex-pert shares.

Delay: best for long-lasting

Delay condoms are a great way to prolong pleasure, Knight shares. "Using a tiny amount of the light anaesthetic benzocaine, they reduce sensitivity throughout the whole of the penis, effectively working to delay ejaculation," she explains.

"They have exactly the same features as your regular style, with reservoir and teat ends and an easy-on shape, but they’re often slightly thicker. This helps to reduce over-stimulation even further, keeping the pleasure going for longer," she goes on.

Textured: best for pleasure

Offering different textures to stimulate both partners during sex, textured condoms feature sensual dots, ribs, and beads to bring an extra exciting dimension to your pleasure.

"With a large selection available from a wide range of trusted brands, make it your mission to discover why these condoms are perfect for both safe sex, and great sex," Knight recommends.

Extra thin: best for sensitivity

Experience a closer feeling without compromising on safety with extra-thin condoms. "Designed to enhance your pleasure with a skin-on-skin feeling, the minimal thickness allows for greater intimacy between both partners during sex," Knight explains.

Each sensitive condom is made to the same high specifications as regular condoms, offering both quality and security, she adds.

Non-Latex: best for latex allergies

Non-latex is a safe option for those with latex allergies.

"Made to the same high-quality standard as regular condoms, these clever creations use innovative materials including polyisoprene, polyurethane, and natural membrane to provide a more natural feeling," shares Knight.

Do note here - you don't need to have a latex allergy to opt for latex-free. "Often people choose latex-free protection because they prefer the sensation," Knight says.

Frequently asked questions

How do you find the right type of condom for you?

Good question. Knight's advice on finding the right condom for you is to try a few options until you work out what works out for you, as everyone will like different things.

As above, there are options for everyone, including flavoured, extra safe, delay varieties, non-latex (for anyone with an allergy to latex), glow in the dark and more.

Why should I invest in condoms?

Short answer: because you don't want to risk getting pregnant or catching an STI.

Figures from Boots UK show sales of condoms almost doubled from 2021 to 2022, with a massive 98% increase in sales. "Searches on boots.com are also on the rise with 30% more searches for condoms and a 50% increase in searches for sex toys compared to last year," shares a rep for the brand.

Top tip: Knight advises making sure to invest in one of the best lubes, too. Why? Well, in short, she reckons it'll make the whole ordeal easier, more enjoyable, and sexier, too. Trust the sexpert on this one. Not sure what lube is? Our guide will help.

Ally Head
Senior Health, Sustainability and Relationships Editor

Ally Head is Marie Claire UK's Senior Health, Sustainability, and Relationships Editor, nine-time marathoner, and Boston Qualifying runner. Day-to-day, she works across site strategy, features, and e-commerce, reporting on the latest health updates, writing the must-read health and wellness content, and rounding up the genuinely sustainable and squat-proof gym leggings worth *adding to basket*. She's won a BSME for her sustainability work, regularly hosts panels and presents for events like the Sustainability Awards, and saw nine million total impressions on the January 2023 Wellness Issue she oversaw. Follow Ally on Instagram for more or get in touch.