10 best sex toys for beginners, including vibrators and dildos

Expert picks from some of the best in the business.

Best sex toys for beginners: A sex toy from Dame
(Image credit: Future)

If you're searching the Internet for the best sex toys for beginners, first things first - welcome to your journey of sexual exploration (we reckon you're going to have a great time). 

You can aimlessly scroll through our edit of the best sex toys or, if you're new to the world of pleasure-based toys, you can opt for options specifically designed for beginners.

No matter what age you are or how sexually experienced you are, buying your first sex toy is no doubt going to bring you a lot of pleasure. While they're often associated with singles who want an extra hand getting off, 41% of people use sex toys for both sex and masturbation, according to a 2020 survey from sexual wellness brand Ella Paradis. Yep, don't keep those toys to yourself — partnered sex can benefit from bringing in extra stimulation, too. 

Back to the question at hand - which toys are best for beginners? If you're not used to vibrations or stimulations other than from the hands, mouths, penises, or vaginas of another human, then you might want to ease in with something gentle. 

Don't miss our guides to the best sex toys for couples, sustainable sex toys, and quiet sex toys, while you're here. Next day delivery important? We've rounded up the best sex toys on Amazon, too. 

For now - keep scrolling for picks for beginners, from our trusted board of pros, including:

What to consider when shopping for the best sex toys for beginners: 

  • Price: While most of the fancy brands really are worth their price tag, you might opt for more affordable styles while you're figuring out what you like and then invest in the sex toy that suits you. 
  • Solo or partnered sex: Most toys can be used alone and with a partner, but some might be better suited to use during penetrative or partnered sex than others. You also have to take both parties preferences into account, so get shopping together. 
  • Material: Opt for silicone, glass, steel or ceramics for the safest and easy-to-clean sex toys.

Sex toys for beginners: 10 sex experts recommend 

Do I need to use lube with sex toys?

If you're new to sex toys, our guides to how to use a dildo and how to clean your sex toys will certainly help. 

When it comes to maximum pleasure, lube is always a good decision, according to our experts. Why? Because it ensures safe and smooth pleasure. 

"I recommend using lubricant to prepare sex toys and yourself," says the co-founder of sexual wellness brand iPlaySafe, Georgia Di Mattos. "Add lube to your hand or finger then run over your inner and outer labia or anus." (Read our edit of the best lubes, here).

Both she and Cooper recommend Smile Makers lube as a small amount goes a long way. 

Chloe Gray
Contributing Health Writer

Chloe Gray is a freelance journalist who writes and talks about health, fitness, and wellbeing through a feminist lens. She was part of the launch team for Stylist magazine's fitness brand, Strong Women, and has written for i news, Women's Health, Red magazine, Good Housekeeping, Refinery29, and more. She's all about building mental and physical strength, eating delicious food that fuels you well, and making the fitness industry more accessible and enjoyable. She's also a qualified fitness trainer and research nerd, so you can be sure everything you read is backed by proper science.