If you've looked into buying your first toy and felt like the content out there assumes either total expertise or none at all, that's a real gap — men's sex toys are consistently underserved by mainstream buying guides compared to women's, even though the category has grown considerably. This is meant to fill that gap with the basics.
The main categories, explained plainly
Strokers / masturbators
Sleeves with internal texture designed to simulate different sensations. Range from simple and inexpensive to app-connected and heavily featured.
Cock rings
Worn at the base, can help maintain firmness. Vibrating versions add sensation for one or both partners during partnered sex.
Prostate toys
Designed for internal prostate stimulation. Sizing matters more here than in most categories — start smaller than you might assume.
Male wellness products
Non-toy category covering things like desensitizing sprays and performance-focused topicals, generally used alongside rather than instead of a toy.
What to buy first
Skip the most expensive or most feature-heavy option on your first purchase. A mid-priced, versatile stroker or a simple vibrating cock ring gives you a real sense of what you like without a large investment in a category you haven't tried. App connectivity, multiple motors, and heating features are worth considering on a second purchase once you know what actually appeals to you.
Beginner-oriented sizing exists for a reason — start smaller than you might assume, use a generous amount of water-based lubricant, and go slowly. Comfort, not size, is the actual measure of whether something is working for you.
Materials and cleaning: the two-minute version
The same rules apply here as anywhere else in the category: 100% silicone, glass, and stainless steel are non-porous and body-safe; vague "skin-safe blend" labeling without a specific material named is worth double-checking. Our body-safe materials guide and cleaning and storage guide cover both in full — worth a quick read regardless of which category you're buying in.
Before your first purchase
- Pick one category to start rather than trying to solve everything with one purchase.
- Confirm the exact material (silicone, ABS, etc.) rather than trusting "body-safe" alone.
- Check the retailer's discreet shipping and billing practices — see our discreet buying guide if this is your first online order in the category.
- Use plenty of water-based lubricant regardless of which product you choose — it's compatible with every material and reduces the odds of a disappointing first experience.
Frequently asked questions
Something versatile and mid-priced rather than the most expensive or most feature-heavy option. A basic manual stroker or a simple vibrating cock ring lets you learn what you like without a large investment in a category you haven't tried yet.
Using a generous amount of water-based lubricant and starting with a smaller, beginner-oriented size are the two most commonly recommended basics. Going slowly and stopping if anything feels uncomfortable, rather than painful, is standard guidance across the category.
A stroker is a masturbation sleeve designed to simulate sensation through internal texture and materials. A cock ring is worn at the base and can help maintain firmness and, in vibrating versions, add sensation for one or both partners during partnered sex.