The Best Masturbators for Men, According to Sex Therapists
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Fleshlights, gloves, strokers, oh my! Discussions around sex toys have grown increasingly more mainstream over the past few years, with innovative new designs for different needs springing up all the time. But, like most acts of intimacy, sex toys are an ancient human tool. In fact, in 2005 archaeologists discovered an ancient stone phallus in a remote cave in Southern Germany, and were able to date it back almost 30,000 years.
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The sex toy industry is dominated by female-oriented marketing, but women aren’t the sole consumers of sex tech by any large stretch. A 2022 survey by Statista revealed that 46% of US-based male respondents owned anal-focused toys, and 41% of male respondents owned vibrators. This begs the question of whether these toys only make an appearance when company is around. While a majority of people keep things analog when it comes to onanism, introducing sex toys into one’s masturbation routine comes with some major benefits.
From an accessibility standpoint, those with congenital disabilities, muscular limitations, injuries, cognitive or developmental disabilities, and other conditions such as arthritis, tremors, parkinsons, and osteoporosis benefit greatly from masturbation aids. But there are more than just physical benefits; SPY spoke with interior, furniture, and sex furniture designer Domhnall Nolan about the positive mental impact of using masturbation toys. Nolan shared, “Using toys can really re-energize your relationship with your own sexuality. I treat the selection [of sex toys] with the same level of care as choosing my outfits. It should be a reflection of yourself too.”
Shopping for a sex toy definitely qualifies as an act of indulgence, but there’s no need to break one’s budget. Depending on preference, men’s masturbation tools start around $6 USD for a simple sleeve but can reach up to several hundred dollars, or even several thousand for luxury VR sex toys. Depending on the materials used, the size, features, and functionality — masturbators vary in price and durability, but it’s never worth sacrificing something that’s body-safe and porous to save a few bucks. Stick to glass, silicone, metal, and lucite for materials, avoiding anything made of PVC, vinyl, or rubber.
What the Experts Say
For this story, SPY spoke with sexuality educator and relationships coach Dakota Ramppen, who shared her expertise on what men should look for when buying a masturbator for the first time. “When men are going in to find their own masturbator they need to have a good idea of what they want. Do they want something that’s realistic, something that can be used with a partner, something for mutual masturbation?“ Additionally, Dakota recommended prioritizing body-safe materials, such as medical-grade silicone, ensuring that you have a lubricant that’s compatible with the material, and investing in a high-quality item to ensure longevity. “A lot of people go for what’s cheap because it’s cheap, and it ends up getting ruined. You’ll end up buying something again and spending more money.”
Dakota informed SPY that men’s masturbation toys tend to fall into three categories: Fleshlights, strokers and sleeves, and electric, automatic devices, and they each have something different to offer. However, the top spot on this list goes to Fleshlight. SPY also spoke with two adult film actors, Addis Fouche and Yinnie DeDom, who both heartily endorsed the Fleshlight as well. Read on to learn why.
BEST OVERALL
Fleshlight
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SPY consulted two household names in the porn industry, Addis Fouche and Yinnie, who both sang the praises of Fleshlight. Addis, who on top of being an adult film star is also a writer, startup founder, content creator, and sobriety advocate, shared her love for Fleshlight. It pays homage to real actors in the industry, with Pornstar-replica devices known as the Fleshlight Girls, Fleshjack Boys, and Fleshlight Guys.
The best thing about fleshlights are the amount of ways to cater to one’s personal preferences. There’s the choice between vaginal, anal, or oral fleshlights, all of which feature different internal textures, which simulate a realistically tactile experience.
Adult film actor Yinnie showed their support for the brand as well, highlighting the importance of Fleshlight’s versatility. “They’re so different for everyone’s needs,” they noted, adding how sexual preference plays an important role in the selection process. For Yinnie, “It’s down to suction, softness, material, and the texture inside. There’s so many varieties.”
BEST FOR TECH BROS
Lelos F1 V2
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Another recommendation from Yinnie is the Lelos F1S masturbator, which the actor endorsed as “awesome.” Lelos F1S is an automatic male masturbator that allows for a high-tech, customizable experience that’s both deeply personal and a bit less effort-intensive. Unlike the Fleshlight, which is predominantly controlled by hand, the Lelos F1S is powered via a smartphone app, with an internal sleeve meant to adapt to the user’s form. The device features four customizable programs each with several different vibrational patterns, and by pairing a device with the app, users can track their personal performance, see how their body responds to certain sensations, and adjust their settings accordingly to achieve maximum pleasure.
LOW-KEY TITILLATION
Arcwave Ghost Silicone Stroker
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Looking for something less obvious than a fleshlight? As Dakota Ramppen suggests, it’s impossible to go wrong with a stroker. These bad boys are incognito, affordable, transportable, and easy to clean. It’s important to note, however, that any lubricants being used must be compatible, so opt for a water-based lube.
AN ANALOG UPGRADE
Masturbation Glove
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For those who are just looking to kick things up one or two notches, a masturbation glove is a great way to go. This one from The Adult Toy Shop is both effective and low-maintenance and doesn’t require lube! Wear this glove on either hand, and enjoy a velvety, malleable texture that the brand describes as a sea anemone.
PROSTATE PARTISANS
Lovers Wild Bronco Remote Control Prostate Massager
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Sure, the penis and its surrounding area is an important pleasure center. But prostates need love too. To give that walnut-sized gland the attention it deserves, invest in a Wild Bronco prostate massager. This flexible, remote-controlled device is perfect for a bit of vibrating anal exploration, empowering users to explore and take control of their pleasure, hands-free.
FOR MOUTH MIMICK
Orctan Rechargeable Silicone Roller Male Masturbator
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Some folks are fans of all things oral, and for those seeking an unpartnered oral experience, the Orctan Rechargeable Silicone Roller Male Masturbator is a great way to go. It houses two silicone rollers with nine different vibrational settings and is powered by an ultra-quiet motor. This toy targets the penis from all angles, top and bottom, left and right, and is adjustable to fit all sizes and tightness preferences.
BEST FOR ANAL NEWBIES
Blush Luxe Beginner Plug Kit
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The secret to a lot of men’s pleasure lies in the prostate, but many — whether due to an aversion to butt-play or a lack of experience — have yet to tap into this pleasure center. For those looking to incorporate anal exploration into their masturbation routine, it’s wise to invest in an anal trainer kit. The Blush Luxe Beginner Plug Kit offers three sizes, all of which are tapered to allow for gradual accommodation. Users can start slow, safely push limits, and level up to the next size if/when that time comes. The base of each anal plug is fashioned with a suction cup, allowing users to get as creatively hands-free as they’d like.
FOR SMALLER PACKAGES
Good Head Sleeve Mini Stroker
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Just like shopping for shoes, these masturbators only work if they’re the right size. For trans men who are rocking their OG machinery, or the fellas with small and mighty packages, a sleeve mini-stroker is a great sidekick. This unassuming sleeve is a jack of all trades — no pun intended — and can be twisted, suctioned, stretched, rubbed, and jerked every which way. Just keep in mind that the Good Head Sleeve Mini Stoker is composed of Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPEs), which are phthalate-free, but still porous, so make sure to replace strokers regularly.
BEST BUDGET TOOL
TENGA Egg Disposable Masturbator Sleeve
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Still not sure which way to go? The TENGA Egg is a good next step. Meant for single-use only, these egg-shaped stroking sleeves are made of thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) which are body-safe by means of ingredients, but unsafe if used more than once. TPEs are porous materials, so treat these eggs like a condom — one and done. If this is the pinnacle of all strokers and one isn’t enough then splurge for the half-dozen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Masturbators for Men
Can I Kick My Masturbation Experience Up a Notch?
Yes! Dakota Ramppen recommends pairing different topicals or supplements with your masturbation routine, to explore newer, different sensations.
Can I Buy a Masturbator Second-Hand?
We advise against it.
Can I Use More Than One Device at a Time?
If they’re compatible! Yinnie recommends pairing a hitachi wand with a chastity cage — a combination they described as “the absolute pinnacle.”
Can I Make My Own Fleshlight?
We’re all for DIY, but for sanitary reasons, it’s best to buy a tested, body-safe device.
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