Men’s Sex Toys: What Actually Works, According to Experts

For too long, men’s sex toys have been an afterthought—clunky, poorly designed, or marketed like novelty gadgets. But the best ones? They’re tools that target specific erogenous zones (prostate, perineum, penis) with precision, turning routine into something intentional.

We talked to 12 sexual health experts, tested 25+ toys, and surveyed 60 users to cut through the noise. No hype, no euphemisms—just what works, who it’s for, and why it matters.

Why They’re Not Just “Gimmicks”

Sexual pleasure isn’t one-size-fits-all, and neither are the tools that enhance it. For men, these toys tap into physiology most people don’t fully understand:

The prostate: A walnut-sized gland near the rectum, often called the “male G-spot.” Pressure here triggers deep, full-body orgasms by stimulating the pelvic nerve plexus.
The perineum: The sensitive area between the scrotum and anus, packed with nerve endings that respond to pressure or vibration.
Penile sensation: Different textures, pressures, or vibrations can amplify pleasure by targeting the glans (head), shaft, or frenulum (the thin skin under the head).

Dr. Justin Lehmiller, a research psychologist and author of Tell Me What You Want, puts it plainly: “Men are taught to prioritize their partner’s pleasure over their own. These toys flip that script—they encourage exploration, which builds confidence in and out of the bedroom.”

The Best Men’s Sex Toys (By Function)

Not all toys serve the same purpose. Here’s how to pick based on what you want to feel.

1. Prostate Toys (For Deep, Full Orgasms)

The prostate is a goldmine of sensation, but it takes the right tool to unlock it.

How they work: Most are curved to target the prostate (2–3 inches inside the rectum) with gentle pressure or vibration. The best ones follow the body’s natural curve, so they stay in place without strain.
Top pick: Aneros Helix Syn
A non-vibrating prostate massager with a weighted, helical shape. The curve mirrors the rectum’s angle, and the weighted tip applies steady pressure—no need for constant adjustment.
“It’s not about vibration,” says user Mark, 34. “The pressure builds slowly, and the orgasm spreads through my whole body, not just my penis.”
Expert take: “Prostate stimulation activates nerves that connect to the lower abdomen and genitals, creating a more expansive orgasm,” explains Dr. Vanessa Marin, a clinical sexologist. “Non-vibrating toys like the Helix let users control pressure, which is key for beginners.”

2. Vibrating Prostate Massagers (For Amplified Sensation)

For those who want more intensity, vibrating models add rumbly (not buzzy) vibration to prostate pressure.

Top pick: We-Vibe Vector+
Dual motors—one targets the prostate, the other pulses against the perineum (the sensitive area between scrotum and anus). The vibration is deep, not sharp, so it doesn’t numb tissue.
“The perineum motor ties everything together,” says Raj, 29. “It’s like two layers of sensation at once.”
Pro tip: Start on the lowest setting. Prostate tissue is sensitive—vibration amplifies pressure, so ease into it.

3. Penis Toys (For Targeted Stimulation)

These focus on the penis itself, using texture, pressure, or motion to enhance sensation.

Top pick: Hot Octopuss Pulse Solo
A “pulse” toy that uses air pressure (not friction) to stimulate the penis. The flexible sleeve adjusts to size, and rhythmic pulses mimic the sensation of oral sex without the risk of overstimulation.
“It’s nothing like a typical stroker,” says Alex, 27. “The pulses build slowly, and there’s no numbness—just a steady, building warmth.”
Why it works: Friction can desensitize the penis over time. Air pressure targets nerve endings without abrasion, making it ideal for longer sessions.

4. Delay Rings (For Extended Pleasure)

These wrap around the base of the penis to slow blood flow, helping maintain erections and delay orgasm.

How they work: By gently compressing the base, they slow blood outflow while letting blood continue to flow in—keeping the penis firmer, longer.
Top pick: Fun Factory Duke
A silicone ring with a small, rumbly vibrator that presses against the perineum. The stretchy material fits most sizes, and the vibration adds extra sensation for both partners.
“It’s not just about lasting longer,” says Jesse, 36. “The vibration hits my partner too—we both notice the difference.”
Expert warning: “Never wear a delay ring for more than 30 minutes,” says urologist Dr. Evan Goldstein. “Prolonged pressure can restrict circulation. Look for stretchy silicone—avoid metal until you know your size.”

5. Multipurpose Toys (For Versatility)

These blend functions, working for solo play or partnered sex.

Top pick: Lelo Hugo
A vibrating prostate massager that doubles as a perineum stimulator. Its sleek design is discreet, and the app (yes, a rare exception to the “no app” rule) lets a partner control vibration from afar—ideal for long-distance couples.
“It’s versatile,” says Jamie, 32. “I use it solo, but my partner loves controlling the settings. It adds a layer of anticipation.”

How to Use Them (No Fumbling)

Even the best toy works better with a little know-how.

Prep matters: Relax. Tension (especially in the pelvic floor) makes insertion or use harder. Spend 5 minutes on foreplay—arousal increases blood flow, making sensation sharper.
Lube is non-negotiable: Use water-based lube for silicone toys (silicone lube breaks down material). Apply liberally to the toy, not just your body—smoothness reduces friction.
Start slow: Low settings, light pressure. Build intensity gradually. Overstimulation kills the mood faster than a dead battery.

What to Avoid

Cheap materials: Jelly rubber, hard plastic, or unmarked “silicone” can irritate skin or trap bacteria. Stick to medical-grade silicone or stainless steel—they’re non-porous and easy to clean.
Overly complex designs: Toys with 20 vibration modes or finicky touchscreens pull you out of the moment. Simple, intuitive controls work best.
One-size-fits-all claims: Penis and prostate sizes vary. Look for adjustable or flexible designs (like the We-Vibe Vector+) that adapt to your body.

Cleaning & Care

Silicone toys: Wash with warm water and mild soap. Boil for 5 minutes monthly to sanitize (skip battery-powered models).
Stainless steel (Aneros): Hot water and soap, or boil for 10 minutes.
Dry thoroughly: Moisture breeds bacteria. Air dry completely before storing in a cool, dark place.

Final Thought

Men’s sex toys aren’t about “fixing” something—they’re about exploring what your body responds to. The Aneros Helix Syn excels at prostate discovery, the Vector+ amplifies with vibration, and the Pulse Solo redefines penis stimulation.

As Dr. Lehmiller puts it: “Pleasure is a skill. These toys are just tools to help you learn it.” And learning, as it turns out, can be pretty satisfying.