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Best sex toys for beginners that are fun and easy to use
Keen to try a sex toy but nervous about which one will work for you? We’ve gathered the best sex toys for beginners that Mumsnet users recommend.
By Kat Romero | Last updated Nov 28, 2023
If you’re keen to dip your toe into the pool of pleasure, sex toys are an amazing way to elevate masturbation or add an exciting new element to intimacy with your partner and enhance your sex life.
But with a whole host of toys on the market, it can be daunting when choosing what one will work for you. Particularly if you’re a newbie to the game.
Thankfully, our Mumsnet users are the ideal test audience for exploring the world of sex toys. They have put a whole host of toys to the test and offered their unbiased and unfiltered reviews. From the good, to the bad and the downright disappointing.
We’ve rounded up our picks of the best ones for sex toy beginners. From clitoral bullets to clitoral suction toys, anal plug and remote-controlled love eggs. There really is a key for every hole. No pun intended… Keep reading to find out guide to the best sex toys for beginners.
If you're in need of other sex essentials, don't miss our expert-approved guides to the best sex toys for women, best sex toys for couples, best massage oils, best sex games and for budget-friendly options, don't miss our guide to the best cheap sex toys available.
Beginner sex toys: quick glance
Best overall: Ann Summers Rechargeable Power Bullet Vibrator, £25
Best budget: Ann Summers 5" Sleek Classic Vibrator, £8
Best clitoral stimulator: Lovehoney Rose Clitoral Suction Stimulator, £55
Best travel: LELO SONA™ 2 Travel, £89
Best for couples: Lovehoney Rechargeable Remote Control Small Love Egg, £23
Best rechargeable: Womanizer X Lovehoney Pro40 Rechargeable Clitoral Stimulator, £100
Best for G-spot stimulation: Ann Summers Thrusting G-Spot Rampant Rabbit, £55
Best finger sex toy: Lovehoney Magic Touch Rechargeable Clitoral Finger Vibrator, £20
Best for anal play: Ann Summers Slimline Vibrating Anal Plug, £22
Best for him: Ann Summers Hard Drive Vibrating Prostate Massager, £28
Best overall beginner sex toy
What we like
Palm size
Good price point
Tapered tip design
What we don't like
Settings a little tricky at first
Key specs
RRP on writing: £25 | Settings: Three speeds, seven vibrations settings | Colour: Rose gold | Power: Rechargeable via USB cable | Waterproof: Yes
What Mumsnet users say
Our verdict
A bullet is an ideal first-time purchase for those looking to explore different patterns of pleasure. It can really enhance your solo pleasure but also add some pleasurable clitoral stimulation during sex, especially when using external stimulation on the vulva. Additionally, it can provide internal stimulation for an even more satisfying experience.
This one from Ann Summers is discreet and has a modern and sleek vibe design. It also fits in the palm of your hand, making it ideal for storage or packing for trips away. Additionally, it is one of the best clitoral vibrators on the market.
It also has multiple vibration patterns and different modes to suit any taste or preference, making it a great option for newbies. The one downside customers flagged is that you have to click through each setting to get to the one you want. So the user experience is a little clunky but once you get used to it, the orgasm will be worth the wait!
Best budget
What we like
Small and compact size
Tapered tip
Easy to clean
What we don't like
Only one speed setting
Key specs
RRP on writing: £8 | Settings: Single speed vibration | Insertable length: 5 inches | Power: Battery powered (1 x AA battery)
Our verdict
Who says pleasure has to be pricey? This vibrator is less than £10 and really packs a powerful punch. The sleek design makes insertion smooth and comfortable and the tapered tip offers targeted vibrations for the most incredible clitoral stimulation. It's also easy to clean with the brand’s wipes.
One negative is that there’s only one speed setting but for less than a tenner, for those looking to enhance their sexual wellness, this battery-powered vibrator is a great option and is a bargain.
Best clitoral stimulator for beginners
What we like
Gorgeous design
Travel lock
10 suction settings
Pleasure air technology
Waterproof
What we don't like
Suction may be too gentle for some
Key specs
RRP on writing: £55 | Material: Silicone | Power: Rechargeable | Run time: 65 minutes | Settings: 10 intensity levels | Waterproof: Yes
Our verdict
If the large and scarily realistic vibrators and dildos put you off purchasing your first sex toy, this stunning rose design from Lovehoney might be a great option.
But it’s not just the design that earns it a place in our roundup of the best sex toys for beginners. It has 10 suction settings as well as air pleasure technology to ensure your exterior pleasure points are being stimulated. It’s also waterproof, so you can use lubricants and oils and enjoy it during a dip in the tub.
Some reviewers have complained that the suction isn’t strong enough. This is a preference issue so if you find you need something more powerful, it’s worth shopping around.
Best beginner sex toy for travel
What we like
Ideal for travel
12 power settings
Soft silicone
What we don't like
Expensive
Key specs
RRP on writing: £89 | Material: Body-safe silicone, ABS plastic | Settings: 12 to choose from | Waterproof: Yes
Our verdict
LELO's brand of sex toys use sonic waves to stimulate your clitoris. The small and compact design is ideal for storage and will fit easily into your hand luggage or main suitcase. helping it to earn its place as the best sex toys for beginners when travelling. The design is made from the softest silicone which feels amazing on the skin and with 12 different types of vibration to choose from, you're guaranteed to find one that makes you moan.
At £89, it’s a high price point. But the reviews seem to suggest that if you can afford the splurge, it’s worth every penny.
Read next: Best couples sex toys, tried and tested
Best for G-spot stimulation
What we like
Classic design
Waterproof
What we don't like
Some buyers report that it's slightly too big
Key specs
RRP on writing: £55 | Settings: Three rotational, seven vibration | Power: Rechargeable
What Mumsnet users say
Our verdict
It wouldn’t feel right to discuss the best sex toys for beginners without an honourable mention of Ann Summers’ Rampant Rabbit. The brand has been selling this toy since the early 90s and the Thrusting Rabbit model is ideal for G-spot pleasure.
The base has various vibration settings and can rotate to hit every spot. Ideal for deep, penetrative pleasure. But the showstopper has to be the vibrating rabbit ears which wrap around the clitoris and help to deliver the most intense orgasm.
Best rechargeable
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Womanizer X Lovehoney Pro40 Rechargeable Clitoral Stimulator, £100
What we like
Suction and pleasure air technology
Waterproof
What we don't like
Expensive option
Key specs
RRP on writing: £100 | Material: | Allergens: Latex-free, phthalate-free | Waterproof: Submersible | Power: Rechargeable | Run time: 240 minutes | Settings: Multiple speeds
What Mumsnet users say
Our verdict
The Womanizer range of sex toys are incredible because they combine suction with Pleasure Air technology, which mimics actual physical touch for the ultimate pleasure.
As for the design of the Pro40, it's waterproof so you can take it into the bath or feel free to go wild with lubes and oils. The silicone is soft to the touch and feels so good on the skin. It is a very expensive product but the many many five star reviews and Mumsnet user recommendations claim it's an absolute game changer and takes orgasms to the next level - earning it a spot in our guide to the best sex toys for beginners.
Read next: Best massage oils for sex and play
Best for anal play
What we like
Three speeds and four vibration settings
Slim design for easy insertion
Removable bullet for clitoral stimulation
What we don't like
Noisy
Key specs
RRP on writing: £22 | Power: Battery powered | Settings: Three speeds, four vibrations
Our verdict
If you’re a fan of anal play or want to explore it for the first time, we highly recommend this plug from Ann Summers. The slim design means it’s easy to insert and there’s a good variety of speeds and vibrations settings to guarantee your pleasure.
Best of all, there’s a detachable bullet, which means you can enjoy the butt plug whilst also stimulating your clitoris. One downside that some customers have noted is the loud sound, so it’s not ideal for discretion.
Best for finger play
What we like
Various speeds and functions
Tongue-like sensation
Compact design
Good price
What we don't like
Not powerful enough for some
Key specs
RRP on writing: £20 | Material: Silicone | Waterproof: Submersible | Power: Rechargeable | Settings: Speeds and patterns
Our verdict
Self pleasure can be incredible but one of the things it struggles to mimic is the feeling and flexibility of a tongue during oral sex.
But this finger sex toy from Lovehoney is designed to mimic a tongue and has various speeds and power settings built in to ensure you achieve a deep orgasm. It’s a great price and the compact design means it’s easy to store away or take on holiday.
Some customers claimed that the power was not strong enough for them but a large majority of the reviews were glowing.
Read next: Best sex games for a night of fun
Best for him
What we like
Good choice of vibration modes
Good price
Waterproof
What we don't like
Some buyers say it's not long enough
Key specs
RRP on writing: £28 | Settings: 10 vibration functions | Power: Battery powered (1 x AAA)
Our verdict
The unique design of this toy features a curved and ridged tip, which offers very powerful vibrations to the prostate. The customer reviews are so positive, with many claiming it's perfect for hitting the spot.
It's also a reasonable price point and waterproof, so you can use it with water play or in the bath. The small design means it's ideal for beginners but the various speed and power settings will ensure satisfaction for all.
How to choose the right sex toy for you
Think about your pleasure and what you enjoy when choosing from our roundup of the best sex toys for beginners. Do you orgasm more through clitoral stimulation or do you enjoy penetrative orgasms too? Many women find that a bullet is the ideal first sex toy as it is small in size and sleek in design.
If something doesn't feel right for you, don't waste your money. With sex, everyone is different and it's not a one size fits all approach
What is a sex toy for?
Sex toys can be amazing for enhancing your self pleasure. If you find yourself single or without a lover, there's even toys designed to mimic fingers and tongues.
They can also be a great addition to the bedroom with a partner. You can use toys for clitoral stimulation during penetration. And if you want to venture into anal play, there's many toys that are ideal for first timers.
Does sex toy size matter?
Most of the best sex toys for beginners are either waterproof or safe to use with lubricant. So, if you're concerned about size, there are ways to ensure insertion is painless and pleasurable. Provided that the toy is designed for penetrative use.
That being said, even the smallest of sex toys can pack a powerful punch. In fact, some customers claim that the smaller bullets or clitoral suction toys achieve the most intense orgasm.
Read next: Best cheap sex toys for affordable pleasure
What about power and speed?
Again, it's not a one size fits all. You have to explore the best sex toys for beginners in our roundup and see what works for you. Some people like it nice and slow and some enjoy fast and rampant. Or you may like the variation.
Most sex toys have a variety of speeds and power settings designed to get you to climax quickly. So have fun exploring!
Do I need batteries?
Some of the best sex toys for beginners require batteries but a lot of modern designs can be charged using USB, making them ideal for travel. It's worth checking the small print before you buy to ensure the toy will work for your lifestyle.
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Are sex toys expensive?
They can be but we've included toys for every budget, with our cheapest being the Ann Summers’ 5" Sleek Classic Vibrator at under £10. Some of the more expensive toys do have a lot of five star reviews so you could say they're worth the splurge. But there's pleasure to be found at every price point!
Do sex toys need to be waterproof?
Most are, though it’s not essential. However, if you want to use one in the bath or shower, obviously it will have to be fully waterproof and submersible.
How we chose the best wand massagers
Recommendations from real Mumsnet users
Mumsnetters have certainly put sex toys through their paces when in the bedroom, with many Mumsnet users sharing their good and bad experiences.
So we firstly sought out the trusted opinions of Mumsnet users to get their feedback on the best sex toy for beginners they rate that can be used solo or with a partner. We wanted to see what models they recommend for their design, effectiveness and versatility.
We always look out for negative reviews, where our Mumsetters have called out products for poor quality or lack of effectiveness.
Expert opinions
We also cross-check our recommendations with the best beginner sex toys praised by sex experts to ensure we were bringing you the best products that are rated across the board.
Authentic consumer reviews
Finally, to bring you our definitive list of the best sex toys for beginners we thoroughly investigated genuine, in-depth customer reviews on retailer sites such as Ann Summers, Amazon and Lovehoney, and independent sites to get broader consumer experiences regarding the products on our shortlist.
Why you should trust us
We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful reviews like this one.
About the author
Kat Romero is a writer and journalist with over a decade’s experience in the industry. Hailing from London, she has become experienced in scouring the market to find the latest and best products that are worth your purchase.
Away from her desk, Kat can be found consuming far too much coffee and spending her weekends with her toddler and partner - soaking up the sights of London and sampling anything new and exciting that has opened up within walking distance.