The main types of sex toys for men are prostate massagers, butt plugs, cock rings, dildos, and strokers (masturbation sleeves), plus vibrating versions of most of them. For beginners, the smartest first pick is a small, simple toy in body-safe, non-porous silicone, used with plenty of water-based lube.
Types of sex toys for men, explained
Prostate massagers
Curved toys designed for internal prostate play, in vibrating and non-vibrating styles. Look for a flared or curved base that stays outside the body, and start with a slimmer size.
Butt plugs
Plugs have a tapered tip, a narrow neck and a wide, flared base. That base matters: anything used anally should have one so it can’t slip in all the way. Beginner plugs are small and smooth; work up gradually.
Cock rings
Rings worn around the base of the penis (or penis and testicles), in stretchy silicone or adjustable styles, some with a small vibrator. Choose stretchy or adjustable ones over rigid metal when you’re new, and follow the maker’s time limit.
Dildos
Non-vibrating shafts in every size and shape. For anal use, pick one with a flared or suction-cup base. Dual-density silicone feels firmer inside and softer outside.
Strokers and masturbation sleeves
Textured sleeves for the penis, often made of soft TPE or similar blends. Many of those soft materials are porous, so they need a careful wash and full dry after every use.
Vibrators and app-controlled toys
Many of the toys above come in vibrating or app-controlled versions for solo or partner play. Check the waterproof rating and keep charge ports dry when you clean.
Body-safe materials: what to look for
| Material | Porous? | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Silicone (medical / platinum-grade) | Non-porous | Soft, warms up, washes completely. Pair with water-based, silicone-free lube. |
| Borosilicate glass | Non-porous | Smooth and firm; check for chips before each use. |
| Stainless steel | Non-porous | Heavy, smooth, easy to clean. |
| Hard plastic (ABS) | Non-porous | Common for vibrator bodies; easy to wipe clean. |
| TPE / TPR, jelly, PVC | Porous | Soft and cheaper, but can hold lube and residue. Wash carefully, store apart, replace sooner, or use a condom over the toy. |
A body-safe silicone toy is the easiest all-round pick. If a listing just says “body-safe” with no material, or a toy smells strongly of chemicals, skip it.
Sex toys for beginners: 5 quick rules
- Start small and simple. You can always size up later.
- Flared base for anything anal. No exceptions.
- Use plenty of lube. The anus doesn’t make its own lubrication. Our Anal Lube 101 covers the details.
- Match lube to material. Silicone toys go with water-based, silicone-free lube. See what lube is safe for toys.
- Clean before and after. Our toy cleaning guide walks you through it by material.
Still deciding on lube? Take the 4-question Lube Quiz with The Lube Connoisseur.
Types of sex toys for men: FAQ
What are the main types of sex toys for men?
Prostate massagers, butt plugs, cock rings, dildos and strokers (masturbation sleeves), and vibrating or app-controlled versions of most of them.
What is the best sex toy for beginners?
Something small and simple in body-safe, non-porous silicone, like a beginner plug or a stretchy silicone cock ring. Anything for anal play should have a flared base.
What is a body-safe silicone toy?
A toy made of non-porous, medical- or platinum-grade silicone. It can be washed completely, unlike porous jelly, PVC or many TPE blends.
Are porous sex toys bad?
Not automatically, but porous materials like TPE, jelly and PVC can hold lube and residue and are harder to fully clean. Wash them carefully, store them separately, and replace them sooner.
Why do anal toys need a flared base?
A wide, flared base keeps the toy from slipping in all the way. Use only toys designed for anal play.
Keep reading
- The Lube Club Toy Guide
- What Lube Is Safe for Toys?
- How to Clean Sex Toys
- Toy-Safe Lube Guide, Part 1
- How to Choose the Right Lube
General education for adults 18+, not medical advice. Always follow your toy maker’s care and lube instructions, and talk with a licensed clinician about pain, irritation, bleeding or anything that worries you. The Lube Club doesn’t make or sell toys; product facts here are from our own labels and product pages.