What Are the Best Sex Toys for Couples?
The complete couples sex toy buying guide: every category that works for two people, what each adds to partnered sex and how to choose together.
Introducing a sex toy to partnered sex is one of the most consistently well-received changes couples make to their sex lives. The right toy does not replace intimacy — it expands what is possible during it. The best couples toys are chosen together, used with genuine communication and matched to the specific enhancement each partner is looking for.
This guide covers every major category of couples toy, what each adds to partnered sex and how to approach the conversation and choice process together.
Why Couples Use Sex Toys Together
The most commonly cited reason is closing the orgasm gap. Research consistently shows that around a third of women with male partners reach orgasm during penetrative sex alone — and that clitoral stimulation significantly increases that figure. A vibrating toy used during penetrative sex to stimulate the clitoris is one of the most direct, practical ways to address this. This is not a criticism of any partner: it is anatomy. The clitoris is the primary pleasure centre for most women and penetrative sex does not reliably stimulate it.
Beyond the orgasm gap, couples use toys for variety, to explore power dynamics, for long-distance connection and simply because adding sensation from a different source produces more pleasurable experiences for both people.
The Best Categories of Couples Toy
| Category | What It Adds | Works Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Vibrating cock ring | Clitoral vibration during penetrative sex, erection support for the wearer | Couples having penetrative sex where clitoral stimulation during intercourse is the goal. One of the most practical toys available for this purpose. Worn at the base of the penis, the vibrating portion sits against the clitoris during penetration |
| We-vibe style couples vibrator | Internal and external vibration for both partners simultaneously during penetration | Couples who want vibration for both partners during penetrative sex. One arm sits inside the vagina against the G-spot, the other stimulates the clitoris externally. The insertable design means both partners feel vibration during sex |
| Remote control / app vibrator | Partner control of vibration from any distance, public play, added power dynamic | Couples who want one partner to control the other's toy. App-controlled vibrators can be operated from the next room or across the world. Popular for public play, restaurant dates and long-distance relationships |
| Bullet vibrator | Versatile external stimulation during foreplay or sex | Any couple wanting to add clitoral stimulation to their existing activity without requiring insertion. The most versatile couples toy: can be held against the clitoris during penetration, used during oral sex or as part of foreplay for either partner |
| Dildo (with or without suction cup) | Penetration during oral sex or in addition to other activity, strap-on use | Couples who want to add penetration where it would not otherwise occur: during oral sex focused on the clitoris, in same-sex relationships, with a strap-on harness or during double penetration play |
| Restraints and light bondage toys | Power dynamic, anticipation, heightened sensation | Couples wanting to explore a dominant and submissive dynamic. Soft restraints, blindfolds and paddle accessories are a common entry point into BDSM-adjacent play that does not require significant expertise or investment |
| Massage candles and sensory toys | Sensory variation, extended foreplay, relaxation into arousal | Couples wanting to extend and deepen foreplay. Low-temperature massage candles, feather ticklers and massage oils extend the non-penetrative portion of a sexual encounter and increase arousal for both partners before other activity begins |
How to Introduce a Sex Toy as a Couple
The most important factor in introducing a toy successfully is the conversation, not the toy itself. Bringing up the topic outside of the bedroom, framing it as something you want to explore together rather than a fix for something wrong and asking what each partner is curious about produces a very different outcome from producing a toy mid-session without prior discussion.
Starting with a toy that benefits both partners rather than one is a reliable approach for a first shared toy. A vibrating cock ring is frequently recommended for this reason: it provides erection support and enhanced sensation for the wearer and clitoral vibration for a partner with a vulva. Neither partner is being asked to receive something without also giving something, which makes the mutual benefit immediately clear.
For Long-Distance Couples
App-controlled vibrators and the accompanying apps from brands like We-Vibe, Lovense and similar have made long-distance couples play genuinely practical. One partner wears or uses the toy while the other controls vibration intensity and pattern from their smartphone via an app. This can be done across any distance with a Wi-Fi or mobile connection. For couples spending extended time apart, this technology closes a gap that nothing else fully addresses.
Six Tips for Choosing Together
Couples Toy Price Ranges
Vibrating cock rings from reputable retailers cost £25 to £60. Couples vibrators (insertable dual-stimulation designs) typically cost £50 to £120 for quality models from established brands. App-controlled toys for couples play start at around £60 and rise to £130 or more for premium designs with the most reliable app connectivity. Bullet vibrators for use together cost £15 to £35.
For more guides across specific categories, see all buying guides at Ava Noir, including dedicated guides to couples vibrators, remote-control toys and long-distance options.
Explore All Buying Guides at Ava Noir
From couples vibrators to remote-control toys and long-distance options — our complete buying guide library covers every couples category.
Explore dedicated guides for every couples toy category at Ava Noir's sex toy buying guides, including couples vibrators, remote-control toys and long-distance play options.
The Buying Guides hub covers every sex toy category in depth — for solo, partnered and long-distance use.
Browse every guide: Sex Toy Buying Guides at Ava Noir.