14 Best Male Masturbators for When Hands Aren’t Enough
Listen up, gents: While you’re probably a pro at using your hands, there’s a reason the best male masturbators are so popular. When you’re in the mood for something a little more intense than regular old manual stimulation—in the middle of a dry spell, say, or home alone with nothing better to do—these sex toys for men feel almost exactly like the real thing and sometimes even better.
“Research finds that men who use sex toys overwhelmingly report positive impacts on their intimate lives,” Justin Lehmiller, PhD, a research fellow at the Kinsey Institute, author of Tell Me What You Want, and Lovehoney scientific adviser, tells Glamour. Plus, male masturbators can help you overcome issues like premature ejaculation, delayed ejaculation, and even erectile dysfunction, he explains. Let’s get into a crash course on sleeves and strokers of all stripes—and why you’ll never look back once you finally buy one.
Our top picks
- Best Overall Male Masturbator: Fleshlight Stamina Training Unit Lady, $70
- Best Male Masturbator for Beginners: PlusOne Personal Stroker, $28
- Best Pocket Pussy: Doc Johnson Good Head Helping Head, $8
- Best Male Masturbator for Solo Use: Lelo F1S V2, $160
- Best Male Masturbator for Couples: Fun Factory Manta, $140
- Best Blow Job Simulator: Orctan Male Masturbator, $88
What types of male masturbators are there?
Among the pantheon of male sex toys—or toys for people with a penis—male masturbators are some of the most popular options on the market. “When it comes to pleasure, the more options we have, the better our sex life, right?” asks Andrew Smiler, PhD, a licensed therapist and author of Dating and Sex: A Guide for the 21st Century Teen Boy. “A masturbator can increase the options.”
There’s a huge spectrum of male strokers out there, with products ranging from squishy sleeves (better known as pocket pussies) to high-tech blow job machines. All of them are designed to be penetrated by a penis; the vast majority have a skinlike silicone interior that’s just the right blend of soft and structured. And most of them can be filed into two main categories: sleeves and strokers.
- Masturbation sleeves, which are great for solo use, feature longer shafts meant to envelop most or all of the penis at once. You can choose between open- and closed-ended options, depending on what kind of feel you prefer and how easy you want cleanup to be.
- Strokers or “pocket pussies” are about the length of your palm or less, and they’re usually open-ended, making them ideal for couples play. More of your penis will be exposed, meaning there’s more room for mouths, hands, and other body parts to join in on the fun. Some of them have rigid outer shells for structure and easy grip.
Plenty of the best male masturbators have no bells and whistles beyond silicone that feels shockingly like the real thing, be it oral sex, vaginal sex, or anal sex. But you can also find vibrating strokers, which add extra sensation for more intense climaxes. If you’re just starting to build your collection, it’s fine to stick to the plainer sleeves; if you’re more of a pro, consider this your sign to take self-pleasure to the next level.
What should you look for in a male masturbator?
“The first step is figuring out what you want and what seems like the best fit for your comfort level and body,” Lehmiller explains. “A stroker you control with your own hands can be great and won’t set you back much in terms of cost. But every person—and penis—is different! While the high-tech strokers are pricier, they're more customizable.”
In terms of size and girth, most male masturbators are silicone and can expand to accommodate pretty much any size. If you’re working with a thinner or shorter penis, look for toys with smaller openings and pliable outer shells, which will allow you to squeeze the stroker around yourself. If you have a thicker or longer penis, prioritize open-ended designs so you're not hitting a wall over and over. Always check the insertable length and the reviews for any toy you pick.
How do you use male masturbators?
First off: Lube is nonnegotiable. Personal lubricant is a necessity with these toys, which start to feel great only once they’re slick. Stick to water-based lubes, though, since silicone-based ones can actually start to degrade the silicone you’re thrusting into.
From there, sleeves and strokers can be used in any way you like. There’s the classic stroking motion, of course. But you can also hold your toy in place and thrust into it, attach it to a mount—Fleshlight makes ones for the shower and the bedroom—and hump it, or do virtually anything else you imagine. You can even get into a bit of temperature play to make these toys feel even more like the real thing; submerge the silicone sleeve in warm water for at least 10 minutes before you get started. (Just make sure it’s a waterproof toy before plopping it in the sink.) Experts say you can absolutely use it as a sex toy for couples, whether you use it during foreplay or penetrative sex. There are no rules here—just be creative and have an open mind.
Once the warm, postclimax glow wears off, you’ll need to clean your toy. The vast majority of silicone toys are easy to wash with soap and water, so don’t worry about loading up on lube and letting bodily fluids fly because washing afterwards is simple. Whichever stroker or sleeve you go for, give it a scrub after every use, and then let it air dry completely.
The best male masturbators
Now that you’re an expert on all toys humpable, let’s get into the very best male masturbators on the market right now. Don’t pretend you’re not curious.
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