Types of sex toys, explained
Vibrators, insertables, toys for penises, anal toys and toys for two, filed by what they do and where they go rather than who they're 'for'.
By the editors · 6 Oct 2026 · 5 min read
Sex shops file toys by who they think you are. We'd rather file them by what they do and where they go. Flip through the bins: filter by what you're after, then open a divider to see how it works, what to look for and where to buy one.
Try itBrowse the bins
16 of 16 bins
Vibrators
Most of the shop. Bullets and wands work outside the body; G-spot and rabbit vibrators go inside, rabbits with an arm for outside too. Suction or air-pulse toys are their own thing: pulses of air over the clitoris instead of vibration.
Toys that go inside
Dildos, from realistic to abstract. Anything with a flared base can also be used anally or in a harness, which makes it one of the most versatile things in the shop.
Toys for penises
Strokers, sleeves and cock rings. Shops often file them as toys for men; really they're toys for penises, whoever's they are, and a vibrating cock ring does as much for a partner as for the person wearing it.
Anal and prostate toys
Plugs, beads and prostate massagers. The rule that doesn't bend: a flared base, every time. Prostate massagers, often searched for as anal toys for men, work for anyone with a prostate. Our anal toys guide covers the rest.
Toys for two
Couples vibrators, wearables, app-controlled toys, strap-ons and restraints. If you're choosing together, our guide on how to choose couples sex toys matches a type to the sex you already have.
Whatever the type
The material matters more than the shape. Look for silicone, glass, steel or ABS, and read how to clean sex toys before the first use.