Not sure where to start? Let your goals guide you. Are you trying to reproduce a specific feeling (intercourse? a blow job?), or are you seeking a totally new sensation like vibration or texture? Do you prefer the control of holding the toy, or do you want a toy that leaves you hands-free? Will you use the masturbator alone or during sex (in which case, Dr. Lehmiller suggests an open-ended sleeve that can be combined with oral stimulation)? “There are a lot of options out there, so having some clarity around what you’re looking for can help you narrow down the choices,” he adds. The Ion disassembles easily with a “twist to open” function, meaning you can separate the housing from the sleeve and wash everything. It can be submerged in water for easy cleaning. Well, with a partner you get a level of randomness that this obviously doesn’t provide, but sometimes it’s nice to not have randomness, too. The predictability can be great for getting off really easily. It’s easier to clean than my other strokers. Also, the pressure air is really something. It achieved its goal really well. I’m honestly surprised at how effective it was.

Massagers — Interested in experiencing a super intense full-body orgasm? Who isn't? This might seem obvious, but prostate massagers are sex toys designed to massage the prostate. Stimulation of the prostate can be a game-changer. The Ion itself fills the charging container, fitting over the tube and also plugging in for charging at the same time.

Tenga Eggs

Also, some toys are good to use with a partner, and the Ion is made for solo use. I don’t think it would be as good with a partner, based on where the buttons are. It’s great if your partner is there watching you use it, but you really are better off controlling the buttons yourself. You can control the level of the intensity; it’s easy to reach the buttons in that position. Also, one of the buttons is indented, so you can tell which button you’re touching, which is useful because you can’t see them when it’s in use. The Arcwave Ion’s charging container looks nondescript, like a device for cleaning an electric razor or storing tools.

While they are often referred to as male masturbators, Dr. Lehmiller says these sex toys are an option for anyone who has a penis and wants to explore new sensations. “That said, different strokers may feel better for different bodies because everyone is a little different in terms of penile size and shape, as well as what feels good to them,” he says. “For example, some masturbators are designed specifically for trans men who have started to transition. The key is to shop around and find the right toy for you and your body—and maybe consider trying a few different ones." What to know when shopping for a masturbator The devices uses magnetic charging through the charging case. The connectors are pictured in the last image above. We've already mentioned it a few times in this review, but Arcwave's excellent Voy is a great choice if you're after a toy of the more manual persuasion. The sleeve material is the same (and it's excellent on both counts) and the quality's there too. It’s a very focused suction that feels almost like vibration on the frenulum. It’s very, very focused. It hits right where a partner’s tongue would be during a blow job. It’s really easy to line the toy up to focus on that particular spot.You could try the Blowmotion Real Feel Rechargable Vibrating Male Masturbator, which cushions twin vibrators at either side of its extremely soft sleeve. The outcome is similar, with its vibrations spicing up otherwise standard movements in an interesting way, though we found the sensations here a little stronger and quite different. So here’s the moneymaker: the Arcwave Ion. (Please ignore the bits of dust; this is the type of silicone that tends to attract lint just by existing.)

The Arcwave Ion comes in a box that makes it look like a fancy space-age device…which it is, in many ways. Also important to note: Many masturbators, such as the Tenga Egg, are intended for limited (or even single) use, while others are rechargeable and reusable. And be sure to invest in some good lube (but avoid silicone-based lube if the toy is made of silicone, as it can degrade the toy). What are the best masturbators and strokers?This isn't the only open-ended stroker on the market, and it's definitely on the higher end price-wise. If you're of the more slender, non-sensitive persuasion, you could try the bargain Lovehoney Basics stroker. Masturbators are toys designed to enhance self-pleasure for someone with a penis,” says Justin Lehmiller, PhD, scientific advisor for Lovehoney and author of Tell Me What You Want: The Science of Sexual Desire and How It Can Help You Improve Your Sex Life. Carol Queen, sex educator and staff at Good Vibrations, adds that though they can be used solo, many people use them during partnered sex for “jazzed-up hand jobs.”

Dildos and plugs — These sex toys can be used by just about anyone. They come in all shapes and sizes, and are simply used for penetration. They are also extremely versatile, and can be used for solo play or for spicing things up with a partner. This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience. You might come across something that doesn't quite fit into these categories, but the vast majority of sex toys for men will fall into one of these areas. What is the best sex toy for men? My husband was a big fan of the Arcwave Ion, which makes me a big fan of the Arcwave Ion as well. I think we’re ushering in a new wave of fun sex toys for people with penises. I’m so excited that we got to try this product, and I hope you like it as well! The buttons, however well-positioned they might be, aren't the best, particularly as you have to hold them for a fairly precise interval to actually switch the Arcwave Ion on and off, but we'll give them a pass.I’m not sure if I liked the Smart Silence, where it only turns on when it detects pressure. I preferred to just set it so it would stay on all the time. I get why they have that, but I didn’t find it useful. Also, it’s pretty loud. That’s kind of a minor quibble, but it’s not like it’s really quiet or stealthy. I appreciated how easy it was to clean. It just twists apart, so that was simple and straightforward. You do need to be able to wrap your hand around it to push the buttons, which might be hard for people with mobility issues, but overall it seems really accessible. But it's not perfect: there's really no way to use this stealthily unless it's switched off altogether, given that it sounds like a motorbike that's been rebuilt by a maniac, the buttons aren't the best, and its penis detection algorithms aren't quite on point. For something so expensive, that might make it feel disappointing – or, at least, it will until you've used it. Then all will be forgiven. Arcwave Ion review: Alternatives to consider These sex toys vary widely in terms of looks, operation, and the sensations they provide, but fall most commonly into two categories.