With all the different forms of birth control out there, it’s easy to overlook the reliable, classic condom. Yet, like many longtime friends, the condom is trusty, dependable, and has proven time and time again that it’s got your back. And when it comes to protecting yourself from STIs and unintended pregnancy, that kind of reliability is key.
If you’re thinking, I know condoms offer great protection, but in the pleasure department, not so much, that's fair. Sensation is important. But, listen up: Some of the best condoms on the market can actually enhance your sexual experience, says Debra Laino, DHS, a sex therapist and author of The Missing Link: A Fusion of Sexuality, Psychology, Lifespan Development, and You. Some condom brands offer different textures, like ridges or studs, which can create different, pleasurable sensations, Laino explains.
Our Top Condom Picks
That said, everybody is unique when it comes to what feels good on their body. "In terms of sensation desires, ribbed versus not ribbed is really up to the person with the vulva," says Jenni Skyler, PhD, an AASECT-certified sex therapist and director of The Intimacy Institute.
With thinner (but still strong) condoms, more sensation can get transmitted between body parts, so you can feel more, she adds. "[And] any kind of condom with lubrication is always great, just because we can always use a little extra help."
Fit, texture, flavor, and brand is a matter of personal preference, which is why it’s a good idea to experiment and see what works best for you, says Jessica O’Reilly, PhD, a sexologist and host of the Sex With Dr. Jess podcast.
Meet the Experts:
Debra Laino, DHS, is a sex therapist and author of The Missing Link: A Fusion of Sexuality, Psychology, Lifespan Development, and You.
Jenni Skyler, PhD, is an AASECT-certified sex therapist and director of The Intimacy Institute.
Jessica O'Reilly, PhD is a sexologist and host of the Sex With Dr. Jess podcast.
Janet Brito, PhD is a sex therapist based in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Gigi Engle is a certified sexologist and author of All the F*cking Mistakes: A guide to sex, love, and life.
Experimenting in the bedroom isn’t just for positions—you can try different condoms, too. Even in the middle of sex, if the condom’s just not working for you, don’t say, "I can’t feel anything with a condom, I’m done," and stop, Skyler says. Get creative with it! "There will always be different interruptions to arousal—a condom doesn’t need to (and shouldn’t) be one," she adds.
Since many of the condoms on the market fall short of their big, advertised promise to ~enhance your pleasure~, it’s tough to know where to start. Ahead, sex therapists explain what to look for, and offer up some of their favorite products.
What should I keep in mind when choosing condoms?
First, look for the integrity of the condom, suggests Skyler. Does it have good reviews? What’s the widespread rating? Is it known to break? Check that it's body safe, too, such as being free of parabens and toxins, she says. Remember, the whole point of a condom is to protect you—and that includes from the yucky stuff.
Here are some other qualities to keep in mind:
- Reliability: Meaning, the condom's durability when used in a friction-filled environment. Given that the whole point of wearing a condom is for protection, a condom that breaks easily during sex is ineffective and causes avoidable stress and worry. So, check reviews to make sure the condom is reliable and strong enough to not break, says Skyler.
- Ingredients: Like anything you put in your body, it's important to know exactly what's in it before you do, and your vagina is no exception. If your body's more sensitive and you're having P-in-V sex, read the ingredients of the condom to make sure you're not putting anything harmful or irritating down there. "Look for language that says body-safe," says Skyler, noting that you want the condom to be free of parabens, toxins, and synthetics.
- Material: Many condoms are made of latex. However, if you have a latex allergy, you have a few other options: polyurethane and lambskin, specifically. “Some people have a latex allergy, so polyurethane is a really good option,” Leah Millheiser, MD, an OB-GYN at Stanford University School of Medicine, previously told Women's Health. “Some people report that they feel more using lambskin, but the problem with lambskin is that it doesn’t necessarily prevent STD transmission.”
- Lubrication: Skyler is a huge fan of condoms with lubricants, which can make your experience more pleasurable.
- Thinness: "Generally, the thinner the condom, the more pleasure," says Skyler. That tends to be true for all parties involved, thanks to the increased sensation. Look for thin condoms that both provide protection and keep you feeling alll kinds of ways.
What are the best condoms?
To help you navigate the vast cornucopia of condoms available, Women's Health polled sex experts to determine the 17 best condoms for women. Try one, or a few, or all of 'em (make it a full-blown experiment!) until you find your fave:
1. Trojan Bareskin
TROJAN Trojan Bareskin Thin Premium Lubricated Condoms - 24 Count
TROJAN Trojan Bareskin Thin Premium Lubricated Condoms - 24 Count
Pros
- Feels barely-there
- Affordable
- Sturdy
Cons
- Unlubricated
| Material | Latex |
|---|---|
| Price per condom | $0.66 |
These condoms are 40 percent thinner than your average rubber, allowing you to feel closer while still being protected. "This feels more natural, which many women like," Laino says.
2. Glyde Slimfit
GLYDE GLYDE Slimfit - Snug Fit Condoms
GLYDE GLYDE Slimfit - Snug Fit Condoms
Pros
- Odorless
- Lubricated
- Won't slip off
Cons
- Some say it's thicker than ultra-thin options
| Material | Latex |
|---|---|
| Price per condom | $1.50 |
Glyde allows for a snug fit. The condoms are also vegan and non-toxic, and don't have a strong, rubbery odor like a lot of other condoms, says Laino. "Even their flavoring is organic," O’Reilly adds.
Here's what else you should know about birth control...
3. Trojan Naturalamb
TROJAN NaturaLamb Luxury Latex-Free Condoms
TROJAN NaturaLamb Luxury Latex-Free Condoms
Pros
- Some say these feel better than latex
- Lubricated
- Durable
Cons
- Doesn't protect against STIs
| Material | Lambskin |
|---|---|
| Price per condom | $3.20 |
Lambskin condoms are much thinner than rubber condoms, and they tend to have a more natural feel. "These give receivers a deeper sense of intimacy as they don't feel like latex," Laino says. Just keep this in mind: Lambskin condoms are more porous than latex versions, and they don’t protect against STIs. So, use these with your steady, monogamous partner—not for a one-night stand.
4. One Pleasure Plus
One Condoms Pleasure Plus Condoms
One Condoms Pleasure Plus Condoms
Pros
- Ribbed for both the giver and receiver's pleasure
- Soft
- Vegan
Cons
- Some might prefer more lubrication
| Material | Latex |
|---|---|
| Price per condom | $0.83 |
This condom has a "pleasure pouch" near the head, which can enhance your experience. "Some vulva owners feel more sensitivity against their G-spot because of the extra pouch," O’Reilly says. The rubbers also have internal ribbing, a bonus for the penis owner.
5. BSustain Ultra Fit
Sustain Ultra Thin Latex Condoms
Sustain Ultra Thin Latex Condoms
Pros
- Affordable
- Comfortable
- Non-toxic
Cons
- Some say they're too small for larger wearers
| Material | Latex |
|---|---|
| Price per condom | $0.30 |
Sustain condoms tend to have a tighter fit, creating more of a natural feel for you, Laino says. They’re also fair trade and non-toxic, making them a good choice if you want protection with an eco-friendly side.
6. Lola Ultra-Thin
Lola Ultra Thin Latex Condoms
Lola Ultra Thin Latex Condoms
Pros
- Odorless
- Sleek and discreet
- Great for people with sensitive skin
Cons
- On the smaller side
| Material | Latex |
|---|---|
| Price per condom | $0.90 |
These vegan, cruelty-free condoms are made without parabens, gluten, or any synthetic flavoring, which means they're less likely to cause an allergic reaction on the skin, says Janet Brito, PhD, a clinical psychologist and certified sex therapist in Honolulu, Hawaii. A bonus? They come in the form of a subscription box so you'll never, ever run out when you need them.
7. Trojan Her Pleasure Sensations
TROJAN Her Pleasure Sensations Lubricated Condoms
TROJAN Her Pleasure Sensations Lubricated Condoms
Pros
- Lubricated
- Ribbed for stimulation
- One size fits most
Cons
- Some say the squeeze is too tight
| Material | Latex |
|---|---|
| Price per condom | $1.02 |
These condoms have tons of nice ribs for extra stimulation, says Brito. Guess what else? Since they're lubricated, they'll decrease any kind of uncomfy friction and increase your overall pleasure, she explains.
8. Durex Tropical-Flavored Condoms
Durex Tropical Flavored Latex Condoms
Durex Tropical Flavored Latex Condoms
Pros
- Flavored
- Lubricated
- Ultra-thin
Cons
- Some say they're too tight
| Material | Latex |
|---|---|
| Price per condom | $1.00 |
These are the perf option for those who looove to give oral sex, says Brito. They come in a bunch of flavors (yum!), not just tropical. These are also ultra-fine condoms, so you can feel as close to your partner as possible, while still staying safe.
9. Skyn Original Condoms
SKYN SKYN Elite
Pros
- Great for people with latex allergies
- Affordable
- Uber-thin
Cons
- You might need more lubrication
| Material | Polyisoprene |
|---|---|
| Price per condom | $0.43 |
Got a latex allergy? Then these condoms are for you, says Brito. They're made from SKYNFEEL technology, a polyisoprene material designed to create a natural feel, and are super lubricated, so you won't deal with any kind of irritation while getting it on.
10. Lelo Hex
LELO HEX Original Condoms
LELO HEX Original Condoms
Pros
- Textured for pleasure
- Odorless
- Lightly lubricated
Cons
- Might be too large for some wearers
| Material | Latex |
|---|---|
| Price per condom | $0.48 |
Lots of good points to make here: Lelo Hex condoms are lubricated and known for their comfort, says Brito. They're also odorless and come in size XL, if your partner needs a li'l extra room. The condom is covered in a hexagonal pattern (hence, the name 'hex'), which creates a nice, textured sensation while your partner's inside you.
11. Trojan Pleasure Pack
TROJAN Trojan Pleasure Pack
TROJAN Trojan Pleasure Pack
Pros
- Great for beginners
- Reliable
- Affordable
Cons
- None are latex-free
| Material | Latex |
|---|---|
| Price per condom | $0.57 |
This variety pack is great because you now have *choices*! "If you want a more natural feeling, then you could use the ultra thin," says Brito. "Or, try the ENZ if you want more safety." (Thinner condoms are easier to break.) Why not take 'em both for a spin on the same night?
12. Skyn Elite Extra Lube
LifeStyles Skyn Elite Extra Lube
LifeStyles Skyn Elite Extra Lube
SKYN condoms are known for being super reliable while still feeling, well, like skin (hence the name). "I always recommend SKYN to clients who are switching from hormonal birth control to condoms, and they report that they're excellent," says Gigi Engle, certified sexologist, and author of All The F*cking Mistakes: a guide to sex, love, and life.
13. Trojan Ultra Ribbed
Trojan Trojan Ultra Ribbed
Trojan Trojan Ultra Ribbed
Pros
- Ribbed for pleasure
- Cost-effective
- Lubricated
Cons
- Some say they're too small for some wearers
| Material | Latex |
|---|---|
| Price per condom | $0.56 |
"Another great feature is ribbing," Engle explains. "This won't feel like much for everyone, but it can add some nice texture." It isn't a make-or-break feature, according to Engle, but it can definitely be a fun add-on!
14. B Condoms Platinum Large
Large Platinum B Condoms
Pros
- Comes in many size options
- Odorless
- FDA-approved
Cons
- Pricier than some other options
| Material | Latex |
|---|---|
| Price per condom | $0.90 |
These FDA-approved condoms are known for their long-lasting lubricant and their non-latex-y smell. A bonus? They also come in XL sizes.
15. Lovability Condoms
Lovability 3 Condoms + Tin
Lovability 3 Condoms + Tin
Pros
- Aesthetically pleasing
- All-natural and vegan
- Lubricated
Cons
- Pricey
| Material | Latex |
|---|---|
| Price per condom | $3.00 |
These condoms are made of all-natural vegan latex and are packaged in totally recyclable (yay!), no-tear wrappers. They're also FDA-approved and hypoallergenic for sensitive skin.
16. Trojan Extended Pleasure
TROJAN TROJAN EXTENDED PLEASURE Climax Control Extended Pleasure Condoms, 12 Count
TROJAN TROJAN EXTENDED PLEASURE Climax Control Extended Pleasure Condoms, 12 Count
Pros
- Lubricated
- Helps the wearer last longer
- Comfortable
Cons
- Some say it works *too* well, and the wearer might have to switch to another condom mid-session
| Material | Latex |
|---|---|
| Price per condom | $0.67 |
Put simply, this extended pleasure condom is another option for those who want to last as long as possible in the bedroom. Each condom contains lubricant along with benzocaine, a mild penis desensitizer to help prevent premature ejaculation.
17. P.S. Condoms
Pros
- Super-thin
- Odorless
- Lubricated
Cons
- On the pricier side
| Material | Latex |
|---|---|
| Price per condom | $1.50 |
Looking for a condom that feels like it's barely there? These cult-favorite latex condoms are odorless, vegan, and equally thin and strong. In fact, several reviewers note that P.S.'s condoms feel like a smooth second skin.
Hunter Levitan is a freelance journalist specializing in fashion, style, culture, sex, and wellness stories, as well as a writer/poet, photographer, and mixed media brand consultant. Her work has appeared in Who What Wear, Cosmopolitan, Women’s Health Magazine, and The Improper Bostonian, among others. She is a graduate of New York University and lives in New York City.
Lydia Wang is the love & life editor at Women’s Health, where she writes and edits articles about sex, relationships, identity, and pop culture. She lives in New York and spends way too much of her free time reading romance novels in coffee shops and tweeting about her favorite dating shows.
