I’m back again with another roundup of the best cheap sex toys! While curating this list each year may seem like a simple task, it is not a responsibility I take lightly. I have spent many days meticulously sifting through hundreds of mediocre vibrators and disappointing dildos to unearth some real gems for you— because I don’t think anyone should ever have to settle for shitty sex toys. So here are 10 body-safe, budget-friendly options that meet my high standards.
1. ROMP Beat Bullet Vibrator – $24.99 at SheVibe and Spectrum Boutique
They call this toy a bullet, but for its size I’d consider this more of a “classic” vibrator— the 2020s version of old-school plastic slimline vibes. Whatever you want to call it, though, the ROMP Beat is a truly excellent little toy! Its vibrations are impressively strong and robust (for the sex toy nerds, I’d say it’s right in the middle between buzzy and rumbly), yet it’s extremely quiet even on the highest setting. Suitable for both external and vaginal use, I frequently recommend it as a first vibrator, but it would honestly make a respectable addition to almost any collection. Kudos to ROMP!
2. Mr. S Leather World’s Most Comfortable Butt Plug (Small) – $34.95 at SheVibe
Another update on a classic design! Mr. S Leather has been producing aluminum plugs in this shape since 1997, and they’ve recently come out with this silicone version. With its tapered tip for easy entry, narrow neck for long-term wear, and T-shaped base that minimizes pressure on the cheeks, this plug was meticulously designed for comfort. It’s even got an internal weight to mimic the satisfying heft of their original metal plugs.
3. Blush Neo Elite GLOW Tao Dildo – $34.99 at Peepshow Toys
I alluded to this glow-in-the-dark dildo line in the last edition of this list, but it didn’t make the final cut because the available shapes at the time were identical to an existing Blush dildo line I had already covered. They’ve since come out with some new Neo Elite GLOW designs, so it’s finally time for a proper shout-out!
These toys are dual-density silicone, with a delightfully squishy outer layer and a firmer inner core that provides both stability and an intense glow if charged in sunlight or under an LED light. The Tao model (strange name choice, I’ll admit) is particularly cool because its suction cup base is heart shaped instead of round, providing an easy indicator for which direction the toy’s curve is pointed at all times.
4. Satisfyer Curvy 3+ Clitoral Air Simulator – $33.95 at Peepshow Toys
It’s no secret that I’m not the biggest fan of Satisfyer as a company for a multitude of reasons, but if we’re going to talk about good air pulsation/pressure wave toys at this price point, they’re kind of the only name in the game. The Curvy 3+ combines air pulsation with strong vibration and app-compatibility, something traditionally reserved for luxury-priced toys. It’s arguably one of the best pressure wave stimulators on the market today, and that’s saying something in a genre of sex toy that has exploded in popularity and abundance in the past several years.
5. Bananapants Bumpher – $34.99 at Peepshow Toys, SheVibe, Early to Bed, and Spectrum Boutique
My friend Lunabelle wrote an article in 2017 about what she dubbed “squishing off“— that is, rubbing the clit with soft, textured objects of various kinds. At the time, she was mainly perverting decorative silicone squishies and stress toys, but nowadays it’s not uncommon to find dedicated grinders available from many sex toy sellers!
The Bumpher, despite its unfortunately gendered name, is especially impressive due to its sheer range of different uses. You can rub it against yourself as a handheld toy, of course, but it’s also got a hole in the back designed to stretch over dildo bases for additional cushion and stimulation during strap-on play. Or, alternatively, you can stick a bullet in it to create a soft, bumpy vibrator. (I’d suggest something with a little extra oomph to penetrate the thick silicone, like the cheap but mighty BMS Factory Essential Bullet.)
The absolute geniuses at Early to Bed even came up with the idea of slipping it onto the external arm of a U-shaped wearable vibe for grinding with a partner. Gotta love a versatile sex toy, especially at this price point. (Bananapants also makes an even softer version called the B.Cush without the hole in the back, if you want maximum squish for your buck!)
6. Bondage Tape – $7.95 to $13.99 at The Stockroom, SheVibe, Peepshow Toys, and Spectrum Boutique
Speaking of versatile products, I genuinely cannot believe I’ve never covered bondage tape on one of these lists before because this stuff is basically magic. It only sticks to itself, not to skin or other objects, so it can be used in a million creative ways.
Beyond the obvious kink uses the name implies, it’s also great for adapting sex toys for different functions. Attach a dildo to a pillow or chair for a DIY toy mount! Attach a vibrator directly to your body for hands-free use! The tape can even be reused (though I’d be careful if it’s coming in contact with any body fluids). Consider getting a bundle pack with safety scissors for quick emergency release if you’re going to use it for any kind of bondage.
7. Oxballs Cock-T Cock Ring – $22.00 at Peepshow Toys, SheVibe, and Spectrum Boutique
There really isn’t a lot to say about this one! The Oxballs Cock-T is a thick, soft, stretchy silicone cock ring that comes in a ton of different colors. Simple and functional, it’s the definition of a toybox staple. Want a more unique shape? Oxballs makes a huge variety of different cock rings styles, most of which are under $35.
8. Chrystalino Champ G-Spot Glass Dildo – $29.99 at Peepshow Toys
Chrystalino is another toy line where just about everything they make could probably qualify for this list, but the Champ is extra special for a few reasons. The curved handle makes it safe for anal use as well as vaginal, and the gently sloped shaft and bulbous head are also equally suited to either orifice. It’s designed and advertised for G-spot and prostate play, but the slightly tapered tip and 5.9-inch insertable length also make it an ideal candidate for stimulating deeper erogenous zones, like the anterior fornix (A-spot)!
9. Holographic Wrist Cuffs & Connector Chain – $22.00 at Spectrum Boutique
For a long time it seemed like most of the sex toy industry had an extremely narrow view of what BDSM equipment could look like— everything was seemingly either solid black, black with red accents, or, occasionally, Pink For Girls™. If you wanted unique colors or details you usually had to seek out independent artisans or certain specialty kink retailers (who are still doing incredible work, if you’ve got the budget).
So it’s refreshing to see that almost every sex shop I browse these days has started carrying at least a few pieces of gear with more playful, eye-catching designs. And this holographic bondage line from Spectrum Boutique definitely has some of the prettiest! I’m always skeptical of inexpensive restraints or impact toys and how well they can stand up to actual play, but these have apparently been put through their paces and proven to be both sturdy and comfortable in use.
10. Lovehoney Lifelike Lover Luxe Color-Changing Dildo – $24.99 at Lovehoney
This silicone dildo changes color in response to your body heat. That alone might be cool enough for me to recommend it, but on top of the gimmick it’s also just a really solid toy. The silicone is a good medium firmness— not super squishy, but definitely flexible— and it’s got a tried-and-true curved, realistic shape reminiscent of the ultra popular VixSkin Mustang. (I do think it’s verging into copy territory, but it has enough original elements that I’m willing to give it a pass, especially since there’s only so many ways a realistic dildo can look.)
This toy comes in both purple-to-pink and black-to-blue color options. Keep in mind with Lovehoney that they do carry a large number of toys made from less safe materials, so take extra care if you browse their site. Their silicone is trustworthy though!
Honorable Mention: ROMP Jazz Rabbit Vibrator – $39.99 at SheVibe and Spectrum Boutique
I have always wanted to include a rabbit vibrator on this annual roundup, but because two motors cost more than one and single-motor rabbits are universally terrible, I still have yet to find a good option that fits this budget. I will continue on this quest (it is my white whale), but in the meantime, this is the closest I’ve gotten.
The ROMP Jazz is the rabbit version of the excellent ROMP Hype G-spot vibe I featured last year, with the same slightly squishy tip and fairly strong, rumbly vibrations (as well as the same mildly difficult-to-press buttons, which may not be ideal if you have limited hand strength). The external arm is a little less impressive in both vibration strength and vibration quality, but for the price point it’s definitely still the best I’ve seen. At full price it’s a few bucks over $35, but if you keep an eye out for a 15% off sale you may be able to snag one for below that.
So those are my top recommendations for affordable sex toys in 2022! If you’d like to see even more options, check out the previous editions of this list— while some of the toys I featured have gone up in price over the years and a few have been discontinued, the majority are still inexpensive and available, which is pretty cool. And, as always, if you’ve got a cheap favorite I haven’t talked about, please let me know in the comments below.
