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Even the best condoms don't have a great reputation. They're sometimes seen as unsexy or just in the way, right? It's time we laid this idea to rest. Condoms are key to having safer sex with anyone you're not fluid-bonded with. And safer sex is good sex. There is nothing hotter than a guy who has a plan to get wrapped up when it gets hot and heavy. It says: I care about my sexual health. And I care about your sexual health, too. Let's have some fun!
But not all condoms are created equal. Fit matters, and some are smaller or larger. Others are eco-friendly or latex-free. And some brands are so thin, you can barely tell they're there at all. These aren't the kind of things you can really take into consideration if you're buying them last-minute—it pays to have your nightstand stocked.
If you’ve had issues with condoms before, it might surprise you to know that the best condoms not only protect you and your partner from STIs and pregnancy, but can actually feel great while doing so. Gone are the days when using a condom meant straining to feel anything through a thick layer of latex. And today’s top-rated condoms are thinner and less obtrusive than ever before, so you can stay safe and feel closer to one another. These are all the best condoms you should keep on hand for when it's time to get down and busy.
The Best Condoms, at a Glance
Fools may rush in, but you're no fool. Stock up on the best condoms, no questions asked.
- The Best Condom, Overall: Skyn Original (12-Pack), $8
- The Thinnest Condom: Okamoto .04 (10-Pack), $30
- The Best Non-Latex Condom: Skyn Elite (36-Pack), $36
- The Best Eco-Friendly Condoms: Sustain Ultra-Thin Condoms (10-Pack), $15
- The Best Real-Feel Condom: Champ Ultra-Thin Condoms (12-Pack), $16
- The Best Textured Condom: Trojan Ultra Ribbed Condom (12-Pack), $10
- The Best Condoms for Bigger Penises: Trojan Magnum Bareskin Condoms (10-Pack), $8
- The Best Condoms for Smaller Penises: Okamoto Rilakkuma Honey Condoms (10-Pack), $13
What to know about different types of condoms
Latex isn’t your only option despite being the most commonly known condom type. If latex bothers you for whatever reason (scent and allergies are common complaints), there are other kinds of condoms to explore. Here’s a breakdown:
Latex condoms: Latex condoms are stretchy and probably the most widely available type of condom around, which is good because they're also on the cheaper side. Plus, they protect against from STIs and pregnancies. However, some folks have a latex allergy, and latex condoms can't be used with oils and oil-based lubes. You might also be aware of that distinct latex… aroma.
Polyisoprene condoms: For those with a latex allergy, the move might be to get polyisoprene condoms, which are just as stretchy and good at protecting against STIs and pregnancies, and they're easier to find than some other non-latex options. These types of condoms are also incompatible with oils and oil-based lubes, plus, they're thicker than latex, resulting in less heat transfer.
Polyurethane condoms: Another latex condom alternative, polyurethane condoms are thinner than latex, but they're less stretchy than polyisoprene and latex condoms, though they still prevent STIs and pregnancies. On the bright side, they don't have any unwanted smells and they can be used with any kind of lubes, including oils. Just be ready to spend a little extra on these.
Lambskin condoms: This type of condom is only good at protecting against pregnancies (so no STI protection), but they have good heat transfer and are compatible to use with all types of lube. (And they're biodegradable!) Lambskin condoms are not vegan (obviously), have a distinct smell, and require you to manually tighten them around the penis.
Why should you use a condom?
You know the first, most obvious, and most crucial reason to use a condom, but let's all say it out loud: “Condoms reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy and the spread of sexually transmitted infections including HIV,” says David Mayer, the founder of Mayer Labs, which makes the condom brand Kimono. That's not the only reason, though! There are other, actually fun reasons.
“Condoms can also be great for sharing toys and easy clean-up,” points out Lisa Finn, a sex educator and marketing director for Babeland. Let's say you want to use a sex toy anally, then switch to using it vaginally in the same session. Using a condom on the toy for anal play, then swapping it for a new one in the second part makes life cleaner (no urinary tract infections or bacterial issues) and easier.
Here's another good use for a condom: “Some people like to give head with a condom, so they don’t have to swallow,” Mayer says. Flavored condoms can add some…flavor, especially if the taste of latex isn't up someone's alley. Or you can put flavored lube on your condom of choice.
And speaking of flavors, condoms come in all shapes and styles: “Condoms can also be fun… [They] don’t have to only exist as a safer sex barrier,” Finn says. Condoms with tastes, textures, and cooling or heating effects are almost their own sex toys.
But let's loop back to that first, key reason to close things out. Using condoms communicates a certain attitude about sex. “Beyond the practical benefits of preventing STIs and unintended pregnancies, using condoms can be seen as a sign of respect and care for oneself and one's partner,” explains Deborah Kagan, a sexual wellness expert and author of Undressed. Considering the number of guys who try to argue their way out of using condoms, wearing them without complaint shows that your partners’ sexual health and boundaries matter to you—and that you take care of your own sexual health, too.
Why should gay men still use condoms?
Some gay and bi men (among others) choose to take PrEP, a.k.a. pre-exposure prophylaxis, which can reduce the risk of contracting HIV by 99%. Dr. Robert Carpick, a professor of mechanical engineering and applied mechanics at the University of Pennsylvania who has been working on creating a new type of condom, says that because of PrEP and the effectiveness of vaccines for Hepatitis A, B, and monkeypox, “Many men who have sex with men have partially or entirely stopped using condoms because of this, much to their pleasure."
However, Caprick continues, gay men should continue to wear condoms no matter what other precautions they may take. "Be aware that you're still at risk for the other STIs,” Carpick adds. Gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, HPV, herpes, and more: they're not being prevented by PrEP. Condoms remain the best all-encompassing protection—and they definitely cut down on cleanup time after sex.
Do condoms expire?
“They most certainly do,” say Amy Baldwin and April Lampert, cohosts of the Shameless Sex podcast and co-authors of Shameless Sex. “Just like the food in your pantry or items in your medicine cabinet, the materials in condoms can break down over time.”
This is important because condoms become less effective once they’re past their best-by date. “Expired condoms are at higher risk of breakage or tearing,” Finn explains, “especially if they have been stored in a hot place or somewhere that’s had temperature fluctuation.”
Notably, not all condoms are created equal when it comes to expiration dates. “According to the National Coalition for Sexual Health, polyisoprene may be the material that expires soonest. These have a lifespan of about three years, if stored correctly,” says Dr. Carol Queen, staff sexologist for Good Vibes. “Latex and polyurethane [condoms] can last up to five years, if stored correctly—in a cool, dry place where they're safe from the packaging being torn or abraded.”
Queen adds that “a safely stored expired condom is likely safer than using no condom. It is not guaranteed to break, but is probably more likely to [break] than a non-expired one.” If you have no other options, an expired condom is better than no condom. But you're rolling the dice, and it’d be best to either skip sex altogether or focus on activities less likely to transmit STIs or cause pregnancy, like outercourse or mutual masturbation.
How do I increase a condom’s effectiveness?
Condom sizing is important not just for comfort, but for safety too. A too-big condom may slide around or even slip off, while one that’s too small can break more easily and just be uncomfortably restrictive. Dr. Ronald Collman, director of the Penn Center for AIDS Research, explains that “it should fit snug but not tight, so you may need to try different sizes” before finding one that fits you just right, Goldilocks-style. “There are slim condoms, standard condoms, long condoms, extra large condoms," Finn says. "Don’t worry about the vanity of the package, just concern yourself with if it fits your package.”
Prior to using a condom, “check the expiration date, and then check that the wrapper has not been ripped, pierced, or broken in any way,” Finn recommends. “If you don’t see any damage to the wrapper but want to double-check, give the center of the wrapper a little squeeze between your forefinger and thumb, and see if you feel that there’s air in there that’s not escaping when you press. If you feel the air coming out, there’s a hole,” which could mean that your condom’s effectiveness has been compromised.
“Before using the condom and after you’ve checked the expiration date, carefully open the condom with your fingers instead of your teeth,” Baldwin and Lampert suggest. Getting all sexily feral is fun, but it's easy to accidentally rip the condom when you go tiger-mode, so stick with your paws instead. Queen says to be careful with long nails or hand-worn jewelry, too.
“Put the condom on before penetration,” says Collman. “Some people think it only needs to be worn for ejaculation, but both pregnancy and STD/HIV transmission can result from pre-ejaculation fluid (pre-cum) so it’s most effective to use it throughout.”
You gotta pinch the tip of the condom while rolling it down over the head and shaft of your penis, Baldwin and Lampert say. They’re referring to the “reservoir tip,” the tiny pocket at the tip of the condom that’s meant to contain your semen when you ejaculate. If you don’t pinch the reservoir tip while rolling the condom on, the air trapped inside could make the tip pop when you climax. Make sure the tip's pointing out—not in—so you know the condom's not inside-out. If it is inside out, just throw away the condom and grab a new one, because there's a chance you've gotten pre-cum or bodily fluid on the exterior, and that's exactly what you're trying to keep from going into your partner.
Using lube is always a good idea, especially when condoms are involved. “Always use lubricant with condoms. Condoms are designed to be used with lube, and are more likely to break without it,” Queen says. “It's also more comfortable by far for the receptive partner.”
Water-based lubes and silicone-based lubes are the only ones you can safely use with most condoms. No oils or oil-based lubes. “Oil damages latex,” Queen warns. You also have to watch out if you're using anything oil-based around the condom, too, like lipstick, lip gloss, massage oil, or the like.
Several of the experts we interviewed also recommended masturbating with a condom on. As they explained it, you'll get better at the process of unwrapping one and putting it on, so you can do it in the heat of the moment when you’re with a partner. Plus, jerking off with a condom on can help you start to associate the feel, sight, and smell of condoms with pleasure, which could make it easier over time for you to stay hard when putting one on and using one.
It's like training for the Olympics: you run the distance over and over so when the time comes to get on that stage, you can perform your best. Go get that sexy gold!
The Best Overall Condom: Skyn Original
These condoms are the best on the market. They're well-lubricated, durable, and electronically tested for full reliability. If you're looking for a condom with no frills that will feel extra thin and do its job, Skyn condoms are the ones for you. They are the tried and true classic that's generally easy to find, too.
The Thinnest Condom: Okamoto .04
Japanese company Okamoto was so proud of this condom's 0.04-millimeter thinness that they named it after that number. It really is one of the thinnest condoms available, so if you're hoping to feel like you're wearing nothing at all, give this condom a shot.
The Best Custom-Fit Condom: MyONE Custom Fit condoms
If you've struggled to find a condom that fits just right, check out the Find Your Fit page on One's website. It'll tell you which size of their custom-fit condoms will work best for your anatomy. With 10 different lengths and 9 widths leading to 52 possible sizes, it's like buying a bespoke suit rather than something off the rack. "I've been using MyOne custom fit for about 2 years and I'll be using them for life. The custom fit is a game-changer," one Walmart reviewer raved.
The Best Non-Latex Condom: Skyn Elite
Skyn Elite are the best Skyn condoms for an almost-skin feeling that's not made of latex, which plenty of people are allergic to. They call the soft, non-latex material SKYNFEEL, and it’s as strong as premium latex brands without feeling too restrictive.
The Best Eco-Friendly Condoms: Sustain Ultra-Thin Condoms
Sexual wellness brand Sustain is specially designed to be vagina-friendly, which in this case means no fragrances, dyes, petrochemicals, or nitrosamines. This is actually pretty rare and decreases the likeliness that a condom will cause disruption to the vaginal biome. Sustain uses fair-trade rubber. And their condoms are completely vegan (most condoms have casein, a diary byproduct). Being the big-hearts they are, the company also donates 10% of their proceeds to organizations that provide access to female reproductive health and family planning services.
The Best Real-Feel Condom: Champ Ultra-Thin Condoms
These condoms offer a barely-there feel and are as close to skin-on-skin as you can get. Champ condoms are made from 100% natural latex and are specially lubricated with non-sticky, natural-feeling medical-grade silicone lube.
The Best Textured Condom: Trojan Ultra Ribbed
Ribbed condoms aren't for everyone, but if you like a little extra grip, they can be just the thing. Remember to check with your partner before whipping out a textured condom to be sure they're up for it. But if you and your partner are people who like a little friction, then you should try the these Trojans.
The Best Packaging: Lovability
One of the biggest problems with condoms? The packaging. It's often corny, yes. But also: the way most condoms are packaged can make it easy to tear them. Lovability has solved this problem with their "buttercup opening" package, which looking like one of these east to open one-off coffee creamers you find in coffee shops.
The Best Condoms for Bigger Penises: Trojan Magnum Bareskin Condoms
The Magnum is a classic for a reason and the Magnum Bareskin builds on the that deserved reputation by making it even thinner.
The Best Condoms for Smaller Penises: Okamoto Rilakkuma Honey Condoms
If you have a smaller penis, what's important is that you know your body and you feel comfortable enough to own that. Okamoto is perfect if you’ve noticed that most condoms are too long or fit loosely—it will feel much better than a baggy one.
The Most Stimulating Condom: One Pleasure Plus
What if a condom was more like a sex toy than a prophylactic? The head of this condom flares out slightly, so that the latex shifts and moves against your most sensitive spots with every thrust. These could be great for anyone who finds that regular condoms dampen sensation too much.
The Best Flavored Condom: Glyde Natural Flavor
If you're planning on using a condom when giving or receiving a blowjob, it makes sense to get a flavored one—few people like the taste of latex, after all. Glyde's flavored latex condoms are well-reviewed and come in fun varieties like vanilla, wildberry, and licorice.
The Best Condom for Lasting Longer: Trojan Extended Pleasure
Struggling with premature ejaculation? These condoms contain a small amount of benzocaine lube, which numbs the area slightly to help you last longer, so that you and your partner can both be satisfied.
The Best Condom for Sensitive Skin: Durex Avanti Bare RealFeel
Unlike a lot of condoms, these have no added fragrance, so they're great for people with sensitivities to scents and/or chemicals. They're also made of polyisoprene, making them a safe bet for people with a latex allergy. Basically, if other condoms have given you trouble, try these, because they might be exactly what you need.
The Best Textured Condom for Lasting Longer: Durex Performax Intense
This condom takes a "more is more" approach, boasting a combination of features not normally found together: it's got ribs and dots on the outside (for your partner) and a benzocaine lube on the inside (to help you, the wearer, last longer). If you often find that you're about to finish just as your partner's just getting started, this condom might help even things out. "It helps my girlfriend climax faster and helps me keep going and going," one reviewer on the Durex website wrote.
