Material: Choose options made from a material like body-safe silicone, which will feel silky and flexible against the shaft. Skip materials like rubber and plastic, which have pores that can trap moisture and bacteria, increasing the risk of irritation and infection. Metal rings aren’t the best choice for beginners either, as they’re tough to take on and off.
Size: Cock rings come in a range of sizes, so fit matters: Too large and you may not feel much; too tight and it could be painful. Beginners should start with a super-stretchy silicone option, like the Je Joue Mio—it’s easier to take on and off. (FYI: The bands are not meant to be worn for more than 30 minutes, per Dr. Lehmiller.) More experienced users can explore firmer styles, like the We-Vibe Pivot.
Design: Consider the type of stimulation you want. Minimalist designs, like the Lelo Tor 3 or Maude Band, offer subtle partner-friendly vibrations with a small motor bump. If you’re after more targeted sensations—like clitoral stimulation, perineum pressure, or even double penetration—look for rings with added features like rabbit ears, textured pads, or built-in dildos.
Battery: Tami Rose, a sex educator and the owner of the sex-toy shop Romantic Adventures, specifically recommends investing in a rechargeable vibrating cock ring: “The battery-operated ones have tiny batteries that don’t last long,” she says. “For a little more investment, you get a far superior experience.”
