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Boost Your Mental Health With These 15 Sex Toys For Masturbating
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Whether we admit it or not, we’ve all had ups and downs with our mental health. It’s completely normal: we live in a stressful world (we lived through a pandemic for crying out loud!).
Thankfully, we have made huge strides towards normalising conversations about our mental wellbeing over the last decade.
And while there’s no shortage of advice about how to manage stress (ever heard of meditation and exercising regularly, honey?) there is one habit we’re yet to openly admit to turning to for some relief.
If you haven’t guessed it already, I’m talking about masturbating. That’s right – flicking the bean, rubbing one out, jerking off. Whatever you want to call it.
Although most of us (85% to be precise) masturbate at least weekly, a survey by sex toy company So Divine and erotic platform Ersties finds, less than half (42.5%) of us talks about it. What’s more, 28% of people feel that masturbation is openly discussed.
Look, I know what you’re thinking: that’s private! Why would I talk about it? Well, because it has huge benefits for our mental and physical health.
As well as a smorgasbord of research proving that having an orgasm can boost our mental and physical wellbeing, lots of us are masturbating precisely for that reason!
Six in 10 (60%) people say masturbation was important to their overall mental and physical wellbeing, So Divine’s research shows. Meanwhile, 38% says masturbating helps them with stress relief, and a further 32% say it helps. them sleep.
So to mark Mental Health Awareness Week 2026, I asked the experts just why masturbation is so important for our mental wellbeing, and found 15 of the best sex toys for masturbation.
What are the mental health benefits of masturbating?
Not to state the obvious here, but we all know masturbating feels pretty darn good. But it’s not just about that.
“Masturbation can have a range of mental health benefits because it creates an opportunity for emotional regulation and body connection,” explains Cat, head of creative, community, and education at porn platform Ersties.
“It may help people sleep better, improve relaxation, reduce stress and can even be used as a form of meditation when approached mindfully.”
Research shows that having more orgasms is linked to higher self-esteem, lower stress, and more effective life coping skills.
But mindful masturbation, or shifting the ‘goal’ away from having an orgasm to touching yourself without pressure, can also be particularly beneficial for mental health, Cat highlights.
“By paying closer attention to how the body and mind respond during masturbation, people may uncover unmet needs, tension, emotional triggers or areas where they want to grow in confidence and communication,” she says.
Best sex toys for masturbating
Whether you’re a regular wanker (in the best way), or we’ve convinced you of its many perks, I’ve found 15 sex toys to help you on your solo play voyage.
While most of the toys on this list are for people with vulvas (the orgasm gap still exists, after all), I’ve included a couple for penises, too.
I’ve also included options suitable for beginners, to more experienced players.
How I tested the best sex toys for masturbating
Having written about sex for the last six years, I’ve tested many a pleasure product in my time.
To find the best ones for using solo, I, well, used them solo – all in the name of work, you understand. For each toy, I considered whether it was best used with a partner or by myself, as well as how easy it would be to test out different kinds of stimulation.
As always, I also took into account their material, power, waterproof rating, sound levels, and ergonomics.
My first vibrator was a fuck off huge rabbit from Lovehoney. Admittedly, it was a little intimidating. If you’re after something that won’t get in the way quite so much, this teeny teal option sits atop your fingers, so you can figure out how to get yourself off without having to wield a giant wand. It’s also pretty quiet, so you can switch off the part of your brain wondering if your neighbours can hear.
Level: beginner-friendly.
Not sure how you’ll feel about vibrations? For a delicate landing on your clitoris, this lipstick-shaped vibrator has a super squishy tip. It’s powered by a humble five vibration settings, which range from a gentle tickle to a definite buzz – ideal if you’re just starting on your self love journey.
Level: beginner-friendly.
Ann Summers is its name, and dual stimulation is its game. Seriously – the brand is the reason we have the rampant rabbit in the UK. This one looks slightly different to other models on the market thanks to being curved, which means the shaft is much bendier, and can reach those internal hot spots, while the ‘bunny’ ears tuck neatly against your C-spot. Sweet.
Level: intermediate.
If the word ‘chic’ was a vibrator, this would be it. This stone-seeming object is in fact a pleasure device, but you wouldn’t assume so if you saw it left out on a dressing table. Switch it on using the simple one-button control to power up through five vibration speeds, and experiment with the sensations emitted through the rounded tip or the long sides. Do yourself a favour: while you’re there, bag yourself some of its amber and tonka bean scented-body wash, it’s pH friendly and, just trust me, you’ll love it.
Level: beginner-friendly.
Although we all have a ways to go to feel more normal talking about masturbation, there’s another (surprising) barrier to overcome: men not talking about sex toys. While sex toys have been framed as a means of empowerment for women, men are criminally quiet about their love of wanking widgets. But (ahem) we know you’re buying them. This one from Bellesa is a fan favourite because it mimics a real life blowjob by blending vibration and suction stimulation all inside a snug silicone sleeve.
Level: beginner-friendly.
Suction vibrators are the new (or newer, at least) vibe on the block, beloved because they stimulate the sensation of oral sex. Honestly, I was sceptical at first, but you have to try it to believe it. If this is your very first stopover in suction town, going for a cheaper, battery-powered option like this one from ROMP could be a good start. It uses the same technology as more advanced suction models, but with just six modes to choose from. It’s also reasonably priced, as sex toys go, so you can test the waters before you commit to something more spenny.
Level: begginer to intermediate.
If you’re in a position to splash out over £100 on a pleasure product, good for you (cries in journalist). Should you be so fortunate, LELO is simply the best of the best. This SILA vibe might look like a fancy version of any old suction vibrator, but it in fact sends sonic waves to your C-spot via that wide mouth. Look, it’s rated 4.6 stars for a reason.
Level: intermediate to advanced.
All of Smile Makers Collection‘s toys are beginner-friendly. But this flame-shaped one is designed specifically to engulf the entire perimeter of your labia. The bulbous center rests on the external portion of your clitoris (the protruding nub around an inch above your vagina, FYI) while the sides cover your labia, to send its six vibration modes across your entire genitals. You decide whether you want to leave it there for hands-free fun, or experiment with moving it around. Either way, things are about to get hot!
Level: beginner-friendly.
If you’re more confident in the kind of stimulation you like (namely: dual clitoral and penetrative) you might want to consider levelling up to a more advanced toy. This one from Biird is still pretty beginner-friendly because it’s completely hands-free, but it has the choice to blend your choice of seven suction settings and six vibration modes. And when you have a blended orgasm, you’ll never go back…
Level: intermediate to advanced.
Rabbits have double (or sometimes triple) motors, which, unfortunately for your peace of mind, means they’re noisier than most. Good news: this one from Bellesa is not only almost completely silent (seriously, I turned it on next to my partner and they didn’t notice) but has a thick C-spot stimulator to cover more surface area.
Level: beginner to intermediate.
It’s not just outer beauty that counts, but did you know that masturbating can help boost blood flow to your face and improve your skin? Not to mention the numerous physical benefits… This unassuming beauty blender shape isn’t made of foam, but instead by squishy silicone that buzzes to the tune of three speeds and six patterns.
Level: beginner-friendly.
Everyone and their mum has heard of Fleshlights, and that’s on them being the pioneers of this kind of penis toy. If vibrations aren’t your thing, this masturbator is lined with the brand’s signature Superskin, which is covered in bumps and nubs to give the sensation of real penetration.
If 2020 was defined by the Rose suction toy, then 2026 is about to be the year of the Lem. As well as being discreet enough to not have to stuff beneath layers of socks and underwear in your room, this toy has 12 suction intensities and patterns, which is perfect for figuring out just how much pressure you like without compromise.
Level: beginner to intermediate.
Not convinced by toys with a fancy shape? This pebble-shaped toy is as simple as you can get. It’s still as discreet as, say, a lemon, but doesn’t skimp on power. Loading with three vibration speeds and seven patterns, it has plenty of potential for playing. Add to that the fact that you can use the sides, flat side, or round tip to rub whatever areas you please, and you have yourself a perfect toy for beginners.
Level: beginner-friendly.
As the OG sex toy (throwback to the Hitachi ‘massager’) magic wands are really the bread and butter of the industry. But the full-sized options are, admittedly, a little intimidating, which is why we’re fans of this much more accessible silicone-coated option from So Divine. Use it to warm yourself up by dragging it over your nipples, between your thighs, and over your shoulders before heading south.
Level: beginner-friendly.
How to integrate masturbation into your wellness regime
We might do a face mask, yoga, or meditate to unwind. But if you’re curious about integrating masturbation into your wellness routine, Cat has offered her top tips.
No goal
“For people wanting to integrate it into a wellness routine, the biggest advice is to remove the goal oriented mindset,” she says.
“Don’t focus on whether you orgasm or whether you’re doing it ‘right’.”
Get curious
“Focus instead on curiosity, touch and noticing how your body feels,” Cat adds. “Some people find it helpful to create a calming environment with music, low lighting or by putting their phone away to reduce distractions.”
Reflect
“It can also help to reflect afterwards,” Cat explains. “Mindful masturbation is ultimately about learning what your body likes, dislikes and needs without shame.
“Treat it as an act of self-awareness and self-kindness rather than performance. This can help people build a healthier and more accepting relationship with both their body and their sexuality.”
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