The 12 Best Strokers and Masturbators for Fast, Fun Orgasms 2022: Tenga, Fleshlight, Lovehoney, and Lelo
By Malia Griggs
When it comes to sex toys, we’ve covered the spectrum, from sex toys for couples to sex toys for beginners, anal toys, and more. Today we’re discussing the best strokers and masturbators. Sure, you could keep relying on your hand (or a homemade sex toy), but why limit yourself when there's an exciting world of options that can simulate and heighten the sensations during your solo sessions? We’re all for lending your hand a hand, so let's explore the realm of strokers and masturbators.
"Masturbators are toys designed to enhance self-pleasure for someone with a penis," says Justin Lehmiller, PhD, scientific advisor for Lovehoney and author of Tell Me What You Want: The Science of Sexual Desire and How It Can Help You Improve Your Sex Life. Carol Queen, sex educator and staff at Good Vibrations, adds that though they can be used solo, many people use them during partnered sex for "jazzed-up hand jobs."
These sex toys vary widely in terms of looks, operation, and the sensations they provide, but fall most commonly into two categories.
Strokers: Strokers (a.k.a. masturbation sleeves) fit around or over the penis and mimic the feeling of a vagina or anus (and sometimes even resemble body parts). Some strokers are open on one end, while others are closed. Many are textured on the inside, providing additional stimulation to the penis head, shaft, or both. These textures "add types of stimulation that a person's hand alone wouldn't give," says Queen. Popular strokers include the Fleshlight and Tenga Egg.
Power Strokers: Power strokers are sometimes called motorized masturbators, or guybrators, says Bobby Box, a Lovehoney certified sex educator. "These may be similar in appearance to strokers but have vibrating components or sleeves that move up and down with a motorized asset," says Dr. Lehmiller. "Some are hands-free, while others need to be held in place. These masturbators are sometimes remote-controllable and designed to offer scroll, anal, and/or prostate stimulation at the same time." Some motorized masturbators include the Hot Octopuss Pulse Solo and the Arcwave Ion.
"Masturbators are good for people with penises who seek new sexual experiences or to enhance the monotony of manual masturbation, since our hands are only capable of so much," says Box.
While they are often referred to as male masturbators, Dr. Lehmiller says these sex toys are an option for anyone who has a penis and wants to explore new sensations. "That said, different strokers may feel better for different bodies because everyone is a little different in terms of penile size and shape, as well as what feels good to them," he says. "For example, some masturbators are designed specifically for trans men who have started to transition. The key is to shop around and find the right toy for you and your body—and maybe consider trying a few different ones."
Not sure where to start? Let your goals guide you. Are you trying to reproduce a specific feeling (intercourse? a blow job?), or are you seeking a totally new sensation like vibration or texture? Do you prefer the control of holding the toy, or do you want a toy that leaves you hands-free? Will you use the masturbator alone or during sex (in which case, Dr. Lehmiller suggests an open-ended sleeve that can be combined with oral stimulation)? "There are a lot of options out there, so having some clarity around what you’re looking for can help you narrow down the choices," he adds.
Also important to note: Many masturbators, such as the Tenga Egg, are intended for limited (or even single) use, while others are rechargeable and reusable. And be sure to invest in some good lube (but avoid silicone-based lube if the toy is made of silicone, as it can degrade the toy).
Below, we’ve assembled some of the best masturbators and penis toys, according to sex experts and educators. You'll find high-quality, best-selling sex toys from brands like Tenga, Fleshlight, Fun Factory, Hot Octopuss, Arcwave, Lovehoney, and Lelo.
All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
The Fleshlight Quickshot is a masturbation sleeve that fits around the penis like a band, allowing the head of the penis to poke out of the top. Its soft, textured inside mimics a mouth, and it's excellent for both masturbation and partner play. "Because the Fleshlight is open on both ends, it's a great accessory for providing oral sex with more stimulation," Jenn Mason, owner of WinkWink Boutique, previously told SELF. The sleeve is also a good choice for partners who have a sensitive gag reflex or who tire of going down for long periods.
A popular disposable masturbator is the Tenga Egg, an egg-shaped, squishy masturbation sleeve with a textured interior. "The Tenga Egg is a wonderful invention," says Rae Chen, sex and beauty editor of TheNotice.net. "They’re functional, cute, and an excellent way to really connect with your body and pleasure."
Queen praises the unique design of the Hot Octopuss Pulse Solo: "It wraps around the penis and stimulates the frenulum, which is the most sensitive part." The rechargeable motorized masturbator oscillates, creating a vibrating sensation that has six settings (including a powerful turbo setting), and is controlled via a wristwatch remote control so the user can go hands-free.
Multiple sex experts recommend the Arcwave Ion, a motorized stroker that focuses on stimulating the frenulum with pulsating airwaves for a "more intense orgasm," says Dr. Lehmiller. "This offers a completely new world of stimulation— there's no other product like it."
It may look a bit like a silicone claw, but Box says the Fun Factory Manta's odd shape adds to its versatility. The textured wings act like an elevated cock ring and feel amazing when held against the frenulum or stroked up and down. "It can be used for solo play (for stroking and edging) or with a partner (for oral sex and penetration), effectively turning your penis into a vibrator via its six vibration speeds and patterns," says Box.
By Kayla Blanton
By Amy Marturana Winderl, C.P.T.
By Malia Griggs
This handsome power stroker is a favorite of Dr. Lehmiller, who likes that the Arcwave Voy is compact, easy to hold, and adjustable for tightness so that you can find the fit that works for you. With its eight intensities and discreet design, what's not to love?
Another expert pick from Tenga is the Flex, a flexible, squeezable masturbation sleeve with a soft, nubby interior. "The Flex has a hole in it that, when covered, adds suction, and you can turn the toy inside out to clean it," says Queen. "Tenga thinks of everything."
Known for its high-tech sex toys, Lelo produces a power stroker that sends intense sonic waves across the penis. If you want to experience different sensations, the Lelo F1S V2 has four different programs with seven patterns each.
By Kayla Blanton
By Amy Marturana Winderl, C.P.T.
By Malia Griggs
A perk of Lovehoney's Blowmotion vibrating stroker is that it actually warms, providing a more realistic feeling of penetration or receiving oral sex.
"The Blowmotion Winged Masturbator is a fantastic masturbator that won't overwhelm or disappoint," says Box. "It offers nine different functions to explore and experiment with, as well as a flexible and open design, allowing its user to grip as gently or as firmly as they like."
"Tenga's Aero Suction design comes even closer to blow job sensations than its other highly-rated products because of suction! Ten levels of dial-operated suction," Queen previously told SELF. The transparent masturbation sleeve's suction is adjustable with the twist of a hand, similar to a hand job.
By Kayla Blanton
By Amy Marturana Winderl, C.P.T.
By Malia Griggs
Unlike the typical sleeve shape, the top-selling Tenga Flip unfolds in the middle like a flip phone. You lubricate it, close it, seal it, then insert your penis. The masturbator is controllable with one hand thanks to its three push buttons, and has strokable, squeezable sides.
SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.
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