So, you're on the hunt for the best condoms. They're not usually synonymous with great sex - safe, sure, but not mind-blowing - as, for many, using them can lead to numbness or lack of feeling down there. So, yeah, not what you want mid sex session.
But let us stop you there. A bit like the best lube (we're looking at you, water-based lubes), Lovehoney sex expert Annabelle Knight reckons they're essential for hot sex. She shares: "In this day and age, with so many different colours, textures, and varieties of condoms available, there is no excuse for not protecting yourself and your lover. "Condoms can really enhance your play," she explains.
Ready to scroll expert picks of the best? You're in the right place. Don't miss our guides to the best lube for anal and best lubes for sensitive skin, plus guides to how to use lube and whether you should use coconut oil as lube, while you're here.
Testing process for the best condom
Lucky for you, Health, Sustainability, and Relationships Editor Ally Head gets to talk to sex experts day in, day out. She tasked some of the best experts in the business (see who, below), to test and share details of their favourite condoms.
- Barbara Santini, psychologist, sex therapist and relationship adviser at Dime Piecela
- Julia Kotziamani, love, sex, and relationship coach
- Annabelle Knight, Lovehoney sex expert
- Georgia Di Mattos, co-founder of sexual wellness brand iPlaySafe App
- Rachel Worthington, sex and relationship expert and sex toy tester at Bedbible.
- Sarah Mulindwa, presenter of Channel 4’s The Sex Clinic, qualified NHS sexual health nurse and Lovehoney ambassador.
A packet of Hanx condoms, photographed by one of our testers
What was considered when testing the best condoms?
Experts considered the following before buying:
- Is the condom lubricated?
- Is it ribbed or smooth?
- Is it extra thin or extra thick?
- Is it scented or non-scented?
- Is it latex or non-latex?
Best condoms: 10 for sensitivity, safety, pleasure, and more
Regular: best all-rounders
Designed to offer the best fit for a standard-sized penis, regular condoms come in a variety of trusted brands.
"In general, regular condoms measure 190mm in length and 54-66mm in width, to comfortably protect," explains Knight. "The average thickness is around 70 microns, which provides protection without compromising on sensation."
Recommended by: Barbara Santini, Psychologist, Sex Therapist and Relationship Adviser at Dime Piecela, and Rachel Worthington, sex and relationship expert and sex toy tester at Bedbible.
What the experts thought: "I find that the Durex natural condoms get things done without the need to use lube. The natural ingredients used in these condoms make them pleasing to me and can be used on various sex toys, too. They're lubricated to enhance comfort in both partners and contain no irritating ingredients such as fragrances, or flavours." - Santini
"Using a condom that’s already coated in lube, like these Durex Naturals condoms, makes things a lot more comfortable. They have a water-based lube on the condom, which is great if you’re also using any sex toys, as other lubes can damage silicone toys." - Worthington.
For
- Lubricated
- Smooth
- Normal thickness
- Non-scented
- Latex.
Against
- Some may prefer a ribbed, scented or non-latex option.
Extra safe: best for preventing pregnancy
Ensure peace of mind during sex with an extra safe option. "Offering an increase in thickness and more lubrication, extra safe condoms are often used for anal sex, and provide even more safety without compromising on pleasure," the sex-pert shares.
Recommended by: Rachel Worthington, sex and relationship expert, and sex toy tester at Bedbible.
What the experts thought: "Thicker condoms, like the Durex Extra Safe condoms, can be great for those who have a very sensitive penis. They bring things down to a manageable level, so you don’t get there too early."
For
- Lubricated
- Smooth
- Normal thickness
- Non-scented
- Latex.
Against
- Some may prefer a ribbed, scented or non-latex option.
Delay: best for long-lasting
Delay condoms are a great way to prolong pleasure, Knight shares. "Using a tiny amount of the light anaesthetic benzocaine, they reduce sensitivity throughout the whole of the penis, effectively working to delay ejaculation," she explains.
"They have exactly the same features as your regular style, with reservoir and teat ends and an easy-on shape, but they’re often slightly thicker. This helps to reduce over-stimulation even further, keeping the pleasure going for longer," she goes on.
Recommended by: Rachel Worthington, sex and relationship expert and sex toy tester at Bedbible.
What the experts thought: "If you like the idea, I would opt for the Boots Ultra Endurance condoms, as they are still a regular thickness, so both partners should still feel something."
"That said, I personally don’t like delaying condoms as they contain a light anaesthetic and can reduce sensitivity a lot. This might make the experience less enjoyable for the wearer."
For
- Lubricated
- Smooth
- Thick
- Non-scented
- Latex.
Against
- Some may prefer a ribbed, scented or non-latex option.
Recommended by: Sarah Mulindwa, presenter of Channel 4’s The Sex Clinic, qualified NHS sexual health nurse and Lovehoney ambassador.
What the experts thought: "These are one of the best-selling condoms at Lovehoney. They are popular because they have been specially designed for extended pleasure. The inside of each condom is coated with a special numbing lubricant containing 5% Benzocaine to potentially help delay ejaculation, though results may vary. The shape enables easier wear and comfort during sex. In trials, Durex found 98% of couples liked this condom for its ability to prolong lovemaking. And that is certainly borne out by the rave reviews on Lovehoney."
For
- Lubricated
- Smooth
- Thick
- Non-scented
- Latex.
Against
- Some may prefer a ribbed, scented or non-latex option.
Textured: best for pleasure
Offering different textures to stimulate both partners during sex, textured condoms feature sensual dots, ribs, and beads to bring an extra exciting dimension to your pleasure.
"With a large selection available from a wide range of trusted brands, make it your mission to discover why these condoms are perfect for both safe sex, and great sex," Knight recommends.
Recommended by: Rachel Worthington, sex and relationship expert and sex toy tester at Bedbible and Sarah Mulindwa, presenter of Channel 4’s The Sex Clinic, qualified NHS sexual health nurse and Lovehoney ambassador.
What the experts thought: "With textured condoms, I prefer those with texture near the base of the penis, like these Durex Pleasure Me or Intense condoms. This is because the vagina isn’t actually sensitive to touch, only pressure, so you won’t actually feel them inside you, only around the entrance. Alternatively, you could experiment with rubbing the penis over the clitoris, letting the ribs and dots enhance the sensations," - Worthington.
"These are excellent regular condoms and they have a uniquely positioned rib and raised dot texture which is designed to maximise stimulation for couples. The design, coupled with an easy-on shape, ensures maximum pleasure and intensity." - Mulindwa.
For
- Lubricated
- Textured
- Normal thickness
- Non-scented
- Latex.
Against
- Some may prefer a scented or non-latex option.
Extra thin: best for sensitivity
Experience a closer feeling without compromising on safety with extra-thin condoms. "Designed to enhance your pleasure with a skin-on-skin feeling, the minimal thickness allows for greater intimacy between both partners during sex," Knight explains.
Each sensitive condom is made to the same high specifications as regular condoms, offering both quality and security, she adds.
As recommended by: Georgia Di Mattos, co-founder of the female-founded sexual wellness brand and medical start up iPlaySafe App, and Julia Kotziamani, a love, sex, and relationship coach, and Rachel Worthington, sex and relationship expert and sex toy tester at Bedbible.
What the experts thought: "HANX products are light to use, biodegradable, vegan-friendly, and gynaecologically approved." -Di Mattos
"I like Hanx ultra-thin vegan condoms -they're great if you're after a plant-based option." - Kotziamani.
"I love HANX condoms as they are everything I want in a condom - thin, easy to put on, sustainable, and (most importantly for me) have a specially-formulated lube that won’t damage the delicate ecosystem of your vagina." - Worthington
"Their only issue is that they’re made from vegan latex, which some people may find breaks more easily." - Worthington.
For
- Lubricated
- Smooth
- Thin
- Non-scented
- Latex.
Against
- Some may prefer a ribbed, scented or non-latex option.
As recommended by: Georgia Di Mattos, co-founder of the female-founded sexual wellness brand & medical start-up iPlaySafe App.
What the experts thought: "I'm a fan of XO! condoms as they're female-founded, made from regenerative materials, and have fun packaging, too. I love the leopard print cover, and how it looks subtle and sexy in my handbag or wallet."
For
- Lubricated
- Smooth
- Thin
- Non-scented
- Latex.
Against
- Some may prefer a ribbed, scented or non-latex option.
Recommended by: Rachel Worthington, sex and relationship expert and sex toy tester at Bedbible.
What the experts thought: "I like the RFSU condoms best for natural-feeling condoms. They’re only 0.04mm thick, which is the thinnest I’ve seen, allowing you both to still feel each other almost completely. I never have any doubts about their safety, either. As a bonus, RFSU is also dedicated to robust and inclusive sex education and has been campaigning for body rights since 1933." - Worthington
For
- Lubricated
- Smooth
- Thin
- Non-scented
- Latex.
Against
- Some may prefer a ribbed, scented or non-latex option.
Recommended by: Sarah Mulindwa, presenter of Channel 4’s The Sex Clinic, qualified NHS sexual health nurse and Lovehoney ambassador.
What the experts thought: "This new range of condoms from Lovehoney has been designed to improve sexual happiness for those suffering from common ailments like erectile dysfunction and a weakening pelvic floor. Condoms go hand in glove with healthy sex and these new products, with loads of lubrication and a teat-tip for extra comfort and mean you can focus on having fun. I also like that they're vegan-friendly, have an extra-thin design, and give a super-intimate feel - almost like you aren’t wearing a condom at all." - Mulindwa
"People with penises may experience reduced sensitivity or delayed ejaculation by wearing a condom but results do vary," - Mulindwa.
For
- Lubricated
- Smooth
- Thin
- Non-scented
- Latex.
Against
- Some may prefer a ribbed, scented or non-latex option.
Non-Latex: best for latex allergies
Non-latex is a safe option for those with latex allergies.
"Made to the same high-quality standard as regular condoms, these clever creations use innovative materials including polyisoprene, polyurethane, and natural membrane to provide a more natural feeling," shares Knight.
Do note here - you don't need to have a latex allergy to opt for latex-free. "Often people choose latex-free protection because they prefer the sensation," Knight says.
As recommended by: Julia Kotziamani, a love, sex, and relationship coach and Sarah Mulindwa, presenter of Channel 4’s The Sex Clinic, qualified NHS sexual health nurse and Lovehoney ambassador.
What the experts thought: "As a general rule, I keep Skyn condoms in my nightstand. They have a good range of sizes and I don’t find the smell overwhelming." - Kotziamani
"Non-latex condoms are the safe option for users with latex allergies. Some people prefer latex condoms because they like the sensation more. There are several non-latex options available, though the bulk of condoms are made from latex. I like that these polyisoprene condoms from Skyn combine the strength of premium latex with the sensitivity of an ultra-thin condom - they feel barely there.
"Polyisoprene condoms are not suitable for use with oil-based lubricants." - Mulindwa.
For
- Lubricated
- Smooth
- Normal thickness
- Non-scented
- Non-latex.
Against
- Some may prefer a ribbed or scented option.
Frequently asked questions
How do you find the right type of condom for you?
Good question. Knight's advice on finding the right condom for you is to try a few options until you work out what works out for you, as everyone will like different things.
As above, there are options for everyone, including flavoured, extra safe, delay varieties, non-latex (for anyone with an allergy to latex), glow in the dark and more.
Why should I invest in condoms?
Short answer: because you don't want to risk getting pregnant or catching an STI.
Figures from Boots UK show sales of condoms almost doubled from 2021 to 2022, with a massive 98% increase in sales. "Searches on boots.com are also on the rise with 30% more searches for condoms and a 50% increase in searches for sex toys compared to last year," shares a rep for the brand.
Top tip: Knight advises making sure to invest in one of the best lubes, too. Why? Well, in short, she reckons it'll make the whole ordeal easier, more enjoyable, and sexier, too. Trust the sexpert on this one. Not sure what lube is? Our guide will help.
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