WHILE MANY of us would prefer to have sex without condoms, none of us wish to have an unwanted pregnancy or to get a sexually transmitted infection (STI). And condoms are still one of the simplest and most efficient ways to prevent these things.
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Condoms get a bad rap, but they’re not as bad as guys make them seem. Often, if you’re struggling to get an erection or climax with a condom, it’s because you’re wearing uncomfy condoms that don’t properly fit you. The best feeling condoms not only feel thin and don’t constrict, but actually fit. Meaning you usually can still get hard and cum. (If you’re unsure how to measure your penis to find a condom size that fits you, check out our guide to wearing the right size condom).
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“Condoms don’t have to be the enemy of pleasure,” sex therapist Ian Kerner, Ph.D., LMFT, says in Men’s Health Best. Sex Ever. “They can actually be an accessory to pleasure.” Which is especially true of the best feeling condoms, which may be ultra-tin, extra-lubed, ribbed, textured—you name it. Read on for our guide of condom types, and our list of the 15 best feeling condoms to try in 2023.
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Different Types of Condoms
Before we get to our recommendations, let’s first break down the different types of condoms out there. This will help determine which condom is best for you.
Latex condoms
Most condoms are made from latex, and that’s a good thing! They’re stretchy, (relatively) inexpensive, and extremely effective in preventing STIs and unwanted pregnancy. However, roughly 4.3% of people worldwide are allergic to latex, and often they have that weird latex-y smell. (For what it’s worth, vegan latex condoms don’t actually have that smell; and we’ve included some on the list.)
Lambskin condoms
An alternative for folks who are allergic to latex condoms are lambskin condoms. “Lambskin condoms are ‘natural membrane’ condoms that have been around for centuries,” Faysal A. Yafi, M.D. previously told Men’s Health. “They are actually not made from the skin of lambs, rather from the cecum [large intestinal pouch] of lambs.” (Gross!) They don’t prevent STIs, which is a huge reason why they’re not nearly as popular as latex condoms. However, when used correctly, they’re 98% effective at preventing pregnancy. Odds are, you don’t want to use lambskin condoms. There are other synthetic, non-latex condoms you can use if you are allergic to latex.
Synthetic (non-latex) condoms
Synthetic alternatives include polyisoprene, polyurethane, and polyethylene condoms. These guys don’t have that weird rubbery, latex smell. There are three major players when it comes to non-latex condoms: SKYN, Durex, and Trojan.
The Best-Feeling Condoms for Pleasure
Now, for our curated picks of the best feeling condoms to shop this year.
A new condom player on the market, P.S. Condoms have thin condoms that don’t give off that harsh latex smell. (That’s because they’re vegan!) With over 500 reviews, they maintain having five stars. As one reviewer wrote, “Get them. They are great. That’s all!”
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| Price | $0.73 per condom |
|---|---|
| Material | Latex |
One of Trojan’s newest condoms, the BareSkin Raw, is actually the thinnest latex condom in America, so it’s most likely to give you that “feels like nothing’s there” sensation. It has an average rating of 4.6 stars with over 16,000 reviews.
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A #1 best seller on Amazon, these non-latex condoms are the thinnest SKYN condoms. There are three different types of Elite: Elite, Elite Extra Lube, and Elite Large. Of course, the Extra Lube comes lubricated, and the Large is for men with above-average penis sizes.
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| Price | $1.09 per condom |
|---|---|
| Material | Latex |
The company describes this condom as “super thin” and claims its sleek shape makes it feel like you’re not even wearing a condom. Plus, it’s extra lubricated for your partner’s comfort.
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| Price | $1.00 per condom |
|---|---|
| Material | Latex |
These thin condoms come pre-lubricated and offer a “natural feeling.” Commenters also report that they don’t have that weird condom-y smell. As one reviewer wrote: “I’ve been using condoms for 15 years and tried many brands. I don’t care what the advertisers say, no such thing as a condom that you can’t feel, but this is the best one yet.”
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Kimono MicroThin is great for couples who want a condom that feels more natural. According to the manufacturer, this condom is 20 percent thinner than competitors’ “thin” models, but it’s still strong enough to pass vigorous testing.
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Thankfully, thinner condoms don’t have to be expensive. This 100-pack from LifeStyles gets you the most “bang” for your buck (pun intended). You’ll have a seemingly endless stash of condoms in your nightstand at all times without breaking the bank.
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Durex Invisible Ultra Thin Condoms 3-Pack
Durex Invisible Ultra Thin Condoms 3-Pack
| Price | $1.67 per condom |
|---|---|
| Material | Latex |
According to Durex, these condoms are so thin they’re practically invisible. In the words of one Amazon reviewer, these are “definitely the closest to ‘not even there’ that I’ve ever experienced.”
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Of course, every company is gonna say their condom is the best, but Okamoto gets plenty of rave reviews. “My husband hates condoms, but these he said were really good as far as condoms go,” explains one reviewer.
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These thin condoms are a non-latex alternative for those with allergies. One Amazon fan calls them “very weird yet exotic and comfy.” They go on to say Trojan Supras are “a must try honestly.”
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If you’re someone who likes a little texture to your condoms to enhance pleasure, you should get these extra studded condoms from SKYN. (FYI, studded condoms are not great for anal sex; they actually can be painful and uncomfortable.)
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With nearly 400 ratings and an average of 4.6 stars, this is one of the highest-rated non-latex condoms sold on Amazon. These condoms are also pre-lubricated for a smoother sexual experience.
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These super-thin condoms are ideal for guys and their partners that prefer not to use chemicals, parabens, or synthetic fragrances.
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Thinner than human hair, these super thin condoms have changed one Amazon reviewer’s love life. “I truly never thought that it mattered what type of condom I used,” she wrote. “However, after trying a free sample of the ONE ultra feel condom, my husband and I were hooked.”
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TROJAN Naturalamb Natural Skin Lubricated Luxury Condoms
TROJAN Naturalamb Natural Skin Lubricated Luxury Condoms
| Price | $3.03 per condom (yikes) |
|---|---|
| Material | Lambskin |
Just in case you’d like to try a lambskin condom, we included one on the list. On Amazon, they’re rated highly, with an average of 4.6 stars and over 600 reviews. Just a reminder, lambskin condoms do not prevent against STIs.
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What to Consider When Shopping for the Best Feeling Condoms
Ah, the age-old quest for condoms that actually feel good (or at least just don’t get in the way). Whether you’re just doing your duty to stay protected or looking for a little something extra to spice things up in the bedroom, there’s a ton of choices to sift through. Well, fear not, my friend—let’s dive in.
Material: This should be the first thing you consider. Know that condoms are typically made of latex, polyurethane, or polyisoprene (lambskin is a thing, too). Latex is a classic choice, like your favorite pair of jeans, but some folks have allergies to it. If that’s the case, you can opt for polyurethane or polyisoprene condoms. They might not have the same stretchiness, but they get the job done without the sneezing. Lambskin, on the other hand, don’t provide a full-stop barrier, therefore they aren’t effective in preventing against STIs.
Size: Ah, the age-old question: “Does size really matter?” Well, when it comes to condoms, it does! A too-tight condom can feel like a boa constrictor giving you a bear hug, and one that’s too loose might just slip off at the most inconvenient moment. So, find your Goldilocks size. Don’t be afraid to try different sizes until you find the one that fits you juuuuust right.
Texture: If you’re looking for some extra sensation, textured condoms are a ticket to pleasure town (for some, that is). From ribbed to dotted, these textures can add some exciting new sensations for both you and your partner during vaginal sex. Steer clear of textured condoms such as studded condoms for anal, though, as the added sensation can be pretty uncomfortable.
Lubrication: Let’s talk lube, baby! A well-lubricated condom can make all the difference in the world not only for comfort, but for avoiding tears, too. Look for condoms that come pre-lubricated, preferably with silicone or water-based lubes. However, if you want to take things up a notch, you can always add extra lube to the mix. Just remember, too much lube can turn your bedroom into a Slip ‘N Slide, so use it wisely.
Brand: Let’s not forget the importance of a reliable brand, especially with something as serious as condoms. You want a condom that’s been rigorously tested and approved by the FDA or other regulatory bodies. Stick with reputable brands that have been around the block, like Trojan, Durex, or the like. You wouldn’t trust a parachute made by Bob’s Discount Parachute Emporium, would you?
Why You Can Trust Us
At Men’s Health, we take great pride in providing our readers with reliable and trustworthy product recommendations. We believe that our readers deserve the best, which is why we always make sure to conduct thorough research and testing before making any recommendations. Our writers and editors thoughtfully select experts for collaboration on product recommendations, and are also experts in their own right, using their informed opinions to select products and ensuring that our content is of the highest quality.
Our product recommendations are purely editorial, and while we may receive free products to test and review, we only recommend the products we are most impressed by. We never let retailers or public relations contacts dictate our content or product coverage. Which is why you can trust us to provide you with reliable and unbiased product recommendations.
How We Selected the Best Feeling Condoms
Men’s Health editors and experts spent hours researching and evaluating the top-rated and best-selling condoms on the market. Those that made it onto this list undergo rigorous durability testing, are FDA-approved, and are effective in protecting against pregnancy and/or STIs. We considered every factor, from material, thickness, lubrication, fit, price, and many reviews from certified-buyers. The list above represents our thoughtful picks of the very best feeling condom to shop in 2023.
I’m the social media editor for Cosmopolitan.com, as well as a self-proclaimed expert on Internet cats (tough job, but hey, someone has to do it). I’m from the Midwest and a proud Indiana University alumna. My obsessions — in no particular order — include running, writing, coffee, red lipstick, and margaritas.
Health Writer
Melissa Matthews is the Health Writer at Men’s Health, covering the latest in food, nutrition, and health.
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