If you’ve been on team ‘analog’ pleasure for most of your life and just decided to upgrade to the 21st century, the selection of sex toys can be inundating. Hello, #choiceoverload. When you’re ready to invest in your sexual wellness, one question inevitably arises in everyone’s mind – am I better off buying a quality sex toy or a cheap sex toy?
The quality vs. price conundrum is a pain point for most people. Unless you’re hiding a golden goose somewhere, you probably don’t have loads of money to spend testing out different sex toys, but you also want the money you spend to count. So, how do you decide between quality and price? The answer is - it depends. It depends on many factors we break down below to try and help you get the most bang for your buck (no pun intended).
How do you define a quality sex toy?
First, let’s consider what defines quality? And what qualifies as cheap?
Sex toys are a matter of personal preference - as are price and quality. For some, $50 may be cheap, for others it can be quite expensive still. The general consensus for a cheap sex toy seems to be in the $20-$50 range, whereas any sex toy over $100 is typically considered a ‘quality’ or premium sex toy. However, quality can be defined by many metrics, and price isn’t the only factor. Quality can also be determined by the type of sex toy you’re going for, the experience you’re looking to have and how effectively the sex toy satisfies your needs.
When is it better to buy a quality sex toy?
Back to the million-dollar question: quality or price? Let’s weigh the pros and cons.
Quality sex toys are made with body-safe materials
In terms of quality control, materials are the number one consideration when buying a sex toy. You don’t need us to tell you that sex toys are intimate products used in sensitive areas.
Until very recently, sex toy manufacturers didn’t even have any safety guidelines on what materials were safe to use. And with no regulation around sex toy materials, cheaper sex toys end up usually being made with more inexpensive materials that may not be body safe. Porous materials are more economical to produce, but they are also known for harboring bacteria and potentially hazardous toxins, because they can never be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after use. Due to the intimate nature of sex toys, it’s hazardous to your health to introduce toxins like mold into your body.
It’s important to know what materials you’re putting in your body because the last thing anyone wants when seeking pleasure is to get sick. So if you’re looking to buy a sex toy that will be going inside your body, like a G-spot vibrator, a quality sex toy is the way to go even if it is slightly more expensive. If it’s a sex toy for external use however, you may be able to get away with a cheaper sex toy. That’s when other considerations come into play.
Quality sex toys last longer
No one wants to be close to an orgasm only to have their sex toy stop working! As more expensive sex toys are built with premium materials they are more durable, reliable, and longer-lasting. Premium materials can handle wear-and-tear, multiple bends, and consistent use over longer periods, which is more economical (and more pleasurable) in the long run.
Cheaper sex toys might fit your budget but if you’re looking for a sex toy that you’ll be able to use for at least a few years it ends up being more economical to go for a quality sex toy.
Quality sex toys are rechargeable
Nearly everything is rechargeable these days so why not your sex toy too? Most quality sex toys are rechargeable, so you don't need to worry about buying extra batteries which is also an additional cost to consider in the long-run. Not to mention, it's usually too late and the middle of the night by the time you realize you need new batteries!
Quality sex toys provide new and multiple sensations
Do you like rumbly vibrations or buzzy? Do you prefer a build up of sensations? Or maybe full power? In the heat of the moment you may be raring to go and a lighter touch is all you need, and other times something more powerful is needed. This is where having options can be beneficial.
Quality sex toys usually offer more functions and features, like multiple speeds and vibration patterns, which translates to a diversity of sensations and opportunities to explore and discover your preferences.
In addition, premium sex toys are built with more powerful motors so you can feel the vibrations and sensations more intensely. Some quality sex toys like the Crescendo 2 vibrator, even have more motors to stimulate multiple erogenous areas simultaneously for blended orgasms or multiple orgasms, which is the next level of sexual sensation.
Cheaper sex toys are typically more affordable because they don’t come with all the bells and whistles of fun features and multiple functions, limiting the intensity and sensation of your sexual experience. Fewer options mean you don’t get to change the sensation or rhythm, which can be a gamble if you don’t like what you purchased.
However, limited sensations can be fine if that’s your desired experience. For some people, all the accouterments of multiple features can be overwhelming. If you know what you want to feel and how you want to feel it, then simplicity may be best.
If you’re new to the sex toy world and still figuring out what you like, it can be more beneficial to buy a few different cheaper sex toys to get an idea of what you like before you go for a more expensive one. For example, a vibrator vs an air-suction toy, a masturbator vs. a prostate stimulator, a rumbly vs buzzy vibration, stronger vs lighter intensity levels. You can always upgrade later, once you have an idea of what kind of stimulation you enjoy best.
Quality sex toys allow for customization and adaptability
Perhaps you don’t want to be locked into preset patterns and want to explore endless possibilities. Personalization gives you the power to unlock your erotic imagination and discover. And discovery is the gateway to increased desire.
As we age, our sexual preferences change. It’s important to consider that the sensations and erogenous zones we once preferred may have evolved with time, biological changes, or circumstances. Sex toys that offer personalization and body-adaptability can benefit those who want to keep their bedroom accessories minimal and inclusive through time. With more options and adaptability, you get multiple sex toys in one, making it a more economical investment in the long run.
Every body is different and what is pleasurable for one person, may not be pleasurable for another. Body-adaptable sex toys allow you to target your unique pleasure spots and fit your unique body shape. Bendable vibrators like Crescendo 2 bend at six different points, creating multiple shapes and allowing you the flexibility to explore multiple erogenous zones that fixed and rigid vibrators might not allow.
Quality sex toys have extra features
We’ve come a long way with sex toy innovation. Some sex toys are waterproof or self-heating. Some offer a hands-free experience, like wearable vibrators. Some have remote control capabilities that allow for long-distance partners to connect or for live control to build up the anticipation. Others vibrate in sync to audio erotica! There’s a plethora of cool features to choose from depending on what you’re looking for.
Quality sex toys are more economical long-term
High-quality sex toys typically offer a long warranty period, with one-year and sometimes even two-year warranties, however some cheaper sex toys don't even offer any warranty. Buying from a respected brand that offers a product warranty makes for a reliable pleasure experience.
On top of long-lasting materials and better designs, high quality sex toys usually end up being more economical in the long-run.
How to pick the best sex toy for you
When purchasing a sex toy, there are many elements to consider, such as functions, the type of sex toy, material safety, and intended use, because those factors help determine quality.
So, how do you choose the best sex toy for your needs? Let’s break it down in a palatable step-by-step process.
Step 1: What experience are you looking to have and why? For instance, do you want to enhance pleasure, experience something novel, or fix an issue in the bedroom (i.e., erectile dysfunction, arousal disorder)? There are many reasons people turn to sex toys and vibrators that are not only about pleasure, though that’s equally just as important.
Step 2: Identify which body parts or erogenous zones you want to stimulate and target. G-spot, clitoris, A-spot, P-spot, anus, breasts, or multiple pleasure zones at once?
Step 3: What types of sensations do you want to feel? Are you a fan of high-frequency vibrations, rumbling sensations, suction, etc.? Do you want to feel powerful, direct sensations? Or more dispersed, softer sensations?
Step 4: How do you want those sensations applied? Do you want a sex toy that offers internal stimulation? External stimulation? A thruster?
Now that you’ve narrowed your priorities, that will help determine the best type of sex toy for your needs and budget.
Where to buy quality sex toys?
The rise of eCommerce is terrific because it connects us globally; however, we have done away with many brick-and-mortar adult stores. The advantage of walking into an adult shop is that you can test sex toys, feel vibrations, and ask the staff questions. We’ve lost much of that interaction in the age of digitization, so if you’re buying your first vibrator or not sure, find a local sex toy boutique and head over.
However, if you want to be more discreet, you might opt to buy sex toys online. The anonymity of online shopping is a silver lining to digitization. Many companies offer extensive FAQs on their websites and offer customer support. Additionally, you can leisurely peruse several companies’ websites at once - all from the comfort of your home. Pro tip: sign up for their newsletters to keep up to date with sex toy sales and exclusive offers.
Whether you’re shopping in person or online, purchasing sex toys directly from the manufacturer or a certified distributor is recommended to ensure quality control. When sex toys are purchased from certain third-party distributors, authenticating the sex toy and sex toy material can get complicated. Anyone can claim that a sex toy is authentic, but they could be selling knockoffs made with potentially hazardous materials. So, buy sex toys from reputable companies, read reviews, and do your research.
All in all, many factors determine which carries a more considerable benefit between a quality sex toy or a cheap sex toy. Ultimately, it comes down to you and your priorities. Do your research and weigh the pros and cons of safety, warranty, functionality, materials, and reliability. It’s your body and experience, so ensure you’re getting what you want and invest in your sexual wellness.
