Glance at any sex toys list and you’re bound to see Fleshlights make an appearance or three. The best Fleshlights top a lot of those lists because the brand’s products—of which there are many—feel good, are high-quality, cater to both gay and straight men (or anyone with a penis), and use some impressive technology to elevate the once hidden-in-shadows category of sex toys for penises to new levels. And while there are now plenty of top-tier brands making equally impressive Fleshlight-esque male sex toys these days, there’s a reason the O.G. of DIY male orgasms continues to earn accolades (and our recommendation). The massive variety of different textures from the brand’s propriety Fleshlight sleeve (so many nubs and patterns) to the simulated effects—from deep throat to vaginal and anal sex—that create realistic feel make the brand’s
If you’re experiencing emotional or psychological hurdles as you start shopping for your first Fleshlight, we get it. The space has been stigmatized for too long. “Too many men carry unnecessary shame around the idea of buying a sex toy for themselves, believing it’s a sign that they can’t have as much real sex as they desire, or that they have to resort to spending money due to a relationship with masturbation that is furtive and secretive,” explains Destin Gerek, a certified sexologist and the founder of The Evolved Masculine. But there’s nothing to be ashamed of if it’s your first (or 15th) time buying a Fleshlight toy, a cock ring, a sex toy for couples, or any other sex toys for men. As Gerek says, buying a Fleshlight (or any sex toy) is “a sign that you take your sexuality seriously.” Amen!
Is a Fleshlight worth it?Not to be blunt, but: yes. While your mileage may vary when it comes to any sex toy, if you enjoy masturbation and the feeling of sticking your dick into something (or think you would), the best Fleshlights should give your solo sex routine a boost. They might also make sense for more serious reasons, too—whether that’s medical-related conditions (we’ll get to those in a moment) or sexual dry spells. “They can provide a realistic sexual experience during times when you do not have a partner,” says Gerek.
Even if your hand can get the job done just fine, you may want to mix things up sometimes and explore different sensations. “A quality Fleshlight offers a close emulation of PIV—penis-in-vagina—penetrative sex through stimulation to the shaft and head of the penis,” says Indigo Stray Conger, a sex therapist and advisor for ThatSexQuiz. “The Fleshlight can also offer a similar sensation to anal sex or oral sex, especially if you purchase models created for these purposes.”
Beyond putting a new dish on the masturbation menu, a Fleshlight can also potentially help with sexual problems you might be experiencing, like “death grip syndrome” or premature ejaculation. “Certain patterns of masturbation, particularly manually or with rougher materials, can alter sensitivity over time,” Conger says. “A Fleshlight prevents this from happening, making sure there is no overstimulation or chafing to any part of the penis.” Of course, the best sex toys are no replacement for a doctor’s opinion, especially when it comes to a healthy orgasm.
What are the different Fleshlight types?Fleshlight’s product lineup has been as much of a grower as a show-er in the last few years, adding new models frequently that work for male masturbation toy beginners and repeat customers alike. We don’t blame you for getting a little thrown by all the choices in your hunt for the best Fleshlight for you. It helps to start by knowing the categories that Fleshlight models fit into before you start shopping for your next sex toy:
Fleshlight Classics models: These are your standard Fleshlights. Typically made to look like a vulva or a butt, they feature tried-and-true textures inside sleeves that are about 9 inches long, so they can provide full-shaft stimulation for almost any dick size.Fleshlight Turbo models: This product line tries to mimic a blowjob-esque sensation by using three contact points that replicate the lips, tongue, and throat. Fleshlight’s Turbo models are available in various sizes and textures.Fleshlight Quickshot, Go, and Flight models: These are all sleeker, more travel-friendly Fleshlights—which also come in handy if you have smaller hands. The Fleshlight Quickshot models are open-ended on both sides so they can be combined with a partner’s mouth or hands (among other creative possibilities).Fleshlight Stamina Training models: Fleshlight makes a few products that are specifically designed to “treat” premature ejaculation by using a texture that’s supposedly more intense than anything a human can offer—and in practicing your stamina with the toy (over, and over, and over), you’ll theoretically be able to stave off orgasm for longer when you have sex. That said, even if you’re not trying add time to the clock, these models feel fantastic.Fleshlight Ice models: Most Fleshlights are opaque, but these models are translucent, so you can see yourself thrusting in and out. A go-to model if you (or your partner) enjoys a visual.Fleshlight Vibro models: Fleshlight’s top-of-the-line textured strokers let you place battery-powered removable bullet vibrators (yes, multiple) inside that add an extra dimension to your pleasure. The Best Fleshlights, at a GlanceMost Popular
In the mood for some self loving? Here are our top picks for this category right here, no foreplay necessary.
The Best Fleshlight: Fleshlight Pink Lady, $70The Best Portable Fleshlight: Fleshlight Go Torque, $53The Best Vibrating Fleshlight: Fleshlight Vibro Pink Lady, $90The Best Fleshlight for Building Stamina: Fleshlight Pink Lady Stamina Training Unit, $70The Best Easy-to-Clean Fleshligh: Fleshlight Quickshot Vantage, $35The Best Manual Fleshlight Toy: Fleshlight Fleshskins Grip, $40The Best Porn Star Fleshlight: Stoya Destorya, $80The Sleekest-Looking Fleshlight: Flight Pilot, $55The Best Fleshlight Shower Mount: Lovehoney Shower Mount, 33What is a Fleshlight?Much like how Kleenex is such a ubiquitous brand that a lot of us refer to tissues solely by that name, Fleshlight is such a trailblazing company in the sex toy industry that its name is often invoked when strokers are being discussed as a whole.
The brand’s good reputation is warranted: Its product line is widely varied in terms of sensations, appearances, and price points, and sex toy critics are always giving praise to the brand in their Fleshlight reviews. “A Fleshlight was the first major sex toy I ever purchased, way back in 2009. I still have it!” he says. “With good care, they can last a long time. I think that’s a good testament to their quality and longevity.”
As a gay man, David also appreciates that Fleshlight markets its products to anyone with a penis, regardless of sexual orientation. Its best-known toys are designed for men who are into women, often depicting the mouths or vulvas of female porn stars, while their Fleshjack line is aimed at gay men, offering several toys modeled after the butts, mouths, and dicks of male porn stars.
However, don’t be too quick to write off other brands. While many consider Fleshlight the gold standard, there are countless other companies making strokers of various kinds; David especially recommends Tenga and Hot Octopuss.
The Best Fleshlight: Fleshlight Pink Lady
Fleshlight
Pink Lady$70Amazon
Materials: SuperSkin (Fleshlight’s patented material); plastic casingHow to Use: Apply water-based lube to the entrance of the toy, the inside of the toy, and your penis before sliding inside. After use, remove the sleeve from the case and rinse it out thoroughly with water. Let it dry completely before re-assembling.
Most PopularThere are many newer models are on the market, but “Fleshlight” has become the usual way to refer to these toys for a reason. The company's original, best-selling model features a super soft realistic feel, along with human-like textures within. It's the closest thing to the real thing when you're practicing solo. If you’re a beginner and this is your first Fleshlight, you (and your sex life) are in for a treat.
Pros: Smooth, squishy interior; realistic vulva exterior; hard plastic case for travel and storage; fits a wide range of penisesCons: Porous material isn’t as durable/long-lasting as silicone; large and not very discreet; cleaning can be annoying; can be loud during use
The Best Portable Fleshlight: Fleshlight Go Torque
Fleshlight
Go Torque$53SheVibe
$60Amazon
$60Lovehoney
Materials: SuperSkin; plastic casingHow to Use: Apply water-based lube to the entrance of the toy, the inside of the toy, and your penis before sliding inside. After use, remove the sleeve from the case and rinse it out thoroughly with water. Let it dry completely before re-assembling.
If you and your partner are into voyeurism and exhibitionism, or if you're long-distance and like to have video sex, this toy is a fantastic pick. The sleeve and casing are both see-through, so your sweetie will get the view of a lifetime while you're using it. This one is also more petite than your standard Fleshlight, making it perfect for throwing in a suitcase or stashing in an overstuffed nightstand drawer.
Pros: Pleasurably textured interior; translucent for a better view; hard plastic case for travel and storage; fits a wide range of penisesCons: Porous material isn’t as durable/long-lasting as silicone; large and not very discreet; cleaning can be annoying; can be loud during use
The Best Fleshlight for Building Stamina: Fleshlight Pink Lady Stamina Training Unit
Fleshlight
Pink Lady Stamina Training Unit$70Amazon
$70Lovehoney
Materials: SuperSkin and ABS plasticHow to Use: Lubricate the inside and entrance of the stroker with a water-based lube, slip it onto your penis, and stroke.
It might seem counterintuitive that a toy made to provide intense pleasure could also help you last longer, but the Fleshlight Stamina Training Unit is designed to do exactly that. The ribbed internal texture is so super-stimulating that once you learn to hold off for longer with this toy, it'll be much easier to do the same with a partner. But even if that's not your goal, this is still a high-quality stroker that feels great.
Pros: Highly stimulating internal texture; soft and squishy enough to accommodate a variety of penis sizes; can dissemble it and turn it inside out for easier cleaningCons: Porous material means it will need to be replaced sooner than a silicone toy; can be noisy
The Best Easy-to-Clean Fleshlight: Fleshlight Quickshot Vantage
Fleshlight
Quickshot Vantage$35Amazon
$40Lovehoney
Materials: SuperSkin; plastic casingHow to Use: Apply water-based lube to the entrance of the toy, the inside of the toy, and your penis before sliding inside. After using, remove the sleeve from its case, rinse it out thoroughly with water, and allow it to dry completely before re-assembling.
Most PopularFleshlight's Quickshot strokers are less than half the size of their regular ones, making them way more affordable and travel-friendly. Being open-ended on both sides, this Fleshlight model can be combined with other forms of stimulation–your partner can give you oral sex while using the stroker on you, for example. It's also much easier to clean than a standard Fleshlight.
Pros: Pleasurably textured interior; translucent casing for a better view; open-ended design makes it easier to clean the toy between uses and to combine it with oral sex, handjobs, etc.; more compact and travel-friendly than regular-size Fleshlights; inexpensiveCons: Porous material isn’t as durable/long-lasting as silicone
The Best Manual Fleshlight: Fleshlight Fleshskins Grip
Fleshlight
Fleshskins Grip with Storage Case$40Amazon
Materials: SuperSkinHow to Use: Apply water-based lube to the entrance of the toy, the inside of the toy, and your penis before sliding inside. After using, rinse the toy out thoroughly with water, and allow it to dry completely.
It can be tough to adjust to strokers when you're used to using your hand, but this product bridges the gap between the two. It's a handheld stroker, with finger-holes for a better grip. Just like your hand, it'll feel tighter or looser depending on how much pressure you're applying, but it brings some different textures to the table that your hand alone just doesn't.
Pros: Finger holes for an easier grip; pleasantly textured interior; pressure is adjustable depending on how hard you squeeze; comes with a storage case which doubles as a drying rackCons: Porous material isn’t as durable/long-lasting as silicone; cleaning can be annoying
The Best Fleshlight Mount: Liberator Fleshlight On a Mission Toy Mount
Liberator
On A Mission Toy Mount$175She Vibe
Materials: Pleather, polyester, and polyurethane foamHow to Use: Put your Fleshlight into the hole on the mount, lube up the inside of the Fleshlight sleeve with water-based lube, get on top of the mount, and thrust inside.
Sure, Fleshlights are great, but what if you want to feel like you're penetrating an actual person and not just a plastic tube? Short of ordering a lifelike sex doll, the next best thing is to get a mount for your Fleshlight that enables you to use it in new ways. This Liberator mount is made of supportive foam covered in easy-to-clean faux leather. Slide your Fleshlight into it and you can get into a realistic "missionary position" on top of it. Thrusting into something can be more pleasurable, not to mention, it's good practice if you want to work on your stamina or endurance for the real thing.
Pros: Great for hands-free Fleshlight use; allows for realistic “missionary-position” masturbation; non-skid microfiber base; easy to clean with soap and waterCons: Expensive; not designed for positions other than missionary; may not work with non-Fleshlight-branded strokers
The Best Blowjob-esque Fleshlight: Turbo Thrust
Fleshlight
Turbo Thrust$75Lovehoney
Materials: SuperSkin sleeve and plastic casingHow to Use: Apply water-based lube to your penis and to the inside of the toy before sliding inside.
If oral sex is one of your favorite ways to get off, you'll love this Fleshlight, which is designed to replicate the sensations of a great blowjob. Various parts of its internal texture are designed to feel like soft lips, a tongue, and the tightness of a throat. With a generous helping of lube, this toy almost feels like the real thing—though notably, it doesn't look like the real thing, "which for many users is a plus, offering more discreet storage," says Conger. "And some may find it to be visually more appealing than a flesh-toned toy."
Most PopularPros: Pleasurable texture meant to replicate oral sex; non-realistic appearance; translucent for a better view; hard plastic case for travel and storage; fits a wide range of penisesCons: Porous material isn’t as durable as silicone; large and not very discreet; cleaning can be annoying; can be loud during use
The Best See-Through Fleshlight: Ice Lady
Fleshlight
Ice Lady$70Amazon
Materials: SuperSkin sleeve and plastic casingHow to Use: Apply water-based lube to your penis and to the inside of the toy before sliding inside.
If you're a visual person (or your partner is), a clear Fleshlight will turn up the heat. The internal texture is covered in bumps and spirals for satisfying stimulation, while the exterior has a vulva-like appearance that's relatively realistic—except for, y'know, being see-through. Maybe not the most discreet stroker in the world, but that's kind of the point.
Pros: Pleasurable texture; translucent for a better view; hard plastic case for travel and storage; fits a wide range of penisesCons: Porous material isn’t as durable as silicone; large and not very discreet; cleaning can be annoying; can be loud during use
The Best Porn Star Fleshlight: Stoya Destorya
Fleshlight
Stoya Destroya$80Amazon
Materials: SuperSkin sleeve and plastic casingHow to Use: Apply water-based lube to your penis and to the inside of the Fleshlight’s sleeve before sliding inside.
Stoya is a porn legend, so it tracks that the Fleshlight modeled after her real vagina is a standout in the brand's lineup. Among Fleshlight textures, the Destroya's is considered one of the most intense, with its array of bumps and ridges. If you like a lot of sensation, you'll dig this stroker.
Pros: Pleasurable and intense texture; realistic vulva-like appearance modeled after Stoya; hard plastic case for travel and storage; fits a wide range of penisesCons: Porous material isn’t as durable as silicone; large and not very discreet; cleaning can be annoying; can be loud during use
The Sleekest-Looking Fleshlight: Flight Pilot
Fleshlight
Flight Pilot$55Amazon
Materials: SuperSkin sleeve and plastic casingHow to Use: Apply water-based lube to your penis and to the inside of the Fleshlight’s sleeve before sliding inside.
"The Flight Pilot Fleshlight is a good starter pick, if you're not sure what you like or what you're looking for," Conger says. That's partly because the all-black casing and see-through sleeve fly a little bit under the radar. It's more compact than most Fleshlights, too, which makes the Flight Pilot more travel-friendly as well as more affordable.
Pros: Pleasurable texture; hard plastic case and more compact size make it especially suitable for travel and storage; non-realistic appearanceCons: Porous material isn’t as long-lasting as silicone; cleaning can be annoying; can be loud during use
The Best Travel-Friendly Realistic Fleshlight: Quickshot Stamina Training Unit
Fleshlight
Quickshot Stamina Training Unit$40Lovehoney
Materials: SuperSkin sleeve and plastic casingHow to Use: Apply water-based lube to your penis and to the inside of the Fleshlight’s sleeve before sliding inside.
Fleshlight took its bestselling, high-stimulation Stamina Training Unit and made a more compact version, small enough to be stashed in a bag or suitcase. Fleshlight pitches it as a way to improve issues with premature ejaculation—"It is designed to help you acclimate your nervous system to the intense, pleasurable sensations of sex so that your system is not overwhelmed when it's time for the real thing," says Gerek. But besides being double-side (one end is modeled on a vulva; the other looks like a butt), means you get more bang for your buck, and an easier-to-clean toy, too.
Most PopularPros: Pleasurably textured sleeve; open-ended design makes it easier to clean the toy between uses and to combine it with oral sex, handjobs, etc.; more compact and travel-friendly than regular-size Fleshlights; inexpensive; may help with sexual staminaCons: Porous material isn’t as durable as silicone
The Best Extra-Tight Fleshlight: Butt Mia
Fleshlight
Butt Mia Malkova Boss-Level Texture$80Lovehoney
Materials: SuperSkin sleeve and plastic casingHow to Use: Apply water-based lubricant to your penis and to the inside of the Fleshlight’s sleeve before sliding inside.
When it comes to Fleshlights, the phrase "different strokes for different folks" absolutely applies, which is why it's great that the company offers so many different textural options. This one, modeled after porn star Mia Malkova, is made to feel like a butt, with a tight squeeze throughout, especially at the entrance. You can screw or unscrew the endcap to achieve different levels of suction, intensifying the sensation even more.
Pros: Pleasurable texture; extra tight; realistic butt-like appearance modeled after Mia Malkova; hard plastic case for travel and storage; fits a wide range of penisesCons: Porous material isn’t as durable as silicone; large and not very discreet; cleaning can be annoying; can be loud during use
The Best Vibrating Fleshlight: Vibro Pink Lady
Fleshlight
Vibro Pink Lady$90Amazon
Materials: SuperSkin sleeve and plastic casingBattery Life: About 1 hourHow to Use: Insert the bullet vibrators into their compartments on the sides of the sleeve, and turn them on. Apply water-based lubricant to your penis and to the inside of the Fleshlight’s sleeve before sliding inside.
Fleshlight plus vibration equals mind-blown emoji. This stroker has special pockets inside that hold the included bullet vibrators, adding an extra buzz to the already-amazing sensations provided by the sleeve. The vibrators are optional, so you can use 'em when you want 'em, or enjoy a regular non-vibrating Fleshlight for that analog experience.
Pros: Smooth, squishy interior; realistic vulva exterior; hard plastic case for travel and storage; optional bullet vibrators (included) for a different sensation; comes with replacement batteries for bullet vibrators; fits a wide range of penisesCons: Porous material isn’t as durable as silicone; vibrators only have one speed; large and not very discreet; cleaning can be annoying; can be loud during use
The Best Fleshlight Shower Mount: Lovehoney Shower Mount and Hands-Free Adapter
Fleshlight
Shower Mount and Hands-Free Adapter$33Lovehoney
Materials: Hard plasticHow to Use: Remove the endcap of your Fleshlight and tightly screw the shower mount onto it instead. Then attach the suction pad to a flat, dry surface (like wall of your shower before you turn the water on) and adjust the angle with the hinges on the side of the mount.
Masturbating in the shower has some benefits: it's a private (crucial if you have roommates or live with family) and easy to clean. If you want to take your shower masturbation game to the next level, get this suction mount. You can use it to temporarily attach your Fleshlight to the wall of your shower—or to any other flat, smooth surface—for hands-free fun.
Pros: Easy to install and use; allows for hands-free usage of a FleshlightCons: May not work as well on wet walls
The Best All-in-One Fleshlight Kit: Pink Lady Value Pack
Fleshlight
Pink Lady Value Pack$120Lovehoney
Materials: SuperSkin sleeve and plastic casingHow to Use: Apply the included lubricant to your penis and to the inside of the toy before sliding inside.
This pack comes with everything you need: a Fleshlight, lube, a shower mount with adapator, toy cleaner, and renewal powder to maintain the sleeve's texture. (As Conger wisely advises, even if you don't get the value pack, "to keep your Fleshlight in good condition, use an appropriate cleaning product.") The all-in-one collection is a no-brainer pick for the Fleshlight first-timer, and also makes a nice gift for anyone who needs a Fleshlight in their life.
Pros: Good value; comes with everything you need; smooth, squishy interior; realistic vulva exterior; hard plastic case for travel and storage; fits a wide range of penisesCons: Porous material isn’t as durable as silicone; large and not very discreet; cleaning can be annoying; can be loud during use
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Gigi Engle, COSRT Reg., MNCIP, ACS, CSE, CSC, GSRD-accred., is an award-winning author, certified sex & relationships psychotherapist, and sex educator. Gigi is an associate clinician at The Therapy Yard. In her clinical work as a COSRT-registered and GSRD-accredited sex & relationships psychotherapist, Gigi specializes in working with GSRD (Gender,... Read moreXInstagramFacebookKate Sloan is a sex toy writer for GQ. She has written the books “101 Kinky Things Even You Can Do” and “200 Words to Help You Talk About Sexuality & Gender,” and is a cohost for the podcasts The Dildorks and Question Box. Her writing on sex and relationships... Read moreWriterInstagramRelated Stories for GQGQ RecommendsSex and RelationshipsTechnology