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The 14 best cock rings for mutual orgasms, chosen by a sex writer
'That’s got a good ring to it'
Don’t let the name fool you; cock rings certainly aren’t just for your penis-having partner.
Yes, these little rings of pleasure were originally designed with stronger erections in mind, however we’re cocksure you won’t regret adding one to your sex-care kit.
If clitoral stimulation and more interesting missionary is what you’re after, listen up. Just like every other sex toy on the market, these pocket rockets have undergone a major reinvention and, as a result, have gained some rather useful additions like rabbit ears, textured nubs and even full-sized bullet vibrators.
From how they work to their very long history, we reveal everything you need to know about cock rings, as well as 14 of our favourites to bag right now.
Best cock rings to shop now
We’ll circle back to these later, but if you’re in a hurry here are some of our favourites:
What does a cock ring do?
It’s thought that the cock ring first came about in the 1600s, with Chinese farmers using goat eyelids for some added pressure and pleasure.
Fast-forward to the 21st century and nearly every major sex toy retailer has put their own spin on the petite playthings — and thankfully opt to use silicone instead of skin.
But how do they work? It’s a pretty simple but *very* effective idea — and one that Kelly Gordon, Head of Creative at Hot Octopuss, is a big fan of.
‘Cock rings can be used to help maintain erections and make them harder by restricting blood flow coming back down from the penis,' says Gordon.
'And they sometimes have vibrating motors allowing stimulation to other body parts such as the shaft of the penis, the perineum and the clitoris if having penetrative sex with a vulva-owning partner.'
How to use a cock ring
They may be designed with penis-owners in mind, but the humble cock ring can be used in many different ways. Just make sure to load it up with lube first.
Solo play
Self-pleasure at the top of today’s to-do list? ‘Cock rings are secretly multipurpose, so you can use them whenever and wherever you want,’ says Gordon.
‘There are so many cock rings that have strong and rumbly vibes, so holding them against your clit is an amazing way to reach a solo orgasm.’
Twin with a dildo
Experimenting with a strap-on? ‘You can use a cock ring to level up your favourite dildo,’ says Gordon.
‘If you get a good quality cock ring with low rumbly vibes it’ll provide an amazing sensation through the shaft, letting you feel it from the inside and the outside. It’s my favourite life hack.’ And now ours too.
Aim to tease
When using a vibrating cock ring, resist the urge to stick to one vibration pattern — and heading straight down south. After a quick survey in the WH office, it was agreed that earlobes, nipples and inner thighs shouldn’t be skipped over.
‘It really mixes things up when you experiment,' agrees Gordon. 'It can add anticipation and you can even turn it into a sexy game, cycling through the patterns and talking about how they feel with your partner.’
Double no-trouble
Now we all know that, for most of us vagina-owners, it can sometimes take both penetrative and clitoral attention to get us off. Luckily, many cock rings have been designed with this idea in mind, hence the useful additions of vibrators or textured nubs to grind against.
And your partner with a penis will benefit too, as these vibrations can often be felt in the perineum and up the length of their shaft.
Types of cock rings
Just like there’s a magic wand or vibrator to meet all our individual wants and needs, the same goes for cock rings.
While we encourage you and your partner to try them all, we do suggest beginners start with this Get Hard Extra Thick Silicone Cock Ring Set from Lovehoney, or if you're after something a little more buzzy, the Lelo TOR 3 is a great option.
Stretchy cock ring
Suitable for all shapes and sizes, silicone rings are one of the easiest options to use. Simply stretch the ring and slide it down to the base of your partner’s pecker.
A reminder that lube is your best friend when using a cock ring, and that you should try to stay under the 20-minute mark to avoid bruising, chafing or completely cutting off your blood flow.
Vibrating cock ring
These rings, also made from stretchy silicone, come fitted with a bullet or vibrating nub for added external sensations. ‘They are great, as they allow for more than just hard and maintained erections,' says Gordon.
'They can also bring immense pleasure to both partners during penetration. A sex toy for couples, vibrating cock rings often stimulate the shaft of the penis and the clitoris, but some also the perineum of the penis-owning partner too.'
QUICK TIP: If your penis-owning partner finishes first, get them to wrap the stretchy ring around their digits and head straight for your pleasure pearl. We guarantee you won’t be far behind.
Metal cock ring
For those that want something studier, or like a bit of temperature play, consider a cock ring made from aluminium or steel.
‘They may seem scary but when used properly and safely, metal cock rings can make a great option for those looking to maintain hard erections and have a really pleasurable experience,' explains Gordon.
'Metal cock rings are more rigid which means that there is less room for manoeuvre, and they give a much tighter grip. Just ensure the ring is the right size for you before use.'
Adjustable cock ring
Also known as a bolo cock ring, these adjustable toys are ideal if your partner with a penis suffers from erectile dysfunction. 'They have a drawstring clasp that allows you to determine how loose or tight you’d like the ring,' says Gordon.
'They’re very versatile and it means if it starts to get loose or you’d like it a little tighter you’re able to adjust on the go.'
Leather strap
As well as looking mighty fine, leather strap cock rings are also handy if you’re in a hurry, explains Gordon.
'These are a great option for those who are looking to experiment and often come with poppers meaning that they can be removed as soon as you’d like.'
Cock ring safety 101
Now we don't want to scare you stiff, but cock rings can cause some serious issues if not used properly.
'When it comes to cock rings, safety and pleasure go hand-in-hand. Because we’re talking about an organ which can take a fair amount of action — but has some really delicate parts attached as well,' shares Gordon.
'And while restricting blood flow to the area can feel incredible, it comes with risks. Just like with any other sex toy, there’s more than one way to safely use a cock ring.
'I recommend buying one made from flexible, stretchy silicone — even when it’s tight, silicone is much less likely to cause harm to the vessels or catch on the skin than metal.
'Once you’ve picked a comfortable ring, remember that there is a limit to how long you can wear it. The official recommendation is no longer than 30 minutes or you risk long term damage. So make sure you set a timer and you’re good to go!'
The 14 best cock rings in 2024
Most of the cock rings on our list are designed with heterosexual couples in mind, but they can be adapted to suit every and any sexual scenario. Simply consider adding a strap-on into the mix.
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Rhalou is a senior digital editor specialising in health and wellness with over fifteen years’ online and print publishing experience.
Rhalou has worked for various health platforms including Women’s Health, Men’s Health, Runner’s World, Netdoctor, Women’s Running, Men’s Running, The Running Bug and Women’s Fitness.
Covering everything from sexual health to fitness, parenting, marathon running and self-care, Rhalou loves creating fun and accessible lifestyle content and feels strongly about demystifying complex medical jargon and empowering people to better understand their health.
Previously, Rhalou was a freelance social media specialist for several major sporting events and race listings including The London Marathon, Breca Swimrun, Findarace, The Westminster Mile and Prudential Ride 100. She has also been a reporter on a local newspaper in remote Scotland, penning breaking news stories about killer otters, cats stuck up trees and the Scottish hill racing scene.
Over the years, Rhalou has been lucky enough to run 15 marathons and even a few ultra-marathons. She is still a passionate runner, but these days she can mostly be found at her local parkrun or chasing after her young son.
Sophie Donovan is the Sex and Relationships Senior Ecommerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, Women’s Health and Men’s Health. Sophie is passionate about everything sexual wellness, offering her readers honest reviews on vibrators, BDSM for beginners, sex essentials like lube and condoms, plus feminine hygiene products such as period pants. She also spends her working week quizzing sexperts on their top tips for a satisfying sex life.
Sophie’s journalism career began in 2019 when she completed News Associates’ 22-week NCTJ fast-track Multimedia Journalism course and was awarded a Gold Standard Diploma. Accepting a place on The Sun’s Trainee Scheme, she gained experience on the newspaper’s print Showbiz, Production and Fabulous Magazine teams. After completing the graduate programme, she worked for Dear Deidre, where her role included publishing a weekly advice column offering sex, financial and mental health support, plus assisting with the launch of the brand’s Instagram page and first podcast series.
Outside of work, Sophie can either be found working on her love/hate relationship with running or dragging her friends to yet another F45 class. You can follow Sophie on Instagram @soph_don / @sextingthecity.
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