Prep Work: Best Toys for Foreplay (Pre-Sex)
Foreplay is where the chemistry happens. It is the gentle heat that rises before the boil. But foreplay is more than the lead-up to sex. It is its own powerful, addictive experience. Done with purpose (and the right toys), it can be the best part of sex.
So why not add a toy to your foreplay repertoire? It is one of the best ways to upgrade a good night to a great one.
Table of Contents
Best Foreplay Toys: Our Top Picks
We’ve tested and expert-reviewed dozens of toys for this guide. Here are the best toys to use during foreplay—no matter what your relationship status or bedroom style.
Editor’s Note: Our top picks are chosen based on their versatility, high-quality design, and (most importantly) our testers’ feedback on how pleasurable they are. As such, our picks are more beginner and partner-compatible and focus on creative play.
Dame Pom – Best for Flexible Vibe Play
Made from a soft, squeezable silicone, Pom is a palm-sized vibrator that adapts to the shape of your body. Its squishy nature and 5 vibration settings make it easy to control and perfect for teasing nipples, clits, or inner thighs. The vibration moves with you, finding its natural shape between kissing or cuddling bodies.
One of our testers described it this way, “It’s almost like a mini pleasure pillow. I can use it while straddling my partner, during oral, or even just squeeze it between my thighs while we kiss.”
Highlights:
- Quiet, waterproof, and body-safe
- Body-contours to your anatomy with no rigid angles (great for beginners)
- Wireless and rechargeable
- Compact and travel-friendly
Le Wand Arch Body Massager – Best for Full-Body Sensation
A classic curved wand, the Le Wand Arch offers broad, rumbly vibrations that are soothing and arousing in equal measure. It is not just a vibrator—it is a body massage wand designed to build full-body arousal slowly and sensually.
Best For:
- Giving (or receiving) sensual massages
- Ideal for couples who love long teasing sessions
- Combining pleasure and deep relaxation
Je Joue Ami+ Kegel Balls – Best for Internal Sensation and Arousal
While Kegel balls are often used as a pelvic toning device, they are also a subtle internal stimulation toy that enhances all sensations. Insert them before foreplay starts and allow the sensation of them inside to heighten your awareness of every other movement. Quieter than vibrators and designed to be discrete, they also help you to feel more connected to your body.
Best Used For:
- Preparing for internal sensations during foreplay
- Heightening vaginal sensitivity and awareness
- Toning pelvic muscles while stimulating
Satisfyer Sexy Secret Panty Vibe – Best for Public Play and Teasing
This wearable vibrators slips into your underwear and comes with a remote and app for control. You can use it for sexy public teasing or long-distance foreplay (aka sexting). Perfect for adventurous couples or singles in LDRs (long-distance relationships).
Why It Works:
- Add an exciting tease before you even get home
- Perfect for discreet, playful vibrations
- Builds long-distance anticipation with very little effort
AOXVIA Sensual Feather Tickler – Best for Gentle, Erotic Play
A feather tickler does not vibrate, but it is one of the most versatile foreplay toys you can get. Experiment with building anticipation, intensifying touch, and light bondage or tickle play. You can use it blindfolded, alongside nipple clamps, or by itself.
Why It’s a Favorite:
- The cheapest and most versatile foreplay toy
- Excellent for body worship and tease-and-denial play
- Encourages more non-penetrative, skin-based stimulation
Hot Octopuss Amo Bullet – Best for Precision and Power
This bullet is our tester’s go-to toy for strong clitoral stimulation. It has deep, rumbly vibrations that target external areas. Use it to gently prep before sex or as an excuse to take your partner to the edge and then back off again (classic edging play).
Features We Love:
- Strong but quiet
- Compact and body-safe
- Simple and intuitive to use
Doxy Number 3 Wand – Best Compact Wand for Couples
Wands often get a bad rep for being too big to maneuver, but the Doxy Number 3 is small and powerful without being intimidating. It still has the strong rumbles of a larger wand, in a more intimate size, which makes it ideal for couples play or as an erotic massage toy with benefits.
Why It Stands Out:
- Plug-in power allows for the most consistent vibrations
- Smaller head for more targeted play
- Extra-long cord means you can both move freely
We-Vibe Moxie – Best Wearable Clitoral Vibrator
This sleek, clip-on vibe stays put with a strong magnetic connection. It connects to your phone to sync with music or allow your partner remote access to the controls. Wear it as you build arousal discreetly or as a wild surprise for your partner during foreplay.
Top Features:
- Works for long-distance couples with the app
- Customizable patterns and intensities
- Silent with strong power
Tips on Using Toys During Foreplay
Of course, using toys during foreplay before intercourse—or even as the main event—does not require a user’s manual. But here are a few tips and ideas to get your started:
Start Touching Far Away From the Genitals
Begin by tracing slow lines down your partner’s spine, around their hips, and along their thighs with a wand or feather tickler. Get them used to being touched and teased.
Layer Multiple Touches On Top Of Each Other
Combine your hand with a toy at the same time. For example, stroke their chest and run a vibrator slowly up their inner thigh. Or use a vibe during oral sex.
Take Turns Giving and Receiving
Remote controlled toys like Moxie and Sexy Secret make for great “tease-and-deny” toys. The giver of pleasure is in control; the receiver is just along for the ride.
Target New Sensation Zones
Erotic toys are a great way to make areas like nipples, neck, feet, or even behind the knees feel brand-new again. Try stimulating one non-genital zone at a time to see what turns your partner on.
Experiment With Slow Edging
Bring your partner to the brink of orgasm with a bullet or wand, then pull back. Repeat 2 or 3 times to create long, delicious anticipation.
What to Look For in the Best Foreplay Toys
Shape and Size: The most usable toys are compact and easy to grip between your bodies. Palm-sized or curved designs tend to work well in this situation.
Noise to Power Ratio: While you do not want a toy too loud to break the mood, you also do not want to lose out on satisfying power. Keep the ratio in mind.
Material Safety: All of the toys we recommend here are made from non-porous, body-safe materials like medical-grade silicone, stainless steel, or ABS plastic.
Wireless or Rechargeable: Rechargeable toys are both more eco-friendly and more convenient in our opinion. Bonus points for a travel lock and/or carrying case.
Splash or Waterproof: Waterproof or splash-proof toys offer a lot more freedom. Play with them in the bath or shower (or just make cleanup easier).
Real Community Feedback
We reached out to members of our community across gender identities and relationship types to ask what they use during foreplay. Here are some of our favorite responses:
“We have the Amo bullet, and we use it while cuddling all the time. I kind of hold it in place and make my partner whisper instructions. It’s so hot, especially when we take it slow.” — Alexa, 32
“The feather tickler was a game changer. It taught me to slow down, and for the first time, I realized how sensitive my back and hips were.” — Nia, 27
“My partner likes to use the Moxie on me while I cook dinner. It’s our little secret, and it makes me so hot just building that anticipation.” — Jess, 38
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these foreplay toys only for people in relationships?
Nope. Many of these toys are equally great for solo play. A wand massager or bullet vibe can make self-play much more sensual.
Do I need lube with these toys?
You can get away without lube with some of our picks, but a little bit of lubrication always helps. A water-based lubricant can be helpful with external toys to reduce friction.
Can toys replace traditional foreplay?
Why would you? Toys are an addition to your foreplay—not a replacement. Treat them as a new tool to amplify what you love.
Are all of these toys beginner-friendly?
Yes, they are. We intentionally picked toys that are intuitive to use, versatile, and safe for beginners. Remember to start slow and find what works for you.
Final Thoughts
Foreplay is the playground of the sensual experience. It is where connections deepen, the tension builds, and excitement blooms. Add the right toy to your hand (or panties, or under your control), and you can turn foreplay into the most memorable part of intimacy.
Rediscovering each other after years together? Eager to push your limits with new toys? Foreplay toys offer a chance to play, tease, arouse, and bond all over again. So take your time, be curious, and remember to just play.
