I've Been Reviewing Sex Toys for Nearly 2 Decades. These Are What I Recommend

"Sex toys were pretty basic back then. Most were phallic in shape-even if they weren't necessarily meant to be used internally-made of mystery materials, and required actual batteries. The first sex toy I reviewed was a bullet vibrator that not only needed batteries, but its remote control was connected to the toy by a cord that was probably no more than 10 inches in length. Stockpiling AA and AAA batteries to keep my vibrators working was just as annoying as it sounds."

"Rechargeable sex toys finally started to hit the market around 2012 or 2013. Then, there was a rise in women-owned sex toy companies with toys designed by women for women, like Dame and Unbound. Crude-looking dildos weren't going to cut it in the new world of sex tech, especially as female pleasure and closing the orgasm gap became a topic of conversation."

"Because the US Food and Drug Administration doesn't regulate sex toys, the new generation of sex toy manufacturers took it upon themselves to design and create products made of body-safe materials like medical-grade silicone, nickel-free stainless steel, premium borosilicate glass, and ABS plastic. As sex tech evolved, we saw innovations like app-controlled toys that allow partners to stay sexually connected no matter their distance, intuitive technology that keeps track of your vibration and pattern preferences, and even toys that heat up to body temperature."

Sex toys transitioned from basic, phallic designs made of unknown materials that required disposable batteries to more advanced, user-centered products. Rechargeable models began appearing around 2012–2013, reducing reliance on AA and AAA batteries. Women-owned companies introduced designs focused on female pleasure, aesthetics, and usability. Manufacturers adopted body-safe materials such as medical-grade silicone, nickel-free stainless steel, borosilicate glass, and ABS plastic in the absence of strict FDA regulation. Innovations now include app-controlled connectivity for remote partners, intuitive systems that track vibration and pattern preferences, and warming features that reach body temperature. Social acceptance and open conversation about sex toys have increased.

Read at WIRED