Cheap vs Premium Sex Toys: Is It Worth Spending More?

Sex toys range from a few pounds to well over £150, so it's natural to wonder whether the expensive ones are really better. The honest answer is that it depends on what you want from a toy. This guide explains where the extra money goes, when a budget toy is all you need, and when it's worth spending more. We've also picked out some of our favourite sex toys under £50.

What's the difference between cheap and premium sex toys?

Two toys can look almost the same in photos but feel quite different in your hand. Here's where the price difference usually comes from.

Materials

Budget toys are often made from hard ABS plastic, or from softer materials such as TPE, TPR, PVC or jelly. ABS is non-porous and easy to clean, but some soft materials are porous. Premium toys are usually covered in silky silicone, which is non-porous and feels softer and smoother. Our guide to body-safe materials explains each one in more detail.

Power and charging

Cheaper toys tend to run on batteries, while mid-range and premium toys are usually USB rechargeable. Rechargeable toys save you buying batteries, so the running costs are lower even if the toy costs more up front.

Motor and feel

Premium brands often put a lot of work into the motor. Some describe their vibrations as deep and rumbly rather than buzzy, and many are designed to be quieter. If noise matters to you, this is one of the main reasons to spend a little more.

Waterproofing and extras

Spending more often gets you waterproofing, more settings, a travel lock so the toy can't switch on in your bag, or app control. None of these are essential, but they can make a toy more comfortable to live with.

Is a cheap sex toy worth buying?

Yes, in plenty of situations. A budget toy is a great choice if:

• you're trying a new type of toy for the first time and aren't sure you'll like it
• you want something simple, with one button and a few settings
• it's a fun extra for a partner, a hen do or a gift
• you'd like a second toy for travel

Just check the material on the product page and look for silicone or ABS where you can. If you're completely new to toys, our beginner's guide to sex toys is a good place to start.

When is it worth spending more?

Paying more makes sense once you know what you enjoy. If you already love a type of toy and use it often, a premium version is likely to feel better, run quieter and last longer. It's also worth spending more if you want a toy that's waterproof and rechargeable, or a particular feature such as sonic pulses or app control.

A good way to think about it: buy cheap to find out what you like, then upgrade the toy you reach for most.

Our best sex toys under £50

Here are seven picks from our range, from around £15 to £45, all in stock at the time of writing.

JoyRings Silicone Vibrating Cock Ring, £15.29

A low-cost way for couples to add vibration. The ring is stretchy silicone with a single-speed bullet that stimulates both partners, and it comes with its batteries included. Shop the JoyRings Vibrating Ring.

Loving Joy 10 Function Clitoral Suction Vibrator, £17.99

A palm-sized suction toy that uses air pressure for pinpoint stimulation. It's made from ABS, runs on batteries and works with a single push button, so it's an easy way to find out whether suction is for you before spending more. Shop the Loving Joy Suction Vibrator.

Loving Joy 20 Function Wand Vibrator, £17.99

Proof that you don't always have to pay a lot for features. This wand is made from silicone and ABS, has 20 patterns and 8 vibration levels, a flexible head, USB charging and is 100% waterproof. It's great for external play and massage. Shop the Loving Joy Wand.

Rev-Air Pro Reusable Masturbation Cup, £20.69

A reusable stroker with a soft sleeve inside a see-through hard case. It has three chambers, each with a different texture, and an air hole so you can control the suction. The sleeve comes out to rinse. Use it with a water-based lube. Shop the Rev-Air Pro.

Jessica Rabbit Textured Rabbit Vibrator, £22.49

A slimline rabbit made from silicone and ABS, with 10 functions, a curved shaft for G-spot stimulation, a textured tip and rabbit ears for the clitoris. It takes 2 AAA batteries, which aren't included. Shop the Jessica Rabbit.

LELO Originals AKO Clitoral Massager, £32.39

A taste of a premium brand for well under £50. The AKO is palm-sized, with a precise tip for focused external stimulation, a simple three-button control and a travel lock. LELO describes its vibrations as deep, rumbling and quiet. It's rechargeable, and you can register it in the LELO app for more settings. Shop the LELO AKO.

LELO Originals MOKA G-Spot Vibrator, £44.99

A gently curved G-spot vibrator in LELO's soft, body-safe silicone. Its flattened tip is shaped for internal G-spot massage, and it also works as an external vibrator. It's rechargeable, with LELO's low-frequency motor. Shop the LELO MOKA.

Worth the splurge: one pick over £50

LELO SONA Sonic Clitoral Massager, £71.99

If you already know you love suction toys, this is a good example of what extra money buys. Rather than standard vibrations, SONA uses sonic pulses and waves for a deeper sensation. It's fully waterproof and USB rechargeable. Compare it with the Loving Joy suction vibrator above and you'll see the cheap-versus-premium difference in action. Shop the LELO SONA.

Want to browse by price yourself? Have a look at our vibrators, women's sex toys, male sex toys and anal toys.

Make any toy last longer

Whatever you spend, a little care goes a long way. Clean your toy before and after each use, dry it fully and store it in its own pouch. Use a water-based lube with silicone toys, and only put a toy under water if it's described as waterproof. You'll find lubes and toy cleaners in our essentials range.

Shopping with TootyFruit

Every order is sent in plain packaging. The sender shown on the parcel is Ashtech Innovations, and that's also the name on your bank statement.

Orders placed before 2pm Monday to Friday are usually dispatched the same working day, and delivery is free on UK orders of £50 or more. That's easy to reach by pairing an under-£50 toy with a lube or a second toy.

Cheap vs premium FAQ

Are expensive sex toys better?

Not always. Premium toys usually have softer silicone, stronger and quieter motors, waterproofing and rechargeable batteries. A budget toy can still be a great choice for trying something new.

How much should I spend on a sex toy?

For most people, £15 to £50 gets a very good toy. Spend more once you know which type you enjoy and want extra features.

Are cheap sex toys safe?

Check the material on the product page. Silicone, ABS, glass and metal are non-porous and easy to clean. If a toy is TPE, TPR, PVC or jelly, clean it carefully and consider using it with a condom.

Can I return a toy if it isn't right for me?

You have 14 days to cancel under UK consumer law. For hygiene reasons, intimate products that arrive sealed can only be returned if the seal and packaging haven't been opened, unless they're faulty. Full details are on our FAQ page.

I still have questions. Who can I ask?

Email us at sales@tootyfruit.com. We'll reply discreetly and in confidence.