Finding the Best Feeling Condoms: Top Choices

If you’re going to have sex, safety is a must. For many, safe sex includes the use of condoms. For one, condoms are 98% effective in preventing accidental pregnancy when used correctly. They can also protect you from sexually transmitted infections that are passed through body fluids, like HIV, hepatitis B, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis.

When it comes to contraceptives, condoms can sometimes get a bad rap. You may have heard that condoms reduce sensation or make sex unpleasurable. Some even suggest that guys don’t like to wear condoms. We’re here to dispel those myths. In today’s world, there are so many condoms available that feel like there’s nothing there. It’s simply a matter of finding what works best for you.

Ready to start exploring the world of condoms? Read on to learn how to find the best feeling condoms, why condom sensation matters, and tips for enhancing condom sensation.

Why Condom Sensation Matters
Tips for Enhancing Condom Sensation

Why Condom Sensation Matters

You may have been taught that sex is solely for procreation, but we’re here to tell you otherwise. There are so many reasons that people have sex: to increase their intimacy and connection, for its various healthy benefits like improved sleep and reduced stress, and because it simply feels good.

Despite what you may have heard, sex with a condom does not diminish all sensation. In fact, some condoms come with extra features, like ribbing for enhanced sensation for the recipient, and lubricants that reduce sensitivity for the giver, helping prolong the experience. It’s simply a matter of finding what condom feels best for you.

The Importance of Sensation in Sexual Satisfaction

Do you feel that sex is purely a physical game? Physical sensation is one significant piece of the puzzle when it comes to sex—but it’s not the only one. Pleasure during sex may be derived from any of the senses: sight, taste, touch, sound, and even smell. Many feel that the best sex doesn’t come from the best sensation alone, but a combination of all five senses.

Next time you’re having sex, slow it down. Try to remain present and think about your senses other than sensation. What do you hear? Taste? See? Smell? You may find that some are as powerful as sensation, if not more.

As you learn to focus on your range of senses, rather than just sensation alone, a funny thing can start to happen: the sensation may feel even better. That’s because you’re becoming more aroused.

Arousal is a key stage of sex. It’s your body’s cue to prepare for what’s to come. In doing so, changes happen that make you more sensitive to sensation. Blood flows to your penis and testicles, increasing their sensitivity and allowing for even more pleasurable sensation.¹

Taking the pressure off sensation may improve it far beyond what you ever thought.

How to Choose a Condom that Feels Great

Of course, the first and most important consideration when finding a condom that feels great is to be aware of any allergies. An estimated 1% to 5% of the population is allergic to latex, a natural rubber material that condoms are commonly made of.²

Fortunately, plenty of condoms on the market are made from non-latex materials, like polyurethane and polyisoprene. These materials have much less likelihood of causing allergic reactions. Even if you’re confident that you don’t have a latex allergy, it’s important to check with every sexual partner that they don’t have one, either.

The easiest way to find the best feeling condoms for your needs is to try out different types. Many condom manufacturers offer multipacks that allow you to get several different types of condoms in a single box. These can also be lower-commitment purchases; you won’t be left with an entire box of condoms that you’re unsatisfied with.

You don’t need to wait for sex to give them a test run. Next time you’re masturbating, try putting on a condom and pay attention to how it changes sensation. Does it make masturbation feel different? Is it better? These questions can give you an idea of how it may feel to use that condom during sex.

Another important consideration when choosing the best feeling condom is whether your best feeling condom is also the best feeling condom for her.

Women may also experience differing sensations with different condoms and her pleasure will affect the overall pleasure of your sex. Different textures, lubricants, and other additions to condoms may change sensation for women.

Exploring Condoms that Feel Like Nothing's There

Wondering what are the best condoms? Explore these:

Durex Real Feel: Ultra-fine, lubricated non-latex condoms made of polyisoprene for latex allergies. Durex Real Feel condoms are made from a technically advanced material that offers a natural, skin-on-skin feeling. People who love these condoms report that there is no loss of sensation.
Durex Air: Durex’s thinnest condom on the market. These light-as-air condoms are ultra thin. They provide maximum sensitivity while still offering a high level of security and protection. Plus, these condoms are made of nearly see-through, natural rubber latex, offering an appearance that there’s nothing there, too. Users say that these best feeling condoms “redefine the intimate experience by offering exceptional sensitivity and safety.”

Raw Feeling Condoms for Maximum Sensation

Here are even more condoms to provide maximum sensation:

Durex Extra Sensitive: These extra sensitive natural condoms are made of ultra-thin latex. They’re also pre-lubricated with extra lubricant that allows for heightened sensitivity, sensation, and excitement. People who love these condoms say that they feel more realistic and it feels like their partner isn’t wearing anything at all.
Durex Performax Intense: If you’re looking for the best feeling condoms for women, these may be the answer. Durex Performax Intense latex condoms offer a range of textures on the outside, including ribbing and dotting, that increase sensation for the receiver. They’re also pre-lubricated on the outside to intensify sensation.
Durex Pleasure Pack: Still not sure which are the right condoms for you? Get a variety pack! The Durex Pleasure Pack offers 4 different types of assorted condoms, including Extra Sensitive and Performax Intense condoms. Try different types out and see which you like best.

Tips for Enhancing Condom Sensation

Looking to make condoms even more pleasurable? Explore these ways to enhance condom sensation:

Explore different textures: As mentioned, condoms come in a range of different textures with ribbing on both the inside and outside for additional sensation. Some even offer textures designed to stimulate specific parts of the vagina, like the G-spot, during sex. Condoms also come pre-lubricated to eliminate friction, create a more pleasurable experience, and improve your sensation.
Lubricate first: Next time you’re having sex, put a small amount of lubricant on before the condom. Experts recommend limiting it to just a drop or two, otherwise things may get too slippery and your condom can fall off during sex.³ As mentioned, lubrication can increase sensation by reducing friction. It can also help eliminate the “feeling” that there’s a barrier between you and your partner. Remember to avoid oil-based lubricants, as these can cause condoms to break.
Try different lubricants: Personal lubricants can also offer different sensations that can heighten pleasure. Many offer “icy-hot” sensations that alternate between hot and cold for additional stimulation. Again, water or silicon based lubricants are key. Oil based lubricants can cause condom breakage.
Find the right fit: Do you know what size condom you really need, or do you simply grab whatever box is on the shelf? Finding the correct fit can significantly change sensation. Many find that if a condom is too large, they lose feeling. Explore whether a “snug” fit may feel better. If you’re unsure which size works best for your needs, try the toilet paper roll test. Slide an empty toilet paper roll over your erect penis. If there’s a lot of room, you likely need a standard size condom. If it’s tight, opt for a larger size.⁴

When it comes to sex, condoms don’t need to be a buzzkill. Next time things are heating up, incorporate putting on a condom into your foreplay. Your partner can put it on your penis, apply lubricant, and more. You may find that using a condom is one of the sexiest parts of the whole experience.