Testing sex toys isn’t just about “trying new toys” — it’s a serious intersection of product evaluation, sexual-wellness knowledge, hygiene, user-experience insight, and ethical reviewing. Whether you’re doing this professionally as a product tester or simply want to evaluate your own purchases intelligently, this article provides a comprehensive, educational guide to the process. We’ll explore methods, criteria, safety standards, documentation, and how this ties into wider sexual-wellness practices (including how toys like a quality pump for the vulva might integrate into partnered play) by referencing our internal link to The Best Pussy Pump.
1. Why Test Sex Toys? The Purpose & Benefits
When a manufacturer launches a new vibrator, dildo, sleeve, pump, or app-connected device, they rely on real-user feedback to evaluate functionality, comfort, durability, and overall satisfaction. Testing sex toys allows you to:
- Provide honest, detailed user experience feedback that shapes product improvements.
- Help other consumers make informed purchases by evaluating features vs marketing claims.
- Explore sexual-wellness tools in a thoughtful, safe way that emphasises comfort and consent.
- Build skills in product reviewing, UX analysis, sexual education and content creation.
As outlined in a reputable guide on sex-toy testing practices:
“Our team selects a diverse range of vibrators, defines test criteria (power, noise, ease of use), performs performance testing, cleaning, durability, and user-experience evaluation.” TheToy.org
Testing is therefore about much more than “does it feel good” — it’s about how well it works, how safe it is, and how real-world users engage with it.
2. Understanding Standards & Safety Ahead of Testing
Before you even pick up a toy to test, you need to understand the regulatory and material safety frameworks. Good testers are familiar with:
- The standard ISO 3533:2021 which outlines design and safety requirements for sex toys in genital/anal contact. Wikipedia
- The need for non-porous, body-safe materials (like platinum-cured silicone, borosilicate glass, surgical steel) and how to identify when a toy uses unsafe materials. For example, as covered in a feature on sex-toy materials:
“Non-porous materials such as glass, metal and platinum-cured silicone are preferred because they reduce the risk of bacteria retention.” WIRED
- Hygiene risks. Improper use or cleaning of sex toys can lead to infections, UTIs or transfer of bacteria. The Sun
As a tester, you should always inspect labeling, material disclosures, user manuals and packaging for safety credentials.
3. Preparing Your Testing Framework
Having a structured approach ensures that testing is consistent, comparable and objective. Many expert review sites follow defined steps. One methodology explains:
“We test each product by preparing phases (selecting, criteria), physical inspection, performance testing (power, noise, materials), real-life user testing (solo and partnered), cleaning/maintenance, and reporting.” TheToy.org
Here’s a breakdown you can adopt:
- Define test criteria: material feel, ergonomics, control access, power, noise, cleaning ease.
- Setup variables: user body type, usage context (solo, partner, use of other devices like a vulva pump), environment (bedroom, bath).
- Document baseline before use: packaging, instructions, look/feel of product new.
- Use across scenarios: The same toy should be tested in different positions, speeds, partner contexts or complementary use to other devices (e.g., using a toy alongside something like the one described in our internal link about a vulva pump for partnered experimentation).
- Clean & hygiene check: After testing, assess the cleaning, drying, storage process and how that affects feel and longevity.
- Durability & wear: Over time, does the material degrade, become sticky, lose power or functionality?
- Reporting: Use structured review format (see Section 9) to compile your findings.
4. Practical Steps in a Testing Session
When you’re ready to run an individual test, here’s how to proceed practically:
Step 1: Initial Inspection
- Unbox the toy. Note quality of packaging, instructions, accessories, cords, charger, cleaning tools.
- Inspect the material: feel for soft vs firm, any sticky residue, smell test.
- Check switches/buttons and layout for usability.
Step 2: Setup & Use
- Use appropriate lubricant (water-based unless instructions allow otherwise).
- Select one or more usage positions (standing, lying, partner present, remote control if applicable).
- Test at different speeds/settings: low to high intensity, different modes.
- Experiment with texture, fit if insertable, or suction/control if external device like a pump.
Step 3: Partner or Context Integration
- If device allows, integrate into partnered or shared play context. Example: using a device while your partner uses a complementary device like a vulva pump (see internal link) lets you test how well the toy fits into a couple’s routine.
- Evaluate usability with partner: communication, access, comfort, distraction, mobility.
Step 4: Cleaning & After-Use Assessment
- Clean according to manufacturer instructions.
- Assess ease of cleaning: removable parts, drying time, trapped moisture.
- Store the toy and revisit after some days: any smell, texture change, sticky residue?
Step 5: Long-Term Check
- Track performance: battery life, charging, durability after multiple uses.
- Note any wear/tear: discoloration, material sticky, parts loosening.
5. Key Evaluation Criteria
When testing sex toys, these aspects are frequently referenced by expert reviewers:
- Material & Feel
Quality material influences comfort, realism, safety. Cheap or porous materials may degrade faster. - Ergonomics & Usability
Are controls accessible at all angles? Is the toy comfortable to hold or mount? According to Woman & Home’s test panel: “We test each vibrator on ease of use—buttons accessible in all angles, charging method easy, designed to fit most body types.” Woman & Home - Power, Intensity & Noise
How strong are the functions? Is the noise level tolerable? Some testers measure decibels, vibration strength etc. TheToy.org - Cleaning & Hygiene
How easy is cleaning? How fast does it dry? Does the texture change? - Safety & Durability
Any sharp edges, loose parts, overheating? Does the build feel robust? - Integrated Experience
How well does it integrate into situations — solo, partner, remote, complementary devices (e.g., a foreplay tool like a vulva pump)? - Value & Packaging
Packaging, accessories, instructions, warranty—all contribute to the user experience. - Inclusivity & Accessibility
Does the toy suit various body types, abilities, orientations? Testers increasingly note this as key in evaluations.
6. Incorporating Devices into Shared Sexual-Wellness Routines
Testing doesn’t always mean solo use. Many sex-toys function best when integrated into broader shared routines. For example:
- A vibrator might be used while your partner uses a complimentary device.
- A couple might test a toy together, observing usability, control switches, partner access.
- Remote or app-controlled toys allow long-distance testing—e.g., partner adjusts settings while you test physically.
- Integration with other devices—like the kind of pump for the vulva discussed in our article on the best pussy pump—is often a testing scenario: How well does this toy fit into couple’s foreplay, switching between toys, or combining devices?
By testing in shared contexts, you evaluate not only the toy itself but its role in sexual wellness and connection.
7. Ethical & Privacy Considerations for Testers
Testing sex toys responsibly involves awareness of boundaries, consent, data protection and privacy. Some best practices:
- Use pseudonyms or separate identities if you want privacy.
- Respect brand NDAs or prototype confidentiality.
- Clearly disclose if you are a reviewer or affiliate when posting publicly.
- If using with a partner, obtain informed consent and discuss comfort levels, boundaries and after-care.
- Avoid explicit imagery in public-facing reviews unless you are comfortable and it complies with platform rules.
- Manage leftover product disposal and cleaning so you don’t inadvertently pass on a hygiene hazard.
These ethical practices build credibility and trust—important for serious testing work.
8. Challenges & Common Pitfalls in Sex Toy Testing
Even seasoned testers encounter obstacles, such as:
- Subjectivity of experience: Sensation, comfort and fit vary significantly between users — what feels amazing to one person may feel mediocre to another. Therefore testers must balance personal experience with objective criteria.
- Product hype vs reality: Marketing claims may not match performance; rigorous testing helps verify.
- Cleaning & maintenance burdens: Toys with complex textures or electronics may require more effort; testers often note cleanliness and upkeep impact long-term satisfaction.
- Wear and breakdown: Materials degrade—stickiness, odor, loss of suction or vibration happen. Recording durability helps consumers.
- Privacy/social stigma: Testers may face judgement or platform limitations when posting adult-product content.
- Incomplete context: Testing alone may not reflect real-life partnered or shared usage — hence including shared/partner tests is beneficial.
Understanding and planning for these pitfalls improves your testing credibility and reliability.
9. How to Document & Review Your Findings Professionally
A well-structured review helps both consumers and manufacturers. Here’s a template for documenting your test:
Title & Product Summary: Quick summary of what product is and claim.
Design & Packaging: Quality of box, accessories, first impression.
Materials & Safety: Listing substances, porosity, body-safe credentials.
Ergonomics & Usability: Ease of hold/use, control layout, mount/positioning for shared play.
Performance Testing: Intensity/speed/noise tests, battery life, suit-case metrics where possible.
Cleaning & Maintenance: How easy to clean, dry time, storage, durability.
Shared/Partnered Integration: How it worked with partner or in shared routine, how it fits with other devices (e.g., devices like a pump or DIY).
Durability & Longevity: After X uses, any wear, noise increase, texture change.
Pros & Cons Summary: Balanced exploration of what it does well and where it falls short.
Value Rating & Recommendation: Who it’s best suited for, suggested context of use.
Final Notes: Your personal take, unique insight, whether you’d buy again or recommend.
Following a robust structure helps you compare different toys, maintain consistency and provide trusted guidance.
10. Putting It All Together: Example Workflow
Here’s how a full test session might look from start to finish:
- Unboxing: Note packaging, documentation, charger, cleaning cloth.
- Material check: Smell, feel, check for sticky residue, unit weight, body-safe marking.
- Solo use: Lubricate, test minimum setting, maximum setting, mid-range. Record noise level, fit, comfort, ease of use.
- Partner or shared test: Use device while partner observes/controls or you integrate a complementary toy (see internal link example). Note ease of communication, switch of controls, comfort, privacy.
- Cleaning & observations: Disassemble, rinse, dry, store. Note time to dry, any residue, any smell next day.
- Long-term check: After multiple uses (e.g., 5–10 times) evaluate if material changed, performance decreased, battery weakened, noise increased.
- Write review: Use documented notes to fill in review template.
- Submit feedback/report: If you’re working with a brand, fill out their form; if you’re publishing publicly, follow your publishing platform’s style guidelines.
11. Safety & Hygiene: Non-Negotiables
Here are critical hygiene practices you must always observe:
- Use water-based lubricants unless the toy states compatibility with other types.
- Clean before and after each use. According to Allure: “Nearly all STIs are capable of being transmitted through sex toys, especially toys that are inserted into the body or make mucosal contact.” Allure
- Inspect for damage: cracks, discoloration, residue, sticky surfaces all signal potential problems.
- If shared between partners, use condoms over the toy or designate separate toys.
- Store in cool, dry place, away from sunlight and heat which degrade materials or batteries.
- Replace toys if materials degrade or manufacturer recommends replacement.
- If using in water (showers, bath), ensure toy is appropriately rated for waterproof use and mount is secure (prevent falls).
12. Making Your Testing Work Matter: For You, for Brands, for Community
Your efficacy as a tester expands when you position your work in three overlapping domains:
- Personal insight: You learn your preferences, bodies, partners and sensations.
- Brand feedback: Provide manufacturers with actionable data, not just feelings.
- Public education: Your documented reviews help consumers make better sexual-wellness choices.
You can publish blog reviews, join tester programs, collaborate with wellness platforms, and position yourself as part of the growing movement of evidence-based sexual wellness.
13. Linking Toy Testing to Broader Sexual-Wellness Tools
Testing toys often isn’t isolated—it sits alongside other intimate-wellness practices. For instance: if you’re familiar with product categories that expand pleasure or circulation devices (like the pump reviewed in our internal link: The Best Pussy Pump) then you might evaluate how a toy integrates into a broader session.
Does the toy:
- Allow partner-input or switch between devices?
- Complement other devices (vibration, suction, pumps)?
- Fit into rituals of intimacy, rather than being a standalone purchase?
When you frame your testing within this broader ecosystem, your findings become richer and more useful.
14. Future Trends in Toy Testing
As the industry evolves, testers will increasingly evaluate:
- App/remote connectivity: How well does a toy sync with smartphones or partner controls?
- Machine-learning or adaptive devices: Toys that adjust to your rhythm or preference automatically.
- Inclusive design: Toys that cater to different bodies, genders, disabilities and orientations.
- Sustainability & eco-materials: Testing how well toys made from recyclable or plant-based materials hold up.
- Hybrid experiences: Integration with VR, augmented reality, remote partner play across distance.
In this evolving scenario, testers who stay up-to-date with technology, inclusion and material science will be most valued.
15. FAQs: Your Quick Reference Guide
Q1: Why test sex toys instead of just using them for pleasure?
A1: Testing goes beyond personal pleasure—it involves structured evaluation: material, durability, cleaning, partner use, usability and value. It helps both you and other consumers make informed decisions.
Q2: What materials should I check before testing?
A2: Look for non-porous body-safe materials (platinum-cured silicone, surgical stainless steel, glass). Avoid unlabeled “jelly” or unknown plastics. Transparency is key. WIRED
Q3: How do I test for hygiene and cleaning?
A3: After use, disassemble if possible, clean with mild soap/toy-safe cleaner, rinse thoroughly, dry completely. Then check for residue, sticky surfaces or odor. Toys that are hard to clean score lower on hygiene criteria.
Q4: What should I do if a toy fails on durability or safety?
A4: Document the issue (photos, notes), stop using it, and report to the brand. Avoid using compromised devices—materials that degrade may pose health risks. Dangerous Lilly
Q5: Can I test toys with my partner or remotely?
A5: Yes. For shared play or remote sessions, test how the toy functions when the partner is involved (control, access, comfort) and document how it integrates into shared routines (such as using multiple devices or partner-coordinated sessions).
Q6: How often should I test toys for long-term evaluation?
A6: Start with initial sessions (1–3 uses) for first impressions, then re-evaluate after repeated use (e.g., 5–10 sessions) to assess wear, functionality, cleaning ease and durability.
Q7: Do I need to do this professionally for it to be valid?
A7: No. Anyone willing to approach testing thoughtfully—with structured notes, hygiene standards and honest feedback—can do meaningful testing. Professional testers simply formalise the process, often in partnership with brands.
Q8: How do I rate or summarise my testing?
A8: Use a consistent scale (e.g., 1–5 or 1–10) for criteria like material, ease of use, cleaning, performance, partner compatibility. Then summarise with pros, cons and user recommendations (who it’s best suited for).
Final Thoughts
Testing sex toys is a blend of pleasure, product evaluation and wellness advocacy. When you approach testing with structure, hygiene, transparency and broader sexual-wellness context, you transform an activity into meaningful work.
Whether you’re doing it for personal discovery, partnered play, content creation, or even as part of a formal reviewing role, the methodologies outlined above will help you do so confidently and responsibly.
In essence: the best tests are those that serve the user, the reviewer and the wellness community alike.