Everything you need to know about cock rings (2024)

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When you hear the term “sex toy,” the first thing that pops in your mind is likely a dildo, maybe a vibrator — if you’re feeling bold, maybe you’ll combine the two. But if you think of a cock ring at all, you’re likely a bit further down the proverbial sex tech totem pole. While the cock ring might not be the most ubiquitous form of sex tech, it more than makes up for it in versatility. For hundreds of years, the cock ring has been used to enhance erections. Not only can it make it easier to maintain an erection, but a cock ring is one of the most aesthetically pleasing sex toys out there. And with the advent of vibrating cock rings, this toy’s become more fun than ever, bringing it in line with its more well-known companions.

Despite its simple appearance, if you’re looking to get into cock rings, there’s a lot to consider about them. Fortunately, we’re here to help you. Here’s everything to know before slipping into a cock ring.

What are cock rings?

Cock rings are, as the name implies, rings designed to go around a penis. They’re worn both to enhance the sensation and longevity of an erection and for aesthetic purposes. Cock rings are a great option for those looking to spice up their sex routine. Whether you’re looking to give a penis that’s having trouble staying up a bit of motivation or looking for an accessory to make your member sexier and imposing, the cock ring can do it for you. This toy can be enjoyed both by couples of many orientations and those looking to masturbate solo.

How do cock rings work?

To understand how cock rings work, let’s flash back to middle school sex ed and refresh ourselves on how penises in general work. When a person is sexually aroused, their brain signals for increased blood to flow into their penis via its veins, leading it to become engorged. And just like that, you have an erection. Easy, right? It’s what comes after that’s trickier.

Without stimulus or arousal, your brain will signal for the excess blood to flow away from your penis, making it flaccid once more. While some people can stay erect by being mentally aroused, others may need constant stimulation, which can be difficult to achieve. This still might not even be the perfect panacea for some. There can be a variety of causes for difficulty keeping it up, ranging from health concerns like high blood pressure and diabetes to simple performance anxiety. No matter the reason, it almost always comes with a huge blow to confidence.

That’s where cock rings come in. Since cock rings fit snugly around a penis, they slow the flow of blood away from it. This means that while wearing a cock ring, you or your partner can stay hard longer. This is how the most basic cock rings work. They can also be embellished with studs or vibrations to further encourage erection.

Types of cock rings

Cock rings come in many different shapes and sizes. Some consist of only one ring — these are often only big enough to fit one’s shaft into them. Others consist of two or even three rings to accommodate for one’s balls, making for an even more pleasurable experience. Cock rings that have multiple rings either come with the rings separated or bound together. The toys can be made from different materials including metal, rubber, and silicone.

Soft cock rings

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Cock rings made of softer materials can be stretched, making them one-size-fits all. Soft cock rings are typically less expensive as well. This low price and adjustability make softer options the perfect way for beginners to get into cock rings.

Hard cock rings

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Hard or metal cock rings are rings made of inflexible materials, such as steel and aluminum. These materials make metal cock rings a bit more expensive than their softer counterparts (though less expensive than high-end vibrating cock rings). Many purport metal cock rings to feel even more intense and arousing, as they restrict blood flow more than their softer counterparts.

That said, metal cock rings can be a bit more dangerous than soft ones. If you’re new to cock rings, we don’t recommend jumping into metal ones until you’ve done your research. Since they’re true to size and inflexible, it can be harder to get out of them if something goes awry. Worst-case scenario: prepare to have a very awkward conversation at the ER.

Vibrating cock rings

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Vibrating cock rings are cock rings that come with vibrating functionality. All vibrating cock rings are made of soft materials like silicone, meaning that they can be stretched to accommodate penises of different sizes.That said, high-end ones with Bluetooth functionality — namely the Lovense Diamo and the We-Vibe Verge — aren’t adjustable. Vibrating cock rings, though typically designed for couple play, can also be used solo.

How to use a cock ring

If you’re using a hard ring, you’ll want to measure yourself first. Different manufacturers have slightly different instructions on how to size yourself — for example, whether to measure yourself hard or flaccid.

Most instructions for the soft rings we’ve tested instruct users to put the ring over the shaft of their penis while it’s soft or semi-hard. We’ve found that you can put on the ring while hard as long as you’re only putting it on your shaft. If you’re fitting your balls in too, we recommend putting the ring on while soft or semi-hard — you’ll need all the space you can get to squeeze them in.

Vibrating rings are typically designed to only hold the penis itself. The motors of these rings are usually worn “up,” pressed against your pelvis. This configuration is for couple play, as the motor will press against the clit during penetrative sex. If you’re using a cock ring solo, we recommend wearing it upside down so that it stimulates the balls or frenulum.

Though vibrating cock rings are designed to only fit around the penis, we found it to be more pleasurable to squeeze the balls in the ring too. While most of the rings we’ve tested are more than elastic enough to fit the balls in, this isn’t the case for every one and you may find it to be uncomfortable.

FAQs

Are cock rings safe?

Cock rings are generally safe if you keep a few things in mind. First, these toys are to be worn only for around thirty minutes at a time — risk of injury increases if worn significantly longer. For this reason, a ring should not be worn while asleep. If you’re thinking of wearing a cock ring for longer periods of time, wear one that’s slightly too big — this will mitigate the amount of blood it restricts.

Take off a cock ring immediately if numbness, coldness, or discoloration occurs. Cock rings should only be worn by those who can quickly take them on or off alone.

How do you clean a cock ring?

Cock rings can be cleaned with soap and warm water. For sterilization of hard rings, consider safely using a bleach solution.

What lubricants are safe to use for cock rings? The lube you use for your cock ring will depend on the material of your cock ring. Silicone and silicone don't mix well, so if you’re using a soft cock ring, opt for a water-based lubricant lest you risk degrading your ring. Metal cock rings are less testy so you can spring for oil- and silicone-based lubes.

Best cock rings

The best cock ring to wear will change depending on what you’re looking for in one. If you want a vibrating cock ring, the best one we’ve tested is the Lovense Diamo, thanks to its Bluetooth capabilities, variety of settings, powerful vibrations, and compatibility with several erotic games.

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Lovense Diamo

$119.00

Bluetooth functionality makes this cock ring a cut above the rest.

BUY NOW

at Amazon

For a more basic cock ring that will be a better fit for many, we recommend the TOR 2, which also features many different vibration intensities.

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TOR 2

The Lelo TOR 2 ensures enjoyment for both partners.

BUY NOW (25% off)

Save $25 at Amazon

For a hard cock ring, check out the Stainless Steel ring from T-Language. While we haven’t tested the ring, it has over 800 five-star reviews from Amazon. It’s particularly loved for its comfort and heaviness. It comes in several sizes to best match one’s size.

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Stainless Steel ring

$13.59

This no frills cock ring has smooth edges for maximum comfort.

BUY NOW

at Amazon

Looking for soft rings? Check out TCSR’s series of silicone rings with over 2,000 five-star ratings on Amazon. While they’re soft, they still come in different sizes to give you that perfect, snug fit.

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Soft Silicone Penis Rings

$15.99

Guaranteed soft feel and completely waterproof.

BUY NOW

at Amazon

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Everything you need to know about cock rings (2024)

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