Your biggest priority when it comes to choosing the best condom is to ensure that it doesn't break mid-use. But, assuming that's a given (and almost all condom brands test their products vigorously nowadays before putting them on the market), the world is very much your oyster when it comes to selecting the one to suit you.
While condoms are a very personal preference, there are a few key features you'll want to pay attention to before buying your next pack and putting them to good use.
What to look for in a condom?
Material
Condoms are usually made of latex as standard. For those who have latex allergies or sensitivities (which can cause itching, burning, or rashes, if you were wondering), there are also non-latex condoms made of materials like polyisoprene or polyurethane. These synthetic materials are just as thin and durable, but they may be more expensive and less widely available than latex condoms, depending on where you're shopping.
Lubrication
Most condoms come pre-lubricated with a water-based or silicone-based lubricant, which is safe to use with latex condoms. If you're adding extra lube, make sure it's water-based, as oil-based lubes can damage or weaken latex condoms.
Size and fit
It's not just a brag - you'll want to ensure the condom fits properly for comfort, sensation and, above all, safety. A condom that's too tight or too loose can slip off, break or reduce blood flow to the penis. And nobody wants that, especially mid-way through.
A condom that's too long or too short can also leave parts of the penis exposed or cause the condom to bunch up. Luckily, condoms come in different sizes, ranging from snug to generous fit. Different brands come up a little differently when it comes to size, so trial and (hopefully not too much) error might be your best bet.
Extra perks
Some condoms come with ribs, studs, textures, colours and flavours to spice up the experience even more. Others also claim they can help with lasting longer, increasing sensitivity or warming you up. But keep in mind that these condoms may contain numbing agents, thinning agents or heating agents that can cause side effects such as reduced sensation, irritation or burning. So always check the label, especially if you or your partner have any sensitivities.
We've rounded up the best condoms below
Roam Skin Tone Condoms
New-kid-on-the-block Roam went one step further with its innovative condoms, going back to the drawing board with translucent designs and coming back with a new range of skin tone alternatives. The Roam Skin Tone Condoms feel good and do good: they’re ultra-thin and ultra-durable condoms that support local communities and the planet. As well as doing their bit for charity, Roam also uses expertly sealed, innovative paper-foil packaging that uses 50 per cent less plastic vs traditional foils for safety and sustainability.
Buy now £9.99, Roam
Hanx Ultra-Thin Vegan Condoms
Didn’t think condoms could be chic? Think again. These options from Hanx come in shelfie‐worthy packaging that’s a little more stylish than usual. Kind to you and the environment, these revolutionary condoms are made from Fair rubber and 100 per cent natural fair trade latex that biodegrades in your compost. They’re certified by The Vegan Society, ultra-thin, clean-scented and dermatologically tested to boot.
Buy now £12.99, Boots
Lelo Hex Original Condoms
Sex toy brand Lelo knows a thing or two about pleasure so it made sense for the brand to release its own condoms, too. The Lelo Hex Original Condoms are some of the most advanced around, using a unique design that’s inspired by the hexagonal structure of graphene - the strongest, thinnest structure known to science. The shaft of the HEX condom is made up of 350 small hexagons that have thick walls and ultra-thin panels. The result? A next-generation condom that fits securely yet ensures you can barely feel a difference.
Buy now £10.14, Lelo
Durex Naturals Condoms
Ideal when you don’t have any lube to hand but need a little less friction down there, the Durex Naturals Condoms are coated with extra water-based lubricant to help provide a smooth, intimate experience with your partner. Made from 98 per cent natural origin ingredients that are free from artificial colourants and flavours, they’re all about improving the experience by, literally, making it as seamless as possible.
Buy now £13.89, Amazon
Mates SKYN Intense Feel Condoms
Allergic to latex? Don’t stress: these Intense Feel Condoms are latex-free, promising all of the fun and none of the pain. SKYN condoms are made from polyisoprene, a scientifically formulated new non-latex material that provides a softer, more natural feel. Bonus points: it’s also been clinically proven to enhance sensation. Its wave design texture comes with raised dots on the most sensitive areas to maximise stimulation and pleasure.
Buy now £10.60, Boots
Durex Thin Feel Condoms
If you’re sleeping with someone who doesn’t like the feel of condoms, show them a box of Durex Thin Feel Condoms. Designed to maximise sensitivity while keeping you safely protected, these thinner-than-usual condoms are just as safe to use but are thinner for heightened sensations. Made from transparent, natural latex, they do everything they’re supposed to do, requiring only the smallest amount of attention to affix before you can get back to it.
Buy now £4.23, Amazon
XO! Ultra Thin Eco Friendly Lubricated Condoms
Condoms aren’t often renowned for their eco-friendly credentials but the XO! ones are a great shout if nothing turns you on more than saving the planet. Made from sustainable natural rubber latex, they’re free from parabens, glycerine or animal products and are carbon neutral. The coolest part? Every XO condom box features a QR code that shows you which UN sustainable development goal projects your purchase supports.
Buy now £13.50, Amazon
Pasante Pasante Ribs & Dots Condoms
Maybe your biggest priority is ensuring you always have a good supply of condoms to hand. If that’s the case, this bumper pack of Pasante Condoms will do the job. An easy answer that does the job with a size designed to fit most, these relatively thin condoms tick all the boxes for ensuring no last-minute frustrations when you don’t have any protection to hand.
Buy now £15.99, Amazon
Lovehoney Health Extra Thin Lubricated Vegan Latex Condoms
Lovehoney’s condoms come with extra-thin latex, loads of lubrication and a teat-tip for extra comfort. In short, they’ll do the hard work to protect you from STIs so you can focus on having fun. Their snug fit, combined with minimal design, makes for a super-intimate feel, almost like you aren’t wearing one at all. Better yet, they’re vegan-friendly and CE marked so you can feel conscientious and confident.
Buy now £4.99, Lovehoney
Trojan Ecstasy Ultra Ribbed and Lubricated Condoms
The Trojan Ecstasy Ultra Ribbed and Lubricated Condoms are designed with a comfortable and revolutionary shape, allowing freedom of movement to make you feel like nothing’s there - in the safest way possible. With UltraSmooth lubricant on both inner and outer layers, you can expect a more natural feel and enhanced sensitivity. Its revolutionary shape features deep ribs on the base and the end, helping to increase stimulation for both partners.
Buy now £3.83, Amazon
Verdict
They're ethical, ultra-thin and a lot more inclusive than pretty much any other condom brand: Roam's Skin Tone Condoms take the slot for best in show when it comes to condoms.
