The Best Condoms

To learn all we could about condoms, we spoke to nine experts, read hundreds of reviews, examined best-selling and top-ranked models from major retailers such as Condom Depot, Lucky Bloke, Condomania, and Amazon, and perused condom guides from sources ranging from Consumer Reports to Men’s Health. We also looked at academic studies and other sources related to consumer attitudes toward condoms and why people do or don’t enjoy using them.

We talked to Melissa White, CEO of Lucky Bloke; Erin Valdes, general manager at Condomania; sex workers Erin Black and Blake Monroe, who rely on condoms for protection; Mark McGlothlin, a chemical engineer who developed the first nonlatex condom and is president of Apex Medical Technologies; Carol Queen, staff sexologist at Good Vibrations; Randolph Hubach, PhD, director of the Sexual Health Research Lab at Oklahoma State University; and Laura Anderson, a journalist who in 2015 wrote an excellent long-form article on condoms for Slate.

I’m a full-time writer and sex educator. I received a master’s of public health degree from Indiana University in 2014, where I assisted Debra Herbenick, PhD, with sexuality research. While at Indiana University, I also worked as a blogger and sex educator at The Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender and Reproductive Health, and I participated in numerous sexual-health initiatives to promote condom use among college students.

If you think you detest condoms, you’re far from alone. But you can find better options out there. Really. Melissa White, CEO of Lucky Bloke, told us: “People are used to condoms being bad and mediocre—they don’t know that it’s possible to pick an enjoyable one. People don’t even know that there are three different sizes of condoms.” Those sizes are average, slim, and large, with some condoms falling in between.

Wearing a condom that’s too big or too small is a recipe for displeasure. But condom sizing is not a precise science and it can be tricky to find one that fits like a glove. Because everyone is a slightly unique shape, and because condom shapes can vary depending on design and materials, someone might technically be of an “average” size but prefer a model that’s classified as “slim,” for instance. Meanwhile, people have different preferences for tightness when it comes to comfort and enjoyment, and assorted types and thicknesses of materials have varying amounts of stretch.

Bottom line: The absolute best way to find a match is to figure out your general size and then try a few types to see what fits and feels the best for you and your partner. The initial investment in trying a new condom is low enough that it’s worthwhile to experiment with styles and size ranges. Even if you already have a preferred brand you may discover a product that’s a game-changer for you in a size range that isn’t technically yours. Our testers, for example, were pleasantly surprised by how much difference in fit and sensation they found among the various brands they tried.

The consequences go beyond how good sex feels: Finding condoms that fit correctly is crucial if you want them to serve their purpose without falling off, rolling up, or breaking. As chemical engineer Mark McGlothlin told us, when it comes to choosing a condom, “get[ting] used consistently is more important than any other attribute.” Condoms are the only method of contraception that also forms a barrier to prevent the spread of most sexually transmitted infections (including HIV) during insertive oral, vaginal, and anal intercourse. ¹ So finding a model you love is to the benefit of everyone involved.

The experts we consulted agreed that size matters. In fact, it may be the most important factor when selecting a condom. A representative of the British brand TheyFit told us that in the company’s research as well as in customer feedback users report detecting a difference in condoms that are just 2 millimeters larger or smaller in size. “Good fit is an important safety factor,” said Erin Valdes of Condomania. “A condom that is too small might not completely cover the penis, and there is an increased risk of breaking. If the condom is too big there’s a risk that it may slide off.” Within those parameters, though, you’ll find a huge gray area in which a condom will still stay on with full coverage and yet feel either more snug or more roomy. People’s preferences vary widely, so don’t be afraid to experiment within your range to determine what feels best for you.

With the exception of Trojan Magnum, the majority of condoms sold at drugstores are of average size—generally about 2 inches wide when flattened, and between 7 inches and 8 inches long. Around 50 percent of American males fall into this category, according to Lucky Bloke, meaning that half of all people with penises who buy standard condoms may be wearing the wrong size, which can reduce both pleasure and effectiveness.

Another concern is the amount of variation between penis length and girth; these factors don’t always go together. A person with a penis that’s longer than average but narrow may enjoy a slim-fit condom, whereas a person with a penis that’s shorter than average but girthy may find a generous-fit condom more comfortable. (And adjusting condom length is easier than adjusting girth.) This is why we chose to test condoms across three size categories: average, slim, and generous (plus some models that fell in between). This handy guide from Lucky Bloke can help you figure out your condom size.

Other important factors to consider when selecting a condom are the materials, including latex alternatives;² the taste and odor; the thickness and texture, which can influence sensitivity but may also make a condom less durable; and the texture and quantity of the lubricant. (We suggest supplementing all condoms with a few drops of water-based lubricant.)

Most condoms are made from natural latex, but you’ll also encounter a number of latex-alternative condoms made from materials such as polyisoprene (synthetic rubber), nitrile, polyurethane, and polyethylene resin. Latex-alternative condoms are a must for people with latex allergies, but we found that some of them actually performed better overall than natural-latex ones.

Some factors that are less important but still relevant are appealing packaging, vegan certification (if you are vegan), or the manufacturer’s reputation (some companies, for example, contribute funds to global safer-sex initiatives).

A single condom will cost you anywhere from nothing (from a public-health clinic) to 25¢ for a basic model up to almost $3 per piece for premium models such as Unique Pull and Trojan Naturalamb. You will generally get a better deal buying in bulk, but you may want to purchase a small pack first to test out a condom before investing in several dozen. While the 25¢ condom will probably work fine, you’ll likely have a better experience using a condom in the $1 to $2 range.

We narrowed our testing pool to 37 models across four categories: average fit, slim fit, generous fit, and latex alternatives, the last of which also contained some nontraditional, nonlatex models such as the female condom. We tested a few brands that are available for purchase at a drugstore, but most of our finalists are brands that you must buy online or through a specialty retailer, simply because these are the brands with the best reviews. We recruited 44 testers (30 people with penises, 14 people with vaginas) and asked them to use different condom styles at least twice for insertive anal or vaginal sex, or for solo masturbation if they had a penis (Oklahoma State University’s Randolph Hubach recommended this step as a way for testers to assess the fit and feel of a condom prior to using it for intercourse).

We asked the testers to rate the condoms on various criteria, including overall satisfaction, to submit comments, and to report any allergic reactions, slippage, or breakage. The testers also submitted an exit survey to tell us their favorite and least-favorite models. We required a minimum of at least three reviews from at least two testers per condom model.

We also conducted our own tests for length and flat-width measurements of the condoms, plus subjective assessments on factors such as odor, the ease of opening the package, the quality of the lubricant and material, and the ease of application.

The LifeStyles Skyn condom fit and felt far better than rivals in our tests. Next to the competition, it’s also more attractive, less expensive, and available in more styles (ribbed, ultra thin, generous-fit, and so on). It is widely available at drugstores and online.

Made of polyisoprene, a synthetic rubber, the Skyn received the highest sensitivity rating of all the average-size condoms we tested, which included regular latex models and another polyisoprene model, the Durex Real Feel Avanti Bare. One tester called it “the best I’ve ever tried.” In fact, a comment that came up over and over again in both our tests and the customer reviews we considered is that LifeStyles’s Skyn is “the only brand I’ll buy.”

Testers reported that the Skyn’s material transmitted heat and sensation so well that the result felt like sex without a condom. The polyisoprene synthetic rubber felt more natural and skinlike to our testers than natural latex. Like most latex condoms, Skyn condoms are elastic and easy to apply and remove, and they stay in place well.

Polyisoprene has the advantage of being a safe alternative for people with latex allergies After testing more than 30 condoms, we recommend this material as a superior alternative to natural latex for all condom users. The two polyisoprene models we tested received higher scores than the majority of our natural-latex options. Polyisoprene is a form of rubber, so it’s more elastic than other latex alternatives and therefore less likely to slip or to feel too tight. Though it is slightly less elastic than latex, polyisoprene’s primary advantage over natural latex is its texture: It feels softer, more skinlike, and—ironically—less rubbery. Although one tester said that the Skyn felt thicker than some natural-latex models, this doesn’t seem to affect its ability to transmit heat and sensation.

If visual appeal motivates you to buy, carry, and use condoms, the LifeStyles Skyn has easy-to-open, aesthetically pleasing packaging and comes at a reasonable price—most retailers sell it for around $1.

As of this writing, the Skyn has a near-perfect rating on Condomania, with reviewers raving that it “feel[s] just as good as wearing nothing,” that “the heat transfer was the best I’ve ever had,” and that it’s “the only one we now buy.”

Six months after our initial reporting, several of our testers relayed that they wouldn’t go back to latex condoms after using the LifeStyles Skyn polyisoprene condoms. During that time, LifeStyles introduced the Skyn Elite, a thinner version of the original, for even greater sensitivity. One of our testers told us that this is the only condom she uses now.

If the LifeStyles Skyn doesn’t suit you, our next-favorite average-fit condom is the One Vanish, a natural latex condom that we describe in The competition.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The Skyn’s material is thicker at its base, which may cause the condom to feel a bit more voluminous toward the head: “Awkward shape made pinching the reservoir tip slightly odd,” noted one of our testers, “but once I adjusted for the shape, all was well.” The Skyn is also very light on lubricant compared with other models, so you may want to supplement it with lubricant of your own.

Polyisoprene smells different from latex, giving off a faint nutty or sour-milk odor as opposed to an acrid rubber smell. Many reviewers and one of our testers described the Skyn as being “odorless,” while others were repulsed. While the smell was initially off-putting to some people, it seemed to fade and subside fairly quickly (and it seemed closer to natural body odor than that of natural latex).

We tested five condoms in the slim/average category (bigger than slim, but not quite as big as average), including three highly rated models from Okamoto. The company’s Zero Zero Four 004 rose to the top with the distinction of being one of the thinnest latex condoms currently available in the US; it’s also a favorite of people with average-size penises who don’t mind a snugger condom and those with slimmer penises who prefer a condom that is not overly snug. Our testers reported that this model was easy to put on and take off and that the extra-thin latex produced excellent sensitivity. One tester said that “this condom is wonderfully thin and feels like there’s nothing there.”

The Okamoto condoms had hands-down the smoothest and most lightweight lubricant and the least amount of odor of any latex condom we tested. While one tester described the odor as “awful,” others reported that it “left no smell or taste on either of us,” and in our technical tests, we found it had the least amount of odor of all the models we considered.

If you’re looking for a slim-fit condom and find that the 004 doesn’t suit you, our second-favorite choice in this category is the Caution Wear Iron Grip, which you can read more about in The competition.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The 004’s “in-between” sizing means it may be too big for some slim penises and too slim for some average-size penises. Trying it is pretty much the only way to determine whether the size will work well for you or your partner.

The primary drawback of ultrathin latex is that it is more fragile and prone to breakage. Indeed, one of our testers encountered breakage with this model. We do not believe that this experience is indicative of a major flaw in the 004, but rather that it is a problem related to the condom’s being too small for this particular tester: He self-reported his penis size as average and said that this condom felt uncomfortably tight. By contrast, several of our other slim and average-size testers found that these condoms either fit well or ended up being a little too big. This mixed result underscores the importance of sizing yourself correctly and finding a condom to match.

Erin Valdes of Condomania told us that, relative to other brands, there are fewer reports of Okamoto condoms breaking because of the quality of the lubricant and manufacturing. One Condomania reviewer says that it’s “the best condom I’ve ever used,” and it “feels like you are not using a condom.” If you’re unsure whether the 004 may be too slim of a fit, trying it first in a low-risk scenario such as masturbation may help. Using additional lubricant or a thicker condom, such as the 004’s comparably rated sibling, the Okamoto Crown, can also help to reduce the risk of breakage.

This condom is a bit more expensive than others, running at close to $2 at some retailers.

The LifeStyles Skyn Large is the generously sized version of our average-size pick. We recommend the Skyn Large to individuals with latex allergies, but many of our nonallergic testers actually found this style to be superior to natural latex condoms. Our testers reported that this condom had less odor and a softer texture than natural latex, even raving that it felt like sex without a condom. “Partner says this is the best he’s ever tried. It felt like bareback at points,” one of our testers reported. “It felt like not wearing a condom. I kept forgetting to judge the condom, because I didn’t notice it,” another said. Unlike many of the boutique-brand condoms we tested, the LifeStyles Skyn line is available at most drugstores, making it an easy go-to when time is of the essence.

If you find that this condom doesn’t suit you, you may want to try One The Legend, which we describe in The competition and which our generous-fit testers liked second-best to the LifeStyles Skyn Large.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

While the Skyn Large is definitely larger than the standard Skyn model, this style may not work well for someone whose penis is much larger than average. In that case we recommend One The Legend. While our testers found polyisoprene to be far superior to natural latex in texture and performance, polyisoprene is much less stretchy and offers a snugger fit.

If you’re between size categories or otherwise have a hard time finding a condom that fits well, consider measuring yourself or your partner and ordering One’s myOne Perfect Fit, which offers 60 sizing options, far more than any other condom company out there. For an update to this guide, we recruited eight panel testers to try these custom-fit condoms. Most were pleased and said they would order them again.

This condom definitely has a higher barrier to entry than other brands: The customer must first measure the length and girth of their erect penis using a tape measure or a printable ruler (which testers reported to be a more accurate option). They then input their measurements on the company’s website, which generates a code that corresponds to one of 60 available sizes. Before committing to an order, customers can request a free sample kit that offers a condom in their measured size, plus one a size up and one a size down, in case the measurements are off. The majority of our testers found that the size they measured was the correct one, though the sample pack is a nice option for those who want to be absolutely certain that they measured correctly.

Our testers consistently reported that the custom sizing did make a significant positive difference when using this condom, and that they planned to purchase and use the condom in the future. Testers commented: “fit was king,” “less slippage during intercourse,” “the first condom I’ve tried that doesn’t feel like a rubber band cutting off my circulation,” and “feels like not wearing anything because it’s not too tight.”

This condom was especially loved by testers who have struggled with using average-sized condoms due to being longer than average with slimmer girth, or of average or shorter length with thicker girth.

Testers who were accustomed to using higher-end condoms found the overall quality of the myOne Perfect Fit to be on a par with other boutique brands in terms of latex thinness, lubrication, and odor. Testers used to drugstore brands reported a significant increase in satisfaction compared with what they usually use.

One offers subscription options for those interested in automated shipments.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

A complaint we heard from our One line testers was that the round packaging, while stylish, is difficult to open. It offers no way to tear from the edge as a square condom package does, so some testers worried that they might accidentally rip the condom while tearing from the center edge of the package (though this never seemed to happen in practice).

Several testers expressed that they would prefer to buy this model were a non-latex version available, either because of allergies or personal preference.

Finally, the process of measuring the penis, keeping track of a size code, and placing an order online may seem more labor intensive to some people than running to the drugstore to pick up a box of a favorite brand.

The majority of condoms are made from natural latex and coated with a silicone-based lubricant. Some lubricants (though not any of the ones on the condoms that we tested) also contain flavoring, heating, or cooling agents. Some condoms are unlubricated, in which case they are generally covered in a light coat of cornstarch and preservatives.

Some people may experience an allergic reaction to latex condoms, in which case they should try a latex-alternative version. Others experience allergic reactions to a condom’s lubricant or to an additive in the lubricant. If you have this type of reaction, try using an unlubricated condom and adding your own lubricant.

We recommend that all condom users avoid condoms with Nonoxynol-9–based spermicidal lubricant, as they have not proven to be more effective than regular condoms at preventing pregnancy or STIs and can actually increase the risk of STI transmission (PDF) and irritate genital tissues.

In addition to latex, you can find condoms made of the following materials:

Polyurethane is a flexible plastic that’s thinner and stronger than latex. It transmits heat better but also has less elasticity.

Polyisoprene is a synthetic form of latex that doesn’t contain the irritant that triggers people with latex allergies. It is more elastic than other latex alternatives but less elastic than natural latex. (Our testers reported liking the texture of polyisoprene because it feels softer and less “rubbery.”)

Polyethylene resin, a material similar to certain types of plastic wrap, is three times stronger than latex and only a third as thick. It is not elastic, but it molds itself well to penises.

Nitrile is a synthetic latex alternative that’s also used to make medical supplies like gloves. While it is very thin and capable of transmitting heat well, it is not as elastic as latex.

“Lambskin” refers to a membrane created from sheep intestine, not the hide of the animal itself. This material may not be as effective against STIs as latex, but users often report that lambskin condoms feel much more natural and skinlike than either latex or other latex-alternative condoms. These tend to be considerably more expensive than latex condoms.

We’re planning to test Okamoto Zero Zero One 001 condoms, which were unavailable during our 2020 testing. We’ll also consider Trojan’s Willa line.

An insertive condom

The nitrile FC2 (the “female condom”) is the only internal condom available for sale in the US. If your situation requires a condom, and the partner with a penis hates the sensation of all condoms, period, the FC2 is an option. Inserted in advance of intercourse, it works with any size of penis as well as when the penis is only semi-erect, so there is no risk of it falling out or leaking if the insertive partner loses their erection, or if the partner stays in after finishing.

Our testers reported that using this condom involves a bit of a learning curve: “Insertion takes some time to get used to, but once you figure out how to insert the condom, they’re amazing. I use a dildo to aid in insertion,” said one tester. The testers either found it very pleasurable (“The condom felt great, so much so my partner had to keep checking to make sure it was still there”) or couldn’t get used to the feeling. “The experience of having plastic inside me as opposed to covering the body part entering me really made me uncomfortable,” one tester said. “My partner felt that the condom felt ‘fake’ and ‘not like human flesh’ … it decreased his arousal,” another reported.

Slim-fit latex condoms

The Caution Wear Iron Grip was our second-favorite slim-fit condom after the Okamoto Zero Zero Four 004. The Iron Grip is the slimmest condom we’ve tested, and testers reported that this model felt thinner and had relatively little odor compared with the other slim-fit condoms they tested. This condom is so slim, it felt too tight for some of our testers, even those with slimmer penises: “The condom’s fit was so tight it actually constricted penile blood flow. It was difficult to take off. Had I used this with a partner, I would have been worried about tearing the material or spilling the contents while taking it off,” said one tester. It’s more than an inch shorter than our slim-fit pick, so people with longer, slimmer penises may find the Okamoto 004 more comfortable.

Our testers liked the Atlas True Fit, saying it “transferred sensation well and fit well, [with] just enough pressure around the base to know it was there but almost ‘invisible’ on the shaft,” but they preferred the thinner Okamoto 004 overall.

Testers said that the LifeStyles Snugger Fit had too much lubrication, leaving a greasy feeling, as well as a strong latex taste and smell. It was also somewhat thicker than other models we tested.

The Glyde Slimfit was the least popular of the slim-fit condoms we tested. One tester complained: “Way too small, and the tip was way too big. We didn’t finish using it because I was afraid it would slip off.” According to another, it “slid off during masturbation.” It was also one of the worst-smelling models we tested.

Slim- to average-fit latex condoms

Our testers loved the Okamoto Crown’s sheer pink latex and high-quality lube, but its thinner brandmate, the Okamoto 004, won out by a smidgen. One tester reported: “[A]pplication is easy, packaging is easy to open, and it fits well. The material is thin enough to be very pleasurable.”

In our technical tests, we experienced some issues with the Kimono MicroThin rolling and bunching up during application.

The Beyond Seven worked great for some average-size testers but felt too tight for others. People disliked this condom’s texture, saying that it “definitely had a non-natural ‘latex-y’ feeling to it” and “felt rubbery during sex.”

Average-fit latex condoms

The One Vanish is our second-favorite average-fit condom, after the LifeStyles Skyn. This condom received the highest overall satisfaction score (4.1 out of five) among all of the average-size natural-latex condoms we tested. It is a great condom, and though testers didn’t love it as consistently as they did our pick, they remarked that it “left no smell or taste on my partner” and “work[ed] the most consistently.” One Condoms claims that the Vanish is made from “softer” latex, and our testers reported excellent sensation: “At several points I thought it had fallen off because the sensitivity was so good on this one!” one noted. On the other hand, one unimpressed tester complained that—like other One brand condoms—it was “very hard to open.” This tester added that it “left a really bad taste, [was] much too thick, [and] my partner could not feel through it”—a testament to how truly subjective the experience of using condoms can be.

Testers also liked Okamoto Wink Closer condoms, which come in easier-to-open packages than the One Vanish and smell and taste less like latex compared with most of the competition. We haven’t tested the Wink Slider, which is an extra-lubricated version of this condom.

Lelo Hex condoms feature fused hexagons of latex, which the company says “flexes and stretches for a supremely secure fit.” It scored as well in our tests as other ultra-thin models and is near odorless. This condom is more expensive than the One Vanish our testers slightly preferred, and it costs about the same as the Okamoto Wink Closer they liked just as much.

Durex Invisible and LifeStyles Zero (currently unavailable) are two of the most affordable ultra-thin latex condoms available at around 56¢ and 75¢ apiece, respectively. Testers strongly preferred the more-expensive One Vanish, Okamoto Wink Closer, and Lelo Hex condoms, though, because they smell, taste, and feel better. The Durex Invisible packaging feels exceptionally flimsy.

Sustain brand’s primary selling point is that the latex is “fair trade” and “sustainably produced.” Nothing about the Sustain Ultra Thin made it stand out to our testers, who said that it was “definitely thin but pretty average otherwise.” Testers also had some minor issues with opening the package and with application.

The Billy Boy Extra Thin was very popular with our testers. “This one was the best so far,” said one. Other comments: “Worked well for all of my partners” and “Comfortable … and felt very natural.” The primary complaint was about this condom’s smell, which people described as “strong” and “kind of plasticky.”

The One Pleasure Plus features a ribbed pouch toward the head that is supposed to enhance sensation. It received rave reviews from testers: “We both really liked the shape with the pouch. It felt really good for both of us,” said one. “The sensations were great,” noted another. “Super pleased with this condom and the wearer loved that it stayed in place,” said a third. We also found that testers with foreskins really liked that this model wasn’t so snug around the head, with one reporting that it “definitely had a better fit overall.” The main drawbacks: The latex is a bit thicker than on other models, and the circular package can be difficult to open.

Sir Richard’s Ultra Thin (currently unavailable) didn’t stand out, though one tester “loved it” while another complained that it “rolled a smidge.”

One tester reported that the L Condoms Ultra Thin “fit perfectly,” but others were underwhelmed, describing it as a “run of the mill, general latex condom experience” and having a “very strong unpleasant smell.”

Maude Rise and Lola Ultra Thin condoms can be purchased only online. Neither stood out among the ultra-thin latex condoms we tested in 2020, save for Maude’s unique packaging, which is exceptionally easy to open (no tearing required).

Testers had mixed opinions on the LifeStyles Thyn, with comments ranging from “perfect, it felt really nice” to “[it] felt really thick, not pleasurable.”

The Glyde Ultra was one of the least popular of our average-size options. Testers reported that it was “too tight and broke on two occasions,” caused an “itchy, burning sensation,” and “just smelled bad.”

Testers weren’t crazy about the Durex Extra Sensitive even though it had better consumer reviews than many other drugstore options. They reported that it “dulled sensation,” was difficult to put on (it stuck to itself and didn’t roll down well), and had lubricant that “felt tacky.”

An average- to generous-fit latex condom

Although Kimono MicroThin Large condoms are marketed as generous-size, our testers found them to be too snug and complained that they had a tendency to wrinkle and roll up during application. “I would use these condoms for normal-sized penises that are on the larger side, but not for a truly bigger-sized penis,” one tester said.

Generous-fit latex condoms

One The Legend was our testers’ second-favorite generous-fit condom. Made of natural latex, The Legend is very generously sized: We measured its unstretched length at 9 inches as opposed to our pick’s 8¼ inches, though both models feature a similar width of approximately 2¼ inches. Natural latex offers more stretch and give than polyisoprene, which means One’s model may be more comfortable for penises that are thicker as well as longer. Our testers gave this model 4.25 out of five points for satisfaction (a mere 0.01 behind the LifeStyles Skyn Large’s score), reporting that it was easy to put on and pleasurable to wear, with a nice shape and texture. However, like with other One brand condoms, testers found the packaging attractive but frustrating to use. One tester complained about The Legend’s rubbery smell and said that the condom didn’t offer adequate lubricant for it to be comfortable.

The Trojan Magnum XL—with a 2.2-inch shaft width, a 2.56-inch head width, and an 8.07-inch length—is perhaps the largest condom you’ll find at a drugstore. Testers found it easy to put on and liked the fit and shape but thought it had an unpleasant smell.

The classic drugstore “larger condom,” Trojan’s Magnum BareSkin also works well for men on the larger size of average who prefer a roomier fit. The BareSkin features thinner latex than the XL, and our testers liked it apart from the unpleasant plastic smell.

Testers reported an unpleasant smell, “too much lubricant,” and some challenges with the Glyde Maxi rolling during application. One tester said that he “did not like the shape of the condom at the head of the penis, it was tight and uncomfortable.”

Testers noted that Sir Richard’s Extra Large (currently unavailable) had an unpleasant smell but was easy to put on.

Latex-alternative condoms

Made of polyisoprene, the Durex Real Feel Avanti Bare condom is quite similar to the LifeStyles Skyn, our average-fit pick. Our testers reported that it offered great sensitivity, despite an unpleasant smell. Note that this version is quite different from the original Avanti condom, which Durex made from polyurethane, not polyisoprene.

The Unique Pull is best for people with thicker penises, as it is not very elastic and it stays put by clinging to the penis like plastic wrap; it also has a texture that is much thinner and more plasticky than latex. Unlike with traditional latex condoms, its application involves pull tabs, and it comes in a pack of three in a nifty credit-card–shaped case. “I was dubious about the material (it felt like Saran Wrap) but it was very easy to put on compared to a regular condom once it was out of the package,” noted one tester. “The material felt good during sex but slippage was a concern.” Said another tester: “My partner complained that when he rolled it on, it stretched strangely … He also thought the band was too tight. We tried another one due to the bagging issue … [it] went on easier with practice though it broke part of the way through sex.”

The Trojan Supra is made of polyurethane. While the material is very thin and capable of transmitting heat and sensation well, it is not very elastic, and our testers sometimes found this condom to be a bit snug and difficult to put on and take off.

We chose to limit ourselves to the top-rated options among the hundreds of available condoms. Here are some of the others we considered, and why we didn’t include them in testing:

Impulse Bare Pleasure (discontinued)
Although this model is a Condom Depot “best condom” winner, some people find the ribbed and studded texture irritating.

Trustex Extra Large
While this condom made Condom Depot’s best-of list and is reported to be wider as well as longer, some reviewers complain that it feels thick and breaks easily.

LifeStyles Ultra Sensitive
One of our experts recommended this budget condom to us, but we decided to go with the LifeStyles Thyn instead.

Durex Performax and Performax Intense
These condoms are textured and coated with a numbing lube that is supposed to help prevent premature ejaculation. Some reviewers report that the numbing effect is too intense, or that the ribs irritate the receptive partner.

Trojan Ultra Thin
This model was a Consumer Reports pick in 2010, but reviewers say that it’s overrated and sometimes prone to breaking, and that it doesn’t actually feel thinner.

Trojan Naturalamb
This condom is expensive and there’s concern over the effectiveness of lambskin condoms in preventing STIs. Couples who use condoms only for contraception often swear by it, despite its reportedly weird smell.

LifeStyles Non-Lubricated
Our experts recommend this kind of condom for covering sex toys and for oral sex, but you have better options for vaginal and anal intercourse.

LifeStyles Extra Strength
Because this model is extremely durable, our experts recommend it for anal sex, but it’s thicker than other models and may offer less sensation.

LifeStyles Kyng
Some people prefer this budget-priced generous-size condom over the Trojan Magnum. We did not test it, as other models had better reviews overall.

Tracy Vence contributed reporting.