We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
Cheap sex toys that are actually incredible, tested by our sex writers
Because your sexual pleasure shouldn’t have to break the bank

Sex toys are life-changing, magical things. But, at the same time, not everyone can afford to drop £100 or more on a fancy-ass vibrator. (Damn you, cozzy livs.) While an expensive product is obviously going to be next-level, let’s not forget the cheaper toys on the market that can be just as fire.
“While ‘affordable’ is subjective, generally, toys in the £20 to £40 range from trusted brands can offer great quality and safety,” explains clinical sexologist, sex coach, and sex educator, Amari Leigh.
If you're a sex toy beginner, experimenting with cheaper toys can also be a great way of figuring out what sensations you enjoy. “Cheap sex toys are more accessible, especially for beginners or those on a budget,” says Leigh. “They're also great for experimenting without a big financial commitment.”
All you need to know is where to look and what to look out for. We're not exactly living in an age of prosperity, so we totally get that not everyone is able, or willing, to splash out tons of their hard-earned cash on a masturbation mate.
But that shouldn't come at the expense of your safety — and there are products out there posing as safe when they're not (rude!). “In the UK, sex toys aren’t regulated, which means toys sold on general retail platforms that don’t specialise in sexual wellness often don’t meet safety standards,” explains Leigh.
So to save you hours of scrolling (with liberal use of the 'price low to high' sort function), our sex writers have done the digging for you, to round up the best affordable sex toys to shop now.
Best cheap sex toys at a glance
Where can I buy cheap sex toys?
Just like you wouldn’t use dodgy skincare products, it’s important to apply the same diligence when shopping for sex toys. You’d likely avoid buying a moisturiser loaded with added fragrance or alcohol even if it was cheap, so why would you purchase a vibrator made from chemicals that *definitely* shouldn’t go anywhere near your genitals?
If you’re on a budget, it can be easy to put these thoughts to the back of your mind and adopt a ‘f**k it’ attitude, especially if the best sex toys you’ve seen have been pricey. But, as we said before, research is key, and to avoid upsetting your privates, you need to ensure the materials used in your chosen toy are body-friendly.
“A few brands that often have budget-friendly, body-safe options are Lovehoney, Ann Summers, HANX, Hot Octopuss, and SheSpot,” says Leigh. Sinful, Bondara, and Sextoys.co.uk all tend to have reliable options too — and they have regular sales, so you can bag a more luxury option for a bargain. Sellers like these live by the mantra that orgasms should be accessible, not just reserved for those who can afford to spend hundreds of pounds.
So you want our advice? Make sure you always buy your sex toys from companies or manufacturers who know what they’re doing.
What to consider when buying cheap sex toys
Don't buy dupes
As with buying anything on the cheaper end of the scale, something to be aware of is dupes. These are cheaper, counterfeit products designed as replicas of more expensive, trustworthy items. In most cases, they can be poorly made, hence the smaller price tag, and can stop working mid-flow.
And, at worst, they can be seriously bad for your body — both inside and out. If you’re considering buying a dupe from a third-party seller, please stop and read the product details first. Any materials that jump out at you and make you think, ‘Do I really want this near my genitals?’ should be an automatic no.
“Avoid sites like Shein or Temu — they’re cheap for a reason, and the materials can be unsafe or even toxic,” says Leigh.
Material
The sex toy market in the UK is entirely unregulated, so you'll need to stay smart when choosing sex toys. “Look for body-safe materials by sticking to toys made from non-porous, phthalate-free materials like medical-grade silicone, stainless steel, or ABS plastic,” recommends Leigh.
Usually, the very cheapest sex toys will be made from ‘jelly rubber,’ PVC, or TPE (a type of soft plastic). But it's wise to exercise caution when buying these toys — there’s a lot of debate around these materials and it’s not totally agreed upon whether they’re safe, as they may be porous and difficult to clean (meaning they could carry bacteria and other infections).
With that in mind, it’s best to avoid these materials altogether (unless you plan on the hassle of using a condom on the sex toy and changing it every time) — and always checking the product details before buying.
Transparency is key
Reputable sex toy retailers are transparent about their materials, sourcing, and certification processes. “While not all toys are regulated, reputable brands will be transparent about their materials and manufacturing practices,” Leigh says.
“That’s why it’s super important to buy from trusted, sex-positive retailers or brands that specialise in body-safe products.”
If there's a lack of information available, it might be best to avoid purchasing a toy altogether. The best advice we can give you (for pretty much any circumstance)? “Trust your gut,” says Leigh.
“If something feels off or too good to be true, it probably is. You can also check reviews and social media to see what real users are saying. Instagram and TikTok often have honest, sex-positive creators reviewing products.”
Or, let us do the hard work for you, and pick up one of the cheap sex toys below. Keep reading for some of the best affordable options for £40 and under...
How we tested cheap sex toys
Paige Vahla (She/Her) is Cosmopolitan UK's former Sex & Relationships Editor covering all things sex, relationships, friends and family, and LGBTQ+. Think of her as your sex-positive best friend who offers expert insight and first-person perspectives when it comes to exploring the realm of love and sex. Whether you're updating your sex toy stash, getting over a friendship break-up or need answers to your burning relationship questions - she's got you covered. You can also follow her on Twitter.
Honey is the Senior Sex and Relationships E-commerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, Women’s Health and Men’s Health. She covers shopping guides and reviews of the best sex toys; deals events — including Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday; and sex, dating, and LGBTQ+ trends.
Her journalism career started in 2020 when she started Sextras, a podcast and digital magazine about sex and relationships. Find Sextras on Spotify or Substack, where she writes and chats about everything from positive masculinity and how to practise sex magic, to why the latest kink or porn category is blowing up.
She has an MA in Magazine Journalism from City, University of London, and previously reported for HR magazine. Her features also appear in Glamour, Refinery29, The Independent, and more.
When she's not asking everyone she meets invasive questions about their sex and dating lives, you'll find Honey singing around her flat, teaching herself a new craft, or working her way through a new '90s/'00s box set with her flatmate.
Sophie Williams is a Freelance Journalist and Copywriter, covering everything from Fashion to Entertainment to music, Lifestyle and Features. She has interviewed a range of musical artists and authors including Alyssa Edwards, Courtney Barnett, Confidence Man, The Vaccines, Loyle Carner, Gabrielle, and John Niven, and has written for publications like Metro, Reader's Digest, ITV's Woo! and Vice’s NBGA. She is also working on a book for HarperCollins about Taylor Swift, due to be published in 2024.

The best online sex shops to bookmark for later

Yep, you need a vibrating cock ring

The 26 best bullet vibrators to try RN

The best cock rings, recommended by a sex writer



























