The Best Condoms For 2022 | Reviews By Wirecutter

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BROWSESections in this article

Why you should trust us

How we picked and tested

Top pick: LifeStyles Skyn Supreme Feel

Runner-up: Durex Intense

Top pick: One Flex

The best slim-fit latex condom: Okamoto Zero Zero Four

The best generous-fit latex condom: PS Condoms XL

Best for custom sizing: One MyOne Custom Fit

What are condoms made of?

How to find a condom that fits

The competition

Sources

Condoms protect against many sexually transmitted infections and are a relatively affordable, easy-to-procure choice for birth control. It’s worth the trial and error required to find the best condom for you.

After 65 hours of research, including considering more than 100 top-rated, best-selling condoms and interviewing 10 experts, as well as having more than a dozen testers and their partners — a mix of men, women, and nonbinary people — help us evaluate condom fit and feel over the years, we’ve determined that the LifeStyles Skyn Supreme Feel is the best non-latex condom. It’s made from an ultra-sheer synthetic rubber that feels softer and more skinlike than other materials. And it’s available in a variety of sizes, increasing the odds that you’ll find an ideal fit.

Among latex condoms, the One Flex is the best. It is thinner and has less odor than competitors that typically cost the same or more.

We’ve also identified the best slim-fit and generous-fit options, made with and without latex, and we recommend considering a custom-fit latex condom.

Everything we recommend

Top pick

The best non-latex condom

LifeStyles Skyn Supreme Feel

Offering a skinlike sensation and great heat transfer, this polyisoprene condom is widely available and relatively affordable. It’s safe for people with latex allergies.

$27 from Amazon(pack of 30)$14 from Target(pack of 10)

Slightly thicker, more affordable

LifeStyles Skyn Original

Made of the same material but marginally thicker, this less-expensive version also offers a skinlike sensation and great heat transfer.

$13 from Amazon(pack of 24)$17 from Target(pack of 24)

Runner-up

Another excellent non-latex condom

Durex Intense

This nitrile condom is thin, odorless, and safe for people with latex allergies. It’s available in only one size.

$8 from Amazon(pack of 10)$10 from Target(pack of 10)

Top pick

The best latex condom

One Flex

This is the first condom to combine latex with graphene, creating a strong and thin material that allows for more heat transfer than with a standard latex condom.

$10 from Amazon(pack of 10)

Top pick

The best slim-fit latex condom

Okamoto Zero Zero Four

This more-snug option is one of the thinnest latex condoms available. Our testers appreciated its fit, feel, and lack of an unpleasant odor.

$30 from Amazon(pack of 24)

Top pick

The best generous-fit latex condom

PS Condoms XL

This condom offers extra room for larger penises. Compared with our other latex picks, this one has a bit more of a rubbery odor.

$20 from Amazon(pack of 12)

Top pick

Best for a custom fit

One MyOne Custom Fit

If you suspect that you’re between standard condom sizes, consider this custom-fit latex option.

$18 from One Condoms(pack of 12)What to consider

• Latex materials

  Most condoms are made with natural rubber latex, a thin but strong material with formfitting stretch.

• Non-latex materials

  For people allergic to latex, consider polyisoprene or nitrile condoms. Polyisoprene generally has more stretch than nitrile.

• A good fit

  Using a too-big or too-small condom can impact function and pleasure. Try a few styles on for size.

• Lube compatibility

  Most condoms are treated with a small amount of silicone lubricant. For supplemental lubrication, avoid oil-based formulas.

Top pick

The best non-latex condom

LifeStyles Skyn Supreme Feel

Offering a skinlike sensation and great heat transfer, this polyisoprene condom is widely available and relatively affordable. It’s safe for people with latex allergies.

$27 from Amazon(pack of 30)$14 from Target(pack of 10)

Slightly thicker, more affordable

LifeStyles Skyn Original

Made of the same material but marginally thicker, this less-expensive version also offers a skinlike sensation and great heat transfer.

$13 from Amazon(pack of 24)$17 from Target(pack of 24)

LifeStyles Skyn condoms are made of polyisoprene, a synthetic rubber that people with latex allergies can use. In addition to having the best feel, Skyn condoms transmit heat and sensation wonderfully, come in an elegant and easy-to-open package, and are available at almost any drugstore. They come in three sizes and thicknesses. The LifeStyles Skyn Supreme Feel version is the thinnest condom in the line.

Runner-up

Another excellent non-latex condom

Durex Intense

This nitrile condom is thin, odorless, and safe for people with latex allergies. It’s available in only one size.

$8 from Amazon(pack of 10)$10 from Target(pack of 10)

Among condom materials, nitrile is a relatively new alternative. Although the Durex Intense condom is available in only one size and has a bit less stretch than the polyisoprene LifeStyles Skyn condoms, it is an excellent, readily available choice for people who need or want a latex- and fragrance-free option.

Top pick

The best latex condom

One Flex

This is the first condom to combine latex with graphene, creating a strong and thin material that allows for more heat transfer than with a standard latex condom.

$10 from Amazon(pack of 10)

The sheer black One Flex condom offers better body heat transfer than standard latex condoms at a similar (or even lower) price. It also has less odor than other latex condoms we’ve tested, but it is less widely available in stores.

Top pick

The best slim-fit latex condom

Okamoto Zero Zero Four

This more-snug option is one of the thinnest latex condoms available. Our testers appreciated its fit, feel, and lack of an unpleasant odor.

$30 from Amazon(pack of 24)

Testers who fell in between the slim and average-size categories liked the sensitivity of the sheer latex, the lack of odor, and the quality of the lubricant on the slim-fit Okamoto Zero Zero Four in comparison with the competition.

Top pick

The best generous-fit latex condom

PS Condoms XL

This condom offers extra room for larger penises. Compared with our other latex picks, this one has a bit more of a rubbery odor.

$20 from Amazon(pack of 12)

For larger sizes, consider the generous-fit, thin-but-strong latex PS Condoms XL. It comes in a sturdy box with a magnetic closure that looks great on a bedside table. PS Condoms offerings have a slightly stronger scent than the other latex condoms we recommend, though.

Top pick

Best for a custom fit

One MyOne Custom Fit

If you suspect that you’re between standard condom sizes, consider this custom-fit latex option.

$18 from One Condoms(pack of 12)

Custom sizing can make an appreciable difference in comfort and pleasure. To order One MyOne Custom Fit condoms, you need to measure your penis (detailed instructions are provided). A member of our test panel remarked that this was “the first condom I’ve tried that doesn’t feel like a rubber band cutting off my circulation.”

Why you should trust us

I’ve covered sexual health at Wirecutter for more than a decade. I hold a master’s degree in public health, and I have written about sex toys since 2011.

To learn all I could about condoms, I did the following:

• I spoke with nearly a dozen experts, including a sexual-health researcher, the chemical engineer who developed the first non-latex condom, and sex workers who rely on condoms for protection.
• I met with industry scientists to learn more about how condoms are tested for safety and efficacy.
• I read hundreds of reviews, and I examined best-selling and top-ranked models from major retailers and specialty sellers including Condomania, Condom Depot, and Lucky Bloke.
• I considered academic studies related to consumer attitudes toward condoms and why people do or don’t enjoy using them. (Unsurprisingly, most people don’t.)
• I attended several trade shows to better understand the condom market.
• Like all Wirecutter journalists, I review and test products with complete editorial independence. I’m never made aware of any business implications of my editorial recommendations. Read more about our editorial standards.

How we picked and tested

Sexual-health experts we spoke with enthusiastically agreed that when it comes to choosing the right condom for you, size matters most.

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. Larger and smaller condoms go by lots of different names; throughout this guide, we refer to them as “generous-fit” and “slim-fit” sizes.

Penis length and girth don’t always go together. Someone with a penis that’s longer than average but narrower may enjoy a slim-fit condom, whereas someone with a penis that’s shorter than average but girthier may find a generous-fit condom more comfortable.

Beyond size, you have several other important factors to consider when selecting a condom:

• Materials: Generally, condoms are made of latex or latex alternatives such as polyisoprene, polyurethane, or — less commonly — polyethylene resin or nitrile. (For this review, we did not consider “lambskin” condoms, which are made of lamb or sheep intestine and can prevent pregnancy but not guard against the spread of sexually transmitted infections.) A condom’s materials influence its thickness and texture, which can influence sensitivity and heat transfer, as well as its taste and odor.
• Lubricant: Some condoms are manufactured with a small amount of personal lubricant applied. Typically this is silicone-based lube. If you choose to supplement, be sure to select a lube that is compatible with your condom’s materials. This should be noted on the lube’s packaging.
• Packaging: Specifically, consider how easy it is to open the foil or plastic wrapping without damaging the condom.
• Price: A single condom cost you anywhere from nothing (from a public-health clinic) to 25 cents for a basic model up to almost $5 for premium models such as Unique Pull and Trojan Naturalamb. You generally get a better deal by buying in bulk, but you may want to purchase a small pack first to test out a condom before investing in several dozen. Although the 25-cent condom will probably work fine, you’ll likely have a better experience using a condom in the $1 to $2 range.

All of the condoms we’ve considered are FDA-cleared through the agency’s 510(k) process for class II medical devices. This means they meet certain standards for safety and efficacy.

Bodies and personal preferences vary widely. While over the years more than a dozen testers and their partners have helped us evaluate condom fit and feel, we supplemented our research with a meta-analysis of buyer reviews.

We also measured each condom’s length and width when flattened to the best of our abilities, and we made subjective assessments of odor, the ease of opening the package, the quality and quantity of any lubricant, and the ease of application.

For this guide we have not tested any condoms meant to have additional sensory effects, such as flavoring, cooling, or warming. We also did not test condoms containing spermicide.

Top pick: LifeStyles Skyn Supreme Feel

Top pick

The best non-latex condom

LifeStyles Skyn Supreme Feel

Offering a skinlike sensation and great heat transfer, this polyisoprene condom is widely available and relatively affordable. It’s safe for people with latex allergies.

$27 from Amazon(pack of 30)$14 from Target(pack of 10)

Slightly thicker, more affordable

LifeStyles Skyn Original

Made of the same material but marginally thicker, this less-expensive version also offers a skinlike sensation and great heat transfer.

$13 from Amazon(pack of 24)$17 from Target(pack of 24)

LifeStyles Skyn condoms fit and feel far better than rivals — including most latex ones. Next to the competition, they’re also less expensive and available in more styles and size options. The thinnest variety, LifeStyles Skyn Supreme Feel, is our favorite.

The material feels great and has fit-enhancing stretch. Made of polyisoprene, a synthetic rubber, Skyn condoms transmit heat and sensation well. Like most latex condoms, Skyn condoms are elastic and easy to apply and remove, and they stay in place well.

This line of condoms is latex-allergy-safe and available in different styles. Polyisoprene has the advantage of being a safe alternative for people with latex allergies. Skyn models have easy-to-open, aesthetically pleasing packaging and come at a reasonable price: Most retailers sell Skyn Original condoms for around 50 cents each (24-pack), Skyn Elite for around 53 cents each (36-pack), and Skyn Supreme Feel for around 90 cents each (30-pack). The larger (Elite Large) and smaller (Snug Fit) size variants are generally less widely available in stores but easy to find online.

You can also find variants with more lube (Extra Lubricated), flavoring (Cocktail Club), and cooling (Excitation), although we haven’t tested those.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

For some people, the fit or the modest amount of lube may be an issue. Skyn condoms’ material is thicker at the base, which may cause the condom to feel a bit more voluminous toward the head: “Awkward shape made pinching the reservoir tip slightly odd,” said one of the men who tested. “But once I adjusted for the shape, all was well,” he added. Skyn condoms are also notably light on lubricant in comparison with other models, so you may want to supplement with lube of your own.

The scent may be bothersome. Polyisoprene smells different from latex, giving off a faint nutty or sour-milk odor as opposed to an acrid rubber smell. Most of our testers described Skyn condoms as “odorless,” while others were repulsed. While the smell may be initially off-putting to some people, it subsides fairly quickly.

Recent posts on Reddit have called into question a scent-masking agent in Skyn condoms. Apart from the variants containing flavoring or cooling ingredients, all Skyn condoms made since 2017 have included a scent-masking agent, a company representative told us. LifeStyles added this ingredient in response to “negative feedback regarding the natural smell of Skyn condoms,” the representative wrote in an email. “The sensual masking [agent] is used at a concentration where no allergen listed in the cosmetic regulation is present in the lubricant,” they added. Thus, the company is not required to declare this ingredient.

If the additive is a dealbreaker for you, consider the unscented, latex-free Durex Intense condoms we recommend.

Runner-up: Durex Intense

Runner-up

Another excellent non-latex condom

Durex Intense

This nitrile condom is thin, odorless, and safe for people with latex allergies. It’s available in only one size.

$8 from Amazon(pack of 10)$10 from Target(pack of 10)

The Durex Intense condom is the first external condom made of nitrile, a non-latex material that is commonly used to make disposable gloves. (The FC2 internal condom is also made of nitrile.) Like polyisoprene condoms, nitrile condoms are not compatible with oil-based lubes; Durex further warns against using the Intense condom with water-based lubes, which makes silicone lube your only option for supplementation.

It may feel better than you might expect, and it smells like nothing at all. One distinct advantage of nitrile condoms — especially in comparison with latex or even polyisoprene condoms — is that they are odorless. The material is thin and transparent, offering excellent heat transfer for a more natural-feeling experience.

It’s a smidgen wider than others we’ve tested. While this is a standard-size condom, its extra width is likely to compensate for the fact that nitrile has less stretch than latex.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

This condom is available in only one size. And because nitrile has a touch less stretch than latex or polyisoprene, this one-size-fits-most model may not work as well if you need a snugger or larger condom.

Compared with our other picks, this condom is more prone to bunching. Although the nitrile is thin, its texture is not as silky-soft as the polyisoprene of Lifestyles Skyn condoms, for example, and this condom has a tendency to bunch up and not roll on as smoothly as some of the others we’ve tried.

Silicone lubes are your only option. Because Durex advises against using either oil- or water-based lubricants with the Intense condom, you need to use a silicone-based formula for any additional lubricant.

Top pick: One Flex

Top pick

The best latex condom

One Flex

This is the first condom to combine latex with graphene, creating a strong and thin material that allows for more heat transfer than with a standard latex condom.

$10 from Amazon(pack of 10)

If you and your partner are not allergic to latex and are looking for an affordable, standard-size condom that is both thin and strong, the One Flex is an excellent choice. This condom gets its sheer black color from the addition of graphene, a material that One Condoms says allows for additional body-heat transfer in comparison with standard latex condoms.

This condom stands out in a sea of similar latex options. The Flex condom is thin but strong, and it’s soft and stretchy. It also has little odor in comparison with other latex condoms we’ve considered.

It’s typically less expensive than our other picks. While they’re far from the cheapest standard-size latex condoms available, Flex condoms are around $1 each. A 10-pack of round foils is sold in an attractive cardboard tube.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The round packaging, while stylish, is relatively difficult to open. You have no way to tear from the edge, as you do with a square condom package. We worried we might accidentally rip the condom while tearing from the center edge of the package, though this has never happened in our experience.

It’s a bit larger than most standard-size condoms. The Flex condom is on the larger side for a standard condom, with a 54 mm (2.1-inch) width and a 191 mm (7.5-inch) length. If you’ve ever measured yourself for One’s MyOne Custom Fit condoms, the corresponding size would be close to 55H or 55J.

The best slim-fit latex condom: Okamoto Zero Zero Four

Top pick

The best slim-fit latex condom

Okamoto Zero Zero Four

This more-snug option is one of the thinnest latex condoms available. Our testers appreciated its fit, feel, and lack of an unpleasant odor.

$30 from Amazon(pack of 24)

The Okamoto Zero Zero Four condom is technically a standard size with a slimmer fit, which makes it a good choice if you prefer a snugger or slim-fit latex condom.

This condom is thin but strong and has a subdued odor. Although most latex condoms have some odor, in our experience the Zero Zero Four has had a less rubbery odor and taste than others we’ve tested.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

Fit can be an issue. The Zero Zero Four’s “in-between” sizing means it may be too wide for some slimmer 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. While this condom is on the snugger side of average, if you prefer a true snug fit, consider the Caution Wear Iron Grip.

The best generous-fit latex condom: PS Condoms XL

Top pick

The best generous-fit latex condom

PS Condoms XL

This condom offers extra room for larger penises. Compared with our other latex picks, this one has a bit more of a rubbery odor.

$20 from Amazon(pack of 12)

The PS Condoms XL is a larger latex condom that is 4 mm (0.2 inch) wider and 20 mm (0.8 inch) longer than the company’s average-size offering. It is closer in size to the popular Trojan Magnum XL than to a standard Magnum.

It’s thin but strong, and it emits less odor than most. This condom has relatively low odor compared with other latex condoms we’ve tried.

The box is a nice bonus. All PS Condoms offerings arrive in a nightstand-friendly cardboard box with a magnetic closure.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

It’s pricier than most latex condoms. The PS Condoms XL costs around $1.67 each (12-pack). You can save by buying in bulk or through an optional subscription.

Best for custom sizing: One MyOne Custom Fit

Top pick

Best for a custom fit

One MyOne Custom Fit

If you suspect that you’re between standard condom sizes, consider this custom-fit latex option.

$18 from One Condoms(pack of 12)

If you’re between size categories or otherwise have a hard time finding a condom that fits well, consider measuring yourself and ordering the One MyOne Custom Fit, a latex condom available in 52 total size options — far more than what’s available from any other condom company. In 2018 and 2020, we recruited eight panel testers to try these custom-fit condoms. Most were pleased and said they would order the condoms again.

This condom can only be ordered online. You must first measure the length and girth of your erect penis using a tape measure or a printable ruler (which testers reported to be a more accurate option). Then you input these measurements on the company’s website, which generates a code that corresponds to one of 52 available sizes. You can then request a free sample kit that includes a condom in your measured size, plus one a size up and one a size down. (The majority of our testers found that the size they measured was the correct one.)

It’s a perfectly fine latex condom. Testers found the overall quality of the MyOne Custom Fit to be on a par with our other latex-condom picks in terms of material thinness, lubrication, and odor.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

As with all One Condoms models, the round packaging may be trickier to open compared with standard square foils. Consider trying a non-custom-fit One Condoms model, such as the Flex, first.

What are condoms made of?

Most condoms are made from natural latex and coated with a silicone-based lubricant. Unlubricated condoms 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. (Other people 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 a lube of your choice that’s compatible with your condom’s materials.)

Common latex-alternative condom materials include:

• Polyurethane: This flexible plastic is thinner and stronger than latex. It transmits heat better than latex but also has less elasticity.
• Polyisoprene: A synthetic form of latex that doesn’t contain the irritant that triggers people with latex allergies, polyisoprene feels more elastic than other latex alternatives but, in our experience, is less elastic than latex itself.
• Polyethylene resin: Similar to certain types of plastic wrap, this material is three times stronger than latex and only one-third as thick, according to manufacturers’ claims.
• Nitrile: This synthetic latex alternative is also used to make medical supplies, such as gloves. While it is very thin and capable of transmitting heat well, it is not as elastic as latex.
• “Lambskin”: This term 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 people often report that lambskin condoms feel much more natural and skinlike than latex and latex-alternative condoms. They tend to be considerably more expensive than latex condoms.

How to find a condom that fits

If you detest condoms, you’re far from alone. But there are better options. Really.

The most important consideration is size. Wearing a condom that’s too big or too small is a recipe for displeasure (and, possibly, condom failure).

A representative for the condom brand TheyFit, now a part of One Condoms, shared company research in which customers reported detecting a difference in condoms 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.”

The most important consideration is size. Wearing a condom that’s too big or too small is a recipe for displeasure (and, possibly, condom failure).

But condom sizing is not a precise science, and finding one that fits like a glove can be tricky. Because everyone has 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 condom 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.

Once you figure out your general size, try a few different condom 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 sizes.

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. 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. So finding a condom you can tolerate — and maybe even like — can benefit everyone involved.

Any condom can break. Be prepared for that possibility.

The competition

The following list includes FDA-cleared condoms we’ve tested over the years, all of which are good — and may even be preferable for some people — but could not compete with our picks in terms of fit and feel, price, availability, or some combination of those factors.

Insertive condom

Available by prescription, the nitrile FC2 (the “female condom”) is the only FDA-cleared internal condom available for sale in the US. Inserted in advance of intercourse, it works with any size of penis as well as when the penis is only semi-erect, reducing the risk of its falling out or leaking. Insertion involves a bit of a learning curve, however. (One tester reported success using a dildo to help.)

Slim-fit latex condoms

Our testers liked the Atlas True Fit, but they preferred the thinner Okamoto Zero Zero Four overall.

The Caution Wear Iron Grip was our second-favorite slim-fit condom after the Okamoto Zero Zero Four. The Iron Grip is the slimmest condom we tested, and testers reported that this model felt thinner and had relatively little odor compared with the other slim-fit condoms they tried. This condom is so slim, it felt too tight for some of our testers — to the point that it was difficult to take off.

The Glyde Slimfit was the least popular of the slim-fit condoms we tested. One tester complained that the shaft of the condom was too small, and that the tip was too big. “We didn’t finish using it because I was afraid it would slip off,” he said. It also emitted one of the strongest scents of any condoms we tested.

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

Slim- to average-fit latex condoms

A few testers experienced issues with the Kimono Micro Thin rolling and bunching up. Testers liked the Okamoto Crown’s sheer pink latex and high-quality lube. It costs more than our picks and is, in our experience, generally more difficult to find.

Average-fit latex condoms

The Durex Air is one of the most affordable ultrathin latex condoms available, at around 54 cents apiece. Testers preferred the more-expensive One Flex, Okamoto Wink Closer, and Lelo Hex condoms, though, because they smelled, tasted, and felt better. The Durex Air packaging felt flimsier than that of the competition, as well.

Testers weren’t crazy about the Durex Extra Sensitive, either. 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.”

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

Although the Kimono MicroThin Large condom is marketed as having a generous size, some of our testers found it to be too snug and complained that it had a tendency to wrinkle and roll up during application.

The Kimono Swirl has an extra-roomy “double spiral” head that is 12 mm (0.5 inch) wider than the shaft. This shape may feel more pleasurable if you have a foreskin or a larger glans (penis head). But the material is thicker and more odorous than that of our picks.

The Lelo Hex condom features fused hexagons of latex, which the company says “flexes and stretches for a supremely secure fit.” It scored just as well in our tests as other models and is near odorless. It’s typically a bit costlier than the One Flex model we recommend.

Lifestyles Ultra Sensitive is a perfectly adequate condom that is widely available in bulk for as little as 25 cents each (100-pack).

The Lola Ultra Thin and Maude Rise condoms are available for purchase only online. Neither stood out among the ultra-thin latex condoms we’ve tested.

We opted not to test the Nixit condoms because they’re more expensive than our picks and available only through the company’s website.

Testers liked the Okamoto Wink Closer, which comes in an easier-to-open package than One Condoms models and smells and tastes less like latex in comparison with much of the competition. If the One Flex is unavailable, consider the One Vanish. As with all One condoms, its round packaging can be difficult to open.

The One Pleasure Plus has a ribbed pouch toward the head that is supposed to enhance sensation. Testers with foreskins 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 — as with all One condoms — the circular package can be difficult to open.

The Trojan Ultra Thin condom is a bit thicker than our picks, but it’s still a fine choice and easily found in most drugstores.

Trustex condoms consistently earn middling customer reviews. We chose not to test any.

Generous-fit latex condoms

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.”

Available in fewer stores than our picks, the One Legend XL was our testers’ second-favorite generous-fit condom. The Legend is very generously sized: It’s a touch longer than the PS Condoms XL model we recommend, with a similar width. As with other One condoms, the packaging is attractive but occasionally frustrating to use.

The Trojan Magnum XL is perhaps the largest condom you can find at almost any drugstore. Testers found it easy to put on and liked the fit and shape but said it had an unpleasant odor.

Another drugstore mainstay, the Trojan Magnum BareSkin has thinner latex than the Magnum XL, and our testers generally liked it, apart from the plasticky scent.

Non-latex condoms

Made of polyisoprene, the Durex Real Feel is highly similar to the LifeStyles Skyn Original — minus the Skyn’s polarizing fragrance oil. It’s being discontinued, though, which kept us from naming it as a pick in this guide.

We did not test the Trojan Naturalamb condom due to its reduced protection against sexually transmitted infections and its higher price in comparison with our picks. Still, some people who want or need to avoid latex, and who use condoms only for contraception, swear by it.

The Trojan BareSkin Supra is made of polyurethane. While the material is thin and capable of transmitting heat and sensation well, it is not especially elastic, and our testers sometimes found this condom to be a bit too snug, which made it difficult to put on and take off. The Trojan Raw Pure Feel Non-Latex, another polyurethane condom, is a bit wider and shorter than the BareSkin Supra.

The Unique Pull’s synthetic resin material doesn’t have much give: It stays put by clinging to the penis like plastic wrap. The material is thinner, but more plasticky-feeling, than latex. Unlike with traditional condoms, putting this model on involves using pull tabs. “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,” he added.

This article was edited by Tracy Vence and Kalee Thompson.

Sources

1. Patricio Battani, public health services district director at the Vermont Department of Health, phone interview, April 15, 2025

2. Erin Black, sex worker, in-person interview, August 8, 2015

3. Randolph Hubach, director of the Sexual Health Research Lab at Oklahoma State University, email interview, August 14, 2015

4. Milla Impola, director of marketing and communications at Global Protection Corp., August 22, 2025

5. Mark McGlothlin, president at Apex Medical Technologies, phone interview, July 1, 2015

6. Blake Monroe, sex worker, email interview, August 14, 2015

7. Micah Ohanian, lead customer service representative at Paradise Marketing, in-person interview, March 23, 2025

8. Carol Queen, staff sexologist at Good Vibrations, email interview, July 6, 2025

9. Tori Titus-McCrobie, sales director at Paradise Marketing, in-person interview, March 23, 2025

10. Erin Valdes, general manager at Condomania, phone interview, July 2, 2015

Meet your guide

Bianca Alba

What I Cover

Bianca Alba, MPH, is a nonbinary sexual-health educator, consultant, and journalist based in Chicago. Bianca was formerly managing editor of a Kinsey Institute blog and has presented academic research on transgender-youth health advocacy, using sex toys as therapeutic tools in clinical practice, and menstrual biohacking. She/they are passionate about normalizing healthy discussions of sexuality in everyday life.

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