Treat Yourself And Your Partner To A Better Condom

This updated New York Times Wirecutter guide, current as of December 2025, offers a meticulous, expert-led exploration of condom selection. After 65 hours of research—reviewing more than one hundred top-rated and best-selling options, analysing hundreds of user reviews, examining academic studies on condom performance and dissatisfaction, and attending industry trade shows—the editorial team narrowed the field to six outstanding choices. They also conducted interviews with ten specialists, including a sexual-health researcher, the engineer behind the first non-latex condom, sex workers who depend on condoms daily for protection, and scientists from companies such as Global Protection Corp. and Condomania.

Real-world testing involved more than a dozen diverse volunteers—men, women, and nonbinary testers—together with their partners. Trials began with dildo-based simulations at a Chicago sex shop before progressing to human use, assessing fit, ease of application, sensation, heat transfer, softness, and overall comfort. All selected condoms are FDA-cleared Class II medical devices, guaranteeing verified protection against sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy. The reviewers deliberately excluded flavoured condoms, “warming” or “cooling” variants, and spermicide-coated options to maintain a focus on reliability, performance, and broad suitability.

The central finding is that condoms are inexpensive, effective tools for both contraception and STI prevention, but the best condom depends primarily on fit. A condom that is too tight may cause discomfort or breakage, while one that is too loose increases the risk of slippage. Material also significantly affects performance: latex offers elasticity and strength, while synthetics such as polyisoprene or nitrile provide excellent alternatives for individuals with latex sensitivities. Prices range from roughly twenty-five cents to five dollars each, with bulk purchases offering considerable savings. The guide advises beginners to buy smaller quantities at first and adjust based on experience. As Erin Valdes of Condomania explains, “Good fit is an important safety factor. 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.”