It’s Time to Start Ordering Your Condoms Online—These Are the Best for Women

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Condoms are an essential for most sexually active people. But when was the last time you really considered what type you were using and if it was really one of the best condoms for women? Spoiler alert: There are tons of different condoms available to buy both in drugstores and online, and you might have to try a few to find your favorite.

While there are some non-negotiable criteria all condoms should meet, such as effectiveness at preventing both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), others are up to personal preference. You can find ribbed condoms that advertise more pleasure for people with vaginas and condoms with silicone-based lubricants to reduce friction. There are even souped-up condoms boasting flavored lubricants and other additives claiming to boost stimulation or make men “last” longer (note: these types of perks often come with increased risk of irritation, allergic reactions, and infections, according to experts).

Meet the Experts: Christine Greves, M.D., a board-certified ob/gyn at the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies and fellow of the American Association of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Prudence Hall, M.D., an integrative gynecologist at The Hall Center in Santa Monica, CA.

“I recommend condoms made from very thin, resilient, soft...material where it feels there is nothing between you and your partner,” says Prudence Hall, M.D., an integrative gynecologist at The Hall Center in Santa Monica, CA. “First and foremost, look for one that helps prevent infection and pregnancy,” adds Christine Greves, M.D., a board-certified ob/gyn at the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies and fellow of the American Association of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

If you don’t know where to start, stick with the basics and prioritize what feels good to you. The best condoms for women are the right size for their partner (or one of the best vibrators) to avoid slipping and tearing. They are also effective at pregnancy and STI prevention and don’t include potential irritants, such as glycerin, spermacide, and benzocaine.

Our top picks

Keep scrolling for a closer look at some of the best condoms for women, based on insights from experts and customer reviews.

Original Condoms

The number-one best-selling condom on Amazon, this non-latex, lubricated option is advertised as feeling like skin-to-skin. Reviewers confirm they’re hardly noticeable. “It felt like my husband wasn’t wearing anything at all,” said one shopper.

“The material is a sheer synthetic rubber [polyisoprene] (not PVC),” Dr. Hall explains. “My patients have reported good things to me about these also.”

Bareskin Premium Latex Condoms

Trojan makes condoms that are 50% thinner than the brand’s other styles. They’re made of rubber latex and silicone oil for lubrication—and that’s it. No extra, potential irritants here. Plus, you can get a 24-pack for $24, making this option a great value.

A long-time trusted brand, Trojan’s Bareskin condoms have many loyal users, per Amazon reviews. “My husband and I have been using these for a few years; they’re always durable and comfortable! It feels like there’s nothing there,” wrote one user. “Plus getting them in a big pack like these save you a lot of money in the long run.”

Condoms

“Crown Condoms were recommended to me years ago by a group of university women who tested condom durability,” says Dr. Hall, noting that her patients report these are best for those with normal to smaller penises.

They are unscented, lubricated, and made of latex. “No one likes condoms, but these are the best I’ve used,” wrote one Amazon reviewer.

Condoms

Dr. Hall is a fan of Hanx’s “ulta-thin” condoms, which are made of natural latex rather than man-made latex, she points out. From a woman- and gynocologist-founded brand, the condoms come in standard and large sizes, are vegan, and are free of unnecessary chemicals.

They’re pricier than other options, but well worth it for the peace of mind and comfort they bring, according to reviewers. “What I love most about Hanx is the quality of their products. I’ve had bad reactions in the past from scented lubes, but Hanx products are wonderful on sensitive skin,” wrote one user.

Ultra Thin Latex Condoms

These thin condoms are free of parabens, glycerin, nitrosamines, and synthetic flavor. Instead, they’re simply made with natural latex, cornstarch powder, and silicone oil for lubrication. Tested by women and approved by gynocologists (according to the brand), they’re one of the best condoms for women. Reviewers say they don’t have a smell like some other condoms, and they don’t cause common issues like urinary tract infections and PH imbalances.

“Other brands have made me go in and out of gyno appointments. I’ve been using these now for over a year, and they have been amazing,” said one reviewer. “It is perfect amount of lube, doesn’t smell strange, and my partner has enjoyed them as well.”

Rise

These condoms are from female-founded sexual wellness brand Maude. Not only do they come in discreet, minimalist packaging, but they are made with just the essentials: natural latex, cornstarch powder, and silicone lubricant. With a thin design and free of fragrances and spermicide, they’re a great option for women. What really sets them apart is their easy-to-open buttercup packaging that eliminates the need to fumble with a wrapper and figure out which side of the condom is right side up.

“After stopping the birth control pill, it was hard finding a condom that my partner liked because he was used to feeling nothing. We started using these and will never use anything else. They’re so thin, comfortable, and the packaging is so perfect!” according to one user.

Her Pleasure Lubricated Condoms

Designed with a woman’s pleasure in mind, these Trojan condoms are ribbed on the outside. Everyone is different, but “some people find that the ribbed material adds extra pleasure because it can stimulate not only the vagina for deeper penetration but also, if the ribbed material touches the clitoris, that could heighten the pleasure,” says Dr. Greves about ribbed condoms in general.

This option in particular also includes a reservoir tip for extra safety. It’s made of natural rubber latex and dimethicone, a silicone-based lubricant.

Slimfit Snug Fit Ultra Thin Condoms

These condoms are specifically designed for a snug, secure fit, measuring 6.69 inches in length and 1.92 inches in width (though, the brand sells other sizes, too, including maxi and ultra). Not only do they fit well, but they’re also unscented and free of glycerin and parabens, which is a must for most women.

“If you are sensitive to latex or get yeast infections from other poorly produced condoms, this may be the holy grail of condoms to try,” said one reviewer.

Pleasure Plus Condoms

These condoms have a unique shape that promises to increase the pleasure for both parties. With a ribbed pouch at the tip of the condom that moves back and forth, it’s stimulating on the inside and outside. In addition to this special feature, these condoms are also made of natural rubber latex and a silicone lubricant. They don’t include parabens, glycerin, spermicide, or fragrances.

“My partner and I love these condoms,” said a reviewer. “They leave enough room for a more pleasant experience when he orgasms. They are thin and comfortable and lack the typical unpleasant condom smell.”

Hex Original Condoms

Featuring a hexagonal cell structure, these condoms are as strong as it gets while remaining thin (0.045mm to be exact). The unique texture also helps them stay in place, reducing the chances of slipping during sex. They’re made of latex and are lightly lubricated for comfort. What’s more, they come in an easy-to-unroll wrapper and don’t have a strong scent.

“We won’t use anything else,” wrote a reviewer who called the condoms “thin but trustworthy.”

Best Condoms On Earth

These condoms are 100% vegan. They’re also free of parabens, BPA, glycerin, and nitrosamines. Exceeding FDA requirements for latex condoms, they’re reliable yet thin and come in regular and extra large sizes.

“Never thought I’d order condoms off of the internet, but after reading other reviews, I had to, and these did not disappoint,” said one shopper. “These are amazing; there’s no smell and they’re so thin.”

How to choose the best condoms for women

✔️ Prioritize condoms with lubricant. Condoms that incorporate a water-based lubricant are least likely to cause irritation, according to Dr. Greves. Though, Dr. Hall says silicone lubricant is also “generally well tolerated.” Note: silicone- and water-based lubes are safe to use with latex condoms, but you’ll want to avoid oil-based lubes when using this type of condom.

✔️ Make sure they prevent pregnancy and STIs. Condoms aren’t just for preventing pregnancy; they play a role in preventing the spread of STIs as well. Read the fine print and make sure any condom you use is effective in both areas.

✔️ Avoid potentially irritating and harmful ingredients. Dr. Hall recommends steering clear of condoms containing parabens, nitrosamines, and scented lubricants due to allergies. You may also want to avoid glycerin, as it could trigger yeast infections. Benzocaine, an ingredient used to reduce sensitivity for men (so they can “last” longer), is another red flag because it can sometimes affect your bodily hormones, Dr. Greves adds. So are spermicides, says Dr. Hall, as these can cause rashes and allergic reactions. They may even increase your risk of contracting an STI, says Dr. Greves. Lastly, if you’re allergic to latex (less than 1% of Americans are), use an alternative material.

✔️ Pay attention to size. Condoms typically come in a range of sizes. To make sure a condom remains effective, it should be the right size for the person (or sex toy) it’s going on. A too loose or too tight fit could result in tears or slipping.

✔️ Try different options. “In the world of condoms, individual preference rules,” says Dr. Hall, who recommends taking into consideration condom durability and sensuous feel. It may require testing out a few options until you find the one that feels the most comfortable and enjoyable for you.

Benefits of condoms for women

Condoms are one method of pregnancy and STI prevention. When used perfectly, they’re about 98% effective at preventing pregnancy (though, accounting for tears, leaks, and slips, that figure is closer to 87%).

They’re readily available at most drugstores and can be ordered discreetly online. Unlike most birth control pills, they don’t require a prescription or trip to the doctor. Plus, they don’t impact your hormones, Dr. Hall points out.“I always recommend that my women patients buy their own condoms, so they can be responsible for their bodies,” she says. “Having a few top brand condoms in regular or generous sizes can facilitate this goal. Be prepared!”

How we chose the best condoms for women

We interviewed Christine Greves, M.D., a board-certified ob/gyn at the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies and fellow of the American Association of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Prudence Hall, M.D., an integrative gynecologist at The Hall Center in Santa Monica, CA. Each expert gave us tips on what to look for and what to avoid in condoms with women’s needs in mind. We also researched top-rated options from popular brands and read countless customer reviews.

Why trust us

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

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