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Verywell Health / Brian Kopinski
Condoms can be an essential part of a healthy sex life, so finding the right one is key. And there are plenty of options to suit every need. External condoms (also known as condoms) can be used for vaginal, anal, and oral sex as a barrier form of contraception and protection against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
External condoms come in many sizes, materials, and even flavors. There are regular latex external condoms, latex-free for those with allergies, ribbed condoms for extra pleasure, and extra-sensitive ones to make it feel like you’re not wearing an external condom at all.
When choosing an external condom, it’s important to keep size, material, and lubrication in mind. We consulted sex experts for their condom recommendations and usage tips, and researched dozens of external condoms and evaluated them to help you have healthy sex.
Our Top Picks
- Best Latex-Free: LifeStyles SKYN Original Non-Latex Condoms
- Best Snug Fit: Caution Wear Iron Grip Snugger Fit
- Best for Oral Sex: Durex Tropical Flavored Condoms
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Royal Tailored Fit Ultra Thin Vegan Condoms
- Best Larger Fit: LELO HEX Respect Extra Large Condoms
Types of Condoms
Before shopping, it’s important to understand the different types of condoms so you can choose one that best suits your sex life. Internal condoms are used to cover the inside of the vagina or anus, says Vergnaud. Meanwhile, external condoms are designed to cover the penis, says Sophie Vergnaud, MD, senior medical director at GoodRx. They’re made of different materials, including:
- Latex: Condoms made of latex, a type of rubber, are the most common and known to be most effective, says Kiana Reeves, a somatic sex educator, certified doula, and chief education officer at Foria. Vergnaud adds that they are considered the strongest and most reliable protection against HIV. However, some people are sensitive to latex, and it can be degraded by oil-based lubricants.
- Polyisoprene and polyurethane: Polyurethane, polyisoprene, and nitrile condoms are latex-free options for those with a latex allergy. They provide good protection against STIs, HIV, and pregnancy, but they do break more often compared to latex condoms, says Vergnaud. They can be used with oil-based lubes, Reeves adds.
- Lambskin: Lambskin condoms are made using the intestines of lambs. Both Vergnaud and Reeves say they’re not a good option for most people because, although they are OK for preventing pregnancy, they do not protect against HIV and other STIs.
For the purpose of this article, we focus on external condoms.
What Healthcare Providers Want You to Know
- Choose the Right Size: A properly-sized condom should cover the whole length of the penis, leave a half-inch loose material at the tip, and feel snug but not uncomfortable, says Vergnaud. You may have to try a few sizes at first to find the right one, especially since the sizes of condoms vary between brands, and be sure to check the label for sizing information. She adds that measuring the girth of the erect penis can help you find the right size. Her recommendations: A snug fit will work for a girth of 4.7 inches or less, a regular fit for a girth of 4.7 to 5.1 inches, and large or extra-large for a girth of 5.1 inches or more.
- Ensure Effectiveness: All condoms should be FDA-approved and tested for effectiveness in preventing pregnancy and STIs.
- Look for Lubrication: Although there are some unlubricated condoms, it’s usually a good idea to use condoms with some form of lubrication to keep sex pain-free.
- Check the Expiration Date: Yes, these are printed on the boxes and wrappers for a reason. “The materials over time can break down and not be as effective or can be more likely to break,” says Tamika Cross, MD, board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist based in Texas.
Best Latex-Free
LifeStyles SKYN Original Non-Latex Condoms
Thin yet durable
Latex-free material
Includes long-lasting lubricant
Only available in one size
Can be tricky to open
Key Specs
Material: Polyisoprene | Lubricated: Yes | Added Features: Thin
Why We Recommend It
We love LifeStyles SKYN Original Condoms because they’re latex-free while still offering protective strength and a thin, soft feel.
We like that the condoms are all made with a polyisoprene material that does not contain rubber latex, so they are a good choice for anyone with a latex allergy or sensitivity. This thin but strong material provides a barely-there feeling for increased sensation.
The SKYN Original condoms also come with ultra-smooth lubricant to avoid friction and irritation while providing a natural gliding sensation. And they’re found in most drugstores, making them easy to restock.
However, if you prefer a thinner style to enhance sensation, we recommend Skyn Elite Condoms. This option is also made of polyisoprene, but they’re 20% thinner, which makes them ideal for those who don’t love the feel of condoms or have a hard time maintaining sensation while wearing them.
Keep In Mind
If you know you need a specific condom size, this pick may not be for you. Also, the perforated edge for opening is only on one side of the wrapper, which means you really have to focus on opening it in the heat of getting busy.
Best Snug Fit
Caution Wear Iron Grip Snugger Fit
Secure fit for added safety
Scent-free
Reservoir tip for heightened sensitivity
Only available in one size
Not ideal for larger penis sizes
Key Specs
Material: Latex | Lubricated: Yes | Added Features: Narrow fit, reservoir tip
Why We Recommend It
To ensure an external condom performs as intended, it’s vital that it’s fitted securely and doesn’t slip. The Caution Wear Iron Grip Snugger has a width of 46 millimeters, which is 20% narrower than a standard external condom, making them less prone to slipping or moving.
We also like that these external condoms include lubrication for added comfort and are formulated with a reservoir tip for added safety.
If you prefer a thinner condom, the Durex Avanti Bare Real Feel Condom are also a great option because they’re ultra-thin and they’re available in multiple sizes. The right size and right thinness are key to achieving maximum pleasure and a barely-there-feeling condom.
Keep In Mind
While the aim of this narrower condom is to fit like a second skin, it’s best for average to less-than-average penis sizes. Otherwise, there’s a higher ripping risk.
Best for Oral Sex
Durex Tropical Flavors Condom
Affordable
Variety of flavors
Durable
Flavors could be stronger
Better for oral sex than vaginal or anal
Key Specs
Material: Latex | Lubricated: Yes | Added Features: Flavored
Why We Recommend It
STIs can still be transferred through oral sex, which means using a condom while participating in oral sex is ideal for your safety. We recommend these Durex condoms that come in tropical flavors and vibrant colors, making them fun and pleasurable. The pack includes various flavors, like apple, orange, strawberry, and banana.
The condoms are made with ultra-thin, lubricated natural latex rubber that provides added comfort and sensation and helps prevent breaking. We like that these condoms are color-coordinated with the flavors and have a simple, straight-sided design that makes them easy to put on.
Keep In Mind
Flavored condoms may cause irritation or increase yeast and urinary tract infection risk due to the additional substances that give them flavor. For that reason, Reeves recommends treading lightly with flavored condoms.
Best for Sensitive Skin
Royal Tailored Fit Ultra Thin Vegan Condoms
Made of organic natural latex and vegan materials
Paraben and chemical-free
20 per pack
Not widely available
Key Specs
Material: Latex | Lubricated: Yes | Added Features: Vegan, Ultra-thin
Why We Recommend It
Some condom brands contain substances that cause irritation, like casein protein and fragrance. The Royal Tailored Fit Ultra Thin Vegan Condoms are made of vegan materials, including organic natural latex. They’re also pre-lubricated with a pH-balanced lubricant.
The brand founder created them out of necessity after he and his partner had bad experiences with other condoms.
Keep In Mind
Though natural, these are still made of latex, so they aren’t suitable for those with latex allergies.
Best Larger Fit
LELO HEX Extra Large Condoms
Innovative hexagon structure for snug, anti-slip fit
36 in a pack
XL size
Pricey
Key Specs
Material: Latex | Lubricated: Yes | Added Features: XL
Why We Recommend It
While snug-fit condoms are great, they’re not always one-size-fits-all. These condoms are made for those with bigger anatomy but fit well so as not to impede pleasure. They’re also made with innovative hexagon weaving, which makes them more difficult to break than other condoms.
There’s also no funky rubber scent, and the no-slip wrapper makes it easy to remove, unroll, and go.
Keep In Mind
Those with average to smaller penises may prefer the traditional Lelo Hex.
Our Experts
We also consulted with medical professionals for their insights. These experts include:
- Sophie Vergnaud, MD, senior medical director at GoodRx with a specialization in reproductive physiology
- Kiana Reeves, a somatic sex educator, certified doula, and chief education officer at Foria
- Kecia Gaither, MD, double board-certified in OB/GYN and Maternal Fetal Medicine, Director of Perinatal Services at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln in the Bronx
- Tamika Cross, MD, board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist based in Texas
- Jamin Brahmbhatt, MD, urologist with Orlando Health Medical Group Urology and president of the Florida Urological Society
Why Trust Verywell Health
Kayla Blanton is a writer with a bachelor's degree in journalism and a specialization in public health and women, gender, and sexuality studies. She's covered sex, health, nutrition, lifestyle, and beauty at various outlets for five years.