The Best Condom

Updated on 8 February 2023

This comparison is certified 100% impartial and follows our selection process.

The Skyn range from Manix has been developed with the aim of offering condoms which are almost imperceptible. Designed without latex and therefore antiallergic, this Skyn Elite model is extremely popular because of its thinness, offering very natural sensations for both partners. Combined with a high resistance and a rather standard 5.3 cm diameter, it has become one of the most appreciated models among the general public.

There are now condoms for everyone's taste, which still remain effective.

Most are made of latex, but in case of allergies, alternatives such as polyurethane exist.

It is important to find a condom that fits, or it may slip off or tear.

Some ultra-thin models are so discreet that you hardly feel them during intercourses.

When we say there is something for everyone, we mean it literally. Do you prefer strawberry or chocolate?

Choose reliable brands and labels such as the CE European Standard.

With a rather standard diameter of 5.6 cm, it is clearly the design and the sensations that make this condom stand out. The beads and ribs all over it are known to make all the difference, despite the fact that it is thicker than other models. With good pre-lubrification, an Easy-On shape easy to put on and a pleasant smell when opened, this is the ideal condom to change a bit your habits.

Without restricting the flexibility of the condom, the Lelo Hex Original has no less than 350 dimples, giving it greater resistance while having an effect comparable to that of beads or ribs. Despite this, it remains ultra-thin, with a thickness of just 45 microns (compared to 55 microns for the thinnest Durex condom). This interconnected configuration of hexagon allows for stretching and twisting, something rather appreciable for those who enjoy more athletic sessions.

Our selection

Our choice, Best mid-range	Best budget	Best high-end
Manix Skyn Elite (x10)	Durex Pleasure Me (x10)	Lelo Hex (x12)
Made of polyisoprene, this ultra-thin condom offers a natural texture close to that of the skin, allowing mutual heat to pass through better, for sensations very close to unprotected sexual intercourse.	Focused on sensations, this latex model has a series of ribs and small beads, supposed to increase the pleasure of both partners. Well-lubricated and easy to put on, this is the condom to try.	This model has a revolutionary design. Composed of small dimples weaving a web on the inner side of the condom, it is the perfect combination of high resistance and thinness.
£ 8.99 on sinful Price search in progress... please wait	£ 4.99 on sinful Price search in progress... please wait	£ 10.99 on sinful

How to choose your condom?

Choosing a condom can be a real challenge. Of course, there is the question of size, reliability… But not only! The names, all more promising than the others, often reveal nothing (or almost nothing) about the nature of the product and it is sometimes a little bit embarrassing to ask a seller for information.

It is therefore first of all necessary to know the basics:

• The material: most condoms are made of latex, a material that is resistant but soft enough not to compromise sensations too much. However, it is increasingly set aside because of the potential allergic reactions it can trigger. An alternative often proposed is polyurethane, which is antiallergic, but generally less flexible and noisier during intercourse, or polyisoprene, which is also anti-allergic, resistant, and as discreet as latex, but a little bit more expensive.

• The size: it is important to choose a condom that fits, otherwise it will be less effective (either it will not hold in place or it will be too tight and tear). Most manufacturers choose a standard size of around 5.3 cm in diameter and 18 cm in length. However, this may not be suitable for you. In this case, look out for models in other sizes.
• Standards: while it is tempting to jump on the first cheap condom, it is best to check that it meets basic safety standards. In Europe, the CE standard must be included for the condom to be considered safe.

Bearing this in mind, it is possible to classify condoms into four broad categories:

• Traditional condoms: usually bearing only the name of the brand or the mention “Original”, it is the basic condom, with all its simplicity, usually capable of satisfying anyone in the mission it has been assigned, namely to protect.
• Ultra-thin condoms: many manufacturers are rushing to make condoms thinner and thinner, to better preserve the original feel of both partners and almost make you forget it is here. However, in practice, thinness is not everything, as other factors such as the texture itself, or the integrated lubrication (which in some cases saves you from having to buy an additional lubricant), can strongly alter perceptions.

• Ultra-resistant condoms: on the contrary, some condoms offer a strengthened thickness, which guarantees increased resistance for most acrobatic sex.
• “Sensation” condoms: while some condoms come in more original perfumes than others, others include breaded/ribbed textures designed to increase sensations and strengthen the stimulation zones (for each partner). Some even have a slightly anaesthetic gel to improve endurance or a stimulating gel with a hot/cold effect.

To make your choice, it is also best to analyse the reliability of the brands available on the market (this is something you should not joke about) and to avoid those who do not submit their products to the CE standard. Finally, note that as condoms are usually sold in a variety of formats, it may be worth looking at the price per piece.

Other condoms we recommend 

Durex Fun Explosion (£22.08 / pack of 30 upon publication): A box with four types. We quite like the design of this box, which offers four types of condoms, each one well stored in its drawer. You do not know which one to choose, even after consulting our article? There is something for everyone: 10 extra-lubricated Feeling Sensual, 10 ribbed and beaded Pleasure Me and 10 strawberry flavours. The perfect way to vary your pleasures at a low price.

Manix Skyn Cocktail Club (£16.00 / pack of 9 upon publication): Perfumed models. If you want to enjoy the sensations of the Manix Skyn polyisoprene while getting a little fancy, these flavoured condoms are the perfect solution. Available in three gourmet cocktail flavours (Piña Colada, Cherry Sunrise and Daiquiri Passion), they offer a persistent taste and smell that is highly appreciated by users.

Durex Orgasm’Intense (£16.26 / pack of 10 upon publication): A solution with stimulating gel. You cannot miss these promisingly named condoms. Made of latex, they have a ribbed and beaded texture similar to those of Pleasure Me, but with the addition of a stimulating gel with a shivering hot/cold effect. Users are not unanimous, but for those who do like it, the promise is kept. 

Translated by Laura Wautier