8 Best Condoms For First Time Users [2024]: ultimate Guide For Virgins & Beginners

The best condoms for men provide safety, comfort, and ease. It should ensure a worry-free and enjoyable first experience. It must have a snug fit, feel as close to skin-like as possible, and provide reliable protection against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

In this article, we’ll guide you through various options (latex, non-latex, textured, and more) to find the best condoms—from size and material to the importance of a basic, user-friendly design.

How to Choose The best Condoms For Beginners

  • Size and Fit: Most first-time condoms are designed to stretch and accommodate various sizes, but it’s still important to find the right fit: tight but not uncomfortable.
  • Material: Check for latex allergies, as it’s commonly used in condoms. If allergic, opt for polyurethane or polyisoprene alternatives. Note that polyurethane transmits heat well but lacks the strength and elasticity of latex, increasing the risk of slipping or breaking if not properly used.
  • Thickness and Sensation: For a more skin-to-skin feel, ultra-thin condoms can be a good choice. However, it’s important to balance thinness with reliability. Some prefer a bit thicker condoms for added security, especially for the first time.
  • Lubrication: Using additional water-based or silicone-based lubricant can enhance feeling and reduce the risk of the first-time condom breaking due to friction. Avoid oil-based lubricants as they can degrade latex condoms.
  • Spermicide or No Spermicide: Some condoms come with spermicide for extra protection against pregnancy. However, be aware that spermicide can sometimes cause irritation or allergic reactions in some people.

Top 3 Condoms For Men: A Beginners’ Guide

SEXUALALPHA TOP PICK
LELO HEX™ Original

The LELO HEX™ Original is innovative with its unique hexagonal structure, combining strength and ultra-thin sensitivity for a secure and natural experience. It’s slightly pricier and has a distinctive texture, but its advanced design makes it the best overall choice for first-time users seeking a balance of safety, pleasure, and innovation.

THINNEST CONDOMS FOR FIRST TIMERS
Trojan Ultra Thin

Trojan Ultra Thin Condoms are known for their ultra-thin design, enhancing sensitivity for a more natural feel. Its silky smooth lubricant adds comfort and pleasure for first-timers. However, their ultra-thinness may compromise durability if not used correctly.

BEST NON-LATEX FIRST-TIME CONDOM
LifeStyles SKYN Elite Original

Lifestyles SKYN® Original stands out with its non-latex SKYNFEEL® material, perfect for beginner users with latex allergies. It is soft and comfortable and provides close to a skin-to-skin sensation. However, it’s not as thin as some latex counterparts.


8 Best Condoms For Virgins and Beginners Review

best condoms for first time

Sexual Alpha Top Pick

1. Lelo HEX Original

Material:
Latex
Features:
Hexagon structure
Price:
$$$
  • Ultra-thin
  • Anti-slip technology
  • Natural smell
  • Expensive

Lelo HEX is a beginner-friendly first-time condom. It rolls out very easily, so you won’t have much trouble even if you’re a first-timer.

It also doesn’t slip because of its innovative inner hexagon texture, so you can have peace of mind when getting it on with your partner. 

These first-time condoms are a bit expensive, but it compensates for great quality.

Lelo Hex is ultra-thin, so you can feel your partner, NOT the latex. It’s lightly lubricated so that you can glide effortlessly.

It has a neutral smell – the lack of flavors and scents means it is unlikely to cause you any allergic reaction. At the same time, it doesn’t leave any rubbery smells that can be off-putting. 

Interested in learning more? Read my in-depth review here.


best condoms for men

Budget Pick

2. Trojan Ultra Thin

Material:
Latex
Features:
Ultra-thin
Price:
$
  • Ultra-thin
  • Low latex smell
  • Some people are allergic to latex

Trojan Ultra Thin first-time condoms are made to make you feel close to your partner while also protecting you. They are over 25% thinner than standard Trojan condoms, so it’s like you’re not wearing anything! 

Keep in mind that some people – men and women – are allergic to latex.

These ultra-thin first-time condoms don’t have the strong odor other latex condoms have. You can still notice it if you sniff it, but it’s not overwhelming and won’t dampen your mood. 

These first-time condoms are budget-friendly but still safe to use, so they’re the perfect choice for anyone with a small budget, like students and young adults.

Also, they’re available almost everywhere – you can find them both online and in pharmacies! 


what condom should i buy for my first time

Most Comfortable XL Condoms For First Time

3. LELO HEX™ Respect XL

Material:
Latex
Features:
Hexagon Texture
Price:
$$$
  • Hexagon texture
  • Bigger and stronger
  • Expensive

Some guys are bigger than others. A lot of people think that is an advantage, but it can make using first-time condoms difficult.

If your first-time condom is tight on you, it’s easier to rip or slip off.

That’s where Lelo Hex Respect XL comes in. It is a bit expensive, but well worth it when you look at its advantages. 

Like my Top Pick, this first-time condom also has a hexagon texture that guarantees a perfect fit and prevents it from slipping off.

It’s also bigger than regular condoms, so it’s great for the well-endowed guys. There will be no feelings of tightness.

And it’s stronger, so you don’t have to worry about rips.


condoms for first time users

Best First-time Condom With Sensitive Skin

4. Lifestyles SKYN Elite

Material:
Polyisoprene
Features:
Ultra-thin
Price:
$$
  • Perfect for people allergic to latex
  • 20 % thinner
  • Not the best choice for oral

Your first time can be anxiety-inducing, so the last thing you need is a potential allergic reaction. Yes, some dudes (and some girls) are allergic to latex, so latex condoms can ruin your fun time. 

Well, for the more sensitive of you, there are non-latex condoms available, like SKYN Elite.

It’s made from polyisoprene, a natural rubber. Chemically, it’s the same with latex but minus the proteins that cause allergies in some people.

It’s not the best choice for oral sex because it doesn’t have added flavors or scents, but it’s the best for avoiding allergic reactions.

SKYN Elite condoms are 20% thinner than other SKYN condoms, so you can feel your partner with every thrust. However, they’re still resistant to breakage, so you can play safely.


condoms for beginners

Best First-Time Condoms For Feeling

5. Trojan Supra Bareskin

Material:
Polyurethane
Features:
Compatible with silicone lubricants
Price:
$$
  • Perfect for latex-sensitive users
  • Compatible with silicone lubricants
  • Zero smell
  • Not as stretchy

Your first-time should be intimate. A thick first-time condom can make you less sensitive.

That’s why you should check out Trojan Supra Bareskin condoms.

The name doesn’t lie – the manufacturer claims these are America’s thinnest, non-latex condoms.

They might NOT be as stretchy as latex ones, but they feel like you’re almost wearing nothing at all. 

It transmits heat well, making you FEEL MORE during your first ever sex.

They’re also compatible with silicone lubricants, which last longer, so get ready for a sex marathon.

Also, unlike other first-time condoms, they have virtually NO SMELL to them, which is always a plus.


best condoms to buy for first time

Best Variety Pack Condoms For First Time

6. Durex Pleasure Pack

Material:
Latex
Features:
Textured, flavored, delay
Price:
$$
  • Bulk purchase
  • Textured options
  • Condoms for oral
  • Delay condoms
  • Latex isn’t for everyone

When you’re about to have sex for the first time, you probably want to try EVERYTHING. That’s why getting a variety pack of first-time condoms is a good idea. 

Durex has combined the most exciting batch of condoms for first-timers. They are made from latex, so keep that in mind and ensure you and your partner don’t have allergies. 

You have super thin, sensitive condoms for feeling close to your partner. You will also find flavored condoms, which are great for safe and fun ORAL SEX. 

First-timers may be nervous that they might not last as long as they want.

To prevent any premature explosions, Durex has included condoms that delay your orgasm with the help of 5% benzocaine. You will feel some numbness, which will help you postpone the big O.

Something to note

The numbness is temporary, so you will feel everything again after a while. 

If your girl is also a first-timer (and even if she isn’t), she might have a hard time achieving orgasm during sex. If she needs that extra bit of stimulation, you can use the texture condoms. They will enhance the experience and will heighten the pleasure of penetration.


what condoms to buy for first time

Best Ultra-thin Condoms For First time users

7. Kimono MicroThin Sheer Variety Pack

Material:
Latex
Features:
Variety pack
Price:
$$
  • Ultra-thin
  • Variety pack (including ribbed)
  • A bit expensive

If you want to feel your partner instead of the condom, thin first-time condoms are the way to go. That’s exactly what you get with this pick – some of the thinnest condoms out there.

Many first-time condoms on this list are on the thin side, but these are the LIGHTEST you can find on the market. That will make the whole experience more intimate (as every first time should be).

Kimono’s variety pack condoms are a great choice for first-timers who aren’t sure what exactly they’re looking for but are SURE they want a thin option.

You can play around with 4 types of condoms (including ribbed ones) to experiment and see what suits you and your partner most. 

The downside? Quality first-time condoms like that cost a bit more than standard ones. But if you want something thin but still reliable and safe, a few extra bucks are worth it! 


what condoms to buy for the first time

Best Condom Brand for First Timers

8. Trojan Sensitivity BareSkin

Material:
Latex
Features:
Ultra-thin, premium lubricant
Price:
$
  • Ultra-thin
  • Coated in premium lubricant
  • Pack of 10
  • Strange smell

The first time you have sex is often so exciting, you just want to do it again and again… and most people really do go for seconds (and more) their first time.

That’s why it’s important to have enough condoms on you. Even better if they don’t cost you an arm and a leg.

I recommend the Trojan Sensitivity BareSkin pack – 10 whole condoms! They’re reliable for peace of mind and super thin so that you can be more receptive to pleasure.

Their only downside, if I have to pick one, is the smell – it’s not a deal breaker, but it isn’t my favorite thing either.

Another bonus – these first-time condoms are coated in premium lubricant, making your movements slicker and your partner more comfortable. 


FAQs

What is the best condom for first time users?

Ultra-thin condoms are great for first-time users because, unlike other condoms, they feel like there’s nothing in between you and your partner. 

One would want to have the most fun and feel the most pleasure so that he can live up to their partner’s expectations. And regular latex condoms will take away some of that pleasure, but the thin variety lets the user feel the stimulation and satisfaction throughout their shaft.


How effective are condoms?

When used as intended, male condoms are 98% effective in preventing unwanted pregnancies and STIs. Effectiveness rates are up to 10 times lower than theoretical effectiveness when action from the user is required.

Failure rates for condoms range from 3% to 15%, the non-latex condoms having a higher frequency of breakage or slippage at 4% than latex condoms at 1.3%.


How do I wear condoms properly?

For your first-time condom to work like it’s supposed to, you must know how to put it on. Otherwise, your condom might break, or you may transfer some precum to your partner’s genitals or get their juices on your penis. This increases the risk of pregnancy or STIs.

Luckily for you, putting on a first-time condom is easy. Every condom rolls out the same way, no matter what size or type you use. 

You can practice on yourself so you feel more confident when the time to use a condom comes. You can also practice on something like a cucumber or banana. 

Get some inexpensive first-time condoms from the store for practice purposes. If you don’t want to waste money, there are many places where you can get them for free. Try government health clinics, STI prevention centers, and more.  

Here are the steps you should follow:

  • Give yourself an erection. It’s nearly impossible to put a condom on if your member is soft. 
  • Open the packet. Don’t use your teeth; you risk damaging the condom. 
  • If you are uncircumcised, pull the foreskin back.
  • Take a close look at the condom to see in which direction it rolls out. Blow at the center of the condom so the tip pops out, and you can see things more clearly. 
  • Pinch the air out of the end before you roll the condom all the way down your shaft. 

Put your first-time condom on before you come in contact with your partner’s private parts, especially if it’s a new partner. You can pick up infections from body fluids.


What if my first-time condom breaks or slips during sex?

Yes, a first-time condom mishaps happen sometimes.

The first-time condom might tear and bunch up around the base of your penis or have a smaller rip that’s unnoticeable until you take it off and see that semen is leaking through.

A first-time condom can also come off inside the vagina during or after sex. 

But there are steps you can take to prevent these things from happening. 

  • Make sure to use the correct size condom.
  • Never use a condom past its expiration date.
  • Always pull out of the vagina while you are still hard.
  • Hold onto the base of the condom when you pull out.

Something to note

If something goes amiss, you can still prevent pregnancy with emergency contraception like the morning-after pill.

Your girl must take it as soon as possible. Some pills work a few days later; some must be taken within 24 hours. A woman should always ask a doctor about her options. 

You and your partner should also get tested for STIs, especially if you’re a new couple, don’t know much about each other’s sexual history, or if you’re not monogamous.

A broken condom leaves you vulnerable to bacteria and viruses transmitted via sexual fluids. Often, STIs don’t show any symptoms, so don’t skip the doctor’s visit even if you feel well.

Condoms rarely break when used properly, so don’t worry.  Still, it’s a good idea to have a plan ready if you make a mistake. 


How do I properly dispose of my used condom?

Make sure to pull out while your penis is still hard to prevent leakage and slipping. Hold the condom at the base while pulling out. Then slowly withdraw from the condom.  

Tie the end of the condom in a knot. Press on the balloon to check if there is any microtear or leakage. 

Dispose of your condom in the trash, not the toilet, because it will likely clog it. 


How to convince partner to use condoms For First Time?

The best way to ensure you can put on a condom and convince your partner is to practice beforehand. Then, when the time comes to do it for real, you’ll know what you’re doing.

Putting on a condom can be very sensual. It doesn’t have to be done by you all the time; it can be a personal thing that your partner does.


Where can I find the best condoms for first time buyers on the internet? 

You can buy first-time condoms online in complete privacy, and your order will be at your door in a way that no one will know.

Just make sure you go to reputable sellers. I suggest checking out SheVibe, Lovehoney, or LELO as your starting point. 


Final Thoughts 

Your first time might make you feel both excited and anxious.

Rest assured that as long as you get the proper protection, all the other stuff will sort itself out.

Get a first-time condom and have some fun! And always remember to keep one on you – you never know when you’ll get lucky

Dainis Graveris

Dainis Graveris

Over last 4 years Dainis have helped millions of people through his advice on this site (200+ guides and 1M+ visits/monthly). His work & advice has appeared on sites like: Healthline, Vice, Cosmopolitan, Men's Health, WomensHealthMag, MindBodyGreen & more. Read More.

Got Questions? Ping me on Twitter.