8 Best Condoms For First Time Users in 2023 [Ranked & Reviewed]

Beginners and virgins can be intimidated by choosing condoms, but they don’t have to be. So here’s a list of the safest and the best condom for first time users.

You are about to have sex for the first time. You are excited and maybe a little nervous. You’re thinking about what you should do, how you should prepare. 

Well, it’s not as complicated as it may seem. You only need two things – to communicate with your partner and to play safely. 

This article is about the latter. 

You don’t have to worry about (or suffer from) STIs. You probably also want to avoid unwanted pregnancies.

Well, there is one method of contraception that prevents both – CONDOMS. 

Condoms are a great choice for any first-timer – they’re affordable, safe, and easy to use. And you’re spoiled for choice – there are so many brands and types of condoms out there…. It can actually be a bit overwhelming. 

Well, I’m here to help! In this article, I’ll tell you about my top 8 first-time friendly condoms and also some tips on how to use them properly. 

Let’s begin with the TOP 3.

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Top 3 Condoms for First Time Users

The Best Condoms For Virgins and Beginners in 2023

Lelo HEX is a beginner-friendly 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 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 our in-depth review here.

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Trojan Ultra Thin 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 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 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! 

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

If your 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 our Top Pick, this 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.

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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.

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Your first-time should be intimate. A thick 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 condoms, they have virtually NO SMELL to them, which is always a plus.

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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 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.

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.

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

Many 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 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! 

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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 condoms are coated in premium lubricant, making your movements slicker and your partner more comfortable. 

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The Best Condom For First Time Buying Guide

Materials

Condoms are made of latex, polyurethane, or polyisoprene. 

Latex comes from the rubber tree plant and is the go-to material for classic condoms.

Keep in mind that some people have latex sensitivities, and you or your partner could also be in the same position.

To check if you’re allergic, purchase an inexpensive non-lubricated latex condom and rub it against your skin (on your inner wrist, not your genitals.) If you don’t have an allergic reaction, you can use latex. 

If it turns out that you’re sensitive to latex, polyurethane Is a good alternative.

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Polyurethane condoms are just as reliable as latex, if not more. They seem to be thinner and conduct body heat better.

Sadly, they are not as stretchy as latex condoms, so they do not have a snug fit, which means they’re more likely to break. They are also more expensive than classic condoms. 

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Polyisoprene condoms are softer and feel more skinlike than polyurethane ones. They also stretch more, which gives you a snugger fit and makes them a better alternative to latex. 

They’re a more recent development, so condoms like this are harder to find.

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Size

A snug fit prevents leakage and breakage of the condom. If you wear something too large or too small, it’ll probably roll out.

Condoms in the right size also enhance the experience because you feel your partner more. 

Check the box for sizing info. Consider if you’re bigger or smaller than average. 

You can measure your penis at home (preferably with a soft measuring tape). Always measure your penis while it’s erect. 

Small

These condoms are smaller at the bottom and at the top. If you think you’re part of this group, you should try this first since if you start big; it could fall off during sex, which could cause potential problems.

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Regular

If you don’t know what size you are, try this one instead. Most men are in this size range, so the chances are high for it to fit comfortably. 

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Large

For those in the BIG category, you might need to go large on this one. These condoms are wider at the bottom, which makes them feel better to wear throughout. 

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Extra Large

Now, extra large condoms are for you if you’re sure you’re WAY “more considerable” than the average length and girth for large sizes. A size XL will be much more comfortable and won’t feel as tight.

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How to know your penis size?

We’ve got you, buddy!

First, you should measure yourself if you don’t know your size. Simply wrap a measuring tape around the base of your shaft and write down the number. Then, look at a size chart for condoms to find the right size.

And voila, you’ve found the right match. To get to know more details, see our article on how to measure your penis size correctly. 

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Features

Condoms are NOT MADE EQUAL, and there is something for every user.  A lot of them even bring you some kind of extra. 

You can choose between sensitive and extra-strength condoms.

The first ones are thinner and offer more sensation. The second ones are more thick and secure and are great for anal sex or if you just tend to ride harder. 

There are ribbed condoms, which introduce texture to penetration. I say ribbed, but they can have nubs or other types of texture.

They aren’t the best choice for anal sex because the anal cavity is more sensitive, but they are excellent for enhanced vaginal stimulation. 

You can also get flavored condoms to keep you and your partner safe during oral sex. Make sure to buy quality ones because cheap artificial flavors and scents might cause allergies in some people.

Some condoms help with premature ejaculation. But be careful – they work by making your penis numb because of a chemical inside them.

If you’re numb, you risk losing your erection or just losing up on a lot of pleasure. 

We also have a standalone guide on the best condoms that you may want to try.

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Lubricants

When choosing the best lubricant for your condoms, you should consider the different kinds available. Lubes come in different bases: water, silicone, oil, and hybrid formulas.

Most hybrid lubricants have both water and silicone in them. However, many other types exist, depending on the brand and preferences.

Of course, for condoms, there are specific materials that don’t do well with certain bases. So you should also check their compatibility, as provided in this article on what lubricants can be used with condoms. 

As a general recommendation, though, the safest option for first-timers is to use a water-based lubricant. It dries quicker than other options, but it’s the safest bet in having fewer reactions. 

To check out all the best lubricants in the market, see our list of the best sexual lubricants in 2023.

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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.

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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%.

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How do I wear condoms properly?

For your 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 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 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 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.

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What if my condom breaks or slips during sex?

Yes, condom mishaps happen sometimes.

The 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 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.

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. 

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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. 

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How to convince partner to use condoms?

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.

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

You can buy 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. 

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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 condom and have some fun! And always remember to keep one on you – you never know when you’ll get lucky.