The best condoms in the UK 2023

The main purpose of condoms is to prevent pregnancy and to protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Their reliability is 98%, not 100% as many believe. To choose the right brand and especially the right size, read our guide to the best condoms of the moment.

Préservatif stimulateur et retardateur Durex Surprise Me Deluxe 1
9/10

Best value for money

Préservatif stimulateur et retardateur Durex Surprise Me Deluxe

The best condom in 2021

Want to enjoy a sensational moment with your partner? Find your pleasure with the Durex condom. It is easy to put on. Moreover, this condom is made of transparent and lubricated latex. What guarantees you an unprecedented pleasure.

20,31 £ on Amazon
Manix Contact Sensations Intactes Ultra-fins 2
8/10

Best value for money

Manix Contact Sensations Intactes Ultra-fins

The best entry-level condom

These Contact Sensation Ultra-thin condoms from Manix are resistant and provide different sensations. Their smooth and lubricated surface makes them very comfortable.

4,60 £ on Amazon

The Manix Contact are a reference as regards ultra fine condoms. Their smoothness offers very realistic feelings and their flexibility makes it possible to resist in all circumstances. Of profiled form, these condoms bring a great freedom to the users. Its smooth surface and its balanced lubrication ensure a maximum of comfort and pleasure obviously.

These condoms are made of natural rubber latex, which can cause allergic reactions. However, for those who are not allergic to it, Manix Contact Sensations Ultra-fine condoms are effective against unwanted pregnancy or STDs.

Ceylor extra-thin latex-free condom 3
9/10

Best premium value for money

Ceylor extra-thin latex-free condom

The best high-end condom

Want to have a great sex life? This Ceylor condom will give you a more natural feeling. The material with which it is made is resistant, but smooth and especially latex-free. If you are allergic to latex, it is highly recommended.

135 £ on Amazon

When wearing it, experience a new sensation. Take advantage of its effective protection whether it is during a fellatio, a vaginal or even an anal penetration. Indeed, this condom will never break, no matter the intensity of your sexual games. Extremely thin and transparent, it will protect you without you feeling it. You will not even feel it during your lovemaking.

This condom is also odorless. It is a true standard of the market. It uses a silicone oil-based lubricating gel. With its extra-fine touch, you will feel the sensuality of your intimate parts. This pack of 100 condoms will give you 100 times more pleasure.

Préservatif sensation naturel Skyn 4
7/10

The most durable

Préservatif sensation naturel Skyn

The most durable

You wish to perfect your sexual adventure? It is the goal of this condom without latex. With its presence, you will feel the softness and the comfort. It is one of the most popular condoms of the moment.

31,45 £ on Amazon
Buying guide • November 2023

Best condom

Any specific needs?

The best condom in 2021

The best entry-level condom

The best high-end condom

The most durable

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best condoms

TOP OF THE TOP CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
Préservatif stimulateur et retardateur Durex Surprise Me Deluxe 5
9/10
Manix Contact Sensations Intactes Ultra-fins 6
8/10
Ceylor extra-thin latex-free condom 7
9/10
Préservatif sensation naturel Skyn 8
7/10
OUR SELECTION
Préservatif stimulateur et retardateur Durex Surprise Me Deluxe
Manix Contact Sensations Intactes Ultra-fins
Ceylor extra-thin latex-free condom
Préservatif sensation naturel Skyn
Want to enjoy a sensational moment with your partner? Find your pleasure with the Durex condom. It is easy to put on. Moreover, this condom is made of transparent and lubricated latex. What guarantees you an unprecedented pleasure.
These Contact Sensation Ultra-thin condoms from Manix are resistant and provide different sensations. Their smooth and lubricated surface makes them very comfortable.
Want to have a great sex life? This Ceylor condom will give you a more natural feeling. The material with which it is made is resistant, but smooth and especially latex-free. If you are allergic to latex, it is highly recommended.
You wish to perfect your sexual adventure? It is the goal of this condom without latex. With its presence, you will feel the softness and the comfort. It is one of the most popular condoms of the moment.
Lubricant
Yes
52 mm
Yes
Yes
Diameter
56
Latex natural
56
34
Material
Latex
Ultrafins
Latex
polyisoprene
Texture
Varied
Prelubricated
Beaded or ribbed
Smooth
Quantity per can
40 condoms
28 condoms
100 condoms
54 condoms

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How to choose your condom

Safe sex and unwanted pregnancy are the two main reasons men and women use condoms. And when choosing one, consider the 5 criteria below.

#1 - Size

Condoms are available in standard sizes, but also in small and large sizes. However, since brands have their own sizing systems, it can be difficult to find an appropriate size without trying a few. It is best to try different sizes to find the one that fits best. A condom should not be too big or too tight, or it may become uncomfortable or tear during sex.

#2 - Material and texture

Condoms are traditionally made from ultra-thin rubber latex. However, this material causes allergies. To remedy this, there are now condoms made of polyurethane or polyisoprene, which are just as effective and durable as latex condoms. Compared to latex condoms, plastic condoms are more expensive and remain difficult to find.

#3 - Lubricant composition

Lubricants are essential for an experience very close to condomless sex. Generally, condoms contain petroleum-free or water-based lubricants. However, there are other chemicals such as N-9 spermicide that manufacturers use for added safety and to delay ejaculation.

#4 - Thickness and strength

Some

condoms are very thin to provide more sensation. But they are also more fragile and more likely to crack during sex. On the other hand, thicker condoms ensure safer sex. In general, thicknesses range from 0.044 to 0.114 mm, with the average being around 0.07 mm.

#5 - Climax control

Some manufactured condoms contain a tiny amount of benzocaine, a local anesthetic designed to delay orgasm by slightly numbing the nerve endings of the penis. Usually recommended for those with premature ejaculation anxieties, they only affect the wearer. Durex condoms contain benzocaine, a product approved by the Board of Health.

How to choose the right condom size?

The best condoms 9

Determining the right condom size can be complex. A condom that is too tight is painful to wear, while one that is too loose can slip off. Here are some tips for choosing the right size.

Understand the indications on the boxes

On each condom box, you can find a "nominal width", which is the width of the condom when it is opened. This size will give you an indication of the size category you are looking at. This distinction can be helpful because condom names can often be confusing, and what is standard for one brand may be large for another.

Indeed, length can be quite complex because different condom manufacturers use slightly different measurements, so what one manufacturer calls large may actually be standard for another. For this reason, standard condoms can range in length from 184.15 to 198.12 mm; small condoms can range from 177.8 to 198.12 mm; large condoms range in length from 184.15 to 205.74 mm.

Based on nominal width or diameter

It is best to use the width of the condom when comparing condom sizes. As a general rule, condoms with a width of 44.45 to 50.8 mm are generally considered standard, while those under 44.45 mm are classified as tight and condoms over 50.8 mm are considered large.

The different types of condoms

There are many types of condoms. Hard to choose? Here's what you need to know.

Latex condoms

These types of condoms are inexpensive, strong and widely used. Latex is natural rubber that comes from certain trees. Generally, condoms for men are made of latex. About 98% effective, they prevent pregnancy and are very effective against STDs when used correctly.

However, standard latex condoms should only be used with water or a silicone-based lubricant, as oil-based lubricants can cause latex degradation. If the condom causes irritation, it may be due to a latex allergy.

Latex-free condoms

Polyurethane and polyisoprene condoms are made from thin rubber and are latex-free. They are the best option for those with latex allergies. They are relatively thinner than their latex counterpart, which means these condoms transmit more heat. And that makes the experience as natural as possible.

Because the material is thinner than latex, some men find these alternatives more comfortable and less likely to interfere with sensitivity. Most condoms made of either material rarely tear as long as you follow the instructions for use.

Specialized condoms

These

types of condoms can be flavored, textured, fancy shaped, and even glow in the dark. The problem with some specialty condoms is that they are not completely safe for preventing sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy.

The best way to determine if the condom is effective or not is to check its packaging. The product should have CF and NE markings. It will also give you all the information you need about HIV and STD prevention. If the brand does not have this information, it is better to choose a more reliable model.

Latex condom or natural latex condom?

Latex condom

Made from thin plastic, polyurethane condoms offer similar protection against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections as latex condoms. It is the most commonly used type of condom. But it doesn't have all the advantages.

Advantages:

  • They transmit heat better. That warm feeling can help increase pleasure.
  • They protect against both pregnancy and many STDs.
  • Available in both male and female versions.

Disadvantages:

  • More expensive
  • Less effective than latex condoms for pregnancy and STD prevention
  • Less elastic and looser than latex condoms, there is a greater risk of polyurethane condoms slipping or tearing during sex.
  • Looser in shape.
  • Lack of lubricant

Natural latex condom

Natural latex condoms are one of the newest condom options on the market. They are usually made of lambskin. Despite their ability to prevent pregnancy and provide a natural, more intimate feel, lambskin condoms began to lose popularity after the invention of latex condoms in the 1920s.

Benefits:

  • Softer
  • More form fitting
  • A little thicker
  • More stretchy
  • Lambskin condoms can be used with all types of lubricants, including oil-based ones, which cannot be used with latex.
  • More resistant to breakage

Disadvantages:

  • High risk of unwanted pregnancy.

Verdict

To prevent the spread of HIV and other STIs, latex condoms are recommended. If you are allergic to latex, you can use natural latex condoms.

Why buy a condom?

Condoms are easy to get and easy to use. They help prevent pregnancy and STDs. And condoms can even improve sex. Here are the reasons why it's important to buy the right size and quality condoms.

Condoms are effective against STDs

Condoms are the only birth control method that also helps prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections like HIV, chlamydia and gonorrhea. Even if you are already using another type of birth control to prevent pregnancy, it is a good idea to also use condoms every time you have sex to protect yourself from STDs.

Condoms are cheap and convenient

Condoms are available in many stores, community health centers and online. You don't need a prescription or ID to buy them, and they are inexpensive.

Condoms can be sexy

Protection is important, but so is fun. Condoms offer both! They come in many different styles, shapes and textures to enhance the sensation. Also, asking your partner to put the condom on for you can be sexy during foreplay, especially if you add lube. Condoms can even delay ejaculation, so sex lasts longer.

Condoms can be used with other birth control methods

Adding condoms to your contraceptive regimen can provide additional protection against pregnancy. No method is 100% effective, so adding condoms as a backup helps you avoid pregnancy if you make a mistake with your other method or if it fails.

Condoms have no side effects

Most people can use condoms without any problems; there are no side effects. In rare cases, latex (rubber) condoms can cause irritation in people who are allergic or sensitive to latex. And sometimes the lubricant in some types of condoms can be irritating. If you are allergic to latex, try changing brands or using plastic condoms.

The best brands of condoms

In our opinion, the best brands of condoms in 2022 are :

Durex
Manix
Skyn
Intimy
Lelo

Durex was founded over 80 years ago. It is one of the world's leading condom brands. Durex condoms are manufactured in batches of 432,000. However, if just one condom in the batch does not pass the air test, or the water test (for drips and holes), the entire batch is discarded.

Manix condoms (or Mates as they are called in the UK) are extremely thin and specially shaped so that you can add more dimensions of comfort, sensation and security to your sex. They are among the cheapest on the market.

Skyn condoms feature Skynfeel, a latex-free material that enhances stimulation. It's so soft and comfortable, you'll hardly notice it's there. Marketed at a price well above other brands, Skyn condoms are among the top brands.

It is the third largest sexual wellness brand in the mass market. Intimy defends four fundamental values: pleasure, quality, complicity and accessibility, because the brand believes that sexual well-being must be within everyone's reach. A French brand, it boasts the cheapest condoms on the market.

Originally known as for its high-end sex toys, the brand launched its first condoms in 2016, called HEX. The patented HEX structure claims to solve the three main problems that accompany most condoms: discomfort, slippage, and breakage.

What is the price for a condom

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
4 £ to 7 £
Mid-range
7 £ to 10 £
High-end
more than 10 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Use good quality condoms.

Make sure you choose good quality condoms, with a CE or NF logo on the packaging. This is a European and French quality label.

Check the expiration date before use.

Condoms can become brittle over time. It is thus advised to check the expiration date before any use. You will find it on the packaging.

Use a water-based lubricant.

If

the condom is not lubricated enough, use a water-based lubricant. Lubricants that are oil-based can damage the rubber of the condom.

Change condoms every 15 minutes.

Do

not use the same condom for more than 15 minutes. It can become brittle, increasing the risk of unwanted pregnancy.

Don't flush used condoms down the toilet.

Never flush used condoms down the toilet, as this can clog them. Wrap them in a tissue or paper and throw them in the trash.

FAQ

How can I tell if a condom is damaged?

Damaged packaging is one way to tell. Another is to look at the condom and feel it before you put it on. A condom that sticks to itself, is gummy or brittle, doesn't have the same color all over, or has tears or holes should not be used.

Should condoms be used for oral sex?

YES. Many people mistakenly believe that oral sex is a way to practice safe sex, but it is not. STDs can be spread during oral sex if you don't protect yourself with a condom for example.

What is spermicidal lubricant used for?

Some condoms contain the spermicide Nonoxynol-9 (N-9). N-9 has been shown to kill sperm and/or reduce sperm motility. N-9 is an important safeguard to help reduce the risk of pregnancy in case a condom is not used correctly.

Can condoms tear during sex?

This is possible if you choose a poor quality model. You should also choose the right condom size to avoid such an incident during sex.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. Condom tips NHS, Nhs.uk
  2. Capote Durex or top of the range selection of the best condoms, Madmoizelle.com
  3. The best condoms to climb the curtains, Cosmopolitan.fr
  4. Condom : All about male and female condoms, Santemagazine.fr
  5. Male condom - Advantages and disadvantages, Sante.lefigaro.fr
  6. Male condom a safe means of contraception, Passeportsante.net
  7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Condoms, Health.ny.gov
  8. Condoms : Choosing safe protection, Economie.gouv.fr
  9. 25 best condoms to buy 2020, Healthline.com
  10. Condom and femidom : Swiss aids Federation, Aids.ch
  11. Condom - Wikipedia, fr.wikipedia.org
  12. Condom on sale : No. 1 choice - cheapest price, condomz.fr
  13. 10 condoms for 010€ - Preservatifsenligne.fr, preservatifsenligne.fr
  14. Condom MANIX buy : Super Endurance King Size, manixshop.fr
  15. Amazon.co.uk : condoms, amazon.co.uk
  16. The perfect guide to condom sizes | Durex FR, durex.fr
  17. Buy Cheap Condoms : Ecapote® (Free Shipping), ecapote.com
  18. The 5 Best Male Condoms 2021 - Comparative ..., sante-au-naturel.info
  19. condom : definition of condom and synonyms for ..., dictionnaire.sensagent.leparisien.fr
  20. Effective Delayed Condom ? - I Give You My Opinion, ejaculermoinsvite.com
  21. The male condom a safe method of contraception, passeportsante.net
  22. Condom size : How to choose the right size of ..., lepenis.fr
  23. Condom : all about male condoms ..., santemagazine.fr
  24. Definition | Condom - Condom - Male condom ..., futura-sciences.com
  25. Male Condom - Advantages and Disadvantages ..., sante.lefigaro.fr
  26. Amazon.com: condom, amazon.co.uk
  27. PRESERVATIVE: Definition of PRESERVATIVE, cnrtl.fr
  28. The world's first unisex condom soon to be available ..., peaches.fr
  29. Callvin: Humorous & Customizable Condoms, callvin.com
  30. Male Condoms - Find My Method, findmymethod.org
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Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

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Our selection
Préservatif stimulateur et retardateur Durex Surprise Me Deluxe 10
Préservatif stimulateur et retardateur Durex Surprise Me Deluxe
Manix Contact Sensations Intactes Ultra-fins 11
Manix Contact Sensations Intactes Ultra-fins
Ceylor extra-thin latex-free condom 12
Ceylor extra-thin latex-free condom
Préservatif sensation naturel Skyn 13
Préservatif sensation naturel Skyn

Lecteurs

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