The cock ring guide

Cock rings, explained

What a cock ring does, how to find your size, the five types worth knowing, and how to wear one safely.

Updated September 20265 min read By Adam's Toy Box

What a cock ring does

When you get hard, blood flows into the penis. A cock ring sits snug around the base and slows the blood flowing back out. Your erection can feel firmer and fuller and last longer, and a lot of guys find everything feels more intense.

Some guys put one on after a pump session to hold the size a little longer. Any extra size is temporary.

Find your size

  1. Grab a soft tape measure

    A sewing tape works, or a strip of paper you mark with a pen. Measure when you're hard.

  2. Measure around

    For a ring on the shaft, wrap the tape around the base of your shaft. For a ring behind your balls, wrap it around the shaft and balls together, close to your body. Snug, not tight.

  3. Measure twice

    Do it again and make sure you get the same number.

  4. Work out the diameter

    Rings are sold by inside diameter. Divide your measurement by 3.14: a 5.5 in circumference is about a 1.75 in ring. Between sizes? Go up, never down.

    Not sure? Stretchy and adjustable rings fit almost everyone. Metal and firm rings need your exact size.

The five types

Pick by how firm you want the fit and how much you want to adjust it.

Type 1

Stretchy rings

Soft silicone or rubber that stretches over your shaft and balls. Cheap, comfortable and the best way to start.

Good for

  • Beginners
  • Fitting most sizes
  • Doubling as a cock and ball ring

Watch out for

  • Less grip than firm rings
  • Wears out sooner

  1. Stretchy: three sizes

    Perfect Fit Xact Fit 3 Ring Kit

    $22.95

    Three soft rings in stepped sizes, so you can find your fit without guessing.

    See it

  2. Stretchy: thick and cushy

    Oxballs DO-NUT-2 Cock Ring

    $5.99

    A thick, squishy ring that's comfortable on your shaft or behind your balls. An easy first ring at a low price.

    See it

Type 2

Adjustable rings

A lasso or a strap you tighten to exactly the pressure you want. Great when you don't know your size yet, and just as good once you do.

Good for

  • Dialing in the pressure
  • Thick or slim shafts
  • Beginners and regulars

Watch out for

  • Takes a moment to set
  • No vibration

  1. Adjustable: 17 settings

    Speed Shift 17 Adjustments Cock Ring

    $19.99

    Seventeen snap points, from gentle to tight. The one we recommend most to first-timers.

    See it

  2. Adjustable lasso

    Rock Solid Lasso Single Adjustable Lock Black Silicone

    $9.99

    A soft silicone cord with a sliding lock. Pull to tighten, slide to release.

    See it

Type 3

Vibrating rings

A ring with a small motor that buzzes against your balls, or against your partner during sex. Just as good on your own.

Good for

  • Extra sensation for both of you
  • Adding to solo play

Watch out for

  • Costs more
  • Some aren't adjustable

  1. Vibrating

    Fantasy C-Ringz Rock Hard Ass-Gasm Vibrating Ring

    $49.99

    A cock ring and a ball ring with a vibrating bullet between them. Hypoallergenic silicone and waterproof.

    See it

  2. Vibrating double ring

    OptiMale Vibrating Double C Ring

    $54.88

    Two rings, one for your shaft and one for your balls, with dual vibrators that reach your partner too.

    See it

Type 4

Metal and firm rings

Steel or hard silicone. A firm, even grip and a look that's part accessory. These need your exact size.

Good for

  • The firmest grip
  • Lasting for years
  • The look

Watch out for

  • Must be sized exactly
  • Harder to take off in a hurry

  1. Steel with some give

    OptiMale FlexiSteel Cock Ring

    From $24.99

    Steel wrapped in silicone, so you get the weight and look of metal with a little flex. Two sizes.

    See it

  2. Classic steel

    Silver Metal Cock Ring

    $9.99

    A smooth, polished steel ring. Simple, heavy and sharp. Measure first.

    See it

Type 5

Cock and ball rings

Worn around your shaft and behind your balls, closer to your body, for a fuller hold. Some split your balls, some lift them.

Good for

  • A fuller, firmer hold
  • Showing off

Watch out for

  • Too tight for some guys
  • More steps to put on

  1. Cock and ball

    Oxballs TruckT Cock & Ball Ring - Pack of 2

    $15.99

    Super-stretchy TPR that fits most guys, in a pack of two.

    See it

  2. Cock and ball sling

    Hunky Junk Clutch Cock & Ball Sling

    $25.99

    A sling that lifts your balls and holds your shaft. Soft, stretchy and made to be seen.

    See it

How to put one on

  1. Start soft or half-hard

    It's much easier to put a ring on before you're fully hard.

  2. Add a little lube

    A drop of water-based lube inside the ring helps it slide.

  3. Balls first, then the shaft

    For a ring that goes behind your balls, ease them through one at a time, then your shaft. For a shaft ring, roll it down to the base.

  4. Take it off gently

    Wait until you've softened a little, add lube and ease it off: shaft first, then your balls.

Play safe

Do

  • Choose the right size
  • Use lube to put it on and take it off
  • Trim hair around the base
  • Take it off after sex

Don't

  • Wear one for more than 30 minutes
  • Fall asleep with one on
  • Use anything not made to be a cock ring
  • Force on a ring that's too small

Cock ring questions

How long can I wear a cock ring?

Up to 30 minutes at a time. Take it off and give yourself a break before putting it back on.

Which lube should I use?

Water-based. It's safe with every ring material, including silicone.

Can I share a ring?

Silicone and metal rings are fine to share once they've been washed with warm water and soap or a toy cleaner. Porous materials like TPR and jelly are best kept to one person.

Keep reading

Find yours

173 rings. One that fits.

Stretchy, adjustable, metal and vibrating, all in one place.

Shop cock rings Cock and ball rings