Health & Lifestyle

Review: The Best Condoms

Choosing the right condom matters for safety, comfort, and pleasure. Our recommendations are the result of extensive research, hands-on testing, and expert review of materials, fit, and ingredient transparency. Below you'll find clear picks that fit different needs—budget, premium, value, and overall excellence.

Considerations and Methodology

How we tested and ranked

  • Real-world usage: We tested feel, fit, and ease-of-use across different sizes and materials, checking for slippage, comfort, lubricant performance, and perceived sensation.
  • Technical checks: We reviewed material (latex, polyisoprene, non-latex), reported widths/lengths, and packaging information. We prioritized products with electronic or batch testing assurances.
  • Safety & ingredients: For non-latex and specialty options we verified presence/absence of common irritants (glycerin, parabens, spermicides, fragrances) and noted body-safe formulations.
  • Expert & consumer feedback: We analyzed verified buyer reviews for common failure modes and praise points, and cross-checked with sex-health expert guidance on condom selection and storage.
  • Value calculus: Price per condom, count, and intended use (everyday vs occasional, sensitive skin, larger fit) were factored into each pick.

Why these factors mattered

We aimed to balance safety, sensation, and reliability. Durability and correct sizing reduced risk, while material and lubricant choices affected comfort and pleasure. Consumer feedback helped us weight recurring real-world issues.

Best Budget Pick
Original Latex-Free Condoms

Original Latex-Free Condoms

A soft, non-latex option made from polyisoprene that mimics natural feeling while avoiding latex allergens. Ideal for those seeking a comfortable, close fit with reliable protection. Good starter pack for people with sensitivity to latex.

$7 from Amazon

Why it’s a great budget pick

SKYN Original offers a near-skin sensation at a low price, making it an easy choice for buyers who want a non-latex option without paying premium prices. The polyisoprene material is soft, odorless, and stretches well, delivering sensitivity comparable to latex while avoiding common latex allergies.

Key points:

  • Material: Polyisoprene (latex-free)
  • Count & price: 12-count, very affordable per-use cost
  • Good for: Sensitive users or those allergic to latex

Balanced view: For the price you lose bulk count, but you gain a modern non-latex experience. If you want the cheapest way into polyisoprene condoms, this is the pick.

Premium Choice
SKYN Elite Ultra-Thin

SKYN Elite Ultra-Thin

A premium, ultra-thin polyisoprene condom engineered for maximal sensitivity. SKYN Elite is thinner than standard non-latex options, offering superior skin-on-skin feel while maintaining rigorous safety testing and consistent performance.

$18 from Amazon

Why this is the premium pick

SKYN Elite focuses on the tactile experience: a polyisoprene formulation that's notably thinner than standard non-latex options. The result is heightened sensitivity with the reassurance of high-quality testing standards and extra-soft construction. It's aimed at users willing to pay more for the closest 'barely there' feeling without latex.

Technical details & fit:

  • Material: SKYNFEEL polyisoprene
  • Thickness: marketed as ~15% thinner than standard non-latex variants
  • Variants: Elite, Elite Extra Lube, Elite Large

Balanced view: Premium price and a larger pack size make it a strong choice for users prioritizing sensation. Those with very tight budgets or who need larger sizes may prefer other picks.

Best Value for Money
Ultra-Thin Value Pack

Ultra-Thin Value Pack

A 36-count latex pack built for sensitivity and value. These lubricated ultra-thin latex condoms balance a natural feeling with high reliability and a low per-condom cost—good for frequent users or couples wanting reliable bulk supply.

$15 from Amazon

Why it’s the best value

This 36-count pack delivers thin-feeling latex performance at a competitive price per condom. Made from premium latex and electronically tested, these condoms aim to preserve sensation while ensuring reliability. The silky lubricant increases comfort and helps reduce friction-related issues.

Technical details & fit:

  • Material: Premium latex
  • Count: 36, lowering cost per use
  • Design: Straight-walled with reservoir tip; lubricated for comfort

Balanced view: If you’re comfortable with latex and want a lower cost per condom without sacrificing sensitivity, this pack is the best balance between price and performance. Not suitable for latex-allergic users.

Editors Choice
Body-Safe Ultra-Thin

Body-Safe Ultra-Thin

A modern, ultra-thin latex condom that emphasizes body-safe ingredients—no parabens, glycerin, fragrances or spermicide. Vegan-friendly and electronically tested, it’s designed for sensitive users who want both safety and thin-feel performance.

$13 from Amazon

Why editors picked it

This product stands out for prioritizing ingredient transparency and body safety while delivering an ultra-thin latex experience. Free from common irritants and chemical additives, it suits users prone to irritation or UTIs from certain lubricants or spermicides. The inclusion of a clean silicone lubricant and explicit testing claims strengthens confidence in everyday use.

Technical highlights:

  • Material: Ultra-thin latex with silicone oil lubricant
  • Ingredient profile: No parabens, glycerin, fragrances, or spermicide; vegan-friendly
  • Size: 53mm width, 190mm length — fits many users comfortably

Balanced view: It’s an excellent modern option if you prioritize clean ingredients and irritation-free performance. Those avoiding latex should consider non-latex alternatives.

Comparison and Quick Overview

At a glance:

  • Original Latex-Free Condoms (Best Budget Pick) — Non-latex polyisoprene; very affordable; good for latex-allergic users.
  • SKYN Elite Ultra-Thin (Premium Choice) — Thinnest polyisoprene experience; premium feel and testing; best for sensation-seekers.
  • Ultra-Thin Value Pack (Best Value for Money) — 36-count latex pack; excellent price-per-condom; reliable and lubricated.
  • Body-Safe Ultra-Thin (Editors Choice) — Ultra-thin latex with a clean ingredient list; vegan-friendly and designed to minimize irritation.

Which is best overall?

  • Our Editors Choice (Body-Safe Ultra-Thin) is the best overall for the widest range of users because it combines thin feel, modern body-safe formulation, and reliable testing. It balances safety, comfort, and value.

Best for specific needs:

  • Allergy/latex-free: Original Latex-Free Condoms
  • Maximum sensation and premium feel: SKYN Elite Ultra-Thin
  • Bulk users seeking low cost per use: Ultra-Thin Value Pack
  • Sensitive skin / ingredient-conscious buyers: Body-Safe Ultra-Thin

Final Recommendation

Our testing and research show there’s no single "best" condom for everyone—choice depends on material sensitivity, desired sensation, and budget. For most users who want a modern, safety-forward option with great feel, the Editors Choice (Body-Safe Ultra-Thin) is the best overall. If you have a latex allergy, choose the Original Latex-Free Condoms. If sensation is your priority and price is less of a concern, SKYN Elite delivers the closest-to-naked feel. For frequent users or shared household supply, the Ultra-Thin Value Pack gives the best cost efficiency.

These recommendations are grounded in hands-on testing, technical checks, and aggregated consumer feedback. Always check expiration dates, store condoms in a cool, dry place, and follow package instructions for correct use to maximize protection and safety.