Different Types of Condoms: Which One Is Best For You?

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Sex educator Luna Matatas explains some of the most popular types of condoms

Co-authored by Jacqueline Hellyer and Samantha Fulton, BA

Last Updated: September 2, 2026 Fact Checked

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• By Material
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• For Extra Sensation
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• With Special Features
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• Internal Condoms & Other Styles
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• Choosing a Size
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• Choosing the Right Condom
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• FAQs

|Show more |Show less

Are you trying to find the right condom for you and your partner? You’re in the right place. We partnered with a sex educator to help us explain the pros and cons of different types of condoms, from what materials they’re made of to features for added sensation, and more. Plus, we’ll help you with sizing and choosing the best option, so be sure to keep reading!

What are the different types of condoms?

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Sex educator Luna Matatas says that the two most common materials for condoms include latex and nitrile. Lambskin and polyurethane are also popular. Condoms may have added pleasure features (like ribbed, cooling, warming), and other special features (like spermicidal or flavored).

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Section 1 of 7:

Types of Condom Materials

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   Latex condoms Matatas says that latex condoms are one of the most commonly sold options available, “especially in places that are easy to access, like drugstores.” Latex condoms are made of natural rubber latex and are durable, elastic, and effective.

   • Pros: Affordable, highly effective against STIs and pregnancy, easy to find in stores
   • Cons: Allergic reactions to latex, weakens with use of oil-based lubricant, can sometimes reduce sensation for wearer
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   Nitrile condoms Matatas says that nitrile condoms are the other most popular option alongside latex, and that it’s a good alternative for people with latex allergies. Nitrile is a synthetic rubber, so it’s a good hypoallergenic option. It’s commonly used for female/internal condoms.

   • Pros: Durable, widely available
   • Cons: May not be compatible with lubricants that contain 90% or more water, less stretchy than latex, more expensive than latex condoms
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   Organic condoms Organic condoms have little to no chemicals, dyes, or additives. This tends to mean they’re made from natural latex, rather than synthetic rubber. Since they’re organic, they’re also more sustainable and can be better for the environment.

   • Pros: Effective against pregnancy and STIs, chemical-free, ethically sourced
   • Cons: Latex allergies, can’t be used with oil-based lube, more expensive than regular latex condoms
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   Lambskin condoms Also known as natural condoms, lambskin condoms are made from animal materials rather than synthetics. Lambskin can be a great alternative if you have latex allergies, and many people say they prefer the feel of these condoms over latex.

   • Pros: Enhanced sensation, more natural feel, effective against pregnancy
   • Cons: Not effective against STIs, more expensive than latex, some people find the smell off-putting
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   Polyurethane condoms These are made from a type of plastic, and they’re typically thinner than latex condoms. They’re a great option if you’re allergic to latex, and they’re less likely to cause irritation. Plus, they’re compatible with water- and oil-based lubricants.

   • Pros: Enhanced sensation, latex-free, odor-free
   • Cons: More expensive, less stretchy, potential for breakage
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   Polyisoprene condoms Polyisoprene condoms are made of a synthetic version of latex, but they don’t contain the proteins that cause latex allergies. This means you can use them without worrying as much about irritation. They’re soft, stretchy, and offer a natural feel.

   • Pros: Enhanced sensation, thinner, odor-free
   • Cons: More expensive, potential for breakage, limited availability, compatible with water-based and silicone-based lubricants only
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Section 2 of 7:

Types of Condoms for Extra Sensation

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   Ribbed or textured condoms Textured condoms have ribs or studs that can offer enhanced sensation. These offer the same protection from STIs and pregnancy as your standard condom, and they can spice up your sex life with a change in feeling.

   • Pros: More stimulating sex, effective against pregnancy and STIs
   • Cons: Some people dislike the texture, latex ribbed condoms can cause allergies
   EXPERT TIP

   

   Luna Matatas

   Sex Educator

   Luna Matatas is a Sex Educator.

   

   Luna Matatas
   Sex Educator

   Ribbing and textures don’t affect the safety of the condom. They aren’t necessarily critical for condom usage, but if you want to try out something a little different, these condoms have the same effectiveness and safety as other types.
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   Thin and ultra-thin condoms Ultra-thin condoms are thinner than classic latex condoms to give a more natural feel during sex. These are a great option if you feel like regular condoms are restricting your pleasure or aren’t providing enough sensation. Plus, they’re just as effective against pregnancy and STIs.

   • Pros: Heightened sensation, better heat transfer, equal safety
   • Cons: More expensive, not many non-latex options, can dry out faster and require more lubricant
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   Lubricated condoms Lubricated condoms come with a layer of lubricant already on the condom for added convenience. These can reduce friction, prevent pain, and enhance your sexual stimulation. Plus, the extra lubrication can prevent your condom from breaking. But Matatas cautions to be sure your partner isn’t allergic to a certain type of lube—and to buy non-lubricated, if you’re not sure.

   • Pros: Highly effective against pregnancy and STIs, easier to manage and put on
   • Cons: May still require additional lubricant, not ideal for oral sex
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   Tingling or cooling condoms These condoms are coated with a lubricant containing a stimulant to create a tingling or cooling effect. This stimulates the skin and can increase pleasure for you and your partner. These are a great option if you’re looking for added sensation in the bedroom.

   • Pros: Extra feeling, effective against pregnancy and STIs, lubricated
   • Cons: Chemicals can cause allergic reactions, some people dislike the sensation
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   Warming condoms Warming condoms are coated in a lubricant that creates a gentle warming sensation. This sensation activates and increases with friction and can last up to two hours. You might enjoy warming condoms if you’re looking for some extra stimulation with your partner.

   • Pros: Effective against pregnancy and STIs, extra sensation, lubricated
   • Cons: Chemicals can cause allergic reaction, typically not latex-free
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   Numbing or extended pleasure condoms Numbing condoms contain benzocaine which numbs the penis to decrease sensitivity. This allows the wearer to last longer in bed, so you can keep the good times going.

   • Pros: Effective against pregnancy and STIs, prevents premature ejaculation
   • Cons: Takes time to start working, can be a mood killer, can be difficult to adjust to wearing
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Section 3 of 7:

Types of Condoms with Special Features

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   Spermicidal condoms Spermicidal condoms have a layer of spermicide on them, which is a chemical that slows down sperm. They work the same way as regular condoms to prevent pregnancy and STIs. However, the spermicide on these condoms isn’t necessarily enough to be an added protection.

   • Pros: Effective against pregnancy and STIs
   • Cons: Can cause skin irritation, shorter shelf life
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   Scented or flavored condoms These condoms are just like regular condoms, but they have a coat of flavored lubricant on them. Scented and flavored condoms are specifically intended to make oral sex more pleasurable.

   • Pros: Effective against STIs, hides taste of regular latex
   • Cons: Most brands are for oral sex only, risk of skin irritation or infection
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   Glow-in-the-dark condoms Glow-in-the-dark condoms have a thin layer of phosphorous pigment between two layers of latex. This nontoxic pigment is activated by light, meaning they have to be “charged” for about 30 seconds by holding them up to a light. These condoms are a bit thicker because of the two layers of latex.

   • Pros: Effective against pregnancy and STIs, thickness can help you last longer
   • Cons: Short glow duration, latex allergy risk
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Section 4 of 7:

Internal Condoms & Other Types

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   Internal or female condoms Matatas says these condoms go inside the vagina or anus. She adds that some people like them because you can insert them before sex, while others just prefer how they feel. “The material conducts heat a little bit better, so they might feel a little bit more sensation.” Internal condoms provide the same type of protection as a regular external condom.

   • Pros: Effective against pregnancy and STIs, hormone-free protection, flexible timing
   • Cons: Higher cost, harder to find, can be difficult or uncomfortable to insert, lower effectiveness than external condoms
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   Dental dams A dental dam is a thin piece of latex or polyurethane that you use for protection during oral sex. Dental dams are placed over the vagina or anus to prevent the spread of STIs.

   • Pros: Non-latex options, effective against common STIs
   • Cons: Can shift during use or reduce sensation, does not protect against pregnancy
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   Finger condoms Finger condoms are designed to fit on a single finger. They prevent the spread of STIs through fingering and are similar to regular in design. You can find them in a variety of materials, including latex or non-latex options.

   • Pros: Effective against STIs, lower the risk of germs and infection, low cost
   • Cons: Can slip off during use, can tear easily, doesn’t provide full coverage of hand
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Section 5 of 7:

How do you choose the right condom size?

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1. 
   Find a size that is snug, but not uncomfortable, and covers the entire penis. Most people are able to use standard size condoms, since they’re made of stretchy materials and can fit a large range of penis sizes. Sexual advisor Jacqueline Hellyer recommends trying out a few sizes and seeing what’s most comfortable.

   • Matatas agrees, saying, “Different brands have different sizing and different fits. So it’s perfectly normal to have to try a bunch of brands before you find the condom that you like.”
   • Matatas adds that bigger isn’t better when it comes to condom size: “Condoms need to have a snug fit in order to be effective.” She adds, “If it feels too lose when someone is putting it on with an erection, they may need to adjust the size.”
   • You can determine condom size by measuring the girth and length of your erect penis and comparing to sizing charts provided on condom company websites.
   • Or, you can try the toilet paper roll trick: Place a toilet paper roll over your erect penis, and if there’s plenty of room, you may need a smaller size. If it fits snugly, a standard size should work. If it’s too tight, a larger size may be your best bet.
   • A condom that fits well will cover the entire length of the penis with about a half-inch (1.27 cm) of loose material at the tip.

Section 6 of 7:

How do you choose the best condom for you?

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1. 
   Choose a comfortable condom that fits well and doesn’t interfere with pleasure. The best condom for you depends on your preferences (and your partner’s)! The most important thing is that the condom fits properly, so it will be most effective. Beyond that, the best condom for you:

   • Will feel comfortable
   • Won’t irritate you or your partner’s skin/genitals
   • Won’t interfere with sexual pleasure (and may even enhance it!)
   • Will effectively prevent STIs and pregnancy
     • Remember, some materials like lambskin are not FDA approved for STI prevention, so be sure to double check!
   • Will be compatible with your choice of lubricant
     • Compatible with oil-based: polyisoprene, polyurethane, lambskin
     • Compatible with water-based: latex, organic, polyisoprene, polyurethane, lambskin
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Section 7 of 7:

Frequently Asked Questions About Condom Types

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1. 1
   Do condoms expire? Yes, condoms expire. Sex educator Danielle Bezalel says to always check the expiration date on a condom before using it. Never use an expired condom, since it is more prone to breakage and will be less effective against pregnancy and STIs.
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   What should I do if a condom breaks? If a condom breaks, you can take emergency contraception, known as the morning-after pill, to prevent pregnancy. To be safe, take a pregnancy test 10 days after potential conception. Be sure to get tested for STIs as well.
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   Can condoms be reused? No, you should never reuse a condom. This increases the risk of STIs and pregnancy. Use a new condom every time you have sex.
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   Where can I buy condoms? Hellyer says you can find condoms at pharmacies and supermarkets. And “if you have access to sexual health clinics, they often have free condoms, and you can try out different brands and sizes,” says Matatas.

   • If you’re embarrassed to buy condoms in person, Matatas suggests ordering them online. She also says you might go to a drugstore that’s not in your neighborhood. But she adds, “It’s important to know that it’s normal and nobody cares.”
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