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GOOD VIBRATIONS

How sex toys got cool as the industry is set to be worth £27BILLION by 2020

We reveal how to navigate the sex-tech landscape from 'bendable vibrators' to toys for couples

FORGET that Rampant Rabbit – new-gen sex toys are stylish and high-tech.

A whopping 48% of us now own one*, and even Sainsbury’s is getting in on the (sex) act, with its new range of toys starting at just £8.

 The sex toy industry is booming and is set to be worth £27BILLION by 2027
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The sex toy industry is booming and is set to be worth £27BILLION by 2027Credit: Getty - Contributor

“The global sex-tech industry will be worth £27billion by 2020,” says Grace Gould, founder of Soda, a female-focused tech platform.

“This is part of a growing acceptance of sex toys and the positive impact they have on women’s health.”

Here’s how to navigate the new sex-tech landscape.

The one for... Sex toy virgins

 The Bean is super discreet and looks just like a paperweight
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The Bean is super discreet and looks just like a paperweight
  • The Bean, £29, Unbound Babes -

If you don’t fancy the idea of a sex shop, you need Unbound – an online quarterly sexual wellness subscription service delivered to your door.

For around £50 a quarter, you’ll get lube and chic vibrators, such as The Bean, £29, a palm-sized vibe that has six settings and looks just like a paperweight, so you can leave it on your bedside table.

The one for... Getting creative

 Crescendo can be moulded to suit anyone's needs
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Crescendo can be moulded to suit anyone's needs
  • Crescendo, £129, Mystery Vibe -

Crescendo, £129, the world’s first “bendable vibrator” can be moulded to suit any body shape, meaning it also has multiple uses.

You can fold it in on itself for inner and outer pleasure at the same time. Who knew getting crafty could be so fun?

The one for... Being discreet

 The Tennis Coach is discreet and great if you're in a house share
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The Tennis Coach is discreet and great if you're in a house share
  • The Tennis Coach, £39.95 -

Whether you live in a house share or just have very thin walls, sometimes you need a vibrator that makes zero noise.

Smile Makers personal massagers have the kind of stylish packaging you’d associate with a luxury beauty brand and cute names such as The Tennis Coach, £39.95.

Best of all, they are whisper-quiet. They don’t guarantee you will be, though!

The one for... A buzz on a budget

 Ann Summers' Rose Gold Mini Massager has a sleek design and multiple vibration speeds
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Ann Summers' Rose Gold Mini Massager has a sleek design and multiple vibration speeds
  • Rose Gold Mini Massager, £20, Ann Summers -

Ann Summers has led the way in sex toy design since the ‘70s, and if you want a lot of, um, bang for your buck, you need the Rose Gold Mini Massager, £20.

Its sleek design resembles the more expensive brands, and 10 vibration speeds means it’s great value for money.

The one for... Tech geeks

 Lioness has been dubbed 'the world's most advanced smart Bluetooth vibrator'
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Lioness has been dubbed 'the world's most advanced smart Bluetooth vibrator'
  • The Lioness, £215, Lioness.io -

The Lioness – marketed as “the world’s most advanced smart Bluetooth vibrator” and soon to be available in the UK – might break the bank at £215, but it allows you to track your orgasms, like a Fitbit for pleasure.

With sensors that measure your arousal, this vibe also connects to an app that displays each session so you can monitor what gets you off and recreate it.

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