How Shared Pleasure Is Changing in 2026
The sex tech industry is having a real moment in the spotlight. Shared pleasure technology is evolving fast, and 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years yet. With rapid advances in design and digital intimacy, couples now have more ways than ever to stay connected, explore new sensations and play in ways that feel authentic to their bodies and relationships. One of the biggest trends are remote control and app connected toys. Whether you’re exploring long distance desire, slipping a little secret play into your public date night, or simply loving the ease of hands free control, these toys are opening the doors for what sex can look like (both near and far).
We’re also seeing a huge shift towards designs made for real bodies and all genders. There is no ‘one size fits all’ type of sex toy. Today’s toys are inclusive, adaptable, and built with the understanding that pleasure isn’t linear. Every body has its own rhythm, its own preferences and its own sexual blueprint, and modern sex tech should celebrate that. High Tide also believes that communication sits at the heart of it all. It’s one of the core pillars of sexual intelligence; the ability to express what you enjoy, listen to what others enjoy, and meet in the delicious space where pleasure becomes shared. The best toys help couples to spark conversations, encourage curiosity and make exploration feel collaborative.
Things to Consider Before Choosing a Couples Toy
Before diving into the world of couples’ toys, it helps to slow down and start with how to communicate about sex. Talk about what you each enjoy, what feels good, what excites you, and even what you’re curious to try but haven’t explored yet. These conversations create the baseline and honestly, it's half the fun of choosing something you’ll both love.
From there, think about your bodies and how you like them to connect. Different toys are designed with different combinations of bodies in mind. Some are perfect for partners with the same genitalia; others are made to complement mixed anatomy or offer hands free stimulation during penetration. It’s also worth considering things like flexibility, adjustability, noise level, and how comfortable you feel introducing tech into the bedroom. There’s no right or wrong, only what makes both of you feel excited, safe, and open to exploring. Take your time, talk it out and let your curiosity lead the way.
Our Official 2026 Couples Sex Toys List
In a rush? Skip ahead:
Couples with Vulva + Penis
For couples with a vulva and a penis, the orgasm gap is very real — and well-documented. Large studies show that penis owners orgasm far more frequently during intercourse than vulva owners. In fact, research consistently finds that only a minority of vulva owners orgasm from penetration alone, while most penis owners do so easily. One widely cited study of 1,055 women found that only 18.4% reported that intercourse alone was sufficient for orgasm, while 36.6% said they require direct clitoral stimulation to climax during partnered sex, and another 36% said clitoral stimulation makes orgasm much more likely
For heterosexual couples, the orgasm gap is very real. Research consistently shows that penis owners orgasm more frequently during intercourse than vulva owners. It also shows us that only a minority of vulva owners orgasm from penetration alone, while most penis owners do easily (National Library of Medicine, 2018). There’s also strong evidence that external clitoral stimulation is the most reliable pathway to orgasm for many vulva owners, which explains why masturbation often leads to more frequent orgasms than penetrative sex (JSM Sexual medicine, 2021). While the exact duration varies widely, studies show that vulva owners generally need a longer arousal period than penis owners before penetration feels pleasurable, especially when it includes sustained clitoral stimulation (National Library of Medicine, 2018). Experts suggest a minimum of 15-20 minutes of foreplay for heightened arousal.
In other words, the body needs time, touch, and intentional build up, so toys can be an incredible way to support that. Which brings us to our favourite phrase, mutual pleasure. Couples toys designed for vulva + penis pairings help bridge the orgasm gap by adding clitoral stimulation, enhancing arousal, and making pleasure feel more balanced and connected for both partners. Toys can create rhythm, closeness, and a shared experience where everyone gets to feel good, all of the time.
Couples Vibrators
Couples’ vibrators are another great way to enhance mutual sensation and pleasure. Hands free vibrators worn during penetrative sex are designed to bring shared pleasure to a whole new level. These toys are designed to sit comfortably between your bodies, offering blended stimulation to the G-spot and clitoris while still leaving plenty of room for movement and intimacy. Most styles are adjustable so you can customise the fit to your body, which keeps everything in place exactly where you want it. Many come with intuitive controls like squeeze remotes, touch responsive sensors or app connectivity too so you can shift intensity or switch up patterns without breaking your rhythm. They’re flexible and usually waterproof, and are made to enhance the experience for both partners. If you like the sound of this, our suggestion for couples vibrators is the We-Vibe Chorus or the INYA Grinder.
Our Pick – We-Vibe Chorus
Our Alternative - INYA Grinder
Vibrating Rings
Often at High Tide we see cis- presenting heterosexual couples who have tried using a vibrating penis ring for clitoral stimulation, only to find it falls short. The motor is usually too small and the ring often sits too far from the body to offer consistent contact. Ultimately, most vibrating penis rings are designed for the wearer’s pleasure. There are specific designs that do support clitoral stimulation, so it is worth looking out for those if you want to prioritise simultaneous pleasure as a couple. Wearable vibrating penis rings are designed to enhance pleasure for both partners by adding shared stimulation during sex. They typically sit comfortably at the base of the penis, creating gentle tension that can help maintain firmness while delivering vibration externally to the vulva or clitoris. Many styles feature soft extensions or textured surfaces that sit within reach of the clitoris, which offers consistent, hands free stimulation with every movement.
Most designs include built-in motors and sometimes even dual motors so vibration is felt by both partners. Controls are usually simple and intuitive, with tap through settings or single button designs that let you adjust intensity mid-play without stopping the flow. Flexible, body safe materials help the ring stay in place while still feeling soft and comfortable.
Our suggestion for vibrating rings is the Fun Factory NOS PRO or the SVibe Jovi
Our pick - Fun Factory NOS PRO
Our Alternative - SVibe Jovi
Remote Control or App Toys
Remote control and app controlled toys are brilliant as they can add an element of playfulness into the mix. App controlled toys can also enhance long distance relationships and connection as you can control toys from different locations. So, if you’re in a long distance relationship, or want to play with someone in a different location to you, the app based toys are the one for you. App controlled toys are bluetooth controlled (thankyou technology) and provide deeper pleasure with an element of cheekiness. Another thing to note is that not all apps are equal in pairing quality. Some perform far better than others, and in our experience, We-Vibe Chorus, Svakom, Satisfyer and Lovense Lush 3 offer the strongest app platforms.
Our top pick is the Lovense Lush 3 app based toy that provides deep, rumbly vibrations to the G-spot that can be controlled by a partner.
Our pick - Lovense Lush 3
Our Alternative - Svakom Erica
Lubricants & Massage Oils
Sexuality and sensuality go hand in hand, and sensual touch is a fabulous way to build up to good foreplay and penetrative sex. Tapping into your senses can make you feel more present and mindful during sex which can increase your pleasure sensations and overall body satisfaction. An integral part of pleasurable sex is using lubricants.
As a Sexologist, I truly believe that lubricant are the secret to great sex. You can never use enough lubricant as it’s designed to enhance movement, creating more pleasure for everyone involved. Repeat after me, lubricants are essential, no matter who you are.
There are different types of lubricants too; Including water-based lubricant, silicone-based lubricant, oil-based lubricant and PH balanced lubricants for vagina health. We highly recommended using water-based lubes with toys, as silicone lube can eat away at the silicone of a sex toy, so stay clear of that. Our favourite water-based lubricant at the moment is Tussle Playmate.
Enhancing other sensations during sex can also highly improve pleasure. Smell is an important sense that can help you feel intentionally turned on and more present. A great way to build upon foreplay is through massage. If you want to make massages even sexier, use our Intimate Earth Chai scented massage oil.
Our picks - Tussle Playmate & Intimate Earth Chai
Our Alternatives - Drip Oil & La Libido Massage Candle
Couples with Vulvas
When it comes to vulva pleasure, shared exploration is where magic happens. Dual pleasure toys help couples stay connected through touch, communication, and playful experimentation. These toys are specifically designed for vulvas and are responsive, adaptable, and built for comfort and creativity. If you’re curious to explore what stimulation can unlock, you can browse our full range here: Shop Vibrators
Dual Stimulators
Think of these as your pleasure multi-taskers. With independent motors delivering tailored intensity, dual stimulator toys create personalised sensations for both partners. Flexible arms adapt to different bodies and positions, while Hyper-Flex technology supports everything from gentle teasing to deeper, more rhythmic play, both together or solo. The finger lock handle keeps control comfortable and secure, and the included remote means swapping settings is effortless (no mood-killing mid-thrust button fumbling). These toys are all about seamless connection, responsive pleasure, and making sure everyone gets exactly what they need. If this taps into your curiosity, we recommend the SVibe Gizi Duo.
Strap-Ons & Harnesses
Strap-ons open up a world of shared pleasure, exploration, and role versatility for couples of all kinds. The best harnesses feel secure, adjustable, and most importantly, comfortable, so you can focus on pleasure, not just readjusting the straps. When a harness fits well and feels good, it creates a space for better communication, shared control and a more connected experience for both partners.
For a setup that delivers comfort and versatility, we recommend the Wild Hide Deluxe Harness with a Strap-On-Me Dual Density Dildo. The dildo’s dual density silicone offers a lifelike feel, while the shape memory shaft holds any position you set. Its ergonomic, detail free curve is designed purely for pleasure, and the suction base allows for hands free play. Compatible with most harnesses and great for solo or partnered use, this combination is all about ease, customisation, and deeply satisfying control. The Wild Hide Deluxe Harness is also Australian made, and can double as a chest or thigh harness too for added versatility.
Our picks - Wild Hide Deluxe Harness & Strap-On-Me Dual Density Dildo
Our Alternatives - Wild Hide Suede Strap On Harness & Lady Bonnd Bendi
Sensory Toys & Accessories
Another sexy way to create deeper, more thoughtful dynamics within your sex life is through sensory toys & accessories. Think light bondage, blindfolds or sensation toys to enhance your connection, feel more present within your bodies and learn to move more intentionally through sex. Whether you’re beginners, or more experienced using sensation toys, there’s always something for you. We recommend the La Libido Statement Wrist Cuffs, the Sportsheets Blackout Blindfold and the Bound M1 Magnetic Nipple Clamps
Our picks - La Libido Statement Wrist Cuffs, the Sportsheets Blackout Blindfold and the Bound M1 Magnetic Nipple Clamps
Our Alternatives: Wild Hide Pleasure Cuffs, Pipedream Satin Blindfold, Scandal Trio Pleasure Wheel
Couples with Penises
More couples with penises are exploring mutual stimulation and prostate play as a way to deepen connection and expand pleasure beyond traditional means. Prostate toys can offer intense, full body sensations and deeper orgasm, and when paired with open communication, they create a space for curiosity, trust, and shared discovery. It’s all about redefining what pleasure can look like, for both partners.
Strokers & Sleeves for Two
One of our favourite sex toys for couples with penises are strokers & sleeves designed for two. Created with open ended or double ended designs, they are made soft, usually with a textured interior. Inside the open barrel, dozens of flexible feelers line the inner channel, creating layered sensation with every stroke. Our recommendation is the Gender X Barrel of Fun and provides twelve vibration speeds for adjustable intensity, a centre grip for easy handling or hands-free positioning and snap-on covers for secure, discreet storage.
Our pick - Gender X Barrel of Fun
Our Alternative - Hot Octopuss Pulse Solo Essential
Prostate Toys
Anal and prostate (p-spot) stimulation can create deep, pulsing sensations that many penis owners describe as completely different from any other kind of pleasure. These toys are designed to target the prostate with precision, helping couples explore new layers of intensity and connection together. When approached with communication and curiosity, p-spot play becomes a powerful way to expand trust and shared intimacy. For p-spot stimulation, we suggest the We-Vibe Vector +. It's waterproof, body-safe, rechargeable and it’s designed to stay in place and support internal and external stimulation (one motor for prostate, and a second external motor for perineum stimulation).
Our pick - We-Vibe Vector +
Our Alternatives - Svakom Vick Neo or SVibe Axi Wand
Our Tips For Using Couples Toys
Building Connection Beyond the Toy
Whilst toys are an excellent way to build deeper, more pleasurable experiences with your partner/s, we find it’s also important to focus on building connections beyond the toys too. Don’t be afraid to start open conversations about what you like and desire, as well as asking what your partner likes and desires. Toys are a tool to enhance intimacy, not replace it, and true intimacy always starts and ends with communication.
Keep It Clean and Body-Safe
Caring for your toys is vital as clean toys keep your body safe and as well as your products lasting longer. Always wash toys before and after use with warm water and a gentle, pH-balanced toy cleaner, and let them fully dry before storing them. Always stick to body safe materials, use the right lubricant for your toy (remember to never use a silicone-based or oil-based lubricant with silicone toys), and never share toys without proper cleaning in between. Think of toy care as part of the ritual, setting the mood beforehand and practicing aftercare once the fun is over. Our top toy cleaner is the Think Clean Thoughts Toy Cleaner.
Final Thoughts
At High Tide, we believe the best couples toys don’t replace intimacy but enhance it further. The right toy helps you communicate, explore, and experience pleasure together in new and meaningful ways. If you’re ready to discover what deepens your connection, explore our curated range designed with every kind of couple in mind.
