Sex machines explained: every type, and which one suits you

A sex machine is a motorised device that moves an attachment for you, hands-free. The two main types are thrusting machines (you lie back) and saddle machines (you ride). Everything else is detail, and most of the detail is a spec sheet written by someone who has never met a body.

The short answer: if you want to lie back, you want a thrusting machine. If you want to ride, you want a saddle machine. Pick the type first. The product is the easy bit after that.

The six types

How to choose in four questions

1. Riding or lying back? That one answer picks saddle or thrusting for you. Riders torn between the two big names can read how the Motorbunny and the Sybian differ.
2. Where will it live? The machines in my guides weigh from about 10 lb to 25 lb. If it has to go back in a cupboard every time, weight matters more than wattage.
3. Who's at the controls? Just you, a wired remote is fine. A partner in another room or another country, you want app control.
4. How will you clean it? Silicone attachments are non-porous and easy to keep clean. TPE is softer but porous and needs more care.

The specs that matter (and the ones that don't)

• Stroke length (thrusting): how far the attachment travels. Short for beginners and anal play, adjustable if you want room to grow.
• Speed range: check the slowest setting, not just the fastest.
• Mount: suction cups are the usual weak point on budget machines. Clamps, weighted bases, and adjustable arms hold steadier.
• Connector: KlicLok, 3XLR, and Vac-U-Lock decide which attachments fit. They don't mix without adapters.
• Noise: most makers don't publish a figure. When one does, I say so. When one doesn't, I say that too, and Gary downstairs gets to keep wondering.
• Returns window: on a big purchase, this is your safety net.
• Matters less than you'd think: peak wattage and the word "revolutionary" on the box.

What is the best sex machine for beginners?

For most beginners, the Auxfun Basic: the cheapest thrusting machine in my guide, with a maker-published noise figure of 40 to 60 dB and a short 2.4 in stroke. Saddles start around $1,000, so try a thrusting machine first and find out what you like.

Safety, the non-negotiable bit

Buy commercially made machines and use them as the maker intends. Start at the slowest speed, use plenty of lube (water-based is safe with every material), and make sure the machine can't slide or tip. Clean attachments before first use and after every use.

Never use a DIY or modified machine. Drills, saws, and home-made rigs aren't designed for bodies, and the injuries are real. If something hurts, stop. If pain or bleeding continues, see a doctor.

Buying internationally

My prices are in US dollars because most of these brands sell from the US. Many machines run on 110-240V power and work worldwide with a plug adapter, and I note this in each Fit Check. Check shipping, import duties, and the returns process for your country before you buy.

Questions people are too shy to ask

What is a sex machine?

A sex machine is a motorised device that moves an attachment for you, so you can go hands-free. The two main types are thrusting machines, which push a dildo attachment in and out, and saddle machines, which you sit on while they rotate and vibrate. Prices in my guides run from about $140 to over $1,500.

Are sex machines safe?

Commercially made machines used as directed are designed for this. The safety basics: start at the slowest speed, use plenty of lube, choose body-safe attachments (silicone is easiest to clean), make sure the mount cannot slide, and never use a home-made or modified machine. If something hurts, stop. Pain is a signal, not a challenge.

How much does a sex machine cost?

In my guides, thrusting machines start around $140 and run to about $1,400 at list price. Saddle machines start around $1,000 and go past $1,500. More money usually buys a stronger motor, adjustable stroke, app control, or better build, not necessarily a better experience for a beginner.

Which sex machine is best for beginners?

For most beginners, a budget thrusting machine with a short stroke and a slow minimum speed. It costs a fraction of a saddle and teaches you what you like before you spend more. Take the quiz on my homepage if you are torn between riding and lying back.

Can I use a sex machine with a partner?

Yes. App-controlled machines let a partner run the speed from across the room or another country, and many couples use a machine as a third pair of hands. Talk about what you both want first, agree a stop word, and start slow.

Last checked: 7 October 2026.

Stay curious, stay lubed. x Rox