What’s the difference between lubricated and non-lubricated condoms? Are they both safe and effective for sex? Which type should you buy?
We asked sexual health experts to answer all of your questions on lubricated and non-lubricated condoms.
Find the answers below.
What’s the Difference Between Lubricated and Non-lubricated Condoms?
Lubrication makes sex easier and more pleasurable for both partners. So, most condoms come with a bit of lube on the exterior of the condom to help get the ball rolling in the bedroom. These are called lubricated condoms.
Non-lubricated condoms do not have that extra bit of lube in the packaging. These condoms feel dry when you take them out of the package and put them on. But other than that, they’re the same as any other condom.
Which is Better?
Most people prefer lubricated condoms, which is why most condoms are lubricated. There are some exceptions to this, which we’ll see in the next section.
But overall, it’s not hard to understand why lubricated condoms are so popular. Properly lubricated sex, whether it’s anal or vaginal, just feels better.
Image source: askmen.com
When your condom comes pre-lubed, you can get down to business without interrupting the mood. Lube also makes sex safer. It protects the condom against friction that can cause tears or slips.
While lubricated condoms are the choice of most sex-havers, the lube included with the condom only goes so far. It’s only meant to get you started, so you need to reapply with your own lube supply.
It’s recommended to add more lube to your condom before and during sex to boost your pleasure and protection.
Why Use Non-Lubricated Condoms?
If lubricated condoms are so darn good, why does anyone choose non-lubricated condoms?
There are a few reasons why non-lubed condoms are sometimes the way to go.
- You’re allergic or sensitive to lube: Allergic reactions are a turn-off, especially when they happen below the waist. If lube makes you feel tingly or itchy, buy non-lubricated condoms and add your own organic lube.
- You want to use condoms for oral sex: Lube tastes bad, so if you want to do mouth stuff with a rubber, go for a non-lubricated condom. If you like to go from oral to penetrative sex without a hitch, use non-lubricated condoms with flavored lube.
- You prefer to use your own lube: The lube you find on lubricated condoms is pretty basic, and people who know what they’re doing in the bedroom usually have their own favorite lube brands. Some like to skip the condom lube altogether and opt for the premium stuff.
- You want to have sex on a desert island: Non-lubricated condoms are used by survivalists as water reservoirs (they can hold up to a liter of water each!), making them handy if you’re shipwrecked with someone special.
Top Non-Lubricated Condoms
Want to try the best non-lubricated condoms? These are Condomania’s top sellers...
LifeStyles Non-Lubricated Latex Condoms
$7.99
$10.99
Lifestyles Non-Lubricated Condoms LifeStyles Non-Lubricated Condoms are the only non-lubricated condoms from LifeStyles and one of only a few made for sale in the US. Non-lubricated condoms are great for oral sex. Don't want to go with the regular flavored… Read More
Trustex Assorted Colors Non-Lubricated Condoms
$5.99
$6.99
Non-Lubricated Condoms by Trustex Trustex Assorted Colors Non-Lubricated condoms help you show your true colors with intensity! You'll need to add your own lube to these vibrantly colored condoms from Trustex. Many health teachers also use these condoms for in-class… Read More
Trojan ENZ Condoms Without Lube
$3.99
$4.99
Trojan ENZ Non-Lubricated Condoms Introducing Trojan ENZ Non-Lubricated Condoms, the blank canvas of pleasure! 🎨🌟 We believe in giving you the freedom to create your own lubricated masterpiece, tailored to your unique desires. These condoms are like the superheroes of… Read More
Top LUBRICATED Condoms
If you love lube, don’t settle for standard lubricated condoms. These lubricated condoms are made with premium lube that lasts longer and feels better:
Durex Extra Sensitive 'Smooth' Latex Condoms
$10.99
$12.99
Durex Extra Sensitive 'Smooth' Condoms Feel Every Sensation Durex Extra Sensitive Condoms are 20% thinner than standard latex condoms. Some men don’t like wearing condoms, but these offer increased sensitivity that makes them feel like you’re not wearing anything at… Read More
Glyde Ultra Super-Thin Condoms
$16.99
$19.99
Glyde Ultra Condoms 🎉 Looking for a vegan and eco-friendly condom that doesn't skimp on pleasure? Look no further than Glyde Ultra Super-Thin Condoms! 🌱 With their plant-based formula and silky smooth texture, these condoms are perfect for environmentally-conscious folks… Read More
Lelo Hex Original Ultra Thin Condoms
$10.99
$11.99
Lelo Hex Ultra Thin Condoms A truly unique condom experience. You'll instantly notice the hexagonal shapes throughout the condoms. This honeycomb structure reduces slippage... sort of in the same way a wet weather tire grips the road. Try the most talked… Read More
The Best Sex Lube to use with Condoms
Whether you opt for lubricated condoms or non-lubricated condoms, you will need extra lube to take you the distance. Here are our favorite sexual lubricants to use with condoms:
Sliquid SILK Non-Staining Silicone & Water-Based Lubricant
$8.99
$13.99
Sliquid Silk Non-Staining Silicone & Water Lubricant Sliquid Naturals Silk Lubricant is a unique blend of H2O water-based lubricant, 12% silicone, and creamy emollient esters for an even longer-lasting lubricant. Unlike pure silicone lubricants, this formula is non-staining. Sugar-free (glycerin and glycol),… Read More
Pink Natural Water-Based Lubricant
$9.99
$12.99
Pink Natural Body-Friendly Lubricant Pink Natural is Pink's new water-based lubricant designed for women and couples looking for very high-quality body-conscious formulations. Condomaniacs LOVE Pink Natural because it's... *Hypoallergenic*Fortified with Organic Aloe Vera Gel and Special Botanicals*Water-based*Safe for all toys*Unscented*Flavor-free*Paraben-free*Glycerin-free PINK… Read More
Wet Gold Hybrid Lubricant Water & Silicone Lubricant
$12.99
$20.99
Wet Gold Hybrid Silicone and Water-Based Lubricant Wet Gold Hybrid combines the long-lasting performance of a silicone-based lube with the comfort, ease of use, and easy cleanup of a water-based lubricant. You don’t have to worry about reapplying Gold Hybrid… Read More
What about Spermicidal Lube Condoms?
Spermicidal lube condoms are condoms that are coated in a special type of lube that kills sperm. These condoms are ideal for people who like to be extra careful not to get pregnant during vaginal sex.
Spermicidal lube condoms are different from normal lubricated condoms.
They contain a chemical spermicide called N-9, which has a few potential side effects for those with vaginas including inflammation and increased risk of a urinary tract infection.
These condoms should not be used for anal or oral sex.
Overall, spermicidal condoms are safe, but there is no evidence to suggest that they prevent pregnancy any better than normal condoms.
If you want to play it extra safe and try spermicidal lubricated condoms, we recommend Trojan ENZ with Spermicidal Lubricant.
To Lube or Not to Lube?
Should you use a lubricated condom or a non-lubricated condom the next time you want to do the horizontal tango?
If you have allergies to lubricants, you should definitely use a non-lubricated condom.
Otherwise, you can choose either one. Both lubricated condoms and non-lubricated condoms protect against STI transmission and pregnancy, and both come in different sizes and styles.
However, there is one VERY important rule to remember:
Whatever condom you choose, you MUST use lube with condoms to have safe sex.
If you buy non-lubricated condoms, you need to add your own lube before penetration. Nobody wants to have dry sex.
If you buy lubricated condoms, you need to add lube during sex (unless you only plan to have sex for about 1.5 minutes). The lube included on the condom isn’t enough to keep you going for very long.
Without proper lubrication, you face an increased risk of STI infection and unwanted pregnancy. And, your partner probably won’t think much of your game in the sack.
When you’re buying a pack of condoms, you might not think that lube makes a difference. But you’d be wrong.
Lube is a major part of safe condom use and enjoyable sex. Whether you buy non-lubricated condoms or lubricated condoms, make lube a part of your sex play.
Where to Shop for Non-lubricated Condoms
Lubricated condoms are easy to find just about anywhere. Non-lubricated condoms are harder to get your hands on because they’re not as popular.
For the best selection of non-lubricated condoms, shop condoms at Condomania. We stock non-lubricated condoms from all the major brands, and we’ve got the best prices on the web.
Every condom we sell is medically tested for your safety and approved by the FDA for safe sex.
Those are just a few reasons why we’ve been America’s favorite condom retailer for over 30 years.
While you’re shopping for non-lubricated condoms, browse our selection of sex lube, too —it’s the biggest selection on the internet and includes lubes for all types of sex and sensitivities.
Not sure which type of condom is right for you? Try a variety pack to explore the best of Condomania’s selection in one order. You’re sure to find a condom that fits you just right.
Browse the internet’s best selection of condoms now at Condomania.