5 Best Starter Strap Ons for Beginners

Isabelle Uren
by Isabelle UrenUpdated:

When I was looking for my first starter strap-on, I was completely overwhelmed by all the different choices, styles, and sizes. Strap-ons can look more intimidating than they actually are, so I’m here to guide you through the process. I’ve compiled a list of my top recommendations for beginner-friendly strap-ons, harnesses, and dildos that we’ve personally tested and reviewed here at Bedbible. Let’s take a look!

Test Winner

4.3Bedbible Rating

Overall Rating

4.3/5

Bedbible Rating:

4.1/5

Reviewed by: 

Christina Dynamite

User Ratings:

4.5/5

Based on 70 user reviews

Runner-Up

4.6Bedbible Rating

Overall Rating

4.6/5

Bedbible Rating:

4.7/5

Reviewed by: 

Catherine Seeley

User Ratings:

4.4/5

Based on 704 user reviews

Budget-Friendly

4.3Bedbible Rating

Overall Rating

4.3/5

Bedbible Rating:

4.7/5

Reviewed by: 

Cassie Mørch

User Ratings:

3.8/5

Based on user reviews

Best Beginner Strapless

4.9Bedbible Rating

Overall Rating

4.9/5

Bedbible Rating:

4.9/5

Reviewed by: 

Cassie Mørch

User Ratings:

4.9/5

Based on user reviews

Best Beginner Harness

4.3Bedbible Rating

Overall Rating

4.3/5

Bedbible Rating:

4/5

Reviewed by: 

Vern Holland

User Ratings:

4.6/5

Based on 103 user reviews

Tantus Bend OverSportsheets New ComersROMP PiccoloStrap-On-Me Bendable Strap-OnLovehoney Unisex Strap-On Briefs
Tantus Bend OverSportsheets New ComersROMP PiccoloStrap-On-Me Bendable Strap-OnLovehoney Unisex Strap-On Briefs
$90Shop Now$50Shop Now$35Shop Now$70Shop Now$35Shop Now
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons
  • Great kit that has everything you need
  • Harness can be used with other larger dildos
  • Great range of adjustability
  • Easy to take apart and clean
  • Vibrator pocket moves around
  • Harness may be uncomfortable for long-term wear
  • Easy to clean materials
  • Easy to use design
  • Good for beginners
  • Good price for good quality
  • Takes time to put on and adjust
  • Dildo occasionally comes free of the O-ring
  • Packaging is not discreet
  • Two pockets for bullet vibrators
  • Straps are easy to adjust
  • Size inclusive (fits up to 55.1" around the waist and 31.5" around the legs)
  • Excess strap length can be annoying
  • O-ring is almost too big for the dildo
  • High quality construction
  • Variety of sizes to choose from
  • Easy to customize to accommodate different bodies
  • Stays in place well
  • The dildo is a bit floppy and difficult to control
  • Made of stretchy and breathable material
  • Look stylish and sexy
  • Able to use them in a variety of ways
  • Suitable for average sized and smaller dildos
  • Not adjustable
  • Don't come in sizes larger than XXL
  • Not able to change the size of the O-ring

How We Test starter strap ons

We’re a team of 350 sex toy testers and 13 sex toy experts.

To find the very best starter strap ons, our testers tried and reviewed 97 different products in this category.

Bad or even just mediocre starter strap ons didn’t make the list!

In total, we’ve thoroughly tested and reviewed 1313 toys over the past 6 years.

We even lab-tested some to get objective data.

Read more about how we test products.
The Testing Process

Test Winner Tantus Bend Over Beginner Strap-On Kit

4.3/5
Overall RatingBedbible Rating

Overall Rating

4.3/5

Bedbible Rating:

4.1/5

Reviewed by: 

Christina Dynamite

User Ratings:

4.5/5

Based on 70 user reviews

60/100
DesignBeginner

Rating: Tantus Bend Over Beginner Strap-On Kit was rated 60 out of 100, which means it is designed well.

What it is: The design rating takes into account the shape of the toy in both a visual and ergonomic perspective. We ask our reviewers to rate the overall feeling of the starter strap on.

85/100
Ease of UseEase of Use

Rating: Tantus Bend Over Beginner Strap-On Kit was rated 85 out of 100, which means it is extremely easy to use and worked very well.

What it is: The Ease of Use rating is a score given on how easy the toy is to operate and use. Aspects that are considered is the suitability for different kinds of people, intuitiveness, and potential learning curve of using the product for pleasure (or pain).

75/100
QualityQuality

Rating: Tantus Bend Over Beginner Strap-On Kit was rated 75 out of 100, which means it is very good quality.

What it is: The Quality rating is a score that takes into account the quality of the materials used in the toy, how well it was manufactured, the safety, durability and overall quality feel of the toy.

$90
Shop at Lovehoney
15% off w/aff-bedbible15Copied
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A Closer Look
  • Strap-on kit with two smooth silicone dildos and bullet vibrator
  • Adjustable harness fits hips up to 60 inches and legs up to 26.5 inches
  • Two different sizes of o-rings included.

Vibrations

SoundSound rating

Rating: Tantus Bend Over Beginner Strap-On Kit was rated 2 out of 5, which means it is quiet.

What it is: The sound rating provides a visual representation of how loud the vibrations of Tantus Bend Over Beginner Strap-On Kit felt to the reviewer.

Sound ratingSound ratingSound ratingSound ratingSound rating
PowerSound rating

Rating: Tantus Bend Over Beginner Strap-On Kit was rated 2 out of 5, which means it is gentle.

What it is: The power rating describes how fast and strong the vibrations of Tantus Bend Over Beginner Strap-On Kit felt to the reviewer.

Sound ratingSound ratingPower ratingPower ratingPower rating
BuzzyBuzzy
What it is: Buzzy vibrators have a high frequency that stimulates the surface (like a high pitch).
RumblyRumbly
What it is: Rumbly vibrators have low-frequency vibrations that stimulate deeper into the tissue (like the bass in music).

Specifications

Pros

  • Great kit that has everything you need
  • Harness can be used with other larger dildos
  • Great range of adjustability
  • Easy to take apart and clean

Cons

  • Vibrator pocket moves around
  • Harness may be uncomfortable for long-term wear

Why I Chose It

I selected the Tantus Bend Over Beginner Strap-On Kit as the Test Winner in this review because I think it’s a great starter strap-on kit. It has everything you need to get started–even as a complete beginner who has little experience with penetration in general.

Our tester, Christina, found that “for givers, it fits quite a range of hip sizes and allows control without coming loose. For receivers, it has reasonably-sized and über-smooth dildos which can ease any apprehension and yet still provide decent vaginal and anal stimulation.” Being able to sterilize them completely is a great plus in that regard!

While the design is fairly simple, I think it’s perfectly stimulating for beginners. According to Christina, that slight curve may be “good for helping the receptive partner moan the alphabet from G-spot to P-spot.”

While the removable bullet vibrator is battery-operated and “feels like a cheap plastic cover, [it] has a decently strong buzz and has proven durable.” 

Runner-Up Sportsheets New Comers Strap-On Set

4.6/5
Overall RatingBedbible Rating

Overall Rating

4.6/5

Bedbible Rating:

4.7/5

Reviewed by: 

Catherine Seeley

User Ratings:

4.4/5

Based on 704 user reviews

75/100
DesignBeginner

Rating: Sportsheets New Comers Strap-On Set was rated 75 out of 100, which means it is designed very well.

What it is: The design rating takes into account the shape of the toy in both a visual and ergonomic perspective. We ask our reviewers to rate the overall feeling of the starter strap on.

85/100
Ease of UseEase of Use

Rating: Sportsheets New Comers Strap-On Set was rated 85 out of 100, which means it is extremely easy to use and worked very well.

What it is: The Ease of Use rating is a score given on how easy the toy is to operate and use. Aspects that are considered is the suitability for different kinds of people, intuitiveness, and potential learning curve of using the product for pleasure (or pain).

80/100
QualityQuality

Rating: Sportsheets New Comers Strap-On Set was rated 80 out of 100, which means it is very good quality.

What it is: The Quality rating is a score that takes into account the quality of the materials used in the toy, how well it was manufactured, the safety, durability and overall quality feel of the toy.

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A Closer Look
  • Starter strap-on set with a slimline silicone dildo
  • Adjustable harness fits waists up to 60 inches
  • Comes with a flexible, silicone o-ring with a diameter of 1.25 inches.

Specifications

Pros

  • Easy to clean materials
  • Easy to use design
  • Good for beginners
  • Good price for good quality

Cons

  • Takes time to put on and adjust
  • Dildo occasionally comes free of the O-ring
  • Packaging is not discreet

Why I Chose It

Our tester, Catherine, concluded that “the Sportsheets New Comer Strap-On is a great beginner’s set” because of how easy it is to use. It takes the cake as our Runner-Up for today because it’s a good quality starter strap-on option for those who aren’t necessarily interested in vibrations.

I like how adjustable the harness itself is and that “the straps are versatile and fairly simple to tighten and loosen in place.” 

The size and shape of the dildo “is perfect for pegging or for limited vaginal penetration”. Being able to sterilize the silicone makes it ideal for interchangeably for anal and vaginal play.

The main con that Catherine pointed out is that “the dildo can sometimes pull out of the strap-on’s O-ring” because it’s slightly stretchy. Try not to tighten the harness strap too much to avoid this issue.

Budget-Friendly ROMP Piccolo Pegging Kit

4.3/5
Overall RatingBedbible Rating

Overall Rating

4.3/5

Bedbible Rating:

4.7/5

Reviewed by: 

Cassie Mørch

User Ratings:

3.8/5

Based on user reviews

95/100
DesignBeginner

Rating: ROMP Piccolo Pegging Kit was rated 95 out of 100, which means it is designed absolutely incredible.

What it is: The design rating takes into account the shape of the toy in both a visual and ergonomic perspective. We ask our reviewers to rate the overall feeling of the starter strap on.

90/100
Ease of UseEase of Use

Rating: ROMP Piccolo Pegging Kit was rated 90 out of 100, which means it is extremely easy to use and worked very well.

What it is: The Ease of Use rating is a score given on how easy the toy is to operate and use. Aspects that are considered is the suitability for different kinds of people, intuitiveness, and potential learning curve of using the product for pleasure (or pain).

90/100
QualityQuality

Rating: ROMP Piccolo Pegging Kit was rated 90 out of 100, which means it is one of the absolute top quality toys.

What it is: The Quality rating is a score that takes into account the quality of the materials used in the toy, how well it was manufactured, the safety, durability and overall quality feel of the toy.

$35
Shop at Lovehoney
15% off w/aff-bedbible15Copied
$33
Shop at SheVibe
5% off w/BEDBIBLE5Copied
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A Closer Look
  • Strap-on kit with a super small silicone dildo included
  • Adjustable harness can fit up to 55.1″ around the waist and has a small pocket for a bullet vibrator.
  • Dildo has a suction cup base and a hole for a bullet vibrator (not included).

Specifications

Pros

  • Two pockets for bullet vibrators
  • Straps are easy to adjust
  • Size inclusive (fits up to 55.1" around the waist and 31.5" around the legs)

Cons

  • Excess strap length can be annoying
  • O-ring is almost too big for the dildo

Why I Chose It

The ROMP Piccolo is my top recommendation for a starter strap-on kit that won’t break the bank. It’s a decent quality strap-on kit that’s both versatile and affordable.

Our tester, Cassie, was a bit uncertain about the sizing but noted that “it fit me very well and the straps were easy to adjust once I got the hang of it.”

I really like that both the dildo and the harness both have small pockets for a bullet vibrator. This way, both the wearer and receiver can enjoy some added stimulation.

“I was surprised to see how small the dildo actually was, so it was perfect for pegging beginners like my partner and I.” That said, the dildo does seem a tad too small for the o-ring in the harness. This does make it feel less secure and provides less control overall. On the bright side, that does mean larger dildos you might level up with will fit a lot better!

Best Beginner Strapless Strap-On-Me Bendable Strap-On Small

4.9/5
Overall RatingBedbible Rating

Overall Rating

4.9/5

Bedbible Rating:

4.9/5

Reviewed by: 

Cassie Mørch

User Ratings:

4.9/5

Based on user reviews

95/100
DesignBeginner

Rating: Strap-On-Me Bendable Strap-On Small was rated 95 out of 100, which means it is designed absolutely incredible.

What it is: The design rating takes into account the shape of the toy in both a visual and ergonomic perspective. We ask our reviewers to rate the overall feeling of the starter strap on.

85/100
Ease of UseEase of Use

Rating: Strap-On-Me Bendable Strap-On Small was rated 85 out of 100, which means it is extremely easy to use and worked very well.

What it is: The Ease of Use rating is a score given on how easy the toy is to operate and use. Aspects that are considered is the suitability for different kinds of people, intuitiveness, and potential learning curve of using the product for pleasure (or pain).

100/100
QualityQuality

Rating: Strap-On-Me Bendable Strap-On Small was rated 100 out of 100, which means it is one of the absolute top quality toys.

What it is: The Quality rating is a score that takes into account the quality of the materials used in the toy, how well it was manufactured, the safety, durability and overall quality feel of the toy.

A Closer Look
  • Strapless strap-on design that offers dual stimulation for both the wearer and the receiver
  • Super smooth and slim shaft
  • Can be used with harness if need be
  • Adjustable hinge for a perfect fit.

Specifications

Pros

  • High quality construction
  • Variety of sizes to choose from
  • Easy to customize to accommodate different bodies
  • Stays in place well

Cons

  • The dildo is a bit floppy and difficult to control

Why I Chose It

Cassie, who tested the this beginner-friendly strapless strap on for us, said that despite all the rumors on strapless strap-ons not really working “it was comfortable to wear and requires less support than I thought a strapless strap-on would require”.

It stayed in place is because of the large bulb on the pony, which is unlike most other strapless strap-ons where the bulb is less of an egg-shape like it is here.

It had the added benefit for Cassie that “it put pressure on [her] g-spot every time the dildo moved”, which caused the “experience [to be] a lot more interactive than I was expecting a strapless strap-on to be”.

The fact that the special design on the pony “keeps it in place pretty effectively” caused me to pick this as the perfect choice for any beginner, because it is very likely the thing you are going to be struggling with. On top of that the dildo is a very slim and approachable size, making it a good match for newbies.

Best Beginner Harness Lovehoney Unisex Strap-On Briefs

4.3/5
Overall RatingBedbible Rating

Overall Rating

4.3/5

Bedbible Rating:

4/5

Reviewed by: 

Vern Holland

User Ratings:

4.6/5

Based on 103 user reviews

80/100
DesignBeginner

Rating: Lovehoney Unisex Strap-On Briefs was rated 80 out of 100, which means it is designed very well.

What it is: The design rating takes into account the shape of the toy in both a visual and ergonomic perspective. We ask our reviewers to rate the overall feeling of the starter strap on.

90/100
Ease of UseEase of Use

Rating: Lovehoney Unisex Strap-On Briefs was rated 90 out of 100, which means it is extremely easy to use and worked very well.

What it is: The Ease of Use rating is a score given on how easy the toy is to operate and use. Aspects that are considered is the suitability for different kinds of people, intuitiveness, and potential learning curve of using the product for pleasure (or pain).

75/100
QualityQuality

Rating: Lovehoney Unisex Strap-On Briefs was rated 75 out of 100, which means it is very good quality.

What it is: The Quality rating is a score that takes into account the quality of the materials used in the toy, how well it was manufactured, the safety, durability and overall quality feel of the toy.

$35
Shop at Lovehoney
15% off w/aff-bedbible15Copied
A Closer Look
  • Brief-style strap-on harness made of soft cotton
  • Comes in 4 sizes S/M to XXL
  • Unisex design
  • One non-interchangeable O-ring with 1.5 inches in diameter
  • Pocket to fit bullet vibrator.

Specifications

Pros

  • Made of stretchy and breathable material
  • Look stylish and sexy
  • Able to use them in a variety of ways
  • Suitable for average sized and smaller dildos

Cons

  • Not adjustable
  • Don't come in sizes larger than XXL
  • Not able to change the size of the O-ring

Why I Chose It

Vern, who tested the Lovehoney Unisex Strap On Briefs is one of our most avid testers. He’s an experienced strap-on user, and absolutely loved and raved about these in his review.

He especially pinpointed the comfort level, and say he could “wear them all day without discomfort”, and that they “are great for pegging, packing, and feeling sexy”.

Although he did praise them to the skies, rightfully so, they do have their downside. First, if your “dildo is on the heavy side, it’s going to pull the briefs down a little when walking around or thrusting”, but although it’s a downside for Vern it is simply a fact of the nature of the product, in my expert opinion.

One downside he did point out that I agree with is that “they’re cheaper” which does mean “they aren’t going to stay pristine forever“.

Although, it is a downside for someone like Vern, who is an avid user, the price does make it a great choice for beginners.

In essence, you can try strap-on sex with a dildo you have at home (or buy a cheap one) with the one-size O-ring, and figure out, if it’s something you want to continue with – without spending to much on getting started.

Comparison

BestTest Winner Runner-Up Budget-Friendly Best Beginner Strapless Best Beginner Harness
Overall score4.3 / 5.0 4.6 / 5.0 4.3 / 5.0 4.9 / 5.0 4.3 / 5.0
Bedbible rating4.1 / 5.0 4.7 / 5.0 4.7 / 5.0 4.9 / 5.0 4.0 / 5.0
User rating4.5 / 5.0
from 70 users
4.4 / 5.0
from 704 users
3.8 / 5.0
from 5 users
4.9 / 5.0
from 3 users
4.6 / 5.0
from 103 users
PriceAffordable Affordable Affordable Moderate Affordable
Design60 / 100 75 / 100 95 / 100 95 / 100 80 / 100
Ease of use85 / 100 85 / 100 90 / 100 85 / 100 90 / 100
Quality75 / 100 80 / 100 90 / 100 100 / 100 75 / 100
Sound40 / 100 ----
Power40 / 100 ----
Buzzy/Rumblysomewhat buzzy ----
Vibration speeds3 ----
LengthSmall Dildo: 4.5 inches, Medium Dildo: 5.75 inchesDildo: 5.75 inchesDildo: 5.5 inches--
Insertable lengthSmall Dildo: 4.25 inches, Medium Dildo: 5.5 inchesDildo: 4.75 inchesDildo: 5 inches6.1 inches-
DiameterSmall Dildo: 0.8 inches, Medium Dildo: 1 inchesDildo: 0.9 inches, O-ring: 1.25 inchesDildo: 1 inches1.06 inchesO-Ring: 1.5 inches
MaterialsDildos: Silicone, Harness: Polyester, Hard Plastic Dildo: Silicone, Harness: Polyester, Polypropylene, ABS Plastic, Nitrile Silicone, SBR Fabrics Exterior: Premium silicone, Interior: ABS plastic Cotton, Elastane
WaterproofDildos: Yes, Vibrator: Yes, Harness: Machine-Washable Yes Dildo: Yes, Harness: Splashproof Yes Yes
RechargeableNo, Uses 1 N-type Battery ----
Storage Bag IncludedNo No No Yes No
Colors AvailablePurple Purple/Black Multicolor Black, Purple Black
Harness SizeFits hips up to 60 inches and legs up to 26.5 inches inchesFits waists up to 60 inchesWaist: up to 55.1 inches, Legs: up to 31.5 inches-S/M, M/L, L/XL, XXL inches
Diameter (internal)---1.53 inches-
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Author
Isabelle Uren
Isabelle Uren

Site Manager | Aiming to empower people to embrace sexual pleasure one sex toy at a time or two, whatever takes your fancy! As well researching and writing about all things sex, I have studied Tantra and am currently studying towards becoming a psychosexual therapist. My life philosophy is the three Ms approach — meditation, masturbation, and mmm a good cup of tea!

Age: 33
Gender: Female
Sexual orientation: Heterosexual
Sex toy experience: Experienced
All-time favorite sex toy: Doxy Die Cast
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