The best condom is the one you’re going to use regularly and properly. The most well-designed condom isn’t effective if it doesn’t fit you or if you don’t know how to put it on. Likewise, the worst condom you can buy still does more to prevent unplanned pregnancies or sexually transmitted infections when used properly than not using one at all. With that in mind, there are a few things you should consider when buying a condom, even beyond our recommendations here:

• What size you need. Condoms generally come in size variations, with average fit condoms targeting the vast majority of penises, but there are often large or “slim” options. A condom that’s too big can slip off, and one that’s too small can increase the risk of breakage. Take some time to try different sizes to make sure you get the right one for your needs. Also keep in mind that length and girth aren’t always correlated. If you have a longer but more slender penis, then how far a condom can stretch can be an important deciding factor.
• What allergies you (or your partner) have. Latex allergies affect between 1 and 6 percent of the population, and if you have one, then using a latex condom can cause some serious negative reactions. Alternative materials like lambskin, polyisoprene, and polyurethane can avoid allergy issues while still providing protection.
• What you’ll need condoms for. If you want to reduce the risk of transmitting infections like herpes or HIV or of conception of a human life during sex, there’s no simpler method than a condom. However, there are other scenarios to consider. Some people will use condoms during oral sex (partly why we consider odor and taste in our assessment), and it’s also a good idea to use condoms with any sex toys you plan to share with your partner or partners.

When we consider condoms for this guide, we look at a variety of factors including durability, comfort, and ease of use. Some of these factors will vary by person, so you should still try out any condoms you get for yourself to see what works best for you. With that in mind, here are some of the factors we evaluate:

• Size variations. Most condom manufacturers offer a few size variations. Where possible, we prefer to feature condoms that provide consistent quality across several size options so you can get a condom that fits you well.
• Material. Latex condoms are the most common, but as mentioned above, there are many non-latex options that are better for people with allergies. Some materials like polyurethane can be looser or break more easily, while newer condoms are (finally) starting to incorporate graphene to improve heat conduction and strengthen them against breaking. We note the strengths and weaknesses of different materials while testing.
• Do you need lube? Most condoms come lubricated. We took that into account and considered how often we needed to use lube after putting a condom on.
• Price. No one wants to think about the per-condom cost when you’re having sex, but if you’re very active, it can start to add up. That said, a cheap condom that breaks is always more expensive than a pricier condom that works, so we look for the best balance.
• Taste and odor. Nothing can kill the mood faster than a condom with a weird smell, especially if you plan to use condoms during oral sex. While it’s always going to be a subjective experience, we factor in the whole sensory experience when testing condoms.