If you’re a beginner looking for some nipple clamps, then good on you. Sometimes a consensual twinge of pain—think some Fifty Shades of Grey-type stuff—is exactly what’s needed to take things from good to great. The endorphins released in response to pain can feel downright drug-like, especially in combination with the already-heady exhilaration of pleasure and intimacy.

If you’re grimacing at the very thought, then maybe nipple pain isn’t for you. But for those who want to partake in a little BDSM, there’s still fun to be found in (consensually) inflicting pain on a partner. For many folks, the nips are an erogenous zone, and sucking, flicking, or pinching them can bring pleasure like no other. Sadomasochism pairs well with kinky power games, like nipple play, if you want to try dominance and/or submission on for size. It’s fairly simple to pick up, too, since it doesn’t require as much specialty equipment or niche knowledge as some kinks do—all you need is the clamps and a willing pair of nipples, and they provide hands-free fun so you can play with some other sex toys.

Safety- and comfort-wise, you may want to get turned on before donning nipple clamps, since sexual arousal can help transmogrify pain into pleasure. You’ll also want to avoid leaving the clamps on for more than about 30 minutes at a time, and should take them off if you feel tingling or other strange sensations, as these can be signals that you’re cutting off circulation too aggressively. But in general, nipple clamps, are fairly low-risk, and are fantastic for adding some kinky flair to your sex life.

Here are some of the best nipple clamps, nipple clips, and nipple toys out there.

The Best Basic Nipple Clamps: Spartacus Alligator Tip Adjustable Nipple Clamps

Spartacus

Alligator Tip Nipple Clamps$17 $15

Amazon

If you’ve never tried nipple clamps before, your best bet is are adjustable clamps like this one. Those with a low pain tolerance should be able to handle these alligator clamps thanks to their adjustability, which can be tightened or loosened for customizable pain. Also, the metal chain between them is fun to tug on when you want to send a jolt of pain through the wearer’s body.

Pros: Affordable; adjustable pressure/pain; rubber tips for comfortCons: Rubber tips may slide off; only mildly to moderately painful

The Best Clover-Style Nipple Clamps: Spartacus Endurance Butterfly Chain Nipple Clamps

Spartacus

Endurance Butterfly Nipple Clamps$19

Amazon

Clover-style clamps tend to pinch harder (and thus hurt more) than some other types, so they’re best for folks who already know they can handle some nipple pain and want to take things to the next level. These, made of metal with silicone tips, are both attractive and effective to satisfy your kink. 

Pros: Moderately to intensely painful; beautiful designCons: Non-adjustable; may be too painful for some users

The Best Weighted Nipple Clamps: Master Series Burden Cylinder Nipple Weight Clamps

Master Series

Burden Cylinder Nipple Weight Clamps$30

Amazon

Some added weight can intensify the thrilling pain on your nipples, which is why the weighted cylinders on these clamps make them perfect for kinky masochists. But the weights are removable, so if you'd rather play without 'em sometimes, you can do that too—it's the best of both worlds.

Pros: Removable weights for optional added pain/intensity; comfortable rubber tipsCons: No connecting chain (although you could add your own); non-adjustable tightness

The Best Magnetic Nipple Clamps: Master Series Crowned Magnetic Nipple Clamps

Master Series Crowned Magnetic Nipple Clamps$37 $35

Organic Loven

These ornate clamps pinch your nipples between two magnets. Magnetic clamps give you less control over the amount of pain they produce, but sometimes it’s hot to be pushed to your limits.

Pros: Easy-to-use magnetic closure; beautiful designCons: May not fit large or small nipples; may slip off; no chain; non-adjustable

The Best Nipple Suckers: Blush Temptasia Nipple Squeeze Pump System

Blush Temptasia Nipple Squeeze Pump System$30

Amazon

Applying suction to your nipples can be a good alternative if you’re craving intensity but not necessarily pain—think more of a tickle than a pinch. These are more nipple teasers than clamps, but they do increase blood flow to your nipples, making them more sensitive. There’s also a quick-release valve, so you can shut off the suction quickly if it gets to be too much.

Pros: Enhances sensitivity by increasing blood flow; quick-release button for safety; will fit a broad range of nipple sizesCons: Not usually as painful as nipple clamps

The Best Vibrating Nipple Clamps: Frisky Power Pinchers

Frisky

Power Pinchers$27

Amazon

Clamp these onto your nipples, hit the power button on the attached control panel, and you’ll feel an intriguing blend of pain and pleasure. 

Pros: Adjustable vibration intensityCons: May slip off; remote is wired and requires two AAA batteries, not included; non-adjustable tightness

The Best Bluetooth-Controllable Vibrating Nipple Clamps: Lovense Gemini

Lovense Gemini$89

Amazon

If you're in a long-distance relationship or ever travel apart from your partner and want to be able to do nipple play from far away, these are the clamps to get. Their Bluetooth connectivity allows their vibrations to be controlled with the Lovense app from nearby or from afar. Their tightness is adjustable, too, so you can use them regardless of how high or low your pain tolerance might be on any given day.

Pros: Powerful vibrations; several different vibration speeds and patterns; Bluetooth connectivity for controlling remotely; adjustable tightnessCons: Pricey for nipple clamps

The Best Nipple Clamps with a Clit Clamp: Spartacus Y-Style Adjustable Broad-Tip Nipple Clamps

Spartacus Y-Style Adjustable Broad-Tip Nipple Clamps$35

SheVibe

It can feel super vulnerable, in an exciting way, to have clamps on both your nipples and your clit, especially when someone tugs on the chain. These clamps are especially great because the clitoral one is detachable, so you can pull it out when you want it and leave it in the drawer when you don't.

Pros: Detachable clit clamp; adjustable tightness; rubber tips for comfortCons: Rubber tips may slide off

The Best Electrostimulation Nipple Clamps: Pipedream Fetish Fantasy Series Shock Therapy Nipple Clamps

Pipedream Fetish Fantasy Series Shock Therapy Nipple Clamps$39

Amazon

If you already know you like pain, electrostimulation nipple clamps can help you take your sadomasochistic play to the next level. They add some mild electric zaps into the mix, for a sensation that's more sharp, biting, and "mean" than your standard nipple clamps. (Just be aware that electrostimulation toys shouldn't be used by anyone who is pregnant, has a pacemaker, or has various other health conditions. Always do your own research and talk to your doctor if you're not sure whether a toy is safe for you to use.)

Pros: Electrostimulation adds a different kind of pain; adjustable speed and intensity of shocksCons: Can’t be safely used by people with certain health conditions; non-adjustable tightness

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Kate Sloan is a sex toy writer for GQ. She has written the books “101 Kinky Things Even You Can Do” and “200 Words to Help You Talk About Sexuality & Gender,” and is a cohost for the podcasts The Dildorks and Question Box. Her writing on sex and relationships... Read moreWriterInstagramRelated Stories for GQGQ RecommendsSex and Relationships