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I don’t know about you, but I’ve been grinding all my life. And I’m not the only one: grinding up against something is the way a lot of people learn to masturbate. But using a pillow gets old fast; there’s no texture, there’s no pushback, and there’s certainly nothing for the imagination to run away with. But now you can buy a grinder that’s as good for masturbating as it is for partnered sex! These upgraded, modernized grinders have features no pillow could ever dream of, like straps to attach to your partner’s leg (or arm or face if you are so inclined), designs to give your wildest fantasies free rein, and body-safe materials that play come to life with lube.
But how do you select the ideal grinder toy? You should consider whether you like a lot of friction or a little, want to play by yourself or with a partner, and how much you’re willing to spend. This list has the staff’s favorites, including one that works as a cock ring, something for those who like a little penetration when they grind, and a must-try for anyone who is just here for the texture (Spoiler: Our favorite is Uncover Creations Handheld Tentacle Grinder II.)
Table Of Contents
- Why You Should Trust Us
- 1. Uncover Creations Handheld Tentacle Grinder II: Test Winner!
- 2. Uncover Creations Tentacle Grinder: Best For Extreme Sensations!
- 3. Uncover Creations Tentacle Grinder IV: Best for Penetration!
- 4. Uncover Creations Spiked Grinder: Most Versatile!
- 5. Uncover Creations Tentacle Grinder II Cock Ring: For Straight Couples!
- 6. Uncover Creations Tentacle Grinder II: Beginner-Friendly!
Why You Should Trust Us
Not only has Angela been a sex toy hobbyist since she was allowed in adult stores, but she has also professionally reviewed hundreds of sex toys. She and her penis-having partner test partner toys together and love to share them when the opportunity arises. She cares most about inclusivity, education, and pleasure.
As a sexual health and pleasure writer for the past ten years, she has a solid background in the pleasure industry, but she also has personal experiences that have given her a better understanding of how pleasure changes as someone who has faced chronic illness. Her understanding of sexual pleasure as a right for all has given her a laser focus on how toys can be more comfortable, accessible, and safe.
If you want to see what the toys look like and how to use them, please watch my unboxing and demonstration video below:
1. Uncover Creations Handheld Tentacle Grinder II: Test Winner!
Why we love the Handheld Tentacle Grinder II:
The Handheld Tentacle Grinder II is a grinder toy that fits like a glove, thanks to the three-finger slots. It doesn’t have straps to attach to your partner or a pillow, because you instead wear it while you rub. Or, if you prefer, you can insert a vibrating bullet to make it an extra sensory experience. Uncover Creations sells one as an upgrade that will fit perfectly into the glove, but you can also use a standard-sized bullet vibe if you have one on hand.
Underneath the tentacle texture is a coral design that screams under the sea. Once you slip it onto your hand, you can use your imagination, and voila! Your arm has magically transformed into a tentacle. The Uncover Creations Handheld Tentacle Grinder II is thin enough that you can slip it on your fingers and grind against it during sex, whether you’re in missionary position, doggy, or cowgirl.
Wearing a grinder sex toy on your hand is an excellent way to get your daily bump and grind in, especially if you have lower energy. Using your hand to rub rather than your torso takes a lot less energy and is perfect for those who don’t have much left in the tank at the end of the day. Keep in mind that this model doesn’t come with slots for straps, so you won’t be able to affix it to something.
Minor issues we found during testing:
The Handheld Tentacle Grinder II is one of the most difficult products on this list to clean. The intricate texture and finger slots make for a lot of places for dust and lube to gather, especially if you don’t get the silky-smooth upgrade. You can’t quite turn it inside out, so you must be sure you use a sponge or toothbrush to reach inside and scour all the little bacteria-attracting pockets.
The finger slots are slightly shallow and one-size-fits-all. Since they’re not adjustable, they may not fit all finger sizes. But my partner, who has large fingers, could wear it snugly and comfortably. The finger holes were a bit looser on me, but they fit just fine as long as I curled them up a bit.
Why the Handheld Tentacle Grinder II is the best grinder toy overall:
- Pretty as can be: the details on this grinder are almost too pretty to be true. The small ridges and nubs are marshmallow-soft but will provide varying levels of friction. It’s so pretty that you could probably leave it on your nightstand and it would look like a soft aquatic sculpture, making this an extra discreet choice.
- Multitalented: The Handheld Tentacle Grinder is fun with or without a partner. Put it on your hand or give it to someone else to let them take control. You can grind against it or add a bullet vibrator into a finger hole for even more sensation.
- Affordable: Sex toys that are body-safe, discreet, and built to last don’t typically retail for less than $50, but the Handheld Tentacle Grinder II does exactly that. It’s a steal!
Features:
- Material: Platinum silicone
- Length: 4.4” long, 3.3” wide, 2” deep finger slot
- Weight: 5 oz
Pros:
- Perfect for solo or partnered grinding
- Affordable: just $40
- Small, lightweight, and waterproof—perfect for travel
Cons:
- Difficult to clean
2. Uncover Creations Tentacle Grinder: Best For Extreme Sensations!
Why we love the Uncover Creations Tentacle Grinder:
The Uncover Creations Tentacle Grinder looks like something straight out of Moby’s Dick. It’s gorgeous, with intricate color wisps and tiny little suction cups begging for something sensitive to rub against them. There are four holes on the outside where the straps go so that you can attach it to your partner or anything else you want to hump. The straps are 2.5 feet long, so if you are planning to attach it around your partner’s waist, it will only fit people who are fairly slender around the middle. It fits my partner but would not fit anyone bigger, so you might want to order a larger strap if your partner’s stomach is larger than 2.5 feet around. Otherwise, strap it onto a limb.
It’s a thick boy, so it’s ideal for being extra sturdy but not so great for rolling up and using it as a stroker. Anyone with a clit will love the rise and fall of the tentacular texture. There are sloping ribs in between the tentacles, which offer a gentler experience for those with extra-sensitive clits. But the small, knobby, suction cups, the silky-smooth finish, and the dual-density upgrade make this the most intense grinder I tried. I didn’t expect the forgiving, silken little protuberances to be so forceful, but they were.
One of the other thoughtful components of the design is that it’s asymmetrical and full of details. You can grind against one spot on one day, move ½ inch over, and have a completely different experience the next time. No two grinding spots are alike, and you may find that you like the sides where smaller tentacles intertwine or the middle where they recede best. Flipping it around and grinding against a new spot feels like a different masturbating adventure.
All the Uncover Creations grinder toys are customizable, so you can pick a firmness that ranges from super soft to squishy soft or dual-density (which will feel a little bit like human skin). You can choose a strap color, add a vibrating bullet hole, or purchase a silky-smooth upgrade. My Tentacle toy came with a silky-smooth upgrade, made from a durian-derived formula. I was intrigued about this since I’ve never heard of durian in a sex toy before. I’ve traveled to Southeast Asia and smelled the real thing, and it’s indeed a memorable experience. The Tentacle Grinder, thankfully, smelled nothing like the durian fruit I remember, but all the toys had a slight, unfamiliar odor.
The silky-smooth finish made this notably less tacky than the other Uncover Creations models I’ve played with, and I enjoyed the texture significantly more. Without it, the grinder sex toys are sticky and immediately pick up dust and debris. However, the silky-smooth exterior is not as shiny and has a matte aesthetic, so if that will mess up your seaside fantasy, skip the silky-smooth upgrade.
Since the Tentacle Grinder has so many gorgeous details, you’ll want to be sure you’re fully aroused and lubed up before going toe-to-toe with this guy. Every single bump is tiny—and since mine came with the dual-density upgrade—it was firm. This combination will work best for people seeking the most powerful grinding experience. It’s extra stable with the dual-density and solid core, so it’s perfect for those who don’t want something to move as much during playtime.
Minor issues we found during testing:
The body is large and thick, so it wouldn’t be the perfect choice to roll up and use as a stroker. It functions best as a grinder, so it’s slightly less versatile than some of the other thinner, more pliable designs. There’s no spot for your hand, but you can add a hole for a bullet vibe for an upcharge of $13.
The Tentacle Grinder is covered in bumps and ridges, and the tiny bumps make for a sensation overload. If you have a sensitive clit, you’ll want to opt for something that has mostly ridges which feels less gritty. This one can be almost painful, especially if you don’t use extra lube. If your clit isn’t overly sensitive, this is the perfect option.
The detailed design means endless little spots for lube to crust over and bacteria to hide. Wash thoroughly and often!
Why the Tentacle Grinder is the best for extreme sensations:
- The detailed design: Tiny suction cups are rougher on the clit, providing more friction for those who want in-your-face clitoral sensation. The faster you go, the bristlier it will feel against your clit. With lube, this can be hot AF.
- The customizability: If you opt for the dual-density upgrade, the Tentacle Grinder will feel almost like human skin. It’s firm, and the texture won’t have much give to it, giving you the most extreme grinding experience.
- The ropey shape: Each tentacle dives in and out, and if you position this one correctly, it can stimulate all sides of your clit at once. A bullet vibrator could never.
Features
- Material: Platinum Silicone
- Length: 7”
- Width: 4.9”
- Weight: 1 lb, 3 oz
Pros:
- Gorgeous
- Detailed bumps add extra sensation.
- The tall, dense base works for partnered use.
Cons:
- More expensive: $77, plus upgrades like color, firmness, and finish
3. Uncover Creations Tentacle Grinder IV: Best for Penetration!
Why we love the Uncover Creations Tentacle Grinder IV:
The Uncover Creations Tentacle Grinder IV has a long, suction-cupped tentacle for grinding against with a base that flares into an erection-like nub. Therefore, the test team rated this bae as perfect for anyone who wants the best of both worlds: grinding against a textured work of art and then inserting the tentacle for a sensation-filled finish. The flat base is huge, and if you have it secured to something like a leg or a lamp post with the buckles fastened completely, it should be safe for vaginal or anal penetration. The extra wide base adds stability without adding a ton of weight.
Not only is the tentacle part realistic, but the background also has the welded-steel look and circular windows of a ship from which the aquatic erection springs forth. If this doesn’t bring out the seafaring adventurer in you, I’m not sure what will.
The internal arm is smaller but large enough to reach most G-spots. It also has a smaller tip that widens the further you insert it for an unexpected feeling of fullness. Since you can use the straps to strap this on a partner, it’s great for anyone who doesn’t have a penis or can’t get an erection but still wants to feel and see their partner get penetrated.
Minor issues we found during testing:
The penetrative part of this grinder is small, which I loved, but it will unquestionably disappoint size queens. It’s also super flexible, making it extra comfy for insertion but harder to ride. The platinum silicone is oh-so-soft, making it perfect for grinding against, but you won’t want to tie the straps too tightly, or it may feel like the holes could tear through the toy after extended use (though this never happened throughout our extensive testing).
The large suction cups provide a bumpy ride for your clitoris, but there is no space in between where there are smooth ridges. That means that there’s no cool-down zone for your clit, so you’ll have to have texture throughout. If that’s how you like to grind, this won’t be an issue, but if you’re extra sensitive like me, you might want to find a model that has some smoother areas where your clit can take a break if it is getting overstimulated. It’s also not great for someone who doesn’t want any penetration—it’s too cumbersome to try to avoid the erect tentacle.
Why the Tentacle Grinder IV is the best for penetration:
- Upright tentacle: the thick, nubbed tentacle sticks out and is perfect for G-spot grinding. The base gets thicker the more you grind down, and the remainder of the tentacle is placed perfectly for clitoral friction.
- Dual stimulation: If you want all the sensations, this is the grinder toy for you.
- Inclusive design: Since this grinder features a tentacle rather than a realistic phallus, people who aren’t attracted to penises will still be able to get off.
Features:
- Material: Platinum silicone
- Length: 7.5” long, width 5.5”, insertable length 3.85”
- Weight: 1 lb, 3 oz
Pros:
- Dual stimulation
- Perfect for partner or solo play
- The sturdy base and the heavier design don’t move as much.
- Excellent for people with disabilities
Cons:
- Not great for those who don’t want penetration
4. Uncover Creations Spiked Grinder: Most Versatile!
Why we love the Uncover Creations Spiked Grinder:
The Spiked Grinder is a lot comfier and sexier than it sounds. It’s less like masturbating with a pineapple and more like rubbing against something very gently prickly. It reminded me of my acupressure mat, but instead of helping me relax, this soft model is meant to help you get off. Make all your sea urchin fantasies come true with the tender texture. It’s so lightweight and pliable that you can rub against it if you have a clit or roll it into a circle and use it as a stroker. Form it into a c-shape, and it looks like a sea monster’s teeth. A sex toy that works equally well on any gender is difficult to find, but the Spiked Grinder pulls it off.
The large spikes feel gentler than you’d expect because they are soft. They are also big enough to bend, so if you’re using this as a stroker, you will feel the motion of them bending more than a texture. The smaller ones feel more gravelly, gritty, and intense. Since there are different areas of spikes, you can decide where you want to grind and move from gentle spikes to more intense texture as you get more turned on. You can also start with the Spiked Grinder gently gliding over your clit for a ticklish sensation and then slowly press down for something more extreme.
The Uncover Creations Spiked Grinder is a body-safe sex toy, thanks to the fact that it’s made from platinum silicone. It’s waterproof and easy to clean—boil it or throw it in the dishwasher. The straps are less easy to keep bacteria away from but a cycle on the highest heat in your washing machine ought to do the trick. Put them in a bag for delicates if you’re worried about damaging them or them making a bunch of noise. It’s best not to dry them in your laundry dryer, though, so hang them up to air dry instead.
Minor issues we found during testing:
This model is so versatile, fun, and easy to use that it was hard to find an issue with it. The design isn’t as aquatic as the others, so it may be harder to incorporate into a sea monster fantasy. But if that isn’t your thing, this is the ideal grinder for you.
It’s also long enough that it can reach your anus, so you’ll need to be careful with your motion that you aren’t essentially wiping back to front, transferring bacteria that can lead to a UTI. Lastly, it’s somewhat narrow, so you have to grind mindfully so that you don’t interact with the straps, which are much less sexy to grind up against.
Why the Spiked Grinder is the most versatile grinder toy:
- Discreet: This grinder barely looks like a sex toy, and if I didn’t know better, I would think that it’s a physical therapy aid. However, once you strap it to your beloved or a foam roller, you’re in for sensory paradise.
- Versatile: It doesn’t matter what kind of genitals you have; this grinder pleases them all. Rub against your clit for a textured explosion or roll it up around your erection for a seaside take on a stroker. Strap it to something solid for solo pleasure or put it around your partner’s waist for extra sensations during playtime. It has different-sized spikes so that you can choose between gentle or intense sensations.
- Easy to clean: Since the basic version of this grinder doesn’t have a spot for your fingers or a vibrator, it’s relatively simple to clean. You can wash it with warm water and antibacterial soap, boil it, or throw it in the dishwasher for a deeper clean. However, keep in mind that the straps will be more difficult to sanitize. You can wash them by hand or throw them in your washer on the sanitize cycle for a deep clean.
- Optional straps: You can use this with or without straps. The strap holes and included straps make this an excellent choice if your partner has a disability or grip issues and doesn’t want to or cannot hold something for long periods. Grinding on a partner is an excellent sexual activity for someone with dyspareunia, or pain during sex, that allows both partners sexual gratification without penetration.
Features:
- Material: Platinum silicone
- Length: 6.9” long, 3.1” wide
- Weight: 7.25 oz
Pros:
- Affordable: only $40 without upgrades
- Versatile, great for people of any gender
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- The narrow design and extra flexible spikes mean you may be grinding against the straps.
5. Uncover Creations Tentacle Grinder II Cock Ring: For Straight Couples!
Why we love the Uncover Creations Tentacle Grinder II Cock Ring:
The Uncover Creations Tentacle Grinder II turned out to be such an incredible cock ring. It is stretchy, and it fits my partner’s erection comfortably and snugly. The straps provide extra stability for the top part of the cock ring and plenty of room for your clit to grind against. Pro tip: if you want this to give extra sensation, put something between it and your partner, like a small towel, so it protrudes even more since the base height is thin.
The cock ring diameter is 1.18” and stretches to 3.14”, so measure your erection’s girth before making this purchase. There’s no way to adjust the ring, so it’s essential to be sure it fits you before deciding to buy it.
The base of the cock ring is covered in coral, and then there is a tentacle with soft ridges and nubby suction cups to tempt your clit. Both my partner and I loved the feel and look of this cock ring. Plus, it didn’t fall prey to the main problem most clit-targeting cock rings have: a lack of surface area. A lot of vibrating cock rings have too little space for the clit to play against, but this one is larger, and it feels amazing for both partners when your clit rubs against the tentacle. Further, the tentacle has ridges that are smoother and less stimulating (my personal favorite) as well as tiny suction cups, which are more tactile and intense when you rub against it.
Minor issues we found during testing:
Since the Uncover Creations Tentacle Grinder II Cock Ring is made from platinum silicone, the texture is a little sticky. If you opt for the upgrade to the silky-smooth finish, you likely won’t have issues, but if you have pubic hair, it may get caught and stuck against this type of material. If both partners shave or wax, this won’t be an issue.
Why the Tentacle Grinder II Cock Ring is great for heterosexual couples:
- Dual stimulation: The extra squeeze at the base of the erection is hot, as is the stimulation the tentacle provides while grinding. Both partners are stimulated at the same time.
- Fun solo play: Either partner can use this to masturbate, as well as during penis-in-vagina sex.
- Role play at your fingertips: This isn’t the average cock ring; it has tentacles on it. The themed design means you can (and should) get out of your routine and do something kinky instead. Why would there be a tentacle wrapped around your partner’s cock? You and your partner should put on some sexy costumes and find out.
Features:
- Material: Platinum silicone
- Length: 5.9”
- Width: 2.7”
- Weight: 5 oz
Pros:
- Comfortable to wear
- Customizable
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- The thin base made need some extra height to reach your clit.
- The sticky texture may catch the wearer’s pubic hair.
6. Uncover Creations Tentacle Grinder II: Beginner-Friendly!
Why we love the Uncover Creations Tentacle Grinder II:
The Uncover Creations Tentacle Grinder II was easily my favorite of the bunch to rub up against. It’s tall enough that you don’t have to be super acrobatic to grind against it on your partner’s body or on a pillow. It has broad, smooth ridges that provide a tantalizing texture that’s not overstimulating—and there are suction cups on the side of the tentacles in case you want more friction to amp up the grind. Further, there are different sizes of suction cups so you can customize how much stimulation you receive.
My Tentacle Grinder II came with a hole for a bullet vibe, an optional upgrade that costs $13. I highly recommend it. If you’re used to masturbating with a vibrator, having optional vibrations can bridge the gap and help you transition to grinding while masturbating. The platinum silicone material transferred the vibrations unexpectedly well, turning this into an excellent vibrating toy. With the slippery lube, it opened up a whole new world of sensations.
The hole fits all standard-sized bullet vibes, and I used the bullet that came with my Lovehoney Sex Toy Advent Calendar, and it worked like a charm. If you use the vibrating feature and have it strapped to your partner, they may feel a bit numb if it takes you a while to get off, thanks to the transfer of the vibrations.
The bullet vibrator hole makes this slightly more difficult to clean. But the orgasms you’ll have more than make up for this minor inconvenience.
Minor issues we found during testing:
We loved this grinder so much that it was difficult to find fault with it. But, with the bullet vibrator hole, this would be somewhat difficult to clean. The nooks and crannies are what make it so stimulating to grind against, but they also attract debris like nothing else. At $78, this is one of the more expensive grinders, but it was 100% worth the money. This was an impeccable grinding experience.
Why the Uncover Creations Tentacle Grinder II is highest-rated for beginners:
- Gorgeous design: This product is so pretty that it was fun for roleplay and easy to get into as a first-time grinder. The hole for the vibrator is located sneakily underneath, so the overall design is intact.
- Textured ridges and bumps: The smooth ridges give gentle stimulation while the nubbed suction cups allow you to slowly graduate to a more intense, textured experience.
- Body-safe materials: The non-porous platinum silicone makes this a long-lasting, durable toy. It pairs nicely with water-based lubricant, and the slippery ridges help ease newbies into the world of textured toy grinding. Further, it has enough give that it won’t be too rough on your most sensitive body parts.
Features:
- Material: Platinum silicone
- Length: 7.5”
- Depth: 1.77”
- Weight: 15.5 oz
Pros:
- Gentle ribs for smooth gliding
- Sturdy base
- Perfect texture for beginners
- Can add a hole for a bullet vibrator for an upcharge
Cons:
- Slightly difficult to clean
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