Phenomenal Five Year Global Sex Toy Boom Predicted
Innovation, changing public perception expected to fuel growth
There’s great news for sex tech industries in general and lovers of sex toys in particular! According to a recent Technavio press release, “The global sex toys market size is estimated to grow by USD 34.54 billion from 2025 to 2029.” And this growth can be attributed to media exposure and changes in public perception of sex toys.
Technavio reached the 34.54 billion figure through an international market analysis of the US, UK, Germany, France, Japan, China, Mexico, Russia, Brazil, Thailand, Japan, and also in West Asia (Middle East) and Africa.
Technavio estimates the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for this industry at 13.8 percent, with North America accounting for 35% of the international market growth (with the US as the leading country).
It’s worth noting that twenty companies were profiled for the report. The analysis also references a historic period of 2019-2023 while creating its forecasts for 2025-2029.
Technavio, a division of Infiniti Research, describes itself in the press release as “a leading global technology research and advisory company” that focuses on “emerging market trends and actionable insights.” Additional details from the sex toy market analysis are available from Technavio in a free sample report (a summary) and the complete report may be purchased for $2,000.
The products and market segments
Technavio looked primarily at adult vibrators, dildos, and erection rings, though the analysis summary also acknowledged other industry products such as lubricants, bondage equipment, and anal toys.
According to the Technavio analysis, vibrators are the market segment due to deliver the biggest buzz. “Valued at USD 6.57 million in 2019,” Technavio claims that this segment’s growth is due to innovative products with technological advances and specific functions and shapes such as “external, insertion, and dual-purpose types, available in various shapes and sizes.
Brands like Tantus and Luvu offer a range of vibrators, such as silicone vibrators and luxury, rabbit, G-spot, and bullet vibrators.” The report also acknowledges vibrators designed for simultaneous use by couples as well as remote vibrators linked to apps on smartphones. Dildos and erection rings were not a focus of the summaries in the free sample report.
From the free sample report: drivers, trends, and challenges
The Technavio press release seems quite positive, “New materials, app connection, and smart features have revolutionized the user experience. De-stigmatization and sexual health advocacy have expanded the consumer base, catering to diverse needs and tastes.”
The free sample report goes into a little more detail, breaking key factors into drivers, trends, and challenges.
As industry drivers, Technavio cites a global increase in sex toy popularity, “rapid growth of e-commerce platforms selling sex toys,” and an increasing demand for sex toys that are remote controlled.
Technavio identified such trends as increased exposure to sex toy products, greater health benefit awareness, and “rebranding and repositioning” of the industry itself.
And though Technavio acknowledges “gynecologists and therapists endorse sex toys, particularly vibrators, for individuals facing orgasm difficulties,” and female consumers are particularly important, the summary also acknowledges the challenges of negative social perceptions that still exist, strict regulations–including addressing product safety–and potential risks posed by some toys.
Sex toy risks? Really?
Unfortunately, yes, toys that can make you feel so good can also be risky to use, so consumer awareness is key.
For example, in 2023, researchers from Duke University and Appalachian State University found “A majority of American adults report having used sex toys, which, by design, interact with intimate and permeable body parts yet have not been subject to sufficient risk assessment or management.”
The study focused primarily on microplastics and nanoplastics released during product abrasion and then subjected to solvent extraction. Endocrine-disrupting phthalates exceeding safety level warnings were found in all tested products, including anal toys, anal beads, dual vibrators, and external vibrators.
These researchers—citing a study published in 2009—similarly reported , “Between 1995 and 2006, 6,799 adults over 20 years of age sought ER care in the United States for sex toy-related injuries, with reported injury rates dramatically increasing in the last six years of the study.”
A 2024 study of global web trends of sex toys from Turkish researchers at Tekirdag City Hospital and the Department of Urology, Trakya University School of Medicine Hospital, noted anal sex toy injuries as well as infections from shared, and/or poorly cleaned toys.
These and other studies note the growing popularity of sex toys, globally, have resulted in a growing number of harmful incidents.
A sexier world, with safer, more sustainable pleasure for all
While Technavio’s analysis depicts a bright future for the sextech industry, it overlooks important trends and innovations such as female and queer-owned manufacturers and distributors, safety and sustainability concerns, and the burgeoning development of accessible sex toys.
While consumers can look forward to growth in the sex toy industry, it’s necessary to hold manufacturers and distributors accountable regarding manufacturing safety and marketing of these products.
At the same time, market researchers like Technavio should be encouraged to consider the up-and-coming trends which may seem smaller now but will undoubtedly drive social change, leading to potentially huge innovations.
Image source: A.R. Marsh using Ideogram.ai
