If you’ve ever googled “best sex positions” and felt overwhelmed by impossible acrobatics and porn-style poses, you’re not alone.
Real-life sex doesn’t need to look like a performance. The best sex positions are the ones that:
- Feel good for your body
- Make it easy to stay connected and intimate
- Help you reach orgasm (or at least very deep pleasure)
- Fit with your energy level, flexibility and relationship dynamic
This guide is designed as a practical, all-in-one overview. Whether you’re a beginner, in a long-term relationship, queer, straight, toy-curious, or just bored of the same old moves, you’ll find ideas you can actually use.
Along the way, we’ll link out to more detailed guides on special positions and specific needs, so you can go deeper when something catches your interest.
What Makes a Sex Position “Good”?
Before we dive into missionary, cowgirl and wild moves, it helps to redefine what “good” actually means in bed.
A truly great sex position usually balances:
- Comfort – You can stay in it for more than 30 seconds without cramping.
- Pleasure – It gives you access to the kind of stimulation you (or your partner) actually enjoy: clitoral, G-spot, prostate, full-body, etc.
- Connection – There’s space for eye contact, kissing, talking or breathing together if you want it.
- Control – At least one partner can easily change angle, depth, speed or pressure.
- Safety – Joints, backs and necks are not being sacrificed just to look “hot”.
A position that looks amazing in porn but leaves you numb, sore, or disconnected is not a “best sex position” for you. This guide will help you find the ones that are.
Best Basic Sex Positions for Most Couples
These are the “classic” positions that many people start with—but with a few tweaks, they can become seriously powerful tools for pleasure instead of basic routines.
1. Missionary – Intimacy and Eye Contact
Missionary gets a bad reputation for being “boring,” but it’s actually one of the best sex positions for intimacy.
- One partner lies on their back, the other lies on top, facing them.
- Legs can be flat, open, or bent at the knees to adjust penetration angle.
Why it’s great:
- Fantastic for eye contact, kissing and emotional connection
- Easy to whisper, talk, and check in
- Works with a pillow under the hips for deeper penetration
Best for:
- Beginners
- Couples who value intimacy and closeness
- People who enjoy more emotional, romantic sex
You can turn basic missionary into something much more intense by changing the angle—even moving towards an Apex-style position where the hips are lifted higher for deep penetration.
2. Cowgirl (Rider) – Control and Clitoral Contact
In cowgirl, the partner on top rides the one lying on their back.
- The receiving partner lies flat or slightly propped up.
- The other partner straddles their hips, facing them (classic cowgirl) or facing away (reverse cowgirl).
Why it’s great:
- The partner on top controls speed, depth and angle
- Easy to add clitoral stimulation with hands or a vibrator
- Eye contact and kissing are simple in the classic version
Best for:
- People who like feeling in control
- Anyone who needs strong clitoral stimulation to orgasm
- Partners with different body sizes (the top can adjust pressure easily)
Small change, big difference:
Try grinding in small circles instead of bouncing up and down. For many vulva owners, that circular motion is much closer to how they naturally touch themselves.
3. Doggy Style – Deep Penetration and Power
Doggy style is one of the best sex positions for deep penetration, strong sensations, and a more primal vibe.
- One partner is on hands and knees or lying chest-down.
- The other partner enters from behind, kneeling or standing.
Why it’s great:
- Allows deeper, more direct penetration
- Great for G-spot or prostate sensation depending on angle
- Easy for the partner behind to control rhythm and intensity
Best for:
- Couples who enjoy intensity and rougher play
- People who like being taken from behind or being more dominant
To avoid making it too overwhelming, try:
- Lowering the hips and bending the knees more
- Keeping thrusts slow and controlled
- Adding clitoral stimulation from the front
If you’re specifically into deep, intense sensations, you can explore more targeted ideas in a dedicated like jackhammer sex position or deepthroat-style pleasure positions.
Best Sex Positions for Deep Penetration and Intense Sensations
If you love feeling full, stretched or deeply stimulated, certain positions can maximize penetration while still keeping safety in mind.
4. The Apex – Angled for Maximum Depth
The Apex sex position is all about changing the angle of the hips to create more depth without needing extreme flexibility.
- The receiving partner lies on their back with hips lifted on a stack of pillows or a wedge.
- The penetrating partner kneels between their legs and enters, with their body leaning slightly forward.
Why it works:
- The higher angle straightens the vaginal or anal canal, allowing deeper, more intense penetration.
- The partner on top can still access the clitoris manually or with a toy.
You can explore a full breakdown of how to use this position safely and effectively in this Apex sex position guide (deep, detailed tips + variations).
5. Jackhammer – Fast, Deep and Wild (Use Carefully)
The Jackhammer position is for couples who like things fast and strong—but it needs good communication and clear consent.
- Typically, the penetrating partner is on top in a more upright, squared position.
- Movements are deeper, faster, and more vertical, creating intense sensations.
Why it’s intense:
- Strong, repetitive thrusting can lead to powerful orgasms for some people.
- The position can be modified by slowing down and adding clitoral touch.
Because it’s demanding on both bodies, it’s important to learn how to do it safely. For couples who enjoy high-intensity play, your detailed Jackhammer sex position guide is a must-read before trying it.
6. The Captain – Total Control and Directed Pleasure
In the Captain sex position, one partner takes full control over rhythm, direction and pressure.
- The receiving partner is often on their back or side.
- The “Captain” positions themselves in a way that lets them steer the motion more precisely.
Why it’s powerful:
- One partner can fully focus on giving, the other on receiving.
- Great for roleplay, dom/sub dynamics, or when one partner wants to “take over”.
For a step-by-step breakdown of setups, variations and control tips, you can link to this Captain sex position guide, which goes deep into dominant positioning and mind-blowing orgasms.
Best Sex Positions for Female Pleasure, G-Spot and Clitoral Focus
Many people with vulvas need direct clitoral stimulation to reach orgasm. The best sex positions for them often combine penetration (if desired) with easy access to the clitoris.
7. Pillow-Boosted Missionary
- Slip a pillow or wedge under the hips.
- Keep the pelvic area tilted slightly upward.
- The penetrating partner maintains a moderate thrust while using their hand or a vibrator on the clitoris.
Why it’s effective:
- The angle improves G-spot contact.
- The extra clitoral stimulation solves the “I can feel it but I can’t quite get there” problem.
8. Slow Grind Cowgirl
- Partner on top stays close to the torso instead of sitting upright.
- Use grinding or rocking motions instead of bouncing.
Why it’s effective:
- Full body contact + chest-to-chest pressure creates emotional intimacy.
- Grinding the clitoris against the pubic bone or a toy creates strong, targeted stimulation.
9. Face-to-Face Side Position
- Both partners lie on their sides, facing each other.
- Legs are tangled comfortably, and one partner uses fingers or toys to stimulate the clitoris.
Why it’s nice:
- Super intimate and low effort.
- Great for long sessions, lazy mornings and emotional bonding.
Best Sex Positions for Lesbian and Queer Couples
Lesbian and queer couples often have very different needs from the straight-focused porn script. Positions that prioritize clitoral stimulation, grinding and toy play tend to be the most satisfying.
Here are a few general ideas:
- Vulva-to-vulva grinding (tribbing) in comfortable side positions
- Face-to-face pillow nests for combined fingers, toys and kissing
- Strap-on positions that allow good control and clitoral access, like strap-on missionary or the “throne” lap ride
For a full breakdown tailored specifically to lesbian and queer partners, including toy-friendly positions and comfort tips, you can link to your dedicated guide:
👉 Best lesbian sex positions for real intimacy and toy play
Best Sex Positions to Use with Toys (Dildos, Strap-Ons, Cock Sleeves & More)
Sex toys don’t replace your body—they expand what your body can do. The bestsexposition with toys are those that:
- Keep the toy stable
- Give access to sensitive areas
- Allow you to adjust without breaking the mood
10. Strap-On Missionary
- The receiving partner lies on their back, legs open or bent.
- The giving partner wears a strap-on dildo or silicone dildo pants and kneels between their thighs.
Why it works:
- Classic, familiar feeling for many people.
- Great for eye contact, kissing and clitoral stimulation with hands or a vibrator.
11. Strap-On Doggy
- The receiving partner is on hands and knees, or leaning over a cushion.
- The giving partner stands or kneels behind, wearing the strap-on.
Why it works:
- Deep penetration with a lot of control.
- Easy to reach around for clitoral or chest stimulation.
A creator recently tried the Domlust penissleeve extender pants and shared that it actually adds noticeable length and girth. Made from high-quality, flexible silicone, it’s easy to slip into, stays snug, and works even if you’re not fully hard — offering a more confident, fuller experience.
12. Grinding Against a Grinder Sex Toy
- Place a soft silicone sex grinders or textured toy between bodies.
- Grind against it in a comfortable position (missionary, cowgirl, side-by-side).
Why it works:
- Adds a new surface and texture for clitoral or shaft stimulation.
- Perfect for partners who want more sensation without extreme positions.
Creative and Playful Positions: Eiffel Tower and More
Sex shouldn’t always be serious. Some positions are fun partly because they look dramatic or feel like a scene out of a movie.
Eiffel Tower Sex Position
The Eiffel Tower position is visually playful and can be very intense for the person in the middle.
- Usually involves three participants, but you can reinterpret the dynamic in a two-person scenario as well (using furniture or toys).
- Focus is on height, angle and shared visual excitement.
For couples and threesomes who want to explore it safely and intimately, you can link to this full eiffel tower sex position guide →
Framing it as playful, consensual experimentation (rather than just a porn reference) makes it feel more approachable.
Safety, Communication and Aftercare: The Real Foundations of Great Positions
No matter how creative your sex positions are, three things matter more than visuals:
1. Communication
Before trying something new, ask:
- “Is there anything you definitely don’t want to do?”
- “Is there a fantasy or position you’ve been curious about?”
During sex, check in:
- “How does this angle feel?”
- “Do you want deeper, slower, or more clitoral?”
2. Consent and Boundaries
- Everyone involved should feel free to say “no,” “stop,” or “can we change this?”.
- More intense positions (like jackhammer-style or deep penetration moves) should always be negotiated clearly first.
3. Aftercare
- Cuddle, talk, share water or a snack.
- Ask what your partner liked most and what felt less good.
- This feedback makes the next session better, no matter which position you use.
How to Choose the Best Sex Positions for You (Not Just for Google)
Rather than memorizing 50 names, think in terms of goals:
Want more intimacy and emotional connection?
- Focus on face-to-face positions like missionary, side-by-side or slow cowgirl.
Want more intensity and deep penetration?
- Explore Apex, doggy, Captain, Jackhammer-style moves, but always at a pace that feels safe.
Want more clitoral or G-spot focus?
- Add pillows, grinding motions and vibrating penis sleeves into basic positions.
In a lesbian or queer relationship?
- Prioritize grinding, toy play and positions that allow both partners to receive pleasure, plus emotional-intimacy guides.
The real “best sex position” is the one that fits your body, relationship and boundaries today. That might change over time—and that’s a good thing.
Keep Exploring: Build Your Own Best Sex Positions Playlist
Use this guide as a roadmap, not a rulebook. You can:
- Start with basic positions and adjust angles, speeds and contact.
- Add in specialty positions like the Apex, Jackhammer, Captain or Eiffel Tower when you feel curious and ready.
- Explore lesbian and queer-focused guides if that’s your world.
- Introduce toys, strap-ons, dildos and cock sleeves slowly, letting them support your connection rather than distract from it.
As you experiment, notice which positions give you:
- The best orgasms
- The deepest emotional connection
- The most fun and laughter
Those are your personal best sex positions—and they’re far more important than any fixed list on the internet.
