The wrong ball gag can be uncomfortable in a way that ends play time.

But the right ball gag can make sexy play even more fun.

So how do you know which one to buy?

It all comes down to the varieties of gags available, your anatomy (mouths come in different shapes and sizes, after all), and what’s comfortable for you.

I’ll leave the definition of “comfortable” up to user discretion.

But no matter what experience you’re looking for, you have to know your options first. And that’s exactly where this article comes in.

I’ll show you what to look for in ball gags and what kinds of gags might satisfy your particular kinky desires.

Our Pick:

DOMINIX Deluxe Leather Bit Gag from Lovehoney

Our experts agree that this product is the best overall choice for most people. It’s very high-quality leather, extremely comfortable, and has received a ton of great reviews.

Visit the official website here

DOMINIX Deluxe Leather Bit Gag
Best Ball Gags

What to Look for in a BDSM Gag

Gags come in many different materials, shapes, and sizes. Because of that, not all gags work perfectly for every person.

Here are the top things to consider when selecting a gag for yourself or a partner:

Gag Shape

Gags come in several different shapes, with each working slightly differently from the other. The primary gag shapes are:

  • Ball
  • Bit
  • O-ring
Gag Shape

There are also novelty shapes and variations on these basic shapes. Some variations include a bone instead of a bit, or lips instead of an o-ring. Additionally, ball gags can be solid or perforated with breathing holes.

The majority of gag shapes allow for some breathing through the mouth. If that is a consideration for you, then you may want to steer clear of solid ball-shaped gags.

The ball typically fills the entire mouth opening, preventing mouth breathing.

If you need to breathe through your mouth and prefer the aesthetic or feel of a ball gag, then a gag with a perforated ball will work well. These types of gags have holes that go all the way through the ball.

Bit gags are shaped like a bar that goes in the mouth horizontally. They are fairly easy to breathe around, and they’re popular for pet and animal roleplay, in part because they resemble the bit that a horse wears.

Silicone vs. Rubber

Regardless of the style of gag that appeals to you, you’ll want to pay attention to whether the part that goes in your mouth is made of silicone or rubber (or some other material).

Silicone and rubber are the most common materials for ball gags and bit gags.

What difference does it make? Well, quite a lot actually.

For one thing, many people find the taste of rubber to be unpleasant. That being said, if you are into degradation, humiliation, sadism, or masochism, then the unpleasant taste might be part of the experience you are creating.

But aside from that, many people are allergic to rubber, also known as latex.

If you’re allergic to rubber latex, then you’ll want to make sure you the gags you buy are only made of silicone or other non-latex materials.

Rubber and silicone can look very similar to each other in pictures, so you have to check the item descriptions to know for sure what you are getting.

Strap Materials

In addition to the gag itself being made of various materials, you’ll also want to consider what the strap that goes around the head is made from. These can also be made of silicone, but more often they are made of nylon, leather, or faux leather.

Nylon tends to be a cheaper material used for beginner bondage items. Both leather and faux or vegan leather can be high-quality in construction. Which you prefer depends upon your preferred look and feel, as well as whether you are bothered by wearing animal products.

Gag Size

Gag Size
Image Source: Lovehoney.com

Whether you’re selecting a ball gag, bit gag, o-ring gag, or novelty gag, you’ll want to check out the size of what’s going in the mouth.

Some people can open their mouth more or less wide than others, and that makes a big difference on the comfort level and length of time the gag can be worn.

Aesthetics

Toys are fun, and gags are especially fun. But as with all toys, having features that are pleasing to the eye enhances the excitement.

I personally love toys that offer a punch of color, rather than just black. With so many gags to choose from, it doesn’t make sense to pick something that looks boring or unsexy to you.

Safety

There is something very important to remember when playing with ball gags and other gags:

The person wearing the gag may not be able to communicate verbally through the muffling of their mouth.

That means a couple things as far as safety goes. First of all, you want to make sure that the gagged partner can breathe. If you are into intense play, such as the kind that might make the bottom partner cry, then you need to check that breathing is not obstructed by snot (which happens when people cry).

This is especially important if you are using a non-breathable ball gag, as this type of gag prevents mouth breathing.

Second, you need to make sure the gagged partner has another means of communicating since they cannot talk. All sexual and BDSM play should occur only with the consent of all parties involved. That means the gagged partner needs to be able to express if they need to stop an activity or have the gag removed.

Since they can’t talk, and thus can’t use a safeword, this is easily remedied with a drop object.

A drop object is merely an item they can hold in their hand during play and drop when they need to stop or be let out of the gag.

It’s a physical signal to the other partner.

I think we’re ready. Let’s take a look at the gags now.

The Top 10 Ball Gags and Breathable Gags

Here are some of the best ball gags, breathable gags, and silicone gags for having fun with bondage:

  1. DOMINIX Deluxe Leather Bit Gag
  2. DOMINIX Deluxe Large Breathable Ball Gag with Nipple Clamps
  3. Bondage Boutique Silicone Dog Bone Gag
  4. Bondage Boutique Faux Leather Medium Silicone Ball Gag
  5. Sex & Mischief Silicone Open Mouth Lip Gag
  6. Zado Leather Mouth Gag 5.5 Inch Dildo Harness
  7. Bondage Boutique Large Silicone Breathable Ball Gag
  8. Over the Mouth Gag with Silicone Ball
  9. O-Ring Gag
  10. Leather and Wood Bit Gag

1. DOMINIX Deluxe Leather Bit Gag

DOMINIX Deluxe Leather Bit Gag

Unlike some other bit gags on this list, this one is made completely of black leather. It’s sexy and comfortable. And it has a very different feel in the mouth than rubber or silicone gags.

The smell is also different. I personally love the smell of leather, and if you do too, you’ll really enjoy pulling this gag out of your toy bag.

The part of the leather that goes in the mouth is filled with padding, providing something to bite down on to help relax the jaw as needed. The O-rings that attach the gag are also perfect for attaching other accessories.

Pros:

  • The taste and smell of leather
  • Extremely comfortable
  • Easy to breathe around
  • High-quality leather holds up to biting

Cons:

  • Not suitable for individuals who don’t wear animal products

2. DOMINIX Deluxe Large Breathable Ball Gag with Nipple Clamps

DOMINIX Deluxe Large Breathable Ball Gag

Breathable ball gags are a little less intense than the varieties that shut off your mouth completely. Fortunately, this one adds extra intensity by including attached nipple clamps. When they tighten on the nipples, the gag muffles the squeals. Genius.

This particular gag is also fairly comfortable because the part that touches the delicate corners of the mouth is also made of silicone, unlike some gags where the straps touch the corners of the mouth. Even the straps on this are made of comfortable silicone.

Because the nipple clamps are attached to O-rings, you can also use the O-rings to attach other BDSM toy accessories for more play options.

Pros:

  • Breathable ball
  • O-rings and nipple clamps offer variety in sensations
  • Silicone, good for those who are allergic to latex
  • Comfortable on the mouth

Cons:

  • The ball is large, which can be challenging for some
  • The nipple clamp chains may be too short for taller individuals or those with large breasts

3. Bondage Boutique Silicone Dog Bone Gag

Bondage Boutique Silicone Dog Bone Gag

This is a bit gag with a fun twist — the bit is shaped like a silicone dog bone. The shape makes this gag great for animal roleplay, pet roleplay, and primal play. The bone shape makes this a breathable gag but provides something comfortable to bite down on.

This gag has excellent reviews on its comfort and makes a wonderful gag even if you’re not into animal or primal roleplay. The strap is made of real leather.

Pros:

  • Fun shape for pet and animal roleplay
  • Breathable
  • Silicone, good for those who are allergic to latex
  • Extremely comfortable on the mouth

Cons:

  • Not suitable for individuals who don’t wear animal products

4. Bondage Boutique Faux Leather Medium Silicone Ball Gag

Bondage Boutique Faux Leather Medium Silicone Ball Gag

This is a nice basic ball gag for beginner and intermediate players in gagging. The silicone ball is not breathable, which is not an issue as long as the wearer can breathe through their nose effectively.

Pros:

  • Medium-sized ball is comfortable for most individuals
  • Silicone, good for those who are allergic to latex
  • Comfortable on the mouth
  • Faux leather straps are vegan friendly
  • Available in 2 colors

Cons:

  • The medium-sized ball could be a challenge for beginners to gagging
  • The stretchy silicone sides could provide more leeway than experienced users may want

5. Sex & Mischief Silicone Open Mouth Lip Gag

Sex & Mischief Silicone Open Mouth Lip Gag

Okay, I know this gag looks a bit silly, but bear with me. I wasn’t a fan of this item — at first. And then I found out that it is absolutely amazing for blow jobs.

If you struggle with blow jobs because of teeth getting in the way or a tendency to actually gag, the Sex & Mischief Silicone Open Mouth Lip Gag may help. When worn properly, it covers most of the teeth, reducing the chance that your blow job gets bitey or uncomfortable.

The way it helps hold the mouth open can also relax the throat and reduce the tendency to gag, allowing for deeper oral penetration.

All gags bring in a bit of degradation play, but this gag is truly good for those who like to play with humiliation and want to turn themselves or their partner into a sex doll.

Pros:

  • Unique look that is great for degradation play
  • Comes in 3 different colors
  • Silicone, good for those who are allergic to latex
  • Faux leather straps are vegan friendly
  • Non-allergenic, nickel-free hardware

Cons:

  • Girthy penises may not be able to take advantage of blow job benefits (1.5” diameter).

6. Zado Leather Mouth Gag 5.5 Inch Dildo Harness

Zado Leather Mouth Gag 5.5 Inch Dildo Harness

Here’s an interesting gag with dual purposes. On the inside, you’ll find a short, dildo gag that gives the feel of having a penis between your lips. On the outside is a longer dildo that the wearer can use to provide service and pleasure to their partner.

Depending on the sexual preferences of the wearer, this gag may be quite pleasurable to suck on or could be used for humiliation play.

It is more expensive than the other gags on this list, but keep in mind that you also get a usable dildo with it.

Pros:

  • Comfortable dildo with some flexibility
  • Can remove the external dildo and use just as a gag
  • Stays on well while one partner rides the dildo

Cons:

  • Contains latex, which some people are allergic to
  • The smell and taste of rubber can be off putting
  • Pricier than other gags on this list

7. Bondage Boutique Large Silicone Breathable Ball Gag

Bondage Boutique Large Silicone Breathable Ball Gag

The Bondage Boutique Large Silicone Breathable Ball Gag is an excellent in-between gag for intermediate kinksters. The large ball presents a challenge for keeping your jaw open wide, but the holes provide a safety net that allows you to breathe even during intense play.

And it has stretchy silicone sides like the other Bondage Boutique Gag on this last that has a solid medium ball. The strap on this gag is real leather.

Pros:

  • Breathable
  • Comfortable
  • Large ball is a fun challenge for those with gag experience
  • Silicone, good for those who are allergic to latex

Cons:

  • Not suitable for individuals who don’t wear animal products

8. Over the Mouth Gag With Silicone Ball

Over the Mouth Gag With Silicone Ball
Image Source: StockRoom.com

Definitely not a breathable ball gag. This gag both stuffs the wearer’s mouth with a silicone ball and covers their mouth with leather. The result is a visual muffling as well as literal muffling of sound. The Over the Mouth Gag certainly puts perspective on who is leading the activity.

Conveniently, this gag can be ordered with either a small ball or a large ball.

If you like going to events that show Dom/sub status, this is a great gag for visual effect.

Pros:

  • Available in 2 different ball sizes
  • Sexy, silent visual effect
  • Silicone, good for those who are allergic to latex

Cons:

  • Not suitable for individuals who don’t wear animal products

9. O-Ring Gag

O-Ring Gag
Image Source: StockRoom.com

This O-Ring Gag is wrapped in leather for a firm feel that still protects teeth from the metal ring within. It comes in three different sizes so you can get the appropriate jaw stretch for your mouth size and experience.

Unlike solid ball gags, the O-Ring Gag allows for easy breathability through the mouth while still restricting speech. And since the mouth is not blocked, you can get creative with taste and sensation play. (Just be careful not to put anything in that could be choked on.)

Some people like to use open-mouth gags for oral sex, but this style is too small and rigid for most people to pull that off. That doesn’t mean you can’t do a bit of teasing though.

Pros:

  • Leaves the mouth open for teasing
  • Breathable
  • Available in 3 different ring sizes

Cons:

  • Not suitable for individuals who don’t wear animal products
  • In most cases, the o-ring is not large enough for oral penetration

10. Leather and Wood Bit Gag

Leather and Wood Bit Gag
Image Source: StockRoom.com

As a fan of leather and wood, I love, love, love this gag. It is not going to be as comfortable as options made of softer materials, but that’s kind of the point. If you’re going for something intentionally less comfortable, a wood gag is the ticket.

It has a beautiful, natural look to it that adds an aesthetic you just don’t see in other gags.

Pros:

  • Beautiful, all-natural materials for a unique aesthetic
  • Breathable
  • Good for masochists and those who like intentional discomfort

Cons:

  • Somewhat pricey

Final Pick

All of these gags have fun qualities, and there are certainly some that I prefer over others.

But as the best all-around gag that would give a great experience to the most people, I would go with:

DOMINIX Deluxe Leather Bit Gag

DOMINIX Deluxe Leather Bit Gag

It has a pleasant leather scent right out of the box, and the leather provides a sensual taste and feel in the mouth. It’s also extremely comfortable and easy to breathe around, as well as providing a nice place to bite down when you feel like moaning or screaming.

Get the full details about the DOMINIX Deluxe Leather Bit Gag by visiting Lovehoney.com here.

If you’re not a fan of real leather, any of the other gags on this list are also excellent.