50 of the best sex positions for couples to try

Looking to take your sex life to the next level?

The best thing about sex is that it’s never simply one thing, it’s completely adaptable to make passion and pleasure a priority for you both! While there are many ways to spice up your sex life, these sex positions for couples to try together are a great place to start. 

Want to switch things up with a twist on classic missionary, or be a bit daring with positions that focus on getting creative—we’ve got you covered. 

What is the best sex position? 

Everyone has their own favorite sex positions, with likely a lot of debate about which one is the “best”! 

According to a survey in the US, several different types of sex positions make the top of the charts. The most popular include missionary with a pillow, doggy-style, spooning, and reverse cowgirl. 

However, what you think is “best” is entirely up to you—with a few new ones in this article to consider adding to your list. 

What are some different sex positions to try? 

Sex can be such an important part of a romantic relationship, with so many different positions to try and enjoy! 

It’s important to be up to different things, including the use of sex toys and other fun add-ons to make sure both you and your partner are having the best time possible—while also boosting your intimate connection. 

No matter what you’re looking for, add these sex positions to your bedroom routine to spice things up! 

Note: Some sex positions might appear in different categories, as they suit a range of different needs and couples! 

What are some comfortable sex positions for first-time couples?

When you’re first starting a sexual relationship with someone, you might feel a bit shyer as you try to figure out what makes the other person ‘tick’. As you find your feet, it’s easier to focus on familiar sexual positions before stepping things up a notch. 

1. Missionary: While missionary can get a lot of hate, it’s like the bread and butter in your sex life—with a lot of added perks. As you’re getting to know someone, it’s an opportunity for eye contact and to build intimacy from the get-go. 

2. Spooning: Another classic! Spooning is where the receiving partner lies away from the penetrating partner, making it very intimate and cozy. A fan favorite for any morning sexcapades and is a great position to settle into your sex life together.

3. Cowgirl: Getting on top might feel like a feat for some but this position gives the partner on top the ability to control the depth and speed, allowing them to get comfortable—and show their new partner what they like. 

4. Seated edge: For this position, one partner sits on the edge of a bed or chair while the other partner sits on their lap, facing them. Still facilitating a lot of skin contact and intimate opportunities for kissing etc, it’s also easy to adjust as you grow more comfortable with one another. 

5. Side-saddle: One partner lies on their back with one leg stretched out and the other bent, while the other partner kneels between their legs, entering from the side. This position is much less intense than something like doggy style, facilitating a lot more touch and connection. 

Best sex positions for couples who want to experiment 

When you’ve gotten into a rhythm, it can be fun to spice things up! These sex positions are beyond the beginner level, requiring you both to be a bit more comfortable and open to experimentation! 

Experimenting can also mean trying different sex toys, or just talking a bit more openly about your sexual desires and fantasies. If you don’t know where to start, or how to bring up that you want to try something new, use the Paired app’s extensive sex and intimacy content to spark those spicier conversations. 

1. Reverse cowgirl: For a simple twist on the classic cowgirl, The penetrating partner lies on their back, and the receiving partner straddles them—facing away. This allows the person on top to control the depth of penetration, as well as the angle, for maximum pleasure for both. 

2. Chair straddle: Switch it up from your bedroom set-up and bring a chair into the mix. Simply put, one partner sits in a chair, while the other partner sits on their lap, facing them. While similar to cowgirl, the seated partner has a stable base, making it easier to control slow and rhythmic movements. 

3. Standing doggy: This is a great position for those looking to achieve deep penetration and a switch-up of setting. This position requires both partners to stand, one bent forward with their hands against the wall, while the penetrating partner stands behind them. (This is great for a quickie to spice things up!) 

4. Leapfrog: Don’t let the name scare you, you won’t be bouncing around too much! One partner kneels on the bed or floor, leaning forward with their chest low, while the other partner kneels behind them, entering from behind.

5. The bridge: If you’re open to trying new sex positions, this is a very fun place to start—as long as you’re willing to get the giggles if it doesn’t work out. One partner lies on their back and lifts their hips into a bridge position, supported by their feet and shoulders, while the other partner kneels between their legs. This position requires a bit of balance and strength but you get a lot of control over depth and pace, as well as a very visually stimulating angle! 

6. The crab walk: This is another one that requires some strength and potentially some patience! The penetrating partner sits on the bed or floor with legs bent and feet flat, leaning back on their hands. The receiving partner straddles their lap, facing away, and lowers themselves onto their partner. 

7. Stairway: Sometimes all you need is to switch up the scenery! One partner sits on a step or raised surface with legs spread, while the other partner kneels between their legs. This can add a new element of adventure and height to the experience. 

8. Tabletop: This is a great one for a bit of spontaneous sex, using your tabletop or counter as a new location. One partner lies back on a table or counter, with the other partner standing between their legs, lifting them slightly off the edge. This can feel very passionate for you both to enjoy! 

9. Wheelbarrow: A sexy twist to a sports day classic, The receiving partner starts on all fours, then lifts their legs so the penetrating partner can hold them while standing behind. It allows for deep penetration, while also being fun for both partners to explore. 

10. Waterfall: Both adventurous and visually stimulating, this is a great way to try something different and experience new sensations. The receiving partner lies on their back on the edge of the bed, with their head and shoulders hanging off the edge, while the penetrating partner stands or kneels at the edge of the bed. This can also be a great position for oral sex, as you lean back and enjoy! 

Most intimate positions for couples to try 

Couples should never stop building intimacy in their relationships, with intimacy coming in many different forms and being built in different ways. 

These sex positions promote body contact, eye contact, and overall pleasure—helping you and your partner to build emotional intimacy during physical intimacy. 

1. The Lotus: This one might sound like a yoga pose, and that’s because it’s inspired by one—including its ability to promote emotional closeness. One partner sits cross-legged, and the other partner sits on their lap, facing them, with legs wrapped around their partner's waist. This position is very intimate and allows for deep connection through eye contact and synchronized breathing.

2. Side-by-Side: This position allows for full-body contact and easy access to kissing, caressing, and eye contact, where both partners lie on their sides facing each other with their legs intertwined. Since you’re in the face-to-face position, it facilitates deep emotional connection and communication. 

3. Heart-to-heart: The receiving partner lies on their back with their legs resting on their partner's shoulders, who is kneeling.

4. Pretzel dip: The receiving partner lies down on their side. Then, the giving partner kneels between their thighs, straddling their bottom leg. The receiver's top leg then rests on one of their partner’s thighs, forming a pretzel position. This has the option of doggy-style penetration but also allows for more stimulation of the clitoris as it has more control. 

5. G-whiz: As the name suggests, this position is great for g-spot stimulation as raising the legs makes things tighter for the partner’s penis. The receiver lies on their back with one leg resting on each of their lover’s shoulders, with an option rocking motion to make things even more exciting! 

6. Mutual masturbation: While not a sex position per se, mutual masturbation can be a really big turn-off for both partners! It also helps you understand what your partner wants, with the option to help them out along the way. 

7. Reverse spoon: While this might take a little bit of adjusting, this takes all the perks of the spooning position but with the added benefit of eye contact. 

8. Missionary with a twist: Think of it as the new and improved version of the classic missionary position, where the bottom partner wraps their legs around their partner's waist—further enhancing closeness. 

9. Seated hug: Everyone loves a cuddle, with this simply being the sexier version! This position allows for maximum physical closeness, with both partners able to embrace each other fully. It’s perfect for slow, tender movements and deep connection.

10. Cradling: Perhaps the most intimate of them all, this allows partners to hold each other close with extra opportunities for kissing and touch. One partner lies on their back while the other partner lies on top, chest to chest, with legs wrapped around each other.

Best sex positions for deeper penetration 

If you’re looking for positions that maximize deeper penetration, these are the ones for you!

Remember with all of these positions, they are adjustable and adaptable based on your comfort level, so make sure you check in with your partner throughout. 

1. Doggy style: Does this one even need an introduction? While it seems fairly simple, it’s known for its ability to go deeeep. 

2. Flat iron: If you’re getting bored with classic doggy, this modified version might be for you. This variation of doggy style flattens the hips, where the receiving partner lies flat on their stomach with legs together, while the penetrating partner lies on top, entering from behind. The added body contact promotes body contact while also creating a more intimate experience overall.

3. Butterfly: Due to the angle and elevation of the hips, this position can really help with deeper penetration—with the standing partner able to control the depth and pace, making it easy to adjust to your comfort level. To achieve this position, The receiving partner lies on their back on the edge of a bed or table, with their legs elevated, while the penetrating partner stands between their legs.

4. Legs on shoulders: This one is pretty self-explanatory, where the receiving partner lies on their back with their legs raised and resting on the penetrating partner’s shoulders, who is either kneeling or standing. Since it tightens the canal of entry, it enhances the sensation for both partners. 

5. Piledriver: For this position, the receiving partner lies on their back with hips elevated and legs bent back towards their chest, while the penetrating partner stands or squats, entering from above. Since this angle gives the penetrating partner significant control, it’s easy to adjust based on your preferred penetration depth. 

6. Standing wheelbarrow: This one takes a bit more strength and focus, but definitely delivers on penetration depth. The receiving partner starts in a standing position and then bends forward while the penetrating partner lifts their legs, holding them around the waist for support. 

7. Anvil: This is another position that prioritizes close body contact, while also providing the option for deep thrusting. The receiving partner lies on their back with their legs raised and knees bent towards their chest, while the penetrating partner kneels in front. 

8. Plow: This one requires a bit of flexibility—where the receiving partner lies on their back with their legs bent back over their head, while the penetrating partner kneels or stands in front. 

9. Scissors: This name gives a good hint as to the position, even if you’re not a sex expert! Both partners lie on their sides, with the penetrating partner’s legs intertwined with the receiving partner’s legs.

10. High knee: This is a relatively simple pose, with the option to go deeper due to the angle and height—the receiving partner lies on their back with one leg raised and the other leg flat, while the penetrating partner kneels between their legs.

Best sex positions for clitoral stimulation

As we know, foreplay is never to be skipped!

Beyond fun with foreplay or with sex toys, several sex positions boost clitoral stimulation and are often preferred by many women. 

1. Cowgirl: The infamous cowgirl position is a favorite for many women, as it allows them to control the intensity and rhythm—making it easier for them to reach climax. There’s also an option to include sex toys or vibrators easily in this position! 

2. Missionary with pillow: While missionary can be fun by itself, you can add an additional pillow to improve the angle or height. Elevating the hips with a pillow tilts the pelvis, allowing the penetrating partner’s pelvis to make more consistent contact with the clitoris during thrusting. This simple modification enhances clitoral stimulation during traditional missionary.

3. CAT (Coital Alignment Technique): A variation of the missionary position where the penetrating partner shifts slightly upward, aligning their pelvis with the clitoris. It might seem like a simple switch but the CAT focuses on maximizing clitoral stimulation by ensuring that the penetrating partner’s body rubs against the clitoris with each thrust.

4. Doggy style with extras: This is another simple addition, where the penetrating partner focuses on additional clitoral stimulation during doggy style—so both partners can achieve maximum pleasure. 

5. Grind: Another variation on missionary! The receiving partner lies on their back with their legs bent or wrapped around the penetrating partner, who is on top. The focus (as in the name) is on stimulating through grinding, achieving clitoral pleasure. 

Sex positions for older couples 

As you get older, some physical activities can become more difficult, including sex!

However, this doesn’t mean that you need to hang up your hat, as just because your body is slowing down doesn’t mean that your sex drive is! There are a number of variations of sex positions that help combat these issues, while still putting pleasure at its core. 

1. Spooning: Yes, spooning gets another mention here! Spooning is a gentle position that puts minimal strain on the joints and back. It allows for close contact, making it both physically and emotionally intimate. The position is also great for maintaining a slow, steady rhythm—making it an easy option for couples of all age groups. 

2. Face-to-face: For this one, partners simply lie side by side, making it excellent for older couples as it allows for full-body contact without the need for significant physical exertion.

3. Modified missionary: Not only does this position improve clitoral stimulation (as you read above!) but The pillow under the hips reduces strain on the back and hips, making the position more comfortable. The penetrating partner can also control their weight distribution by supporting themselves on their arms, which reduces pressure on the receiving partner.

4. Seated hug: One partner sits on the bed or a chair, with the other partner sitting on their lap, facing them. This position is comfortable for elderly people while allowing for deep intimacy through eye contact, kissing, and full-body contact.

5. Lotus: Another mention for the Lotus position, promoting closeness and intimacy, with both partners able to control the depth and pace. It’s a relaxing position that emphasizes connection over physical exertion.

What are some comfortable sex positions for couples with a significant height difference?

The height difference is very common between couples, with one partner sometimes a lot taller than the other! 

While this is a preference for many women particularly, it can make things a bit trickier when it comes to bedroom activities. 

1. Standing with support: When you’re dealing with a height difference, it’s helpful to use other objects for support to get you to the right height. The shorter partner leans against a wall or a sturdy surface while the taller partner stands or crouches slightly, entering from the front or behind. In this case, The taller partner can adjust their stance to match the shorter partner’s height, making it easier to maintain balance and control.

2. Edge of the bed: If you’re struggling to get things at the right height in bed, it can be helpful to switch to the edge of the bed—making this position adaptable to different height differences.

3. Seated: With the help of a chair, this position eliminates the height difference by bringing the shorter partner to the taller partner’s level.

4. Doggy style with variations: If the usual doggy style isn’t working for you, it’s helpful to have one partner stand at the edge of the bed, or to utilize pillows under the receiving partner's knees to achieve the right height. 

5. Lift: Been lifting in the gym? Time to put those skills to use by lifting your partner up! This position allows the taller partner to use their height and strength to support the shorter partner. Another perk? It’s a super passionate position!