Menstruation is an incredibly expensive and frustrating time that women all over the world get to experience once a month. Not only do we have to buy tampons and pads every month, but we have to always have them tucked in our travel bags, backpacks (for those in school), and purses at all times. Well, once we try menstrual cups, most of us never look back. Cups are reusable, hold way more blood than a pad or tampon ever could, and are significantly more eco and body-friendly than your average feminine hygiene products. If you’re thinking about investing in a cup to save you money and time, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve created a list of what we think are the best menstrual cups of the year.
Our current favorite is the Saalt Menstrual Cup. It has phenomenal reviews, is a good basic cup that works for the majority of women, and will hopefully make you forget you’re even on your period.
Our Top Picks: Best Menstrual Cups
Short on time? No problem! Check out our list of top picks below:
- Best Overall: Saalt Menstrual Cup. Made of medical-grade silicone, this cup is safe for the environment and you!
- Best Eco-Friendly: Pixie Menstrual Cup. For every purchase, you provide a menstrual cup to a woman in need!
- Best Budget: The June Cup. Complete with a unique tab for easy removal, this cup is perfect for new cup users and is easy to find a good deal on.
- Best for Beginners: Flex Cup. The removal tab for this cup is designed so that you can remove it just like a tampon.
- Best for Sensitive Skin: OrganiCup Menstrual Cup. Certified allergen-free, this is the best menstrual cup for those with especially sensitive skin or various allergies.
- Best Thin Cup: Intimina Lily Cup. The thinnest cup on this list, its length makes it perfect for those with high cervixes.
- Best Leak-Proof: Lena Menstrual Cup. This bell-shaped cup is perfect for those with a heavier flow, keeping you leak-free all day.
- Best Set: Dutchess Set of Two Menstrual Cups. Complete with one cup for home and one for travel, you’ll never be unprepared for your Aunt Flow!
1. Saalt Menstrual Cup
The best menstrual cup overall
Brand: Salt | Material: Medical-Grade Silicone | Color: Pink | Price: 💰💰💰
This menstrual cup made by Saalt is made in the USA and is 100% medical grade silicone. Saalt makes small and regular-sized cups for your flow levels and different cervix heights. These cups aren’t cheap, but they pay themselves off in a matter of months when compared to buying tampons regularly.
The majority of negative reviews mentioned that the cup was too firm (which made it difficult to insert) or that the stem was difficult to grasp, making it hard to remove. Overall, buyers loved the Saalt Cup. They thought it was very comfortable, didn’t leak at all, and due to its being firmer than some cups, it opened much more easily than some softer cups.
Reviewers Like
- No leaks!
- Incredibly comfortable to wear
- Firmer than some cups, opens easily
Reviewers Dislike
- The cup is thick, hard to fold
- Difficult to remove, stem too slippery
2. Pixie Menstrual Cup
The best eco-friendly menstrual cup
Brand: Pixie Cup | Material: Medical-Grade Silicone | Color: Purple | Price: 💰💰
The Pixie Cup is one of the best menstrual cups on the market. Not only is it made of recyclable and 100% medical-grade silicone, but it lasts up to 10 years! We especially love that for every cup you buy, Pixie gives another to a woman in need. Their satisfaction guarantee allows you to contact Pixie and get a full refund if you aren’t satisfied with your purchase. These cups are on the firmer side, so if you prefer a thinner silicone, this one may not be for you!
The issues buyers encountered with these cups generally had to do with it being too stiff. This firmness contributed to difficulty inserting and removing, as well as the cup being uncomfortable when being worn. However, this was only the case for some; most were pleased and thought this was a comfortable, leak-proof, and easy-to-use menstrual cup.
Reviewers Like
- Easy to use
- Doesn’t leak
- Super comfortable
Reviewers Dislike
- Difficulty with insertion
- Some found the cup a tad stiff
3. The June Cup
The best menstrual cup on a budget
Brand: June | Material: Medical-Grade Silicone | Color: Clear | Price: 💰
This medical-grade silicone menstrual cup from June is one of the best menstrual cups out there. It is a clear cup, so no added dyes, for those who have a preference. The June cup comes in small or large, perfect for variations in flow. The little bulb at the end of this one’s removal stem is quite helpful for those who struggle with the basic flat stems on other menstrual cups.
There were a few reviewers who found that their cups were too flexible for their bodies. Others just had trouble inserting or removing the cup. It is worth noting there is a bit of a learning curve for most when switching to menstrual cups. Most reviewers didn’t specify if they were struggling due to this or if they couldn’t manipulate this cup specifically.
The majority of reviewers were thrilled with their purchase and adamently recommend June Cup. They especially loved the little ball at the end of the stem, which makes removal easier. They also enjoyed how easy it was to use, and many thought the flexibility of the cup was perfect for them.
Reviewers Like
- Very flexible
- The stem is easy to grab
- Easier to use than other menstrual cups
Reviewers Dislike
- Cup may be too flexible
- Not the right fit for some
4. Flex Cup
The best menstrual cup for beginners
Brand: Flex | Material: Medical-Grade Silicone | Color: Black | Price: 💰💰💰💰
The Flex Cup is one of the best menstrual cups for beginners. It is the only cup that you can remove like a tampon, due to its stem. The stem is a silicone tab that is attached to the inside lip of the cup. By pulling on the tab, the lip of the cup is pulled down, breaking the seal, and allowing the cup to exit the body with ease. For those who are used to tampons and worry about difficulty with removing their cups for the first time, the Flex cup is a great tool to get you used to cups without having to fish it out of your body.
As with any otherwise reliable product, some were dissatisfied with this cup. A few mentioned it was difficult to insert/remove despite the pull-tab; and others who stated that it leaked for them. However, buyers expressed satisfaction with their Flex Cups, for the most part. They loved the pull tab, expressing that it made removal incredibly simple. They also loved that it is black, not clear, or pastel, which often shows stains VERY quickly. Happy reviewers also claimed it was a easy-to-use cup, despite the negative reviewers expressing the opposite sentiment. It just goes to show that you truly have to find the best menstrual cup FOR YOU and you alone.
Reviewers Like
- Super easy to use
- Its color (black) doesn’t show stains
- The pull tab — as easy to remove as a tampon
Reviewers Dislike
- Leaked for some
- Takes getting used to
5. OrganiCup Menstrual Cup
The best menstrual cup for sensitive skin
Brand: OrganiCup | Material: Medical-Grade Silicone | Color: Clear | Price: 💰💰💰
The OrganiCup menstrual cup is medical-grade silicone. It is even certified to not contain any allergens in the materials, making this cup perfect for those who have skin sensitivities or allergies to different materials. We especially love the refund available for those who are unsatisfied with the cup.
Although there were minimal complaints about this cup, some were disappointed. Some thought the cup was too flimsy and mentioned it would not open for them very easily upon insertion. Another complaint was that the tab was too stiff and pokey, along with the grip rings being too sharp and potentially irritating for sensitive types. Most, however, loved this cup. It was easy for them to use, had just the right amount of flexibility, and was so comfortable that several kept forgetting they were even on their periods.
Reviewers Like
- Easy to use
- It is perfectly flexible
- Comfortable to wear
Reviewers Dislike
- The tab is stiff
- Grip rings are too sharp
6. Intimina Lily Cup
The best thin menstrual cup
Brand: Intimina | Material: Medical-Grade Silicone | Color: Pink | Price: 💰💰💰
Intimina’s menstrual cup is one of the most unique menstrual cups we could find. It is a very thin, soft silicone, so if you need thick, firmer silicone, then you’ll probably want to avoid this one. The Lily Cup is quite long and has a slanted rim. This is perfect for those with a tilted uterus or cervix, and women with a high cervix. You can also find this cup on Amazon, although the Intimina website is having a sale on this cup right now, so you may want to take advantage of it!
Some found that this cup didn’t work for their anatomy. One buy mentioned that it was way too long, and the end would stick out of her, even after cutting it to be shorter. Others found that it was too thin for them, and it wouldn’t open once inserted. The rest of the reviews, however, were quite positive. For those with high cervixes, the length was perfect. The thinness was also ideal for those who struggle with firmer cups.
Reviewers Like
- No leaks
- The thinness and softness is very comfortable
- The length makes it easier to remove for those with high cervixes
Reviewers Dislike
- For some, this cup is too long
- Too thin, wouldn’t open for some
7. Lena Menstrual Cup
The best leak-proof menstrual cup
Brand: Lena | Material: Medical-Grade Silicone | Color: Turquoise | Price: 💰💰💰
This menstrual cup by Lena is one of the best on the market. It is made of medical-grade silicone and is a bell-shaped cup. The Lena Cup has quite a long stem, which is perfect for ladies with a high cervix. Of course, you can always snip the stem, as well!
Despite overall positive reviews for the Lena Cup, some found it difficult to insert, and somewhat uncomfortable. This is most likely due to it being a slightly firmer cup, which works for some anatomies and not for others. Despite the negative, there are overwhelmingly positive reviews. Buyers loved how comfortable this cup is, thought the cup’s bell shape worked perfectly for their anatomy. They also note loving how much time and money they save by not shopping for tampons.
Reviewers Like
- Comfy and convenient
- Saves time and money compared to tampons
- The bell shape of the cup is ideal for specific anatomy
Reviewers Dislike
- Difficult to insert
- Uncomfortable to wear
8. Dutchess Set of Two Menstrual Cups
The best menstrual cup set
Brand: Dutchess | Material: Medical-Grade Silicone | Color: Pink and Purple | Price: 💰💰
These menstrual cups from Dutchess are quite popular and are medical-grade silicone. These are sold in a pack of two, although you can buy them individually as well. Amazon sells them for a reasonably low price, especially for a pack of two. Considering the high reviews, these are excellent menstrual cup options.
The main complaints about this cup regarded the cup being hard to remove, and not opening after being inserted. Most of the reviews were quite positive, despite the negative ones. Buyers found that their Dutchess cups prevented leaks and were incredibly comfortable. They loved not needing to change them constantly vs. tampons.
Reviewers Like
- Prevents leaks
- Very comfortable
- Don’t have to change it all the time
Reviewers Dislike
- Challenging to remove
- Wouldn’t open once inserted
What to Look for in the Best Menstrual Cups
Menstrual cups may seem like a one size fits all products, but they aren’t! You have to know or learn a lot about your anatomy to properly use a cup. Your cervix is the main part of your anatomy that affects the type of cup you should buy. The cervix is the part that attaches the uterus to the vaginal canal, so when inserted, your cup rests just below the cervix.
Here’s a simple guide based on your cervix height:
High: For those with a high cervix, you may want a cup that is a slightly elongated shape. It may also be helpful to get a cup with a long tab so you can reach it easily.
Regular: If you have a regular or average height cervix, you will most likely need to practice trial and error to find the right cup and tab length for you.
Low: For those with a low-seated cervix, you’ll most likely want a cup with a shorter stem, or you may even end up removing your cup stem completely if it doesn’t fit inside of you.
If you don’t know exactly your cervix, here is an incredibly helpful article by Put A Cup In It to help you learn about your cervix!
Our Process
For this guide on menstrual cups, our team spent 5 hours researching the most popular options from over 10 brands and manufacturers big and small. We then read about one hundred user reviews (both positive and negative) to discover what shoppers thought about each cup. After comparing this data, we narrowed our list down to the top 8 menstrual cups on the market. You can count on this research to guide you to a mindful purchasing decision.
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