If you are looking for the best sex positions to try with a partner, the classics tend to earn that reputation for good reason: they are reliable, comfortable to learn, and easy to adjust once you get the hang of them. This adults-only, non-graphic guide walks through eight well-known positions - a short how-to, why couples like it, and who should be extra careful - plus real comfort, safety and consent basics to go with them. Once you have the basics down, our guide to wild sex positions to try goes further.
How to Choose the Best Sex Positions for You
Among the best sex positions, there is no single one that suits every couple - the right pick depends on flexibility, energy level, how much closeness you want, and any physical limitation to plan around. If you are newer to this, start with missionary or spooning before moving on to positions that ask more of your knees or lower back. Trying a few options, rather than picking one and sticking with it, is the easiest way to find what works for your bodies.
Missionary
One partner lies on their back while the other lies on top, facing them and supported on their forearms. It is a classic among the best sex positions because it is easy to learn, keeps you face-to-face, and works well for eye contact throughout. Shifting hip angle, or adding a pillow under the lower back, changes the depth. Why try it: closeness and a pace that is simple to control together. Careful if: the partner on top gets wrist or shoulder strain - lean on forearms instead of hands, or take turns supporting your weight.
Doggy Style
One partner is on their hands and knees, or leaning forward on their forearms, while the other kneels or stands behind them with hands on the hips for support. A small change in the front partner's back arch noticeably changes the angle. Why try it: strong sensation and easy speed control for either partner. Careful if: knees or wrists tire quickly - a pillow under the knees helps, and dropping to forearms takes pressure off the wrists. See our full guide to doggy style for more detail.
Spooning
Both partners lie on their sides facing the same direction, one tucked behind the other, with entry at a shallow, comfortable angle. It takes very little effort or flexibility, which makes it a good choice when either partner is tired, pregnant, or simply wants something slow and close. Why try it: gentle, cuddly, and easy on the joints - one of the best sex positions for a low-effort night. Careful if: you are hoping for deeper penetration - the angle here is naturally shallower.
Amazon
The penetrating partner lies on their back and pulls their knees up toward their chest, while the receiving partner kneels or squats above them, facing them, and controls the pace, depth and angle from on top. Why try it: this is one of the best sex positions for whoever wants to set the rhythm and guide things toward what feels best. Careful if: your knees or thighs tire quickly - resting your hands on your partner's raised knees, or taking short breaks, keeps this comfortable for longer sessions. Read our guide to the amazon position for variations.
Sidewinder
The receiving partner lies on their side while the other partner kneels, straddling their lower leg and holding the raised upper leg against their chest. It keeps the side-lying ease of spooning but gives the kneeling partner more range of motion. Why try it: comfortable for longer sessions since neither partner is holding up their full body weight. Careful if: you are still working out the angle - small hip adjustments matter more here than in more familiar positions, so go slowly at first. See our full breakdown of the sidewinder position.
Jockey
The receiving partner lies flat on their stomach with their legs together, while the other partner kneels astride their thighs from behind and leans forward. Why try it: lots of body contact, a snug fit from the closed legs, and very little effort or flexibility needed from the partner underneath. Careful if: the partner on top leans their full weight down - keep weight on your knees and forearms so the receiving partner can breathe and move comfortably. Read more on the jockey position here.
Clasp
The receiving partner lies on their back with their legs held together, and the other partner lies on top, chest to chest, with their legs outside the receiver's closed legs so your bodies stay pressed close throughout. Why try it: this is one of the most intimate options on this list, good for slower sessions with lots of contact and eye contact. Careful if: you want a lot of movement or depth - the closed-leg shape naturally limits range of motion, so it suits slow and steady better than fast and deep. See the full guide to the clasp position.
Anvil
The receiving partner lies on their back and draws their legs up and back toward their head, often resting them against the other partner's shoulders, while the other partner kneels close in front - a noticeably different angle and depth than more familiar positions. Despite the dramatic name, the main demand is flexibility, and going slowly matters. Why try it: a deeper, more intense angle for couples who enjoy that. Careful if: you have neck or spine problems (skip it then), or you do not have full comfort folding your hips toward your chest - keep communicating about depth, and stop if you feel any strain in your neck, lower back or hips. Read more about the anvil position before trying it.
Comfort and Safety Tips for the Best Sex Positions
A few basics apply across all of the best sex positions on this list. Warm up and go slowly before anything deeper, and use pillows or cushions under the hips, knees or lower back wherever extra support helps. If using lube, water-based lube is a safe general choice; oil-based lube can damage latex condoms and dental dams, and silicone lube should not be used with silicone toys. Condoms or other barriers reduce the risk of STI transmission, and switch to a fresh condom if you move from anal to vaginal contact. If you are pregnant or managing a health condition, check with your doctor about which positions suit you. Whatever you are trying, real pain - not just newness - is always a signal to stop or adjust.
Talking About the Best Sex Positions and Consent
Trying something new works best when you talk about it first. Mention what you would like to try, ask what your partner is curious about, and agree on a simple way to pause at any point - a spoken word like "pause," or a physical signal such as tapping twice, works well because it is clear and easy to notice. Either partner can use it at any time, for any reason, and it should always be respected immediately, with no explanation required in the moment. Check in with a quiet "good?" while you are in the middle of trying something, not only before you start. Afterward, a short conversation about what felt good and what you would change turns one attempt into something useful for next time.
Best Sex Positions FAQ
What are the best sex positions for beginners?
Missionary and spooning are the easiest starting points: both are low-effort, easy to adjust, and do not demand much flexibility or strength from either partner.
Which position is best for deeper penetration?
Positions like anvil or amazon tend to allow a deeper, more angled connection, though how deep is comfortable always depends on communication and going slowly.
How do I know which position is right for us?
Try a few and pay attention to what feels good and what does not. Comfort, closeness, and how easy a position is to hold for both partners matter more than how popular a position is.
Is it normal to need pillows or props?
Yes, completely. Pillows under the hips, knees or lower back make almost any position more comfortable and are common, not a sign anything is wrong.
What if a position does not feel comfortable?
Stop or adjust. Change the angle, add support, slow the pace, or switch to one of the other best sex positions on this list - there is no reason to push through real discomfort.
