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Want to jump on the menstrual cup train but don't know where to start? We researched dozens and picked the best 9 on the market today for this review. We put them to the test, analyzing everything from comfort and functionality to ease of use and quality, and we're confident that we've curated a group of products in which everyone can find their perfect fit. We did our best pigeon poses, went for runs, and even wore white pants to make sure that these cups could handle it all! Read on as we break down all the features to look for in your next menstrual cup.
FDA Registered: Yes | Number of Sizes Available: 2
REASONS TO BUY
Comfortable, tulip-shaped body
Easy-to-use stem
Highest quality rating
REASONS TO AVOID
None!
The Lena Menstrual Cup stands out as a straightforward, user-friendly product, earning top grades across all test criteria. Constructed of firm silicone and of an average length, it should work well for users with varying cervix heights. When folded and inserted, it opens almost immediately and the seal on the rigid rim is reliable and leak-proof. The stem is flexible and comfortable — we couldn't feel it at all. It's also ribbed and easy to grip and remove. Depending on your preference, you can also keep a grip on the ribs at the base of the cup in order to break the seal without it slipping from your fingers.
We had virtually no complaints with the Lena and were thoroughly impressed by its well-rounded excellence. We felt good about using this product due to its full list of certifications (FDA, FSC, Green Seal, etc.). We also dig its stylish carrying case, recycled packaging, and company focus on education and charity. This cup gets our top recommendation and comes in two different sizes, three colors, and two different flexibility choices.
The tulip-shaped body, thick rim, and flexible yet grippy stem were a near-perfect combination in the Lena cup.
FDA Registered: Yes | Number of Sizes Available: 3
REASONS TO BUY
Bulbed stem easy to grasp
Soft silicone
REASONS TO AVOID
Stem can't be trimmed
The Pixie Menstrual Cup is a medium-sized, soft silicone cup. Some users will experience more comfort with this model because of the softer silicone, which will apply less outward pressure than firmer models when in use. However, others may find that it seems slightly less secure, specifically when exercising or performing other vigorous activities. One of our favorite features of the Pixie is the bulb that allows you to easily grip it at the tip of the stem when ready to remove it. While our testers didn't feel the stem or cup when it was in use, if you have a low cervix, it is possible you might feel it and unfortunately you can't trim this stem.
The Pixie comes with an attractive cotton carrying case, and with every cup sold, one is donated to a woman in need by the company. We should mention that there is a Bible verse printed inside the cup, which may turn off some potential users. But if you're looking for a basic, comfortable, and affordable cup that removes best via the stem, this is a great option.
The Pixie's unique bulb-tipped stem made for easy removal.
FDA Registered: Yes | Number of Sizes Available: 3
REASONS TO BUY
Short, comfortable body
Easy to insert
Beautiful carrying pouch
REASONS TO AVOID
Hard to grip stem
If anyone can make menstrual cups cool, it's Saalt Menstrual Cup. You'll be drawn in by striking graphics and packaging, a selection of beautiful colors (seafoam green! desert blush!), and a carrying pouch that doesn't scream, “There is a menstrual cup in here!” They back it up with a great product that's high quality and easy to use. For those with lower cervixes, this cup's shorter body will make it sit properly without discomfort. Those with higher cervixes will like it too because its long stem makes it accessible even if it is sitting higher up within you. Its slightly softer silicone gives it a bit of added comfort, but it isn't so soft that we couldn't insert it easily.
Our one critique of this cup is that the stem could use a bit more texture. It has some slight indentations, presumably for added grip and as guides for trimming if you find it to be too long, but there were times we thought it was a bit slippery. The good news is that the cup is ribbed along the bottom, so if you struggle at all with the stem, it'll be easy to grip the base and remove it that way. (If you're new to cups and want to ensure easy removal, you might start with the FLEX Menstrual Cup, which has a loop on the stem for easy grabbing.) We love the Saalt cup's dedication to funding menstrual health initiatives, education, and sustainability, and they have a B Corps certification to back this up. Their transparency about their impact and which organizations they work with means you can feel good about your purchase.
The Saalt's stem is so thin and flexible that we couldn't feel it at all while wearing the cup.
FDA Registered: Yes | Number of Sizes Available: 3
REASONS TO BUY
Easy to use stem
Very comfortable
High quality
REASONS TO AVOID
None
With a serious emphasis on the environmental good that comes from switching to non-disposable forms of period products, the OrganiCup Menstrual Cup is our top choice for the eco-conscious consumer. Made of a medium stiffness silicone, this dye-free cup is easy to insert, stays in place, and doesn't leak. The body length should work for wearers with both high and low cervixes, and we love the prominent ridges along the stem for easy removal.
OrganiCup not only has all the traditional certifications we looked for, but it is also certified allergen-free, vegan, and comes in a minimal amount of recycled cardboard packaging. The company works with NGOs around the world to tackle “period poverty,” bringing education and donations to those in need. If you like to vote with your wallet and ensure your purchase has a positive impact, this high-quality cup in its organic cotton pouch is a perfect choice.
The OrganiCup is a pretty perfect cup with a flexible, textured stem, mid-length body, and a seal we trust.
FDA Registered: Yes | Number of Sizes Available: 3
REASONS TO BUY
Easy to remove by the base
Silicone is a good stiffness
REASONS TO AVOID
Short, hard to grip stem
Likely won't be comfortable for people with low cervixes
One of the original silicone menstrual cups, the Diva Cup is a classic for a reason. The medium stiffness silicone helps it pop open easily after insertion and stay in place no matter what activity you're doing. Additionally, its thick rim provides a seal you can fully trust. With a longer profile to the body of the cup, wearers with high cervixes will find this one comfortable and easy to remove by gripping the tapered, ribbed base.
One of the downsides to the Diva is its short, hollow stem. Trying to break the suction and remove the cup using only the stem is a bit hard, especially because of that aforementioned great seal. Also, if you have a lower cervix, the elongated body of this cup may not sit well in the vaginal canal and could cause discomfort. This is a great quality cup that will last for years, and the company has a proven history of education and advocacy in menstrual health. If you've worn a cup before and are comfortable that you know the height of your cervix, don't overlook this one. If you have a lower cervix, we recommend the Saalt Menstrual Cup.
The Diva's short, ribbed stem is hollow, so it often needs a quick rinse after removal.
FDA Registered: Yes | Number of Sizes Available: 2
REASONS TO BUY
Very easy to remove
Opaque cup that won't show stains
REASONS TO AVOID
Stem can be uncomfortable
Chance of leaking through the base of the cup
For those brand new to the world of menstrual cups and who might be a bit intimidated by removing them, the Flex Menstrual Cup may ease your concerns. Its standout feature is a long stem with a loop at the end for a finger. There's a plunger that goes up through the center of the cup and attaches to the rim, and when you pull down via that finger loop, the rim bends inward, breaking the seal and pulling the cup out. Pretty cool! The downside is that even though it's possible to adjust the length of the stem, our testers could still feel it slightly, which affected its comfort score. The stem also makes it a bit harder to clean with the added step of having to pull the plunger out and then rethread it.
We were happy with how the Flex suctioned and didn't experience any leaks during use, but when you pull the plunger stem down, there is a possibility of some fluid leaking through the hole in the base of the cup. However, if you're squeamish, the opaque silicone will help keep you from having to see too much, and the unique stem design will eliminate some of the inevitable hands-on aspects of most cups. This is a solid performing cup, and we're happy with its quality, so if the pros outweigh the few cons, this may be the cup for you.
When you pull down on the Flex's stem, an inner piece pulls the rim inward, breaking the cup's seal.
FDA Registered: Yes | Number of Sizes Available: 2
REASONS TO BUY
Soft silicone
Doesn't leak
REASONS TO AVOID
Stem is short and hard to grab
Not the highest quality
The Dutchess Reusable Menstrual Cup is a straightforward, no-frills cup. It has an elongated body more suited to those with higher cervixes and is made of a soft silicone. Our testers didn't experience any leaks and generally found it comfortable. For its price point, it's a good way to try out a menstrual cup for the first time without having to invest a lot of money.
Our one gripe is that the stem is tricky to use. It's short and not ribbed enough to be of much help when things are slippery. There are some slight ridges at the very base, but we found that it was easiest to grip the sides of the cup and pull it out that way, being careful not to squeeze the soft silicone too hard and make a mess. A beginner might not love how difficult the stem is to use, but if you're looking for just a basic, inexpensive cup, and you know what you're doing, this could be it.
The short stem of the Dutchess proved to be difficult to hold onto, and we preferred to remove this cup by gripping the sides of the body.
The Athena Menstrual Cup has the same color, the same stiffness, and the same design as the Dutchess — they were truly so alike that we couldn't even tell them apart. One of the only distinguishing factors between the two is that this cup comes with a decidedly cute carrying pouch for storage. Its basic, slightly elongated design is pretty comfortable, although we are not a fan of the short, hard to hold stem.
We couldn't find the Athena on the list of FDA-registered menstrual cups, which lowered its quality score. Some users will find the softness of the silicone makes it easier to insert, while others may be frustrated that it creates a less secure seal. Still, the Athena is a simple, inexpensive cup that could be a good entry product into the world of menstrual cups.
We couldn't find a difference between these two cups, except that the Dutchess (right) is FDA approved, and the Athena (left) is not.
Credit: Paige Klugherz
9
Multiple Sizes and Accessories
Talisi Set of 2 Menstrual Cups with Collapsible Sterilizing Cup
The Talisi Set of 2 Menstrual Cups with Collapsible Sterilizing Cup comes with not one but two cups in different sizes, so you're bound to find one with the right dimensions for you. It also includes a collapsible silicone cleaning cup that you can fill with water and microwave with your cup inside to sterilize it after use (though you can also just boil a cup to sterilize, so we don't find this completely necessary). It's nearly identical to some of the other basic cups we reviewed, but it is distinctly thinner and therefore flimsier. While this means it might be easier to fold for insertion, it is less reliable and more likely to lose suction and leak than a cup made with firmer silicone.
Like other cups with the same design, the stem of the Talisi is very difficult to use because it's short and slippery. With no FDA registration and a low-quality feel, we're hesitant to recommend this product, especially because menstrual cups are classified as medical devices and used in a sensitive area of the body. However, since it includes multiple sizes at a low price point, it could be a useful purchase to determine the best cup size before upgrading to a higher quality product.
The Talisi comes with two cups so you can find the right size for your body. Here you can see the different diameters of the cups.
Credit: Paige Klugherz
Why Trust GearLab
To really form a well-rounded opinion of each cup, we wore them for their maximum recommended duration to check for comfort and functionality, put them in numerous times to determine ease-of-use, and did all of our favorite activities (yoga! running! climbing!) to make sure they wouldn't let us down when we needed them to perform. We also paid close attention to quality and researched the materials used in each product. While this category has a particularly personal nature, and every body is shaped differently with different tolerances, we tried our best to provide as thorough a review as possible so you can make an informed decision about which menstrual cup will be best for you.
Between the two of them, reviewer Paige Klugherz and editor Penney Garrett have been using menstrual cups for nearly twenty years, so they were more than up to the task of tackling this unique product category. As athletes and avid travelers, both Paige and Penney have relied on menstrual cups through long trail runs, rock climbing, multi-day backcountry trips, and international flights. They are an easily overlooked piece of “gear” that has the potential to streamline your routine and make it easier to enjoy your favorite activities, all while producing less waste — an all-around win, in our eyes.
We love the company ethics and unbleached carrying pouch that come with the OrganiCup.
A plethora of cups! And yes, we used them all!
The Talisi came with a cleaning cup for sterilizing in the microwave. While perhaps a nice sentiment, this is an unnecessary extra piece of plastic for a less-than-impressive cup.
Analysis and Test Results
We created a testing plan to cover the four metrics that we determined to be the most important factors of a great menstrual cup. Comfort, functionality, and ease of use are the categories given the most weight because when it comes down to it, you want to be able to put your cup in and not have to think about it again for hours. While maybe slightly less important, the quality still may be a deciding factor between two otherwise similar products, so we made sure to test that, too.
Our cup selection, all lined up and ready to go.
Credit: Paige Klugherz
Comfort
Comfort is the most heavily weighted metric in this review because, first and foremost, your cup shouldn't be adding any discomfort or pain to an already uncomfortable time of the month. This certainly has a personal component, where one individual may find a stiffer cup and shorter stem to be the most comfortable, and another may prefer a longer or softer cup. The height of your cervix will play a role in which cups you find to be the most comfortable since those with higher cervixes will be able to get most cups to work with their anatomy, but those with lower cervixes will likely want a cup with a shorter body. Additionally, the length and thickness of the stem can hit wearers at different points. For this review, we paid attention to whether or not we could feel the cup once it was in position. The highest scorers were the ones that we nearly forgot we were wearing!
These are the longest (Flex) and shortest (Dutchess) stems in the cups we tested. You may have to weigh whether you want a more usable stem or one you're less likely to feel.
Credit: Paige Klugherz
There are a number of very high performers in this category. The Saalt cup with its shorter body will sit well in someone with a lower cervix, and we love that the stem is soft enough that we didn't notice it at all, despite its length. An important factor to consider is the firmness of the silicone. Softer cups can be more comfortable since they won't provide as much outward pressure in your vaginal canal, but they can be harder to insert and open. If you're particularly active, you'll probably find that a firmer cup stays in place better and is less likely to slip down. The Lena and the OrganiCup have nearly the same length body, but the former is a bit firmer, and the latter is a bit softer. If you have a higher cervix, you may find the longer, more conical shape of the Diva Cup to be just the right fit.
With very different cup lengths and shapes, the Diva (left) is more suited to people with a high cervix, and the Saalt (right) is usually a better fit for those with a lower cervix.
Credit: Paige Klugherz
Functionality
Functionality boils down to whether or not the cups do what they're supposed to: securely hold menstrual fluid without leaking. Each cup was worn for at least 5 consecutive hours to make sure it maintained its seal and wouldn't leak. We did all of our regular day-to-day activities, including heading to the gym to make sure the cups were up to par.
Speaking of boiling, this is the easiest way to keep your cup clean and free of odors and stains. Boil for about 5 minutes at the end of each cycle and then store in a clean cloth pouch.
Although some wearers may find it less comfortable, the stiff silicone and prominent rim of the Diva is exactly what makes it so reliable.
Credit: Paige Klugherz
Most of the cups did exactly what we wanted them to do-- they stayed in place and didn't leak. The Lena, Saalt, Diva, OrganiCup, and Pixie all performed equally well, and we'd trust them even wearing white pants on our heaviest cycle days. Some of the softest cups, including the Talisi, Dutchess, and Athena, wouldn't be our top choice for activities like yoga, running, or rock climbing because they are more likely to lose suction and leak, but they performed as expected while working and doing errands.
The thinness of the Talisi will help you fold it tightly for easy insertion, but it creates a less trustworthy seal during high activity.
Credit: Paige Klugherz
Ease of Use
When analyzing ease of use, we paid attention to how easy or difficult it was to insert and remove each cup. For many first-time users, there's a fear of not being able to remove a menstrual cup, and while there is nowhere for your cup to disappear to inside your vaginal canal where you won't be able to get it out, some cups are certainly easier to remove than others. We experimented with removing them by just their stems, paying attention to length, stiffness, and texture, and we also removed them by gripping the base of the cup and noting the texture and stiffness of the silicone.
Some of the different styles of stems that our testers found worked well.
Credit: Paige Klugherz
Don't Get Frustrated!
There's a definite learning curve to using a menstrual cup, and it can take a few cycles before you really get the hang of it. Remember to relax and take it slow.
Folds: There are a few different folds you can use to insert the cup, with the simplest being a basic C or U fold. Push in one edge of the rim so that it meets the other side, and then pull the ends to meet each other.
Positioning: The first step in knowing where to position your cup is knowing where your cervix is. Find a comfortable position, such as sitting on the toilet or squatting, insert the folded cup with the opening angled back towards your cervix, and then pull your fingers off so that the fold comes undone. It should open up, and you can run your finger around the edge to make sure it's sealed around your cervix.
Removal: To remove your cup, you can either pull downward on the stem or grip the base of the cup and pull it out. There are lots of different styles of stems, and if you're newer to cups, you may prefer a longer one. After some time, though, you might find that it's easier to simply pull out the cup by its body.
The unique bulb tip on the stem of the Pixie makes it very easy to pull out. The long, ribbed stems on the OrganiCup and Lena are two others that make removal a breeze. The Flex has a patented pull tab that releases the suction along the rim of the cup, which is a great option for a beginner, although we feel like it does create some minor sacrifices in the comfort category. If you prefer to grip the base of the cup between your thumb, forefinger, and middle finger, you'll find the narrow, ribbed base of the Diva Cup easy to use.
If you prefer to remove a cup by the body, the tapered shape of the Diva is easy to hold.
Credit: Paige Klugherz
Quality
With this metric, we took a fairly broad approach. From the quality of the cup itself to the packaging and carrying pouch, as well as whether a product is registered with the FDA and the overall message of the company, it all factored in. Special attention to the cup being allergy certified, using recycled cardboard packaging, a nicer carrying pouch, or a company that incorporates a donation and education model boosted scores in this category. These factors may be less important than the other metrics, but if you're deciding between two otherwise similar products, you may prefer to go for the one that ranks higher here.
The Dutchess (blue) is about as thin and soft of a silicone as we'd want in a menstrual cup, and the Talisi (pink) was even thinner, which made it feel flimsy and low quality.
Credit: Paige Klugherz
FDA Approval
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies menstrual cups as medical devices, but because of their level of classification, new cups don't undergo specific scrutiny or gain FDA approval. However, cups sold or distributed within the U.S. should be registered with the FDA, and we weren't able to find two of the products we tested on that list.
The environmentally friendly mission of the OrganiCup is evident through its minimal, recycled cardboard packaging, organic cotton carrying pouch, and allergy and vegan certifications. With beautiful packaging and the prettiest carrying pouch, Saalt backs up its top-notch design with a B Corps certification, meaning they have a focus on social and environmental good. Lena has a Green Seal certification, among many others, uses recycled packaging, and is made in the U.S. All three of these top scorers also place a significant emphasis on education about menstrual health and donations by working with numerous organizations globally.
Some cups came with polyester pouches, while others came with higher quality cotton ones.
Credit: Paige Klugherz
Conclusion
Menstrual cups are fantastic, albeit slightly intimidating, products that can greatly impact your quality of life. They eliminate the expense and waste of single-use products like tampons and pads, hold more fluid than either of those products, and once you get used to their insertion and removal quirks, will be sure to make that time of the month a lot easier to manage. They come in all shapes and sizes and colors these days, and it can be confusing to decipher the real difference between them. We hope that our honest review on these cups takes some of the guesswork out of buying one.
