5 Best BDSM Spreader Bars

Cassie Mørch
by Cassie MørchUpdated:

As someone who has tried a LOT of different bondage gear, spreader bars are at the top of my list! They are an amazingly kinky tool to play with and surprisingly versatile. So, I’ve consulted with our Bedbible Tester Team to pick out our best recommendations. I’ve rated each product base on design, ease of use, and quality, and highlighted the most important pros and cons. Let’s dive in!

Test Winner

4.8Bedbible Rating

Overall Rating

4.8/5

Bedbible Rating:

5/5

Reviewed by: 

Jason Manning

User Ratings:

4.5/5

Based on 51 user reviews

Runner-Up

4.9Bedbible Rating

Overall Rating

4.9/5

Bedbible Rating:

4.8/5

Reviewed by: 

Isabelle Uren

User Ratings:

5.0/5

Based on user reviews

Budget-Friendly

4.4Bedbible Rating

Overall Rating

4.4/5

Bedbible Rating:

4.3/5

Reviewed by: 

Cassie Mørch

User Ratings:

4.6/5

Based on 48 user reviews

Best for Beginners

4.3Bedbible Rating

Overall Rating

4.3/5

Bedbible Rating:

4/5

Reviewed by: 

Mariah Anderson

User Ratings:

4.5/5

Based on user reviews

Expert Pick

4.8Bedbible Rating

Overall Rating

4.8/5

Bedbible Rating:

4.8/5

Reviewed by: 

Erin Malchoff

User Ratings:

4.8/5

Based on user reviews

Bondage Boutique Expandable Spreader BarSportsheets Saffron Spreader BarBondage Boutique Black Rose Spreader BarSportsheets Saffron Thigh SpreaderFifty Shades of Grey Spreader Bar
Bondage Boutique Expandable Spreader BarSportsheets Saffron Spreader BarBondage Boutique Black Rose Spreader BarSportsheets Saffron Thigh SpreaderFifty Shades of Grey Spreader Bar
$50$70
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$90Shop Now
$37$60
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$80Shop Now
$45$75
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Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons
  • Great quality for its price point
  • Full 180° ankle cuff rotation
  • Expandable feature makes for versatile use
  • Difficult to assemble or adjust length in low light
  • The locks are not very durable
  • Ball lock pins can be finicky to use
  • Sturdy construction and high-quality materials
  • Comfortable, detachable cuffs for versatile use
  • Can be used in multiple restraint positions
  • Vegan-friendly materials
  • Cuffs may feel stiff initially
  • Color scheme might not appeal to everyone
  • May not accommodate all body sizes
  • Suitable for complete beginners
  • Black Rose design is subtle and elegant
  • Adjustable and removable cuffs for versatile play
  • Not expandable (or very long)
  • The surface is difficult to clean
  • Not suitable for heavy-duty bondage
  • Easy to use during penetrative sex
  • Neck rest supports head
  • Can be used around thighs, legs, or feet
  • D-rings neck rest for hand cuffs
  • Fully adjustable straps
  • Might not be suitable for more advanced bondage
  • Not lockable
  • Straps can slip mid session
  • It gets sticky on thighs/neck
  • Luxurious and feels very luxurious
  • Versatile design
  • Comes with a storage bag
  • Doesn't come with cuffs
  • Not adjustable
  • Expensive

How We Test bdsm spreader bars

We’re a team of 334 sex toy testers and 13 sex toy experts.

To find the very best bdsm spreader bars, our testers tried and reviewed 224 different products in this category.

Bad or even just mediocre bdsm spreader bars didn’t make the list!

In total, we’ve thoroughly tested and reviewed 1200 toys over the past 6 years.

We even lab-tested some to get objective data.

Read more about how we test products.
Testing the best BDSM spreader bars

Test Winner Bondage Boutique Expandable Spreader Bar w. Cuffs

4.8/5
Overall RatingBedbible Rating

Overall Rating

4.8/5

Bedbible Rating:

5/5

Reviewed by: 

Jason Manning

User Ratings:

4.5/5

Based on 51 user reviews

90/100
DesignBeginner

Rating: Bondage Boutique Expandable Spreader Bar w. Cuffs was rated 90 out of 100, which means it is designed absolutely incredible.

What it is: The design rating takes into account the shape of the toy in both a visual and ergonomic perspective. We ask our reviewers to rate the overall feeling of the bdsm spreader bar .

80/100
Ease of UseEase of Use

Rating: Bondage Boutique Expandable Spreader Bar w. Cuffs was rated 80 out of 100, which means it is very easy to figure out and use.

What it is: The Ease of Use rating is a score given on how easy the toy is to operate and use. Aspects that are considered is the suitability for different kinds of people, intuitiveness, and potential learning curve of using the product for pleasure (or pain).

90/100
QualityQuality

Rating: Bondage Boutique Expandable Spreader Bar w. Cuffs was rated 90 out of 100, which means it is one of the absolute top quality toys.

What it is: The Quality rating is a score that takes into account the quality of the materials used in the toy, how well it was manufactured, the safety, durability and overall quality feel of the toy.

$50$70
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A Closer Look
  • Ankle spreader bar that expands from 18-26 inches
  • Matte black metal bar with non-removable padded, black leather cuffs
  • Bar is adjusted with two ball lock pins that slide in to keep the bar in place.
  • Comes with two padlocks.

Specifications

Pros

  • Great quality for its price point
  • Full 180° ankle cuff rotation
  • Expandable feature makes for versatile use

Cons

  • Difficult to assemble or adjust length in low light
  • The locks are not very durable
  • Ball lock pins can be finicky to use

Why I Chose It

I selected the Bondage Boutique Expandable Spreader Bar with Leather Cuffs as the Test Winner because it has some great features and a decent quality for a great price.

The expandable feature is my favorite. I always appreciate adjustability in sex toys–especially BDSM restraints! This makes it easier to customize the experience to your body size or whatever position you’re in.

Our tester, Jason,  “was immediately pleased with the quality of the bars, they were much stronger, and I believe more durable, than what I had been expecting.” While he expected the the leather cuffs to be thicker, both he and his wide agreed that they were non-escapable nonetheless. As far as comfort goes, they “were nice and soft and supple with a faux fur lining that again I wasn’t expecting.”

The main drawbacks are that “the jangling of the rings attached to the ball lock pins” are quite distracting. The included padlocks are also quite flimsy and don’t seem to hold up well during vigorous play. Although, if this is an issue, you can easily use your own padlocks!

Runner-Up Sportsheets Saffron Spreader Bar & Cuffs

4.9/5
Overall RatingBedbible Rating

Overall Rating

4.9/5

Bedbible Rating:

4.8/5

Reviewed by: 

Isabelle Uren

User Ratings:

5.0/5

Based on user reviews

90/100
DesignBeginner

Rating: Sportsheets Saffron Spreader Bar & Cuffs was rated 90 out of 100, which means it is designed absolutely incredible.

What it is: The design rating takes into account the shape of the toy in both a visual and ergonomic perspective. We ask our reviewers to rate the overall feeling of the bdsm spreader bar .

100/100
Ease of UseEase of Use

Rating: Sportsheets Saffron Spreader Bar & Cuffs was rated 100 out of 100, which means it is extremely easy to use and worked very well.

What it is: The Ease of Use rating is a score given on how easy the toy is to operate and use. Aspects that are considered is the suitability for different kinds of people, intuitiveness, and potential learning curve of using the product for pleasure (or pain).

90/100
QualityQuality

Rating: Sportsheets Saffron Spreader Bar & Cuffs was rated 90 out of 100, which means it is one of the absolute top quality toys.

What it is: The Quality rating is a score that takes into account the quality of the materials used in the toy, how well it was manufactured, the safety, durability and overall quality feel of the toy.

A Closer Look
  • Ankle spreader bar with wrist attachments
  • 2 sets of removable padded faux leather cuffs included
  • Signature Saffron black and red design.

Specifications

Pros

  • Sturdy construction and high-quality materials
  • Comfortable, detachable cuffs for versatile use
  • Can be used in multiple restraint positions
  • Vegan-friendly materials

Cons

  • Cuffs may feel stiff initially
  • Color scheme might not appeal to everyone
  • May not accommodate all body sizes

Why I Chose It

In my opinion, the Sportsheets Saffron Spreader Bar is an excellent choice for both beginners and advanced users in the world of BDSM. Its sturdy construction, ease of use, and versatility make it a great investment for enhancing bondage play.

I really like that it has additional restraint points for your wrists and that it comes with 2 sets of cuffs. The fact that the cuffs are removable makes the product really versatile as well! You can use these independently of the BDSM spreader bar and opt for more light bondage sessions once in a while!

While the wrist and ankle restraints offer some creative positioning options, the fact that it isn’t expandable does mean that it may not suit all body types and sizes.

Our tester, Isabelle, was really satisfied with her experience: “The Sportsheets Saffron Spreader Bar is a fantastic bondage accessory that has a lot of potential for creative positioning and use! If you are ready to explore more intense restraint play, I would highly recommend this set! I think the overall quality and versatility make this a great investment!

Budget-Friendly Bondage Boutique Black Rose Spreader Bar

4.4/5
Overall RatingBedbible Rating

Overall Rating

4.4/5

Bedbible Rating:

4.3/5

Reviewed by: 

Cassie Mørch

User Ratings:

4.6/5

Based on 48 user reviews

80/100
DesignBeginner

Rating: Bondage Boutique Black Rose Spreader Bar was rated 80 out of 100, which means it is designed very well.

What it is: The design rating takes into account the shape of the toy in both a visual and ergonomic perspective. We ask our reviewers to rate the overall feeling of the bdsm spreader bar .

100/100
Ease of UseEase of Use

Rating: Bondage Boutique Black Rose Spreader Bar was rated 100 out of 100, which means it is extremely easy to use and worked very well.

What it is: The Ease of Use rating is a score given on how easy the toy is to operate and use. Aspects that are considered is the suitability for different kinds of people, intuitiveness, and potential learning curve of using the product for pleasure (or pain).

70/100
QualityQuality

Rating: Bondage Boutique Black Rose Spreader Bar was rated 70 out of 100, which means it is very good quality.

What it is: The Quality rating is a score that takes into account the quality of the materials used in the toy, how well it was manufactured, the safety, durability and overall quality feel of the toy.

$37$60
Shop at Lovehoney
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A Closer Look
  • 20 inch BDSM spreader bar with removable ankle or wrist cuffs
  • Signature Black Rose design from Bondage Boutique
  • Cuffs have a soft faux fur lining and an adjustable velcro fastening.

Specifications

Pros

  • Suitable for complete beginners
  • Black Rose design is subtle and elegant
  • Adjustable and removable cuffs for versatile play

Cons

  • Not expandable (or very long)
  • The surface is difficult to clean
  • Not suitable for heavy-duty bondage

Why I Chose It

I had the pleasure of testing out the Bondage Boutique Black Rose Spreader Bar myself! I wanted to include it in this review because it’s one of the better budget-friendly options that’s we’ve tested here at Bedbible.

While I was skeptical of the glittery, floral design at first, I actually ended up liking it a lot! It may not be for everyone, but the florals are surprisingly subtle and the glitter-y effect is pretty fun!

The length was also a cause of concern for me initially. Since it isn’t expandable, you only have those 20 inches to work with. As someone with larger thighs, I didn’t think that would spread my ankles as far enough apart. Luckily, it worked really well in the right positions!

I don’t think it’s suitable for those who want a high quality BDSM spreader bar that will last them lifetime and withstand several sessions of heavy-duty bondage fun. For newbies on a budget, however, it’s perfect! The removable cuffs are perfect for beginners who might also want to play around some wrist or ankle cuffs independently of the spreader bar sometimes!

Best for Beginners Sportsheets Saffron Thigh Spreader Sling

4.3/5
Overall RatingBedbible Rating

Overall Rating

4.3/5

Bedbible Rating:

4/5

Reviewed by: 

Mariah Anderson

User Ratings:

4.5/5

Based on user reviews

90/100
DesignBeginner

Rating: Sportsheets Saffron Thigh Spreader Sling was rated 90 out of 100, which means it is designed absolutely incredible.

What it is: The design rating takes into account the shape of the toy in both a visual and ergonomic perspective. We ask our reviewers to rate the overall feeling of the bdsm spreader bar .

100/100
Ease of UseEase of Use

Rating: Sportsheets Saffron Thigh Spreader Sling was rated 100 out of 100, which means it is extremely easy to use and worked very well.

What it is: The Ease of Use rating is a score given on how easy the toy is to operate and use. Aspects that are considered is the suitability for different kinds of people, intuitiveness, and potential learning curve of using the product for pleasure (or pain).

80/100
QualityQuality

Rating: Sportsheets Saffron Thigh Spreader Sling was rated 80 out of 100, which means it is very good quality.

What it is: The Quality rating is a score that takes into account the quality of the materials used in the toy, how well it was manufactured, the safety, durability and overall quality feel of the toy.

A Closer Look
  • Thigh sling with a padded neck rest
  • Made of faux leather and nylon straps
  • Adjustable stirrups and straps keep your thighs, lower legs, or feet spread and supported
  • Two D-rings on the neck rest allows you to attach additional bondage gear

Specifications

Pros

  • Easy to use during penetrative sex
  • Neck rest supports head
  • Can be used around thighs, legs, or feet
  • D-rings neck rest for hand cuffs
  • Fully adjustable straps

Cons

  • Might not be suitable for more advanced bondage
  • Not lockable
  • Straps can slip mid session
  • It gets sticky on thighs/neck

Why I Chose It

While this isn’t technically a BDSM spreader bar, I think the Sportsheets Saffron Thigh Spreader deserved a spot in this review. This thigh sling acts as a spreader bar but without the bar getting in the way! Our tester, Mariah, noted in her review that this is designed help achieve “hands free positions, and deeper penetration”, which according to her felt absolutely amazing!

The padded neck rest makes it comfortable to lie back on and stops the sling from pulling too much on your neck. It’s also nice and easy to customize to your body and your desired positions because both the straps and the stirrups are adjustable.

While it doesn’t have a fixed spreader bar, it’s more versatile in the ways you can use it!  Thank to the extra D-rings on the padded collar, you have the opportunity to attach your own handcuffs to restrain your partner’s wrists to the collar.

Expert Pick Fifty Shades of Grey Spreader Bar

4.8/5
Overall RatingBedbible Rating

Overall Rating

4.8/5

Bedbible Rating:

4.8/5

Reviewed by: 

Erin Malchoff

User Ratings:

4.8/5

Based on user reviews

100/100
DesignBeginner

Rating: Fifty Shades of Grey Spreader Bar was rated 100 out of 100, which means it is designed absolutely incredible.

What it is: The design rating takes into account the shape of the toy in both a visual and ergonomic perspective. We ask our reviewers to rate the overall feeling of the bdsm spreader bar .

95/100
Ease of UseEase of Use

Rating: Fifty Shades of Grey Spreader Bar was rated 95 out of 100, which means it is extremely easy to use and worked very well.

What it is: The Ease of Use rating is a score given on how easy the toy is to operate and use. Aspects that are considered is the suitability for different kinds of people, intuitiveness, and potential learning curve of using the product for pleasure (or pain).

85/100
QualityQuality

Rating: Fifty Shades of Grey Spreader Bar was rated 85 out of 100, which means it is one of the absolute top quality toys.

What it is: The Quality rating is a score that takes into account the quality of the materials used in the toy, how well it was manufactured, the safety, durability and overall quality feel of the toy.

$45$75
Shop at Lovehoney
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A Closer Look
  • Sleek and elegant faux leather BDSM spreader bar
  • 2 gold-finish metal clips in each end
  • Can restrain both ankles and wrists
  • Ankle and wrist cuffs not included.

Specifications

Pros

  • Luxurious and feels very luxurious
  • Versatile design
  • Comes with a storage bag

Cons

  • Doesn't come with cuffs
  • Not adjustable
  • Expensive

Why I Chose It

I included the Fifty Shades of Grey Spreader Bar as my Expert Pick because it looks and feels a bit more like a premium product. It’s also a bit expensive, but it’s a great option for those who like this elegant faux leather design with the brass, brushed metal clips.

Our tester, Erin, was ” immediately impressed by how beautiful this spreader bar was and how smoothly the snap swivels operate.” These swivels make the spreader bar so much more comfortable to use, especially when both your ankles and wrists are restrained!

While the faux leather wrapping looks and feel very luxurious, Erin mentioned that real leather may be more long-lasting in the long run. However, the brass elements were well made and “should hold up very well even under heavy use”.

One main con is that you need to have your own wrist and ankle cuffs to attach to the spreader bar. This also makes it a lot more expensive compared to other BDSM spreader bars that usually include a set. Erin’s recommendation, however, was “If you have a little cash to splash, I say go for it.”

Comparison

BestTest Winner Runner-Up Budget-Friendly Best for Beginners Expert Pick
Overall score4.8 / 5.0 4.9 / 5.0 4.4 / 5.0 4.3 / 5.0 4.8 / 5.0
Bedbible rating5.0 / 5.0 4.8 / 5.0 4.3 / 5.0 4.0 / 5.0 4.8 / 5.0
User rating4.5 / 5.0
from 51 users
5 / 5.0
from 3 users
4.6 / 5.0
from 48 users
4.5 / 5.0
from 6 users
4.8 / 5.0
from 5 users
PriceAffordable Affordable Moderate Affordable Pricey
Design90 / 100 90 / 100 80 / 100 90 / 100 100 / 100
Ease of use80 / 100 100 / 100 100 / 100 100 / 100 95 / 100
Quality90 / 100 90 / 100 70 / 100 80 / 100 85 / 100
Sound-----
Power-----
Buzzy/Rumbly-----
Length24-36 inches24.75 inches20 inchesStraps: up to 48 inches, Thigh Cuffs: up to 32 inches20 inches
MaterialsMetal, Leather, Faux Fur Stainless Steel, Nickel-Free Metal, Polyurethane Foam Faux fur, metal, fabric PU Vegan Leather, Nylon Faux Leather
WaterproofSplashproof Splashproof No Splashproof Splashproof
Storage Bag IncludedNo No No Yes Yes
FasteningSafety locks Buckle Velcro & lobster clasps Adjustable straps Metal clips
Show More

If You’re Looking For…

What to Consider When Buying a BDSM Spreader Bar

If you’re thinking about buying a BDSM spreader bar then you’re going to want to think about a few different things.

  • Fixed or expandable? With fixed ones, you’re tied to a certain width (no pun intended), but with expandable ones you can change and customize the experience to your body or whatever position you’re in.
  • Does it come with cuffs? Some BDSM spreader bars require you to buy additional cuffs to help you use them. This is different from product to product.
  • Wrist attachments? Some spreader bars only accommodate the ankles, whereas other have additional restraint points for the wrists as well. Consider whether or not you’re interested in using your spreader bar for full-body bondage or prefer to just restrain the ankles.
  • How secure are the restraints? You don’t want your sub slipping free, right? Making sure the BDSM spreader bar restraints are firm and won’t become loose or broken is essential. This often is a question of quality and durability. Try to find online reviews of whatever product you have in mind and figure out what others are saying about the quality.
  • Comfort – As much as you want to have all kinds of naughty fun, it’s important that whoever is wearing the spreader bar is comfortable. Try to look for cuffs that are padded or have a faux fur lining.

Spreader Bar vs Bed Restraints

There are two main camps when it comes to getting awesome access to the fun bits on the body: those that love spreader bars, and those that love bed restraints.

So, which one is best?

  • Spreader bar – They are easy to use, can be used anywhere, and require no additional apparatus to get them to work. One issue that you might have with spreader bars is that the bar itself may get in the way when you’re getting down to it. That can be quite annoying!
  • Bed restraintsSex bed straps are great if you want full-body bondage without needing to drill holes in the walls to make an anchor for your restraints. They are a little fiddly to get tight enough and get your partner in the right position, but it offers unobstructed access to whatever you want!

What's the Difference Between Thigh Spreaders and Full Spreader Bars?

Both thigh spreaders and BDSM spreader bars can be used to hold your legs open and are worn by the submissive partner during BDSM play, but what are the differences?

Thigh Spreaders:

  • Restraints are worn around the thighs
  • Can be a bar or sling
  • Great for teasing
  • Not as versatile for penetrative sex
  • Easier to use for self bondage

Spreader Bars

  • Restraints worn around the ankles
  • Can come in adjustable versions
  • Sometimes have wrist restraints as well
  • More versatile for penetrative sex
Author
Cassie Mørch
Cassie Mørch

Content Specialist | Anthropologist with a passion for exploring how humans understand sex, pleasure, and intimacy. I believe sexual well-being and pleasure is intricately linked to our overall health and well-being in ways that we probably can’t even comprehend! That’s why I love being able to write about all things related to sex, masturbation, and kink. Hopefully, our informative and sex-positive approach here at Bedbible will allow you to explore your true desires – and help you fulfill them!

Age: 26
Gender: Female
Sexual orientation: Bisexual
Sex toy experience: Experienced
All-time favorite sex toy: Le Wand Hoop Stainless Steel Dildo
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