5 Best Bondage Ropes For Shibari
When I first looking into bondage ropes, I was overwhelmed by the different choices and what they all meant! To make it easier for you, using the knowledge I’ve picked up, I’ve selected the 5 best bondage ropes that have been tested by myself and the Bedbible tester team to help you find the right rope for your project!
Test Winner5.0  Overall Rating 5.0/5 Bedbible Rating: 5/5 User Ratings: 5.0/5 Based on 1 user reviews | Runner Up4.8 Overall Rating 4.8/5 Bedbible Rating: 4.5/5 Reviewed by: Katie ElizabethUser Ratings: 5.0/5 Based on 9 user reviews | Budget-Friendly4.8 Overall Rating 4.8/5 Bedbible Rating: 5/5 Reviewed by: Peter WenhamUser Ratings: 4.7/5 Based on 369 user reviews | Best Bondage Rope Kit4.2 Overall Rating 4.2/5 Bedbible Rating: 4.2/5 Reviewed by: Isabelle UrenUser Ratings: 0/5 Based on 0 user reviews | Best Hemp Bondage Rope4.7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Tantus Bondage Rope | Oxy Rainbow Silk Kinbaku Rope | Bondage Boutique Soft Rope | KINK Bind & Tie Initiation Kit | Doc Johnson Merci Bind & Tie |
| $22See Deal | $20See Deal | $23See Deal | $80See Deal | $30See Deal |
Pros & Cons | Pros & Cons | Pros & Cons | Pros & Cons | Pros & Cons |
How We Test bondage ropes
We’re a team of 362 sex toy testers and 13 sex toy experts.
To find the very best bondage ropes, our testers tried and reviewed 270 different products in this category.
Bad or even just mediocre bondage ropes didn’t make the list!
In total, we’ve thoroughly tested and reviewed 1429 toys over the past 6 years.
We even lab-tested some to get objective data.
Read more about how we test products.
Table of contents (10)
Test Winner Tantus Bondage Rope
Overall Rating
5.0/5
Bedbible Rating:
5/5
Reviewed by:
Lexis MaeUser Ratings:
5.0/5
Based on 1 user reviews
Rating: Tantus Bondage Rope 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 bondage rope.
Rating: Tantus Bondage Rope 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).
Rating: Tantus Bondage Rope was rated 100 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.
- Polyester rope
- 30 feet
- 6 mm wide
Pros
- ✅ Nice and soft
- ✅ Beautiful patterned design
- ✅ Cute tassels at the end
- ✅ Enough rope for different projects
Cons
- ❌ No storage bag
- ❌ Length can be annoying for smaller ties
Specifications
Why I Chose It
I chose the Tantus Bondage Rope because it’s a top quality rope that goes the extra mile with it’s unique design! When I first saw it in the review, I have to admit, I was a little jealous! This is the most beautiful bondage rope I’ve come across in my years writing about sex toys!
Our tester, Lexis, who is experienced in Shibari, was very impressed by the rope, commenting that the “craftsmanship really stands out.”
She found the polyester weave was ” this rope was soft on the skin and did not cause any rope burn” even when she was tied up longer sessions.
I was happy to hear that rope also held well in the ties and “the knots did not get any tighter,” which is really important for safety!
Lexis thought this rope was “perfect for simple or elaborate ties for shibari,” but did mention that the length was a little cumbersome for smaller projects but great for bigger ones.
Design wise, she was “not a fan of the tassels on the ends” but I think are a lovely touch!
Runner Up Oxy Rainbow Silk Kinbaku Bondage Rope
Overall Rating
4.8/5
Bedbible Rating:
4.5/5
Reviewed by:
Katie ElizabethUser Ratings:
5.0/5
Based on 9 user reviews
Rating: Oxy Rainbow Silk Kinbaku Bondage Rope was rated 95 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 bondage rope.
Rating: Oxy Rainbow Silk Kinbaku Bondage Rope was rated 70 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).
Rating: Oxy Rainbow Silk Kinbaku Bondage Rope 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.
- Bamboo silk rope
- 26.25 feet
- 6 mm width
- Twisted design
Pros
- ✅ Beautiful rainbow colors
- ✅ Feels soft
- ✅ Lightweight and easy to work with
Cons
- ❌ Colors can be confusing when tying
- ❌ Rope stretches slightly during use
- ❌ Knots at the end get in the way
- ❌ Not suitable for suspension
Specifications
Why I Chose It
I went for the Rainbow Silk Kinkabu Rope from Oxy as the best rope for decorative ties because the rainbow design will create some visually stunning ties. It’s also a softer rope that’s best suited to ties that don’t require a lot of strength or tension.
Our reviewer, Katie, loved that the “rainbow colors are so beautiful and vibrant” and thought this “a great choice for beginner rope users.”
They were also a big fan of the softness, commenting that the rope “was so comfortable that [they] actually forgot [they] had it on at times.” In my experience, this can be a pro and a con, as sometimes the feeling of rope against your skin is part of the fun!
Katie found that the “fiber is well-suited for harnesses, cages, gags, and decorative ties” but found that, in use, it “has a bit of stretch.” So while it’s great for these types of ties, it’s not safe for suspension.
The only thing that Katie found a little tricky with the rope was that the color “variations got a little distracting” and made it a little hard to find where the ends were during the tying process.
Budget-Friendly Bondage Boutique Soft Bondage Rope
Overall Rating
4.8/5
Bedbible Rating:
5/5
Reviewed by:
Peter WenhamUser Ratings:
4.7/5
Based on 369 user reviews
Rating: Bondage Boutique Soft Bondage Rope was rated 85 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 bondage rope.
Rating: Bondage Boutique Soft Bondage Rope 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).
Rating: Bondage Boutique Soft Bondage Rope 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.
- Woven cotton rope
- 32 feet
- 12.7 mm thick
Pros
- ✅ Affordable
- ✅ Easy to use
- ✅ Great for small projects
Cons
- ❌ Knots can tighten up
- ❌ No storage bag
- ❌ Not suitable for suspension
Specifications
Why I Chose It
At under $20, I think this is a great quality rope for the price! I was also impressed that you still get a decent length to explore different ties.
Our tester, Peter and his wife, are new to bondage rope and thought this “the ideal start.” They found it “lightweight and not bulky,” making it easy to handle.
Overall, they were happy with the quality, commenting that it “is not a high end luxury rope” but it has “a good look to it and a very nice soft feel.”
The only thing I would watch out for when using this rope is that Peter found it “can be tricky to remove because the rope tightens up” during use. I recommend not tying your rope to tightly and leaving some space between the rope and your or your partner’s body.
Best Bondage Rope Kit KINK Bind & Tie Initiation Kit
Overall Rating
4.2/5
Bedbible Rating:
4.2/5
Reviewed by:
Isabelle UrenUser Ratings:
0/5
Based on 0 user reviews
Rating: KINK Bind & Tie Initiation Kit 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 bondage rope.
Rating: KINK Bind & Tie Initiation Kit was rated 90 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).
Rating: KINK Bind & Tie Initiation Kit 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.
- Hemp
- 2 x 30 ft ropes and 1 x 50 ft rope
- Comes safety shears and drawstring backpack for storage
Pros
- ✅ Rope feels soft but strong
- ✅ Lots of rope for larger projects
- ✅ Everything you need to get started
- ✅ Free access to rope school videos
Cons
- ❌ Rope sheds small fibers
- ❌ More of an investment
- ❌ Not thick enough for critical lines
Specifications
Why I Chose It
I personally tested the Kink Bind and Tie Initiation Kit and was overall very happy with it! I loved the more organic look of the rope and was surprised by just how soft it was!
I also loved that the kit came with safety shears as these are a crucial piece of equipment when using bondage rope, and it saved me having to buy a pair separately.
I found the rope easy to work with and enjoyed the sensation of it against my skin — it’s soft but still feels like rope, which I think adds to the experience. It’s also nice having so much rope to play with and I even cut one piece down so it’s easier to use for smaller ties. My one complaint is that it does shed small fibers that will be in the air and stick to clothes.
Although this is a little more of an investment than the other ropes in the review, considering theres 110 feet of rope, safety shears, and a backpack/storage bag, I actually think it’s quit good value for money.
Best Hemp Bondage Rope Doc Johnson Merci Bind & Tie
Rating: Doc Johnson Merci Bind & Tie 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 bondage rope.
Rating: Doc Johnson Merci Bind & Tie was rated 90 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).
Rating: Doc Johnson Merci Bind & Tie was rated 100 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.
- Natural hemp rope
- 30 feet
- 6 mm wide
Pros
- ✅ Soft, premium feel
- ✅ Reinforced ends
- ✅ Made with natural hemp
Cons
- ❌ No storage bad included
- ❌ Too thin for suspension
Specifications
Why I Chose It
I wanted to add a hemp bondage rope for Shibari because it’s a common fabric choice for many Shibari fans out there. The Doc Johnson Merci Bind & Tie is made with 100% natural hemp and has a premium three-strand twisted design with reinforced ends making it perfect for all kinds of bondage play. It’s 30th long, which is long enough for beginners who want to dip their toes in Shibari, or for some simple ties.
According to our tester, Kasia, the hemp fabric felt “soft and slid smoothly against the skin.” She enjoyed using it for creating beautiful harnesses and learning simple, and beginner-friendly restraints, and she mentioned that the Doc Johnson Merci Bind & Tie feels high-quality, “easy to work with,” and that the ties felt secure.
As an expert, I think the Doc Johnson Merci Bind & Tie is a high-quality hemp rope that can be used by anyone, including Shibari pros, and those who are just starting out. Unfortunately, it’s too thin for suspension, but I am sure you could make stunning kinky creations with the dark purple color, and easily match it with a black, or another colorful rope for a more advanced rope play.
Comparison
| Best | Test Winner | Runner Up | Budget-Friendly | Best Bondage Rope Kit | Best Hemp Bondage Rope |
| Overall score | 5.0 / 5.0 | 4.8 / 5.0 | 4.8 / 5.0 | - | - |
| Bedbible rating | 5.0 / 5.0 | 4.5 / 5.0 | 5.0 / 5.0 | 4.2 / 5.0 | 4.7 / 5.0 |
| User rating | 5 / 5.0 from 1 users | 5 / 5.0 from 9 users | 4.7 / 5.0 from 369 users | - | - |
| Price | Affordable | Cheap | Cheap | Pricey | Moderate |
| Design | 100 / 100 | 95 / 100 | 85 / 100 | 100 / 100 | 100 / 100 |
| Ease of use | 100 / 100 | 70 / 100 | 80 / 100 | 90 / 100 | 90 / 100 |
| Quality | 100 / 100 | 90 / 100 | 80 / 100 | 70 / 100 | 100 / 100 |
| Sound | - | - | - | - | - |
| Power | - | - | - | - | - |
| Buzzy/Rumbly | - | - | - | - | - |
| Length | 30m/98.4 ft/1181 inches | (26.25 feet) 315 inches | 32 feet 9/394 inches | 1 x 600 inches, 2 x 360 inches | 30 ft/ 360 inches |
| Diameter | 0.2 inches | 0.24 inches | 0.5 inches | 6 mm/ 0.23 inches | 6mm/ 0.23 inches |
| Materials | Polyester | Bamboo silk | Cotton | Hemp | Hemp |
| Storage Bag Included | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Colors Available | Azure, Silver, Olive | 6 rainbow/multicolor designs | Black, red | Natural hemp | - |
Which Bondage Rope Material is Best For You?
- Cotton rope like the Bondage Boutique Soft Bondage Rope, is cheap and soft, but it cannot be used for suspension and can be difficult to untie as the natural stretch causes knots to tighten.
- Hemp rope, like the Kink Bind & Tie Initiation Kit, or the Doc Johnson Merci Bind & Tie is more expensive but is strong and holds well. 8mm hemp rope can be used for suspension.
- Jute rope has a low elasticity and knots hold well but are easy to undo. It can cause friction and shouldn’t be used for suspension.
- Bamboo rope, like the Oxy Rainbow Silk Kinbaku Rope, is silky and light, good for decorative ties and light restraint. It’s not strong enough for suspension.
- Synthetic rope, like the Tantus Bondage Rope, can be made of nylon, which is strong, soft, and stretchy, or polyester, which is not as soft but is more secure. Some are safe for suspension but it’s suggested for more experienced users.
How to Choose the Best Rope for Bondage
- Diameter: 6mm is the most common size due to its flexibility. It is great for many types of bondage play, but you probably want to go thicker for suspension play. 8mm is the most common for suspension, as it is stronger. 10mm (and above) is good for larger body types. This is a great size option for suspension and floor play, as it won’t dig in as much as thinner ropes.
- Length: How much you need depends on what you plan to do with your rope. If you only want to use your rope to restrain your partner’s ankles or wrist or tie your partner to some furniture, 3 m might be enough. 4.5m lengths are great for extending other pieces of rope. If you want to use your rope for breast bondage or making a harness, you will need to look for at least 9 m.
- Softness — Ropes made of hemp, bamboo, or nylon are softer on the skin, whereas, jute, polyester are rougher.
- Ease of use — Cotton, polyester, and nylon can all be machine washed, but cotton can be tricky to untie. Natural materials such as hemp, jute and bamboo are a bit more difficult to care for, as washing can damage the rope’s integrity.
- Strength — Weaker ropes such as jute and some cottons are better for light bondage but not suspension. Hemp and bamboo bondage ropes are medium strength, but bamboo is not suitable for suspension as it stretches. Polyester and nylon are stronger, however nylon can be slippery, meaning knots can tighten themselves more easily.
Which Materials are Best for Bondage Rope?
Synthetic vs Natural Materials
When it comes to choosing between natural and synthetic rope, it really boils down to the kind of bondage you plan to partake in; are you big into suspension or do you prefer light bondage in the bedroom?
For a natural rope that can handle suspension, hemp is a great option; for a synthetic rope that can handle suspension, try polyester.
For a natural rope that will please during light bedroom bondage, try cotton or jute; for a synthetic rope that delivers during light play, try nylon.
Cotton
Cotton ropes are great if you’re on a budget.
It’s super soft and knots easily, but it’s not the best for suspension.
Cotton ropes can also be difficult to untie, and depending on the brand, they may tighten over time due to the natural stretch of the material.
Hemp
Hemp bondage rope, on the other hand, is GREAT for suspending, as it’s super secure and durable.
An 8 mm hemp rope size is ideal for critical support lines, but for other ropes, you can use the easier to maneuver 6 mm hemp rope.
The downside to hemp rope is that pre-treated/conditioned rope can be quite expensive, and it’s not usable for bondage pre-treatment.
Jute
Jute is a hemp-like material that is springy and light compared to hemp.
It has very low elasticity, so it’s great for complex knots as it won’t tangle!
There’s also a lesser chance of rope burn compared to other materials, but it still leaves great rope marks.
It must be treated and conditioned before use, and pre-treated jute can get quite expensive.
As it’s lighter than hemp, it’s also not recommended for suspension.
Bamboo
Bamboo ropes are probably the lightest out there, so they’re great for bedroom bondage, and feel super silky on the skin.
It won’t leave the best rope marks, if that’s your thing, and it’s also not recommended for suspension due to the stretch and density.
Synthetic
Nylon rope is super soft, stretchy, and is incredibly strong.
Polyester, on the other hand, feels more secure and stable compared to the slipperiness of nylon, so it’s better for beginners overall.
Reviewed by:
Lexis Mae