We tested 16 menstrual cups and discs to find the best eco-friendly (and economical) options

Size options: Small, regular | Materials: Medical-grade silicone | Capacity: 25 ml (small), 30 ml (regular)

The Saalt Cup blends comfort with leak-proof performance, which is just one of the reasons it earned our top spot. In addition to its two primary sizes (small and regular), there's also an option to purchase a teen cup. By having varied size options, the product is more likely to successfully accommodate different anatomies, menstrual flows and cervix heights. The best feature? The firm silicone has just the right amount of give — it's easy to insert, and it pops open reliably once it's in place.

"Silicone is the most common material used in menstrual cups and is safe for long-term use," says Dr. Maria Pachon, a board-certified ob-gyn at Holy Name Medical Center in Cliffside Park, N.J. "It's hypoallergenic, flexible, durable and comfortable," she says. I found this to be true in my testing as well. I didn't experience any leaking or discomfort and appreciated having the option to trim the stem. That said, the stem is pretty smooth, which could make it challenging to grasp when your hands are wet and slippery.

Amazon reviewers rate it 4.4 out of 5 stars with over 8,000 5-star ratings. One customer said, "I've had less leakage and more comfort with my Saalt cup than any other menstrual product I've known, and knowing my money is going towards something I can reuse again and again means so much to me." Saalt also offers a Bliss Guarantee: If you don't love it within 365 days of purchase, the company will replace it with something else or give you a full refund.

Size options: One size fits most | Materials: Medical-grade silicone | Capacity: 47.5 ml

Menstrual discs have several benefits over cups, and the Perfect Fit Disc by Cora showcases them well. Unlike cups, discs can be worn during sex without mess or discomfort. Some disc users can "auto-dump" when urinating, meaning the disc self-empties when your pelvic floor muscles contract.

"Menstrual discs, due to the way they are inserted and worn, are less prone to firmness-related issues in how they insert, unfold and feel in the body, which is one reason I prefer discs over cups," says Kim Rosas, a menstrual cup and disc expert and founder of Period Nirvana. That said, they can take a bit more skill and practice to insert and remove — this one has a deep finger groove to simplify removal (love!). It makes all the difference in mastering one-finger removal without spilling.

The Cora disc has a 4.3 out of 5-star rating from over 2,100 Amazon reviewers. One customer raved about her experience, saying, "OH! And cramps! I didn't have really bad cramps like I had when I was using tampons." Cora also has a host of resources on its site to help you figure out if the disc life is for you.

Size options: Small, large | Materials: Medical-grade silicone | Capacity: 25 ml (small), 30 ml (large)

Lena's Sensitive Cup ticks all the boxes for a great beginner's menstrual cup. The tulip-shaped body folds easily for insertion, is made of a softer medical-grade silicone and has a satisfaction guarantee if your test run doesn't go as planned. Though the small size holds slightly less than the large, it's a great starting point for figuring out how to place and remove your cup.

I tested this cup while coaching soccer, and it didn't leak or shift at all. However, the stem is on the thicker side, which may cause discomfort for some. I chose to trim the stem completely — it's easy and doesn't affect the cup's performance.

Amazon reviewers rate it 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 16,700 ratings. One customer said, "No more leaks!!! I've never had a leak during the day or even overnight, and I can actually wear nice underwear confidently, knowing they won't be ruined." Oh, and this cup caters to sensitive bladders too. Lena says its design puts less pressure on the bladder than other cups.

Size options: Size 1, size 2 | Materials: Medical-grade silicone | Capacity: 22 ml (size 1), 30 ml (size 2)

I've been using my "Goldilocks" cup for years (you know, a menstrual cup that fits you "just right"), but the Flex Cup has me seriously contemplating making the switch. Why? Its unique pull-tab design makes removal and emptying a breeze, so there's no more pinching and wiggling to get it out! You can easily pull on the tab to gently break the suction with one finger, then empty and reinsert as needed.

It may not work for everyone, as some users report leaking through the tab opening, but I've had zero issues with this cup. It's comfortable, easy to insert and remove, and the stem is adjustable — it's great for people with low (size 1) or high (size 2) cervixes. I have a low cervix and wore it for up to 12 hours with no leaks and minimal cramps. I also appreciate that it's not clear. "The darker ones may not show as much staining, and people may prefer that," says Bovone.

Over 8,000 Amazon reviewers rate it 4.3 out of 5 stars. One customer said, "It's super easy to remove and seals well (NO LEAKS!)." The downside is that it's more challenging to clean since the pull tab can trap blood and other debris. You may have to spend more time cleaning it versus other cups.

One additional bonus is that every cup comes with two disposable Flex Discs to try out too. 

Size options: One size fits most | Materials: Medical-grade silicone | Capacity: 50 ml

This Hello Period Disc has a 50 milliliter capacity, making it one of the highest-volume menstrual products on our list. Thanks to its looped removal tab, it's great for people with high cervixes who may struggle to reach and remove other discs. Some menstrual discs have no removal feature, while others use a finger groove or string. With its loop design, this one makes the process much cleaner and more manageable.

This disc's larger size and shape can make it more difficult for beginners. I've been a cup user for over eight years and have struggled with proper placement. While the size initially intimidated me, some troubleshooting and practice made all the difference. Plus, it's great for overnights, when I previously had to double up with a pad.

The Hello Period Disc has over 750 reviews on its site and a 4.7 out of 5-star rating. Customers rave about its capacity and leak-free performance. One user said, "I have had zero leaks to date and even competed in an IronMan triathlon while using the disc and had no leaks!" And for those curious, yes, the disc can be worn during sex — just tuck the tab underneath the disc to prevent your partner from feeling it.

Size options: Size 1, size 2 | Materials: Medical-grade silicone | Capacity: 22 ml (size 1), 29 ml (size 2)

Speaking of "Goldilocks" cups, The Easy-Does-It Cup has been my tried-and-true period partner for the past six years. As someone with a low cervix, I've struggled with cups because they're too long or protrude uncomfortably — sizing guides always put me in a larger size because I've had three vaginal births. Cora's size 1 cup with a 22 ml capacity is the perfect fit; it doesn't leak, shift or cause discomfort with the stem trimmed.

The design is slightly bell-shaped with a flared rim, and the silicone is the ideal balance between soft and firm — it folds easily and pops right open once in place. This is an important feature, because sometimes cups can be finicky when opening, leaving you with a partial seal that could lead to leaks.

And if my experience isn't enough of a reason to consider this cup, take it from one of the 1,400 reviewers who gave this cup 5 stars on Amazon: "Low cervix friendly! Other low-cervix cups are either stiff and have a painful suction, or they are shaped too wide and would affect my bladder." 

It's essential to note that a smaller-capacity cup may not be the best fit for everyone, especially for people with heavier flows. But it still lasts twice as long as a tampon and is more comfortable in my opinion.

Size options: Size 1, size 2, size 3 | Materials: Medical-grade silicone | Capacity: 15 ml (size 1), 20 ml (size 2), 25 ml (size 3)

With three different sizes and a larger-than-average diameter, the Bfree Menstrual Cup is a worthwhile option for wider vaginas. The size 3 cup has the largest capacity and diameter of the three options, so there's less chance of sliding or shifting during use. I couldn’t wear this cup comfortably due to my low cervix — it's just too long for me. However, that doesn’t mean it won’t work well for someone with different anatomy.

The rim of this cup is slightly firmer than others we tried, which can be a plus if you need extra suction to prevent leaks. However, this also means it can pop open more suddenly and cause discomfort. It can also be more difficult for new users to remove because there are no suction holes on the rim, making it harder to break the seal. That said, the finger placement ridges on this cup provide a better removal grip than ones without the markings.

Many users are happy with their experience. One reviewer said, "It took a couple of cycles to get the hang of this cup, but I'm definitely happy with it. It's both soft and flexible but also firm enough to really stay put." The company claims Bfree is the only boil-free menstrual cup on the market, but I can't speak to this claim.

Size options: Model 0, model 1, model 2 | Materials: Medical-grade silicone | Capacity: 22 ml (model 0), 26 ml (model 1), 30 ml (model 2)

Diva is the OG of menstrual reusables. As one of the first cups on the market, it's had a lot of time to perfect its design and sizing options. The Diva Cup comes in three models that cater to different menstruation experiences. Model 0 is the smallest and shortest, made for teens or those under 18 years old who haven't given birth. Model 1 is best for those with a medium to heavy flow. And model 2 is best if you're over 35 and have given birth — or just prefer a larger size.

I enjoyed using the Diva Cup because it's one of the few cups that didn't leak on me, not even a drop, and it's readily available at most drugstores. My biggest complaint is its length; it's longer than most cups, which can be uncomfortable for those with a low cervix. But if length isn't an issue for you, its performance is top-notch.

Of the 27,000-plus Amazon reviewers, the Diva Cup has a 4.5 out of 5-star rating. One user says, "Every woman in my life now knows extensive details about my menstrual cycle because I am obsessed with telling everyone about my Diva Cup."

Size options: Short, medium, high | Materials: Medical-grade silicone | Capacity: 30 ml (short), 55 ml (medium), 60 ml (high)

The Lumma Soft Disc holds more blood than any other reusable menstrual disc we tested — the largest size has a 60 ml capacity. Not only that, but it's available in three sizes to accommodate varying cervix heights and vaginal widths. When in use, it tucks behind the pubic bone and against the cervix to collect blood before it travels through the vaginal canal.

When I opened the package, I immediately noticed the difference in the softness of the silicone. The rim, however, is still firm enough to push the disc into place. With a bit of practice, I got it into place and enjoyed 10 hours of leak-free wear. One thing to note is that the collection basin is on the larger side (hence the high capacity) and may not pop open as well as smaller options.

The perks? Mess-free sex and potentially less cramping compared to cups that require suction. One reviewer says, "I had the disc in for 10 hours every day, and I almost forgot I was on my period! I trusted it so much that I wore nothing for backup."

Size options: One size fits most | Materials: Medical grade polymers | Capacity: 60 ml

Aunt Flo isn't the nicest visitor, but Flex Disposable Discs make dealing with her a little easier. This is a great option you can grab at many pharmacies or supermarkets when you're caught off guard by your period. Each disc can hold up to five tampons' worth of fluid and can be worn for up to 12 hours. Plus, it's safe to wear during sex.

I wasn't sure what to think at first, but I'm glad I gave it a try. The rim pinches to the size of a tampon, but it's still firm enough to slide to the back of your vagina against your cervix. Once in place, I couldn't feel it at all. My only big con is the learning curve when going from a reusable cup to a disposable disc, but I was pleasantly surprised by the results: no discomfort and only minor leaks while I mastered placement.

While less eco-friendly than reusable options, these discs come in handy when you're on the go or need a quick, throwaway solution. One user said, "It holds a lot, and this is coming from someone who goes through four super-size tampons on day two. I am honestly in love with this product and have been recommending it to everyone."

Size options: Mini, size A, size B | Materials: Medical-grade silicone | Capacity: 19 ml (mini), 27 ml (size A), 33 ml (size B)

AllMatters Menstrual Cup (formerly OrganiCup) is a sustainable and eco-friendly option free of harmful chemicals, allergens and animal by-products. The cup comes in three sizes: mini for teens or those with a light flow, size A for those who have not given birth vaginally and size B for those who have.

This cup was easy to insert and remove. Though I trimmed my stem out of habit, I found the ridges on the base of the cup helpful for gripping and pulling it down. I experienced some leaking on my first attempt (likely due to a poor fit) but had no issues on my second try. My only complaint is some mild irritation after a full day of wear — Dr. Janet Choi, a double-board certified reproductive endocrinologist and the chief medical officer of Progyny, says vaginal irritation is a minor risk of menstrual cups in general.

Fortunately, my personal experience won't translate to everyone. AllMatters has a mission I support: to make "sustainability accessible and effortless" to everyone. The cup lasts for years, and the company offers a 90-day money-back guarantee if you're not sold after three cycles. Out of more than 1,200 Amazon reviews, 73% are five-star ratings. One happy user said, "I don't know if I am insanely lucky or if this is just an excellent cup, or perhaps both, but this cup worked perfectly for me on the first try!"