The best menstrual cups you can buy

Why you'll love them: Softcup Disposable Menstrual Discs are the perfect way to experiment with menstrual cups without the commitment.

I discovered the Softcup Disposable Menstrual Discs on a recent vacation when my period snuck up on me the same day I planned to hit up some salt baths experience in Big Sur. I've never been into tampons, but I needed something that would keep the blood from ruining my bathing suit and the good time of the 28 strangers I'd be hanging out with in the water.

Softcup Disposable Menstrual Discs feature a silicone ring that secures at the base of the cervix and a flexible, bag-like piece of material that collects the blood. It claims to hold the equivalent of several tampons. Like reusable menstrual cups, it needs to be removed every 12 hours and replaced with a new disc. One package contains 14 Softcups.

These are more comfortable than tampons, and I actually find them much easier to insert and remove. Leakage is definitely possible if you don't get the placement exactly right, so I recommend wearing a backup pad on heavier days, at least the first few times.

With more than 1,800 Amazon reviews and mentions in publications like Women's Health, Bustle, and The Strategist, this is a popular recommendation online.

"These work so well and you can't even feel them. The hardest part is learning how to put them in, once you have that mastered, they're the greatest," writes one shopper.

Pros: Easy to use, latex-free, holds the equivalent of multiple tampons

Cons: Not reusable, can leak if not inserted properly

Buy the SoftCup Disposable Menstrual Discs on Amazon for $10.99 (1 pack) or $30.86 (2-pack)

Why you'll love it: The Blossom Menstrual Cup is significantly less expensive than your average reusable cup, but works just as well.

Menstrual cups save you money in the long-term since they don't need to be replaced often, but they can feel like an investment upfront. If you want to save some cash, the Blossom Menstrual Cup is a cheaper option that many think works just as well (if not better) than some of its pricier counterparts.

At $12.95, it's only a few dollars more than a box of disposable menstrual discs. Like DivaCup, this one comes in two sizes (Small and Large) and is made of pliable silicone for easy insertion.

The Blossom Menstrual Cup has a bit of a longer stem, which might be uncomfortable for some but also makes for easy removal. The stem is solid instead of hollow, so it doesn't collect blood and other debris, making for an easy clean.

The material is also softer and more flexible than some other leading menstrual cups. Made of FDA-approved medical grade silicone, the Blossom Menstrual Cup has 5,700+ Amazon reviews and a 4.4-star rating. It also comes recommended by Women's Health, The Wirecutter, and The Strategist. The brand definitely didn't skimp on quality to achieve that lower price tag.

"Once you get the hang of it, it really feels like you're not on your period AT ALL! It's a little messy when taking out but if you don't mind your own blood, then it shouldn't be a problem," says one Amazon reviewer, who also recommends choosing a size based on your flow rather than whether you've given birth.

Pros: Affordable, solid stem makes cleaning easier, flexible material, two sizes

Cons: Longer stem might be uncomfortable for some

Buy the Blossom Menstrual Cup on Amazon for $12.95

Why you'll love it: If other brands have been uncomfortable for your to use, try the gentler Saalt Menstrual Cup.

If the idea of using a menstrual cup made of super firm silicone freaks you out, consider trying the Saalt Menstrual Cup. Designed to be even gentler than the leading brands, it features a proprietary bulb shape and an indented removal stem made without ridges.

The silicone material is hypoallergenic, BPA-free, and non-toxic. The opening of the cup is rounded for a softer, more comfortable feel. If you have sensitive skin and vaginal walls that are prone to irritation, this is a great pick. Like most menstrual cups it comes in two sizes, Small and Large. It claims to last up to 10 years!

Saalt comes recommended by Bustle and Everyday Health and has a 4.3 Amazon rating based on 280+ reviews.

"I got the larger one, and while I believe the capacity is the same as diva, it’s more round and less long, so it doesn’t hang as low, and the stem is soooo soft and bendy that you can’t feel it. There is noooo rubbing at all," writes one Amazon reviewer.

"Saalt has absolutely no edges! I was also a bit worried because the dome of the Saalt cup was bigger than DivaCup, but it has actually created an even better seal and I absolutely love it!" says another.

Pros: No ridges, smooth stem, hypoallergenic, two sizes

Cons: Pricey

Buy the Saalt Menstrual Cup on Amazon for $26.99

Why you'll love it: The petal-shaped Lena Menstrual Cup, with its flexible material and wide opening, is the perfect pick for beginners.

First thing's first — the Lena Menstrual Cup is really cute. It's shaped kind of like a tulip and comes in fun, bright colors that telegraph the message that no, you shouldn't be embarrassed about your period.

This is a great option for beginners because of the soft material and the shape. Made in California, it's The Wirecutter's top pick for people with wider vaginas because of the size of the opening, which cuts down on possible leakage.

According to Bustle, this is actually the highest-rated menstrual cup on Amazon. It has a 4.6-star rating based on 1,100+ reviews. There's even a specific Sensitive option if you find the regular one uncomfortable.

"The lena sensitive is the same design, but much softer/ more flexible than the original, which is exactly what I was hoping for. Although they are the same thickness, it folds better (due to the softness) and I found that it pressed a lot less on my bladder than the original lena," writes one shopper.

Pros: Softer and flexible, two-pack available, unique shape forms to body contours, comes in Sensitive

Cons: Pricey

Buy the Lena Menstrual Cup on Amazon for $39.90