After extensively testing numerous tampons, it is clear that many of these products are very similar, with slight differences in details such as the applicator design or wrapper material that can greatly affect the user experience. Among tampons with applicators, our top choices are Tampax Pearl and Tampax Pure for their excellent performance. For those preferring applicator-free options, O.B. Pro Comfort and O.B. Organic tampons are highly recommended.
We may not have full disclosure of the ingredients in most tampons, including the ones we endorse, as manufacturers are not mandated to provide this information. Nonetheless, there is no significant evidence suggesting that tampons available in the US pose any health risks (except for rare allergic reactions) or that organic tampons, which are crafted from organic cotton, offer any additional health benefits.
Disclaimer: The author of this review has had a previous professional affiliation with a tampon company.
Our Recommendation
Testers found the Pearl tampon’s user-friendly plastic applicator, long braided string, and durable, reusable wrapper to be very satisfying.
The organic version of Pearl tampons, Tampax Pure, retains the highly praised plastic applicator and wrapper.
Testers who tried different absorbencies of both Tampax Pearl and Tampax Pure favored these applicator tampons over other brands. They particularly appreciated the regular-size applicators, the longer and thicker braided strings, and the uniquely durable, easy-to-open wrappers that simplified the disposal of used tampons.
Cost per tampon (regular absorbency):1
Tampax Pearl: 21 cents, pack of 50
Tampax Pure: 32 cents, pack of 72
Our Recommendation
Testers found that the Pro Comfort tampons were easy to unwrap and insert, shedding fewer fibers compared to most applicator-free (digital) tampons.
Similar to the Pro Comfort tampons, the O.B. Organic version is easy to unwrap and insert, and is more affordable than many organic applicator-free alternatives.
One tester described the O.B. Pro Comfort as the “Porsche of tampons,” highlighting its effortless unwrapping and competitive pricing. The organic version also received high praise. These O.B. tampons we recommend are priced on average 25% lower than other leading applicator-free tampons.
Cost per tampon (regular absorbency):
O.B. Pro Comfort: 50 cents, pack of 40
O.B. Organic: 64 cents, pack of 24
