The Complete Guide to Dildos

The Complete Guide to Dildos: Types, Tips & How to Choose

Written by · Last updated: September 28, 2025

The Complete Guide to Dildos: Types, Tips & How to Choose

Welcome to the Complete Guide to Dildos. Few sex toys are as versatile and enduring as the dildo. Whether you’re exploring solo pleasure, experimenting with a partner, or just curious about your options, dildos come in an incredible variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. From lifelike designs that mimic real anatomy to fantasy-inspired creations, there’s truly a style for everyone.

But with so many types on the market, how do you know which one is right for you? This complete guide will walk you through the main categories of dildos, what makes each unique, and how to choose safely and confidently.

 Looking for inspiration? Browse our full Dildo Collection.

The Guide to Dildos: What Is a Dildo?

A dildo is a toy designed for penetration — vaginal, anal, or both. Unlike vibrators, most dildos don’t use motors. Instead, they focus on shape, texture, and material to deliver sensation. Some do combine penetration with vibration, but the classic dildo is non-motorised.

Materials:

  • Silicone: soft, flexible, body-safe, and easy to clean.

  • Glass: sleek, firm, great for temperature play.

  • Stainless Steel: heavy, luxurious, long-lasting.

  • TPR/TPE: softer, cheaper, less durable.

For a deeper dive into safety, read this article from Central Outreach Research Centre.

The Guide to Dildos: Types of Dildos

Here’s a detailed look at the most popular types of dildos — including who they’re for, why people choose them, and links to explore more.

Realistic Dildos

Realistic dildos are designed to mimic the look and feel of a penis, often featuring lifelike textures, veins, and contours. Many are molded from real bodies, giving them authentic detail.

These are popular with people who want a natural-feeling toy that closely resembles penetrative sex. They’re available in different sizes, from beginner-friendly slim models to large, ultra-realistic versions. Many come in silicone, which feels skin-like and body-safe.

Best for: users who want a lifelike experience.

Strap On Dildos

Strap-on dildos are designed to be worn in a harness, allowing one partner to penetrate the other. They’re ideal for pegging, role reversal, or for couples where one partner wants to take on a more active role.

Some strap-on kits include both the harness and dildo, while others let you mix and match attachments. Beginners often start with slim, flexible options, while advanced users may choose larger or double-ended dildos for variety.

Best for: couples who want to explore pegging or role play.

Suction Cup Dildos

Suction cup dildos feature a base that sticks to smooth surfaces — think bathroom tiles, chairs, or the floor. This makes them perfect for hands-free play and creative positioning.

They’re versatile for both solo and partnered use, as you can secure them in place and explore freely. Many also work with harnesses, so they double as strap-on dildos.

Best for: solo users who want hands-free fun.

Vibrating Dildos

Vibrating dildos combine penetration with vibration, offering the best of both worlds. They can be battery-powered or rechargeable and often include multiple speeds or patterns.

These toys are especially popular with couples who want to blend penetration and clitoral stimulation at the same time. Some vibrating dildos also feature remote control for added fun.

Best for: anyone who wants added stimulation during penetration.

Glass Dildos

Glass dildos are sleek, smooth, and surprisingly versatile. Made from body-safe borosilicate glass, they’re shatter-resistant and safe for internal use.

They’re firm, so they provide strong pressure, and they’re perfect for temperature play: warm them in water for soothing heat or cool them for a refreshing sensation. Many glass dildos are beautifully designed, doubling as art pieces.

Best for: fans of firm pressure and temperature play.

Large Dildos

Large dildos are built for intensity. With extra girth, length, or both, they’re designed for users who want a more adventurous experience.

They’re not for beginners — but for those who enjoy a feeling of fullness and stretch, they can be incredibly satisfying. Always pair with plenty of lube, and consider warming up with smaller toys first.

Best for: experienced players seeking intensity.

Double Dildos

Double dildos are long toys designed to be shared between partners or used for double penetration. Some are flexible silicone, while others are firm for easier insertion.

They’re especially popular with couples looking to share the experience of penetration together. Double dildos also come in strapless versions, which one partner wears internally while penetrating the other.

Best for: couples exploring shared penetration.

Curved & G-Spot Dildos

Curved dildos are designed to hit internal sweet spots like the G-spot or prostate. The angled shaft provides targeted pressure, making them highly effective for pinpoint pleasure.

They’re often slimmer than other styles, making them good for beginners as well. Many glass and silicone models are curved, so you can choose based on firmness.

Best for: users seeking targeted G-spot or prostate stimulation.

Silicone Dildos

Silicone dildos are the gold standard of body-safe toys. They’re flexible, non-porous, easy to clean, and available in endless shapes and colours.

Silicone warms to body temperature and feels soft but firm enough for penetration. Because they’re non-porous, they won’t harbour bacteria — making them safe for repeated use.

Best for: anyone looking for body-safe, versatile toys.

Fantasy Dildos

Fantasy dildos go beyond realism, with imaginative shapes, colours, and textures inspired by mythical creatures or artistic designs.

They’re popular in cosplay and fetish communities, but also appeal to anyone who wants something unique and playful. Many are made from body-safe silicone and feature striking, creative designs.

Best for: adventurous users seeking novelty.

Ejaculating Dildos

Ejaculating dildos feature a reservoir that allows them to mimic ejaculation. They’re niche, but fun for role play, fantasy, or novelty.

They’re usually filled with a body-safe fluid (like lube or water) that can be “released” during play. These toys are more about realism and novelty than functionality, but they definitely make an impression.

Best for: users who enjoy fetish play or novelty toys.

The Guide to Dildos: How to Choose the Right Dildo

When choosing a dildo, consider:

  • Experience level: Beginners → slim silicone or glass. Advanced → large or fantasy.

  • Play style: Couples → strap-ons, double, vibrating. Solo → suction cup, curved.

  • Material: Silicone for safety; glass/steel for firmness; fantasy for aesthetics.

  • Size: Start small and build up — comfort matters more than length.

Explore our beginner friendly dildos or jump into our Fantasy Dildo Collection.

Tips for Safe & Fun Dildo Play

  • Always use lube. Use water-based lube with silicone.

  • Clean before and after with warm water and Sex Toy Cleaner.

  • For anal play, only use toys with a flared base.

  • Store separately to protect materials.

For the best anal use lubes take a look at our Anal Lube Collection.

The Complete Guide to Dildos: Our Final Thoughts

Dildos remain one of the most popular and versatile categories of sex toys for good reason. With so many shapes, materials, and features to explore, you’re guaranteed to find one that matches your desires.

Start with what excites you most — whether that’s a lifelike silicone dildo, a sleek glass piece, or a fantasy-inspired design. And remember: the right dildo is the one that makes you feel good.

Browse our Complete Dildo Collection and discover your perfect match today.

The Complete Guide to Dildos FAQs

What’s the difference between a dildo and a vibrator?
A dildo is designed for penetration without vibration, while a vibrator uses motors to stimulate with vibration.

What size dildo is best for beginners?
Most beginners start with something around 4–5 inches insertable length and 1 inch diameter.

Are glass dildos safe?
Yes — as long as they’re made from borosilicate glass, they’re body-safe and safe for temperature play.

Can dildos be used for anal play?
Yes — but only with a flared base for safety.

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