What's the Difference Between a Dildo and Vibrator?

Editor's note: This article was updated on 6th June 2025 by Emma Hewitt.

Many people ask us: "What's the difference between vibrators and dildos?" It's not a silly question. There are so many different kinds of sex toys that you can't be expected to know about them all. But there are very distinct differences between them, making it easy to tell them apart.

This guide will cover the main differences between dildos and vibrators, and then we'll cover the different types of each to deepen your understanding and help you find something new to try.

Dildo vs vibrator: what's the difference?

Dildos and vibrators are two of the most common types of sex toys and while they share some similarities in how they look, they differ greatly in function. Yes, they are both designed to get you off, but how they do that is very different. So, what’s the difference between a dildo and a vibrator you ask? Easy! A dildo is a non-vibrating sex toy that is used for internal penetration of the vagina or anus, while a vibrator is any kind of sex toy that is electrical and vibrates. A vibrator can be used for internal penetration of external stimulation. The primary function of a vibrator is to vibrate, while the primary function of a dildo is penetration.

So, it's simple! One vibrates (the vibrator) while the dildo doesn't.

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Dildo or vibrator: what's better?

It depends on what you like! Some people ask us, "What's better: dildos or vibrators?" But we can't answer that as everyone's sexual preferences are unique to them. So here's a quick run down on vibrators and dildos so you can help determine what might be best for you!

What is a vibrator?

Vibrators vibrate! Yep! Who could have ever guessed? They come in a huge variety of shapes and sizes but the key component that gives them their name is their ability to vibrate.

They can be used internally or externally to stimulate any sensitive area of the body. Vibration can also help to relax the muscles of the body to make penetration easier and more comfortable.

There are lots of different types of vibes - here's a quick run-down:

Classic vibrators

So-called "classic" vibes are standard vibes. They're usually just smooth, non-anatomical (non-realistic) vibes without any extra attachments and don't have curves. They're great for beginners. They can be used internally or on your clitoris. Check out our range of classic vibrators.

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Bullet vibrators

Bullets are little vibrators - named because they kind of look like bullets. They're usually used on the clitoris rather than for insertion. If you insert them you need to have a string on them to bring them out again. They are discrete and powerful despite their size. They're a very popular first vibrator. Check out our range of bullet vibrators.

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Rabbit vibrators

Rabbit vibes were given their name because the clitoral stimulation tool attached to them used to be shaped like a rabbit. Now a "rabbit vibe" is just short for any vibe that provides internal and external stimulation. It requires a vibrator with an attached clitoral stimulator. Check out our range of rabbit vibrators.

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Clitoral vibrators

Clitoral stimulators and lay-ons are becoming more and more popular. They're external use vibes only that stimulate the clitoris. The infamous Satisfyer Pro 2.0 is a great example of a clit vibe. Lay-ons are also great for use on your clitoris. They're a great beginner vibe. Check out our range of clitoral vibrators.

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G-Spot vibrators

G-spot vibes are curved to hit your G-spot. That's where they get their name. They come in all shapes and sizes and there's some crossover with rabbit vibes - but the key component for these vibes is that they are angled to hit the G-spot. Check out our range of g-spot vibrators.

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Couple vibrators

These vibes are designed to be used with your lover if you have a vagina - sitting inside the vagina while you have penetrative intercourse. However, couples vibrators have become an umbrella category for any vibrator designed to be used with a partner, such as for foreplay or sex. You can also use a couple vibes on your own. Double the fun! Check out our range of couple's vibrators and learn how to use a couples vibrator.

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Other types of vibrators

There are so many different types of vibes we can't list them all but other notable types are - Anal vibrators, double-ended vibes, finger vibes, love eggs, nipple vibes, novelty vibes, realistic vibes, strap-on vibes, and wand vibes also known as "massagers".

Check out our comprehensive guide to vibrators here: The ultimate vibrator guide: best types for different needs

What is a dildo?

There are far fewer categories of dildos than vibrators. The key component of dildos is they don't vibrate and don't have batteries. You use them by thrusting onto them or with your hand, thrusting them into your partner. They can be used vaginally, anally or orally. Usually, dildos look like penises. They can also come in amazing colours because they're not limited by being silicone or plastic.

Dildos are used to stimulate internal erogenous zones, aka the vagina or the anus, and in some cases the mouth.

Suction cup dildos

By far our most popular dildos are suction cup dildos. People love suction cups because you can use them so easily on your own. You can suction them to the door, the floor, your wall - anywhere sturdy! When buying a dildo - check girth, some are really, really big and they might not be comfortable for beginners. Check out our range of suction cup dildos.

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Strap on dildos

If you want to try pegging you need a quality dildo to go into your harness or other strapping gear. Strap-on dildos aren't always phallic and usually come in a range of sizes. You can strap on dildos almost anywhere - even your arm or leg. Check out our range of strap-on dildos. You can get strap-ons that are hollow to fit your penis inside, you can get strap-ons that you wear inside your vagina, and you can even get strap ons you wear strap-ons that have internal vibrators!

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Squirting dildos and huge dildos

Huge dildos. come in many shapes but they're all....well, huge! Squirting dildos. come in a lot of shapes and sizes too - their main difference to other dildos is that they squirt fluid.

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Double-ended dildos and double-penetration dildos

Double penetration dildos or DP dildos and double ended dildos provide you with the ability to penetrate your partner vaginally or anally or for you and your partner to be penetrated at the same time. They basically double your pleasure!

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Vac-U-Lock

You might also read about Vac-U-Lock dildos. Vac-U-Lock by Doc Johnson is the world’s first and only patented harness system. Unlike most strap-ons which require an O-ring set-up, Vac-U-Lock strap-ons feature a unique plug system which securely holds your attachment in place for penetrative fun. Vac-U-Lock Dildos are compatible with the Vac-U-Lock Strap-On harnesses, which open up a whole new world of strap-on sex possibilities due to the design’s versatility.

Choose a Vac-u-Lock harness with a plug, then you can choose any Vac-u-Lock compatible dildo to attach to the plug and harness, no matter the size or the girth of the attachment. You’ll never need to worry about whether or not a dildo will fit your harness ever again!

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Glass dildos

Glass dildos are beautiful, usually hand-shaped, dildos made from strong glass. They're wonderful for temperature play. You can run them under cold water or warm water to heat them. They're easy to clean and are great fun in the shower or bath. They can be used anally or vaginally. Just make sure if you're using them anally that they say they're for anal use and they have a wide base. Did I mention they're beautiful??

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Check out our comprehensive dildo guide here: Dildo buying guide: how to choose the right one for you

What is the best toy for first time – a dildo or vibrator?

What makes a toy ideal for beginners isn’t necessarily the type of toy but its shape, size and what it is used for. Whether you want a dildo or a vibrator as your first toy will depend on what you want the toy to do.

Are you after a toy that will stimulate different parts of your body with vibration? An external vibe like a bullet vibe, lay-on massager or wand vibrator might be best. Do you want something for internal vibration? A classic or G-spot vibrator might be best. If you want a toy for penetration of the vagina or anus to provide fullness or thrust in and out, a dildo might be the thing!

Do dildos vibrate?

For the most part, dildos don’t vibrate. However, there are some instances where they can. Some dildos will come with small bullet vibrators which are inserted into the base of the dildo to add a small amount of vibration. The difference is that the intensity will be significantly less than a vibrator. A vibrating dildo will be fine if you want a dildo with the option of trying a touch of vibration but if it’s vibration you are after, a vibe will be a better option.

Is a dildo or a vibrator better for clitoral stimulation?

If you want a toy for clitoral stimulation, your best bet is going to be a vibrator that is designed specifically for this. As dildos are primarily used for internal stimulation, rubbing one on your clitoris probably isn’t going to cut it. A clitoral vibrator on the other hand is going to be shaped specifically for stimulation of that area. Plus, vibration is an amazing form of stimulation for clitoral pleasure as it can be light and low or deep and intense depending on how you like it.

Is a dildo or vibrator better for couples?

It’s all about personal preference and how you want to play with each other. In many cases, a vibrator will be more versatile for couple’s play as there are so many different vibrator styles to explore. But if you want a tool for penetration, or even double penetration alongside a penis, then a dildo is going to fulfil that need.

Anal-safe dildos and vibrators

Regardless of whether it’s a dildo or a vibrator you are using if you want to use the toy anally, it needs to be an anal-safe sex toy. That means it needs to have a flared base, retrieval cord or handle. It needs a clear stopping point to prevent the toy from travelling up into the anal canal.

Many dildos will have balls or a suction cup base that can double as a flared base. Just ensure that the base is wide enough in comparison to the shaft and that the base is firm enough that there’s no way it can get sucked up.

Should I buy a dildo or a vibrator?

So there you have it! That's the key difference - one vibrates and the other doesn't. Check out our range of vibrators here. And our range of dildos here. and why not buy one of each and see for yourself which you prefer? Or better yet, grab a dildo for internal play and a vibrator for external play and use them both at the same time?!

Editor’s note:

This article was originally published on 23 January 2020 and was updated on 06 June 2025 for relevance and comprehensiveness. The information in this article has been fact-checked and reviewed for accuracy by Adulttoymegastore’s team of content specialists and sexual wellness experts, including Sex Educator Emma Hewitt.

Content disclaimer:

Adulttoymegastore does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment for illness. Any information published on this website, either by Adulttoymegastore or its authors, is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a medical professional.

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