Need help choosing a dildo? This popular sex toy comes in all sorts of shapes and sizes, so finding the perfect one can be difficult – there are a lot of dildos out there! This article will cover everything you need to know about dildos – the different types, how to get the right size and how to choose the right one for you. Let’s dive into the wonderful world of dildos!

What is a dildo?

A dildo is an insertable sex toy that is used for penetration of the vagina, anus or even the mouth. They are often relatively phallic in shape (although they don’t have to be) and can be made from all sorts of materials in all sizes.
PSA: If you intend to use a toy anally, ensure that you are using a dildo that is booty safe. One that has a flared base or handle and is made from a body-safe material (more on this later).

Why do people use dildos?

Dildos can be used by anyone, no matter their gender. They are very versatile sex toys, which is why they have remained so popular throughout the years. For many people, it’s the first thing that comes to mind when they think “sex toy”.

Here’s just a few ways that dildos are used for pleasure.

• You can use a dildo to stimulate the vagina or anus with penetration in and out of the body.
• You can insert a dildo and leave it in place to provide some fullness and stretch to the vagina or anus.
• You can use a dildo to grind on.
• You can use a dildo to stimulate the G-spot, which is an area of increased sensitivity inside the vagina.
• You can use a dildo to stimulate the prostate gland inside the anus.
• You can use a dildo as a form of gender expression.
• You can use a dildo in your mouth as part of role-play.
• You can use a dildo for double penetration of the vagina and the anus at the same time.

Different dildo types

Realistic Dildos

A realistic dildo is a dildo that is designed to look like a penis. You can expect to see a realistic penis shape, a bulbous head, a veined texture and life-like skin tones from pale whites to darker tan and black.

They can be made to feel relatively soft and like life, or they may be firmer and less flexible. Realistic dildos are available in all sorts of sizes starting from petite to huge and everything in between.

These types of dildos are ideal for those looking for a toy that will simulate the feeling of penetration from a real penis.
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Nood Thick Realskin Dildo

Coloured Phallic Dildos

Coloured phallic dildos are another super popular dildo type. These have many of the same characteristics of a realistic dildo – a realistic shape with a bulbous head and some veins. They may even have balls too, but rather than a human skin tone, they will be a fun colour!

These are perfect if you like a realistic feeling but prefer a pop of colour in your life.
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Nood Colours Silicone Rainbow Dildo

Classic Dildos

A classic dildo is a simple and effective toy without any fancy bits and, in my opinion, one of the best dildos for beginners. A classic dildo will be relatively straight up and down and won’t be shaped to look like a real penis. In many cases, they will have little to no texture or veins down the shaft, instead having a smooth up-and-down shaft. Although many will still have a slightly bulbous tip to massage the highly sensitive entrance to the vagina or anus.

They are available in all sorts of colours too. They may be skin tones, or they may be bright green. They can be soft and squishy, or they can be quite firm.
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G-spot Dildos

A G-spot dildo is designed with G-spot massage in mind. This is an area of increased sensitivity inside the vagina that responds well to firm, consistent stimulation.

A G-spot dildo can be identified by its curved or bulbous tip designed to target exactly the right area. Any dildo with that shape is going to be the best dildo for g-spot stimulation. These dildos may be shorter than others as it’s the tip where the magic happens.
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Suction Cup Dildos

A suction cup dildo is any dildo that features a suction cup base. A suction cup base can be attached to any hard, smooth surface to keep the dildo in place while you play. They are a great option for those wanting to keep their hands free for exploring elsewhere.

You can attach a suction cup to a floor, chair or even the wall of your shower!
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Strap-on Dildo

A strap-on dildo is any dildo that can be used with a harness for strap-on sex or pegging. Many dildos can be used for this type of play, but you will need to check that the dildo you choose is suitable for the harness you intend to use.

Many dildos with a suction cup base are harness-compatible with O-ring harnesses, making them great couple's dildos. However, some dildos are specific to one kind of harness. For instance, the vac-u-lock dildo range can only be used with a Vac-u-lock harness.
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Sportsheets Please Silicone Dildo

Strapless strap-on

A strapless strap-on dildo is a dildo that is used for penetrating a partner without using a harness. Instead, they have a bulb which goes inside the vagina of the person in charge of the dildo and is held in place with their pelvic floor muscles.

These can be very difficult to keep in place while you use them as they require quite strong muscles. If you are new to strap-on play, I recommend using a harness-compatible dildo, as it will feel more secure.
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Silicone Love Rider Strapless Starp-on

Double-ended Dildos

A double-ended dildo is a dildo where both ends can be used for penetration. That means you can share the toy with a partner and use an end each. Or you can use both ends yourself. One end in the vagina and one end in the anus.

Some double-ended dildos will have one larger end and one end with a thinner shaft, while others will have two ends of the same size.
They are often long and flexible or they may be more curved and already have a U-shape.
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Huge Dildos

Huge dildos are any dildos that are considered bigger than your average. This could be any shape and type of dildo as long as it meets the length and/ or girth requirements. Huge dildos tend to be 10 inches and upwards, but it depends on who you ask as “huge” to you may be average to me.

If you are a size queen or king, this is the place to look. And don’t forget to get out the measuring tape, as some of these dildos are seriously big.
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The ultraskyn Realistic Dildo - 10 Inch

Packing Dildos

A packing dildo is usually a soft and pliable dildo that is used to create a penis-like bulge under clothing. People use these for many reasons. Some use it to modify their gender expression, some use packers to cope with gender dysphoria to feel more like themselves, and some use them to explore and play with the idea of gender.

There are also hard-packing dildos, which can be worn under clothes but also used for penetration. As you can guess, these are a little less subtle underneath clothing.
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Packer Gear Silicone Packing Penis

Read more about packing dildos: Beginner's guide to packers: What is a packing dildo & what is it for?

Anal Dildos

An anal dildo is any dildo that can be used safely for anal penetration. Not just anything can go in the butt! The sphincter muscles are extremely strong and suck inwards when penetrated, meaning that things can and do get lost in there.

An anal-safe dildo needs to have a flared base, a handle or a retrieval cord. Most suction cup dildos or dildos with balls are anal-safe as they work as an anchor outside the body to keep the toy in place.

Make sure you stick with body-safe materials that can be sterilized between uses with any form of anal play. Silicone, glass, and metal are your friends. Satisfyer Double Ball-r Weighted Dildo$79.95Shop NowSilicone Pegging Probe$32.95Shop Now

Read more about anal toys & anal safety: Booty basics 101: The ultimate guide to anal play & anal toys

Squirting Dildos

For folks who like to get wet and wild, a squirting dildo might be just what you need. A squirting dildo will usually have a realistic phallic look and a hole through the centre so that it can squirt our liquid just like a penis does during ejaculation.

They use a syringe and pipe through the middle of the toy so you can control exactly when you want it to blow. Most people choose a thick lubricant to make it look and feel as close to the real thing as possible.
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King Cock 8 Inch Squirting Dildo

Fantasy Dildos

Fantasy dildos are all the rage at the moment! These are dildos designed to look like your favourite mythical, magical or monstrous fantasy characters.

It could be a werewolf penis, a unicorn horn, a tentacle from the deep or a devil's tongue. If you can dream it, there’s probably a fantasy dildo to match.

These toys tend to be big, highly textured and lots of fun!
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Read more about fantasy dildos: What are fantasy sex toys? (And our most popular ones)

How to choose the right-sized dildo

When it comes to choosing the right-sized dildo, you need to consider both the length and the girth of the toy.

Length

The length is the distance between the top and the bottom of the dildo, and there are two different lengths to look out for.

1. Insertable length

The insertable length of the toy is the part of the toy that can be inserted into the body. Basically, how far the dildo will go inside you.

2. Total length

This is the total length of the toy, which includes any base or handle that will sit outside of the body while the dildo is in use.

Girth

The girth is the measurement around the outside of the dildo.

In most cases, the girth listed will be the girth at the widest point of the toy, meaning that it is the maximum size and the largest part of the toy.

Width

The width is the measurement of a dildo from one side to the other. In most cases, this will be the width at the widest part of the toy.

How to choose the right dildo shape

Dildos come in all sorts of shapes, and this can make a big difference to how the toy feels inside your body and how it is going to stimulate you. While the type of dildo you choose will sometimes determine the shape, there are a few other things to think about.

Curved

A curved dildo is any type of dildo with a curved shaft or tip. These toys are usually designed to stimulate the G-spot inside the vagina, or the prostate inside the anus.

The G-spot sits about 2 inches inside the vagina on the front wall of the body. It can be a difficult area to reach, but curved dildos are great tools for targeting the right spot and massaging the area.

The prostate or p-spot is a gland which sits an inch or two inside the body on the front wall of the anus. A dildo with a curved tip will target this area and apply pressure for a very pleasurable experience.

Bulbous

A dildo with a bulbous tip can have a similar effect on the body as a curved tip. Both the g-spot and the p-spot respond well to direct pressure, and a dildo with a bulbous tip can often stimulate this area.

Dildos with bulbous tips also provide some extra stimulation as the toy is moved in and out of the body. The opening of the vagina and the opening of the anus are both nerve-rich areas and feel lovely when stimulated.

Realistic dildos often have a bulbous tip to replicate the head of the penis.

Tapered Tip

On the other hand, there are also dildos with a tapered tip, meaning that the tip of the toy is narrower than the rest of the shaft. This shape is great for beginners as it can make insertion easier. A thin tip will glide more easily into the body than a bulbous tip as there is much less resistance.

With or without balls

You can also choose a dildo that has balls! Realistic dildos will often have balls. These act as a flared base if you are using the toy anally, but they also make a great handle to move the toy in and out of your body.

Some people also like the feeling of the balls pressing against their body as they use the toy. They can even stimulate the perineum, anus or clitoris if you get them in the right position.

Texture

While not necessarily something that will change the shape of a dildo, texture makes a big difference to how the toy will feel inside your body. Dildos may be completely smooth, feature only a few raised veins, or they may be covered from tip to base in ribbed texture.

The vagina and the anus are both highly sensitive areas, and the amount of texture you have is going to make a big difference. If you are new to dildos, I recommend avoiding anything that is too textured, as it may feel overwhelming to you if you are not used to the sensation. You can always go for a textured dildo when you have some experience under your belt.

Dildo material guide

Dildos are available in all sorts of different materials, and each one is going to feel different inside your body. Here is a run-down of the main dildo materials.

Silicone Dildos

Silicone is an amazing material for any sex toy, particularly dildos. It is non-porous, body-safe, hypoallergenic and it can be sterilized.
It is also a versatile material for sex toys. Depending on the formula of the silicone, it may be very flexible, or it might be somewhat rigid. It can be soft and squishy or relatively firm. Or anywhere in between.

A softer version of silicone is ideal for dildo beginners. The material will move and squish with your body. There is also some give when your muscles clench around the toy – something that happens during orgasm.

Silicone can be sterilized, meaning that it is safe to use vaginally or anally, and it is safe to share the toy with a partner so long as you sterilize it between shares.
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TPR & TPE Dildos

Other popular dildo materials are TPR and TPE. These are both soft and flexible materials that will bend and move with your body. They are two of the most life-like materials for sex toys. However, they are both porous materials. Meaning that they can harbour bacteria no matter how well you wash them.

TPR and TPE will also break down over time as they are non-stable materials. If you choose a TPR or TPE dildo, you will need to replace it every 8 - 10 months. And earlier if you notice any changes to the material such as discoloration or black spots or if the material begins to tear.
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Dual Density Dildos

If you are looking for a dildo that feels as close to an actual penis as the real thing, a dual-density toy is likely going to be a great fit. Dual-density dildos are dildos that feature a firm core and a soft outer. That way, you still get some great firmness but with a soft and very skin-like feeling over the top. They also tend to have relatively soft and squishy heads, just like a real penis does.

Dual-density dildos can be made from silicone, TPR or TPE.
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PVC Dildos

PVC is a relatively firm dildo material that is commonly used for larger toys that are difficult to insert. This material holds its shape, helping to ease it inside your body.

Like TPR & TPE, PVC is porous, meaning that it can harbour bacteria, mildew and fungus, and you will need to replace the toy every 8 – 10 months. They also contain phthalates, which can have harmful effects on the body.
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Glass Dildos

If you are looking for a dildo that is going to be extremely firm, glass is a great option. Glass is another great sex toy material that is non-porous, body-safe, hypoallergenic and able to be sterilized between uses.

As you might expect with glass, it is firm and heavy. A glass dildo is not going to flex or move with your body, and it is going to feel heavy once inserted. This will add extra pressure to your nerve endings inside the vagina or anus, as well as applying pressure to the g-spot or p-spot. For many, this can feel amazing, but it is a sensation that can take some getting used to.
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Metal Dildos

Another dildo option is metal. This has very similar properties to glass in terms of body safety. It is non-porous, hypoallergenic and able to be sterilized between uses. It is also firm and heavy, making it ideal for internal massage of the vagina or anus.

And if you are worried it will be too cold, you can always warm it up in a bowl of warm water before you play. You can cool it down on ice too.
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Read more about sex toy materials: Sex toy material guide

Do dildos vibrate?

For the most part, dildos are non-vibrating toys without motors, however, there are some styles that come with a small bullet vibe that can be inserted into the base of the dildo or attached to the bottom of it to add some vibration to your play.

However, the vibration strength will usually be rather limited. If you are looking for an insertable vibrating toy, then a classic vibrator might be a better option for you.

Are dildos waterproof?

In almost all cases, your dildo is going to be waterproof as it is unlikely to have a motor. It can be used in the bath or shower without any issues.
If you have a dildo with a vibrating bullet, then separate the bullet from the dildo before you use it in the bath or shower. If it has a motor, then follow the instructions of that toy, as you may need to be more careful with it.

How to clean and store your dildo

It is super important to clean and store your dildos properly to avoid introducing anything into your body that shouldn’t be in there.
How you care for your dildo is dependent on what material the toy is made from.

In most cases, washing your dildo with some warm water and a mild soap or antibacterial sex toy cleaner is suitable. If your toy is particularly textured, you will need to be careful to make sure you get into all the nooks and crannies and remove any lube or fluids that may be left on the toy.

As most dildos have no motors, they can be easily submerged in water and cleaned. If it has a motor, then follow the instructions of that toy as you may need to be more careful with it.

If it is not waterproof, you can spray it with a toy cleaner and wipe it down with a damp cloth, taking extra care around the battery or charging port.

Take care with storing your toys too. Only put them away when they are completely dry, and make sure you store them separately from your other toys. Pop them into a toy bag or even a clean sock to keep them protected.

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Some toys are fine to store together, but unstable toy materials like TPR/ TPR, rubber or PVC may leech liquid and bond together over time.
And don’t forget to clean your toys before and after each use. They may attract dust, fluff and other particles out of the air while they aren’t in use, and you don’t want to introduce this into your body.

Tips for buying your first dildo

If you are still reading and you feel lost in a sea of dildos, here are a few questions to ask yourself.

• What do you want the dildo to do? Where do you want to use it and how do you want to be stimulated?
• Do you want to use it with a partner?
• What is your experience level? If you are a beginner, I recommend starting with a 5- or 6-inch dildo that isn’t too overwhelming.

Knowing the answers to these questions should help point you in the right direction.

Where to buy a dildo

Adulttoymegastore has a huge range of dildos, no matter what you want it for. Check out our full range of dildos now and grab the perfect one for your needs.

Read next:

• The 8 best classic dildos to add to your collection
• Beginner's guide to packers: What is a packing dildo & what is it for?
• Sex toy material guide

Content disclaimer:

The information in this article has been fact-checked and reviewed for accuracy by Adulttoymegastore’s team of content specialists and sexual wellness experts.

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.