Dildos are superrrr versatile.
You can use it for solo play, partnered play, and multi-partnered play. It can be for vaginal, anal, pegging, and double penetration. Some vibrate, some thrust. And it comes in different textures, shapes, colors, sizes, features… Really, the sky’s the limit.
With great options come great confusion. So where do you even start to choose one?!
Relax and take a deep breath. We got you.
Dildo Buying Guide: What Factors Should You Consider?
We know you’re excited, but don’t swipe that card yet! Go through these factors to consider first:
Shape
Let’s start with shapes because there’s A LOT to unpack here.
To keep things simple, we’ll focus on realistic versus fantasy when it comes to shape. (There’s definitely more to dildos, but we’ll get to those later.)
Realistic dildos are just like what you’d expect. They’re phallic-shaped and lifelike. Designed to look like a real penis, they come with a bulbous head, veiny shaft, and even testicles. If you want your dildo to look really lifelike, you can choose flesh/skin tone colors.
But what’s great about sex toys is you can experience sensations not possible in real-life.
Enter: fantasy dildos.
Fantasy dildos come in a cornucopia of looks, textures, and variety. From land and sea animals (like dogs, horses, and walruses) to mythical creatures (like dragons, aliens, and werewolves), you can bring to life whatever your deepest, kinkiest sex fantasies are. Here's a good guide of different animal dildos one could choose from.
Does shape make a difference?
According to u/DrFreaz, “Yes, for sure it does. Heavy textured, knotted toys, long toys, weird-shaped toys all feel different and awesome; totally different than a regular penis dildo.”
Variety is the spice of life. While realistic dildos are good, fantasy dildos add spice that you just can’t get from regular dildos. Veiny, scaly, or tentacled shafts offer textures that massage internal hotspots you never knew existed before.
User u/Spaztick78 shares, “As for the shapes and textures, I can’t tell you how exciting it is to get a new model/sculpture to find out what the new shapes and textures do. They are all so unique and bring pleasure in different ways that a standard dildo just can’t. It doesn’t necessarily make them better but having more options definitely is better.”
Type of dildos
Another thing you have to decide is - what penetration or orgasm are you going for?
Standard Dildos
AKA single-ended dildos. Plain and simple, its shape and function are similar to a penis. Of course, not all dildos are phallic. Some only sport a simple, elongated design. Others are also textured or have a curved tip (this stimulates the G- or P-spot).
Vibrating Dildos
Dildos with an added feature: ~vibration~. This type is a great 2-in-1 toy that takes care of penetration plus stimulates your clit (and G-spot, depending on its shape) by pulsating inside you. Some have built-in motors, while others let you insert a bullet vibrator on its base.
Anal Dildos
If you plan to use a dildo for anal play, you have to make sure it’s designed for anal. Why? Unlike a vagina, the anus can go and on. So, it needs to have a flared base to keep it from going inside your backdoor completely.
Double-Ended Dildos
Since it comes with two heads (usually U-shaped), it’s great for double penetration on your vagina and anus. It also allows experimentation like deep play (they’re usually 12-24 inches long) or inserting both heads into the same hole (for a “full” sensation). You may also share it with a partner, so you get penetrated at the same time.
Strap-On Dildos
A dildo + harness combo set designed for users with no penis. It harnesses to the wearer’s waist and legs. Meanwhile, it has an O-ring where the dildo attaches to. It’s ideal for lesbian couples or pegging for some role reversal plays.
Ridges/Texture
Texture preference varies from person to person. Thus, dildos are designed with a myriad of textures.
The dildo’s material can greatly affect how it feels. For example, glass dildos are very hard. So when it's smooth, it's really smooth. But when it’s textured, you can really feel all its nubs and ridges.
If you’re a beginner, it’s always safe to go for a completely smooth texture. It's easier to insert - natural lubrication would usually be enough when used on a vagina. It’s also a good starting point to gauge how sensitive you are. Sometimes, textured dildos can be too intense and, thus, unpleasant to some users.
If you’re a texture-fiend, good for you. There are a lot of fun options for you to try.
Dildos can have nubs, ridges, beads, ripples, swirls, bumps, and veins. Each texture feels different. Combined with the in-and-out motion as you thrust it inside your intended hole, it feels heavenly. The bumps and ridges stimulate your internal hotspots for a toe-curlingly, eye-rollingly good climax.
Types of firmness
If you’re purchasing from an actual shop, you can touch and feel the dildo to decide if you like how soft or firm it is. But when shopping online, things get a little trickier because you can’t test it yourself.
Dildos can either be soft or firm or somewhere in between.
Soft dildos are floppy and squishy. They may feel like a semi-flaccid penis - which isn’t a bad thing! Dildos in the soft shore are great for highly textured dildos, especially if you’re sensitive.
For a larger dildo, it’s best to opt for a softer firmness, so it’s more malleable to insert.
When it comes to firmness, size matters!
Keep in mind: the bigger the dildo, the bigger its girth. In turn, it feels harder. A hard (plus large) dildo can be uncomfortable and difficult to put inside. And it could even make you sore.
Medium-firm dildos are a usual go-to because they’re neither too soft nor too hard. You can bend it (if you really try), but it won’t flop around, especially when you’re thrusting fast.
If you like a textured dildo, getting it on medium-firm allows you to still feel the textures without it being too intense.
Firm dildos are hard-hard, and they’re often dildos made from glass and stainless steel. These dildos stimulate your G-spot and P-spot. They’re also excellent for squirting.
There are also dual-density dildos. These have a firm inner core hugged by a soft outer layer. The soft-hard density combination feels exquisite when you squeeze it. Among other firmness selections, it feels closest to a real penis.
In the sex toy industry, softness or firmness can be measured by a scale called shore hardness (the material’s resistance to indentation). However, there’s no standardized number across different products and stores.
Meaning, firmness differs from one manufacturer to another. For example, what’s “Soft” to one brand may be “Super Soft” to another brand. In addition, personal firmness perception also varies.
So, how would you know then? The best way to go is to check with the brand. Learn about how they define their dildo’s firmness to get an idea of how it would feel inside you.
Sizes of dildos
What’s the best dildo size? Honest answer: none.
The best dildo size is one that feels best to you. But if you have no idea where to start, it’s always helpful to get inspiration from real-life.
An average erect penis measures 5.1" to 5.5" with a girth around 4.5" to 5".
Dildo sizes have these important numbers you should familiarize with:
- Full length - The overall vertical measurement of the dildo end to end - from the tip down to its base. Full length also includes balls and the suction-cup base.
- Insertable length - The actual length you can insert into your body. This means it’s minus the base and balls.
- Girth - AKA, circumference. In other words, the measurement around the dildo’s shaft.
- Width - AKA, diameter. The distance of the dildo from side to side. If picturing out a girth is difficult for you, it’s better to imagine how wide a dildo is. For comparison, an average erect penis is 1.5" wide, while an average soda can is 2.5" wide.
Some want the sensation of fullness. Some want to go deep-deep-deep without being stretched. Some want shorter strokes that give a good stretch.
Different strokes for different folks.
A piece of advice: Bigger is not always better. And if you’re a newbie, start small. But if you're a size royal, then go big or go home!
What Dildo to Buy?
For our recommendations, we want to spice things up. If you prefer realistic dildos, there are hundreds of articles out there that suggest which ones to buy.
(Okay, the UberKinky Squirt Extreme Dildo is a good one to try. It’s super life-like, comes complete with a suction cup base, and it even ejaculates.)
Now, let’s get to the fun part! Here are some out-of-this-world, tantalizing dildos that would give you orgasms like no other:
If you want to start exploring interesting dildos, the Sinnovator Mandrake is a good partner for you. It has a gradual girth that fills you up. Its knot curves exactly in the right place. Its shape and textures are crazily good but not too crazy, making it perfect for beginners to start with. Also, it’s so beautifully hand sculpted - it deserves to be displayed on your dildo exhibit.
If you like deep play, the Sinnovator Dagon will definitely satisfy you. With insertable lengths from 12" to a jaw-dropping 22.5", this tentacle dildo will reach you in depths you’ve never reached before. It has a tapered tip with a deliciously textured shaft that gradually grows wider, giving you delectable sensations as you go deeper.
If you’re a texture fiend, the Sinnovator The Textured One is a must-try. The name explains itself. ‘The Pickle’ is thick, ensuring it massages your hole’s walls with its bumpy texture for superior stimulation.
If you like clitoral stimulation, you can check out the Sinnovator Xeno. Its intricate ridges give you waves and waves of pleasure as you thrust in-and-out of this exoskeleton-like dildo. The curved shaft stimulates your G- and P-spot. Designed for riding, it has a textured rounded knot on its base that rubs your clit for a truly magical ride.
If you like anal play, the Sinnovator Stallion is your next best friend. Ideal for newbies and pros, this kinky stud’s pronounced head gives you a good pop. It goes thicker as you go deeper, giving you a good stretch along the merry way.
Conclusion
You better not pout! It’s a lot of work (and information), but doing your due diligence for your dildo homework will lead you to do the deed deliciously.
There are various types of and types for dildos. Regardless of how vanilla or exotic your preferences are, there’s surely one (and more) out there just right for you.
