13 best dildos of 2023: how to choose and use a dildo
Finding the best dildo isn’t quite as easy as adding the first option that pops up to your Amazon cart. These days there are countless brands, shapes, and sizes to choose from, whether you’re shopping in person or at an online sex toy shop — and while any of them could be fun, it’s worth doing a bit more work to make sure you’re bringing home the dildo that’ll fit into your routine. Here’s everything you need to know about the best sex toys in the dildo arena, plus top picks for every need and budget.
What are dildos? | How to use a dildo | How to choose a dildo | Our dildo reviews.
Meet the experts:
- Good Vibrations sexologist Carol Queen
The best dildos, at a glance:
- Best overall: Silicone 7 Function Girthy Realistic Dildo Vibrator 6.5 Inch, £26.99, Lovehoney
- Best value: Triple Tickler Realistic Purple G-Spot Dildo Vibrator 5.5 inch, £24.99, Lovehoney
- Most realistic: Lifelike Lover Classic Realistic Dildo 6 Inch, £24.99, Lovehoney
- Best suction cup: So Divine Glorious Pink Dildo, £34.99, LookFantastic
What are dildos?
Dildos are sex toys meant to be inserted in your vagina, anus, or mouth. The vast majority are vaguely penis-shaped; some are realistic, with sculpted veins and dual-density design to make them feel lifelike, while others are more abstract, with clean lines, slight curves, or textured shafts. They come in pretty much any length or width you could want, depending on your experience level.
Unlike the best vibrators for women and many vibrators for beginners, traditional dildos don’t typically rumble — although you’ll find plenty of options that have motors. “There’s some overlap, obviously, but dildos are the toy for people who enjoy penetration, since that is their main function,” explains Good Vibrations sexologist Carol Queen. (If you enjoy both internal play and vibration, be sure to check out G-spot vibrators while you’re at it.)
How should you choose a dildo?
There are so many different types of dildos, so you should start by understanding the type of material you want. Silicone, glass, and metal are the easiest to clean because they’re nonporous, Queen says, meaning they’re less likely to trap moisture or bacteria after use. Many of these dildos can also be cleaned in the dishwasher, but make sure you check the instructions before tossing them in. (Avoid a material called jelly rubber, Queen warns, because it contains phthalates, which have been shown to be harmful to animals, per the CDC.)
Each material has its own pros and cons. Silicone is the most popular of the bunch for its soft, skin-like feel; it also allows suction cup dildos to stick to hard surfaces like walls and floors, allowing you to enjoy hands-free masturbation. However, silicone dildos should only be used with water-based lube, considering silicone-based options might actually cause them to break down. Glass and metal are harder than silicone, allowing you to experiment with different sensations. They can also be used with any personal lubricant you like.
Next, it’s time to consider size. “Think about any penetration experiences that have been pleasurable—or for that matter, too much or not enough—and do your best to guesstimate the size of the fingers, object, penis, or whatever it was that you know you liked or know you didn’t,” Queen recommends. “Then choose accordingly.” (This is also a great time to think about and recreate any sex positions that really did it for you.)
So while your impulse might just be to grab a large dildo, there’s a chance it won’t feel great unless you know that bigger really does feel better for your body—as in, you’ve enjoyed sex with a partner with a big penis. Other important factors to decide on, such as girth and insertable length, will help guide you in the right direction, whether you prefer a tiny, slimline toy, a truly massive option, or something in between.
How do you use a dildo?
First and foremost, lube up! No matter your gender or where you’ll be putting your dildo, lubricant cuts down on friction and makes for better play, Queen says. (Don’t know where to start? Peep the best lube for masturbation.) Again, if you’re using a silicone toy, which is likely, stick to water-based lubricants to keep your toys from falling apart.
Some people with vulvas are able to orgasm from penetration (and G-spot stimulation) alone, meaning a dildo is a great toy to add to your arsenal. To make it easier to orgasm, Queen explains, you can also add clitoral stimulation with bullet vibrators, clitoris suction toys, or your fingers—especially if you’re using a strong suction cup dildo with a flared base, which leaves both hands free to explore.
You can also use a dildo for anal play. People with prostates can actually experience hands-free orgasms with the right stimulation; look for dildos with curved shafts or heads to make it easier to find and massage the P-spot. (The toys also make regular old masturbation feel even better.) People with vulvas, on the other hand, can actually achieve orgasm by indirectly stimulating the A-spot in the vagina.
The way you play is up to you, whether you go for long, slow strokes or get going like a jackhammer. “You don’t have to insert the entire toy if it isn’t comfortable to do so,” Queen notes. “When using a dildo by hand, you can just hold it at the shaft near the base if you want to insert a limited part of its full length.”
Now that you’re a pro, here’s a guide to some of the best dildos to try for yourself.
Why we love it: With an easy-to-use button which puts you in total control, this seven-function dildo has extra girth - plus a bulbous tip and lifelike texture for extra stimulation.
Key specifications:
Material: Silicone.
Circumference: 5.25 inches.
Length: 8 inches.
Insertable Length: 6.5 inches.
Battery Type: 2 x AA batteries, not included.
Waterproof? Yes.Save when you shop for the best dildo with these Lovehoney discount codes.
Why we love it: Available in four colours, this vibrating dildo has a twist-base control to make it easy to control the varying vibration and intensity settings during play. It has a curved shaft for intense G-spot stimulation, plus a clitoral stimulator for doubling up on pleasure.
Key Specifications
Material: Soft Plastic.
Circumference: 5.25 inches.
Length: 9 inches.
Insertable Length: 5.5 inches.
Battery Type: 2 x AA batteries.
Waterproof? Submersible.Save when you shop for the best dildo with these Lovehoney discount codes.
Why we love it: The most realistic dildo in this again, Lovehoney's classic six-inch dildo is available in four different skin tones and has a non-intimidating 5-inches of insertable length - ideal for beginners.
Key Specifications
Material: Soft Plastic.
Circumference: 5 inches,
Length: 6 inches.
Insertable Length: 5 inches.
Battery Type: Not needed.
Waterproof? Submersible.Save when you shop for the best dildo with these Lovehoney discount codes.
Why we love it: For g-spot stimulation, look towards Bondara's affordable Mon Amour dildo. It's ultra-smooth, crafted in supple, sensual silicone, and it has a flexible shaft. The cute heart-shaped suction cup is strap-on compatible.
Key Specifications
Material: Silicone.
Circumference: 1.25 or 1.75 inches.
Length: 6.4 or 7.7 inches.
Insertable Length: 5.5 or 7.25 inches.
Battery Type: Not needed.
Waterproof? Yes.
Why we love it: Boasting the kind of sleek and elegant design Dame Products is known for, this high-quality dildo an ergonomically curved shaft and a ridged head to really target the G-spot. The strong vibrations also make it great for clitoral stimulation. For the best of both worlds, use it on your clit to warm up, then move it inside once you're ready for penetration.
Key Specifications
Material: Silicone – body-safe and medical-grade.
Circumference: 35mm.
Length: 190mm.
Insertable Length: Undisclosed.
Battery Type: USB rechargeable.
Waterproof? Yes.Why we love it: This cut glittery dildo is made from a soft, jelly-like material for realistic play. It has ridges down the shaft for extra stimulation, and an easily insertable length of 5.5 inches. It's waterproof and the vibrations can be easily controlled mid-play with a twistable base.
Key Specifications
Material: Soft jelly.
Circumference: Not disclosed.
Length: 6 inches.
Insertable Length: 5.5 inches.
Battery Type: Requires 2 x AA batteries (not included)
Waterproof? Yes.Why we love it: The best dildo overall comes recommended by Cameron Long-tel, Sex-Educator and Sexpert from LELO. “It says it in the name, but the So Divine Glorious Pink Dildo, really is glorious,” Cameron told us. “Its real-skin feel technology and ribbed-shaft makes it feel romantic, lifelike and empowering. It’s also great to go for a dildo that has a suction cup base, as it can be used for solo or couple play or sticking to the shower wall." Oh, and you don’t need to worry about battery life, because it doesn’t vibrate.
Key Specifications
Material: Silicone.
Circumference: 5.25 inches.
Length: 7 inches.
Insertable Length: 6 inches.
Battery Type: Not needed.
Waterproof? Yes.Why we love it: One for those who are slightly more experienced in penetrative play, this slimline glass dildo has a bulbed head for firm G-spot stimulation. The borosilicate glass can be cooled or heated for added temperature play kicks, and it comes with a sleek velvet storage bag.
Key Specifications
Material: Glass.
Circumference: 4.5 inches.
Length: 8 inches.
Insertable Length: 7 inches.
Battery Type: Not needed.
Waterproof? Submersible.Save when you shop for the best dildo with these Lovehoney discount codes.
Why we love it: For hands-free play, look towards a suction cup dildo like this one by Kandid, which will attach to most flat surfaces. This one is lifelike and is available in three sizes due to popular demand.
Key Specifications
Material: Silicone – body-safe and medical-grade.
Circumference: Small 1.4in, Medium 1.6in & Large 1.8in.
Length: Small 6.9in, Medium 7.5in & Large 9.0in.
Insertable Length: Small 5.3in, Medium 7.3in & Large 8.3in.
Battery Type: Not needed.
Waterproof? Submersible.Why we love it: If you and your partner want to experiment with pegging anal sex, or you're otherwise after a wearable, strap-on dildo - this harness-compatible dildo is your best bet for internal stimulation. It can be held in place by inserting the shorter of the two shafts, and features bunny ears for clitoral stimulation. For the best experience, use with lube.
Key Specifications
Material: Silicone.
Circumference: 4.25 inches.
Length: 5 inches.
Insertable Length: 4.5 inches
Battery Type: USB rechargeable.
Waterproof? Submersible.Why we love it: Slim in design, this is the best beginner-friendly anal dildo for first-time anal penetration play. It has a tapered, realistic head and a veiny shaft for realistic sensations, plus a flared suction cup for hands-free play. You can also use it in a harness.
Key Specifications
Material: Soft plastic.
Circumference: 3.5 inches.
Length: 6.5 inches.
Insertable Length: 6 inches.
Battery Type: Not needed.
Waterproof? Submersible.Save when you shop for the best dildo with these Lovehoney discount codes.
Why we love it: Don't be deceived by the name: this slim, beaded, ribbed dildo is perfect for both thrilling anal or vaginal play. It has a five-inch long shaft which is perfect for beginners, and it can be used with a harness to explore pegging and strap-on fun.
Key Specifications
Material: PVC.
Circumference: 3.5 inches.
Length: 5.5 inches.
Insertable Length: 5 inches.
Battery Type: Not needed.
Waterproof? Submersible.Save when you shop for the best dildo with these Lovehoney discount codes.
Why we love it: More of a vibrator than a dildo but insertable in the same way a dildo is all-the-same, this twisted vibrator has five powerful settings and great battery life for limitless play - both internally and externally. The twisted shaft delivers a truly unique sensation, and it can be delivered with next day delivery.
Key Specifications
Material: 100% Medical Grade Silicone.
Dimensions: 213 x 45 mm.
Insertable Length: 145mm.
Battery Type: Polymer lithium battery.
Waterproof? IPX7.
