Dildos and vibrators are a terrific way to get things nice and hot behind the bedroom doors, whether you use them for a solo play session or with a partner. The challenge for anyone trying to make the most of these love gadgets is deciding which one to use. Both dildos and vibrators can make sex much more interesting, but which is best for you?
To help you choose your ideal bedroom toy, we will look at dildos and vibrators and talk about the difference between them. We will also uncover what kinds of dildos and vibrators exist, so you can pick the one that fits you perfectly.
What Are Dildos?
Generally speaking, a dildo is a sex toy for oral, vaginal, or anal penetration. Dildos have been around since ancient times, and some consider them to be the oldest sex toys in the world, with the oldest ones dating back 28,000 years.
What distinguishes dildos from other similar sex toys? First, a dildo isn’t necessarily shaped like a penis (as you will quickly notice in every sex toy store), so the shape isn’t the determining factor. Instead, we generally recognize this sex toy by what it can’t do — vibrate.
So, a dildo is a sex toy we use for insertion that does not need batteries. That means it doesn’t vibrate or pulsate by itself, making the user stimulate the right spots manually.
Dildos are fantastic for folks who want to have more fun in the bedroom while taking more control over their penetration. But although handy, they are not for everybody. For example, some people may find it more challenging to reach orgasm without additional stimulation, such as vibrations.
Types of Dildos
Dildos come in various materials, including stainless steel, glass, medical-grade silicone, wood, and even 24k gold. In most cases, they are phallic-shaped, but nowadays, you can find everything from dragon and horse dildos to ice cream and unicorn shapes. In any case, here are the most common types you can find on the market.
Realistic Dildos
Penis-shaped dildos are among the most common, with realistic dildos being the top choice for many users. Their prices vary greatly, depending on the silicone used, quality, and how lifelike the details are (veins, wrinkles, the head, scrotum, etc.)
Realistic dildos, such as Skinsations Penetrator 7″ Dildo, can be a perfect option if you want some solo fun. Some partners use them and lube to prepare the vagina for intercourse.
Dildos with Testicles
The unique design of dildos with testicles serves two purposes. For one, it makes them look more realistic. But, on the other hand, when used, the testicles slap against the thighs and create a true-to-life experience. The GETREAL Realistic Dildo With Balls 7″ is an excellent example of such a dildo. It is soft and pliable but firm enough to hold its shape and satisfy you for as long as you need it to.
Dildos Without Testicles
Dildos without balls usually have a longer insertable length but can be bulky. The longer shaft is necessary and practical, allowing you to grab a good hold of them while in action. The GETREAL Realistic Dildo 7″ is a dildo without balls that you can take for a test ride and decide if such design is suitable for you.
Real Skin Dildos
Real skin dildos are made using a special silicone that feels like natural skin. The material quickly catches body temperature and retains it, making these sex toys feel even more true-to-life.
If you’ve never owned such a dildo, this Real Skin All American Whoppers 6.5″ Dong w/Balls with a slight curve is a good choice. In addition, the price is very affordable, so you won’t have to spend too much while figuring out if this type of silicone sex toy is the best for you.
Suction Cup Base Dildos
A suction cup turns a dildo into a hands-free adult toy, allowing you to prop it on any hard, flat surface. Moreover, the best dildos with suction cups can fit onto a strap and harness, which opens new possibilities for couples looking to spice things up. Blush Au Naturel Mister Perfect — Mocha is a fantastic realistic dildo with a suction cup. It is handcrafted and harness-compatible, perfect for lesbian couples and pegging!
Double Dildos
You can find two kinds of double dildos. First, there’s a double-headed dildo, which is just a long shaft with a penis head on each end. The other is a U-shaped double dildo designed for vaginal and anal penetration. In general, double dildos equal double fun, allowing you to go extra deep or share it with a partner for dual pleasure, thanks to the substantial insertable length.
Classix 18″ Bendable Double Whammy — Blue is your classic example of a double dildo. It is firm yet flexible, so you and your partner can bend it just right. Ruse 18″ Slim Double Dong – Purple is a U-shaped large dildo for when you are feeling extra adventurous. Use them both with some lube for the perfect glide.
Hard Dildos
Unlike soft silicone dildos that are flexible, crystal, glass, and metal dildos (usually stainless steel) are hard and unyielding. So if you are having your doubts about glass, don’t worry. Such dildos are made of borosilicate glass which is very firm and won’t shatter even if you drop it.
Hard dildos are your best bet for stimulating certain areas, such as the A-spot. For instance, Glas Spiral Staircase Full Tip Glass Dildos will hit your G-spot and is excellent for temperature play.
Aside from those mentioned above, many other kinds of dildos serve different kinks. Some include squirting dildos, inflatable dildos, huge dildos, and clone-your-own kits.
What Are Vibrators?
A story claims that Cleopatra invented the first vibrator, having bees put inside a clay box. Although that is probably just an urban legend, there is no denying that the vibrator invention was a game-changer for women in terms of sexual pleasure. After all, with more than 37% of women requiring clitoral stimulation to climax, sex toys like dildos don’t do it for everyone.
What history can confirm, though, is that vibrators were invented in the 19th century. Dr. J. Mortimer Granville created them to treat muscle aches. The devices were steam-powered at first. Today, they have one or two motors powered by rechargeable batteries.
So, generally speaking, we call most handheld vibrating toys and bullets — vibrators. They are considered to be the most common adult toy. 80% of adult women in the US who own sex toys have a vibrator.
People prefer vibrators because they have several functions that help stimulate all the hot spots. They also give users more control because they feature different speed settings. That way, you can tailor the experience to your moods and needs.
Types of Vibrators
A whole range of adult toys can fall under the vibrator category. Still, you will mostly find them classified in the following way.
Classic Penetrative Vibrators
These vibrators resemble dildo sex toys — they are phallic-shaped and have a considerable insertable length. There’s even a sub-category called a vibrating dildo. Curve Novelties Gossip Charlie — Violet is a traditional penetrative vibrator that features seven different vibration modes. It is also waterproof and has a lush touch finish for smooth vaginal penetration.
Clitoral Vibrators
As the name suggests, clitoral vibrators focus on external stimulation, namely your clitoris. You can find them in various shapes, but they tend to be smaller than penetrative vibrators. INYA The Rose Rechargeable Suction Vibe — Rose is a clitoral vibrator that uses pressure wave technology to produce “fluttering” waves of pleasure.
Rabbit Vibrators
Rabbit vibrators provide both penetrative and clitoral stimulation. Usually, they have the shape of a penetrative vibrator with the addition of a built-in clitoral vibrator on the side. There are various rabbit-style vibrators you can try. Still, we recommend Jill’s FlashRabbit because of its notable insertable length and rotating head.
Wand Vibrators
Originally created to be massagers for sore muscles, wand vibrators quickly found their way into the women’s hearts. They are large, powerful, and have a round head on the top. You can use them with lube for vaginal penetration or clitoral stimulation.
You can try Pillow Talk Cheeky Wand — Teal if all that sounds good. It is a miniature wand made of ultra-premium soft silicone that offers deep and rumbling vibrations.
Bullet Vibrators
Bullet vibrators are tiny, cylindrically shaped vibrators that look like — you already know where this is going — bullets. Bullets are often shorter and thinner than other kinds of vibrators (but you can find bigger ones). They typically have smooth, round ends, although others can have points that resemble rabbit ears.
A bullet in its truest form is the Jackie Love Rechargeable Bullet. It is both a discreet and mighty sex toy.
Finger Vibrators
Finger vibrators are small, wearable gadgets that resemble rings. To enhance manual stimulation, put one on your finger or have your partner put it on theirs. They are meant to improve manual stimulation rather than completely replace it. Dorcel Rechargeable Magic Finger — Black is easy to slip on your finger. It comes with a subtle vibrator with three speeds.
Vibrating Cock Rings
Cock rings are designed for partners with penises. You put them on and penetrate your partner, minding that you are positioned face to face. If you place the ring right, it should rub against the clitoris, creating exciting sensations.
Screaming O Charged Ohare Vooom Mini Vibe — Black is an excellent birthday present, a sexy surprise, and a good way to start your journey into the world of cock rings.
Vibrating Butt Plugs
When thinking of vibrators, we usually think of toys for vaginal penetration, but vibrating anal devices are also a vast category. If you are starting to explore anal sex, we recommend going for butt plugs. Butt plugs are typically small and round, shaped like a sphere, tapered cylinder, or a teardrop. They are terrific for anal penetration, as well as exploratory anal play.
Take a look at the Pretty Love Remote Control Beaded Plug — 4 Function Black. It vibrates and rotates in and has a lovely contoured form that caresses all your interior sweet spots. If you feel adventurous, you can go further up (yes, we do mean up) the anal road and explore other categories like P-spot massagers used for prostate stimulation.
Why You Should Choose Dildos Over Vibrators
It all depends on your needs and preferences, of course. However, dildos have a couple of advantages over vibrators. So, here’s why you should buy dildos instead of vibrators.
1. They Don’t Make So Much Noise
If you have roommates or live with your family, privacy and discretion are your top priorities. But some sex toys that make too much buzz while masturbating provide anything but. Even the most silent motors can cause significant noise in a quiet home.
In such situations, motorless sex toys come in handy. The best dildo will do the job well while helping your private business stay private.
2. You Can Use Them in the Shower
While some vibrators are waterproof, it is not a very common feature. On the other hand, you can freely use your dildo in the bath without worrying about water damage.
3. The Advantage of a Suction Cup
Dildos with suction can help you spice up your sex life. You can prop them onto any hard, flat surface, like a floor, wall, table, etc. Or you can attach them to a strap and use them for pegging. Even if you prefer to lie flat while masturbating, the suction cup works great as a handle.
4. They Look the Most Realistic of All the Sex Toys
If you want a love toy that looks most like a real penis, there’s no better than a dildo. The right combination of soft and rigid can only be achieved if there’s no motor in the middle of the shaft. Also, all that noise vibrators make can spoil the whole experience. So, if you are into ultra-realism, dildos are the closest thing to an actual erection you can get.
5. They Are Affordable
Of course, you can always find inexpensive vibrators and pricey dildos. But generally speaking, dildos are usually cheaper than vibrators. That is because they don’t have motors or complex technology inside, so they require less engineering, labor to build, and material, all of which affect the final price tag.
6. They Don’t Require Special Care or New Batteries
Once you buy a perfect dildo, you don’t have to invest any more money. It doesn’t require any special care, so you can use it as much as you want and wash it with warm water and soap or a sex toy cleaner. That way, you will prevent harmful bacteria from entering your body. Just throw it away and purchase a new one when the time comes.
Unlike vibrators, dildos don’t make you spend money on battery replacement. Also, they will never run out of power in the middle of your play.
7. You Don’t Have to Worry About Overusing It
Like any other appliance, vibrators have motors that can overheat if you use them for a prolonged period. Unfortunately, no matter how much fun you are having, you will have to turn off your vibrator and let it cool off after a certain amount of time. Otherwise, you risk damaging the motor and paying for expensive repairs.
On the other hand, the right dildo can serve you for hours. It never needs rest, and if you care for it properly, it will last you a long time.
Why You Should Buy a Vibrator Instead of a Dildo
If you prefer to add a bit of flair to your solo time, then vibrators might be a better fit for you. First, take a look at why vibrators can sometimes beat even the best dildos.
1. They Offer a More Intense Stimulation
It’s no secret that vibrations stimulate your favorite spots in a way you can never replicate manually. For this reason, many users claim vibrators give them stronger orgasms than dildos. Moreover, some vibrators can even stimulate both hot spots for a more powerful orgasm.
2. They Provide Various Options for a Customized Experience
With many vibrators, you can choose between several levels of intensity, different pulsating sensations, and heating options. More advanced ones can even connect to an app, allowing you to create an out-of-this-world experience.
For instance, you can have it pulsate along with the beat of your favorite song. Or you can share the app with your partner and have some fun together, whether they are lying next to you or live across the world.
3. They Don’t Require Special Care or Manual Labor
Like dildos, vibrators are easy to maintain with soap and water or sex toy cleaning products. But battery-operated devices have one more advantage — they take care of your pleasure, with only minimal assistance from you. So, you don’t have to worry about stopping mid-way because your hand needs some rest.
4. You Can Get All the Best Dildo Features and Then Some
Many vibrators on the market have all the benefits of a good dildo but with an additional vibrating option. So, you can find vibrators that provide real cock shape and feel, suction cup, water resistance, and everything else you already love about your dildo.
So, What Is the Difference Between Dildos and Vibrators?
While the origins and uses of dildos and vibrators differ, both play critical roles in the past and future of human sexuality. Dildos and vibrators can come in various shapes and sizes but serve the same purpose — to bring you hours of sexual pleasure. Still, the main difference between them is that vibrators have a motor and can stimulate you using vibrations while dildos cannot.
Which one you will choose will depend on your personal preference. Still, having both in your bedside drawer and some lube will make sure you are covered no matter what kind of mood you are in.
