15 Types of Dildos Explained: How to Choose Yours

15 Powerful Types of Dildos Explained: How to Choose the Best One for You

By Emily Schneider

Aug 03, 2026

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Collection of dildos in different shapes, sizes, colors, and materials displayed against a green gradient background. Featured in a guide comparing different types of dildos.

Some things only make sense once you see your options laid out.
That’s especially true here.
The world of dildos is vast and can be overwhelming at first. Shapes curve in unexpected ways. Materials feel completely different from one another. And what works well for one body might not feel good to another.
But once you understand what you’re looking at, it all starts to click.
According to what dildos are and how they’re used safely, these products are designed for personal exploration, intimacy, and sexual wellness. That’s the right lens. There’s no right way to do this, just different ways to discover what feels good to you.
So let’s walk through it. Slowly, clearly, and without the pressure to get it perfect the first time.

Why Knowing the Different Types of Dildos Matters

Not all designs feel the same. Not even close.
The shape, size, and material you choose can completely change your experience, from how easy it is to use to how confident you feel using it. Taking time to make your decision can turn a tentative first time into something you want to keep repeating.
And here’s the thing. Comfort isn’t just physical. It’s emotional too. When something feels intuitive in your hand and aligned with your curiosity, you relax faster. That shift matters more than most people expect.
As explained in this complete guide to dildo shapes and how they feel, different shapes are designed to create different sensations. Once you understand that, you stop guessing and start choosing with intention.

Realistic Dildos

Some people want something familiar right away.
That’s where realistic designs come in. These are shaped to mirror natural anatomy, often with soft textures and subtle detailing that make the experience feel recognizable from the start.

What They Feel Like

They tend to feel soft and lifelike, with that veiny texture that speaks to the real thing. The shape is predictable, which can make them feel more comfortable at first.

Best For

If you’re new or you want something that feels intuitive, this is often the easiest place to begin. You don’t have to overthink angles or technique. You just follow what feels natural.

Pros and Cons

They’re widely available and easy to understand. That alone makes them approachable.
But sometimes the added texture can feel like a lot, especially if your body prefers a smoother glide. It’s not a flaw. It’s just a preference you learn over time.

Top Picks

Colours Pleasures Silicone Dildo

Non-Realistic (Abstract) Dildos

Now let’s shift the focus.
Abstract designs move away from visual resemblance and lean fully into function. Clean lines, unexpected shapes, and a more modern aesthetic define this category.

What They Feel Like

Smooth surfaces are common here, though some designs play with unique contours that create very specific sensations. You’ll notice the difference right away.

Best For

If you’d rather focus on how something feels instead of how it looks, this category tends to open more doors. It’s also great if you’re curious about exploring different kinds of stimulation without the expectations tied to realism.
As outlined in the top dildo types and how to choose the best one, abstract designs emphasize shape and usability over realism.

Top Picks

Monstar Cox Aurora Silicone Dildo

Curved Dildos (Targeted Stimulation)

Some designs do a bit of the work for you.
Curved dildos are built with intention. That gentle arc is there to help you reach areas that might otherwise take a little trial and error to find.

What They Feel Like

More focused. More deliberate. You’ll notice how the angle changes the pressure and directs sensation in a way that feels guided instead of random.

Best For

If you like the idea of precision or you’ve already spent some time figuring out what your body responds to, this is where things start to feel more tailored.
The curve isn’t just aesthetic. It simplifies placement, which means less adjusting and more staying in the moment.

Top Picks

ROMP Dizi Silicone Dildo

Double-Ended Dildos

Flexibility shows up in more ways than one here.
Double-ended designs give you two usable ends, often connected by a soft, bendable body that moves with you instead of against you.

What They Feel Like

Versatile. Adaptive. These can shift depending on how you hold or position them, which creates a more dynamic experience.

Best For

They’re often chosen for shared experiences, but they also work for solo exploration if you’re comfortable managing something with a bit more movement.
That said, they do ask for a little more coordination. Not complicated. Just different.

Top Picks

Dr. Skin Double Dildo

Suction Cup Dildos

Sometimes it’s about freeing up your hands.
Suction cup bases attach to flat surfaces, which opens up a completely different kind of experience. Walls, floors, even the edge of a sturdy piece of furniture can become part of your setup.

What They Feel Like

Stable. Grounded. Once it’s in place, you can focus entirely on movement and rhythm without needing to hold anything.

Best For

Solo sessions, experimenting with positioning, or simply changing the pace of your usual routine.
As explained in different types of dildos and how they’re used, suction cup designs are among the most versatile options available. And honestly, that versatility is what makes them so fun to come back to.

Top Picks

Avant Sunrise Gaze Silicone Dildo with Suction Cup

Glass Dildos

This is where sculpture and pleasure meet.
Glass might sound intimidating at first, but body-safe borosilicate glass is smooth, solid, and designed to be incredibly durable.

What They Feel Like

Firm and sleek, with zero drag. Every movement feels clean and intentional. There’s also the option to play with temperature, which adds a completely different layer to the experience.

Best For

If you like clarity in sensation or you’re drawn to something that feels easy to clean and maintain, glass is worth exploring.
And yes, it’s stronger than you think.

Top Picks

Icicles No 62 Glass Dildo

Metal Dildos

Take that same idea and add weight.
Metal designs bring a sense of pressure that feels steady and grounded in a way lighter materials don’t quite replicate.

What They Feel Like

Cool, smooth, and noticeably weighted. The added heft can create a deeper sense of presence, which some people find incredibly satisfying.

Best For

If you’re experienced or curious about firmer, more substantial sensation, this is where things start to feel more intentional.

Top Picks

Fifty Shades of Grey Sweet Pressure Metal Dildo

Silicone Dildos

If there’s one material that consistently works for a wide range of people, it’s silicone.

What They Feel Like

Soft, flexible, and close to skin-like in texture. There’s just enough give to make movement feel comfortable without losing structure.

Best For

Pretty much everyone. Beginners, experienced users, and anyone in between.
Experts in how to use a dildo safely and correctly, highlight silicone as a top choice due to its body-safe, non-porous nature. That combination makes it a reliable starting point and a long-term favorite.

Top Picks

King Cock Elite Dual Density Silicone Dildo

Textured Dildos

Sometimes subtle isn’t the goal.
Textured designs add ridges, bumps, or patterns that create more noticeable sensation with every movement.

What They Feel Like

Layered. You’ll feel the difference immediately, especially if you move slowly and let the texture do its thing.

Best For

If you’re craving variety or you’ve found that smoother designs feel a little too minimal, texture can bring things back to life.

Top Picks

Glas Purple Rose Nubby Dildo

Slim and Beginner-Friendly Dildos

Starting small isn’t a limitation. It’s a smart move.
Slim designs are easier to handle and control. When you’re still learning what your body responds to this can be less overwhelming.

What They Feel Like

Gentle and manageable. You can take your time without feeling like you need to adjust constantly.

Best For

First-time users or anyone prioritizing comfort over intensity.
And here’s a quiet truth. Plenty of people stick with slimmer options long term because they simply enjoy the ease of it.

Top Picks

B Yours Sweet N’ Small Dildo with Suction Cup

How to Choose the Best Type for You

There’s no perfect formula. But there are a few things that make the decision easier.
Start with your experience level. If you’re new, keep it simple. A smaller size and a softer material can make exploration easier.
Think about material next. Silicone feels flexible and forgiving. Glass and metal feel firm and precise. Neither is better. They just create different kinds of moments.
Then consider how you want to use it. Solo time has a different rhythm than shared experiences. Hands-free options change the entire dynamic. Your choice should match the kind of experience you’d like to have.
For more guidance, see our other blog on beginner-friendly tips for using a dildo safely and confidently.

Safety and Hygiene Basics

Pleasure feels better when you know you’re taking care of your body.
Clean your toy before and after each use. Warm water and a gentle cleanser usually do the job, though it’s always worth checking the specific care instructions.
Use lubrication. It makes everything smoother, more comfortable, and more enjoyable from the start.
Store your toys somewhere clean and dry. It sounds simple, but it keeps everything in better condition long term.
Material matters here too. Non-porous options like silicone, glass, and metal are easier to maintain and generally more reliable over time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Going too big too fast is the most common one.
It’s tempting. But starting smaller gives your body time to adjust and actually enjoy the experience instead of bracing against it.
Skipping lubrication is another. Friction can turn something promising into something you’d rather stop early.
And then there’s the clean-up. It’s easy to overlook in the moment, but it’s one of the simplest ways to keep your toys in tip top shape.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best type of dildo for beginners?

Slim, silicone designs tend to feel the most approachable. They’re flexible, comfortable, and easy to control.

Are glass dildos safe?

Yes. Borosilicate glass is body-safe and designed to be smooth and durable.

Which material is best overall?

There is no right answer here. As long as they are body-safe it depends on what feeling you prefer.

Can I use different types for different experiences?

Absolutely. Many people rotate between styles for different sensations depending mood, energy or experience.

Do I need lubricant with all types?

Yes. It improves comfort and keeps things flowing smoothly.

How do I clean different materials?

Check the instructions on your toy, but most can be cleaned with water and soap or toy cleaner.

Finding What Feels Right

You don’t need to figure everything out at once.
This is something you learn by trying, adjusting, and paying attention to what your body actually responds to. Some things will click immediately. Others might not. That’s part of the process.
Let curiosity lead a little.
Because once you stop trying to get it “right” and start noticing what feels good, everything shifts in a much more interesting direction.

Love Unlimited is here for you! If you still have questions reach out to our team!
For more info on using a dildo, check out our guide on how to use a dildo safely and confidently.