Dildo vs Vibrator

Dildo vs Vibrator: What’s the Difference & Which is Better?

Although some people tend to use these two terms interchangeably, dildo vs vibrator actually pertains to two completely different toys. So depending on the kind of experience you were hoping for, it's possible that one might provide a more satisfying encounter than the other.

The only question now is which one should you get? If you're not quite sure whether to shell out on a dildo or vibrator to spice up your sex life, it's time to find out exactly what sets these two apart.

Everything About Dildos

Fun fact: archeological findings suggest that dildos have been around since the paleolithic era. Ancient Greek art also depicts the use of dildos, making the toy a well-documented used device in those times.

Today, the dildo is the standard sex toy you'll find in most underwear drawers across the United States and around the world. Used and enjoyed by both men (see the top dildos for men) and women, dildos provide penetrative titillation in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Typically, dildos available on the market were cast from real penis molds taken from male porn stars. They're available in a wide range of colors, sizes, and shapes, and they even use different materials (from silicone to glass dildos) to fine tune the experience to match your taste.

It's generally accepted that although dildos provide the feeling of penetration, they're not electronic or otherwise powered or mechanical. That means you'll have to do a lot of the manual labor involved to reach orgasm.

Different Types of Dildos

types of dildos

Sexual pleasure and satisfaction are spelled differently for different people. And because of this, sex toys get manufactured in a wide assortment of styles and designs -- the dildo included.

Suction cup base dildos

Designed with a powerful suction cup base, many dildos can securely stand on a smooth surface so you can ride all night long. The flared base provides maximum stability to let you enjoy the uttermost penetrative stimulation without your hand getting in the way. Learn more in our detailed guide to choosing the best suction cup dildos.

Strap ons

For guys and girls alike, the strap on provides loads of creative freedom. These dildos come with a variety of straps that let you secure the toy against your pelvis. This lets partners explore an infinite number of scenarios with a pseudo-penis strapped against the designated top. 

See some of the best hollow strap-on dildos, chin strap on dildos, and dildos for pegging (mostly strap-ons) . As an alternative dildo mounts and holders can be used for hands free fun.

Double-ended

Double ended dildos feature two distinct heads. It can come in a U-shape that lets women enjoy a double penetrative anal play experience, or as a single long rod with heads on either end. This second choice provides opportunities for men and women who want to share the dildo experience simultaneously. If you are seeking anal play read our guide on choosing the best anal dildos.

Anatomically accurate

Anatomically accurate silicone dildos appeal mainly to visual users who enjoy best when interacting with a toy that looks like the real deal. These anatomically accurate dildos often come with a pair of testicles and even apparent veins to heighten your libido at a glance. See some of our most recommended realistic dildos.

Oversized

A crowd favorite, oversized dildos take the experience up a notch with comically huge penis shapes that might provide users a type of stimulation that's not all too common in the wild. Oversized and extremely thick dildos often use a flexible silicone material to guarantee safe penetration. Read up on how to best use an overly large dildo.

Themed/Novelty

If you have a particular fetish there are many different options available for almost every different fantasy. Love cum? Consider squirting dildos which squirt out liquid that looks and feels like the real thing.

There's also animal dildos if you're keen to see what a certain creature or different texture feels like. Check out some of the best horse dildos and canine dog knotted dildos for some inspiration. There are even some really cool tentacle dildos with a really different texture to experience.


Although some people might place vibrating dildos in the dildo category, the fact that it comes with a vibrate feature disqualifies it from the strict definition of a dildo, since dildos are generally accepted to be manually operated sex toys.

Pros of Dildos

  • Cost effective
  • Easy maintenance
  • Available in a wide range of shapes and sizes
  • Completely waterproof
  • Maximum penetrative stimulation
  • No need for batteries or charging

Cons of Dildos

  • Requires manual effort and exertion
  • Limited clitoral stimulation (clitoris pumps work great for this)
  • Other materials are often quite firm, making the experience feel synthetic

Everything About Vibrators

Everything About Vibrators

You might think of a vibrator as a dildo that, well, vibrates. And you wouldn't be wrong. But that limited view of vibrators doesn't really give justice to the versatility of this specific sex toy. These battery operated toys may come in the shape of a dildo, but that's not all you'll find on the market.

First used by doctors in the early 1900's to treat what they called 'female hysteria', the first vibrator was actually a medical tool. The first commercial vibrator on the other hand was developed by Hamilton Beach and rode the tides of popularity driven by the poplar show, Sex and the City.

Depending on its shape, size, and intended use, it may stimulate different parts of the female or male anatomy. For the most part however, majority of vibrators available on the market are intended for use on female anatomy.

Different Types of Vibrators

Types of Vibrators

Just like dildos, vibrators come in a wide range of choices. The distinct difference (aside from the vibrate feature) is that vibrators don't necessarily go in or on the same parts of the body. So while some vibrators definitely provide penetrative excitement, others arouse the sexual response by awakening other parts of a person's anatomy.

G-spot vibrators

The coveted G-spot hardly ever gets attention during the standard sexual encounter. And that's why G-spot vibrators (otherwise called the bullet vibrator) have gotten so much attention. Inserted into the vagina (or anus with anal vibes, you choose) these vibrators penetrate deep into the body and provide G spot stimulation. It also finds purpose in the possession of men looking for a prostate massager.

Clitoris vibrator

Most women can only cum as the result of clitoral stimulation. So it's really no surprise that the clitoris vibrator has earned such widespread popularity. The difference between these vibrators and the previous is that they don't necessarily go into the body. Instead, they massage the woman's clit to for an erotic sensory experience.

Rabbit vibrator

The rabbit vibrator gets its name from its double heads that provide g spot stimulation and dildo-like penetration at the same time. As the longer shaft penetrates the vagina and stimulates the G-spot, the shorter shaft stays outside and vibrates against the clitoris for complete sexual satisfaction. They can also be used for anal play.

Vibrating dildo

A vibrating dildo is exactly what it sounds like. Shaped like your average everyday dildo, this sex toy ups the ante with a vibrating feature. The vibrating dildo work best for users who enjoy the penetrative experience but don't want to do any of the manual labor involved.

Personal massagers

The personal massager is a toy that does much more than clitoral stimulation. This body safe toy can massage the G-spot and the prostate, and is often even recommended throughout most sex tips as a suitable reproductive health necessity. The vibrator can come in the shape of a dildo, and works wonders to improve users' overall sex life.

Pros of Vibrators

  • Varied experiences for different parts of the body
  • Easy to use
  • Adjustable vibrate feature give a unique stimulation every time
  • Often more soft and pliable, providing a more realistic feel
  • Discreet and compact, easy to store or conceal
  • Some vibrators offer mobile app compatibility that lets you control vibrations from your phone

Cons of Vibrators

  • Cost -- they can get expensive
  • Needs batteries or recurrent charging
  • Might not be totally water proof or resistant

Choosing Between a Dildo vs Vibrator

choosing between vibrator or dildo

So how do you know which one is for you? Definitely, dildos and vibrators have their own unique benefits and disadvantages. Depending on your unique preferences and expectations, it's possible that one might provide more satisfaction than the other.

When to Get a Dildo

If penetrative stimulation really gets you going, then a dildo might be more than enough to spice things up. These creative sex toys offer the most realistic stimulation for users who enjoy the feeling of penetration.

They're also great for users who want to make the bedroom a little more exciting for their partner. Offering opportunities for joint sexual play, dildos let you interact and get intimate with your partner in creative, fun ways that you probably wouldn't get to experience otherwise.

When to Get a Vibrator

Although you might be able to enjoy the benefits of a vibrator with your special someone, they're typically the weapon of choice for soloists. Vibrator provide opportunities for self-stimulation and pleasure that a partner might not always be able to offer.

They're also great for users who prefer stimulating various erogenous zones as opposed to the simplistic approach of penetration. And because you can slip in a bullet vibrator and control it by way of phone apps, it's possible to enjoy the toys stimulation even when you're out and about.

Why Not Get Both?

If you like to mix things up, there's no one stopping you from buying two sex toys or more. Your sexual life is a personal playground and no one should tell you what you should and shouldn't do in the comfort and privacy of your home.

Both dildos and vibrators expand your horizons and heighten the pleasure of masturbation and sex. So if you like mixing things up and trying new techniques to reach orgasm, then stocking up on dildos and vibrators in different shapes, sizes, and styles might help you achieve the highest level of sexual satisfaction.

Dildo vs Vibrator: Know the Difference

Simple and to the point, dildos provide the kind of sexual experience you would expect from a well-hung male partner. Designed with penetration as its main objective, these sex toys offer intense internal stimulation and tons of opportunities for play.

Vibrators provide a more dynamic sex experience. With options for internal use and external stimulation, these sex toys pave the way for intense orgasm by combining clitoral pleasure with penetration and even G spot or prostate stimulation so you can take your masturbation experience to the next level.

So who wins the long-standing dildo vs vibrator debate? All things considered, it's entirely up to you. Consider your expectations and preferences before choosing one of the two. Or better yet, cop one of each to experience the difference and spice up your love life.