What Is a Dildo? A Complete Guide to Types, Materials & How to Choose
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"Dildo" is one of the most searched words in sexual wellness — and one of the least explained. Here's a clear, no-nonsense guide to what a dildo actually is, how it compares to a vibrator, what it can be made from, and how to pick one that's right for you.
What is a dildo?
A dildo is a sex toy, generally phallic in shape, designed for penetration during solo play or with a partner. Unlike a vibrator, a standard dildo has no motor — it relies on shape, material, and manual movement rather than vibration to deliver sensation.
Dildos come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and materials, from simple, minimalist designs to highly realistic ones with veins, texture, and a defined head, like the models in our The Original and Premium Real Skin lines.
How is a dildo different from a vibrator?
The key difference is the motor. A dildo has none — sensation comes from its shape, firmness, and how it's used. A vibrator adds motorized vibration on top of (or instead of) that. Some products blend both: our Vibrations line pairs a realistic, dildo-like shape with built-in multi-speed vibration, so you get the best of both categories in one product.
Neither is objectively "better" — they simply deliver different kinds of sensation, and many people use both depending on the moment.
Types of dildos by material
Material is the single most important factor for safety, hygiene, and how a dildo actually feels. Here's how the most common options compare:
PVC / Jelly
The cheapest option, but porous — it retains bacteria even after cleaning, and many formulations contain phthalates.
TPE / TPR
Soft and affordable, but also porous — its internal structure traps moisture and residue over time.
Glass or stainless steel
Non-porous and body-safe, with a firm, unyielding feel and no flexibility — a different sensation profile entirely.
Standard silicone
Non-porous, hypoallergenic, and easy to clean, but with uniform firmness throughout — it doesn't adapt to temperature or pressure.
SILEXPAN® liquid silicone
SILEXD's patented material: a thermoreactive core wrapped in ultra-soft liquid silicone — non-porous, and softer or firmer depending on temperature.
For a deeper breakdown of why material matters, read our full guide: Liquid Silicone vs. Other Materials.
Types of dildos by design
Beyond material, design shapes how a dildo feels and how it's used.
- Realistic Anatomically shaped with veins and a defined head, like our The Original line — the most common style for beginners and experienced users alike.
- Suction-cup base A flat, secure base that sticks to smooth, non-porous surfaces for hands-free use — standard across most SILEXD models.
- Vibrating Combines a dildo's shape with a built-in motor, like our Vibrations line.
- Double-ended Designed for simultaneous use by two people, or solo double stimulation.
- Thermoreactive Adjustable firmness via heat or cold — SILEXPAN®'s signature feature, unique to SILEXD.
How to choose the right dildo
Three things matter most: size, firmness, and material. If it's your first time, a mid-range size (around 7") in a non-porous material like liquid silicone is the most comfortable starting point — and a thermoreactive core means you're not locked into one firmness.
We cover this in full detail, including how to pick a product line, in our guide: How to Choose Size and Firmness.
How to use and care for a dildo
Always use a water-based lubricant with silicone dildos — silicone-based lubricant can damage the surface over time. Clean your dildo with warm water and a neutral soap before and after every use, and let it dry fully before storing it.
Full instructions: How to Clean and Store Your Toys and Lubricant Compatibility Guide.
Frequently asked questions
What does the word "dildo" mean?
"Dildo" refers to a phallic-shaped sex toy used for penetration, without a built-in motor. In Spanish, it's also commonly called a "consolador."
What is a dildo used for?
It's used for vaginal or anal penetration during solo masturbation or partnered play, offering a different kind of stimulation than external touch alone.
What's the difference between a dildo and a vibrator?
A dildo has no motor; a vibrator does. Some products, like SILEXD's Vibrations line, combine both.
What can I use if I don't have a dildo?
Many household objects are used improvised, but this isn't recommended — they're rarely body-safe, may have rough edges or seams, and are hard to clean properly. A purpose-made product in a non-porous material like liquid silicone is a safer, more comfortable option.
Explore the SILEXD range
Every SILEXD dildo is made from SILEXPAN® liquid silicone — non-porous, thermoreactive, and designed to feel as real as possible.
Shop The Original collection