Dildo Buying Guide: Types, Materials & How to Choose

Dildo buying guide — types and materials explained

Dildos are one of the oldest and most versatile sex toys in existence — and the category has expanded enormously. Realistic or abstract, glass or metal, solo or couples — there is a dildo for every preference and budget. The challenge is knowing which type suits you.

This guide breaks down every major dildo type, explains the material differences that actually matter, and recommends specific products at every price point — all available with free delivery on orders over £35.

How to choose your first dildo

📏 Size
Start smaller than you think. A 5–6 inch insertable length and modest girth is the right starting point for most people. You can always size up.
🧪 Material
Body-safe means non-porous: silicone, glass, metal, or hard ABS plastic. Avoid jelly or rubber — porous materials harbour bacteria and can't be properly sterilised.
🔩 Suction cup?
A suction cup base lets you attach the toy to a flat surface for hands-free use and is compatible with strap-on harnesses. Worth having if you want flexibility.
💧 Always use lube
Water-based lube with silicone, glass, and metal toys. Never use silicone lube with silicone toys — it degrades the surface over time.

Types of dildo

1. Realistic dildos — most popular, most familiar

Realistic dildos are designed to resemble a penis — skin-toned colours, textured shaft, often with testicles. Materials range from soft, flexible TPE/PVC at the budget end to dual-density silicone (firm core, soft outer layer) at the premium end. The dual-density construction is worth the upgrade — the soft exterior and rigid core creates a more lifelike sensation.

So Real Suction Base Realistic Dong With Balls

So Real Suction Base Dong

Realistic shape with suction cup base. Ideal first realistic dildo — affordable, versatile, hands-free capable.

£12.99 — Shop
ToyJoy Happy Dicks Dildo With Balls 6 Inches

ToyJoy Happy Dicks 6 Inch

Realistic with balls, flexible shaft, beginner-friendly 6 inch length. Strong value at the price.

£18.99 — Shop

Realistic dildo tips:

  • Check insertable length (not total length)
  • Dual-density = soft outside, firm core
  • Suction cup base = hands-free + harness-compatible
Browse all realistic dildos →

2. Glass dildos — firm, smooth, temperature play

Glass dildos are made from borosilicate glass (the same material as Pyrex) — completely non-porous, body-safe, and easy to sterilise. The firm, smooth surface provides a different quality of sensation to soft toys. The big advantage: temperature play. Warm a glass dildo in warm water before use, or cool it in the fridge for a completely different sensation.

Glass is also hypoallergenic, odourless, and compatible with any lubricant including silicone-based. They last indefinitely if treated with care.

Budget pick: G-Spot Gemstone — £18.99

Crystal-clear glass with a curved G-spot tip. An outstanding entry point for glass — elegant design, well-made, and the curved shaft genuinely works for G-spot stimulation.

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Premium pick: Satisfyer Triple Crystal 1 — £45.99

Striking black borosilicate glass with a triple-ridged shaft for enhanced stimulation. Satisfyer quality at a price that reflects it. A glass dildo you'll use for years.

View Product Browse all glass dildos

3. Metal dildos — firm, weighty, built to last

Stainless steel and aluminium dildos offer the firmest, heaviest sensation possible. Like glass, they're non-porous, hypoallergenic, and compatible with any lube. The weight adds pressure that many people find extremely satisfying. They also hold temperature exceptionally well — heat or cool them for an intense temperature play experience.

Our pick: Mr. Steel Devil's Tongue — £73.10

Gold-finished aluminium with a curved, ridged design for targeted G-spot or P-spot stimulation. Beautifully made, genuinely heavy, and built to last indefinitely. A luxury purchase that pays for itself over time.

View Product Browse all metal dildos

4. Double-ended dildos — couples and solo play

Double-ended dildos have insertable ends at both ends — one for each partner in couples play, or both ends for solo use. Most are flexible enough to curve back on themselves. Length matters more with these — you want enough length to comfortably reach both partners without strain.

Our pick: Me You Us Ultra Double Dildo 15 Inch — £29.99

15 inches of flexible TPE with insertable ends at both tips. The right length for comfortable couples use without excess. Good value, soft and flexible, easy to clean.

View Product Browse all double-ended dildos

5. Thrusting dildos — motorised sensation

Thrusting dildos contain a motor that moves the shaft in and out automatically — replicating penetrative sex without manual effort. They range from subtle oscillation to full rapid thrusting. Most also vibrate. The motor adds cost and bulk but delivers a completely different (and hands-free) experience.

Our pick: Medical Silicone Thrusting Vibrator — £85.99

Medical-grade silicone body with a powerful thrusting motor and vibration. Rechargeable, whisper-quiet, and a significant step up from manual use. If you want the thrusting experience, this delivers it properly.

View Product Browse all thrusting dildos

6. Fantasy dildos — unique shapes and textures

Fantasy dildos move away from realistic human anatomy into abstract, sculptural, or creature-inspired designs. They're designed for texture, unusual curves, and stimulation you can't get from a conventional shape. Popular with experienced users looking for something different.

Our pick: Creature Cocks Tenta Cock — £67.99

Tentacle-inspired texture in glow-in-the-dark silicone. Unique ridges and curves deliver stimulation that no realistic dildo can replicate. Body-safe platinum silicone, firm yet flexible.

View Product Browse all fantasy dildos

7. Willy moulding kits — make your own

Moulding kits let you cast a custom dildo from a real penis using a two-part moulding compound. The result is a personalised silicone toy in any colour you choose. The process takes about 20 minutes and the kits include everything you need. Popular as a couples gift and as a way to keep an intimate connection during long-distance relationships.

Our pick: Clone A Willy Kit — £47.99

The original and best-selling moulding kit. Includes moulding powder, silicone, vibrator insert, and instructions. Straightforward process, reliable results, and the vibrator insert means the finished toy does more than just sit there.

View Product Browse all moulding kits

Dildo types at a glance

TypeMaterialBest forFrom
RealisticTPE / dual-density siliconeFamiliar shape, flexible, great value£12.99
GlassBorosilicate glassTemperature play, firm sensation, long-lasting£18.99
MetalStainless steel / aluminiumMaximum firmness, weight, temperature play£73.10
Double-endedTPE / siliconeCouples play, simultaneous stimulation£29.99
ThrustingSiliconeHands-free, motorised penetration£85.99
FantasySiliconeUnique textures, non-realistic stimulation£67.99
Moulding kitSilicone (cast)Custom personalised toy£47.99

Frequently asked questions

Start smaller than you think necessary. A 5–6 inch insertable length and around 4–4.5 inches in circumference is comfortable for most beginners. Check the insertable length specifically — many products list total length including base, which is longer. You can always try a larger size later.

The safest materials are non-porous: body-safe silicone, borosilicate glass, stainless steel, and hard ABS plastic. These can't harbour bacteria and are easy to clean thoroughly. Avoid jelly, rubber, or unlabelled "realistic" materials — these are porous and can't be properly sterilised.

It depends on the material. With silicone toys, use water-based lube only — silicone lubricant degrades silicone over time. Glass and metal toys are compatible with any lubricant including silicone-based. When in doubt, water-based lube is always safe with any material. Browse our water-based lubricants →

A suction cup base sticks to smooth flat surfaces — tiles, glass, floors — for hands-free use. It also makes the toy harness-compatible for strap-on use with a partner. If you want either of these options, look for a toy with a flared suction cup base.

Warm water and antibacterial toy cleaner before and after every use. Non-motorised glass and metal dildos can be boiled or put in the dishwasher (top rack, no detergent) for full sterilisation. Silicone toys without electronics can also be boiled. Never submerge motorised toys unless rated fully waterproof.

Yes — borosilicate glass is extremely strong and designed to withstand thermal shock. All glass toys sold at Roxy Fox are made from borosilicate glass, not standard glass. Inspect your toy before each use and discard it if you notice any chips, cracks, or damage. A well-maintained glass toy is one of the safest and most hygienic options available.

Ready to choose?

Free delivery on orders over £35. Discreet packaging on every order.

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