Dildo Buying Guide: Types, Materials & How to Choose
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Realistic shape with suction cup base. Ideal first realistic dildo — affordable, versatile, hands-free capable.
£12.99 — Shop
Realistic with balls, flexible shaft, beginner-friendly 6 inch length. Strong value at the price.
£18.99 — ShopRealistic dildo tips:
- Check insertable length (not total length)
- Dual-density = soft outside, firm core
- Suction cup base = hands-free + harness-compatible
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.
View ProductPremium 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 dildos3. 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 dildos4. 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 dildos5. 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 dildos6. 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 dildos7. 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 kitsDildo types at a glance
| Type | Material | Best for | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Realistic | TPE / dual-density silicone | Familiar shape, flexible, great value | £12.99 |
| Glass | Borosilicate glass | Temperature play, firm sensation, long-lasting | £18.99 |
| Metal | Stainless steel / aluminium | Maximum firmness, weight, temperature play | £73.10 |
| Double-ended | TPE / silicone | Couples play, simultaneous stimulation | £29.99 |
| Thrusting | Silicone | Hands-free, motorised penetration | £85.99 |
| Fantasy | Silicone | Unique textures, non-realistic stimulation | £67.99 |
| Moulding kit | Silicone (cast) | Custom personalised toy | £47.99 |
Frequently asked questions
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